Monday April 29, 2024 
May Mindful Nature Walk
Saturday, May 14, 10am – 12:30pm, Albert Family Community Forest, East Nassau. Forest Bathing is a Japanese wellness practice that welcomes us to take in the forest atmosphere with all of our senses. Nature has the ability to calm, inspire, and restore us in all seasons – so let’s take some much-needed time to receive what is offered. Kripalu-Certified Mindful Outdoor Guides Sandy Wilson will guide our group to engage with nature in the present moment, as we experience it through all of our senses, to appreciate the complex wonders we often don’t notice when we are rushed or distracted. During this walk, we will be sauntering slowly on gently rolling forested trails. Please register at www.rensselaerplateau.org/mindful-walk.
Stream Forensics Workshop
Stream Forensics Workshop, with Matt Thatcher and Pam Jacobson, Saturday, May 21, 10am – 12pm, Barberville Falls Preserve.You are invited to visit another world, the world of freshwater organisms living in our streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. We will collect a variety of aquatic insects and do some basic field identification of these critters that call our watershed home. This workshop will cover the basics of collecting specimens, how to identify organisms at the family level, and the niches in a watershed lead to diversity of organisms. We’ll also discuss some of the basics of stream ecology, water quality protocols, and the importance of protecting our local streams. Please bring water, a snack, appropriate footwear and layers, a cushion or towel to kneel on, and your curiosity. Registration require: please visit www.rensselaerplateau.org/stream-forensics.
Nopiates Healing Mindful Nature Walk
Nopiates Healing Mindful Nature Walk, Sunday, May 22, 2022, 1pm – 3:30pm, Albert Family Community Forest, East Nassau. Co-sponsored by Rensselaer Plateau Alliance and Nopiates Committee. *Please note: This is a special event for those impacted by the Opioid Epidemic or addiction.* The Opioid Epidemic and struggles with addiction cause untold grief, loss, and pain. Time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, promote healing, and balance our mental health. If you’ve been impacted by the Opioid Epidemic or addiction, we warmly invite you to this event. Come walk in nature with us, open your senses to the present moment, and restore in community. We will be walking slowly, sometimes sitting, taking in the natural world around us and sharing our reflections with one another. This is a free event, but please register at www.rensselaerplateau.org/healing-walk.
Trees and Sustainable Forestry: May Lecture at Rensselaer Plateau Alliance
Trees and Sustainable Forestry, with Mary Spring. Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 7pm on Zoom. Mary Spring of Spring Forestry will talk about the various trees in our area, how to identify them, and the issues they face. She will also discuss how to provide quality sustainable forest management with a focus on forest health issues. Mary Spring’s consulting company, Spring Forestry, was established to provide these services. Mary has prepared a Forest Management Plan for RPA’s Poestenkill Community Forest and is administering its timber harvest. She also consults for a number of private clients on the Plateau. Mary Spring holds an A.S. from Columbia Greene Community College and a B.S. in Forest Ecosystems Science from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Please register at www.rensselaerplateau.org/lecture-registration.
2022 Schodack Day Camp
The Town of Schodack is pleased to announce that the 2022 Summer Day Camp for children will run from July 11, 2022 through August 5, 2022. The program will operate Monday through Friday, grades K-3 from 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and grades 4-8 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration is $125.00 per child, with a $325.00 maximum per family, all inclusive. Applications will be available during regular business hours starting May 1st at the Schodack Town Clerk’s Office or online at www.schodack.org (under Youth & Recreation). All health immunization forms are required with camper applications. No application will be accepted without proof of immunization. Bus service information will also be available. See registration applications for age requirements, camp locations and details. Completed applications and registration fees will be due no later than June 1, 2022. For further information please contact the Recreation Director Shelia Golden at youthdirector@nullschodack.org.
Cub Scout Pack 2528 Bicycle Rodeo
On Sunday June 5th from 12:30-2:30, Cub Scout Pack 2528 will be hosting a Grade K-5 Bicycle Rode at Algonquin Middle School parking area.
Bring your bikes and helmets. There will be a Pit Stop for minor bike adjustments, Gear check, Bike safety information and various skills stations. Collecting Gently used kids bikes for SkyHigh Adventure Community Center.
Spring Bird Walk on the Rensselaer Plateau
Spring Bird Walk, with Jim de Waal Malefyt and Jeff Briggs. Saturday, May 14, 8am-11am, Poestenkill Community Forest, Averill Park. Early morning in the spring before leaf-out is the best time to look for spring migrating and local resident birds.
We will also identify birds by their courtship songs and calls. Bring binoculars and bird guides if you have them. Expect some short walks near the parking area into field, forest, and wetland edge on trails. Suitable for birders of all levels – beginners welcome! Please, no dogs. Pre-registration required – space is limited, so pleas register early at www.rensselaerplateau.org/events.
May & June Lacrosse Programs For Boys
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Capitalland lacrosse will be running a boy’s MAY & JUNE lacrosse programs. Players can chose to play on Tuesdays night, Sunday afternoons or BOTH. Programs will start on May 10 and end on June 26. Each group will play for an hour and a half each day/night. Levels include: a co-ed K – 5th learn to play program; boys instructional programs for beginner & novice players grades 2nd – 5th & 6th- 10th; an advanced instruction program for players in graders 3 – 6 & 7 – 9 who want to refine their game while being introduced to more advanced techniques. All age level will be separated and a scrimmage will be held each night. For more information on all of these programs go to www.capitallandlacrosse.com or e-mail us at chad@nullcapitallandlacrosse.com.
May & June Lacrosse Programs For Girls
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Capitalland lacrosse will be running a girls MAY & JUNE lacrosse program. Players can chose to play on Tuesdays night, Sunday afternoons or BOTH. All programs will start on May 10 and end on June 26. Each group will play for an hour and a half each day/night. Levels include: a co-ed K – 5th learn to play program; girls instructional programs for beginner & novice players grades 3rd – 10th, an advanced program for players in graders 6th –8th and one for 9 – 10 who want to refine their game while being introduced to more advanced techniques. All age level will be separated and a scrimmage will be held each night. For more information go to www.capitallandlacrosse.com or e-mail us at chad@nullcapitallandlacrosse.com.
May & June Field Hockey
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Capitalland Field Hockey will be running a MAY & JUNE field hockey program for players in graders K – 12 grades. Players can chose to play on Tuesdays night, Sunday afternoons or BOTH. All programs will start on May 10 and end on June 26. Each group will play for an hour and a half each day/night. Levels include: a K-3 learn to play program; girls instructional programs for beginner & novice players grades 3 – 10, an advanced program for players in graders 6 –9 and one for 10 – 12 who want to refine their game while being introduced to more advanced techniques. All age level will be separated and a scrimmage will be held each night. For more information go to www.capitallandlacrosse.com or e-mail us at chad@nullcapitallandlacrosse.com.