Friends of Moreau Lake State Park, Inc.

Owl Hour
2026-07-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-24 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
The educator will be out and about in the nature center with the Justin and Sam. We will ask the guests sit down and listen to a brief talk about the owls while looking at our beloved owl ambassadors. There will be plenty of time for questions at the end and even some opportunities to take some flash free photos. This is not a drop in program, please do your best to arrive on time. This program is for all ages. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Retirement Walk
2026-07-08 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-07-22 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 3 miles on uneven surfaces. Please watch the weather and dress appropriately and bring water. The educator leading this hike is not retired, however she looks forward to it someday! Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Friends Kids Craft at the Nature Center
2026-07-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-22 12:00 - 13:00
Drop-in with the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park at the Nature Center to make a fun craft every Wednesday from July 8th to August 12th. This program is geared toward younger children, but everyone is welcome! This program is free, and no registration is required.

Hudson River Kayak
2026-07-09 10:00 - 11:00
Join some educators to kayak on one of the most historic and biodiverse waterways in NY, the Hudson River! We will meet at the park office and then convoy to Sherman Island boat launch. We have 4 rentals available or bring your own kayak. Limited to 10 paddlers. Please call ahead at 518-793-0511 to register.

Wiggly Wanderers
2026-07-10 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-17 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-24 09:30 - 10:30
Every Friday year round we will meet at the Nature Center. Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This is a beginner’s hike/wander series with not too much distance for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. Strollers will not work for these programs. We meet at the nature center parking lot. This program is free and does not require registration, please tell the toll booth operator that you are there for a program.

Wiggly Wanderers; Growing Explorers
2026-07-10 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for a brand-new extension of our beloved Wiggly Wanderers program! Designed for preschoolers, this short, play-based class introduces little learners to how animals adapt in winter. Children will explore fur, feathers, and other adaptations through simple movement games, hands-on materials, and a brief outdoor peek at the winter world around them.
This class gives young explorers their first step into structured nature learning and connects directly to the New York State Explorers Club, encouraging continued discovery as they grow. This program is free for all ages. No registration necessary.

Birding for All
2026-07-11 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-07-25 09:00 - 10:00
Join an educator for a welcoming and accessible birding program at Moreau Lake State Park. This program is open to all ages and abilities, with a focus on creating an inclusive outdoor experience for individuals living with chronic and invisible illnesses.
This program will take place along the beach area near the Nature Center, with a paved path leading to park benches for bird observation, as well as access to a pavilion if we choose to move locations. Designed to be relaxed and flexible, this experience encourages participants to enjoy the outdoors in a way that feels comfortable for them. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 participants.

Hiking Series: Baker to Moreau Overlook
2026-07-12 09:30 - 11:30
Wellness program! 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 are doing a moderate level hike from Baker Trail to Moreau Overlook. This hike is approximately 3 miles with an elevation gain/loss of about 550 ft. Please wear the appropriate attire for the weather with water-resistant hiking shoes and trekking poles if you need them. Bring snacks and plenty of water, we have bug spray and sunscreen to share. This is a free hike and for ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511 and consider carpooling, the trailhead is small and we will need to limit participants!

Birding at Big Bend
2026-07-13 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-07-27 08:00 - 10:00
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. If Big Bend is closed for prescribed burning, we will still have the walk at the lake. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

New Moon at the Observatory
2026-07-13 20:30 - 21:30
Come to the beach to take a view of 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 for the weather! This program is free and for all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Homeschool: Poetry
2026-07-14 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for a unique blend of science and creativity! Designed for homeschool students and lifelong learners, this program introduces participants to the art of blackout poetry while exploring the basics of scientific literacy and research. Using real scientific articles and nature-focused texts, students will learn how scientists communicate information and transform existing words into creative works of poetry.
This program encourages critical thinking, reading comprehension, and creative expression while building confidence in navigating scientific information. Recommended for student’s 2nd grade and up. This program is free. Please register by calling the front office at (518) 793-0511.

Porcupine Hike
2026-07-15 09:00 - 11:30
This hike is short and a bit steep but fun for all ages. Strollers are not an option but lots of children have completed this hike and baby wearing is a great option. We will hike up to a small rocky cave area where we will pop off trail to see if we can find quills, tracks or even a napping porcupine! This hike is free, please call 518-793-0511 to register.

Nature Zen Doodle
2026-07-16 11:00 - 14:00
Slow down and get creative with this relaxing nature-inspired art program! No artistic experience is necessary, just bring your imagination and a willingness to unwind. Whether you are a camper looking for a quiet afternoon activity or simply enjoy creative expression, this program offers a fun and relaxing way to connect with nature through art. This program is free and open to all ages. No registration necessary.

Camper Paddle Meet-Up
2026-07-18 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-07-24 09:00 - 10:00
Celebrate Independence Day on the water! Join an educator and fellow campers for a guided paddle around the lake! Participants may bring their own kayak, canoe, or reserve one of six available kayak rentals for the program. Along the way, we’ll explore the lake’s natural history, observe wildlife, and enjoy a relaxing paddle with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Kayak rentals are available for participants ages 18 and older. Participants of all ages are welcome when using their own watercraft and following New York State boating safety regulations. Please register by calling the front office at (518) 793-0511. Limit 15 participants

Friendship Bracelets
2026-07-19 11:00 - 14:00
Stop by the Nature Center for a fun, camper-friendly craft activity! Participants will be able to create colorful friendship bracelets while exploring the Nature Center exhibits and meet some of our turtle-y awesome animal ambassadors. This program is free and open to all ages. No registration necessary.

Shadow an Animal Caretaker
2026-07-21 10:00 - 11:00
Ever wonder what it takes to care for an animal ambassador? Join a Nature Center caretaker for a behind-the-scenes look at the daily care of our resident turtles, snakes, and owls. Participants will observe feeding, habitat maintenance, enrichment activities, and learn about the medical considerations involved in caring for wildlife ambassadors.
This hands-on educational experience is perfect for teens interested in veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, animal care, or other healthcare careers. *Participation may qualify for shadowing hours depending on individual school or program requirements.* Recommended for ages 13+. Please register by calling the front office at (518) 793-0511.

Mud Pond Beaver Walk
2026-07-22 10:00 - 11:30
Did you know that MLSP is home to a thriving population of North America’s largest rodent? We will walk along the Wetlands Walk and Mud Pond trails where we can view our beaver’s dam and lodges while we learn all about how they live, love, and learn. This program is for people of all ages, it’s an easy-moderate hike of about 2.9 miles. This hike is for ages 13+ due to length and terrain. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Homeschool Hangout Hike
2026-07-23 11:00 - 12:30
Join an educator on a fun nature walk for about an hour on our nature trail. This program is geared toward homeschool students to celebrate summer vacation, but all are welcome! This program is for all ages, but please be aware that the trail is not accessible for strollers.

Turtles on Tour
2026-07-26 09:00 - 10:00
Wednesday, July 1st Turtles on Tour @ Campground Playground 9:00am-10:00am
The turtles are going to set up a station at the playground in the camp loops so you can learn all about them and our nature center! This program does not require registration and all are welcome.

Family Porcupine Hike
2026-07-28 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-28 10:00 - 11:00
