A message from our President – Mary Knutson
NatureFest 2026 started with blue skies, fair breezes and fun in the air. We were thrilled to host 52 Exhibitors all set to educate, inspire and share their enthusiasm for nature, animals and the environment.
A large event like NatureFest takes an amazing team of people whose focus is to produce a fun and educational experience creating lasting memories for everyone. We have a long list of people to thank for helping to get this event off the ground.
By the numbers:
• 1,981 attendees;
• 52 exhibitors;
• 56 birdhouses built;
• 120 pumpkins painted;
• 526 baked goods sold;
• Over 200 plants and gardening resources shared and sold;
• And after all of this – we only had 23 lbs. of waste going into the landfill.
Our Gratitude:
• To the core team of the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park who began planning in April to start the process, exchange ideas, reflect on the past year and introduce new exhibits that are important to our natural environment – such as the BEES!
• Sponsors and Donors: We appreciate your generosity in providing funding that will support year-round programs and the donations towards our silent auction and raffle.
• Volunteers, where would we be without you? Thank you to everyone who assisted from the Friends, the community, South Glen Falls High School and Skidmore College Environmental Studies and Sciences.
• The Friend’s Green Team: Thank you for collecting seeds, house and native plants, and books, as well as creating special baskets for raffles. All funding raised will support the gardens and projects at Moreau Lake State Park and Grant Cottage. Our younger attendees enjoyed making seed necklaces and the bee house building activities, which encourage sustainability for our Pollinator’s friends.
• Park Staff: Last but not least, our partners – the staff whose physical work, Nature Center exhibits and continuous support made this event possible. You are tireless in the support of NatureFest. Your promotion of the event through your programs and social media had a significant impact.
The overwhelming success of this event will benefit future programs, animals and new projects. We thank you for attending and we look forward to seeing you next year!
Thank you to all the volunteers whose tireless dedication makes this all possible!
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