Once again, our outstanding Environmental Educators have put together a month of programming for all ages and abilities. Check it out and come to one of the most beautiful and well cared for parks in Upstate New York!
Download Calendar HERE
Download Program Descriptions HERE
Every Friday, Wiggly Wanderers 9:30am
Every Friday, year-round we will meet at the Nature Center for Wiggly Wanderers. Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This is a beginner’s hike/wander series with not too much distance for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. Strollers will not work for these programs. We meet at the nature center parking lot. This program is free and does not require registration.
Tuesday, February 3rd Big Bend Barrens Hike 9:30am
Join an educator on a flat 3.5 mile hike at Big Bend! Please be prepared for the weather with warm clothing, waterproof footwear, water, and a snack. We have limited snowshoes and micro spikes to borrow (no cost). We will meet at the park office and caravan over to the Big Bend trailhead. This program is free and for ages 13+, Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, February 4th Retirement Walk 9:30am
Maybe you just retired, or have you been for years? This hike is meant to be a nice walk with other retirees who are interested in getting out of the house and stretching their legs. This walk will be about 2 miles on uneven surfaces, snow and ice. Trekking poles and micro-spikes are suggested; we have some spikes we can lend out. Please watch the weather and dress appropriately. The educator leading this hike is not retired however she looks forward to it someday! Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Thursday, February 5th Trees in Winter 11:00am and 2:00pm
Learn how trees can be identified even without their leaves. At 11:00am, students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will explore tree bark and buds, fun activity planned after lecture. At 2:00pm, students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will learn to identify local tree species and discuss forest health, including how pests and diseases affect trees and forest ecosystems. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.
Friday, February 6th Wiggly Wanderers: Growing Explorers 11:00 AM
Little explorers will learn about the forest cleanup crew, including worms, beetles, and fungi. Children will use hands-on activities and simple exploration to discover how these organisms help turn fallen leaves and plant material into soil. This program encourages curiosity, movement, and early science learning. This free program is for ages 3–5. No registration necessary.
Saturday, February 7th Forest Fiber Circle 11:00am – 2:00pm
Join us for a relaxed knitting and crochet gathering at the Nature Center. This group is open to all skill levels and focuses on creating a calm, welcoming space to slow down and connect through fiber arts. Participants are invited to bring their own projects or learn alongside others while enjoying gentle conversation. Supplies will not be included. This is a free program. No registration necessary.
Sunday, February 8th Monthly Hiking Series: Big Bend Whispering Pines 9:30am
Join the monthly hiking series where we will explore the wide variety of trails at Moreau Lake State Park throughout the year! This month we will be going to Big Bend Preserve, on the Whispering Pines trail. The trail is 4.2 miles with an elevation gain/loss of 53 feet. Please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, micro spikes, snowshoes, and trekking poles if you need them. We have a limited number of micro spikes and snowshoes to borrow. Bring a snack and plenty of water. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the trailhead. This is a free hike and for ages 13+. We have a limit of 30 people, please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Monday, February 9th Eagle Watch 8:30am
Join a park educator on a convoy-style journey along the Hudson River to learn how to ethically look for and spot our local Bald Eagles! We will be getting in and out of vehicles at a few locations and, with a little luck, viewing the eagles through binoculars and a scope so make sure to bring your hat and gloves! If you have binoculars bring them, we have a couple of pair to pass around as well. Free and for ages 13+, please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Tuesday, February 10th Red Oak Ridge Loop 9:30am
Join an educator on a 2.5 mile hike around Red Oak Ridge and surrounding trails with an estimated elevation gain/loss of 430 feet. Please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, micro spikes, snowshoes, and trekking poles if you need them. We have a limited number of micro spikes, snowshoes, and trekking poles to borrow. Bring a snack and plenty of water. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the trailhead. This is a free hike and for ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, February 11th Let’s Talk Turtles 10:00am
Join an educator at the Nature Center for a tour of the turtles we love and care for. Each turtle has a story of how it came to live here at the park. Each turtle has a special personality and likes and dislikes. The educator will share some of the silly behind the scenes info on the animals as well… like who is most likely to bite our staff!?! This program is free, please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Thursday, February 12th Animal Homes & Ecosystem Engineers 11:00am (no 2pm class)
Explore how animals live in and shape forest habitats. At 11:00am, students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will learn about forest animal homes, fun activity planned after lecture. At 2:00pm, students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will study ecosystem engineers such as beavers, birds, and ants and learn how animals modify their environments and influence entire ecosystems. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.
Saturday, February 14th Therapy Dog at the Warming Hut 10:00am-12:00pm
Stop by the warming hut to meet a volunteer therapy dog! Bryn is a 2-year-old dog that has been training to be a therapy dog since she was 4 months old. She has been helping people feel welcome all over Saratoga, Warren, and Washington county and would love to see you too! Registration is not required.
Saturday, February 14th Darwin Day Talk 11:00am
Join an educator to celebrate Darwin Day with a discussion on Charles Darwin, evolution, and the science of natural selection. This talk will explore how Darwin’s ideas changed our understanding of the natural world and why evolutionary science remains important today. Participants will also look at real-world examples of evolution in action and how these concepts help us better understand the diversity of life around us. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511
Sunday, February 15th Skull and Pelts Class 11:00am
Join an educator to learn about the different skulls and pelts we have at our nature center. You can tell certain characteristics of the animal just by the different bones! This program is free and geared toward ages 6+, but all are welcome. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Sunday, February 15th Kindness Through Letters Drop In 12:00pm-2:00pm
Create/write an uplifting message that we will deliver to a local assisted living facility to brighten someone’s day. All supplies provided, registration is not required, just stop by the Nature Center to spread some kindness!
Monday, February 16th Public Ice Fishing Clinic 10:00am or 12:00pm
This is a fun way to start school break week! Join us on the ice for an intro to ice fishing clinic. We will teach how to set up tip ups, how to use a jigging rod, what bait we use and some info on the fish we catch. All supplies will be provided but all participants are also expected to share with the other participants. This clinic is free and open to all ages. ***The warming hut will be open for warming up but please dress appropriately for the suspected forecast. Standing on ice can be even colder than what you are used to when sledding or taking a walk. **
Tuesday, February 17th Spring Overlook Hike 9:30am
Join an educator on a hike to Spring Overlook. This is a moderate-hard 3.3 mile hike with elevation gain/loss of 700 feet. Please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, micro spikes, snowshoes, and trekking poles if you need them. Bring plenty of water, snacks and a lunch that we can eat at the overlook. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the trailhead. This is a free hike and for people 13+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, February 18th Friends Craft 10:00-12:00pm
Join the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park at the nature center for a seasonal craft! Registration is required on the friend’s website; space is limited! www.FriendsofMoreauLake.org
Thursday, February 19th Signs of Spring: Phenology in Action 11:00am and 2:00pm
Look for early signs that spring is on its way. At 11:00am, students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will head outdoors to observe changes in plants and animals and keep a simple phenology journal. At 2:00pm, students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will record environmental changes and learn how scientists use phenology data to track seasonal patterns and climate impacts. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.
Friday, February 20th Wiggly Wanderers: Growing Explorers 11:00am
Little explorers will learn how the forest changes as winter begins to fade. Children will explore clues of early spring, such as melting snow, budding plants, and animal tracks, through a fun hands-on activity. Weather permitting, the group will go outside to explore together. This program encourages observation, movement, and connection to nature. This free program is for ages 3–5. No registration necessary.
Saturday, February 21st Forest Fiber Circle 11:00am – 2:00pm
Join us for a relaxed knitting and crochet gathering at the Nature Center. This group is open to all skill levels and focuses on creating a calm, welcoming space to slow down and connect through fiber arts. Participants are invited to bring their own projects or learn alongside others while enjoying gentle conversation. Supplies will not be included. This is a free program. No registration necessary.
Sunday, February 22nd National Walk Your Dog Day Drop In 10:00am-3:00pm
February 22nd is National Walk Your Dog Day! Drop by the nature center to learn about techniques to keep your dog safe in winter conditions. This is not a hiking program; registration is not required.
Monday, February 23rd Beaver Hike 11:00am
Did you know that MLSP is home to a thriving population of North America’s largest rodent? We will walk along the Wetland Walk where we can view the beavers’ dam and lodges while we learn all about how they live, love, and learn. This program is free and for people of all ages, but please be mindful of the distance and terrain it’s an easy-moderate hike of about 1.5 miles. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Tuesday, February 24th Lake Bonita Hike 9:30am
Join an educator on a 1.9 mile hike around Lake Bonita, it’s as beautiful as it implies! Please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, micro spikes, snowshoes, and trekking poles if you need them. We have a limited number of micro spikes, snowshoes, and trekking poles to borrow. Bring a snack and plenty of water. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the trailhead. This is a free hike and for ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, February 25 th Whoooo are our Owls? 9:30am
Join us at the Nature Center for a meet and greet with our beloved ambassadors Justin and Sam. Each owl is non-flighted and non-releasable. Learn what that means and much more. This program will be about 30 minutes with time for questions after. You will not be allowed to touch the owls, and we ask that you keep your voice a bit quiet, this is a sit down program. Space is limited, please call 518-793-0511 to register.
Thursday, February 26th Nature’s Recyclers: Decomposition & Soil Health
11:00am and 2:00pm
Discover the organisms that help recycle nutrients in the forest. At 11:00am, students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will explore decomposers such as worms, beetles, and fungi and learn how they help turn waste into soil. At 2:00pm, students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will investigate decomposers under microscopes and examine how soil quality affects plant growth and ecosystem health. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.
Friday, February 28th Anhinga & Cormorant Talk 11:00am
Join and educator for an engaging talk exploring the similarities and differences between anhinga’s and cormorants. Participants will learn how to identify each species, understand their unique adaptations for fishing and diving, and discover the important roles these birds play in aquatic ecosystems. This program is perfect for anyone curious about bird behavior, identification, and wildlife found near lakes, rivers, and wetlands. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511