Grafton Lakes State Park and Bennington Battlefield will provide fun and educational programs for young people during Spring Break week, April 13 to 17. Participants can enjoy the flowers and colors of spring, learn the art of map and compass reading on a treasure hunt or try their hand at unique crafts from centuries ago.
On Thursday, April 16, Grafton Lakes State Park will host “Flower Power,” a program about the wonders of wildflowers and all things green at the Park this Spring. Children will make a flower craft and look for signs of Spring greening in the field and forest. The program runs from 10:30 am to 12 pm and meets at Shaver Pond Nature Center, 194 Shaver Pond Road in Grafton. The cost is $2 per person or $5 per family. Please pre-register by April 15.
On Friday, April 17, our new orienteering course will challenge children and families ready for an adventure. Using map and compass, find special points on the map where clues have been left, leading to a spring treasure. This class is appropriate for age 8 and older and runs from 3:30 to 5 pm. The program meets at the Beach Nature Center by Long Pond beach. Space is limited, so please pre-register to ensure a spot. The cost is $2 per person or $5 per family.
Bennington Battlefield in Hoosick will have “Springtyme” programs each day from April 13 to 16 at their Visitor’s Center, the Barnett Homestead. Morning workshops run from 9:30 to 11:30 am and choices are Cross Stitch Samplers, Make-a-Gift (box of handmade chocolates) and Glass Painting. Afternoon workshops run from 12 to 2 pm and include Tin Punch Designs, Cookies, Cookies!, Decorative Baskets and Gel Candles. Workshops are $15 per day per session, so a four-day morning class is $60 and includes all materials. Students may stay all day for morning and afternoon sessions, but they need to bring a lunch. Registration forms can be obtained at the Town of Hoosick offices in the Armory on Church St. or by contacting Phyllis Chapman at 518-686-4438.
For more information about these and other Park programs, please call the Park Naturalists at 518-279-1155 or visit www.nysparks.com/parks for updates.