June 15th is the last Volunteer Day for the Ashokan Rail Trail Habitat Restoration! Come out and help the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership team plant native saplings!

Whether it’s your first time or third time volunteering, or you’re a seasoned volunteer, your time and effort will get us one step closer to our goal of planting over 100 trees and removing over a ¼ acre of invasive species in this season alone! Providing food, home, and healthy habitats for both humans and wildlife, we wouldn’t have made this difference without you, thank you! 

Join us on June 15th, from 9 am to 12 pm at the Ashokan Station Trailhead. Let’s make this season's last planting the best one yet!

There will be training on iMapInvasives, as well as proper tool use, removal and planting methods, and more before we head to the work site. We will be providing and using tools such as loppers, pick mattocks, hand trowels, etc. 

There will be a quick 3-minute walk to the site, but for the most part, we will be working in tall grass, where poison ivy and thorn bushes grow. Please dress appropriately; no open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip flops, or Crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, lunch, or a snack. Granola bars will be available as well. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: If possible, please fill out the waivers linked on Civic Champs before the event. There will also be printouts available, but we want you to have ample time to have training and plant instead of doing paperwork. We suggest you have them filled out prior to the event.

The Catskill Center is thrilled to partner with NYSDEC and NYSParks to celebrate Get Outdoors & Get Together Day, a statewide event that welcomes people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds to enjoy the outdoors together.

Join us on Saturday, June 14th from 12-3 PM at the Catskills Visitor Center for a day full of fun, inclusive, and healthful activities — including archery (with adaptive equipment available), a field drawing workshop, and much more!

The ongoing activities from 12-3 PM include:

• Welcome Table

• Archery

• Birding Table

• Lawn Games

• Macros & Stream Health Station

• Crafts Station:

  • Pine Cone Bird Feeders

  • Seed Planting

  • Butterfly Creations

  • Imagination Binoculars

• Story Walk™: Mount Tremper Has a Temper

  Timed programs include:

• • 1:00 PM – Field Sketching for Beginners

• • 2:00 PM – Sister Rain and Brother Sun Puppet Show

No registration is required to attend this event, but we kindly ask that you sign up for a time slot if you’d like to participate in archery.

Get Outdoors & Get Together Day was created by DEC and State Parks, in partnership with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), NYS Department of Veterans’ Services, Office of the Chief Disability Officer, Office of Mental Health, and the NYS Justice Center. This event is part of the Governor’s initiative to make New York’s public lands more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Celebrate NY Invasive Species Awareness Week by volunteering with the Catskill Center’s  CRISP program, the Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA), and the Capital Region PRISM to pull invasive European Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) at Weaver and Summit Lakes.  

Frogbit has been found in several waterbodies in the Upper Susquehanna, just north of Otsego Lake and has been spreading rapidly in the past few years. We need your help keeping the public launches clear of frogbit and open for recreation while also helping to reduce the spread of this invasive.

We recommend participants bring their own watercrafts, however, we will have extra kayaks and waders to provide for those who need.  Bring plenty of water and prepare to get muddy

It's the second-to-last Volunteer Day for the Ashokan Rail Trail Habitat Restoration! Come out and help the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership team plant native saplings! Last year, our volunteers planted 180 trees and removed half an acre of invasive species, and we hope to do more with your help!

Join us on June 12th, from 9 am to 12 pm at the Ashokan Station Trailhead. Let’s make a difference together!

There will be training on iMapInvasives, as well as proper tool use, removal and planting methods, and more before we head to the work site. We will be providing and using tools such as loppers, pick mattocks, hand trowels, etc. 

There will be a quick 3-minute walk to the site, but for the most part, we will be working in tall grass, where poison ivy and thorn bushes grow. Please dress appropriately; no open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip flops, or Crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, lunch, or a snack. Granola bars will be available as well. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: Please be sure to fill out all waivers prior to the event, cell reception can be spotty, and we do not want to turn you away if you’re unable to sign them on location.

Join the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) and NYC DEP foresters for a guided, 1-mile walk along the Ashokan Rail Trail to explore innovative forest restoration projects in action.

Learn how experts are tackling invasive species, deer pressure, and emerging threats like beech leaf disease. You'll visit a deer exclosure experiment, hear about a planned slash wall, and discover proactive strategies you can apply to your own land. Plus, get an update on local volunteer efforts to restore areas impacted by emerald ash borer.

Participants should wear sturdy footwear, long pants and sleeves, insect protection, and bring plenty of water.

Get ready to become plant detectives! This week, join the Catskills Nature Explorers to learn how to identify different plants, explore their uses, and get creative by making our own leaf rubbings to take home.

Catskills Nature Explorers is a fun, hands-on program designed to inspire the next generation of naturalists through weekly adventures in nature, science, art, and wildlife. From bugs to birds, wildflowers to weather, each week brings a new adventure in nature, science, art, and wildlife.

Held every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 am throughout June, July, and August at the Catskills Visitor Center, this program is perfect for kids ages 5 to 12 (elementary level). 

Each session offers something new to discover in the natural world, and children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free! Registration is requested but not required, as space is limited.

Get ready to explore, create, and connect with the Catskills—one wild Wednesday at a time!

Questions? Email across@catskillcenter.org

Join the partners of the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) for an in-person summer meeting at the Catskills Visitor Center. We'll share updates on invasive species management efforts across the region, discuss ongoing projects, and connect on key strategies for the season ahead.

The meeting will also include a preview of the afternoon’s Ashokan Forestry Walk, giving attendees a chance to explore practical, on-the-ground forest management techniques.

June is National Great Outdoors Month—what better way to celebrate than by giving back to the land you love?! Join the Catskills Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on the Ashokan Rail Trail to help restore the native habitat, learn about invasive species, and plant trees like Red Maple and Swamp White Oak. Discover how invasives impact the scenic vistas and viewpoints you enjoy on trails like these—and how you can make a difference with every sapling you plant.

Join us on June 8th, from 9 am-12 pm at the Ashokan Station trailhead where we will be continuing our effort of planting native trees to help restore the habitat along the Ashokan Rail Trail which has been overrun with invasive species.

There will be training on iMapInvasives, as well as proper tool use, removal and planting methods, and more before we head to the work site. We will be providing and using tools such as loppers, pick mattocks, hand trowels, etc. 

There will be a quick 3-minute walk to the site, but for the most part, we will be working in tall grass, where poison ivy and thorn bushes grow. Please dress appropriately; no open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip flops, or Crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, lunch, or a snack. Granola bars will be available as well. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: Please be sure to fill out all waivers prior to the event, cell reception can be spotty, and we do not want to turn you away if you’re unable to sign them on location.

Join the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) for a guided walk along the new Nature Preserve Pathway at the Catskill Water Discovery Center!

On this educational tour, the Catskill Center’s Terrestrial Invasive Species Manager Dan Snider-Nerp will lead a short presentation followed by an engaging walk through the preserve, highlighting the impact of riparian invasive plants on native ecosystems. You'll learn how to identify key invasive species, understand their ecological effects, and explore best practices for managing them—both at home and in the field.

We’ll also discuss the Discovery Center’s ongoing stewardship efforts and how the community can play a role in protecting the Catskills' rich natural resources.

Advance registration is required, with a $10 suggested donation

Join us on June 7th from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Ashokan Station Trailhead to plant native tree saplings from Catskill Native Nursery. We will be planting Black Gum, Red Maple and Swamp White Oak, all native trees to the Catskills that bring unique benefits to the Ashokan Rail Trail. 

Black Gum has flowers that honey bees love to visit, Red Maple absorbs CO2 due to its rapid growth rate, and Swamp White Oak provides an abundance of acorns as food for the local wildlife. Each tree you plant has an impact. Help us plant as many as we can this season!

There will be training on iMapInvasives, as well as proper tool use, removal and planting methods, and more before we head to the work site. We will be providing and using tools such as loppers, pick mattocks, hand trowels, etc. 

There will be a quick 3-minute walk to the site, but for the most part, we will be working in tall grass, where poison ivy and thorn bushes grow. Please dress appropriately; no open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip flops, or Crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, lunch, or a snack. Granola bars will be available as well. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: Please be sure to fill out all waivers prior to the event, cell reception can be spotty, and we do not want to turn you away if you’re unable to sign them on location.

Join Moe Lemire—NYS licensed guide and founder of Hike On Guides—for a 7-mile educational hike with 1,750 feet of elevation gain through the scenic Indian Head Loop.

As we explore, we’ll discuss the visible impacts hikers and campers can have on the landscape when Leave No Trace principles aren’t followed.

As we climb, we’ll transition into a stunning First Growth Forest, learning how to identify these rare ecosystems. With a bit of luck, we’ll also encounter and enjoy the fragrant bloom of wild azaleas.

Details about parking and meeting time will be provided once you’ve registered. Please come prepared with plenty of water, lunch, snacks, sturdy footwear, trekking poles, and non-cotton layers. A detailed pack list will be provided as the hike approaches.

Advance registration is required, with a $10 suggested donation.

Calling all curious kids! Help us kick off the Catskills Nature Explorers program with a special celebration for World Environment Day! Join us for a guided walk with our Naturalist to the 80-foot fire tower and learn more about the Catskills’ unique environment.

Catskills Nature Explorers is a fun, hands-on program designed to inspire the next generation of naturalists through weekly adventures in nature, science, art, and wildlife. From bugs to birds, wildflowers to weather, each week brings a new adventure in nature, science, art, and wildlife.

Held every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 am throughout June, July, and August at the Catskills Visitor Center, this program is perfect for kids ages 5 to 12 (elementary level). 

Each session offers something new to discover in the natural world, and children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free! Registration is requested but not required, as space is limited.

Get ready to explore, create, and connect with the Catskills—one wild Wednesday at a time!

Questions? Email across@catskillcenter.org

Join us on May 31st from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Ashokan Station Trailhead to plant native tree saplings from Catskill Native Nursery.

May is Clean Air month, by restoring the native habitat along the Ashokan Rail Trail you are also helping to restore the clean air in the area! Help the Catskill Regional Invasive Partnership Strike Team in planting native trees from Catskill Native Nursery, including Swamp White Oak which is a natural air purifier. Their leaves absorb Carbon Monoxide and release Oxygen! Come help us make a difference!

There will be training on iMapInvasives, as well as proper tool use, removal and planting methods, and more before we head to the work site. We will be providing and using tools such as loppers, pick mattocks, hand trowels, etc. 

There will be a quick 3-minute walk to the site, but for the most part, we will be working in tall grass, where poison ivy and thorn bushes grow. Please dress appropriately; no open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip flops, or Crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, lunch, or a snack. Granola bars will be available as well. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: Please be sure to fill out all waivers prior to the event, cell reception can be spotty, and we do not want to turn you away if you’re unable to sign them on location.

Join Catskill Regional Invasvie Species (CRISP) staff for an afternoon of planting native trees and shrubs to protect local water quality and native habitats!

Six years ago, Catskill Center staff and volunteers planted 800 trees and shrubs along the riparian buffer at the Thorn Preserve to help reduce flooding and erosion and increase forested riparian habitat for native wildlife. This spring, we are supplementing that effort with 80 new trees and shrubs at the southwest corner of the Preserve along the Sawkill Creek.

CRISP will provide tools and gloves, but be ready to get dirty! Please bring your water, sunscreen, a hat, and wear long pants and long sleeves. Don't forget to do a tick-check at the end of the day! The planting area has little shade, but there are shaded areas nearby and we encourage volunteers to take frequent breaks as needed to stay cool and prevent heat related illness.

We'll meet at the main parking area at the Thorn Preserve at 1:30 PM, before walking down to the planting area as a group. Latecomers can join us at the southwest corner of the Preserve, near the John Joy Rd. bridge.

Join Moe Lemire—NYS licensed guide and founder of Hike On Guides—for an exploratory hike up Halcott Mountain on May 20th from 10 AM - 3 PM.

Along the way, you'll learn how to identify the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and witness its impact on old-growth hemlocks in the Catskills. We'll discuss both chemical and biological methods for mitigation, while also taking time to spot spring wildflowers and explore the concept of First Growth Forests in the region.

Details about parking and meeting time will be provided once you’ve registered. Please come prepared with plenty of water, lunch, snacks, sturdy footwear, trekking poles, and non-cotton layers. A detailed pack list will be provided as the hike approaches.

Advance registration is required, with a $10 suggested donation.

In honor of “Be Kind to Animals Month,” help the critters along the Ashokan Rail Trail by removing invasive plants and planting natives to restore their habitat! Restoring native plant communities has a positive impact by improving access to food resources, shelter, nesting materials, and breeding habitat for native wildlife—while also helping to prevent invasive monocultures from taking over.

Work alongside the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) in a hands-on effort to restore sections of the trail along the Ashokan Rail Trail. Join us on May 17th from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Ashokan Station Trailhead to identify and remove invasive species.

During the first half of the day, we’ll use iMapInvasives to log the areas where invasives are spotted and remove them from the area! After a break, we will plant some of the saplings in the holes you’ve prepared and install posts and fencing around each to protect them from the various elements. 

There will be training on iMapInvasives, as well as proper tool use, removal and planting methods, and more before we head to the work site. We will be providing and using tools such as loppers, pick mattocks, hand trowels, etc. 

There will be a quick 3-minute walk to the site, but for the most part, we will be working in tall grass, where poison ivy and thorn bushes grow. Please dress appropriately; no open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip flops, or Crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, lunch, or a snack. Granola bars will be available as well. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: Please be sure to fill out all waivers prior to the event, cell reception can be spotty, and we do not want to turn you away if you’re unable to sign them on location.

Hike with us under the light of the full moon!

This guided hike will offer stunning views of the Catskills under the moonlight and a unique opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.



This event is FREE with a suggested donation of $10.00. Registration is required.

Hike Starting Time and Location:
The meeting time for the hike will be 6:30 PM and we will begin 7:00 PM, or earlier once everyone arrives. The hike will begin from the newer Parking Area, located at 2205 Denning Rd, Claryville, NY 12725. This parking area has space for several cars but carpooling is recommended.

Hike Itinerary:

Starting from the Denning Rd Trailhead, we will ascend the newly constructed Red Hill trail up to the fire tower. We will have switchbacks at the beginning and will get to witness some cool erosion mitigation techniques that were put in place during the construction of the trail. The first 1.4 miles will be along this newly constructed trail while the final 0.6 miles of the hike will be along the original trail and will feature the steepest part of the hike until we reach the tower.

Once we get to the observer's cabin, we will take some time to rest and relax. People will have the chance to walk up the tower to get beautiful views of the Catskills in the moonlight. Depending on the timing of our arrival to the tower, folks may have the chance to view the sunset.

Because this trail is not particularly difficult and is the shortest fire tower hike, other than the Upper Esopus fire tower, breaks will be taken whenever folks need a moment to rest. Plan to drink water regularly as we go up to the tower, so have an easily accessible bottle of water. 

Items to Bring:

• Water (1-2 Liters as needed, there are no reliable sources to draw from on this hike)

• Snacks

• Headlamp (cell phone lights will not suffice)*

• Insulation - Puffy Jacket (additional fleece encouraged)

• Trekking Poles (If needed)

• Hiking Boots or Shoes (trail runners are acceptable)
  
  *If you do not have a headlamp you will not be allowed to take part in this hike. 

Join the Catskill Science Collaborative and Dr. Kara Belinsky of SUNY New Paltz in this birding workshop and walk at the Catskills Visitor Center on Saturday, May 10th, 10:00-11:30 AM. She will introduce you to 12 delightful montane birds, giving you a peek into their lives (amazing migrations, colorful feathers, and enchanting songs!), and help you to identify them by habitat, sight, and sound on your next hike.

Dr. Belinsky will also present her study of how hiking trails affect montane birds on the Catskills High Peaks. The talk includes the motivation for the study, methods, fun pictures and videos of the team on the mountains, and a summary of their findings.

After the workshop, Dr. Belinsky will lead a short birding hike to the Upper Esopus Fire Tower via the Interpretative Loop Trail at the Catskills Visitor Center. This will be a half-mile walk on paved ground. Bring your binoculars! Bird-curious hikers of all levels welcome.

Explore the stunning landscapes that inspired the Hudson River School of Art on this guided hike with geologist and author Robert and Johanna Titus.

Learn about the fascinating Ice Age history of the Clove, whose glacially sculpted terrain captivated artists like Thomas Cole and Asher Durand. The hike begins at the Laurel House Parking Lot, with a stop at the breathtaking Kaaterskill Falls before continuing along the Blue Rim Trail to Sunset Rock. Along the way, Dr. Titus will share insights into the geology and art history of this iconic region. Please wear sturdy footwear, dress in layers, apply sunscreen, and bring water for this journey through art and nature.

This event is FREE with a suggested donation of $10.00. Registration is required.

This program was created in partnership with Catskill Mountain Roots. Catskill Mountain Roots,organized by former Daily Freeman photographer Tania Barricklo, works to create community through gatherings, events, education and exploration of nature in the Catskill Mountains.

Have you ever walked along the Ashokan Rail Trail and thought, "What is this plant taking over the whole area?!”

Join the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on May 10, 2025 for a hands-on effort to identify and remove invasive species along the Ashokan Rail Trail.

We’ll meet at the Ashokan Station Trailhead at 9:00 AM. There will be training on IMapInvasives, as well as proper tool use, removal methods, and more before we head to the work site. We will be providing and using tools such as loppers, pick mattocks, hand trowels, and more to clear invasives. 

Expect a quick 3-minute walk to the site, followed by work in tall grass where poison ivy and thorny shrubs are present—so please dress appropriately. No open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip-flops, or crocs. We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, and lunch or a snack, though granola bars will be provided. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: Please be sure to fill out all waivers prior to the event, cell reception can be spotty, and we do not want to turn you away if you’re unable to sign them on location.

Join us for a day of community and connection as we unveil the Simmons Family Garden at the Catskills Visitor Center—a garden designed to support pollinators and the local ecosystem.

Enjoy guided garden walks, learn about the importance of native plants and pollinators, and explore how you can get involved through a variety of volunteer opportunities. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided as we come together to celebrate this new addition to the Visitor Center.

This event is FREE with a suggested donation of $10.00. Registration is required.

Join the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) along the Ashokan Rail Trail on April 22, 2025 to learn how to identify and remove invasive species—and help us restore this area in honor of Earth Day!

We’ll meet at the Ashokan Station Trailhead at 9:00 AM. There will be training on iMapInvasives, proper tool use, and removal methods. Expect a quick 3-minute walk to the removal site, followed by work in tall grass where poison ivy and thorn bushes are present—so please dress appropriately. No open-toed shoes, specifically sandals, flip-flops, or crocs. 

We suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, and lunch or a snack, though granola bars will be provided. There are portable restrooms at the trailhead and ample parking. 

Important: Please be sure to fill out all waivers prior to the event, cell reception can be spotty, and we do not want to turn you away if you’re unable to sign them on location.

Join naturalist and licensed guide Dave Holden for a guided walk along the Interpretive Loop Trail at the Catskills Visitor Center.

Learn how to spot the subtle and striking signs of spring as the landscape awakens, from budding plants to returning wildlife. Bring your nature questions and discover the season’s transitions with one of the region’s most knowledgeable guides.

Please dress in layers, wear sturdy footwear, and meet inside the Catskills Visitor Center to begin the walk.

This event is FREE with a suggested donation of $10.00. Registration is required.

The Catskills Visitor Center is looking for Volunteer Gardeners to help maintain Maurice D. Hinchey’s gravesite and the surrounding historic graveyard.

Over time, the gravesite has become home to invasive species and common weeds. We need your help to maintain the beauty and character of this meaningful space.

Orientation will be held at the Catskills Visitor Center from 10:00am until 12:00pm on April, 19th.

Once a week, volunteer pairs will be tasked with visiting the Catskills Visitor Center to weed, prune, and tend to the gravesite and small historic graveyard beside it. The Catskill Center will provide the tools needed, as well as any seeds or plants to improve the site.

This orientation will cover the goals of the project, a site overview, tool storage, and a review of the volunteer schedule and personal availability.

Sign up today and help make a lasting impact!

Do you have a vast knowledge of the Catskills? Do you like helping people? If so, the Catskills Visitor Center is looking for you!

With the increasing growth of visitation to the Catskills, the Catskills Visitor Center is looking for motivated, friendly volunteers to help make visitors' first stop in the Catskills memorable. Volunteers will help answer visitor questions, share history, and teach Leave No Trace ethics.

An in-person training will happen after an orientation call, which will go more in-depth about what’s expected. During the call, volunteers will choose the times and dates they would like to volunteer. The in-person training for the event will be on April 16th at The Catskills Visitor Center from 10 am till 12 pm. These hours will count towards volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to engage with the community, help protect the Catskills, and make a positive impact on visitors' experiences! Sign up today and become a part of the team!

Hike with us under the light of the full moon!

This guided hike will offer stunning views of the Catskills under the moonlight and a unique opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.



This event is FREE with a suggested donation of $10.00. Registration is required.

Meet-up Location:

We will meet up for this hike at Tremper Mountain Trailhead Parking right off Route 40/Mt. Tremper-Phoenicia Rd. The main parking area does not have the most space so carpooling is highly encouraged. Please plan to leave a note on your dashboard stating you are participating in the hike if you use any parking spots nearby that are not the Tremper Mountain Trailhead. We will meet up @ 6:00 PM and start the hike at 6:30, or earlier once everyone arrives. 

Hike Itinerary:
The hike begins with a half-mile stretch of traditional rock and root trail that will see plenty of small ups and downs. Once we meet up with the main trail, we will follow an old service road for 1.7 miles before reaching our first break spot at the spring along the trail. While the Catskill Mountains have some very fresh water, there is a privy located up the mountain from the water source, so treatment or filtration is recommended for those who have been recently considered immunocompromised or have had issues in the past.

The final 0.85 miles of the trail will contain some of the steeper sections, so we may rest and continue once everyone feels comfortable. Before reaching the fire tower there will be a shelter if anyone needs another place to rest after the final stretch. The views from the fire tower are some of the most beautiful in the Catskill Park at night time and highlight how relatively low the light pollution is across the Park. The trip back will allow for a second break at the water source for anyone who needs any additional fluids. From that rest stop down to the parking area we will not stop until we reach the end. 

What to Bring:

• Water (1-2 Liters as needed. There is a spring to draw from but there is a privy located further up the mountain, filtration or treatment is recommended for drawing from this source)

• Snacks

• Headlamp (cell phone lights will not suffice)*

• Insulation - light insulation is recommended in case of wind

• Trekking Poles (If needed, there will be some steep sections)

• Hiking Boots or Shoes (trail runners are acceptable, just make sure your footwear can handle a rocky trail as it is not a completely smooth walk)

*If you do not have a headlamp you will not be allowed to take part in this hike. 

Join Bob and Johanna Titus as they discuss their latest book, The Hudson River Schools of Art and Their Ice Age Origins.

This fascinating talk explores how the Hudson Valley’s unique Ice Age history shaped the landscapes that inspired America’s first school of painting, the Hudson River School. Learn how glaciers and Ice Age processes sculpted the scenery that captivated artists like Thomas Cole, Asher Durand, and Frederick Edwin Church, with examples of locations you can still visit today. Retired science professors and prolific authors, the Tituses bring their expertise in geology and biology to life through engaging research and storytelling.

This event is FREE with a suggested donation of $10.00. Registration is required.

On May 10, Robert Titus will lead a walk to Sunset Rock to view some of the locations discussed during this talk. Advance registration is available here.

This program was created in partnership with Catskill Mountain Roots. Catskill Mountain Roots,organized by former Daily Freeman photographer Tania Barricklo, works to create community through gatherings, events, education and exploration of nature in the Catskill Mountains.

Join the Catskill Center’s Finn Parnell for a guided stroll through the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for bird enthusiasts.

Discover a diverse array of birds while learning to use mobile apps for easy identification—don’t forget your binoculars! A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. 

This event is FREE with a suggested donation of $10.00. Registration is required.

Join Dr. Elizabeth Bastiaans for a hands-on workshop to learn how you can assist amphibians during their annual spring migration. Each year, as temperatures warm and rains fall, frogs, toads, and salamanders move from their wintering sites to breeding pools—often crossing hazardous roads along the way. You can help make their journey safer!

The workshop will take place on Saturday, March 22, from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the Catskills Visitor Center. The first half of the program will be an indoor session covering amphibian migration patterns, how to identify common species, spotting prime migration corridors in your own community, safe handling considerations, and best practices for assisting amphibians on roads at night. In the second half, we’ll head outdoors into the forested habitat surrounding the Visitor Center to look for early spring amphibians in their natural environment.

Come prepared for both indoor learning and outdoor exploration. This is a great opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge to take action in your own community and help safeguard amphibians during this critical time of year.

This event is FREE with a suggested donation of $10.00. Registration is required.