Join our outstanding Environmental Educators as they guide you through hikes, events and programs for the month of November. Be inspired! All programs are FREE unless specified for a particular event.
Download Calendar HERE
Download Program Descriptions HERE
Sunday, November 1st Nature Journaling: Kids Class 11am or Adults Class 1:00pm
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, learn different techniques then practice our skills. This is free and there will be two separate sessions for different age groups; ages 6+ and 13+. 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 Monday, Birding at Big Bend 8:15am
Every Monday in November you can 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.
Wednesday, November 4th Mud Pond Hike 10:00am
Join an educator on a 2.1 mile hike from Nature Trail to Mud Pond where we will see some beaver lodges, maybe some water fowl, and lots of Hemlock trees. Please wear the appropriate attire for the weather and water-resistant hiking shoes. Bring a snack and plenty of water. This is free and can be for all ages, but be aware of the distance, the up and down terrain and weather. Please reserve your spot 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.
Sunday, November 8th Visible Mending Needle Felting
Join an educator at the nature center where we will teach you how to do some light mending on your clothes with needle felting and patching. Please bring anything you need mending or just come to learn! This program is free and for ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Every Monday, Birding at Big Bend 8:15am
Every Monday in November you can 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, November 10th Night Sky at the Telescope 6:30pm
Did you know that large white dome on the beach is an observatory?! 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
Wednesday, November 11th Free Fishing Day Clinic 9:00am
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. This is a free beginner fishing course with a limit of 10 people ages 6+ Please reserve your spot in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, November 11th Retirement Hike 9:30am
Maybe you just retired, or have you been for years? This free hike is meant to be a nice walk with other retirees who are interested in getting out of the house and stretching their legs. These walks will usually be around or under 3 miles on some uneven terrain. 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.
Thursday, November 12th Homeschool: Indigenous People’s Day Cornhusk Doll Craft 11:00am
Step back in time and create your very own traditional cornhusk doll! Learn about the cultural history behind these dolls and their connection to harvest traditions. All materials will be provided. This program is free and for ages 6+, but all are welcome. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Please note: Cornhusk doll making has deep Indigenous roots. This program is not a traditional cultural workshop, but an educational activity inspired by historical practices.
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, November 14th 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. Recommended for ages 13+. Please register by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 10 participants.
*Participation may qualify for shadowing hours depending on individual school or program requirements. *
Sunday, November 15th Needle Felting 11:00am
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.
Sunday, November 15th Hiking Series: Mud Pond 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 hiking a 2.1 mile trail from Nature Trail to Mud Pond with an elevation gain/loss of 150 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.
Wednesday, November 18th Lake Bonita Hike 2:00pm
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 and trekking poles if you need them. 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 all ages but please be aware of moderate terrain. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Thursday, November 19th Potters Point Hike 3:30pm
Join an educator for an afternoon walk through the woods at Potters Point. This hike is about 1 mile of trail-less wandering. You’ll be sure to enjoy the views of the Hudson River and explore a space that you might not know about. Please register by calling the front office at (518) 793-0511. Limit 15 participants.
Saturday, November 21st Women’s Hike: Big Bend 9:00am
This is a new program offering for women. We will hike around Big Bend Nature Preserve and take advantage of any teaching opportunities that Mother Nature provides for us. This hike will be 3.4 miles with relatively flat terrain. This is a free program for ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511.
Sunday, November 22nd Handmade Homemade: Block Printing 10:00am
Wellness Program! Join us at the nature center where we will learn how to block print and create our own nature-themed stamps! This will be a recurring program to show that great gift giving doesn’t require a store! Materials provided, ages 13+. Please call 518-793-0511 to register, limited to 10 people.
Tuesday, November 24th Reptile Profile 10:00am
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.
Wednesday, November 25th Retirement Hike 9:30am
Maybe you just retired, or have you been for years? This free hike is meant to be a nice walk with other retirees who are interested in getting out of the house and stretching their legs. These walks will usually be around or under 3 miles on some uneven terrain. 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.
Saturday, November 28th Wreath Making 10-12pm and 1-3pm
The annual wreath making with the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park is finally here! This program is not free and there are limited spots available with two sessions. Please register for a session on the Friends website www.friendsofmoreaulake.org.
Sunday, November 29th Twilight Hike 6:00pm
Join a park educator on a leisurely twilight walk at Big Bend. If the clouds cooperate, we’ll get to enjoy the splendor of the full “Beaver” moon. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the Big Bend trailhead. This is a free program and for all ages, but note that it is approximately a mile walk. You must register by calling the office at 518-793-0511