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!
Wednesday, April 1st 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, April 2nd Homeschool Tiny Pond Life 11:00 AM
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 collect pond water samples and use microscopes to observe organisms such as protozoa, algae, and other microscopic life, learning how these tiny creatures support the larger ecosystem. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.
Thursday, April 2nd Homeschool Microscope Mastery 2:00 PM
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 practice using microscopes to observe and identify microorganisms from local samples, learning proper slide preparation, focus, and lighting techniques while exploring microscopic life. 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, April 3rd Lantern Making 11:00am-2:00pm
We will use phragmite to create simple tissue paper lanterns to decorate for the Holiday weekend. This program is free and for ages 8+ we will supply the materials, please call to register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Saturday, April 4th Knitting Circle at the Park drop-in 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Bring your current project and enjoy a peaceful, social knitting circle in the Nature Center. This informal gathering is open to all skill levels and is a great opportunity to relax, share techniques, and connect with fellow knitters and fiber artists. As the weather warms, we may move outside to the beach to knit or crochet in the fresh air. Participants should bring their own knitting supplies and projects, limited supplies available. This is a free program. No registration required.
Sunday, April 5th All About Eggs! 11:00am
Join us at the nature center where we will investigate the world of egg laying animals also known as oviparous animals! This program is free and for all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Monday, April 6th Beginner Field Journaling 11:00am
Join an educator at the nature center to get started on your field journaling journey. We will supply journals, or we can handmake them. We will learn about the importance of recording observations, practice our skills, and go on a short walk if we are able. This is free and geared to ages 6+. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Tuesday, April 7th Build a Habitat for Your Stuffie 10:00am
What do animals need to survive? Join us at the nature center to use household and craft supplies to make a habitat for your stuffed animal, making sure it has everything it needs to survive! You will have to bring your own stuffie and can bring items the animal might need from home, we will also have supplies. This program is free and for all ages. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Thursday, April 9th Homeschool Plant Power 11:00 AM
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 explore how plants grow and make their own food through photosynthesis with hands-on experiments, such as observing how leaves respond to sunlight, testing how water moves through plants with colored water, and exploring what plants need to survive. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.
Thursday, April 9th Homeschool Cell Biology 101 2:00 PM
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 cell structure and function, compare plant and animal cells, and learn how each part of the cell works together to support life. 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, April 11th Knitting Circle at the Park Drop-In 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Bring your current project and enjoy a peaceful, social knitting circle in the Nature Center. This informal gathering is open to all skill levels and is a great opportunity to relax, share techniques, and connect with fellow knitters and fiber artists. As the weather warms, we may move outside to the beach to knit or crochet in the fresh air. Participants should bring their own knitting supplies and projects, limited supplies available. This is a free program No registration required.
Sunday, April 12th Hiking Series Lake Bonita 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 hiking Lake Bonita, this hike is 2 miles with an elevation gain/loss of about 150ft and can take approximately 1 hour. 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, April 13th Big Bend Birding 8:30am
Bring your binoculars if you have them and we will check out what birds are around this time of year at Big Bend. This will be a short start-and-stop hike for about an hour and a half. Big Bend is a great place to bird from beginners to experts. This is free and geared toward ages 13+. We will meet at the park office and caravan to Big Bend. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, April 15th 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, April 16th Homeschool Spring Pollinators 11:00 AM
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 pollinators and their role in ecosystems while creating bee-friendly crafts, such as seed paper or simple pollinator habitats. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.
Thursday, April 16th Homeschool Pollination Ecosystems 2:00 PM
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 plant reproduction and pollinator roles in ecosystems, participate in interactive pollination simulations, and examine flower structures to learn why pollinators are essential. 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, April 17th Growing Explorers 11:00 AM
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, April 18th Youth Knitting Circle 11:00 AM
Join us at the Nature Center for a relaxed knitting circle for youth ages 6 and up. This informal, social gathering is perfect for participants who already know the basics of knitting and want time to work on their projects, share ideas, and connect with other kids who enjoy fiber arts. Participants should bring their own knitting needles, yarn, and current projects. Some limited materials may be available. This is a free program. No registration required.
Sunday April 19th Trail Steward Meeting 9:00am
A meeting to introduce the trail steward program to people interested in volunteering! The duties of a trail steward include walking the trails of Moreau Lake State Park to identify and report maintenance needs, light trail maintenance including cutting back branches with supplied hand saws and loppers and hanging trail signs when necessary. This meeting will provide crucial information on what to look for on the trails. Established trail stewards are welcome to come. For questions call the office at 518-793-0511.
Sunday, April 19th Invasive Removal Project 10:00am-1:00pm
Come join park educators to learn about the impacts of invasive plant species and how you can volunteer to help remove them! This will be a training day with a presentation and a workday, so please be prepared with comfortable work clothes and sturdy shoes. We can supply hand tools, work gloves, bug spray, and sunscreen, but you are more than welcome to bring your own. We are so grateful for any help making a dent in the invasive species at Moreau Lake, please join us!
The program is for beginners through experts in field work and plant identification and is for ages 13+. Please call 518-793-0511 to register.
Monday, April 20th Meet a Tree 11:00am
Join an educator on a walk to get acquainted with our trees! This will be a short start and stop hike for about an hour. If we have inclement weather, we can transition the program indoors. This program is free and for all ages. Please call ahead to register by calling 518-793-0511.
Tuesday, April 21st Invasive Removal Project 9:00am-12:00pm
Come join park educators to learn about the impacts of invasive plant species and how you can volunteer to help remove them! This will be a training day with a presentation and a workday, so please be prepared with comfortable work clothes and sturdy shoes. We can supply hand tools, work gloves, bug spray, and sunscreen, but you are more than welcome to bring your own. We are so grateful for any help making a dent in the invasive species at Moreau Lake, please join us!
The program is for beginners through experts in field work and plant identification and is for ages 13+. Please call 518-793-0511 to register.
Wednesday, April 22nd Mountain Bypass Loop Hike 9:30am
Join an educator on this moderate-hard hike up Baker trail to Mountain Bypass, Red Oak Ridge, Western ridge, and back to Baker trailhead with the option to check out Moreau Overlook! This hike is 3 miles with an elevation gain/loss of about 580 feet. This hike is free and for ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, April 22nd Earth Day Trash Pick-Up 2:00pm-4:00pm
Come join us this Earth Day for some spring cleaning at the park! We will supply gloves, bags, and trash pickers. This program is for all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Thursday, April 23rd Homeschool Earth Day Celebration 11:00 AM
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 celebrate Earth Day with hands-on activities, create crafts using recycled materials, and learn how small actions can make a positive impact on the planet. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.
Thursday, April 23rd Homeschool Environmental Stewardship 2:00 PM
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 sustainability and water conservation, participate in a hands-on trash pickup, and discuss ways to protect and care for the environment. 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, April 25th Fly Tying Class 11:00 AM
Learn the art of fly tying in this hands-on class. Participants will be guided through the process of creating their own fishing fly while learning about the insects they imitate. This program is great for beginners and those interested in fishing or fly fishing. Materials will be provided in limited quantities. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 5.
Sunday, April 26th Wildflower Walk 9:00am
Join an educator on a free hike to see if our spring wildflowers are blooming! This is free and for all ages. Meet at the park office and we will caravan to the trailhead. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Monday, April 27th Big Bend Birding 8:30am
Bring your binoculars if you have them and we will check out what birds are around this time of year at Big Bend. This will be a short start-and-stop hike for about an hour and a half. Big Bend is a great place to bird from beginners to experts. This is free and geared toward ages 13+. We will meet at the park office and caravan to Big Bend. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Tuesday, April 28th Learn to Fish 11:00am
Learn the basics of spin fishing with a park educator in this beginner-friendly program. The program will start indoors with an introduction to fishing gear, bait and lures, simple knot tying, fish handling, and local fishing regulations. Then we will head outside to practice casting and, with a little luck, experience catch-and-release fishing. This program is open to all ages and is perfect for anyone curious about fishing, looking to build confidence, or simply wanting to spend time by the water trying something new. Please register in advance by calling the park office at 518-793-0511. A limited number of fishing rods will be available. Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment if they have it. This is a free program.
Wednesday, April 29th 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, April 30th Homeschool Wild About Wetlands 11:00 AM
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 explore wetland habitats, identify common plants and animals, and learn how these species are adapted to life in wet conditions. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.
Thursday, April 30th Homeschool Wetland Ecology 2:00 PM
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 study wetland biodiversity, learn how wetlands filter water and support wildlife, and participate in hands-on activities that show the importance of wetland conservation. 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, May 2nd I Love My Park Day 10:00-3:00pm
Parks & Trails New York and the Friends of Moreau Lake presents I Love My Park Day once again! Registration will begin at 10:00am. Please be prepared with comfortable clothing and water. Tools will be provided, but people are more than welcome to bring their own hand tools and gloves. Registration is online and begins early April on the Parks & Trails website: https://www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day/