Sports Outdoors

Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is offering an evening hike from 7 to 9 pm on Sunday, June 23, to observe this month’s “SuperMoon” as it rises over Dyken Pond. A SuperMoon can appear larger than an ordinary full moon. This will be a fun and moderate hike for all ages. Pre-registration is encouraged to help with planning but not required and can be done by contacting the Center at dykenpond@fairpoint.net or 658-2055. A complete list of programs can be found at www.dykenpond.org. The Center is located at 475 Dyken Pond Road, Cropseyville.

Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is offering a community art project on Sunday, June 30, from 2 to 4 pm with local artist Ellen Crane. Drawing upon the rich tradition of fish decoys, participants will use their imagination to create distinctive and whimsical designs using paint, glass beads and tacks. Twenty-four fish will be created for a permanent installation featuring “Fish Out of Water.”  This program is great for families and all ages so come to Dyken Pond and get creative. Pre-registration is encouraged to help with planning but not required and can be done by contacting the Center at dykenpond@fairpoint.net or 658-2055. A complete list of programs can be found at www.dykenpond.org. The Center is located at 475 Dyken Pond Road, Cropseyville.

Grafton Lakes State Park will hold a new 8 week summer yoga program on Mondays from July 1 through August 19. Kripalu Yoga and Deep Relaxation classes will be offered by Kat Abrams, RYT, Kripalu Certified Yoga Teacher with 16 years of teaching experience. Abrams’ uplifting classes focus on mindful stretching and strengthening yoga flows with the needs and challenges of the class participants in mind.
Choose from two Monday drop-in classes, a lunchtime Yoga class from 12 to 1 pm near the Deerfield Pavilion and an evening Beach Yoga class from 6:30 to 7:30 pm on the Long Pond Beach. Participants should wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat and/or beach size towel and arrive on time to begin.
Classes cost $12 each in cash or check, to be paid directly to the teacher. Sign-in at the booth is required.
Come join us for a deeply relaxing, energizing and restoring experience surrounded by natural beauty. For more information about Kripalu Yoga Mondays at Grafton call Kat Abrams, RYT, at 518-233-1717 or email her at katyoga@hotmail.com. You may also call Jamie Wasielewski at the Park at 518-279-1155. Information about Park events may also be found online at www.nysparks.com/parks.

Free fishing, sponsored by New York State, is Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and 30, from 9 to 11 am at Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center. Fish without a license. Guides will be available to help you get started if you’ve never fished before. Use our fishing poles or bring your own.

Fans of frogs, fish, and constellations will find intriguing programs at Grafton Lakes State Park in June.
On Friday, June 28, enjoy our Star Watch, a free tour of the night sky with Albany Area Astronomers and their telescopes, starting at 9:30 pm. In case of overcast skies, program will be moved to Saturday the 29th.  Enter the park for this after-hours program via the Winter Entrance on Long Pond Road and follow the signs to the Star Watch.
On Saturday, June 29, Department of Environmental Conservation’s Fisheries Educators will offer a drop-in fishing clinic from 11am until 2 pm by the Long Pond docks.  Learn about local fish and try casting off the dam with fishing poles provided by DEC.  Both Saturday and Sunday, visitors can fish without a license in Grafton Lakes State Park and Cherry Plain State Park as part of the statewide free fishing weekend.
Swimming is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm through Labor Day. Entrance fees are $8/vehicle. The Park is open daily for hiking, picnicking and biking from 8 am until dusk. For more information about park programs, call Liz Wagner at 279-1155.