Wednesday April 24, 2024 
Wild About Winter Raptor Fest!
GREENWICH — See live owls, hawks and falcons up close and in flight at Grassland Bird Trust’s 9th annual Winter Raptor Fest! Follow a trail through a new and expanded WILD Encounter to meet and learn about native raptors in the “natural” habitats they depend on for their survival. Keep an eye out for live porcupine, opossum, red or gray fox and other mammals along the way!
A NEW Arctic habitat at this year’s WILD Encounter features Short-eared owls, Snowy owls and other wintering raptors on their summer breeding grounds!
Raptor photo booth, Horse-drawn “Birding” Wagon, “For the Birds” store, hands-on activities for kids, food vendors and more, round out this exciting weekend where raptors rule! All activities take place under cover except Birding wagon; event will be held rain or shine.
Winter Raptor Fest returns to the Washington County Fairgrounds on May 18 & 19. Members receive discounted admission and free event poster. EVENT HOURS: Saturday 10-4, Sunday 11-4. Visit www.winterraptorfest.com for program schedule and fees or call 518-499-0012 for more info.
Town of Sand Lake Dog Park jumps major hurdles!
It’s time to design and raise funds for a 2 Acre Dog Park! To move forward, we MUST be committed and create some committees. This is where the Paw meets the Park!
If you are committed, please be a part of the next step on Tuesday, May 7th, from 6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. in the Town of Sand Lake meeting room. (8428 Miller Hill Rd, Sand Lake, NY 12153)
Consider the following committees which will meet the first Tuesday of the month for one hour –
- Leadership Committee:
- Fundraising Committee:
- Infrastructure Committee:
- Rules Committee:
- Publicity Committee
A dog park will offer owners a safe place to socialize their dogs in a controlled environment and keep them off the streets. Off-leash areas bring people together, create a greater sense of community and provide a forum for dog owners to share information that can help foster more responsible pet ownership. The park will make dogs better neighbors that are less likely to bark incessantly or jump on people and will offer elderly and disabled citizens a place to exercise their companions. The park will improve the overall physical and psychological well-being of our community and their pets. Remember, a committed community positions us to receive local and federal grants. This park is just one step in developing a better life for all Sand Lake residents.
Please mark May 7th, 2019 at 6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. on your calendar. It’s up to you!
That’s all fur now!
~Shannon DeCelle
Friends of the Sand Lake Dog Park!
Benefit Show by Chantal Turvey At Long Shadows Farm
CAMBRIDGE. World renowned equestrian performer Chantal Turvey will perform with her horses at Long Shadows Farm in Cambridge, NY on Friday, May 3, at 7 p.m. Gates open at 5:30. Between 5:30 and 7:00, and there will be pony rides and entertainment as well as food and beverage concessions on site.
The event will benefit the sanctuary horses, including retired Thoroughbred racehorses, at Long Shadows Charitable Foundation (LSCF) as well as its healing programs for veterans, first-responders and others. Turvey is a highly acclaimed horse trainer, stunt rider, and trick trainer specializing in training equines for television and cinema. Her performance will be a special tribute to American veterans.
“I am thrilled to be back at Long Shadows Farm to help the beautiful rescue horses in their care and the programs that they provide for American veterans,” said Turvey. “It is my way of helping people and horses.”
Long Shadows Farm is located at 84 Dr. Brown Lane, Cambridge, N.Y. The event will take place in the arena on the premises.
Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at www.LongShadowsHorses.org. Veterans and children 10 and under get in free.
For more information: 518-928-6161 or info@nullLongShadowsHorses.org
Pet Adoption Fair
Hugs From Henry, Inc. will hold a Pet Adoption Fair to benefit local pets for medical needs and to find their forever home. The event will be held on Sun., May 5th, Benson’s Pet Center, 3083 NY-50, Saratoga Springs, NY from 10 am to 3 pm. Local shelters and vendors will be on hand.
If you are Spring cleaning and find unneeded pet supplies to include old towels, sheets or blankets, bring them and we will provide them to people adopting a pet or the shelters will take what they need. We will give you a donation receipt.
Spring Dog Obedience Sessions
Class is in session: Spring Introduction to Basic Dog Obedience
Sessions will take place Wednesday Evenings at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds April 24th-June 5th
6:00 – 6:45 PM; Open to Rensselaer County Residents (Adults):
Designed for the new puppy, family pet, or for someone who wants to get more involved in the world of “dogs”. Dogs must be nonaggressive. This class will introduce basic obedience tasks including sit, down, attention, walking on a loose leash, recall and building drive. For those that have the basics down, we can continue working on same tasks, but introducing distractions and longevity.
7:00 – 7:45 PM Open to Rensselaer County Residents
(8-18 years old):
Designed for our children, who are able to keep control of their dogs on a leash. For those that may need some assistance with the dogs, we ask that an adult participate with them. This class will introduce or continue your work on sit, down, attention, walking on a loose leash, recall and building drive. I also will be including some tricks that everyone enjoys doing.
The cost for 4-H members and volunteers is $25 and $50 for non-members. Space is limited, so please call Kayela at 518-272-4210 to reserve your spot today!
Citizen Science Opportunity: DEC Seeks Turkey Hunters for Ruffed Grouse Drumming Survey
Turkey hunters in pursuit of that wary gobbler in the spring are ideally suited to monitor ruffed grouse during the breeding season. Turkey hunters can record the number of grouse they hear drumming while afield to help DEC track the distribution and abundance of this game bird. To get a survey form, go to DEC’s website or call (518) 402-8883.
To participate in DEC’s Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey or other wildlife surveys, visit the “Citizen Science” page of the DEC website.