public programs at minnewaska state park preserve and...

Public Programs at Minnewaska State Park Preserve

and Sam’s Point for June 2017

Pre-registration is required for participation in most public programs. Please call the

Park Preserve Office at 845-255-0752, 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 as requested by calling the Park Preserve

Office or the Sam’s Point Visitor Center, seven days per week, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00

p.m. Attempted email 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

email accounts every day and emails 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 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 June:

Thursday, June 1, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Homeschoolers: Stream Monitoring Science

Come join other homeschoolers at Minnewaska to learn all about streams and the ways

scientists study them. Students will have the opportunity to explore a stream, collect aquatic

organisms and take measurements of stream health. We will also have fun with boat racing and

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a discussion of water currents. This program is recommended for children seven to twelve years

old, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Well-behaved younger siblings

are always welcome. Meet at the Peter’s Kill Area. Pre-registration is required.

Thursday, June 1, 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 Minnewaska. Pre-registration is required.

Saturday, June 3, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: National Trails Day Volunteer Event at Sam’s Point

Join us in celebrating National Trails Day! We will be working on restoring the trail to one of our

most popular attractions – the Ice Caves! There will be many rewarding opportunities to

volunteer including building bog bridges, using gravel to reinforce trail tread and clipping

overhanging vegetation. All necessary training and tools will be provided. Please make sure to

bring enough water to last the day (at least two liters), as well as snacks and lunch, and wear

long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy work boots. After the work day is over please feel free to

continue to celebrate National Trails Day by hiking our wonderful trails! Check in with the Visitor

Center to see which trails are open. This program is recommended for individuals age fifteen

and above. 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 845-

647-7989.

Saturday, June 3, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Insect Searchers

Bring your family to the Minnewaska Nature Center to explore the diversity of insects found at

Minnewaska. As we walk the trails near the Nature Center, we’ll search for evidence of their

activity, including leaf chew, eggs, caterpillars, butterflies and other insect. We will use insect

nets to temporarily examine the insects up close and then release them. This program is

recommended for children between the ages of six and ten years old, accompanied by a parent

or guardian over the age of 18. Siblings of any age are welcome; however, younger siblings

may need parental assistance. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is

required.

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Saturday, June 3, 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Citizen Science Phenology 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, 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 over the age of eight, 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. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989.

Sunday, June 4, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Long Way to the Waterfall

Join Emily Shertzer, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Intern, for a five mile loop

hike on the High Peter’s Kill Footpath and the Awosting Falls Carriage Road. Highlights of this

outing include a breathtaking view of the Catskills from a cliffside perch, close-up views of the

quietly moving Peter’s Kill stream and the iconic 65 foot tall Awosting Falls. The footpath section

of this hike features sections of trail with steep, rocky and narrow footing, which some may find

challenging. All participants should come well prepared with appropriate footwear and water.

Meet at the Peter’s Kill Parking Area. Pre-registration is required.

Tuesday, June 6, 7:00 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.

Saturday, June 10, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Hamilton Point Loop Hike

Come along for an approximately eight mile outing to Hamilton Point and beyond, traveling on a

combination of picturesque carriage roads and footpaths. This hike will take participants on the

Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, Hamilton Point Carriage Road, the exciting and often

overlooked Rainbow Falls Footpath and on Upper Awosting Carriage Road. The footpath

section of this hike features sections of trail with steep, rocky and narrow footing, which some

may find challenging. All participants should come well prepared with appropriate footwear, food

and water. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is required.

Saturday, June 10, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Live Birds of Prey Drop-In Program at Sam’s

Point

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Have you ever been so close to a hawk that you could see how sharp it’s talons are? Have you

ever been so close to an owl that you could see what color eyes it has? Now is your

chance! Join Annie Mardiney, wildlife rehabilitator for Wild Mountain Birds and Laura Davis,

Sam’s Point Interpretive Ranger, to see and learn about these fascinating raptors. Stop by the

picnic area near the Visitor Center to see a variety of live education birds. All children must be

accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Pre-registration is NOT

required.

Sunday, June 11, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: 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 backcountry 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. Pre-

registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989. Pre-registration deadline:

June 6th.

Sunday, June 11, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Beacon Hill Mountain Laurel Walk

It’s the traditional time for the mountain laurel bushes to bloom, so come join Environmental

Educator, Laura Conner, for a two mile long loop hike to view the expected burst of blooms.

This modest hike, which follows along a combination of carriage roads and a footpath, should

offer both scenic views and glorious pink and white flowers. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature

Center.Pre-registration is required.

Sunday, June 11, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Mask-Making at the Nature Center

Insects, birds and frogs are amazing and they come in such beautiful colors and shapes. Stop

into the Minnewaska Nature Center to celebrate your favorite insects by making a paper insect

mask to take home. This program is suggested for children between the ages of six to eleven,

accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Younger children are always

welcome to attend, but may need parental assistance with the craft. This is an open program

and participants are welcome to stop in to complete the craft at any time during the program

hours.Pre-registration is NOT required.


Designed for birding enthusiasts or those just looking to learn the basics, this series will offer


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Tuesday, June 13, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Millbrook Mountain and Mountain Laurel

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 feature a steep hill up and down, as well as a stream crossing and some potentially tricky

footing. If conditions are right, we’ll pass numerous blooming mountain laurel bushes along the

way. Participants should pack water and food and wear appropriate shoes. Pre-registration is

required.

Thursday, June 15, 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

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 Sam’s Point

Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam’s Point at 845-647-7989.

Friday, June 16, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Birding Basics at Ellenville Library

Join Nick Martin, Park Educator, in this third installment of a three-part series offered through

the Ellenville Library. In this third segment, we will go for a birding walk in the community.

Please come prepared with binoculars and a field guide, if you have them. A few binoculars will

be available for loan during this program. Meet at the Ellenville library and then we will go on a

guided bird walk through Lippman Park or the Rail Trail in Ellenville. During the course of this

series, we will talk about habitat, unique bird characteristics, methods of identifying birds,

binoculars and tips on resources for continuing your birding education. Interested participants

are welcomed to attend one or all three programs. Please call the Ellenville Public Library

at 845-647-5530 for more information.

Saturday, June 17, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Millbrook Mountain Hike

Join Gary Natalie, New York State licensed guide and volunteer, for this challenging five mile

loop hike along the Millbrook Mountain Footpath and Carriage Road. This hike features various

terrain including steep hills, slippery rock surfaces and a stream crossing. Our destination is

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Millbrook Mountain, a white cliff offering expansive views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is required.

Saturday, June 17, 10:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.: Fire Ecology Walk

and Talk at Sam’s Point

Are you fascinated by fire? Are you interested in how the recent wildfire affected the plants and

animals at Sam’s Point? Learn about Sam’s Point’s unique fire-dependent ecosystem on this

interpretive three mile hike on the Loop Road. We will explore the landscape to examine fire-

adapted species and to compare and contrast forests where fire has been suppressed and

reintroduced. 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 845-

647-7989.

Saturday, June 17, 11:15 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.: Lake Minnewaska Beach Opens for Season

The beach at Lake Minnewaska will open today for the swimming season. The small beach,

which is located along the northwestern shore of Lake Minnewaska, will be open seven days

per week until Labor Day, staff and weather permitting.

Saturday, June 17, 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Lake Awosting Beach Opens for Weekend

The swimming beach at Lake Awosting will open today, for the weekend only. The swimming

season will open seven days per week through Labor Day starting next Saturday, June 24th,

staff and weather permitting. This beach, which is located approximately four miles, by foot or

bike, from the Wildmere Parking Area, features a smooth rock slab beach on the remote and

beautiful Lake Awosting.








June 13th.

Sunday, June 18, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Mountain Laurel Walk on Mossy Glen

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Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for an approximately three mile hike along the

Mossy Glen Footpath. This footpath follows along the edge of the Peter’s Kill, a quietly moving

mountain stream, and through cool hemlock forests. Mid-June is typically when the mountain

laurel blooms, erupting in the forest in a sea of color in the form of white and pink blossoms. The

first leg of the trip will take participants down Lower Awosting Carriage Road, which is an easy

stroll. This outing will meet in the Awosting Parking Area. Pre-registration is required.






Saturday, June 24, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Blooms and Birds to Echo Rock

Come for a hike in Minnewaska amongst the blooming mountain laurel. For this approximately

four mile hike, participants will walk on three historic carriage roads to reach Echo Rock, a

spanning scenic vista which offers commanding views of the Palmaghatt Ravine and the Wallkill

Valley. Along the way, we’ll also look for quick-moving wood warblers and once at Echo Rock,

we’ll look for soaring or resting raptors. Participants may want to bring a snack and water, along

with comfortable hiking shoes or boots. A few binoculars will be available for loan during this

program. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is required.

Saturday, June 24, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Hike to the Shingle Gully Ice Caves







June 19th.

Saturday, June 24, 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Lake Awosting Beach Opens for Season

The swimming beach at Lake Awosting will open today, for the swimming season. The

swimming season will open seven days per week until Labor Day, staff and weather permitting.

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This beach, which is located approximately four miles, by foot or bike, from the Wildmere

Parking Area, features a smooth rock slab beach on the remote and beautiful Lake Awosting.








June 20th.

Sunday, June 25, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Observation Hike on Beacon Hill

Learn all about phenology, the study of how plants and animals change throughout the seasons,

and collect real data that can be used by 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 two mile hike offers beautiful views of the Rondout and Wallkill valleys as well as the

Catskill Mountains and should feature beautiful blooming mountain laurel. Our route follows

along carriage roads as well as a footpath, which does include some hills and tricky footing. 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 Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration

is required.






Tuesday, June 27, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Tuesday Trek: Gertrude’s Nose Hike

Join Emily Shertzer, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Intern and Laura Conner,

Environmental Educator, for an adventurous seven-mile loop hike to Gertrude’s Nose, which

offers one of the most expansive views in Minnewaska. From our start at Lake Minnewaska, this

route will follow Millbrook Mountain Footpath to Gertrude’s Nose Footpath, a cliff-edge path

abounding with views of the Wallkill Valley, Taconic Mountains and beyond. This challenging

hike includes steep rock scrambles, numerous hills and tricky footing in places. We will return

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on Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road. Participants must bring water, snacks and lunch and

wear appropriate hiking shoes. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is

required.

Saturday, July 1, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Hike to the Shingle Gully Ice Caves







June 26th.

For more information and to register for programs at Minnewaska, please call the Park Preserve

Office at 845-255-0752. For more information and to register for programs at the Sam’s Point

Area, please call the Sam’s Point Visitor Center at 845-647-7989. Minnewaska State Park

Preserve is open from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., until June 5th, when the closing time switches

to 9:00 p.m.

The fee for parking is $10 per vehicle or a valid Empire Passport 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

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http://parks.ny.gov/

public programs at minnewaska state park preserve and...

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