Let's Talk Turtles
2026-02-11 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Join an educator at the Nature Center for a tour of the turtles we love and care for. Each turtle has a story of how it came to live here at the park. Each turtle has a special personality and likes and dislikes. The educator will share some of the silly behind the scenes info on the animals as well… like who is most likely to bite our staff!?! This program is free, please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Animal Homes & Ecosystem Engineers
2026-02-12 11:00 - 12:00
Explore how animals live in and shape forest habitats. At 11:00am, students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will learn about forest animal homes, fun activity planned after lecture. At 2:00pm, students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will study ecosystem engineers such as beavers, birds, and ants and learn how animals modify their environments and influence entire ecosystems. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Therapy Dog at the Warming Hut
2026-02-14 10:00 - 12:00
Stop by the warming hut to meet a volunteer therapy dog! Bryn is a 19-month-old dog who has been training to be a therapy dog since she was 4 months old. She has been helping people feel welcome all over Saratoga and Washington county and would love to see you too!

Darwin Day Talk
2026-02-14 11:00 - 12:00
Join an educator to celebrate Darwin Day with a discussion on Charles Darwin, evolution, and the science of natural selection. This talk will explore how Darwin’s ideas changed our understanding of the natural world and why evolutionary science remains important today. Participants will also look at real-world examples of evolution in action and how these concepts help us better understand the diversity of life around us. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511

Skull and Pelts Class
2026-02-15 11:00 - 12:00
Join an educator to learn about the different skulls and pelts we have at our nature center. You can tell certain characteristics of the animal just by the different bones! This program is free and geared toward ages 6+, but all are welcome. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Kindness Through Letters
2026-02-15 12:00 - 14:00
Create/write an uplifting message that we will deliver to a local assisted living facility to brighten someone’s day. All supplies provided, registration is not required, just stop by the Nature Center to spread some kindness!

Public Ice Fishing Clinic
2026-02-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-16 12:00 - 14:00
This is a fun way to start school break week! Join us on the ice for an intro to ice fishing clinic. We will teach how to set up tip ups, how to use a jigging rod, what bait we use and some info on the fish we catch. All supplies will be provided but all participants are also expected to share with the other participants. This clinic is free and open to all ages. ***The warming hut will be open for warming up but please dress appropriately for the suspected forecast. Standing on ice can be even colder than what you are used to when sledding or taking a walk. **

Spring Overlook Hike
2026-02-17 09:30 - 11:30
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.

Friends Kid's Craft Nature Center
2026-02-18 10:00 - 12:00

Signs of Spring Phenology in Action
2026-02-19 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-02-19 14:00 - 15:30
Look for early signs that spring is on its way. At 11:00am, students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will head outdoors to observe changes in plants and animals and keep a simple phenology journal. At 2:00pm, students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will record environmental changes and learn how scientists use phenology data to track seasonal patterns and climate impacts. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Friends Annual Chili Dinner
2026-02-20 18:00 - 21:00

Forest Fiber Circle
2026-02-21 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-02-21 14:00 - 15:30
Join us for a relaxed knitting and crochet gathering at the Nature Center. This group is open to all skill levels and focuses on creating a calm, welcoming space to slow down and connect through fiber arts. Participants are invited to bring their own projects or learn alongside others while enjoying gentle conversation. Supplies will not be included. This is a free program. No registration necessary.

National Walk your dog day
2026-02-22 10:00 - 15:00
February 22nd is National Walk Your Dog Day! Drop by the nature center to learn about techniques to keep your dog safe in winter conditions. This is not a hiking program; registration is not required.

Beaver Hike
2026-02-23 11:00 - 12:30
Did you know that MLSP is home to a thriving population of North America’s largest rodent? We will walk along the Wetland Walk and Mud Pond trails where we can view the beavers’ dam and lodges while we learn all about how they live, love, and learn. This program is free and for people of all ages, but please be mindful of the distance and terrain it’s an easy-moderate hike of about 2.5 miles. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Lake Bonita Hike
2026-02-24 09:30 - 11:30
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, micro spikes, snowshoes, and trekking poles if you need them. We have a limited number of micro spikes, snowshoes, and trekking poles to borrow. 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 ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

WHoooo are our Owls
2026-02-25 09:30 - 11:00
Join us at the Nature Center for a meet and greet with our beloved ambassadors Justin and Sam. Each owl is non-flighted and non-releasable. Learn what that means and much more. This program will be about 30 minutes with time for questions after. You will not be allowed to touch the owls, and we ask that you keep your voice a bit quiet, this is a sit down program. Space is limited, please call 518-793-0511 to register.

Nature's Recycler
2026-02-26 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-02-26 14:00 - 15:30
Discover the organisms that help recycle nutrients in the forest. At 11:00am, students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will explore decomposers such as worms, beetles, and fungi and learn how they help turn waste into soil. At 2:00pm, students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will investigate decomposers under microscopes and examine how soil quality affects plant growth and ecosystem health. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Friends Chili Dinner at Common Roots Bierhall
2026-02-27 18:00 - 20:30

Anhinga and Cormorant Talk
2026-02-28 11:00 - 12:30
Join and educator for an engaging talk exploring the similarities and differences between anhinga’s and cormorants. Participants will learn how to identify each species, understand their unique adaptations for fishing and diving, and discover the important roles these birds play in aquatic ecosystems. This program is perfect for anyone curious about bird behavior, identification, and wildlife found near lakes, rivers, and wetlands. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511

Baker to Moreau Overlook
2026-03-03 09:30 - 11:30
Join an educator on a moderate-hard 2.5 mile hike from Baker Trail to Moreau Overlook with a beautiful view of our lake from above. Please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, layers of warm clothes, micro spikes or snowshoes if we need them. We have limited micro spikes and snowshoes to borrow. Bring a snack and plenty of water. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the trailhead. This hike is free and for people 13+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Two Owls, One Moon
2026-03-03 19:00 - 20:30
This program will start promptly at 7 with 30-minute owl presentation showing off our two amazing owl ambassadors. After the presentation we will go out to the telescope to do some moon viewing. There is limited space for this program. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Retirement Hike "Wise Wanderers"
2026-03-04 09:30 - 11:30
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 2 miles on uneven surfaces, snow and ice. Trekking poles and micro-spikes are suggested; we have some spikes we can lend out. Please watch the weather and dress appropriately. The educator leading this hike is not retired however she looks forward to it someday! Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

The Incredible Journey Project WET
2026-03-05 11:00 - 12:30
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will create mini water cycle bracelets to follow a water droplet’s journey through evaporation and rain. This is based on Project WET curriculum. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Water Systems and Watersheds
2026-03-05 14:00 - 15:30
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will explore how rivers and lakes connect in our region and trace water flow to the Hudson River Basin. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Manatee Talk
2026-03-07 11:00 - 12:30
Join an educator at the Nature Center for an engaging lecture about the sea cow! Learn fascinating facts about manatees, their habitats, behaviors, and the critical role seagrass plays in their survival. This program celebrates World Seagrass Day and highlights how we can help protect these incredible creatures and their ecosystems. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 participants.

Junk Journaling
2026-03-08 11:00 - 12:30
Reduce, Reuse…Journal? Join an educator for a fun, creative workshop where you will learn how to reduce, reuse, and recycle by turning everyday scraps into a personalized junk journal! Participants will transform recycled paper, magazines, packaging, fabric, and other found materials into a unique journal. Please, bring your own “junk,” this can range from a movie stub, plane ticket, to your favorite drink label, anything that catches your eye. Embrace your inner crow! Journals will be supplied, or you can bring your own. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Ages 13+, limit 15 participants.
