Dyken Pond Seeks To Purchase The Balsam Tract
In a press release issued on Saturday, February 1, the Friends of Dyken Pond announced they have a wonderful opportunity to purchase the Balsam Tract, 37 new acres that will be open to visitors to the Dyken Pond Center. By protecting this parcel, the Friends will add to the feeling of wildness at the Center, where kids, families and adults can feel like they are stepping back in time, ready to explore and connect to an undisturbed forest. Fostering connections between young people and the land is our highest priority.
The Friends are seeking donations of any amount to raise the $40,000 they need for the purchase. You can send your contributions to: The Friends of the Dyken Pond Center, 475 Dyken Pond Road, Cropseyville, NY 12052 or visit the website at: http://www.dykenpond.org for more info.
Upcoming Outdoor Events
Dyken Pond EEC
Family Fun Day
Saturday, February 8: 1 to 3 pm
Enjoy a day outside with your family. Build in the snow, throw a snowball in a contest, take a short walk, play games, track animals and learn how to walk like an animal. Bring your sled to enjoy the hill at the end of the program while we warm up with hot chocolate! Cost $1.
Full Moon Trek
Saturday, February 8, 6:30 pm
Snowshoe, ski or hike under the natural light of the full wolf moon. We’ll cover about two miles on trails depending on conditions. For the intermediate trekker and older teens and adults. Snowshoe rentals available with advance notice for $5. Free
Winter Break Snowshoe Program
Tuesday, February 18, 1 to 3 pm
Are you looking for something to do outdoors as a family over winter break? Youth, families and adults can congregate in a beautiful natural setting while experiencing the joy of snowshoeing. After a brief introduction covering the basics of snowshoeing we will snowshoe for about 2 hours, looking for signs of animals and enjoying a winter day outdoors. Preregistration is required. Cost is $5 and includes individual snowshoe rental.
Tuesday Treks
Every Tuesday 1 to 3 pm
We will hike or snowshoe about 2-3 miles depending on conditions every Tuesday afternoon in February. Please call or check the website for updated conditions and possible cancellations. For adults and older teens. Snowshoe rentals available for $5. Leader: Leonard Tremblay.
Grafton Lakes State Park 35th Annual Ice Fishing Contest
Saturday, February 8, 5:30 am to 2 pm
Meets at the maintenance shop. $10/ person to register. Big cash prizes for adult categories, goodies for kids. Call the park for more details at 518-279-1155.
Winter Yoga Class: The Fire Within
Saturday, February 8 at 10 am
During the cold, dry months of the year we can feel cold, blue, and dried out. Join our indoor yoga class to help you get warmed up and fighting the winter blues. $5 per person, Ages 10 and up. Please bring water and a yoga mat. Pre-register at 518-279-1155, ext. 2.
Birds and Bagels
Sunday, February 9 at 10 am
Enjoy a bagel and hot beverage while observing our most active winter friends– the birds! $3 per person, Ages 8 and up. Program will be held inside. Please pre-register and let us know what kind of bagel you would like; 518-279-1155, ext. 2.
Full Moon Hike
Sunday, February 9 at 5:30 pm
Come out and experience the park in a whole new light on a 2 mile night hike. Red flashlights will be provided. $3 per person, Ages 10 and up. Snowshoes will be provided if there is snow. Spikes/ crampons suggested otherwise. Dress warmly. Space is limited, so please preregister at 518-279-1155, ext. 2.
Trout Unlimited Meeting
Home Waters Chapter of Trout Unlimited is holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, February 13, at 6 pm at the Grafton Lakes State Park Welcome Center, which is located at the end of the main parking lot. (If the main gates are closed, please enter via the Winter Entrance at the four corners in Grafton.) Light fare and refreshments will be served. All are encouraged and welcome to attend. Contact us at homewaterstu@gmail.com or 518-326-6201 for more information.
February Mindful Nature Walk
Join Kripalu-certified Mindful Outdoor Guides Molly Freiberg and Moriah Cutro-Kelly for our February Mindful Walk on Sunday, February 23 from 10 am to 12:30 pm. We will be walking slowly, sometimes sitting, to take in the forest atmosphere, so we will not be building much heat. Bundle up in your warm winter layers and bring a few extra. Wear extra socks and boots with good tread or microspikes. We’ll warm up with tea and a fire at the end of the walk. Contact molly@rensselaerplateau.org or 978-239-8105 to register (drop-ins also welcome.). Ages 12 and up with a $5 to $10 suggested donation, which goes directly to support conservation on the Rensselaer Plateau.
The event takes place at the RPA’s Poestenkill Community Forest at 200 Legenbauer Road in East Poestenkill.
(Averill Park mailing address for GPS use).