Join us for these exciting Upcoming Events, Outings and Volunteer Days in July, August and September!
Our field trips are a great way to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of our county, meet new and interesting people, and learn about the natural world with our volunteer naturalists and outdoor guides.
For more information, and for weather cancellations the day of the event, please call our office at (845) 343-0840, x12. Most outings have a suggested donation of $5 per person, or $10 per family, except where noted as free or where special fees apply. Registration for these events is highly suggested, as space may be limited. All donations go toward the future stewardship of our preserves. For directions to the preserves, please click on the corresponding link.
Sunday, July 11, 1 pm: “Kids’ Exploration and Nature Walk” at Hunter Farm Preserve. Led by naturalist Gary Keeton this walk winds along The Tadpole Trail and throughout this 60-acre preserve in Wawayanda. The preserve has an abundance of wildlife and two ponds that are home to beaver, blue and green herons, wood ducks, turtles, frogs and dragonflies. Numerous species of birds are found here, as well over 28 documented species of butterfly- one of the largest concentrations of butterfly in the eastern United States! Call (845) 343-0840, x12 to register for this FREE children’s walk!
Saturday, July 24, 2 pm: “Singles Walk and Wine” at Lower Bashakill Preserve and Bashakill Vineyards. Meet at Lower Bashakill Preserve for a hike through this 138-acre natural area, then relax by sampling award winning local wines at nearby Bashakill Vineyards, Sullivan county’s first commercial winery. A great way to meet other singles interested in enjoying and protecting our natural areas! A donation of $5 per person to the OCLT is suggested with all proceeds benefitting land preservation. Wine tastings are free, with wine by the glass available for purchase. Bottles of wine will also be available. Live music performed by Sarah Morr. Registration is required and space is limited. Call (845) 343-0840, x12 or e-mail caroline@oclt.org.
Saturday, August 7, 8:30 pm: “An Evening of Stargazing” at Moonbeams Preserve, Town of Wallkill. Get away from the neighborhood lights and into the open meadows of Moonbeams Preserve with the OCLT and view the summer constellations appearing in our night skies! You may even see the start of the Persied meteor shower! Registration is highly recommended by calling (845) 343-0840, x12 and a donation of $5 per person or $10 per family is suggested. Appropriate for all ages. Bring lawn chairs, and telescopes or binoculars. Clouds and rain cancels.
Sunday, August 8, 1 pm: “Wild, Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk” at Moonbeams Preserve, Town of Wallkill. Our knowledgeable foraging guide will identify summer greens, nuts, berries, fruits, wild flowers, herbs and other plants that grow in the wild and are edible, have medicinal value, are decorative and/or poisonous. Registration is suggested as space is limited with a suggested donation of $5 per person, or $10 per family. Appropriate for all ages. Bring water and magnifying glass. Call (845) 343-0840, x 12 to register.
Saturday, September 25, 9:30 am: “Hike Fuller Mountain” at Fuller Mountain Preserve in the Town of Warwick. As part of the 2010 Hudson River Valley Ramble, this moderate, 2 1/2 – 3 hour hike meanders through a magnificent wooded ravine to an incredible view of the Warwick Valley. Not intended for very young children as there are areas of steep and uneven terrain. Call (845) 343-0840, x12 to register for this free event celebrating the beauty of the Hudson River valley.
Ongoing, self-guided outings:
- Our nine nature preserves are open to the public, free of charge, every day from dawn to dusk for hiking, birding and nature study. Visit http://www.oclt.org/protect.htm for a listing and directions.
- Visit The Tadpole Trail, the Land Trust’s exploratory nature trail for children at Hunter Farm Preserve in Wawayanda. Go to http://www.oclt.org/mhunter.htm for directions and a downloadable audio version of The Tadpole Trail. A great outing for summer camps, school groups and scouts.
- Go on an outdoor quest to find the OCLT’s hidden letterbox at Moonbeams Preserve. Visit http://www.atlasquest.com and download clues to “Walking on the Moon 1”, our outdoor treasure hunt. Great for families!
Join us for the following Volunteer Days in July, August and September:
E-mail Karin at karin@oclt.org for more info.
Sat, July 10, 10:30-12:30 Laurel Hill Preserve in the Town of Minisink - Trail clearing
Wed, July 21, 9:30-12:30 Hunter Farm Preserve in the Town of Wawayanda - Garden maintenance and removal of invasive multiflora rose
Sat, August 7, 10:30-12:30 Laurel Hill Preserve in the Town of Minisink - Removal of invasive species multiflora rose, honeysuckle and barberry
Wed, August 18, 9:30-12:30 Roy Preserve in Town of Warwick - Set up picnic area and boat pullout along Pochuck Creek
Sat, September 4, 10:30-12:30 Hamptonburgh Preserve II in the Town of Hamptonburgh - Trail clearing
Wed, September 15, 9:30-12:30 Fuller Mountain Preserve in the Town of Warwick - Trail clearing
Sat, September 25, 10:30-12:30 National Public Lands Day celebration at Hamptonburgh Preserve II in the Town of Hamptonburgh - Planting trees and shrubs to enhance biodiversity of meadow wetland
Orange County Land Trust Nature Walks:
