Please note that program dates are subject to change.

Upcoming Preserve Programs:
All ages are welcome and there is no cost for our programs. Pre-registration is required for some of the programs.

6/27, 6/30, 7/1, 7/2, 7/3 Nature Journaling
10:00am – 12:00pm. Join us in creating a pocket-size nature journal. We can take a walk following the craft if you wish, and you’ll be able to add observations, or drawings to your journal. Journals can be painted and/or decoupaged. It is advisable to register for the program to insure you receive a journal as supplies are limited. Call the museum at 518-642-1515.

7/7, 7/9, 7/10 Reptile Rascals?
What reptiles can you find at the Nature Preserve? Are they safe or dangerous to us? Our craft will be painting a wiggly wooden snake or lizard. Registration is not required. Please Note: On 7/9, the program will begin at 10:30am instead of 10:00.

7/14, 7/15, 7/16, 7/17 Cloudy Skies
Bring on the rain! Why do plants and animals depend on the weather? Let’s find out. We’ll be creating a rainmaker stick that just might help. Class size is limited to 12. You can call the museum at 518-642-1515 to reserve a spot or take the chance that we’ll have enough supplies if you pop in.

 

7/18, 7/21, 7/22, 7/23, 7/24 A Bounty of Birds
What birds can be found at the Nature Preserve and in your backyard? Come discover the many species found in our area. There will be hands-on specimens to explore. Participants can either paint a premade feeder or bird house. Please call the museum at 518-642-1515 to register.

7/25, 7/28, 7/29, 7/30, 7/31 Wonderful Wildflowers
Join us for a flower identification walk followed by craft activities in the schoolhouse. Do you know which wildflowers can be found at the preserve? Are you able to identify them? Do you know the parts of a wildflower? We’ll be making a keepsake box and if time, a flower bookmark. Please call the museum at 518-642-1515 to register.

8/1, 8/4, 8/5, 8/6, 8/7 Butterflies & Moths
What butterflies and moths can be found in our area. Learn about butterfly pollination. Our craft will be creating a butterfly feeder to take home and place in your garden and a mosaic butterfly sand art or butterfly suncatcher. Please call the museum at 642-1515 to register.

8/8, 8/11, 8/12, 8/13, 8/14 Rock Hard
What types of rocks can be found at the Preserve? You can paint a slate piece or take a chance on cracking open a geode. There is no guarantee there will be a crystalized hollow inside. Please register by calling the museum at 518-642-1515.

8/15 Mushrooms Mania Walk
9:00-10:00am – We will walk the Woodland Trail located at the South Grimes Hill Road entrance to the preserve in search of mushrooms. We do our best at identifying the fungus among us but we’re not experts.

8/15, 8/18, 8/19, 8/20, 8/21 Magical Mushrooms
Join us at the schoolhouse for a program learning about mushrooms in the area and of adding magic to your choice of a wooden mushroom. What color will you paint your magical mushroom? Will you add glitter and sequins and a tiny butterfly?  Please call to register. Note: the program starts around 10:15 on 8/15 following our walk.

10/4 Autumn Walk
Join us for a fall walk beginning at the Schoolhouse to enjoy the changing of the leaves. (weather permitting)Following our walk, we’ll gather in the schoolhouse to discuss how leaves change and create a leaf coaster. Registration is not necessary.

11/8 Forest Appreciation
Meet at the South Grimes Hill Road entrance to the Preserve. This will be a time for 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. We will slowly walk the trails and sit periodically using a folding stool or chair that you bring. We’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 appreciate it. Registration is not necessary.

12/6 Animal Signs Walk
Join us for a walk down the trails in search of Animal Signs. “Signs” can be tracks, scat, tree gnawing, paths, and what else? Participants will receive a pocket field guide. Dress accordingly. Weather permitting.

Past Programs:

Bird Walk
Sunday, April 12
8:00-9:30am

Join us for an early morning bird walk beginning at the nature center (old Porter Schoolhouse) for a walk down Schoolhouse Trail and the South Loop. We will listen to birds and determine which ones have migrated back to this area. Expertise is not required. All ages welcome. If it’s snowing or raining hard, the walk will be cancelled but if it’s just drizzling rain, we are on! Registration is not necessary. Dress accordingly and spray for ticks.

 

Bird Nests Walk
Sunday, May 3
9:00-10:30am

We’ll walk the trails to look high and low for bird nests. How many do you think we’ll find? Join us as we begin our walk at the nature center (Porter Schoolhouse). All ages welcome. Registration is not required. If it’s raining hard, the walk will be cancelled but if it’s just drizzling rain, we are on! Dress accordingly and spray for ticks.