March Programs, Hikes and Events at the Park

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

Sunday, March 1st Maple Tapping Demonstration 10:00am
Join an educator in the nature center for a quick history of making maple syrup, the process from beginning to end, and if you are able, come on a short walk to tap our trees for the season! This program is free and for all ages. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Tuesday, March 3rd Baker to Moreau Overlook 9:30am
Join an educator on a moderate-hard 2.5 mile hike from Baker Trail to Moreau Overlook with a beautiful view of our lake from above. Please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, layers of warm clothes, micro spikes or snowshoes if we need them. We have limited 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 hike is free and for people 13+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Tuesday, March 3rd Two Owls, One Moon 7:00pm-8:30pm
This program will start promptly at 7 with 30-minute owl presentation showing off our two amazing owl ambassadors. After the presentation we will go out to the telescope to do some moon viewing. There is limited space for this program. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Wednesday, March 4th Retirement Hike “wise wanderers” 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, March 5th The Incredible Journey Project WET 11:00AM
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will create mini water cycle bracelets to follow a water droplet’s journey through evaporation and rain. This is based on Project WET curriculum. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Thursday, March 5th Water Systems & Watersheds 2:00PM
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will explore how rivers and lakes connect in our region and trace water flow to the Hudson River Basin. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

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.

Saturday, March 7th Manatee Talk 11:00 AM
Join an educator at the Nature Center for an engaging lecture about the sea cow! Learn fascinating facts about manatees, their habitats, behaviors, and the critical role seagrass plays in their survival. This program celebrates World Seagrass Day and highlights how we can help protect these incredible creatures and their ecosystems. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 participants.

Sunday, March 8th Junk Journaling 11:00AM
Reduce, Reuse…Journal? Join an educator for a fun, creative workshop where you will learn how to reduce, reuse, and recycle by turning everyday scraps into a personalized junk journal! Participants will transform recycled paper, magazines, packaging, fabric, and other found materials into a unique journal. Please, bring your own “junk,” this can range from a movie stub, plane ticket, to your favorite drink label, anything that catches your eye. Embrace your inner crow! Journals will be supplied, or you can bring your own. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Ages 13+, limit 15 participants.

Monday, March 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, March 10th Drop-in Maple Syrup 10:00-2:00PM
Drop in at the Nature Center to meet with an educator to learn all about the fun world of Maple syrup production. Discover how trees are tapped, sap is collected and boiled down into delicious maple syrup. This is a free outdoor program; please dress for the weather. No registration necessary. For all ages.

Wednesday, March 11th 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.

Thursday, March 12th Maple Syrup Magic 11:00AM
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will discover how sap becomes syrup with a real tapping demonstration and tasting. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Thursday, March 12th Maple Science 2:00PM
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will learn about the chemistry behind maple syrup and measure sap sugar content. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

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.

Friday, March 13th Maple Syrup 11:00am
Come in at the Nature Center to meet with an educator to learn all about the fun world of Maple syrup production. Discover how trees are tapped, sap is collected and boiled down into delicious maple syrup. This is a free outdoor program; please dress for the weather. No registration necessary. For all ages.

Saturday, March 14th 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, March 15th Hiking Series: Waterfall Trail Loop 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 in a loop from Lake Bonita to Waterfall Trail to Western Ridge Trail to Lake Ann Trail and back to the Lake Bonita Trailhead. This hike is a moderate-hard hike of 5 miles and can take from 2.5-3 hours. 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, March 16th I Spy Something Green Walk 1:00pm
Let’s go on a hunt for green, we may see some signs of spring, we may just follow the pines! This is a free hike geared toward ages 6+. Please wear the appropriate clothing for the weather and for a short hike. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Wednesday, March 18th Retirement Hike “wise wanderers” 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, March 19th Ponds & Lakes 11:00AM
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will learn about pond animals, plants, and the habitats they rely on. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Thursday, March 19th Water Quality Testing 2:00PM
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will collect lake samples and test for clarity, temperature, and pH using simple field equipment. This program will be outside, please dress appropriately. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

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.

Friday, March 20th Growing Explorers 11:00am
Join an educator for a special extension of our beloved Wiggly Wanderers program, designed for little explorers! This class offers young learners their first step into structured nature-based learning and connects directly to the New York State Explorers Club, encouraging continued discovery as they grow. This program is ideal for preschool-age children. This program is free. No registration necessary.
Homeschool Co-ops please call-in advance to register by calling (518) 793-0511.

Saturday, March 21st Florida Panther Talk 11:00 AM
Join an educator at the Nature Center for an informative lecture about one of Florida’s most iconic and endangered predators, the Florida Panther! Discover their behaviors, habitats, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect these elusive cats. This program coincides with Florida Panther Awareness Month and is perfect for anyone interested in wildlife conservation. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Sunday, March 22nd Beginner Beaks Birding 9:00am
Join an educator on a short walk around the Nature Trail to look for some seasonal birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, we will have limited pairs to pass around along with a scope if you don’t have any. This will be a short start-and-stop hike for about an hour. This is free and for all ages. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Monday, March 23rd Women in Science 10:00am
It is women’s history month and 2026’s theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”. We will be learning about important female environmental scientists! This program is free and for all ages. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Tuesday, March 24th Drop-in Maple Syrup 10:00-2:00PM
Drop in at the Nature Center to meet with an educator to learn all about the fun world of Maple syrup production. Discover how trees are tapped, sap is collected and boiled down into delicious maple syrup. This is an outdoor program; please dress for the weather. No registration necessary. For all ages.

Wednesday, March 25th Ridge Run Loop Hike 9:30am
Join an educator on a moderate-hard hike from Baker Trail to Ridge Run to Western Ridge back to Baker Trailhead. This hike is 2.4 miles elevation gain/loss 525 ft. 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+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Thursday, March 26th Rain and Runoff 11:00AM
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will experiment with a water table to see how erosion and runoff change the land. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Thursday, March 26th Pollution Pathways 2:00PM
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will use a water table to show how pollutants move through water systems and brainstorm ways to protect our waterways. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

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.

Friday, March 27th Growing Explorers 11:00am
Join an educator for a special extension of our beloved Wiggly Wanderers program, designed for little explorers! This class offers young learners their first step into structured nature-based learning and connects directly to the New York State Explorers Club, encouraging continued discovery as they grow. This program is ideal for preschool-age children. This program is free. No registration necessary.
Homeschool Co-ops please call-in advance to register by calling (518) 793-0511.

Saturday, March 28th 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, March 29th Spring Forward Felting 11:00-2:00PM
Join an educator to create your own felted Easter decoration inspired by traditional Ukrainian pysanky eggs. Learn simple felting techniques while crafting a flower, bunny, or decorative egg to take home. For ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 10 participants.

Monday, March 30th National Take A Walk in the Park Day 1:00pm
Join us at Big Bend property for an out and back hike down to the river in celebration of National Talk A Walk in the Park Day. We will enjoy this sunny trail and look for signs of spring and new growth popping up. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Tuesday, March 31st Drop-in Maple Syrup 10:00-2:00PM
Drop in at the Nature Center to meet with an educator to learn all about the fun world of Maple syrup production. Discover how trees are tapped, sap is collected, and boiled down into delicious maple syrup. This is an outdoor program; please dress for the weather. No registration necessary. For all ages.

Tuesday, March 31st Woodcock Walk 7:00pm
Peeeent peeeeent! In early spring woodcocks perform a beautiful sky dance and vocalize with kazoo-like calls. Come on a guided woodcock walk to see if we can hear these crazy birds at Big Bend again this year. Meet at the park office and we will caravan to the Big Bend Trailhead. Free and for ages 13+. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.