Friday April 19, 2024 
December Mindful Walk at Albert Family Community Forest
Saturday, December 10, 10am – 12:30pm
Kripalu-Certified Mindful Outdoor Guide Molly Freiberg 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. 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.
This event will take place at Albert Family Community Forest 120 Hayes Road East Nassau, NY 12062. $10 suggested donation or any amount is welcome. Pre-registration required – space is limited, so register early. Ages 12+. Head over to our website https://www.rensselaerplateau.org/mindful-walk to register or email dan@nullrensselaerplateau.org for more information. Hope to see you there!
RPA speaker series presents “Follow the Forest: Creating a Connected Corridor”
Follow the Forest: Creating a Connected Corridor with Paul Mailhot-Singer, Housatonic Valley Association Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 7pm on Zoom.
Follow the Forest is a conservation initiative involving partners in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont, working toward a shared goal of protecting a wildlife corridor extending from the Hudson Valley to Canada.
Paul Singer of Housatonic Valley Association will discuss Follow the Forest’s efforts at connecting with communities throughout the corridor. From teaching kids about wildlife migration to engaging volunteers in community science, Follow the Forest is committed to raising awareness as we fight the threat of forest fragmentation and climate change. Together, we can realize a shared vision that brings us closer to the places we love and the wildlife we share this land with.
Paul Singer serves as the Follow the Forest Outreach Specialist for the Housatonic Valley Association. In his current role, Paul collaborates with conservation partners in NY, CT, MA, and VT, conducts school programs, and manages communications for the Follow the Forest Initiative.
Pre-registration is required. The suggested voluntary donation is $5, though any amount is welcome. To register and receive the zoom link, head over to our website at rensselaerplateau.org/speaker-reg or email Dan@nullrensselaerplateau.org for more information.
Tuesday Treks:
Every Tuesday 12:30 – 2:30
Join Len Tremblay on a moderately paced 3 mile hike every Tuesday in December to explore the wilds of Dyken Pond Center. Learn the trail system one at a time with a knowledgeable guide. Each week we’ll discover new ground and nature. Hikes will be cancelled in bad weather. Preregistration required at (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@nullgmail.com. This program is free for adults and older teens.
Mindful Nature Walk:
Saturday, December 17: 10am-12pm
Join Sandy Wilson from Spirit of Dragonflies, LLC to celebrate the wonders of the outdoors at the Dyken Pond EEC! 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. Donations accepted if you are able. Suggested donation: $10, but truly any amount is welcome. Preregistration required at (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@nullgmail.com.
How Animals Prepare for Winter:
Saturday, December 17: 1pm-2:30pm
Take a short hike at Dyken Pond EEC exploring the forest for signs of animals preparing for winter. Learn what animals call our forest their home and how they prepare to survive the colder months.
Preregistration required at dykenpond@nullgmail.com or (518) 658-2055. All ages. $3 per person.
Yule Log Celebration:
Sunday, December 11: 1pm – 3pm
Celebrate the ancient tradition of the Yule Log at Dyken Pond EEC. Hear the story of the Yule Log and why the days are getting shorter and the nights longer at this time of year. Search for a hidden Yule Log, which will be carried back and used to start a campfire by the lake. Greens will be available to make crafts. Light refreshments can be enjoyed by the fire. Preregistration required at dykenpond@nullgmail.com or (518) 658-2055. Free.
Luminary Full Moon Walk
Grafton Lakes State Park will host their second ever luminary walk. Last year was such an amazing turn out that this year we have doubled the number of lights and the length of the trail! The weather might be frightful, but up at Grafton, we will be enjoying s’mores, hot chocolate, and a trail lit by luminary lanterns and the full moon!
Come as a couple or bring out the whole family. The self-led approximately ½ mile trail is perfect for a romantic stroll, mesmerizing the kids, or anything in-between. Enjoy the sounds of the holidays, a warm cup of hot chocolate, or roast a marshmallow over the fire. Dogs comfortable with crowds are welcome. Must be contained on a six-foot leash.
The event will be held on Friday, Dec 9th from 5-8:30pm. $5 per person, ages 5 and under free. Cash only!
No registration required. Want to attend the event for free? We are looking for volunteers to assist for half of the event and then enjoy the other half. Contact graftonlakesvolunteers@nullparks.ny.gov if you are interested!
Burden Lake Ski Club
Join us on Sunday afternoons (7 WEEKS) starting in January 2023 from 2:00-6:30 PM for $278 for a lift ticket or $373 for a lift ticket with a one hour lesson. $40 lift ticket!! of $53 with a one hour lesson!
If you purchased online, a four-hour lift ticket is $104! Our club is now signed up to purchase passes on the Jiminy Peak website, please contact Kathy Andrews at 518-488-8939 or email MAndrews13@nullnycap.rr.com for the link information.