Join the MLSP Educators as they present education and fun-filled programs for the month of April.
Download Calendar HERE
Fridays, April 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th Wiggly Wanderers 9:30am *Recurring Program*
Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This will be 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 5th Timberdoodles: All About the American Woodcock 12:00pm
The wackiest bird in our area, American Woodcocks, are like a long-beaked kazoo with boogie fever. Join a Nature Center educator to learn all there is to know about this odd local bird. Free and open to all ages. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Saturday, April 5th Woodcock Walk @ Big Bend 7:30pm
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. Free and open to all ages. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Sunday, April 6th Match the Hatch: Comparing Aquatic Insects to Fly Ties 10:00am
This program focuses on how to identify aquatic insects in a river and select the best artificial fly to match local insect activity. By observing insects, learning about insect life cycles, and understanding fish feeding behavior, participants will develop skills to improve their fly fishing success while gaining a deeper appreciation for freshwater ecosystems. This program is free and for ages 13+. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Monday, April 7th Beginner Birding 8:30am
Calling all beginner birders! 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. We will meet at the park office and caravan to Big Bend. This is free and geared toward ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Saturday, April 12th Needle Felted and Psanky Easter Eggs 10:00am-12:00pm
How do you like your eggs: wool or wax painted? Join our nature center employees to learn about the Ukrainian tradition of psanky easter egg decorating- using wax to write designs onto eggs before dipping them in dye. This will be offered alongside an Easter egg needle felting craft. This program is free and geared toward ages 13+. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Sunday April 13th Hiking Challenge: Big Bend River Walk 9:30am
Join the monthly hiking challenge where we will explore the wide variety of trails at Moreau Lake State Park, if you make it to all the hikes you will get a prize! This month we will be doing Big Bend’s River Walk which is approximately 5.7 miles with elevation gain/loss of 85 feet. The trails will be muddy so please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, and trekking poles if you need them. Bring a snack/lunch 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 25 people, please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Monday, April 14th World Aquatic Animal Day Celebration 11:00am
Discuss and learn about the diverse aquatic animals of Moreau Lake! Focusing on their ecological roles and the challenges they face such as, invasive species, anthropogenic activities, and pollution. The hands-on activity will include water quality testing to help the students appreciate and understand how environmental factors affect aquatic life. This is free and geared toward ages 6+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Monday, April 14th Full Moon Hike 7:30pm
Join a park educator on a beginner hike and if the clouds cooperate, we’ll get to enjoy the splendor of the full “Pink Moon” rising above the mountains! This hike is free, is family friendly and well-behaved dogs on a 6 foot or shorter leash are welcome. This hike will not go the full 3.5 miles, we will be going closer to 2.5 miles on flat terrain. Wear the appropriate clothing for muddy conditions. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511 the earlier the better as this is a popular program and it fills up quickly.
Tuesday, April 15th April Showers Bring May Flowers 2:00pm
Discover how April’s rains contribute to May’s blooming flowers. This interactive program, based on Project WET curriculum, explores the water cycle and its role in sustaining life. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to understand how water moves through the environment, impacts ecosystems, and supports plant growth, fostering an appreciation for water conservation and sustainability. This program is free and geared toward ages 6+. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, April 16th Invasive Removal Tutorial 10:00am
Come and accompany our regional natural resources technician and educators in starting our monthly invasive pull. We will be learning about our park’s invasives and where the priority areas are. Then we will be pulling invasives so please be prepared with gloves and safety glasses if you have them, and clothes and boots that can get dirty. This program will be held on Sundays in the future. Free and geared toward ages 13+. Please call 518-793-0511 to register.
Wednesday, April 16th Easter Craft 1:00pm-3:00pm
Join the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park for a fun Easter craft and hang out with the Easter Bunny at the Nature Center! Free and open to all ages, there is a registration limit to 25 people, so please sign up on the Friend’s website: FriendsofMoreauLake.org
Friday, April 18th Radical Rabbits 11:00am
Hippity, Hoppity Easter’s on its way! Join a Nature Center educator for a presentation on rabbit diets, ranges, behaviors (like their ability to hop up to 18mph zig zagging from predators), and more! Free and open to all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Saturday, April 19th Phragmites Basket Weaving 10:00am-12:00pm
Let’s give new purpose to an invasive plant! Join our nature center employees in a tutorial on weaving your own mini baskets for Easter, May Day, or to use as a catch-all! Free and open to all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Sunday, April 20th Nature Trail Walk 11:00am
Join an educator on an easy short 1.5 mile walk around the back pond. We will be starting the hike down at the beach. Please be prepared for muddy trail conditions. 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.
Monday, April 21st Stonewall Hike 10:00am
This is a guided hike on a lesser-known moderate trail along the Hudson River with the added interest of logging history and old foundations. This 3.5-mile hike has some steeper parts. We will meet at the park office and will caravan to the trailhead about 20 minutes away. Please dress appropriately for muddy conditions. Hiking poles, gaiters and waterproof boots are recommended. Free and geared toward ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Wednesday, April 23rd Beginner Birding 8:30am
Calling all beginner birders! 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. We will meet at the park office and caravan to Big Bend. This is free and geared toward ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Sunday, April 27th Celebrating Earth Day-Hike @ Lake Bonita 9:00am
Come on a guided hike to appreciate what our planet has to offer. Our Nature Center educator(s) will point out and identify any life we encounter, comment on natural processes at woodland lakes and answer nature questions as we hike. This hike is 2 miles of uneven terrain, please dress appropriately for muddy conditions as well as possible stream crossings. Hiking poles, gaiters and waterproof boots are recommended. Free and geared toward ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.