Gratitude Walk
2025-11-25 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Come to Moreau for a guided Nature Walk. As we go, we’ll pay particular attention to the beauty and peace of our natural surroundings and focus on our gratitude for being here to appreciate it. This is a beginner-rated walk for an hour on the Nature Trail, suitable for all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Cornhusk Doll Workshop
2025-11-25 11:00 - 12:30
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.

Kid's Turkey Craft Drop-In
2025-11-26 12:00 - 14:00
Come to the nature center to work on a fun turkey craft that will be sure to make any centerpiece or mantle look more adorable this fall season. We will be using markers, scissors, and glue to create a sweet little take home. We will talk about the importance of gratitude and how wildlife prepares for winter. This program is a free drop-in and fun for all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Friend's Wreath Making
2025-11-29 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-29 13:00 - 15:00
The annual wreath making with the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park is finally here! This program is $20 per person. There are limited spots available with two sessions – Please register in advance. Registration will be open on November 15 at www.friendsofmoreaulake.org.

Reduce Holiday Spending
2025-11-30 10:00 - 15:00
Drop in to the nature center to find ideas and resources for cutting holiday spending costs and toll on the environment, like spending more time with friends and family! We are also welcoming everyone to come help us decorate the nature center for the holidays! This program does not require registration.

Beginner Birding
2025-12-01 08:30 - 10:00, 2025-12-15 08:30 - 10:30
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 reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Mud Pond Hike
2025-12-02 09:00 - 11:00
Start December off right with this easy hike. We will start at the nature center and take the nature trail out to Mud Pond trail and loop around to the wetland area and visit a beaver lodge on our way back to the nature center. This hike will be about 3 miles. Please sign up in advance and wear appropriate hiking attire. Call 518-793-0511 to reserve your spot.

Meet our animal Ambassadors
2025-12-02 14:00 - 15:00
Join an educator to take a tour of our nature center and get to know our animal ambassadors! We will discuss each animal and the story of how they came to us, why we have them, their current needs, and talk about their very specific personalities and behaviors. We have turtles, snakes, and owls, oh my! Please come on time and plan on staying for the duration of the program. Free and for all ages, please sign up by calling 518-793-0511.

Wrapping Paper Collage
2025-12-03 11:00 - 12:30
Join a park educator to learn how to recycle and reuse wrapping paper while making colorful collages, gift tags, or decorations. This program is a hands-on way to explore creativity and sustainability. Program is free and for all ages. No registration Required.

Full Moon Hike
2025-12-03 18:00 - 20:00
Join a park educator on a beginner hike and if the clouds cooperate, we’ll get to enjoy the splendor of the full “Cold 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 the weather. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511 the earlier the better as this is a popular program and it fills up quickly.

Homeschool: Take A Hike
2025-12-04 11:00 - 12:30
Join an educator on a Nature Walk where we will talk about winter hiking safety, leave no trace, our park’s resident beavers, the migrating birds, and various tracks we will most likely see. Please dress appropriately for the weather with warm clothes and hiking shoes. If it rains, we will have an indoor program about beavers. This hike will be a 1.5 mile hike around the back pond, not stroller friendly. This is geared toward homeschool students ages 6+ but all are welcome. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Winterize Your Boots
2025-12-05 11:00 - 14:00
Drop by the Nature Center from 11-2 to learn about conditioning, preparing, and storing boots for winter. Free and for all ages, no registration required.

Friends' Kid's Holiday Craft
2025-12-06 10:00 - 12:00

Block Printing Cards & Needling Felting Ornaments
2025-12-07 10:00 - 11:30
Come to the nature center to prepare for the holidays by printing your own holiday card or needle felting your own ornaments! This program is free and for ages 13+. Participation is limited; you must register at least 24 hours in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Baker to Moreau Overlook
2025-12-08 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.

Animal Feeding Demo
2025-12-09 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-16 09:00 - 10:00
Join an educator at the Nature Center to learn about how and what we feed our animal ambassadors! We have carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores! This is free and for all ages, no registration required, please meet at the nature center at 9:00am.

Sensory Hours at the Nature Center
2025-12-10 09:00 - 11:00
We are introducing sensory friendly hours to the nature center; we will have low lighting, we will be turning off the aquatic bubblers and running water features, and we will limit access of the nature center to those who would like a quiet and comforting experience to enjoy our animals and nature-themed exhibits. Free and open to all ages, no registration required, just drop-in! Call 518-793-0511 with any questions or preferred accommodations.

Homeschool: Animal Tracks
2025-12-11 11:00 - 12:30
Join an educator at the Nature Center to play an animal matching game, then we will go on a short walk to look for evidence of animals. This program is geared toward homeschool students ages 6-12 years old, but all are welcome. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Potters Point Hike
2025-12-11 13:00 - 15:00
This is an off trail wander through a lovely patch of woods that winds along the Hudson River. The hike is short and fairly easy. There is a small wet area, but we navigate around that without too much issue. The view of the Hudson River from the “point” of the hike is always nice to see before we head back into the woods to circle back to the parking area. This hike is for all ages, but not stroller friendly. We will meet at the office and caravan to the trailhead. Please sign up in advance and wear appropriate hiking attire. 518793-0511 to reserve your spot.

Pine Cone Bird Feeders
2025-12-12 11:00 - 14:00
Drop in to the nature center to learn about our winter birds and make pinecone bird feeders! This program is free, and registration is not required. Supplies are limited- first come first served.

Hiking Challenge - Last One!
2025-12-14 09:30 - 11:30
Our last hiking challenge of 2025! What a fantastic year of hikes. You do not have to have attended any other hikes to come to this! This month’s hike is the Nature Trail around the lake. This hike is 3.03 miles with an elevation gain and loss of 200 feet. Please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, trekking poles if you need them, micro spikes and snowshoes if you have them. We have limited micro spikes and snowshoes to borrow. Bring a snack and plenty of water. We will meet at the park office. This is a free hike and for people 13+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511 and let the office know if you can make it to the celebration afterwards.

Hiking Challenge Recognition Party
2025-12-14 12:00 - 13:00
Following our last hiking challenge of 2025 around Moreau Lake, we will be celebrating a wonderful year of dedicated, kind, and fun group of hikers at the Nature Center. Even if you only attended one hike, or plan on attending in 2026 and want to learn more, come join the party! Registration required please call 518-793-0511.

Pinecone Science and Evergreen Walk
2025-12-16 11:00 - 13:00
Discover the secrets of pinecones and evergreens! Join an educator for a short outdoor walk to explore evergreens, learn how they survive the cold and how pinecones disperse their seeds. Back inside, decorate pinecones for a fun winter craft. This program is free and for ages 6+. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511.

Lake Ann Hike
2025-12-17 08:30 - 11:00
Join an educator on a 4.5 mile hike with an elevation gain and loss of around 330 feet. Please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, trekking poles if you need them, micro spikes and snowshoes if you have them. We have limited micro spikes and snowshoes to borrow. Bring a snack and plenty of water. We will meet at the park office. This is a free hike and for people 13+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511

How to use a microscope
2025-12-18 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-18 13:00 - 14:00
Step into the microscopic world! Join an educator at the Nature Center for a fun introduction to microscopes, cells, and the tiny life all around us. Kids will learn what a cell is, explore how a microscope helps us see these building blocks of life, and look at prepared slides to spot exciting shapes and structures. This hands-on program is perfect for young learners and homeschool families curious about the unseen world. This free program is for ages 6+. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 10 per time slot.

"The Christmas Owl" Storytime
2025-12-19 10:30 - 11:30
This program will begin immediately following Wiggly Wanderers and is also open to the public! Sam, the Saw-Whet owl and his friend Rebecca will be reading “The Christmas Owl” a New York Times bestseller! Experience the beautiful story that captivated the country about a little owl, just like Sam, found in the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree. This book was written by Ellen Kalish, the caretaker for the real owl found in the tree. After the story we will talk a little about Sams story and how we can protect owls and migratory birds in simple but meaningful ways. Registration is not required for this story time.
