Winter Bird Journaling and Feeder Watch
2025-12-24 08:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
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+. No registration required.

"The Christmas Owl" Storytime
2025-12-24 10:00 - 11:00
This program will begin immediately following Wiggly Wanderers and is also open to the public! Sam, the Saw-Whet owl and his friend Rebecca will be reading “The Christmas Owl” a New York Times bestseller! Experience the beautiful story that captivated the country about a little owl, just like Sam, found in the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree. This book was written by Ellen Kalish, the caretaker for the real owl found in the tree. After the story we will talk a little about Sams story and how we can protect owls and migratory birds in simple but meaningful ways. Registration is not required for this story time.

Holiday Walk at Big Bend
2025-12-25 12:00 - 14:00
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. We will meet at the park office and caravan over to the Big Bend trailhead. This program is free and for all ages, but please be mindful of the mileage, not stroller friendly, but you can bring a sled to pull just in case! Space is limited, please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Wiggly Wanderers
2025-12-26 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.

Blubber Gloves: How Animals Stay Warm in Winter
2025-12-26 11:00 - 12:30
Ever wonder how animals survive freezing temperatures? Join us indoors at the Nature Center to explore the science of insulation and blubber! Participants will make “blubber gloves” and test how this natural adaptation keeps animals warm in icy water. This program is free and for ages 6+. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511.

Appreciating Winter Birds
2025-12-28 10:00 - 11:30
Join an educator at the Nature Center to learn about the birds that stick around our region in the winter. There will be information on how to keep your bird feeders clean to prevent the spread of viruses. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Nature Center Detectives
2025-12-29 11:00 - 12:00
Join an educator at the Nature Center to learn about the native animals of New York. There will be pelts you can pet and taxidermy animals to look at, then you will become nature center detectives to find each animal based on our clues and knowledge you learned! If the weather is good, we will be going on a walk to look for tracks! This is free and for all ages. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Make Your Own Fossil
2025-12-30 11:00 - 12:00
Step into the past as we explore how fossils form and what they can teach us about ancient life. Learn the basics of fossilization before creating your own take-home “fossil” using simple, hands-on natural materials. This program is free and great for all ages. Please register in advance by calling (518) 793-0511.

Eagle Watch
2025-12-31 08:30 - 11:00
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.

Sensory Hours at the Nature Center
2025-12-31 09:00 - 11:00
We are introducing sensory friendly hours to the nature center; we will have low lighting, we will be turning off the aquatic bubblers and running water features, and we will limit access of the nature center to those who would like a quiet and comforting experience to enjoy our animals and nature-themed exhibits. Free and open to all ages, no registration required, just drop-in! Call 518-793-0511 with any questions or preferred accommodations.

First Day Hike
2026-01-01 11:00 - 13:00
Ring in the new year with a refreshing first day hike! We will be hiking around the beautiful Moreau Lake starting the hike all together at the park office. There will be a section of the hike that allows people to split off if they want to make it a shorter loop of about 2.1 miles or they can continue on the longer hike of 3 miles, and both will end either at the Warming Hut for treats and refreshments or back at the Park Office’s parking lot. Well-behaved dogs on a 6 foot or shorter leash are welcome. Hikers should bring water and wear appropriate clothes for the weather, waterproof hiking shoes, and micro spikes if they have them. This is a free event and no registration is required!
