Join us for a series of four wildlife tracking workshops, each led by a local expert with experience in reading the winter outdoors. Workshops are suitable if you’re a  beginner or if you want to enhance your skills. All are welcome to attend one or more workshops. These workshops are jointly sponsored by the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Rensselaer Land Trust, and Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center.

Cost is $20 for each workshop, $15 for members of RPA, RLT, and Friends of Dyken Pond. Space is limited, and you must register in advance online, or contact 518-659-5263. Contact the trip leader with any questions. Dress appropriately for the cold, keeping in mind there will be periods of inactivity while looking at a track. Depending on snow/ice conditions, snowshoes/microspikes/proper footwear is needed. Bring extra layers for warmth, and hot drinks and hand/feet warmers.

REGISTER HERE

February 29, 9 am - noon, at Albert Family Community Forest, East Nassau – Tracking with Patricia Liddle. We will explore the Albert Family Forest for animal tracks and sign that reveal the stories happening all around us. We will not be sticking to a foot trail, but going where the wildlife leads us. She hopes to open eyes/minds to. Questions: Contact Pat at plcanaan@fairpoint.net.

Patricia Liddle is a student and lover of nature from when she was a child on her hands and knees in a pond looking for tadpoles to recently following fisher tracks on Harvey Mtn. She has studied tracking with Sue Morse, George Leoniak, Josh Woods, and, of course, the animals.

We’ll explore several trails at the scenic Kinderhook Creek Preserve and identify trees in their winter form by examining twigs, bark, and old leaves or fruit. The walk will be about 2 miles depending on group interest. The trails have moderate climbs and snowshoes or microspikes may be needed depending on trail conditions. Dress appropriately for the weather with consideration for cold or wet conditions. Bring water and snacks.

Contact Tom Phillips with any questions at mossvet@nycap.rr.com 

Meet at the parking area for Kinderhook Creek Preserve in East Nassau.

Suggested Donation of 5$

Register online here.

Hike leader: Tom Phillips, RLT board member

Enjoy a late-summer walk to and through our beautiful Geiser Preserve – a woodland gem of 95 acres on Perigo Hill on the Rensselaer Plateau, with rocky knolls and hemlock-maple-beech woods. Since the Geiser Preserve is set well back from a public road, this will be a longer hike, using an old woods road to get to the Preserve. The hike will be about 4.5 miles round-trip with a short moderately steep ascent to the summit of Perigo Hill, and will take about three hours.

Location/Directions: We'll gather at Taborton Zion Church of Christ's parking area on the shore of Little Bowman Pond in Taborton. From the intersection of NY Routes 43 and 66 in Sand Lake, take Taborton Road (County Route 42) east 4 miles to parking area on the right.

Details: Free and no registration required. Wear appropriate fiootwear and outerwear and bug protection for the season. Bring bottled water and snacks.