July Programs and Events at the Park

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!

Download Calendar HERE

Download Program Descriptions HERE

Wednesday, July 1st Turtles on Tour @ Campground Playground 9:00am-10:00am
The turtles are going to set up a station at the playground in the camp loops so you can learn all about them and our nature center! This program does not require registration and all are welcome.

Thursday, July 2nd Bark Ranger 11:00am-2:00pm
Drop by the nature center for some tips from educators and veterinary technicians on how to bring your dog out into the woods safely and ethically. We will also educate on how to keep your dog safe in the summer heat. Well-behaved dogs on a 6-foot leash or shorter are welcome. No registration required.

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, July 3rd Movie Night at the Beach 8:30pm
Join us for the first movie night of the summer! 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, July 4th: Camper Paddle Meet-Up 9:00-10:00am
Celebrate Independence Day on the water! Join an educator and fellow campers for a guided paddle around the lake! Participants may bring their own kayak, canoe, or reserve one of six available kayak rentals for the program.
Along the way, we’ll explore the lake’s natural history, observe wildlife, and enjoy a relaxing paddle with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. 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

Sunday, July 5th 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.

Monday, July 6th Big Bend: Prescribed Burns and Invasive Plant Walk 10:00am
Join an educator on a walk at Big Bend to talk about the technique of prescribed burns, why we are doing it, and what the future will look like for Big Bend. Prescribed burns are a critical tool in wildfire risk reduction and ecological management and are also being implemented to create a habitat for blue lupine, and subsequently, Karner blue butterflies. We will be taking a walk on the trails so please wear appropriate shoes and clothing. This is free and for ages 13+. We will meet at the park office and caravan to Big Bend together, please tell the toll booth operator that you are there for a program. You must register by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Tuesday, July 7th Owl Hour 10am
The educator will be out and about in the nature center with the Justin and Sam. We will ask the guests sit down and listen to a brief talk about the owls while looking at our beloved owl ambassadors. There will be plenty of time for questions at the end and even some opportunities to take some flash free photos. This is not a drop in program, please do your best to arrive on time. This program is for all ages. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Wednesday, July 8th Retirement Walk
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, July 8th Friends Craft at the Nature Center 12:00pm-1:00pm
Drop-in with the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park at the Nature Center to make a fun craft every Wednesday from July 8th to August 12th. This program is geared toward younger children, but everyone is welcome! This program is free, and no registration is required.

Thursday, July 9th Hudson River Kayak 10:00am
Join some educators to kayak on one of the most historic and biodiverse waterways in NY, the Hudson River! We will meet at the park office and then convoy to Sherman Island boat launch. We have 4 rentals available or bring your own kayak. Limited to 10 paddlers. Please call ahead at 518-793-0511 to register.

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, July 10th: Growing Explorers 11:00am
Join us for an extension of our beloved Wiggly Wanderers program! Designed for preschool- Kindergarten, this short, play-based class introduces little learners on how they impact their environment and how animals impact theirs. The activity will be a popular program called Pollinator Palooza! Students will get to explore what it’s like to live as a bee; collecting pollen from flowers and encountering adversaries that try to harm their habitat!
This class gives young explorers their first step into structured nature learning and connects directly to the New York State Explorers Club, encouraging continued discovery as they grow. This program is free for all ages. Please register by calling the front office (518) 793-0511.

Saturday July 11th: Birding for All
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, July 12th Hiking Series: Baker to Moreau Overlook 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 are doing a moderate level hike from Baker Trail to Moreau Overlook. This hike is approximately 3 miles with an elevation gain/loss of about 550 ft. 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 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 and consider carpooling, the trailhead is small and we will need to limit participants!

Monday, July 13th 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, July 13th New Moon at the Observatory 8:30pm
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.

Tuesday, July 14th: Homeschool Poetry 11:00am
Join us for a unique blend of science and creativity! Designed for homeschool students and lifelong learners, this program introduces participants to the art of blackout poetry while exploring the basics of scientific literacy and research. Using real scientific articles and nature-focused texts, students will learn how scientists communicate information and transform existing words into creative works of poetry.
This program encourages critical thinking, reading comprehension, and creative expression while building confidence in navigating scientific information. Recommended for student’s 2nd grade and up. This program is free. Please register by calling the front office at (518) 793-0511.

Tuesday, July 14th 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, July 15th Friends Craft at the Nature Center 12:00pm-1:00pm
Drop-in with the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park at the Nature Center to make a fun craft every Wednesday from July 8th to August 12th. This program is geared toward younger children, but everyone is welcome! This program is free, and no registration is required.

Wednesday, July 15th Porcupine Hike 9:00am
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, July 16th: Nature Zen-Doodle 11:00-2:00pm
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.

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 July 18th: Camper Paddle Meet-up 9:00-10:00am
Join an educator and fellow campers for a guided paddle around the lake! Participants may bring their own kayak, canoe, or reserve one of six available kayak rentals for the program.
Along the way, we’ll explore the lake’s natural history, observe wildlife, and enjoy a relaxing paddle with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. 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.

Sunday, July 19th: Friendship Bracelets 11:00-2:00pm
Stop by the Nature Center for a fun, camper-friendly craft activity! Participants will be able to create colorful friendship bracelets while exploring the Nature Center exhibits and meet some of our turtle-y awesome animal ambassadors. This program is free and open to all ages. No registration necessary.

Tuesday, July 21st: 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 the front office at (518) 793-0511.

Wednesday, July 22nd Retirement Walk 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, July 22nd Mud Pond Beaver Walk 10:00am
Did you know that MLSP is home to a thriving population of North America’s largest rodent? We will walk along the Wetlands Walk and Mud Pond trails where we can view our beaver’s dam and lodges while we learn all about how they live, love, and learn. This program is for people of all ages, it’s an easy-moderate hike of about 2.9 miles. This hike is for ages 13+ due to length and terrain. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Thursday, July 23rd Homeschool Hangout Hike 11:00am
Join an educator on a fun nature walk for about an hour on our nature trail. This program is geared toward homeschool students to celebrate summer vacation, but all are welcome! This program is for all ages, but please be aware that the trail is not accessible for strollers.

Friday, July 24th Camper Paddle Meet-up 9:00-10:00am
Join an educator and fellow campers for a guided paddle around the lake! Participants may bring their own kayak, canoe, or reserve one of six available kayak rentals for the program.
Along the way, we’ll explore the lake’s natural history, observe wildlife, and enjoy a relaxing paddle with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. 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

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, July 24th Owl Hour 11:00am
The educator will be out and about in the nature center with the Justin and Sam. We will ask the guests sit down and listen to a brief talk about the owls while looking at our beloved owl ambassadors. There will be plenty of time for questions at the end and even some opportunities to take some flash free photos. This is not a drop in program, please do your best to arrive on time. This program is for all ages. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Saturday, July 25th: Birding for All 9:00-10:00am
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, July 26th Turtles on Tour @ Campground Playground 9:00am-10:00am
The turtles are going to set up a station at the playground in the camp loops so you can learn all about them and our nature center! This program does not require registration, and all are welcome.

Monday, July 27th 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, July 28th Family Porcupine Walk 10:00am
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.

Tuesday, July 28th Twilight Paddle 8:00pm-9:00pm
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.

Wednesday, July 29th Friends Craft at the Nature Center 12:00pm-1:00pm
Drop-in with the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park at the Nature Center to make a fun craft every Wednesday from July 8th to August 12th. This program is geared toward younger children, but everyone is welcome! This program is free, and no registration is required.

Thursday, July 30th: Bird-ability at Big Bend 8:30am
Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of birding! Join us for a Birdability-inspired birdwatching program designed to make birding more accessible to participants of all abilities. We will explore the Big Bend trail, a wheelchair-accessible route (compact dirt trail) featuring a short walk of less than ¼ mile with plenty of opportunities to stop, observe, and enjoy nature along the way.
Participants will learn bird identification basics, practice using binoculars, and discover how birding can be adapted for a wide range of abilities. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. Recommended for ages 6+. This program is free for all ages. Please register by calling the front 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.