All posts by New York State Parks

Park Personnel, Park Volunteers

Park Police Spring into Action for 2023

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For the first time in four years, New York State’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s Park Police have a new graduating class.

That’s right, a group of 32 recruits answered the call, made it through a trying six-month training term, and are now ready to patrol our parks. While we still have a long way to go to get our Park Police numbers in a healthier place, this influx of personnel is a great start to filling depleted ranks, primarily on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley.

Four 17th Academy recruits were honored at the recent Saratoga Spa State Park Hall of Springs graduation ceremony:

  • Erik Torkildsen – Firearms Proficiency
  • James Hopkins – Physical Fitness
  • Matthew Olsen – Academic Achievement
  • Robert Costanzo – Leadership

For the family and friends gathered on that May 3 morning, the highlight was the recruit recap video that showed the rigors of just what the new officers had to go through. There were written tests, physical fitness activities, pursuit driving drills, snowmobile safety and water rescue lessons, the mental challenges of returning to their barracks to find their living space (purposely) in shambles, plus being tased and pepper sprayed. Some video onlookers laughed, some gasped, some pointed wide-eyed. Most of the new officers didn’t react – they had lived it and earned their badges.

The new class was also offered wisdom and well wishes from leadership at State Parks and Park Police:

“The call to service comes at all hours of the day,” Commissioner Erik Kulleseid reminded them.

“Always make your bed,” suggested Colonel Michael Daddona, Assistant Director of Law Enforcement, referencing making a practice of the first accomplishment of their day, every day.

“Protect precious and beautiful places in New York State,” urged Lieutenant Zachary Voegler, head of the Park Police Academy.

2023’s NY State Park Police graduating officers prior to their May 3 ceremony.

After graduation, PBANYS President and University Police Lieutenants Director James McCarthy underscored the immense benefits of building the Park Police force. “We welcome the addition of these specialized officers who have made a commitment to keeping their neighbors and communities safe,” he said. “At a time when law enforcement agencies face tremendous challenges in recruiting and retaining the best and brightest, the residents of New York state are extremely fortunate that these 32 individuals answered the call to serve and protect.”

Our Park Police graduation, however, was just one of two major events recently hosted at Saratoga Spa State Park. The other event unfolded a few days earlier when Park Police staged an emergency exercise on how to respond to a disaster during a concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, commonly known as SPAC, a venue within the park.

SPAC, which will host many Live Nation concerts and events this year, was the setting for a simulated mass casualty training exercise. After being in the planning stages for months, the emergency drill gathered about 300 volunteers on that Sunday morning to participate, including a few of the Park Police recruits to watch and learn from their experienced mentors and future colleagues.

The scenario – a pickup truck crashing into a line of concertgoers waiting to get into a hypothetical Dave Matthews Band show, plus a rogue gun shot – was designed to be both chaotic and realistic. Roughly 20 agencies came together to create a coordinated emergency response, ensuring that injured people were tended to properly, bystanders and staff got out safely, and the message for the public was disseminated clearly and effectively.

Learn more about NY State Park Police’s simulated mass casualty training exercise at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on April 30, 2023.

“[This exercise] gives us a very good opportunity to test our communications capabilities inside the facility with county and local law enforcement and the state agencies that are responding,” said Park Police Colonel Daddona.

Sirens blared around SPAC, officers taped areas off, and volunteers posing as victims were treated at the scene.

Word travels fast through social media these days, and you can likely imagine how the old game of “telephone” could distort a message at a large venue during an emergency situation. Smartphones often intensify that chatter. Questions began to surface: Where did the car come from? Who was driving? Was this deliberate or coordinated? Did the driver have a medical condition? Who shot the gun? Was it even a gunshot? All concerns that Park Police have trained hard to address.

With thousands of attendees still outside of SPAC, and many already inside the venue, Park Police were tasked with assessing the situation and ensuring the safety of everyone on site. It took a coordinated effort, many prior tabletop simulations, and even a closed-circuit social media signal to get the response right.

“We’re doing this to make sure we are as safe as we can be for the patrons of the park and for concertgoers,” said NY State Park Police Sergeant Jeffrey Santor that day as he led the exercise.

With 32 new officers and a renewed sense of teamwork, Park Police are certainly ready for the State Parks’ busy season.

-Written by John Craig, Public Affairs Bureau

Family Fun, Fun & Games, Hiking

Flocking Together for Black Birders Week

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Black Birders Week 2023 kicks off at the end of May, and in collaboration with the organization Black AF In STEM, State Parks’ environmental educators from New York City invite you to join in celebrating and uplifting Black birders. From budding novices to seasoned experts, all birders, including those who aspire to learn more about birding generally, are welcome.

What is Black Birders Week?

On May 25, 2020, Christian Cooper – a Black man – was riding his bike through Central Park when he encountered a white woman with her dog in the Ramble and politely asked her to put her dog on a leash. As an avid birder, Mr. Cooper knew that the period between March 1 and July 31 is the main breeding period for ground nesting birds, and the Ramble is a prime nesting area. In response to Mr. Cooper’s request, the woman called 911 and asserted that an African American man was threatening her and her dog.

Video courtesy of NOVA PBS Official‘s YouTube channel.

When the recorded cell phone video of Christian Cooper’s encounter went viral, it made national news and demonstrated the unique challenges Black people may face when engaging in outdoor activities. The incident, and others like it, led to the creation of “Black Birders Week” by Black AF In STEM, fortifying efforts to highlight Black nature enthusiasts and increase the visibility of Black people in environmental issues.

“Black Birders Week has made me even more aware of the dangers Black people face when we spend time in outdoor spaces, but it also helped me discover a vast community of Black birders and nature lovers around the country,” said Roslyn Rivas, Public Programs Manager at NYC Audubon and a guest facilitator for New York State Parks.

How and when can you participate?

From May 28, 2023 to June 3, 2023, NY State Parks is hosting a week-long series of events at two state parks named after historically prominent Black women who lived in New York City: Marsha P. Johnson State Park and Shirley Chisholm State Park.

All programs are free and materials are provided, including binoculars and bird guides. At each event, participants may enter a raffle to win special prizes including binoculars, plush Audubon birds, or a New York State Park Empire Pass!

“I never imagined there would be so many of us, and I have absolutely loved getting to make so many connections and new friends in this network,” said Rivas. “Black Birders Week is a time when we can come together and enjoy being outdoors without fear, especially when access to green space has been purposely limited for Black people throughout history.”

If you are interested in attending any of the eight Black Birders Week events in the NYC region, an overview of each event (and links to register) are below. We hope to see you there!

Beginner Birding with NYC Audubon

Shirley Chisholm State Park– Pennsylvania Side
Sunday, May 28, 2023
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
All ages– 1.5-3 mile hike on gravel trails with gradual incline
Binoculars provided
Registration is required

Join Roslyn Rivas from NYC Audubon and discover the incredible birds of Shirley Chisholm State Park. Whether you’re an expert birder or just curious about our feathered friends there is always something fun to discover on the trails. All attendees can enter to win a pair of Binoculars or NYS Empire Pass.

Beginner Birding

Marsha P Johnson State Park
Sunday, May 28, 2023
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
All ages
Binoculars provided
Registration is required

If you are interested in learning about birds, but don’t know where to start, join us for a walk to learn the basics of bird identification. Birders of every level and every age are welcome. At the end of the program, we will be raffling off a new pair of binoculars to get a beginner birder started!

Sunset Birding with NYC Audubon

Shirley Chisholm State Park– Fountain side 
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Ages 8 years and older 
2-3 miles on gravel trails with gradual incline
Binoculars provided
Registration is required

Sunsets are beautiful, but they are also a great time to go birding as many birds are active at dawn and dusk! Join NYC Audubon’s Roslyn Rivas and discover the joys of urban birding as the sun sets over Manhattan. All attendees can enter to win a pair of Binoculars or NYS Empire Pass.

Puppets at the Park House: Karen Cardinal’s New Neighbors

Marsha P. Johnson State Park
Thursday, June 1, 2023
3 PM, 4 PM, and 5 PM
All ages
Registration is encouraged

Diversity is important, even in nature! Puppets at the Park House presents an original show in honor of Black Birders Week: “Karen Cardinal’s New Neighbors!” When some migratory birds settle into Karen Cardinal’s neighborhood, she learns that our differences are what make us special and that there is space for birds of all colors and sizes.

Ruby’s Birds: Story Time and Craft Workshop

Marsha P. Johnson
Friday, June 2, 2023
3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
All ages
Materials provided
Registration is encouraged

Read a story about a young girl named Ruby and the birds she finds in New York City! Then make a bird decal that helps prevent window strikes, a pinecone bird feeder to support migratory birds, or both!

Birds and Brews: Sunset Birding and a Tour of Brooklyn Brewery

Marsha P. Johnson State Park
Friday, June 2, 2023
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Ages 18 and older
Binoculars provided
Registration is required

Come to our sunset birding with our special guest facilitator, Roslyn Rivas from NYC Audubon. Spot songbirds as the sun sets behind the Manhattan skyline. After the program you can choose to attend a free tour of the nearby Brooklyn Brewery offered specifically for participants and receive a drink voucher for a beer, wine, or soda. Learn about the connections between birds and beer, while making new connections with other birders. Birders of all experience levels are welcome!  

New York City Raptors: Live Bird Demonstration

Shirley Chisholm State Park – Pennsylvania side at Hendrix Creek Patio
Date and time to be announced
1 PM to 2 PM
All ages
Registration is encouraged

Ever wanted to meet some of New York’s fiercest predators? Join Wildlife Rehabilitator Bobby Horvath and get up-close and personal with his wildlife ambassadors and learn about these incredible feathered friends– including hawks, owls, and falcons– at Hendrix Creek Patio.

New York City Raptors: Live Bird Demonstration

Marsha P. Johnson State Park
Saturday, June 3, 2023
1 PM to 2 PM
All ages
Registration is encouraged

Volunteers for Wildlife will give us an up-close introduction to their wildlife ambassadors, including owls and kestrels! Meet some feathered friends while we discuss the many different species of birds of prey native to New York and all of their interesting adaptations!

– Written by Jenna Marie Otero, Environmental Education Assistant in the New York City Regional Office


Family Fun, Historic Sites, history, Park History, Park Personnel

En Garde! Schuyler Mansion Fencing Event Celebrates 18th Century Barrier-Breaking Celebrities

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The history of European swordsmanship is often presumed to be the story of white, cisgender men. But people of all genders and races have played leading roles in this story.

On April 23rd, 2023, Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site partnered with the Musicians of Ma’alwyck (including Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz , Norman Thibodeau, and André Laurent O’Neil), actor Devin Funnye, and historical fencer Reily Mumpton, to present The Match!, a celebration of the stories of two 18th century individuals who exemplify these contributions: Chevalier de Saint-Georges and Chevalière d’Éon.

Learn more about The Match event from Schuyler Mansion staff and the actors who played Saint-Georges and d’Éon.

Saint-Georges and d’Éon were both considered celebrities in late-18th century London, and were part of the entourage of the Prince of Wales (through which they made the acquaintance of Schuyler Mansion’s very own Angelica Schuyler Church, of Hamilton fame!). On April 9, 1787, when the Prince of Wales hosted a fencing tournament at his personal residence, contemporary accounts hailed the match between Saint-Georges and d’Éon as the capstone of the event.

In addition to being immensely respected fencers, Saint-Georges was a celebrated musician and composer, while d’Éon had a thrilling past as a soldier and spy in secret service to King Louis XV of France. If this were not enough to capture the interest of their contemporaries and modern audiences alike, neither figure fit neatly into societal assumptions about the identities of aristocratic 18th century courtiers and fencers: Chevalière d’Éon was a trans-woman, while Chevalier de Saint-Georges was a biracial Afro-Caribbean man.

Left: Portrait of Angelica Schuyler Church. She and her two sisters were depicted in the musical Hamilton. Right: Flier for The Match at Schuyler Mansion in Albany, NY.

Possibly born intersex, d’Éon had been assigned male at birth and raised as a son of the French nobility. Her espionage career eventually led to exile, forcing d’Éon to protect herself by threatening to publish incriminating documents about the king of France. In 1777, at the age of forty-nine, d’Éon agreed to return to France and turn over the documents on several conditions: that she be legally recognized as a woman, be given a full feminine wardrobe suitable to her status, and be allowed to wear her military honors earned while presenting as a man. Desperate to avoid scandal, the king agreed. From that point forward, d’Éon was able to live publicly as a woman.

Saint-Georges, on the other hand, was born not into nobility, but into slavery on the plantations of Guadeloupe. His life story is featured in Searchlight Pictures film, CHEVALIER, which hit theaters on April 21, 2023. The son of a white French planter and an enslaved African mother, he was sent to France at the age of seven, where he was legally free. There he studied many topics, including music and fencing. The specter of racism still followed him, however, as the Code Noir (“Black Code”) limited his freedoms. He likewise faced personal prejudices from fellow fencers and musicians. He did not back down to his detractors, however, besting many of them with sword or violin, and eventually secured the patronage of Queen Marie Antoinette herself. He later became an important voice in the French abolition movement, and an officer in the French revolutionary forces.

Saint-Georges and d’Éon are stirring examples of Black and LGBTQ+ excellence in a history from which such voices are often sidelined by traditional narratives. Both openly celebrated who they were, excelling in every area of their lives, even when met with social opposition. They are important reminders that people from these groups have always been part of our shared stories, and that the contributions of marginalized individuals and groups today are part of a living tradition with very deep roots.

236 years later after they crossed swords before the Prince of Wales, visitors of all ages and backgrounds gathered to hear performances of some of Saint-Georges’ compositions by the Musicians of Ma’alwyck (as well as music by contemporaries who drew inspiration from the Afro-Caribbean virtuoso), and to witness an exciting live recreation of Saint-Georges’ and d’Éon’s 1787 fencing match! We are honored to have been able to help share their stories, and look forward to continuing to amplify the many, many voices that make up our whole history.

– Written by Ian Mumpton, Historic Site Assistant at OPRHP Schuyler Mansion

Event photographs courtesy of Madeleine Goodman, Excelsior Service Fellow at OPRHP

Family Fun, Park Volunteers, Stewardship

Join Us For ‘I Love My Park’ Day! 

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Did you visit a New York State park or historic site last year? Maybe you plan to this year?  

For nearly a century, New Yorkers and visitors around the world have enjoyed the great outdoors at New York State parks and historic sites. For everything these properties have given to us, we now invite you to give back and help ensure that future generations have the same access. 

Register to volunteer at www.ptny.org/ilovemypark

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, join us in celebrating the 12th annual ‘I Love My Park’ Day — an event in partnership with Parks & Trails New York; the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; and the Department of Environmental Conservation. This is the largest statewide volunteer event to enhance parks, historic sites, and public lands across the State, and registration is now open. 

“Our volunteers are crucial in making our state park system the very best in the nation and we look forward to welcoming thousands of volunteers for I Love My Park Day again this year,” said Erik Kulleseid, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. 

Last year, more than 5,000 volunteers gave back to our parks and public lands, planting more than 250 trees, creating and updating more than 1,000 gardens, and filling nearly 600 bags of garbage. 

Volunteers from 2022 and 2021 making repairs, spreading mulch, planting flowers and painting restrooms.

You and your family and friends will have the opportunity to participate in rewarding cleanup events at over 120 state parks, historic sites, and public lands all across the state. Here’s a quick look at only some of the properties where you can volunteer across the regions: 

  • Participate in various gardening projects at the public gardens in Bear Mountain State Park in the Taconic Region. 
  • Mulch trails, help remove litter, and participate in general park cleanup at Bethpage State Park in the Long Island region. 
  • Assemble Adirondack chairs, spread gravel, spread mulch, and help with tree maintenance at FDR Four Freedoms State Park in the New York City region. 
  • Replant flower beds and planters and weed out gardens around the Culture Center at Ganondagan State Historic Site in the Finger Lakes region. 
  • Participate in trimming and cleanup work on the disc golf course at Joseph Davis State Park in the Niagara Region. 
  • Clean up the beach, camping sites, and horseshoe pits at Hamlin Beach State Park in the Genesee Region. 
  • Help spruce up the land by planting trees and wildflowers, improve trails, and rake leaves at Max V. Shaul State Park in the Saratoga/Capital District region. 
  • Take part in spring garden preparation, as well as weeding and trimming bushes at Robert Moses State Park in the Thousands Islands Region. 
‘I Love My Park’ Day participants wearing t-shirts given out at previous events.

Registration is now open for sites across the State. But don’t wait! Volunteer spots will fill up quickly. We thank you for being responsible stewards so future generations can enjoy these special natural resources for centuries to come.

“I Love My Park Day is a great opportunity for New Yorkers to give back to our incredible parks and public lands,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “I encourage New Yorkers to sign up and volunteer at a participating park, historic site or trail in their area to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy these amazing natural resources.” 

Family Fun, Nature Centers, Park Volunteers, Stewardship

Celebrate Earth Day with State Parks!

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This week we celebrate Earth Day! The first Earth Day was held in 1970 to draw attention to ongoing environmental issues in the United States, such as water and air pollution. Since then, Earth Day has become a global event held every April 22nd in honor of protecting the environment. With over 350,000 acres of park land and waters, NY State Parks play an important role in the protection and stewardship of New York’s natural ecosystems. If you would like to join in the celebration and participate in hands-on Earth Day activities, check out the list below for a sampling of Earth Day events held in State Parks across the state! If you can’t make any of this week’s Earth Day events, join us for Arbor Day programs next week and I Love My Park Day on Saturday, May 7th!

Long Island

Brookhaven National Lab Climate Van
Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center
Friday, April 22, 2022 09:00 AM – 04:30 PM
This pioneering mobile laboratory consists instruments used in their climate research to measure atmospheric variables. Come explore and get a glimpse into the science of forecasting atmospheric conditions. The talks will be on Zoom as well as in person.

Protect the Pollinators Event
Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center
Saturday, April 23, 2022 12:00 PM
Build your own bee or insect house; Guided tour of our Pollinator Garden; Springtime Storytime; and Pollinator Relay Races

Earth Day Celebration Project
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Saturday, April 23, 2022 09:00 AM
In celebration of Earth Day, please join Friends of Connetquot to plant native plants and ferns along the main road to the Clubhouse. Meet up by the Kiosk in the main parking lot starting at 9 am. Please dress appropriately and bring gloves. To register, please visit www.friendsofconnetquot.org.

Earth Day Hike
Hallock State Park Preserve
Saturday, April 23, 2022 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Celebrate our earth home by taking a 3 mile hike through the trails of the Preserve observing all that nature can share with us! All programs meet in the upper parking lot unless noted. Programs led by MaryLaura Lamont. Call for details, reservations at (631)315-5475. Snow/rain cancels programs!!!

Earth Day Festival
Hempstead Lake State Park
Saturday, April 23, 2022 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The event will include alternative energy activities, up-cycling t-shirt into aprons, make native pollinator seed bombs, and more!

Come to Hempstead Lake to up-cycle a t-shirt!

Niagara

Earth Day Walk
Buckhorn Island State Park
Friday, April 22, 2022 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Happy Earth Day everyone! Joins us for a relaxing walk through the woods and along with Niagara River. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154

Arbor Day Walk
DeVeaux Woods State Park
Friday, April 29, 2022 01:00 PM – 02:30 PM
Happy Arbor Day! Enjoy a walk through old growth trees. Registration required, please call (716) 282-5154.

Thousand Islands

Celebrate Earth Day!
Point Au Roche State Park
Saturday, April 30, 2022 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Celebrate Earth Day with us! Go on a Scavenger Hunt! Play some Earth Day themed games! Plant a seed to take home! Help clean up the Park! Activities available 10am-12pm. All ages welcome!

Earth Day at Zoo New York
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
Saturday, April 23, 2022 10:00 AM – 03:00 PM
Come join the Earth Day celebration at the Thompson Park Zoo! Learn about the natural world around you and the importance of protecting our natural resources. Discover new places and ways to enjoy the outdoors. There will be numerous family friendly activities and many different organizations at the event, including the Nature Center! For additional information, please call the Thompson Park Zoo at (315) 782-6180. Preregistration recommended. Please call (315) 482-2479 to register. Face covering encouraged when indoors.

Arbor Day at TILT’s Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail
Wellesley Island State Park
Saturday, April 30, 2022 10:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Celebrate Arbor Day and the Thousand Islands Land Trust’ (TILT) 9th Annual “For the Trees” Celebration by planting trees at the S. Gerald Ingerson Preserve along the Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail. Bring the whole family to get their hands dirty! There will be numerous family friendly activities, workshops, games, and exhibits from TILT and many different organizations, including the Nature Center! For more information, please visit tilandtrust.org or call (315) 686-5345. Preregistration recommended. Please call (315) 482-2479 to register. Face covering encouraged when indoors.

Trees and Climate
Point Au Roche State Park
Saturday, April 30, 2022 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM
Join the park naturalist to explore trees, their important role in the ecosystem, and what they do for us. How can trees help with climate change? What can we learn by studying tree rings? What threats do trees face? Also, learn about Wangari Maathai, a very inspiring conservationist and activist, and how we can follow her example to help trees! Please note this will be an indoor program.

Finger Lakes

Beach Cleanup Event
Sampson State Park
Friday, April 22, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Looking for a good way to give back to your community this Earth Day? Come out to Samson State Park from 12:00pm to 4:00pm on Friday, April 22nd and help us clean up trash and debris along the beach front and cobble shoreline of Seneca Lake. Did you know that the beautiful and State Threatened grows right here at Sampson? Twinleaf is just one of the unique and important species that call Sampson State Park home. Come help us protect this important ecological community and learn about conservation efforts around the state! Feel free to bring work gloves, or borrow ours! Meet us near the beach and look for the FORCES table!

Saratoga/Capital Region

Earth Day Clean Up
Saratoga Spa State Park
Friday, April 22nd, 10:30 AM
Celebrate Earth Day at Saratoga Spa State Park with our most recent park partner, the Children’s Museum at Saratoga! We will work together to make the park a little more beautiful.  At 10:30AM on April 22nd, we will meet at the Lincoln Bathhouse where the Museum’s new Nature Backpack program will be demonstrated. At 11:00AM everyone will head out to help clean up one of the park’s many pathways. Come share in the reward of making a greener, cleaner world! Gloves and bags will be provided. No registration necessary.

Trout Discovery Day
Grafton Lakes State Park
Thursday April 21, 2022 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park is hosting its annual Trout Discovery Day. As the weather gets warmer it is the perfect time to stock long pond with trout. The DEC will be providing trout and Grafton will be providing activities. Come on your own or bring out the whole family, Trout Discovery Day is the perfect event for all ages. Enjoy trout shaped treats, crafts, and educational booths highlighting the wonders of trout! Learn about their habitats, school programs and micro and macro invertebrates. Come help to stock our ponds. The event will be held on April 21 from 11am-1:30 pm, $2 cash per child, ages 6-15. Ages 5 and under and adults are free to enter. DEC will bring trout at 11:30 am. Park at Rabbit Run.

Earth Day Festival
Grafton Lakes State Park
Friday, April 22, 2022 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Join Grafton Lakes for a family friendly Earth Day festival. Learn about the migration of monarch butterflies, the importance of pollinators, the impacts of invasive species, and much more. Partake in activities, demos, and crafts. This year’s Earth Day theme is to Invest in Our Planet’s Future. Each one of us can make a positive impact from the small to the tall. No registration required. The Festival will be held Friday, April 22nd from 5-8pm. The charge for the festival is $3/person cash, ages 5 and under free.

Taconic

Earth Day Celebration
Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Saturday, April 23 from 10:00 AM – 4:00PM

Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 as an act of support for environmental protection. Now, more than 50 years later, Earth Day events are attended by over a billion people worldwide. What better way to celebrate this year than to visit your local Preserve!

Immerse yourself in nature and stop by “education stations” along Brother’s Path from 10 am – 1 pm to learn about topics such as clean water initiatives, sustainability, native plants and pollinators, wildlife conservation, and more!

Start your own native plant garden with our seed planting activity, which will take place every half hour from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm beside Swan Lake. (While supplies last.)

Learn about birds of prey and get up-close and personal with a few of them in a LIVE demonstration from 1 – 2 pm on the Overlook trail. (Please note: no dogs or horses will be allowed on Overlook during this time.)

Participate in a “BioBlitz” to learn more about biodiversity within the Preserve and contribute as a citizen scientist by logging your observations using the iNaturalist app. We’ll meet at the Swan Lake kiosk at 2 pm and venture from there.

Cost: FREE! No registration required. You may want to bring cash for raffles and merchandise. Proceeds support the maintenance of our beautiful carriage roads and landscape. Appropriate for all ages. Rain date: April 24