The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Spring Break Wildlife Programs At GLSP

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Why does the bluebird sing? Where does the brook trout like to swim? These and many other exciting questions will be answered during Grafton Lakes State Park Spring Break programs. The Trout Discovery and Stocking program is on April 10, Bluebirds with Bob is on April 13 and Habitat in a Jar will be offered on April 14.
Participants will meet the brook trout raised at the Park since October during our Trout Discovery program on Tuesday, April 10, from 1 to 3 pm. The brook trout need clean and cool water to survive, so mountain streams like those on the Rensselaer Plateau are ideal habitat for this native fish. Indoor activities for families will be followed by kids helping stock the fish in the Park. Please bring a bucket with you. The program costs $2 per person or $5 per family and proceeds help to fund the cost of our trout aquarium.
If you love to hear the birds singing their hearts out each Spring, then check out Bluebirds with Bob to learn about this beautiful New York State Bird on Friday, April 13, from 10 am to 12 pm. Bird enthusiast and Park staff member Bob Davis will share his knowledge of the eastern bluebird and some stories from his encounters with them. Participants with suitable eastern bluebird habitat at their homes will be able to take a free nesting box while supplies last. The program includes children’s activities. The program costs $2 per person or $5 per family.
On Saturday, April 14, from 1 to 2 pm learn about the different habitat needs of various animals that call the Rensselaer Plateau home before creating your own “habitat in a jar” to take home. The Plateau is home to river otter, beaver, turkey and even black bear. Participants will create a miniature self-sustaining ecosystem in a jar. The program costs $5 per person.
Space is limited so pre-registration is required for all of the Spring Break programs by calling 279-1155. The Park is open from 8 am to dusk daily with over twenty five miles of hiking and biking trails as well as six ponds for fishing and canoeing. For more information about our upcoming programs, please visit www.nysparks.com.