Nature Journaling: Bugs
2026-09-17 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Join an educator at the nature center to get started on your field journaling journey. We will supply journals, or we can handmake them. We will learn about the importance of recording observations, practice our skills, and go on a short walk if we are able. We will sit and observe on the beach after our talk so please wear the appropriate clothing. For beginners to experts! Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Wiggly Wanderers
2026-09-18 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-09-25 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-10-02 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-10-09 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-10-16 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-10-23 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-10-30 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-11-06 09:30 - 10:30 and 6 more dates
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.

NatureFest
2026-09-19 11:00 - 15:30
We would love to see you at our FREE family friendly fun-filled Nature Fest for all ages and interests! There will be all sorts of nature-themed tables and our theme this year is Bees! This is a fundraiser for the Friends of Moreau Lake so there will be a small fee for pumpkin painting ($3), birdhouse building ($5/$10), bake sale items, and food concessions.

NatureZen Doodle Drop In
2026-09-20 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.

Birding at Big Bend
2026-09-21 08:15 - 10:00, 2026-09-28 08:15 - 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.

Spring Overlook Hike
2026-09-22 10:30 - 13:00
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.

Retirement Hike
2026-09-23 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.

Shadow an Animal Caretaker
2026-09-23 16:00 - 17:00
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 (518) 793-0511.

Birding by Boat
2026-09-24 09:30 - 11:00
Bring your binoculars and join an educator on a peaceful morning paddle around Moreau Lake and also look for birds! 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. Please register in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Free Fishing Clinic
2026-09-26 08:30 - 10:30
This day is designated by the Department of Environmental Conservation as a free fishing day which means it is the perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time or get back into it without having to apply for a license! This only happens a couple days out of the year, fishing regulations still apply. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Handmade Homeade: Autumn Needle Felting
2026-09-27 09:30 - 11:30
Wellness Program! Join us at the nature center where we will create a landscape format using wool roving and needle felting! This will be a recurring program to show that great gift giving doesn’t require a store! Materials provided, ages 10+. Please call 518-793-0511 to register, limited to 10 people.

Camper Paddle Meet Up
2026-09-29 10:00 - 12:00
Join an educator on a guided kayak paddle around Moreau lake! Participants may bring their own kayak, canoe, or reserve one of five available kayak rentals for the program. During the tour, we’ll explore the lake’s natural history, observe wildlife, and enjoy a relaxing morning paddle. 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.

Twilight Paddle
2026-09-30 19:00 - 20:00
Join a park educator on a leisurely paddle around Moreau Lake. If the clouds cooperate, we’ll get to enjoy the splendor of the full “Buck” moon rising above the mountains. We have very limited rentals so if you need a kayak, so call soon. Meet at the office to check in and then head down to the beach parking lot (not boat launch). This is a free program and for ages 13+. You must register by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
