Public Programs at Minnewaska State Park Preserve and Sam s Point for September 2017

Transcription

1 Public Programs at Minnewaska State Park Preserve and Sam s Point for September 2017 Pre-registration is required for participation in most public programs. Please call the Park Preserve Office at , unless otherwise noted. For outings, please wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring snacks and water. A parent or guardian over the age of 18 must accompany children wishing to participate in any programs. Please pre-register for all public programs by calling the Park Preserve Office or the Sam s Point Visitor Center where noted, seven days per week, 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Attempted pre-registration is not a guarantee of participation in any program. Internet service on site is not reliable, education staff is not able to monitor individual accounts every day and s may not be received in a consistent and timely manner. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Minnewaska Nature Center Hours: The Minnewaska Nature Center will be open Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m., from Memorial Day until Columbus Day. Staff will either be at the Nature Center or out in the Park Preserve leading public programs during these time slots. When the building is closed, an information center will be available on the porch to assist patrons with questions about the Park Preserve. Sam s Point Visitor Center Hours: The Sam s Point Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. The following public programs will be offered at Minnewaska State Park Preserve and Sam s Point Area in September: Saturday, September 2, 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.: Long Way to the Waterfall Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for an approximately two mile hike on the Awosting Falls Carriage Road and one short footpath. Highlights of this hike include close-up views of the easy-flowing Peter s Kill stream and the iconic 65 foot tall Awosting Falls. Participants may want to bring water and a light snack for this outing. Meet at the Peter s Kill Parking Area. Pre-registration is required. Saturday, September 2, 9:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m.: High Point and Verkeerderkill Falls Hike at Sam s Point Join Sam s Point staff on a hike to High Point, the point of highest elevation on the Northern Shawangunk Ridge, which features a 360 degree view. Along the way, we will enjoy scenic views of the valleys below and the dwarf pitch pine barrens known as the badlands. We will also stop at Verkeerderkill Falls, which drops 187

2 feet over a dramatic, rocky ledge. This hike includes five miles of challenging walking on a rocky footpath with some steep, scrambling sections. We ll also enjoy easier walking on three and a half miles of old woods roads and carriage roads. Participants must wear appropriate shoes and bring a backpack with plenty of water, snacks, and lunch.children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Sam s Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at Sunday, September 3, 9:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m.: Warwarsing Turnpike and Mossy Glen Loop Explore some of the lesser-travelled footpath sections in Minnewaska on this approximately five mile hike with Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps member Emily Shertzer. Leaving from the Awosting Parking Area, participants will delve into history on the Warwarsing Turnpike Footpath, a remnant of the former toll road that predates the current US Route 44 and New York State Route 55. Upon reaching the intersection with Jenny Lane, we will take this footpath across one stream, through forests and across rock slabs until the intersection with Blueberry Run Footpath. From here, we will take this footpath for a short distance, crossing the Peter s Kill stream on a rustic footbridge, to reach the Mossy Glen Footpath. This beautiful trail runs along the Peter s Kill stream and through different forest types. This outing will include two stream crossings and some potentially tricky footing, that some may find challenging. Meet at the Awosting Parking Area. Preregistration is required. Sunday, September 3, 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.: Fun with Photography Drop-in Program Drop in at the Minnewaska Nature Center to make photographic prints of some small objects you find in nature. Placing these objects on light sensitive paper, we ll make shadow images called sunprints. And, we ll also examine objects close-up under a hand-held microscope and then make small photos of what we see. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. This is a drop-in program and pre-registration is NOT required. Monday, September 4, 9:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m.: Millbrook Mountain Hike Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for this five mile hike along the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road and Millbrook Mountain Footpath. The gorgeous views from the cliff on top of Millbrook Mountain include the Sky Top Tower and the verdant Wallkill Valley below. Raptors are often seen soaring beneath the cliff. The footpath does include a steep hill up and down, as well as a stream crossing and some potentially tricky footing. Participants should pack water and food and wear appropriate shoes. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is required. Monday, September 4, 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.: How Old is that Tree? Drop-in Program Stop by the Minnewaska Nature Center to learn how to determine a tree s age. Then, we ll draw tree rings representing our own lives! All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. This is a drop-in program and pre-registration is NOT required. Monday, September 4, 9:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.: Holiday Hike to the Shingle Gully Ice Caves Explore the Shingle Gully Ice Caves, where ice persists into summer in deep, crevice caves. These caves are in a primitive area in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. This rugged, protected landscape is accessible only on guided tours led by park staff and volunteer docents. This all-day, strenuous adventure ascends and descends 1,500 feet, includes off-trail bushwhacking and steep rock scrambles, and is only appropriate for experienced

3 hikers. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at Pre-registration deadline: August 30 th. Tuesday, September 5, 8:00 a.m.: Early Morning Birders Designed for birding enthusiasts, or those just looking to learn the basics, this series will offer various outings led by experienced birding volunteers and park naturalists. Participants will meet at the Minnewaska main entrance and should come prepared with binoculars. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Wednesday, September 6, 3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Phenology Training Nick Dietschler, a Resource Technician at Cornell University, will be coming to Minnewaska State Park Preserve to teach interested volunteers how to monitor the phenophases of an important insect, the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). HWA is an invasive insect that has been damaging many of the hemlock trees at the Park Preserve. This training will involve a minute PowerPoint presentation, followed by a short walk to look more closely at some of our hemlock trees in the field. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Preregistration is required. Thursday, September 7, 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.: Homeschoolers: Wild Edibles Come join other homeschoolers at Minnewaska to learn about what s good to eat in the woods. Although harvesting wild plants is not permitted at Minnewaska, we ll talk about the basics of collecting, identifying and what to do with wild plants. Then, we ll search for a few easily identifiable plants on the trails. This program is recommended for children between the ages of seven to twelve years old, accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. As always, well-behaved younger siblings are welcome to join us. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.Pre-registration is required. Thursday, September 7, 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.: Babes in the Woods at Minnewaska Come join volunteer leader Renee LaMonica, and other parents with babies or toddlers at Minnewaska State Park Preserve, for an hour of leisurely strolling. Babes in the Woods is offered the first Thursday of the month at Minnewaska and third Thursday of the month at Sam s Point. This program will be offered from June through October, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please bring a jogging type stroller or back/front pack child carrier. Meet at the Wildmere Parking Area at Lake Minnewaska. Pre-registration is required. Saturday, September 9, 9:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m.: Old Orchard and Golf Course Hike Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, for a walk on some historic carriage roads and through the fields and forests of a former orchard and golf course. This hike offers two glorious views of the Catskill Mountains, if the sky conditions area clear. This approximately three mile hike will take participants through varied terrain with a few sustained uphill sections and a few potentially wet areas. Participants will want to come prepared with comfortable hiking shoes or boots, water and a light snack. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Preregistration is required. Saturday, September 9, 2:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m.: Citizen Science Plant Hike at Sam s Point When do the flowers bloom? When do the leaves fall? We are very curious to find out! In this program, you will learn all about phenology, the study of how plants and animals change throughout the seasons, while working as a citizen scientist to collect information about the plants in our park. We will be offering this hike once a month at Sam s Point to monitor seasonal changes in plants along the Loop Road. Along this carriage road,

4 you will encounter a variety of flowers, ferns, shrubs, and trees which change as you move up in elevation. This program is recommended for children eight years old and above, but everyone is welcome to join us. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Sam s Point Visitor Center. Preregistration is required by calling Sam's Point at Sunday, September 10, 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.: Views across the Ravine Walk Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a Sunday morning stroll along the Castle Point and Millbrook Mountain Carriage Roads to reach two iconic, cliff-edge, scenic lookouts, Kempton Ledge and Patterson s Pellet. These two spots are located across the Palmaghatt Ravine from each other and, if conditions are favorable, we should be able to see one from the other and perhaps even the tower at High Point State Park in New Jersey. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is required. Tuesday, September 12, 8:00 a.m.: Early Morning Birders Designed for birding enthusiasts, or those just looking to learn the basics, this series will offer various outings led by experienced birding volunteers and park naturalists. Participants will meet at the Minnewaska main entrance and should come prepared with binoculars. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Tuesday, September 12, 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.: Tuesday Trek: Jenny Lane Loop Hike Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for a five mile loop hike along the Jenny Lane section of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail. We ll begin our walk along the verdant Mossy Glen Footpath, which follows along the edge of the Peter s Kill stream, until we reach the Blueberry Run Footpath. This section of trail passes through an area of forest that was burned during the 2008 Overlooks Wild Fire. Next, we connect with the Jenny Lane Footpath, which we ll hike until it intersects the Wawarsing Turnpike Footpath. This trail used to be a part of the toll road that was built in the 1850s and crossed the Shawangunk Ridge. This hike includes some hilly sections, two stream crossings and lots of walking on exposed bedrock. Meet in the Awosting Parking Area. Preregistration is required. Saturday, September 16, 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.: Citizen Science Plant Observation Hike Learn all about phenology, the study of how plants and animals change throughout the seasons, and collect real data that can be used by New York scientists to monitor climate change. We are offering this hike once a month to monitor seasonal changes in plants along the Beacon Hill loop hike. This approximately two mile hike offers beautiful views of the Rondout and Wallkill valleys, as well as the Catskill Mountains. This program is recommended for adults and children over the age of eight, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Nature Center. Pre-registration is required. Saturday, September 16, 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.: Fungi in the Forest at Sam s Point Join Sam s Point educators for a new workshop that s all about mushrooms! We will discover how native fungi function in the ecosystem, while we explore the unique characteristics of the forest at Sam s Point. As we walk, we ll look for fungi along the trail and make spore prints from any fresh finds. Then, the group will start the process of growing mushrooms by inoculating logs with mushroom spores. The logs will be placed in the Sam s Point garden so visitors can return and watch them flourish. Mushroom kits will also be available for participants to take home. This program is open to all ages and levels of experience. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Sam s Point Visitor Center. Preregistration is required by calling Sam's Point at

5 Sunday, September 17, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Hudson River Valley Ramble: 8th Annual Minnewaska Volunteer Trail Work Day Come to the Park Preserve to meet new friends, help improve trail conditions and learn about basic trail maintenance from experienced trail keepers. Join members of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, a region wide volunteer organization devoted to maintaining and improving public trails, and Park Preserve staff, to help improve the Blueberry Run Footpath. This important connector trail runs between Castle Point and Lower Awosting Carriage Roads. Volunteers will use hand tools to clip back overgrown shrubs and tree roots, clear woodland debris, build bog bridges and improve the trail route. Public school students needing to accrue community service hours may join us to work towards completion of their requirements. This program is recommended for adults and teenagers, who must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Participants are encouraged to bring their own work gloves and tools including loppers, bow saws and clipping shears. The parking fee will be waived for participants volunteering for this program. All participants should also bring water and food and wear appropriate shoes and clothes for the day. Pre-registration is required by Saturday, September 16. Tuesday, September 19, 8:00 a.m.: Early Morning Birders Designed for birding enthusiasts, or those just looking to learn the basics, this series will offer various outings led by experienced birding volunteers and park naturalists. Participants will meet at the Minnewaska main entrance and should come prepared with binoculars. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Thursday, September 21, 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m.: Babes in the Woods at Sam s Point Come join volunteer leader Renee LaMonica, and other parents with babies or toddlers, at Sam s Point Preserve for an hour of leisurely strolling. Babes in the Woods is offered the first Thursday of the month at Minnewaska and the third Thursday of the month at Sam s Point. This program will be offered from June through October, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please bring a jogging type stroller or back/front pack child carrier. Meet at the Sam s Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam s Point at Saturday, September 23, 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.: Hike to Echo Rock Explore scenic sections of the historic Hamilton Point Carriage Road on this approximately three and a half mile hike to Echo Rock, a cliff edge vista with panoramic views. Participants will hike on the western side of Lake Minnewaska, to reach Millbrook Mountain and Hamilton Point Carriage Roads. After reaching Echo Rock, we will retrace our steps to Lake Minnewaska and hike around its east side, soaking up of views of the Lake and the surrounding Wallkill Valley. Participants will want to bring comfortable hiking shoes or boots and water and a snack. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is required. Saturday, September 23, 10:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m.: Hike to Verkeerder Kill Falls at Sam s Point Join Sam s Point staff for a hike to Verkeerderkill Falls. Falling 187 feet over a dramatic rocky ledge, Verkeerderkill Falls is the highest waterfall in the Shawangunk Mountains. We ll walk through the dwarf pitch pines and enjoy views of the Hudson Valley below. This five and a half mile hike is mostly level, but does include some steep, rocky terrain and a stream crossing. Children must be accompanied by a parent or

6 guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Sam s Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at Sunday, September 24, 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.: Wild Medicinal Herb Ramble Join local Holistic Health Educator and Culinary Herbalist, Amy Nielsen, for an introduction to wild herbs and edible plants. We will begin with a discussion on how local plants have been used to support the health and wellbeing of people for generations. After, we will ramble to a special spot brimming with the diversity of this amazing habitat, where we will learn to identify herbs and edibles in the field. There is nothing like a bit of five senses learning to seal the knowledge in your memory. We will touch on what constitutes an herb and how they are similar and different to food plants. As Minnewaska is ripe with natural edible plants, we will talk about which wild foods are abundant in our forests. We will also discuss ethical and sustainable foraging and collecting practices, which are prohibited in New York State Parks, and we ll share some recipes for the bounty we will see too. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is required. Sunday, September 24, 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.: Hike to the Shingle Gully Ice Caves PHOTOGRAPHY EDITION! Join other photographers to explore and photograph the Shingle Gully Ice Caves, where ice persists into summer in deep crevice caves. These caves are in a primitive area in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. This rugged, protected landscape is accessible only on guided tours led by park staff and volunteer docents. This all-day, strenuous adventure ascends and descends 1,500 feet, includes off-trail bushwhacking and steep rock scrambles, and is only appropriate for experienced hikers. This particular hike will move at a slower pace to allow you ample time to take that perfect picture. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at Pre-registration deadline: September 19 th. Sunday, September 24, 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.: Phenology and Climate Change Walk and Talk at Gardiner Library Come to the Gardiner Library to learn all about phenology, the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals, and its use in tracking climate change. Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps member, Emily Shertzer, will be giving a short lecture about this fascinating branch of science. Then, we will go for a short walk on the Wallkill Rail Trail to observe some of the plants growing there. For more information and to register for this program, please contact the Gardiner Library directly at Tuesday, September 26, 8:00 a.m.: Early Morning Birders Designed for birding enthusiasts, or those just looking to learn the basics, this series will offer various outings led by experienced birding volunteers and park naturalists. Participants will meet at the Minnewaska main entrance and should come prepared with binoculars. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Tuesday, September 26, 9:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.: Tuesday Trek: Napanoch Point Hike Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, and Emily Shertzer, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps member, for this challenging eight mile hike up the Long Path along the Mine Hole Footpath section. Leaving from the small parking area on Foordmore Road in Kerhonkson, this trail climbs steadily, gaining approximately 1,600 feet in elevation in just over three-and-a-half miles. The view from Napanoch Point, especially with colorful fall foliage, is breathtaking, encompassing much of the Rondout Valley. This hike is for experienced hikers only, who must come prepared, wearing hiking boots, proper clothing

7 and carrying enough food and water to sustain them for the day. We will be ride-sharing to the small parking area at the trailhead, so carpooling is recommended. Meet in the Awosting Parking Area. Pre-registration is required. Friday, September 29, 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.: Moon Viewing at Sam s Point Join members of the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association (MHAA) for an educational presentation on the history and characteristics of the moon, followed by moon viewing through a variety of telescopes. All the equipment will be provided by the members of MHAA, who will also be there to answer questions about the moon and astronomy. If conditions permit, viewing of planets or star clusters may also occur. If there is inclement weather, this program will be held on Saturday, September 30 th. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Sam s Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at Saturday, September 30, 9:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m.: Peter s Kill Loop Hike For this approximately two and a half mile hike, we will explore a variety of trails in the Peter s Kill Area. Starting from the parking area, we will depart on the Red Loop Footpath until the intersection of the Bullwheel Footpath and take the High Peter s Kill Footpath to the Peter s Kill stream. From here, we will follow the Yellow Connector and Red Loop along the edges of the Peter s Kill and follow some sustained uphills back up to our starting area. This hike offers beautiful views of the Catskill Mountains, in addition to getting close-up views of the Peter s Kill stream. Participants will want to come well prepared with sturdy hiking boots, water and lunch or snacks. Meet in the Peter s Kill Area. Pre-registration is required. Saturday, September 30, 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.: National Public Lands Day Service Projects at Sam s Point Celebrate National Public Lands Day at Sam s Point! For this first year that we are offering this volunteer program, two distinct projects are planned, as follows: Trash Pickup Project: Do you often see water bottles, candy wrappers, or other litter when you walk the trails at Sam s Point? We need your help to change that! Meet at the Sam s Point Visitor Center, where you will be given garbage bags and gloves before ranging the Park for litter. This event is recommended for children over the age of eight, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Barberry Pull Project: Japanese barberry is a prickly invasive plant that is quickly spreading in forests and fields around the country. Help Sam s Point staff prevent its invasion by removing plants from our forest. Interested volunteers will meet at Mt. Meenagha Rd (GPS address 172 Mt. Meenagha Road or GPS point N, W), where they will be met by Park staff. Removing barberry involves strenuous pulling and this project is best for physically fit individuals. It is highly recommended that participants wear long sleeves and long pants and pre-treat work clothes with bug spray. This event is recommended for teens over the age of 16, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Participation at either of these projects is a great opportunity to show your appreciation for your public lands. Please bring water, snacks and a lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes. All National Public Lands Day volunteers will

8 receive a free day pass to participating federal public lands. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at Sunday, October 1, 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.: Live Birds of Prey Drop-In Program at Minnewaska Nature Center Join Annie Mardiney, wildlife rehabilitator from Wild Mountain Birds, for an up-close and personal look at some of the raptors common to the Shawangunk Ridge. Live education birds may include red-tailed hawk, broadwinged hawk, American kestrel, barred owl and screech owl. Stop by the Minnewaska Nature Center to meet these amazing and beautiful animals in person! This is a drop-in program and pre-registration is NOT required. For more information and to register for programs at Minnewaska, please call the Park Preserve Office at For more information and to register for programs at the Sam s Point Area, please call the Sam s Point Visitor Center at Minnewaska State Park Preserve is open from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., until September 11th, when the closing time switches to 7:00 p.m. The fee for parking is $10 per vehicle or a valid Empire Pass may be used. All fees are subject to change. There are no additional fees for public programs, unless noted otherwise. Minnewaska State Park Preserve consists of over 23,000 acres of wild and scenic land located on Route 44/55, five miles west of the intersection with Route 299 in Gardiner, New York and also includes the Sam s Point Area, located in the hamlet of Cragsmoor, south of Route 52. The Palisades Interstate Park Commission administers 30 parks, parkways and historic sites for the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in New York as well as the Palisades Interstate Park and parkway in New Jersey. For more information about New York State Parks, please visit parks.ny.gov <30>