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

Join Catskill Steward Dan for a rewarding hike from Platte Clove Preserve to the Overlook 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:

This roughly 8-mile out-and-back route follows the scenic Overlook Trail, with a stop at Codfish Point before reaching the summit’s breathtaking views. Along the way, we’ll travel through diverse forest habitats, with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing—including the possibility of spotting rattlesnakes in their natural environment. Though not particularly steep, the trail is uneven and rocky, making this a moderate to challenging hike. 

Date & Time: Wednesday, August 13th, 9:30 am - 2:30 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, or wait for Dan to hike back at 2:30.

Difficulty: Intermediate, ~8 miles out & back

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!

Join Catskill Steward Aidan for a scenic and educational hike up Balsam Lake Mountain!

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:

As we make our way along the trail, we’ll explore forest ecology and observe how the landscape and vegetation shift with elevation. Balsam Lake Mountain offers a unique opportunity to experience these changes firsthand—and rewards hikers with breathtaking views from its historic fire tower at the summit.

Date & Time: Monday, August 11th, 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, ~6 miles out & back, 3,723 ft elevation

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

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

Join Catskill Steward Jessica as she leads the way to Hunter Mountain 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:

Covering approximately 2,000 ft elevation gain, this loop route covers about 9 miles of trail, taking about 2.5 hours to reach the summit, and 3 hours taking the scenic path down. This hike is perfect for anyone looking for a challenge. We will be ascending via the Spruceton trail, which is a well maintained route with relatively even terrain, and then descending through Diamond Notch, which is a more intense rocky route weaving through the mountain to a waterfall near the trail's end. Anyone who tags along is welcome to follow the entire loop or head back down the way we came up. The Steward will be unlocking the Firetower for anyone who joins and discussing leave no trace principles.

Date & Time: Monday, August 11th, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm

Difficulty: Intermediate, ~ 9 miles out and back, 2,000 ft elevation gain

Equipment/Gear: Plenty of water, proper footwear for hiking, sun & insect protection, and snacks or lunch (remember—pack it in, pack it out!). Hiking poles are recommended but not required.

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

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

Hike Itinerary:

Overlook Mountains Trail follows an old road that used to lead to a Hotel near the top of Overlook Mountain. The first 2 miles of trail will be along this old service road with some spots to rest along the way. It is uphill for the majority of the hike so make sure you have some snacks and water to help you along the way. Once we reach the ruins of the old hotel, we will take a moment to check them out and take a nice breather. 

The final half-mile push will be along a footpath leading up to the fire tower and viewpoint. There will be signs mentioning the Timber Rattlesnakes in the area, but they will not be in the trail since the sun will be getting ready to set by that time. We will be able to walk up the fire tower and get beautiful views of the nearby Devil’s Path, Kaaterksill High Peak, and the Hudson River Valley. We will then make our way over to the viewpoint which offers the best views as the moon rises above the Hudson River Valley.

The hike back down will be without any planned stops. If anyone needs a moment to rest, we can take time as needed, but the trip down will be just to get back down to the parking lot.

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)*

• Trekking Poles (If needed)

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

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

Ever wondered what those bright yellow iris’ or feathery looking plants that clogs up waterways are?

Well, join the Catskill Center’s CRISP Aquatic Invasive Species Manager, Sarah Coney, and the Otsego County Conservation Association to ‘Sus’ out invaders in the Susquehanna River.  We’ll focus on invasive plant and animal species found in the Susquehanna River, how they were introduced, how they impact the environment (and us!), and how to ID them, all while enjoying a leisurely three mile paddle down the Susquehanna.  This stretch of river is slow, meandering, and friendly to most levels of boating experience—just keep in mind it covers 3 miles.

Participants are asked to bring their own watercraft (Cleaned, Drained, and Dried!) and should plan to be on the river for about three hours.  We encourage participants to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and whatever else you need to stay safe and have a good time on the water!

If you do not have your own watercraft, visit Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales in Portlandville or call (607-286-7349) for information on renting one.

The paddle will start at the DEC Crumhorn Fishing Access site in Maryland, NY, and end at the DEC Portlandville Fishing Access Site in Portlandville, NY. We are unable to provide transportation from the DEC Portlandville Fishing Access Site back to the DEC Crumhorn Fishing Access site, so please be sure you have planned for this.

Join Catskill Steward Jonah for a scenic and educational hike to the summit of Mount Tremper! 

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:

Along the hike up Mt. Tremper, we’ll explore the fascinating geological formation of the Catskills, uncover the rich history of the region’s fire towers and plane crashes, and discuss the local wildlife—including a look at invasive species we may spot on the trail. This is also a great opportunity to learn about responsible recreation and how we can all play a role in protecting the places we love to explore.

Date & Time: Thursday, August 7th, 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, ~6 miles out & back, 2,740 ft elevation

Equipment/Gear: Plenty of water, proper footwear for hiking. Optionally, bring binoculars, a camera, and snacks for a scenic summit break (and remember—pack it in, pack it out!)

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

Join us for a special session of Catskills Nature Explorers with guest artists and educators Bryan and Susan Perrin of UrthArts Projects! In celebration of the Full Sturgeon Moon, Bryan and Susan will share stories and imagery of the sturgeon—an ancient, awe-inspiring fish once abundant in the Hudson River—and discuss its cultural and ecological significance.

Through guided discussion and visual inspiration, young explorers will then get creative with a hands-on art activity. All materials will be provided for kids to craft their own Sturgeon Moon image 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 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