Help stop the spread! Learn how to log invasive species you spot out on trails, during errands, or even in your own backyard! Whether you’ve got an eagle eye for invaders or have only heard of the Spotted Lanternfly, this training is for you. All skill levels are welcome! Join the Catskill Center Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on Zoom for training and become part of the solution.

Join the Catskill Center Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on Zoom for training and become part of the solution. You’ll learn how to identify invasive species, use the iMapInvasives app to report sightings, and help scientists and CRISP target high-priority areas for protection across the Catskills. Your contributions through the app are crucial and make it easier for them to find the hot spots of invasive species.

We will go through the sign-up process, how to log invasive species you find, and what pictures to log, as well as go through some of the common species you may encounter and how to ID them.

This session will be held from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Friday, November 14th. You will receive a Zoom link 24 hours before the event.

Once you've completed this class, you can sign up and join our part two class on Saturday, November 15th from 1:00-2:30 PM. During day two you'll learn how to ID species through a guided walk led by John Thompson, the Catskill Center CRISP director, around the Catskills Visitor Center. Click here to sign up!

Please follow this link to start setting up your account beforehand.  If you encounter any login issues, we can troubleshoot at the start of the session, or you can email us beforehand. 

Calling all Catskills community scientists—help advance climate research right in your own backyard. 

The Catskill Center is partnering with Dr. Marco Tedesco of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory on X-Snow, a NASA-supported research project studying snow properties across the region. The data collected by volunteers helps improve our understanding of how snow changes over space and time and supports the accuracy of NASA’s satellite observations.

Join us on Saturday, November 8, at the Catskills Visitor Center for an introductory training with the X-Snow research team. Participants will learn how to collect and record snow data, receive field tools, and view drone footage—both live and from previous field sessions.

New and returning volunteers are encouraged to attend. The more data collected, the better our collective insight into the Catskills’ snowpack and its role in regional climate systems.

Coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and snacks will be provided, along with an opportunity to fly Dr. Tedesco’s research drone. We hope to see you there.

Join Moe Lemire, NYS licensed guide and founder of Hike On Guides, for a “Learn to Winter Hike” on Windham High Peak. Discover what gear is essential for winter hiking, observe the impact of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on an old Hemlock Grove, and explore pasture lands restored to forest by the CCC Catskill Plantations. Cross into first-growth forest untouched by humans and take in the stunning summit views.

Difficulty: Difficult
When: Tuesday, November 11th
Where: Windham High Peak (Elm Ridge Lot – parking info and GPS coordinates will be sent before the hike with weather updates)
Mileage: 7.4 miles
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

What to Bring: Water, snacks and lunch, sturdy footwear, trekking poles, and non-cotton layers. A detailed pack list will be provided closer to the hike.

Experience winter hiking, history, and breathtaking scenery on this immersive Catskills adventure!

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

Join us Saturday, October 11th from 10:00am – 2:00pm, for a day of fall gardening!

It’s time to prepare the Catskills Visitor Center for winter, and we need some extra helping hands. Every little bit helps give back to the community and the visitors we welcome daily! While working, we will talk about our native pollinators as well as the history of the Catskills Visitor Center.

We will be focusing on the Simmons Family Pollinator Garden, as well as the Maurice Hinchey Memorial. Both will need some light weeding and pruning, and we will go over the best practices for weeding in the winter, as well as some tips and tricks for prepping your garden for winter! If there is time, we will also be cleaning up the brush near the front gate.

We will be meeting at the Catskills Visitor Center, 5096 Rt-28, Mt Tremper, NY.

Gloves, tools, water, coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks will be provided.

We recommend wearing long sleeves, pants, and proper footwear, as you may be working in tall grass, thorns, or areas with poison ivy and ticks.

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.

This event is also part of the 20th annual Catskills Lark in the Park, a regional celebration of outdoor recreation and the natural beauty of the Catskills. We hope to see you on the trails!

Join one of our Catskill Stewards for our final steward-led fire tower hike of the season— a challenging 6 mile, out-and-back hike to the top of Mount Tremper.

On Thursday, October 16, we’ll be hiking to the Mount Tremper Fire Tower—one of the six towers featured in the 2025 Catskill Fire Tower Challenge, which is organized by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

This is a challenging 7.6-mile round-trip hike with a steep, rocky ascent of nearly 2,000 feet from the Jessop Road trailhead. Along the way, enjoy the beauty of the forest, and at the summit, take in stunning 360-degree views from the top cab of the fire tower. Hike in with our Steward and return at your own pace.

Details about parking and meeting time will be provided once you’ve registered.

Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water.

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

This event is also part of the 20th annual Catskills Lark in the Park, a regional celebration of outdoor recreation and the natural beauty of the Catskills. We hope to see you on the trails!

Join us on Wednesday, October 8th, at the Peekamoose Lower Field Campground for a trash clean-up from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

We’ll meet in the parking lot (359 Co Rd 42, Grahamsville, NY 12740) and hike about a mile to the 12 campsites, picking up trash along the way, discussing the impacts the area has seen over the years, and how this past season went with Catskill Center Trail Stewards. Trails are moderately easy but may be overgrown in some areas. 

Trash bags, trash grabbers, gloves, water, and granola bars will be provided. We recommend you wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes and long pants, as we will be hiking through tall brush and some muddy spots along the brook. 

There is NO CELL SERVICE for about 4 miles of the road, and we will be in this No Signal Zone. Please download and look at the roadmap before the event in case you have questions, as once we arrive, we won’t get any messages until after the event is over. 

Waivers and Volunteers Service Agreement should be signed prior to arrival, there will be copies on hand at the event, but you will NOT be able to volunteer unless these agreements have been signed.

Join Moe Lemire, NYS licensed guide and founder of Hike On Guides, for an educational hike through the historic Kelly Hollow. Discover the area’s rich history as you explore the site of the Kelly Farm and other historic farms, view a Catskill Tree Plantation, and see the remnants of a logging operation and sawmill.

Difficulty: Moderate
When: Wednesday, October 8th
Where: Kelly Hollow Trail (parking lot info and GPS coordinates will be sent before the hike along with weather updates)
Mileage: 3.6 miles
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

What to Bring: Water, snacks and lunch, sturdy footwear, trekking poles, and non-cotton layers. A detailed pack list will be provided closer to the hike.

Experience history, nature, and exercise in one memorable Catskills adventure!

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

Join the Catskill Center’s CRISP Aquatic Invasive Species Manager, Sarah Coney, at the Ethel B. Crawford Library in Monticello for an in-person meeting interactive session on Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)—the hidden threat to Catskills waters. Learn which species are making waves, why they matter, and most importantly, what YOU can do to help stop their spread.

Don’t miss this chance to protect the Catskills’ waters and wildlife—knowledge is the first line of defense!

Invasive species often travel by hitchhiking on tools, shoes, clothes, cars, and more. Learn how to check and clean yourself and your gear to help stop the spread!

Even a small clipping can create big problems in new areas. We’ve unfortunately started seeing more spotted lantern flies in our work area. Join us at the Catskills Visitor Center on October 2nd to learn how to check and clean yourself and your gear, helping stop the spread and protect the native ecology.

We’ll also cover proper tool care—from cleaning tools exposed to poison ivy or the elements, to knowing when it’s time to replace them—so volunteer efforts remain safe and effective all season long.

We’ll wrap up with a short 15–30 minute walk around the Catskills Visitor Center property with John Thompson, CRISP director, to learn about iMap Invasives and practice plant ID skills in the field.We will be using Buckthorn Bags, pickmatics, loppers, and hand saws, so please keep this in mind while signing up.

Did you know that fall is one of the best times to spot and pull certain invasive plants? Want to know more about what steps you can take in autumn to prepare for the next year while restoring your local area?

Join the Catskill Center’s Catskill Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) and CRISP director, John Thompson, on Saturday, September 27th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Shokan Station Trailhead of the Ashokan Rail Trail to remove invasive species and protect native plants.

Over the past two years, volunteers have planted over 150 native trees in the area we’ve been focused on. Come lend a hand, protect this growing forest, and pick up tips and tricks for stopping invasive plants in your own backyard!

There will be IMapInvaiseves training, tool, and safety training at the beginning of the day. Then, a short walk to the work site, tools, and gloves will be provided. We recommend wearing long sleeves and pants as well as proof boots. There is poison ivy, thorn bushes, and a good deal of mud in the area we will be in.

We will be using Buckthorn Bags, pickmatics, loppers, and hand saws, so please keep this in mind while signing up.

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.

In the event of inclement weather, this walk will be cancelled.

Discover how to “put your garden to bed” for winter without evicting your winged guests with the legendary Maraleen Manos-Jones, a passionate pollinator protector with decades of butterfly wisdom!

On Saturday, September 20 from 10-11:30 AM Maraleen will take you on a photo journey in the pavilion. Learn about the plight of endangered monarchs and learn how to prep your garden for winter while keeping it pollinator-friendly.

With over 50 years of butterfly magic under her wings, Maraleen is a master gardener, author, and environmental activist who’s protected monarchs in Mexico, helped ban harmful chemicals locally, and inspired thousands with her stories.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature, ask questions, and leave ready to turn your garden into a pollinator haven—even in the cold months!

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.

Join us for an engaging, hands-on event to learn how to identify and prevent the spread of invasive species in the CRISP region!

Led by John Thompson, Director of the Catskill Center’s CRISP program, this interactive session will introduce you to key invasive species and how to use the iMapInvasives mobile app to report sightings and monitor spread. Then we’ll head outdoors for a field session to put your new skills into action to identify and report observations of invasives at the Schoharie River Center.

This free training is provided by Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership in collaboration with the Schoharie River Center and the Waterfall Center for Bioregional Learning.

Join one of our Catskill Stewards for this 6 mile, out-and-back hike to the top of Balsam Lake Mountain.

Don’t miss out on your chance to climb the fire tower and enjoy the views. This is a great way to work on completing the 2025 Catskill Fire Tower Challenge, which is organized by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Details about parking and meeting time will be provided once you’ve registered.

Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water.

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

Gather around the fire with your family for an evening under the September Full Moon!

Join us at the Catskills Visitor Center for a special educational event celebrating the natural and cultural wonders of the Catskills.

We'll kick off the evening with a cozy fireside talk and hot cocoa, where we'll explore the agricultural and astronomical significance of this month's full moon and its deep connections to the Hudson Valley. Plus, enjoy a special performance by guest musician Story Laurie, who will share fun, kid-focused nature songs on her acoustic guitar

As night falls, take part in a guided night hike along our Interpretive Loop Trail, where we'll discover how local wildlife has adapted to life in the dark. We hope to see you there!

On Saturday night, August 30th, volunteers from the Catskill Fire Tower Project will climb five fire towers in the Catskill Park to light them up for everyone to see. (Rain date Sunday, August 31)  From 8:30 to 9:30 PM, the cabs at the top of the fire towers will be illuminated with powerful lanterns. These lights can be seen from other fire towers and from many locations in the valleys below. 

Look up to see Balsam Lake Mountain, Hunter Mountain, Overlook Mountain, Red Hill and Mount Tremper lit brightly as a beacon honoring the days when fire tower observers kept watch over Catskill forests to help defend them from forest fires.

The Catskill Fire Tower Project is a program of the Catskill Center. For information on viewing locations for the Lighting of the Fire Towers, contact 845-688-3369, or info@catskillcenter.org. 

Suggested viewing locations: 

Balsam Lake Mountain 

• Scenic overlook at top of Palmer Hill along Route 28 between Margaretville & Andes 

• Top of Todd Mt. Road (Ulster Cty Route 49A) near intersection with Kelly Road 

• Ridge Road Andes (Views start at 629 Ridge Road and on “down” Ridge Road for a mile. Please respect private property. 

Hunter Mountain 

• West end of Ludwig Road near 23A 

Overlook Mountain 

• Thorn Preserve - 55 John Joy Road (off Zena Road), Woodstock 

• Zena Corn Field, Zena Road & Route 212

• Zena School, 701 Zena-Highwoods Road 

Red Hill - information not available 

Hike for the Catskills is coming to a close and all participants are invited to join us at West Kill Brewing on August 30th for a closing celebratory event!

🗓️ SATURDAY, AUGUST 30TH

🕑 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📍 2173 SPRUCETON ROAD, WEST KILL, NY 12492

Let us express our gratitude for your incredible efforts with a complimentary beverage, chances to win fun raffle prizes, and hiking camaraderie. Raffle prizes include outdoor gear, gift certificates to outdoor shops, gift certificates to popular local restaurants, and more! 

Join our Board Chair, Peg DiBenedetto, for a guided hike to the beautiful Diamond Notch Falls!

This guided hike is part of our month-long peer to peer fundraising event, Hike for the Catskills. This hike-a-thon-style fundraising event promotes an appreciation for the outdoors while raising funds to support the Catskill Center’s mission to protect and preserve the Catskills. You can support Hike for the Catskills by signing up to fundraise, or if you don't have time to fundraise this time around, your donations also have twice the impact thanks to a generous matching grant. When you register for this guided hike, check out our fundraising page to learn more.

Hike Description:

This moderate hike follows a beautiful trail on an old service road along the West Kill Creek, leading to a stunning waterfall that cascades nearly 25 feet into a rocky pool below.

*The trailhead lot fills quickly, especially on weekends. Please carpool with friends if possible and allow extra time to park.

Date & Time: Saturday, August 30th, 12 -1:30 PM.

Difficulty: Beginner,~2 miles out & back, Elevation gain : 223 feet

Equipment/Gear: Plenty of water, proper footwear for hiking, sun & insect protection, and snacks (remember—pack it in, pack it out!)

*Advance registration is required. We look forward to hitting the trail with you!

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

This guided hike is part of our month-long peer to peer fundraising event, Hike for the Catskills. This hike-a-thon-style fundraising event promotes an appreciation for the outdoors while raising funds to support the Catskill Center’s mission to protect and preserve the Catskills. You can support Hike for the Catskills by signing up to fundraise, or if you don't have time to fundraise this time around, your donations also have twice the impact thanks to a generous matching grant. When you register for this guided hike, check out our fundraising page to learn more.

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.

In the event of inclement weather, this walk will be cancelled.

This week, the Catskill Nature Explorers are learning how to be awesome stewards of the Catskill Mountains! Join us to discover the principles of Leave No Trace and how we can all help protect the land, water, and wildlife we love.

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 our Volunteer Coordinator, Sammi, for a guided hike to the historic Red Hill Fire Tower!

This guided hike is part of our month-long peer to peer fundraising event, Hike for the Catskills. This hike-a-thon-style fundraising event promotes an appreciation for the outdoors while raising funds to support the Catskill Center’s mission to protect and preserve the Catskills. You can support Hike for the Catskills by signing up to fundraise, or if you don't have time to fundraise this time around, your donations also have twice the impact thanks to a generous matching grant. When you register for this guided hike, check out our fundraising page to learn more.

Hike Description:

On this hike you’ll learn about the rich history of the tower and its accompanying cabin. Constructed in 1921 and offering sweeping views of the Catskill High Peaks, Rondout Reservoir, and surrounding towns, Red Hill is a hidden gem of the southern Catskills.

Date & Time: Tuesday, August 26th, 10 am - 1 pm*

*The guided portion of the hike will conclude at the fire tower around 12 pm. Hikers are welcome to hike back down at their leisure. 

Difficulty: Intermediate,~4 miles out & back, 1,200 ft elevation

Equipment/Gear: Plenty of water, proper footwear for hiking, sun & insect protection, and snacks or lunch (remember—pack it in, pack it out!)

*Advance registration is required. We look forward to hitting the trail with you!

Celebrate the essential role pollinators play in the Catskills at this engaging and educational festival for all ages.

Discover how native plants and pollinators shape the region’s ecosystem on guided walks led by local experts, learn how to incorporate pollinator-friendly plants into your outdoor spaces, and explore the benefits of locally-sourced pollinator products.

With activities and workshops designed to spark curiosity and hands-on opportunities to connect with nature, this event offers something for everyone—from gardening enthusiasts to those simply curious about the natural world.

Admission is FREE with a suggested donation of $10.00.

Come join the Catskill Center Naturalist at the Catskills Visitor Center for an educational guided hike!

This guided hike is part of our month-long peer to peer fundraising event, Hike for the Catskills. This hike-a-thon-style fundraising event promotes an appreciation for the outdoors while raising funds to support the Catskill Center’s mission to protect and preserve the Catskills. You can support Hike for the Catskills by signing up to fundraise, or if you don't have time to fundraise this time around, your donations also have twice the impact thanks to a generous matching grant. When you register for this guided hike, check out our fundraising page to learn more.

Hike Description:

On this hike, you’ll learn more about wildlife in the Catskills, how the mountains were formed, and the flora of the area (both native and invasive). All ages are welcome!

Date & Time: Friday, August 22, 10:30- 11:30 AM

Difficulty:  Beginner, less than 1 mile

Equipment/Gear: Water, proper footwear for hiking, sun & insect protection. There are bathrooms and water available at the visitor center as well.

*Advance registration is required. We look forward to hitting the trail with you!

Join us for the CRISP Partner Meeting at the Catskill Center!

Come connect with fellow conservation leaders, land managers, and invasive species experts for a dynamic in-person gathering at the Catskill Center in Arkville. We’ll dive into the latest updates on regional invasive species efforts, explore ongoing projects, and collaborate on key initiatives to protect the Catskills.

This week, the Catskills Nature Explorers are digging into the cool geology of the Catskills! Join us for a fossil hunt as we explore the ancient history hidden beneath our feet and search for some rocky treasures.

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 Catskill Center’s Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on August 19th from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, for a hands-on Invasive species removal day! You will be trained on how to identify common invasive plants, the current best practices in removing them, and the impact these species have on our native ecosystems by CRISP Director, John Thompson.

Earlier this summer, volunteers planted 150 native trees to expand on last year's efforts to restore native habitat along the Ashokan Rail Trail! Now it’s our goal to improve native species diversity in the area to give these young trees the best chance at survival. CRISP volunteers have been managing invasive barberry, bittersweet, buckthorn, and multiflora rose, which can outcompete the native plants. With your help, we’ll continue this work to ensure the newly planted saplings continue to thrive!

This is a very hands-on and often physically demanding event. We will be working off the trail in dense patches of poison ivy, thorn bushes, and old farm debris, as well as working with heavy tools such as pickmatics, loppers, and shovels. We ask that you take these factors into consideration when signing up for this event and wear the proper clothing and shoes. We recommend rubber or waterproof boots, long sleeves, and pants. We also highly recommend using bug spray and sunscreen, as we may be working in broad light gaps and there are many ticks in the area. We will have bug spray and one extra pair of rubber boots on hand if anyone needs. 

Water and snack bars will be provided. There will be a safety demonstration on how to properly use the tools we will be working with. 

We will meet at the Ashokan Station trailhead at 9:00 am, have a quick orientation, and walk 5 minutes down the trail to the worksite. We will be working until 12:00pm, but you are free to leave earlier if needed. .

Rise and shine with Catskill Center staff with a breathtaking sunrise hike to Giant Ledge!

This guided hike is part of our month-long peer to peer fundraising event, Hike for the Catskills. This hike-a-thon-style fundraising event promotes an appreciation for the outdoors while raising funds to support the Catskill Center’s mission to protect and preserve the Catskills. You can support Hike for the Catskills by signing up to fundraise, or if you don't have time to fundraise this time around, your donations also have twice the impact thanks to a generous matching grant. When you register for this guided hike, check out our fundraising page to learn more.

Hike Description:

We'll begin our journey in the quiet stillness of the early morning forest, making our way up to the open ledges just in time to catch the first light over the Catskill Mountains. If you’d like to bring your camera, our staff will share sunrise photography advice as well!

Date & Time: Friday, August 15th, 4:30 am - 7:30 am

Difficulty:  Intermediate, ~3 miles out & back, 1,000 ft elevation

Equipment/Gear: HEADLAMPS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS HIKE. Plus, plenty of water, proper footwear for hiking, and snacks or breakfast (remember—pack it in, pack it out!). Optionally, bring a camera for the beautiful sunrise views!

*Advance registration is required. We look forward to hitting the trail with you!

This week, we’re buzzing with excitement! Join the Catskills Nature Explorers to learn about amazing local pollinators like butterflies, and bees—and why they’re so important to nature! We’ll craft our own pollinators to take home and explore the pollinator garden in search of real signs of pollinator activity.

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