Nature Center Open Weekends
2025-03-23 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-28 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-29 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-30 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-04 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-05 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-06 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-11 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) and 4 more dates

Fly Tying 101
2025-03-23 11:00 - 12:30
This fly-tying class teaches participants how to tie two essential trout flies: the Woolly Bugger, a versatile streamer imitating baitfish and leeches, and the Pheasant Tail Nymph, a classic mayfly imitation. The class also highlights the importance of entomology in fly-tying, helping anglers match their flies to the natural insect life cycle for better fishing success. This class is designed for ages 13+. We have a limit of 5 people who can bring their handmade fly home to ensure we have enough, those who make their own will be charged $5 for materials. If you sign up after our 5-person limit you will be able to come and watch. Register in advance by calling our office at 518-793-0511.

Spring Overlook Hike
2025-03-25 10:00 - 12:00
Join an educator on our newer trail up to Spring Overlook. This is a moderate-hard 2.5 mile loop hike with elevation gain/loss of 600 feet. Please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, sunscreen, 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.

Eagle Watch
2025-03-26 09:00 - 12:30
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 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. This program is free and geared toward ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Maple Tapping
2025-03-30 10:00 - 11:30
Join an educator in the nature center for a quick history of making maple syrup, the process from beginning to end, and if you are able, come on a short walk to see what trees we are tapping! This program is free and for all ages. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Timberdoodles: all about the American Woodcock
2025-04-05 12:00 - 13:30
The wackiest bird in our area, American Woodcocks, are like a long-beaked kazoo with boogie fever. Join a Nature Center educator to learn all there is to know about this odd local bird. Free and open to all ages. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Woodcock Walk at Big Bend
2025-04-05 19:30 - 20:30
Peeeent peeeeent! In early spring woodcocks perform a beautiful sky dance and vocalize with kazoo-like calls. Come on a guided woodcock walk to see if we can hear these crazy birds. Free and open to all ages. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Match the Hatch: Aquatic Insects vs. Fly Ties
2025-04-06 10:00 - 12:00
This program focuses on how to identify aquatic insects in a river and select the best artificial fly to match local insect activity. By observing insects, learning about insect life cycles, and understanding fish feeding behavior, participants will develop skills to improve their fly fishing success while gaining a deeper appreciation for freshwater ecosystems. This program is free and for ages 13+. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Beginning Birding
2025-04-07 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 register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Needle Felted and Pansky Easter Eggs
2025-04-12 10:00 - 12:00
How do you like your eggs: wool or wax painted? Join our nature center employees to learn about the Ukrainian tradition of psanky easter egg decorating- using wax to write designs onto eggs before dipping them in dye. This will be offered alongside an Easter egg needle felting craft. This program is free and geared toward ages 13+. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Hiking Challenge: Big Bend River Walk
2025-04-13 09:30 - 13:00
Join the monthly hiking challenge where we will explore the wide variety of trails at Moreau Lake State Park, if you make it to all the hikes you will get a prize! This month we will be doing Big Bend’s River Walk which is approximately 5.7 miles with elevation gain/loss of 85 feet. The trails will be muddy so please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes, and trekking poles if you need them. Bring a snack/lunch 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 25 people, please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

World Aquatic Animal Day Celebration
2025-04-14 11:00 - 12:30
Discuss and learn about the diverse aquatic animals of Moreau Lake! Focusing on their ecological roles and the challenges they face such as, invasive species, anthropogenic activities, and pollution. The hands-on activity will include water quality testing to help the students appreciate and understand how environmental factors affect aquatic life. This is free and geared toward ages 6+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Full Moon Hike
2025-04-14 19:30 - 21:00
Join a park educator on a beginner hike and if the clouds cooperate, we’ll get to enjoy the splendor of the full “Pink 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 muddy conditions. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511 the earlier the better as this is a popular program and it fills up quickly.

April Showers bring May flowers
2025-04-15 14:00 - 16:30
Discover how April’s rains contribute to May’s blooming flowers. This interactive program, based on Project WET curriculum, explores the water cycle and its role in sustaining life. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to understand how water moves through the environment, impacts ecosystems, and supports plant growth, fostering an appreciation for water conservation and sustainability. This program is free and geared toward ages 6+. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Invasive Removal Tutorial
2025-04-16 10:00 - 11:30
Come and accompany our regional natural resources technician and educators in starting our monthly invasive pull. We will be learning about our park’s invasives and where the priority areas are. Then we will be pulling invasives so please be prepared with gloves and safety glasses if you have them, and clothes and boots that can get dirty. This program will be held on Sundays in the future. Free and geared toward ages 13+. Please call 518-793-0511 to register.

Easter Craft/Easter Bunny
2025-04-16 13:00 - 15:00
Join the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park for a fun Easter craft and hang out with the Easter Bunny at the Nature Center! Free and open to all ages, there is a registration limit to 25 people, so please sign up on the Friend’s website: FriendsofMoreauLake.org

Fish Stocking
2025-04-17 10:30 - 12:00
Join the park staff – just bring a bucket!

Radical Rabbits
2025-04-18 11:00 - 12:30
Hippity, Hoppity Easter’s on its way! Join a Nature Center educator for a presentation on rabbit diets, ranges, behaviors (like their ability to hop up to 18mph zig zagging from predators), and more! Free and open to all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Phragmites Basket Weaving
2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00
Let’s give new purpose to an invasive plant! Join our nature center employees in a tutorial on weaving your own mini baskets for Easter, May Day, or to use as a catch-all! Free and open to all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
