Wednesday April 24, 2024 
December Mindful Nature Walk
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Saturday, December 11, 10am – 12:30pm, Poestenkill Community Forest. Pre-registration required – space is limited, so please register early. Ages 12+. Forest Bathing is a Japanese wellness practice that welcomes us to take in the forest atmosphere with all of our senses. 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 please dress in layers for cold temperatures. No experience is necessary — beginners are welcome! Bring water and a snack. Please learn more and register in advance at https://www.rensselaerplateau.org/mindful-walk.
Luminary Full Moon Walk at Grafton Lakes State Park
GRAFTON – Grafton Lakes State Park will host its first ever luminary full moon walk. 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 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.
The event will be held on Friday, Dec 17th from 5-8:30pm. $5 per person, ages 5 and under free.
No registration required.
Grafton Lakes State Park is located off of Route 2, twelve miles east of Troy, New York. Please use the park’s main entrance on Grafton Lakes State Park Way for this event. There is no entrance fee for this event. For more information, please call the park at 518-279-1155.
Mindful Nature Walk at Dyken Pond EEC
GRAFTON – Saturday, December 18: 10am-12pm 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. Donations accepted if you are able. Suggested donation: $10, but truly any amount is welcome. 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.
Wildlife Walk and Talk at Dyken Pond EEC
GRAFTON – Saturday, December 18: 1pm – 2:30pm. Take a short hike learning about how the Center supports and attracts wildlife to various sites through natural and ethical means. These tips will help families know where to look for wildlife and can be taken home to increase biodiversity on your property while improving your chances of viewing wildlife. For youth of all ages who can easily walk 1.5 miles. 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.
Tuesday Treks at Dyken Pond EEC
GRAFTON – 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. This program is for adults and older teens. 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.
Snowshoe Rentals at Dyken Pond EEC
GRAFTON – Rentals are available when there is at least 6 inches of snow on the ground. Please call ahead to reserve your shoes as rentals may not always be available. $5 ½ day rental. Guided snowshoe hikes also available with advance notice. For info call (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@nullgmail.com.
First Day Hikeat Dyken Pond EEC
GRAFTON – January 1: 1pm -2:30pm – The first Family Fitness Foray of the year takes place on New Years Day! Join Josh Pulito on an easy paced 2 mile hike to start the New Year off in the outdoors. Burn off holiday calories while taking in the winter woods! For all ages who can walk 2 miles. Preregistration required. Please visit our website www.dykenpond.org to learn more about the Center and for a complete schedule of our 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 and snowshoeing. 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.