September Programming at the Park

Join the Park’s outstanding Environmental Educators as they share their knowledge and expertise leading hikes, special programs and events highlighting everything our beautiful park has to offer! All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted.

Download Program Details HERE

Download printable calendar HERE

Tuesday, September 1st Poetry in the Park 10:00am
We will be reading and discussing poetry inspired by observations of the natural world, written by poets of varying backgrounds. We’ll explore our own relationships with poetry and literature, and how those can be informed by and grow with connection to nature. Bring your creative spirit, because we’ll be doing some writing of our own! This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511.

Wednesday September 2nd Back Pond Hike 9:00am
It’s the last week of summer break… Join an educator on a family friendly hike around the back pond! This is a short hike of about 1.5 miles. We will be starting the hike down at the beach. This hike is not stroller friendly, but well-behaved dogs on a 6ft or shorter leash are welcome. Free and open to all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Thursday, September 3rd Nature Journaling: Leaf Print 10:00am
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. We will sit and observe on the beach after our talk so please wear the appropriate clothing. For beginners to experts! Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

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, September 4th Movie Night 7:30pm
Join us for movie night on the beach! Movie will be announced closer to the date but will be family friendly! Bring a chair, your favorite blanket, bug spray and a flashlight for afterward. Movie will begin when it gets dark enough. Our concessionaire, The Lemonade Parlor, will be open until 9:30pm for dinner/snacks and we will have free popcorn (while supplies last). No park entry fee and the movie is free. Open to all ages of the public AND to our campers! The observatory will be open if the weather cooperates. Well-behaved dogs on a 6 foot or shorter leash are welcome. Registration is not required

Saturday, September 5th Birding for All 9:00am
Join an educator for a welcoming and accessible birding program at Moreau Lake State Park. This program is open to all ages and abilities, with a focus on creating an inclusive outdoor experience for individuals living with chronic and invisible illnesses.
This program will take place along the beach area near the Nature Center, with a paved path leading to park benches for bird observation, as well as access to a pavilion if we choose to move locations. Designed to be relaxed and flexible, this experience encourages participants to enjoy the outdoors in a way that feels comfortable for them. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 participants.

Sunday, September 6th Hiking Series: High Rock Loop 9:30am
Wellness program! 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 on a less travelled trail on the beautiful High Rock trail! This is a moderate to difficult hike of approximately 5.6 miles with an elevation gain/loss of about 900 feet. Please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes and trekking poles if you need them. Bring snacks and plenty of water, we have trekking poles, bug spray and sunscreen to share. This is a free hike and for ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Monday, September 7th Birding at Big Bend 8:15am
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. If Big Bend is closed for prescribed burning, we will still have the walk at the lake. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Monday, September 7th Reptile Profile 1:00pm
Join an educator in the nature center to meet our resident reptiles! We at Moreau take care of seven New York native turtles and two snakes that cannot be released into the wild and are wonderful little educators. Learn about their exciting lives, what they like to eat, and what they use for shell-ter at the Nature Center. This program is for all ages. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511

Tuesday, September 8th Reptile Profile at Crandall Library 4:00pm
Follow Moreau Lake State Park’s turtles down the road to Crandall Public Library in Glens Falls for a short talk on reptiles! This is free and for all ages. Registration is not required!

Wednesday, September 9th Retirement Hike 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 3 miles on uneven surfaces. Please watch the weather and dress appropriately and bring water. The educator leading this hike is not retired, however she looks forward to it someday! Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Wednesday, September 9th Shadow an Animal Caretaker 10:00am
Ever wonder what it takes to care for an animal ambassador? Join a Nature Center caretaker for a behind-the-scenes look at the daily care of our resident turtles, snakes, and owls. Participants will observe feeding, habitat maintenance, enrichment activities, and learn about the medical considerations involved in caring for wildlife ambassadors.
This hands-on educational experience is perfect for teens interested in veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, animal care, or other healthcare careers.
*Participation may qualify for shadowing hours depending on individual school or program requirements.* Recommended for ages 13+. Please register by calling (518) 793-0511.
Thursday, September 10th Homeschool: Bees 11:00am
Join an educator to explore the important world of bees and other pollinators. Learn about the honey bee colonies that call Moreau Lake State Park home while discovering how flowers and pollinators work together. Students will investigate bee biology, colony life, and flower anatomy. There will be a fun hands-on activity to explore the life cycle of a pollinator. This program is great for ages 6+. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 participants

Thursday, September 10th New Moon in the Observatory 8:00pm
Come to the beach to take a view of the dark sky with our telescope, where we have our volunteer astronomer teach us about the stars! If you have a telescope at home that you need help troubleshooting, the astronomer is welcoming people to bring there’s if they have any questions. Dress for the weather! This program is free and for all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Saturday, September 12th Birding for All 9:00am
Join an educator for a welcoming and accessible birding program at Moreau Lake State Park. This program is open to all ages and abilities, with a focus on creating an inclusive outdoor experience for individuals living with chronic and invisible illnesses.
This program will take place along the beach area near the Nature Center, with a paved path leading to park benches for bird observation, as well as access to a pavilion if we choose to move locations. Designed to be relaxed and flexible, this experience encourages participants to enjoy the outdoors in a way that feels comfortable for them. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 participants.

Sunday September 13th Trail Steward Meeting 11:00am
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.

Tuesday, September 15th Poetry in the Park 10:00am
We will be reading and discussing poetry inspired by observations of the natural world, written by poets of varying backgrounds. We’ll explore our own relationships with poetry and literature, and how those can be informed by and grow with connection to nature. Bring your creative spirit, because we’ll be doing some writing of our own! This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511.

Tuesday, September 15th Animal Feeding Time 1:00pm
Join an educator at the Nature Center to learn about how and what we feed our animal ambassadors! We have carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores! This is free and for all ages, no registration is required.

Wednesday September 16th Porcupine Hike 11:00am
This hike is short and a bit steep but fun for all ages. Strollers are not an option but lots of children have completed this hike and baby wearing is a great option. We will hike up to a small rocky cave area where we will pop off trail to see if we can find quills, tracks or even a napping porcupine! This hike is free, please call 518-793-0511 to register.

Thursday, September 17th Nature Journaling: Bugs 10:00am
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. We will sit and observe on the beach after our talk so please wear the appropriate clothing. For beginners to experts! Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Saturday, September 19th Nature Fest 11:00-3:30pm
We would love to see you at our FREE family friendly fun-filled Nature Fest for all ages and interests! There will be all sorts of nature-themed tables and our theme this year is Bees! This is a fundraiser for the Friends of Moreau Lake so there will be a small fee for pumpkin painting ($3), birdhouse building ($5/$10), bake sale items, and food concessions. https://friendsofmoreaulake.org/

Sunday, September 20th Nature Zen Doodle Drop In 11:00am-2:00pm
Slow down and get creative with this relaxing nature-inspired art program! No artistic experience is necessary, just bring your imagination and a willingness to unwind. Whether you are a camper looking for a quiet afternoon activity or simply enjoy creative expression, this program offers a fun and relaxing way to connect with nature through art. This program is free and open to all ages. No registration necessary.

Monday, September 21st Birding at Big Bend 8:15am
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. If Big Bend is closed for prescribed burning, we will still have the walk at the lake. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Tuesday, September 22nd Spring Overlook Hike 10:30am
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, September 23rd Retirement Hike 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 3 miles on uneven surfaces. Please watch the weather and dress appropriately and bring water. The educator leading this hike is not retired, however she looks forward to it someday! Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Wednesday, September 23rd Shadow and Animal Caretaker 4:00pm
Ever wonder what it takes to care for an animal ambassador? Join a Nature Center caretaker for a behind-the-scenes look at the daily care of our resident turtles, snakes, and owls. Participants will observe feeding, habitat maintenance, enrichment activities, and learn about the medical considerations involved in caring for wildlife ambassadors.
This hands-on educational experience is perfect for teens interested in veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, animal care, or other healthcare careers.
*Participation may qualify for shadowing hours depending on individual school or program requirements.* Recommended for ages 13+. Please register by calling (518) 793-0511.

Thursday, September 24th Birding by Boat 9:30am
Bring your binoculars and join an educator on a peaceful morning paddle around Moreau Lake and also look for birds! Limited rentals are available or bring your own kayak. This program is for people aged 18 and older if you need to rent a kayak or 13+ if you have your own kayak. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Saturday, September 26th Free Fishing Clinic 8:30am
This day is designated by the Department of Environmental Conservation as a free fishing day which means it is the perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time or get back into it without having to apply for a license! This only happens a couple days out of the year, fishing regulations still apply. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Sunday, September 27th Handmade Homemade: Autumn Needle Felting 9:30am
Wellness Program! Join us at the nature center where we will create a landscape format using wool roving and needle felting! This will be a recurring program to show that great gift giving doesn’t require a store! Materials provided, ages 10+. Please call 518-793-0511 to register, limited to 10 people.

Monday, September 28th Birding at Big Bend 8:15am
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. If Big Bend is closed for prescribed burning, we will still have the walk at the lake. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Tuesday, September 29th Camper Paddle 10:00am
Join an educator on a guided kayak paddle around Moreau Lake! Participants may bring their own kayak, canoe, or reserve one of five available kayak rentals for the program. During the tour, we’ll explore the lake’s natural history, observe wildlife, and enjoy a relaxing morning paddle. Kayak rentals are available for participants ages 18 and older. Participants of all ages are welcome when using their own watercraft and following New York State boating safety regulations. Please register by calling the front office at (518) 793-0511. Limit 15 participants.

Wednesday, September 30th Twilight Paddle 7:00pm-8:00pm
Join a park educator on a leisurely paddle around Moreau Lake. If the clouds cooperate, we’ll get to enjoy the splendor of the full “Buck” moon rising above the mountains. We have very limited rentals so if you need a kayak, so call soon. Meet at the office to check in and then head down to the beach parking lot (not boat launch). This is a free program and for ages 13+. You must register by calling the office at 518-793-0511.