Monday, September 2 — Labor Day Sand Sculpture Contest 12 to 2 pm. Who will bring their best “grain game” to the beach this year? Register at 12 pm by the Lifeguard Station at Long Pond Beach. Must provide your own tools and props. Judging at 2 pm, awards at 3 pm. Free to enter, prizes for all!
Friday, September 6 — Moon Watch at 8 pm. Calling all night owls! The Albany Area Amateur Astronomers will have telescopes to give you an up close look at the moon during this free program held at the Deerfield Pavilion. Enter via main entrance and follow signs to program– first left off main entrance road. Please drive slowly in the park at night. Space is limited; please call the welcome center to preregister at 518-279-1155, ext. 2. Cloudy skies may cancel the program; call the park to confirm day-of.
Saturday, September 7— Pollinator Paradise at 1 pm. Want to see more hummingbirds and native bees in your backyard? Head to the welcome center to learn all about native pollinators, what they need to thrive, and how you can provide for these creatures. Pretty soon the neighborhood will be buzzing about your yard as the hottest new pollinator paradise. Please call ahead to pre-register 518-279-1155, ext. 2.
Saturday, September 14 — Guided Dickinson Fire Tower Hike at 1 pm. Enjoy an Autumn Ramble hike to the historic Dickinson Hill fire tower with an environmental educator. On a clear day you can observe the Adirondack Mountains, the Green Mountains, and the Taconic Range from the top of the tower. Program meets at the welcome center before driving to the trailhead. Please call ahead to pre-register 518-279-1155 ext. 2.
Saturday, September 14—Full Moon Hike at 7 pm— Explore the wonders of nighttime at Grafton Lakes State Park while enjoying an evening full moon hike with a naturalist. Discover what creatures roam the trails at night and enjoy the serenity of the glowing full moon. Please call ahead and pre-register 518-279 1155 ext. 2
Saturday, September 21—Bark and Brew 11 am to 3 pm— It’s a match made in heaven: a day full of dogs and craft beer tasting! Come enjoy a day in the park with your furry friend and help support local rescue organizations!
Saturday, September 28—Beach Yoga at 9:30 am – Enjoy a relaxing morning of yoga on Long Pond beach. Participants must be 16 years old and provide their own mat or towel. Program costs $5 per person. $6/vehicle gate fee refunded if departing directly after class. Please pre-register by calling 518-279-1155, ext.2.
Saturday, September 28 – Nature Hike w/ Friends of GLSP at 2 pm – Enjoy a casual Autumn Ramble hike with a hiking leader from the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park. Meet at the welcome center.
Saturday, September 28 — Soundwalk w/ Friends of GLSP at 3 pm – Join artist and Friends member Andrea Williams on an Autumn Ramble soundwalk: a meditative walk that will focus on listening rather than just looking. Engage more of our senses and embody more of what is around us to become better caretakers of our environment. Q&A session following the soundwalk. Meet at the welcome center.
Saturday, September 28—Friends of GLSP Potluck, 4 to 7 pm – All are welcome to the annual Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park potluck! Whether you are a current member or someone who loves the park and would like to get more involved, join the Friends for some family friendly fall fun!
Saturday, September 28 — Evening Explorers at 6:30 pm – Ever wonder what happens in the park after dark? Challenge your senses and learn about some of the park’s nocturnal wildlife during this family friendly interactive program with an environmental educator. Ages 8 and up, please wear sturdy footwear. Space is limited; please pre-register by calling 518-279-1155, ext. 2.