By Doug La Rocque
This past Saturday was The Friends of Dyken Pond Environmental Centers Appreciation Day last Saturday provided an opprtunity for the Center’s director, Lisa Hoyt, to reflect on some of the accomplishments of the past year and plans for the future.
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Hoyt said the summer saw a steady flow of patrons and an increase in participants in the summer children’s program. This success was helped by the fact that they were able to fund two educators this year. Hoyt also feels there has been an increase in adult awareness and appreciation of what the Center offers as more people resolve to get out, move around and be more active, and engage with nature and outdoor recreation.
The Center has also had some success in its outreach programs this year, and she hopes to build on that, offering experiences both in and out of the classroom during this school year.
Hoyt also emphasized the Center would not be what it is today without the Friends Association. Dyken Pond Environmental Center is a Rensselaer County Park and thus receives some of its funding from the County. However, Hoyt said that without the funds raised by and the work down around center by the Friends, many of the programs and services they offer would not be possible.
The agenda for the Appreciation Day was full – a hike to Newcomb Pond, a presentation of live birds of prey, a meeting and dinner.
The Friends are currently purchasing a 56 acre adjoining tract of land that Hoyt says will help round out the Center and open up more hiking trails and opportunities for educational programs. They are currently engaged in a fundraising program to raise $100,000 dollars to qualify for matching state grant monies.
The growth of a program for 14 to 16 year old teens is also in the works. Called the Forest Conservation Corp, it is a work, service and learning program. About half the time is spent working on center lands and projects, the other half in an educational and career training program.
The Center is open during daylight hours, with more than six miles of hiking trails, accepts non motorized boats on the lake with great shore line fishing and for the coming winter months, offer snowshoeing and cross country skiing. More information is available at dykenpond@fairpoint.net[/private]