Big Bend 5-mile hike
2024-08-28 09:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Big Bend is an 860-acre addition to our park is now officially open to the public! The preserve features over 6 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, great birding and wildlife viewing, and gorgeous views of mountains and the Hudson River. Join an educator on this flat hike of about 5 miles at our beautiful new space. Better for ages 14+. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the new trailhead, tell the booth operator you are there for a guided hike at Big Bend. The program is $5 per adult and $1 per child (cash or check) at the park office when you arrive. PLEASE RESERVE your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Colors of Summer I-Spy Walk
2024-08-29 09:30 - 11:30
This program will consist of a short hike and color i-spy game. Children will be given some colors to look for in nature and we will share our findings with the group. This program is geared towards children who know their colors or are working hard to learn them. Siblings are welcome. This hike is $1 per kids. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Nature Center Open
2024-08-29 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-08-30 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-08-31 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-01 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-02 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-03 10:00 - 15:00

Frogs and Toads of NYS
2024-08-30 11:00 - 12:30
Join a nature center educator to learn all about your local frogs and toads. We will talk about frog and toad diets, what different frogs do to adapt with changing seasons, the most common frogs and toads in our area (and how to ID them), and how you can help support your local little hoppers! Open to all ages. The program is $5 per adult and $1 per child (cash or check) at the park office when you arrive. PLEASE RESERVE your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Friendship Bracelets
2024-08-31 11:00 - 13:00
Drop into the nature center to make friendship bracelets on this nice long weekend, we have plenty of floss in all different colors. You do not need to register for this, drop in any time, park fees apply ($8). For any questions call 518-793-0511.

Family Hike
2024-09-01 14:00 - 15:30
This is a family friendly hike in which we will attempt a 1.5-mile loop hike around the back part of Moreau Lake. This is dog friendly for leashed and well-behaved dogs, but unfortunately not stroller friendly. Program is $1 per child and $5 per adult (cash or check). Please dress appropriately for the weather, hiking shoes, and water. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Family Hike at Big Bend
2024-09-02 10:00 - 12:00
This is a family friendly hike in which we will attempt a couple mile out-and-back hike at the newly opened Big Bend Preserve. This is dog friendly for leashed and well-behaved dogs as well as stroller friendly, the path is loose dirt so plan accordingly. Please dress appropriately for the weather, hiking shoes, and water. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the new trailhead. Program is $1 per child and $5 per adult (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Big Bend "River Walk" Hike
2024-09-04 09:30 - 11:30
Join an educator on this flat hike of about 6 miles at our beautiful new space with great birding and wildlife viewing, and gorgeous views of mountains and the Hudson River. Better for ages 14+. Please dress appropriately for the weather with hiking shoes, plenty of water and a lunch or snack. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the new trailhead. Program is $5 per adult, $1 for under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Kids Porcupine Adventure
2024-09-04 10:00 - 11:30
Come along on the short (3/4 mile) and fairly steep hike to find some porcupine dens and see if we can spot one napping in the trees. This hike is not stroller friendly, but carriers are suggested for the smaller kids. We will meet at the office parking lot and then drive to the trail head together. Please dress for the weather. The cost is $1 per child (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Hudson River Kayak
2024-09-05 10:00 - 12:00
Join some educators to kayak on one of the most historic and biodiverse waterways in NY. We will meet at the Park Office and then convoy to Sherman Island boat launch. Limited rentals are available or bring your own kayak. This program is for people aged 18 and older if you need to rent a kayak or 13+ if you have your own kayak. The cost is $5 or $15 including kayak rental. Check in and pay (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Nature Center Open Weekends
2024-09-06 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-07 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-08 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-13 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-14 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-15 10:00 - 15:00

Frogs and Toads of NYS
2024-09-06 11:00 - 12:00
Join a nature center educator to learn all about your local frogs and toads. We will talk about frog and toad diets, what different frogs do to adapt with changing seasons, the most common frogs and toads in our area (and how to ID them), and how you can help support your local little hoppers! Open to all ages. The program is $5 per adult and $1 per child (cash or check) at the park office when you arrive. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-

Back to "school" fishing
2024-09-07 09:00 - 11:00
Before we are all expected to hit the books and get back to school and work come to the Nature Center and kids (under 13) can borrow a pole and try their hand at some fishing fun. This is a drop in event so please come and try for 5 minutes or 2 hours. We will supply poles, a little safety lesson and some worms. This event will cost $1 per child. If you bring your own worms we will waive the fee. No sign ups are required for this program.

Baker to Moreau Overlook
2024-09-10 10:00 - 12:00
Join an educator on a moderate 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- sunscreen, bug spray and water-resistant hiking shoes. Bring a snack and plenty of water. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the trailhead. This hike is for people 15+. The cost is $5 for adults (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Forest Bathing
2024-09-12 09:30 - 11:30
Coined shinrin-yoku in Japan in the 1980’s, forest bathing is the eco therapeutic practice of spending time immersed in nature, absorbing it with all your senses. The physiological and psychological benefits last for days afterward with the additional benefit of a new appreciation of our precious woodland and its inhabitants. This is a beginner-rated walk along the Nature Trail with long pauses to sit and enhance our awareness of our surroundings, it is an approximately 1-hour program. A small mat is beneficial to ensure a dry seat and wear warmer clothes as we will be sitting for longer periods of time. This program is limited to those age 14 and up. Pay $5 per person (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Spring Overlook Hike
2024-09-12 10:30 - 12:30
This is a steep hike with a beautiful overlook! This hike is roughly a mile up and a mile back down. We will snack at the top and take a water break and photo break. Please wear appropriate hiking boots and clothing for the weather. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the new trailhead. Program is $5 per adult, $1 for under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Looney-Tunes
2024-09-13 11:00 - 12:00
Join a Nature Center educator for a celebration of loons! Learn about their habitat, diet, calls migration patterns and other special behaviors through a combination of hands-on activities and facts from the educator. Open to all ages! Program is $5 per adult, $1 for kids (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

NatureFest!
2024-09-14 11:00 - 15:30

Big Bend: Beginner Birding
2024-09-15 08:30 - 10:30
Calling all beginner birders! Bring your binoculars if you have them and we will check out the wide variety of over 100 species of birds that we have identified at our new preserve. This will be a short start-and-stop hike. We will meet at the park office and caravan to Big Bend. Geared toward ages 12+. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Big Bend: Plant Walk
2024-09-15 11:00 - 13:00
Join an educator on our new trails to seek out the variety of plants we have on our trails. We will also have a conversation and tutorial on how to use iNaturalist and other plant identifying apps. This will be a start and stop short walk. This program is for all ages. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the new trailhead. $5 per adult and $1 per child (cash or check) at the park office upon arrival. Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
