Friends of Moreau Lake State Park, Inc.

Homeschool: Tiny Pond Hike
2026-04-02 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will collect pond water samples and use microscopes to observe organisms such as protozoa, algae, and other microscopic life, learning how these tiny creatures support the larger ecosystem. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Homeschool: Microscope Mastery
2026-04-02 14:00 - 15:00
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will practice using microscopes to observe and identify microorganisms from local samples, learning proper slide preparation, focus, and lighting techniques while exploring microscopic life. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Wiggly Wanderers
2026-04-03 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-04-10 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-04-17 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-04-24 09:30 - 10:30
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.

Lantern Making
2026-04-03 11:00 - 14:00
We will use phragmite to create simple tissue paper lanterns to decorate for the Holiday weekend. This program is free and for ages 8+ we will supply the materials, please call to register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Knitting Circle Drop In
2026-04-04 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-11 11:00 - 14:00
Bring your current project and enjoy a peaceful, social knitting circle in the Nature Center. This informal gathering is open to all skill levels and is a great opportunity to relax, share techniques, and connect with fellow knitters and fiber artists. As the weather warms, we may move outside to the beach to knit or crochet in the fresh air. Participants should bring their own knitting supplies and projects, limited supplies available. This is a free program. No registration required.

All About Eggs
2026-04-05 11:00 - 12:30
Join us at the nature center where we will investigate the world of egg laying animals also known as oviparous animals! This program is free and for all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Beginner Field Journaling
2026-04-06 11:00 - 12:00
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. This is free and geared to ages 6+. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Build a Habitat for your Stuffie
2026-04-07 10:00 - 11:30
What do animals need to survive? Join us at the nature center to use household and craft supplies to make a habitat for your stuffed animal, making sure it has everything it needs to survive! You will have to bring your own stuffie and can bring items the animal might need from home, we will also have supplies. This program is free and for all ages. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Homeschool: Power Plant
2026-04-09 11:00 - 12:30
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will explore how plants grow and make their own food through photosynthesis with hands-on experiments, such as observing how leaves respond to sunlight, testing how water moves through plants with colored water, and exploring what plants need to survive. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Homeschool: Cell Biology
2026-04-09 14:00 - 15:00
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will explore cell structure and function, compare plant and animal cells, and learn how each part of the cell works together to support life. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Hiking Series
2026-04-12 09:30 - 11:30
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 hiking Lake Bonita, this hike is 2 miles with an elevation gain/loss of about 150ft and can take approximately 1 hour. 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.

Big Bend Birding
2026-04-13 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.

Retirement Hike: Wise Wanderers
2026-04-15 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 2 miles on uneven surfaces, snow and ice. Trekking poles and micro-spikes are suggested; we have some spikes we can lend out. Please watch the weather and dress appropriately. The educator leading this hike is not retired, however she looks forward to it someday! Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Homeschool: Spring Pollinators
2026-04-16 11:00 - 12:30
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will learn about pollinators and their role in ecosystems while creating bee-friendly crafts, such as seed paper or simple pollinator habitats. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Wiggly Wanderers; Growing Explorers
2026-04-17 11:00 - 12:30
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.

Youth Knitting Circle
2026-04-18 11:00 - 12:30
Join us at the Nature Center for a relaxed knitting circle for youth ages 6 and up. This informal, social gathering is perfect for participants who already know the basics of knitting and want time to work on their projects, share ideas, and connect with other kids who enjoy fiber arts. Participants should bring their own knitting needles, yarn, and current projects. Some limited materials may be available. This is a free program. No registration required.

Trail Steward Meeting
2026-04-19 09:00 - 11:30
A meeting to introduce the trail steward program to people interested in volunteering! The duties of a trail steward include walking the trails of Moreau Lake State Park to identify and report maintenance needs, light trail maintenance including cutting back branches with supplied hand saws and loppers and hanging trail signs when necessary. This meeting will provide crucial information on what to look for on the trails. Established trail stewards are welcome to come. For questions call the office at 518-793-0511.

Help with Invasive Removal
2026-04-19 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-21 09:00 - 12:00
Come join park educators in learning about the impacts of invasive plant species and how you can volunteer to help remove them!
This will be a training day with a presentation and a work day, so please be prepared with comfortable work clothes and sturdy shoes. We can supply hand tools, work gloves, bug spray, and sun screen, but you are more than welcome to bring your own. We are so grateful for any help making a dent in the invasive species at Moreau Lake, please join us!
The program is for beginners through experts in field work and plant identification and is for ages 13+. Please call 518-793-0511 to register.

Meet a Tree
2026-04-20 11:00 - 12:30
Join an educator on a walk to get acquainted with our trees! This will be a short start and stop hike for about an hour. If we have inclement weather, we can transition the program indoors. This program is free and for all ages. Please call ahead to register by calling 518-793-0511.

Mountain Bypass Loop Hike
2026-04-22 09:30 - 11:00
Join an educator on this moderate-hard hike up Baker trail to Mountain Bypass, Red Oak Ridge, Western ridge, and back to Baker trailhead with the option to check out Moreau Overlook! This hike is 3 miles with an elevation gain/loss of about 580 feet. This hike is free and for ages 13+. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Earth Day Trash Pickup
2026-04-22 14:00 - 16:00
Come join us this Earth Day for some spring cleaning at the park! We will supply gloves, bags, and trash pickers. This program is for all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Homeschool: Earth Day Celebration
2026-04-23 11:00 - 12:30
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 1 to 4 (typically ages 6 to 9) will celebrate Earth Day with hands-on activities, create crafts using recycled materials, and learn how small actions can make a positive impact on the planet. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Homechool: Environmental Stewardship
2026-04-23 14:00 - 15:30
Join an educator for Moreau Lake State Park’s Science Series, designed for homeschool families. Students in grades 5 to 8 (typically ages 10 to 14) will explore sustainability and water conservation, participate in a hands-on trash pickup, and discuss ways to protect and care for the environment. This is a free program. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 25 per time slot.

Friends Member-Only Peeper Walk
2026-04-23 19:00 - 20:30
As a member of the Friends – you’re invited to participate in a members-only event on April 23 at 7:00pm – we will meet at the beach. This month it’s our annual Peeper Walk. Join other members for the walk to view and listen for these little creatures who are calling their mates as loud as they can! The walk will be lead by our experienced members who will provide insight to the peepers as well as talk about vernal ponds around the park. These shallow, woodland depressions are crucial for wildlife, acting as “fish-free” breeding grounds for amphibians like salamanders and frogs, as well as fairy shrimp. See if you can spot any of them….
If you are not a member and would like to participate – please CLICK HERE
The Friends are 100% volunteer and find great joy in sharing our love of the park and all of the natural life within it. So – sign up today and we’re sure you’ll enjoy the walk and talk!
Please CLICK HERE to RSVP – this is a free vent so come on out.

Fly Tying Class
2026-04-25 11:00 - 12:30
Learn the art of fly tying in this hands-on class. Participants will be guided through the process of creating their own fishing fly while learning about the insects they imitate. This program is great for beginners and those interested in fishing or fly fishing. Materials will be provided in limited quantities. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511. Limit 5.
