Events 2019
Enjoy and Explore Trailside in Every Season!
Check back from time to time. More events will be added.
Sat., Feb. 9th Eaglefest 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
snow date Sun., Feb. 10th
AT Croton Point Park: Bird presentations, nature walks, live music, food trucks & more.
———-
Mon., Feb. 18th Winter Wildlife Survival 1:00 pm
AT Fort Montgomery State Historic Site
How is it that deer, wood frogs, or even praying mantis survive the winter? Come to Fort Montgomery State Historic Site and discover how our backyard neighbors endure the winter with no clothing, grocery stores, or furnaces! Program will involve a nature trek, searching for tracks and sign, hands-on furs, and games. This FREE family-friendly program is suited for children 8 and up.
For More Information or Registration: Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, 690 Route 9W, Fort Montgomery, NY 10922 Call (845) 446-2134 peter.cutul@parks.ny.gov
———-
Sat., April 20th Bird ID Intro 9:00 am to 10:30 am
AT Bear Mountain Inn
Have you always wanted to know what birds live in your backyard? Join an educator from Trailside Museums & Zoo for a brief presentation at the Bear Mountain Inn, learn some new birding skills and practice them on a bird walk around Hessian Lake. Family-friendly program, suited for ages 10 & up. Registration required. Parking at BMSP $10/vehicle. For information & registration: email Courtney.Larson@parks.ny.gov or call 845-786-2701 x293.
———-
Sat., April 27th Earth Day 10:30 am to 3:00 pm
rain date Sun, April 28th
Come to the Bear Den at 10:30 to make snacks for the black bears. At 11:00, watch the zookeepers let the bears explore & enjoy the tasty treats. Family-friendly fun with an Earth-friendly focus. Nature-related displays & activities!
———-
Sat., May 4th I Love My Park Day 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Join in Landscape Work Day at Trailside. Appropriate for adults and high school youth. Children must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by parent/guardian. High School students welcome. No groups. Registration Required. Information will be provided when it i announced by NYS Parks.
———-
Sat., Aug. 3rd Bird Festival 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Fly on over to celebrate the birds of New York State at Trailside! Visit the bald eagle, owls, hawks & turkeys! Family friendly activities: Bird Olympics, & Great Migration Challenge!
———-
Sat., Sept. 21st Biodiversity Celebration 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Learn about Biodiversity & Local Habitats! Visit our Pond, River, Forest, Woodland Pool, Rocky Summit & Grassland habitat stations to complete your Habitat Passport. When you complete the activity at each station you get a stamp. Collect all stamps & win a prize, while discovering ways you can help protect & provide habitat for wildlife.
———-
Sun., Sept. 22nd Hike: Bear Mountain Loop 10:00 am
Hike the Bear Mountain Loop via Major Welch Trail & Appalachian Trail. This Hudson Valley Ramble hike is a 3.5-hour hike over 4 rugged miles (Rated difficult). We’ll meet at junction of the Appalachian Trail & Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail near the southern end of Hessian Lake, Bear Mountain. From there, we’ll walk north along the western shore of Hessian Lake to the start of the Major Welch Trail. Turning left into the woods, the ascent begins on stone steps and then quickly becomes a rocky footpath. The climb becomes steeper, passing through stands of mountain laurel. We’ll enjoy the north facing, panoramic views of the Hudson River, before we complete the climb to the summit. You can explore Perkins Memorial Tower & enjoy the views of the Hudson Valley. After a lunch break, we’ll continue to the Appalachian Trail & begin our descent. After crossing & then joining parts of Perkins Drive, trail descends over 800 magnificent hand-hewn stone steps. We’ll pass a seasonal waterfall, cross a wooden bridge & enjoy views of Iona Island & the Hudson River. At the end of the steps, we’ll be back where we started. Hike is NOT suitable for children under 12. Parking $10/vehicle. Registration required: chris.osullivan@parks.ny.gov, 845-786-2701 x293.
———-
Sat., Oct. 26th Boo at the Zoo 10:30 am to 3:00 pm
rain date Sun, Oct. 27th
Come to the Bear Den at 10:30 to make spooky snacks for the black bears. At 11:00, watch the zookeepers let the bears loose to enjoy the tasty Halloween decorations. Touch real animal skulls, see stuffed specimens in the Nature Study museums, make Autumn crafts & learn about bats & our not-so-scary owls and vultures. Lots of family-friendly fun and activities. Allow 20 minutes to walk from parking lot to Bear Den.
———-
Sat., Dec. 21st Beary Merry Holiday 10:30 am at Bear Den
rain date Sun., Dec. 22nd
Come to the Bear Den at 10:30 to make tasty holiday snacks for the black bears. We’ll celebrate the holiday season at 11:00 when we let the bears out to unwrap their gift boxes full of delicious treats! Bundle up & come out for a festive, family-friendly winter experience.Allow 20 minutes to walk from parking lot to Bear Den.