Thursday April 25, 2024 
Tuesday Treks at Dyken Pond EEC
GRAFTON – Every Tuesday 12:30pm – 2:30pm Join Len Tremblay on a moderately paced 3 mile hike every Tuesday in October to explore the wilds of Dyken Pond Center. Each week we’ll discover new ground and nature. Hikes will be cancelled in bad weather. Preregistration is required for all programs at (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@nullgmail.com. Your registration is not complete until you receive confirmation from the Center. This program is for adults and older teens.
October Mindful Nature Walk
POESTENKILL – Saturday, October 9, 10 am – 12:30 pm. Poestenkill Community Forest. Pre-registration is required: please visit www.rensselaerplateau.org. – 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 Molly Freiberg and 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, so be sure to dress in layers for chilly weather.
Orienteering at Grafton Lakes State Park
GRAFTON – Empire Orienteering Club is hosting an event on Monday, Oct. 11, 2021 at Grafton Lakes State Park. Different courses will be offered for all skill levels. Instruction will be provided for novices. Registration and starts are at 10:00am to 12:00 noon. Masks are requested for non-vaccinated participants, and social distancing is preferred. No-contact methods are available, as well as participation after the day’s event: see the UsynligO page at the club website. Directions, fees and more information at empoclub.org.
Firewood Gathering Volunteer Day at Dyken Pond EEC
GRAFTON – Saturday, October 16: 9am – Noon An annual event to help the Center cut, gather, haul, split, and stack enough firewood to last the winter. This heartwarming, feel-good activity keeps the Center warm and feeling good all winter! We’ll treat all hardy volunteers to a free lunch for your efforts. Please preregister by Thursday, October 14 so we can plan enough food for everyone.Preregistration is required for all programs at (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@nullgmail.com. Your registration is not complete until you receive confirmation from the Center.
Mindful Nature Walk at Dyken Pond EEC
GRAFTON – Saturday, October 16: 1pm-3pm Join Sandy Wilson from Spirit of Dragonflies, LLC to celebrate the wonders of the outdoors! Called Shinrin-Yoku where it originated in Japan, it is the wellness practice of being in the present moment and opening up our senses. This type of slow walking ‘sauntering’, deep breathing, present-centered awareness, and observation in nature is shown to reduce stress, boost our moods, and strengthen our immune systems. Preregistration is required for all programs at (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@nullgmail.com. Your registration is not complete until you receive confirmation from the Center. Donations accepted if you are able. Suggested donation: $10, but truly any amount is welcome.
Introduction to Wild Mushrooms
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 7pm on Zoom. A well-known area mycologist, Sue Van Hook has given numerous workshops on mushroom identification and for several years has taken her students on forays to the Rensselaer Plateau. They have found mushroom treasures ranging from delicious edible Chanterelles to unique Devil’s Urns. She recently retired as Chief Mycologist of Ecovative Design, taught biology and environmental science labs at Skidmore College for 18 years, and dedicated the first 10 years of her career to land conservation. Pre-registration is required: please visit www.rensselaerplateau.org.
Outdoor Afro: An Introduction to our Community
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Join the 3rd talk in the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance’s Guest Lecture Series, with Outdoor Afro’s National Program Director, Chaya Harris, and local Outdoor Afro leader Benita Law-Diao. Thursday, October 28, at 7pm on Zoom. Outdoor Afro is the nation’s leading, cutting edge network that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. A national not for profit organization, Outdoor Afro has leadership networks throughout the country. With more than 100 leaders in 56 cities around the country, Outdoor Afro connects thousands of people to nature experiences, and is changing the face of conservation. Join this talk for an opportunity to learn more about the newest chapter of Outdoor Afro in the Capital Region! Please email your questions to molly@nullrensselaerplateau.org to ensure the speakers can cover what you’d like to know. Pre-registration is required: please visit www.rensselaerplateau.org. For more on local Outdoor Afro events, join the Outdoor Afro Albany and Upstate NY facebook group.
Bird Feeding 101: at Dyken Pond EEC
GRAFTON – Saturday, October 30: 1pm -2:30pm. Learn what birds will be attracted to birdfeeders, make a birdfeeder ornament to take home and create an offering to the birds which will be left at the Center and documented with a trail camera. Participants will receive “best of” photographs of the visitors via email following the program. $2 per youth. Preregistration is required for all programs at (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@nullgmail.com. Your registration is not complete until you receive confirmation from the Center. Youth of all ages. Please visit our website www.dykenpond.org to learn more about the Center and a for a complete schedule of our fall events. We encourage you to follow our Facebook page and/or website where we will post new events when the conditions are just right for getting outdoors. Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is a Rensselaer County Park open daily during daylight hours for hiking, fishing, birding, canoeing and kayaking.