All programs take place at the Porter Schoolhouse (our Nature Center – 6937 SR 22, Hebron) unless otherwise noted. Please note that parking is limited. The Preserve is open from dawn to dusk, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Enjoy!

We are currently in-between Naturalists. Bear with us as we look to fill this position.

Sunday, December 1 – 10:00-11:30am – SHINRIN-YOKU at the South Grimes Hill Road entrance
Join Bernie in her annual forest bathing program. No water involved! Shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing is a practice of therapeutic relaxation where one spends time in a forest or natural atmosphere, focusing on sensory engagement to connect with nature. There will be little conversation. You will slowly walk the trails, and sit periodically using a folding stool or chair that you bring. You’ll take in nature and if you wish, share your observations. Bernie likes to journal her experience to look back on. A small journal will be given out to participants but you’re more than welcome to bring your own. This is a time to unplug from the noise of life, sit still in nature and give appreciation.

If it’s light raining or snowing the program will still be held. If the weather is worse, then not. If the roads are sloppy, of course, stay home and warm. If you are in doubt, call 518-692-3129 no later than 30 minutes before the start of the program. By the way, there is little to no cell reception at the preserve.

This is a free program open to adults and youth that are able to follow the quiet restriction. You can also experience nature on your own as the preserve is open year-round from dawn to dusk!

PAST PROGRAMS:

Saturday, January 27 – 1:30-2:30pm – Meet at the Nature Center/Porter Schoolhouse for an Animal Tracking Hike. We are hoping the rain and 40 degree weather will not melt the snow we’ve gotten so far. Fingers crossed. It’s difficult to schedule outdoor hikes this time of year. There was some snow left and we discovered deer, rabbit and coyote tracks along with their scats and fox scat too. See photos on our Facebook page at Tracking Hike 1/27. (let us know if this link doesn’t work)

Saturday, February 17 – 1:30-2:30pm – Meet at the Nature Center/Porter Schoolhouse for an Animal Tracking Hike.

Friday, June 28 – 10-11:30am – FLOWER WALK
Meet at the historic Porter Schoolhouse (our Nature Center), 6937 State Route 22, Hebron. We’ll take a short walk discussing how to use a wildflower guide to identify wildflowers. Crafts will follow. There are paper flowers, flower bookmarks and clay flowers to make. The clay is air dry which will cure at your home. If you don’t have paint, you’re more than welcome to come back to the preserve when we are open to paint. Registration is not necessary. Be sure to dress accordingly and spray for ticks.

Friday, July 5 – 10:00-11:00am – 5th of FERNS
Meet at the South Grimes Hill Road entrance to the preserve for a fern identification walk down the Woodland Loop trail and North Marsh. If you would like, bring a folding stool. Registration is not necessary. Be sure to dress accordingly and spray for ticks.

Friday, July 12 – 10:00-11:30am – THEM DRY BONES
Join us for a program in animal skulls and bones. You’ll discover many species, and the Pember Educator will have a tote of bones for you to explore with the opportunity to take home a bone souvenir. Free program for school-age children and adults. Registration is not necessary.

Friday, July 19 – 9:00-10:30am – WHIMSICAL BIRDS
This program starts early because the birds are out chatting while having breakfast. After our walk, we’ll create a whimsical bird at the nature center. Class size is limited. Please reach out to reserve your space by calling the museum at 518-642-1515. Parking is limited.

Friday, July 26 – 10:00-11:30am – TRACKS & SCAT
How do animals walk and what tracks and scat do they leave behind? Come find out! There will be much to discover. Participants can take home a premade track or make one of their own using air dry clay. Parking is limited.

Friday, August 2 – 10:00-11:30am – NATURE WALK & STICKS
Join us in creating your own personal walking stick (provided) with paint, cording and a feather. Afterwards, you can take your stick for a spin on the trails to enjoy the beauty that the preserve has to offer. Free program to all ages. Parking is limited.

Friday, August 9 – 10:00-11:30am – POLLINATORS
Join us to learn about bees and butterfly pollinators. Create a butterfly feeder and bee house to take home. Open to children of all ages. Please call the museum at 518-642-1515 to reserve your space. Parking is limited.

Friday, August 16 – 10:00-11:30am – NATURE JOURNALING
Join us in creating a nature journal and we also have a few beautiful, large hardcover journals to give away. We can take a walk and you’ll be able to add observations, drawings or a collection to your journal. All ages are welcome. Parking is limited.

Sunday, September 15 – 10:00am-12:00pm – MUSHROOM HUNT (previously scheduled for 9/8) – South Grimes Hill Road entrance
Join us for a mushroom hunt through the Woodland Loop and North Marsh trails. We had a great time last year and found many different fungi. Meet at the South Grimes Hill Road entrance to the preserve. No experience required. All ages welcome. Dress accordingly.

Sunday, October 6 – 10:00am-11:30am – FALL PHOTO WALK
A walk for all ages enjoying the beauty of fall at the Preserve. We’ll meet at the schoolhouse on route 22. Submit your favorite photo to be showcased on Facebook and our website. The photo needs to be fall-related & taken at the Preserve from this walk or a walk of your own. Email your favorite fall photo to Pember_edu@roadrunner.com with contact information and specifically where the photo was taken and when. We are looking forward to seeing your photos!

Saturday, October 19 – 11:00am – Adirondack Turtles at the PEMBER LIBRARY & MUSEUM
Did you know that turtles can breathe through their butts? Get a glimpse into the fascinating lives of freshwater turtles and their unique history and anatomy. Meet ambassador turtles from the Adirondacks and beyond and find out why turtles are disappearing and what you can do to make sure we have turtles to love for generations to come.

Debbie Philp is a NYS licensed wildlife rehabilitator and the founder of Dancing Turtle Rescue, a small nonprofit dedicated to saving native freshwater turtles and their wetland habitats. Debbie is a certified master herpetologist and brings strong background in natural history to her public education programs. She shares her home with rescued pets including 15 turtles, a lizard, a snake, and two frogs, in addition to her licensed educational ambassadors and any injured native turtles in care. Debbie is a member of North Country Wild Care, a network of wildlife rehabilitators in northeastern New York, and is currently serving as president.

This program is being sponsored by the Southern Adirondack Audubon Society.

Sunday, November 3 – 10:00-11:30am – ANIMALS IN WINTER in the library
Join us to learn what animals migrate or hibernate and those that adapt to winter. Crafts and studies. All ages welcomed.