GLSP Programs This Weekend

Grafton Lakes State Park offers a variety of public programs this coming weekend.  Patrons can enjoy swimming, free fishing instruction, environmental interpretation at the Beach Nature Center and a benefit walk for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
On Saturday the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Fisheries Educators will teach families how to fish on the shores of Long Pond by the boathouse from 1 to 3 pm.  Last year every participant caught a fish.  DEC provides the program and fishing poles at no charge. This is a special free fishing event so no fishing license is required.
Also on Saturday the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) will host a 1km fundraiser walk event, called Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis. This event benefits CFF’s efforts to combat and cure this chronic disease. Registration begins at 9 am. For more information, call CFF at 783-7361.
The Beach Nature Center will also be open on Saturday. The Center offers a “Touch and Explore” nature display, an animal tracking exhibit, live amphibians, nature puzzles and many other activities for nature lovers.  The Beach Nature Center is open from 12 to 2 pm on Saturdays after Memorial Day weekend and Friday-Tuesday from 12 to 2 pm starting June 27, when schools are out for the summer.  It is located next to the lifeguard station by Long Pond.
The beach at Long Pond is open from Friday-Tuesday from 10 am to 6 pm through Labor Day.  Boat rentals will also be available on days swimming is open.  The Park’s 25 miles of hiking trails are open to the public all year round.
Please note that vehicle user fees are $6 per car when the swimming is closed and $7 per car when the swimming is open through Labor Day.  For more information about upcoming programs or for directions to the parks, please contact Grafton Lakes State Park at 518-279-1155.