June 13
The Road Less Traveled at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
This recreational hike will expose participants to a footpath less traveled by the public - the Wawarsing Turnpike Footpath - offering a tranquil experience in an area peppered with cultural history. More...
Fire Ecology Walk and Talk at Sam's Point at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
Learn about Sam's Point's unique fire-dependent ecosystem and the regenerative effects of prescribed fire management. Following a presentation at the Visitor Center, explore the landscape to examine fire-adapted species and to compare and contrast forests where fire has been suppressed and reintroduced. More...
Growing Forest Fungi and other Mushroom Cultivation Options at Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center - Voorheesville
Interested in growing your own gourmet or medicinal mushrooms? Learn techniques for growing different species of mushrooms using materials such as hardwood bolts, woodchips, and even rolls of toilet paper! More...
Walkway Marathon Race Series at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park - Poughkeepsie
Announcing an exciting new running attraction for 2015 - the Walkway Marathon Race Series! The series will feature a marathon, half-marathon, and the already established Treetops to Rooftops 5K event. More...
How to Geocache at Grafton Lakes State Park - Cropseyville
Geocaching is a treasure hunt using a GPS or smart phone GPS app. Capital Region parks and historic sites have over 50 new caches hidden throughout the region each season for you to discover with your family. More...
June 13 (also June 14)
The New York Campaign at Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site - Stony Point
The campaign of 1776 went from Long Island to Pennsylvania and back through New Jersey. This illustrated lecture will cover the men, commanders, and battles of this exciting and important campaign. More...
June 14
Easter Seals - Walk with Me Hudson Valley at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park - Yorktown Heights
This 2K walk also includes family fun, games, and a BBQ lunch. More...
"Misty Morning Pastures" Oil Painting Workshop at Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center - Voorheesville
Complete a pastoral landscape painting in one lesson with instructor Karen Woodin. Karen will demonstrate how to apply, blend, and smooth oil paints on a prepared canvas, and teach specific techniques for creative effects. More...
Long Way to the Waterfall at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
This five-mile loop hike covers 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 fast-flowing Peter's Kill stream, and the iconic 65-foot tall Awosting Falls. More...
Hike: Doris Duke Trail Hike at Sterling Forest State Park - Tuxedo
This 3.5 mile hike will cover the newest trail at Sterling Forest, with panoramic cliffside views and a scenic marsh. More...
June 20
"Aiming to Please" at Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site - New Windsor
Part of New York's Path Through History weekends, Revolutionary War cannon firings every half hour highlight this program about the 1780-81 artillery encampment at New Windsor. More...
Children's Play Day: 18th-Century Dancing at Clermont State Historic Site - Germantown
Get a sneak peak of Clermont's beloved Junior History Club activities at this free preview! Learn the basics of 18th century social dancing with your child. More...
Hamilton Point Loop Hike at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
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. More...
Helderberg History Hike at Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center - Voorheesville
Learn about the cultural history of the Indian Ladder Region, from early settlement by the Dutch in the 18th century to the creation of the park in the 20th century. Walk from Hop Field through Yellow Rocks and Glen Doone to the Overlook Escarpment Trail while hearing tales of former residents of the area, and get a feel for local life in bygone days. More...
Backcountry Basics at Sam's Point at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
Be prepared any time you hit the trail with the tips and skills. This instructional program will include a seminar on preparedness, safety, etiquette, camping basics, and leave no trace principles. More...
June 21
World War I & The End of the Gilded Age Tour at Staatsburgh State Historic Site - Staatsburg
1914 saw the start of World War I and the beginning of the end of the Gilded Age. This special tour explores how the Millses' extravagant way of life withered away in the cataclysm of the Great War. More...
Beacon Hill Mountain Laurel Walk at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
It's the traditional time for the mountain laurel bushes to bloom, so come on this two-mile long loop hike to view the expected burst of blooms. This modest hike follows along a combination of carriage roads and a footpath and should offer both scenic views and glorious pink and white flowers. More...
Hike: Fire Tower Ramble at Sterling Forest State Park - Tuxedo
Celebrate Father's Day with a scenic hike to the Sterling Fire Tower. More...
June 24
Music in the Park: The Greyhounds at Staatsburgh State Historic Site - Staatsburg
Hear the sounds of The Greyhounds on the lawn at Staatsburgh State Historic Site.
More...
June 25
Schuyler Mansion at Night at Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site - Albany
During the 2015 season, Schuyler Mansion will be open for evening tours, the last Thursday of the month, May through October. If work or other daytime commitments have prevented you from visiting this important 18th century historic site, take advantage of these evening hours! More...
June 26
Fireworks at Bear Mountain State Park - Bear Mountain
Celebrate Independence Day with us at Bear Mountain State Park with the annual fireworks display! As in past years, there will be food and refreshments, entertainment, and - most importantly - lots of fireworks. More...
June 27
Summer Celebration at Bear Mountain State Park
Kick off the beginning of summer with a day of family fun in the park! Stroll on over to Trailside. Enjoy nature crafts and explore ways to enjoy the summer season! More...
Juneberries & Hike to Millbrook Mountain at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
Have you ever heard of a juneberry? Or a shadbush? There is at least one species native to every Canadian province and continental state within the United States.
On this approximately five mile hike learn the cultural and nutritious significance of this tree and learn how to identify it, too. More...
June 27
Honeybees Are Buzzin' at Thacher Nature Center at Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center - Voorheesville
Summertime brings flowers and a hive packed with activity! Come and learn all about honeybees as you view the colony in our indoor observation hive. See the busy workers, the specialized drones and the ever-important queen bee in action! Learn how to dance like a bee, and view the world from a bee's perspective. More...
June 28
Hike to Swim at Lake Awosting at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
Bring your swimming gear and picnic lunch for this ten-mile round-trip hike to the picturesque and refreshing Lake Awosting Swim Area, located in the remote backcountry. More...
Gilded Age Scandals! Tour at Staatsburgh State Historic Site - Staatsburg
Ruth and Ogden Mills were paragons of respectability, but several of their Gilded Age peers were not! Learn about the scandalous behavior and intrigues of the very rich at the turn-of-the-century while touring the mansion. More...
Ice Caves and Lake Maratanza Loop at Sam's Point at Minnewaska State Park Preserve - Kerhonkson
This hikes leads to Sam's Point's ice caves, where snow and ice are naturally preserved well into summer. More...
Lecture: Snakes in the Park at Sterling Forest State Park - Tuxedo