Friends of Moreau Lake State Park, Inc.

New Moon at the POD
2026-01-18 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
Come to the beach to take a view at 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 warm, we will try to have some fire rings near the telescope! This program is free and for all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Eagle Watch
2026-01-19 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-02-09 08:30 - 10:30
Join a park educator on a convoy-style journey along the Hudson River to try to spot our local Bald Eagles. We will be getting in and out of vehicles at a few locations and, with a little luck, viewing the eagles through binoculars and a scope so make sure to bring your hat and gloves! If you have binoculars bring them, we do have a couple of pair to pass around as well. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Feeder Frenzy
2026-01-19 13:00 - 14:00
We will be at the nature center identifying common birds that come to our bird feeders! We will observe and discuss the different birds and which bird feeder they go to and why. This is free and for all ages, registration is required by calling 518-793-0511.

Winter Bird Journaling
2026-01-21 08:30 - 09:30
Join an educator for a calm indoor activity collaging in your own simple field journal, then use it to observe the birds visiting our feeders outside the Nature Center. After recording our sightings, we will take a short nature walk to compare what we find along the trail. This relaxing program is beginner friendly and a peaceful way to connect with winter wildlife. This program is free and for ages 13+. Registration is required by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Theray Dog at the Warming Hut
2026-01-24 10:00 - 12:00
Stop by the warming hut to meet a volunteer therapy dog! Bryn is a 2-year-old dog that 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! Registration is not required.

Needle Felting
2026-01-25 10:00 - 11:30
Come to the nature center for a guided needle felting tutorial to make some woodland creatures out of wool. This program is free and for ages 13+. Limited spots available, please call 518-793-0511 to register.

Birding at Big Bend
2026-01-26 08:30 - 10:30
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. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Snowflake-ology
2026-01-29 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-29 14:00 - 15:00
Step into the magical world of snowflakes!
At 11:00am, students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will explore the science of snow by observing snowflakes, learning about crystal shapes, and discovering how snow forms through hands-on activities and guided exploration.
At 2:00pm, students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will take a deeper dive into snowflake science by examining crystal structures, learning how scientists classify snow, and practicing simple field-style observation and recording techniques used in winter research. This program is primarily outdoors, so please dress for snowy conditions. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511.Limit 25 per time slot.

Big Bend Barrens Hike
2026-02-03 09:30 - 11:00
Join an educator on a flat 3.5 mile hike at Big Bend! Please be prepared for the weather with warm clothing, waterproof footwear, water, and a snack. We have limited snowshoes and micro spikes to borrow (no cost). We will meet at the park office and caravan over to the Big Bend trailhead. This program is free and for ages 13+, Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Trees in Winter
2026-02-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-05 14:00 - 15:00
Learn how trees can be identified even without their leaves. At 11:00am, students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will explore tree bark and buds, fun activity planned after lecture. At 2:00pm, students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will learn to identify local tree species and discuss forest health, including how pests and diseases affect trees and forest ecosystems. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Forest Fiber Circle
2026-02-07 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-21 11:00 - 12:30
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.

Monthly Hiking Series
2026-02-08 09:30 - 12:00
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 will be going to Big Bend Preserve, on the Whispering Pines trail. The trail is 4.2 miles with an elevation gain/loss of 53 feet. 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 and snowshoes 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+. We have a limit of 30 people, please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Red Oak Ridge Loop
2026-02-10 09:30 - 11:30
Join an educator on a 2.5 mile hike around Red Oak Ridge and surrounding trails with an estimated elevation gain/loss of 430 feet. 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.

Let's Talk Turtles
2026-02-11 10:00 - 11:00
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
