This release covers public programs for the period of January 23 through February 7, 2010. For more information or to register for any event, call the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center (845) 255-0919. Children must always be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, January 23rd, 9am-5pm. Mohonk Preserve – Wilderness Survival Skills Workshop.
Hands-on practice and live demonstrations highlight this well-rounded day of wilderness skill building. Join Shane Hobel, Owner, Mountain Scout Survival School, and learn about building a fire with friction, medicinal plants, and shelter building, as well as primitive skills like making cordage. Children ages 15 and up are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This is an indoor/outdoor program and includes an easy, 2-mile hike. Dress for the weather. Reservations are required; sign up begins 1/4/10. Call 845-255-0919 for reservations and meeting location. The fee for this program is $60 for Preserve members and $75 for non-members (no refunds after 1/15/10).
Saturday, January 23rd, 9:30am-4pm. Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables Hike – Millbrook Mountain.
Singles and Sociables outings welcome all adult hikers, single and non-single, aged 18 and above. No reservations required. Meet at the Mohonk Preserve West Trapps Trailhead. This is a strenuous, 8-mile hike, led by John Upton (229-6217). New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact the leader prior to the hike for information on hike levels, what to bring, and other information. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership).
Sunday, January 24th, 10am-3pm. Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables Ski (hike if no snow) – Copes Lookout.
Singles and Sociables outings welcome all adult hikers, single and non-single, aged 18 and above. No reservations required. Meet at the Mohonk Preserve West Trapps Trailhead. This is a moderate to strenuous, 8-mile ski, led by John Kenney (436-6046). New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact the leader prior to the hike for information on hike levels, what to bring, and other information. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership).
Wednesday, January 27th, 9:30am-1:30pm. Mohonk Preserve Bob Babb Wednesday Walk – Mossy Glen.
The Bob Babb Wednesday Walks welcome adults of all ages and levels of ability. No reservations are required. Meet at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve Lower Lot. This is a moderate, 4-mile hike. The fee for this program is $6 per person.
Thursday, January 28th, 7-8:30pm. Shawangunk Ridge Biodiversity Partnership Lecture Series – Bats on the Wane.
Several species of native bats are in rapid decline across the Northeast (as well as other regions) due to the puzzling “white nose syndrome” and other problems. Carl Herzog, wildlife biologist with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will share current information about this widespread trend, what the loss of bats means, and what conservationists can do. Open to the public, free of charge (no registration necessary). SUNY New Paltz Lecture Center, Room 100. For more information, contact Nadia Steinzor, Mohonk Preserve, (845) 255-0919, or Cara Lee, The Nature Conservancy, (845) 255-9051.Cancellations due to winter weather listed on area radio stations.
Saturday, January 30th, 1-4pm. Mohonk Preserve – Undercliff Snowshoe or Hike.
With no leaves to obscure it, the view from this popular carriage road will be breathtaking! Join Gail Moran, Mohonk Preserve Volunteer, and take the opportunity to get outdoors and experience the wondrous light and scenery of winter on the Ridge. Children ages 15 and up are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This program includes an easy to moderate, 3-mile hike. Dress for the weather. Bring your own snowshoes. Reservations are required; sign up begins 1/11/10. Call 845-255-0919 for reservations and meeting location. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership).
Saturday, January 30th, call the hike leader for time. Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables Snowshoe (hike if no snow) – Ashokan High Point.
Singles and Sociables outings welcome all adult hikers, single and non-single, aged 18 and above. No reservations required. Call the hike leader for the meeting place and fee. This is a strenuous, 8-mile snowshoe, led by Tonda Highley (255-9933). New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact the leader prior to the hike for information on hike levels, what to bring, and other information. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets.
Wednesday, February 3rd, 9:30am-1:30pm. Mohonk Preserve Bob Babb Wednesday Walk – Split Rock.
The Bob Babb Wednesday Walks welcome adults of all ages and levels of ability. No reservations are required. Meet at the Mohonk Preserve West Trapps Trailhead. This is a moderate, 5-mile hike. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership).
Thursday, February 4th, 7-8:30pm. Shawangunk Ridge Biodiversity Partnership Lecture Series – Invasives: Here to Stay?
Human activities move species around the world and establish new populations outside of their native ranges—often resulting in significant changes to natural environments and costing billions in economic damage. Our local forests, fields, and waters contain hundreds of non-native species, and more arrive each year. Dave Strayer of the Institute of Ecosystems Studies will discuss origins and impacts of these invaders, as well as possible solutions. Open to the public, free of charge (no registration necessary). SUNY New Paltz Lecture Center, Room 102. For more information, contact Nadia Steinzor, Mohonk Preserve, (845) 255-0919, or Cara Lee, The Nature Conservancy, (845) 255-9051.Cancellations due to winter weather listed on area radio stations
Saturday, February 6th, 1-3:30pm. Mohonk Preserve – Become a “Batty for Bats” Family.
Parents and grandparents, bring the kids to this wonderful, hands-on program! Join Lisa Masi, Wildlife Biologist, and work together to build your own bat house to put up at home. Learn all about the fascinating world of the adorable, environmentally important, and often misunderstood bat. Children ages 7 and up are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This is an indoor program. Reservations are required; sign up begins 1/18/10. Call 845-255-0919 for reservations and meeting location. There is a materials fee of $20 per family for this program. Non-members also pay an additional $10 per person day fee (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership). Children 12 and under are free.
Saturday, February 6th, 10am-3pm. Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables Snowshoe (hike if no snow) – Rock Rift.
Singles and Sociables outings welcome all adult hikers, single and non-single, aged 18 and above. No reservations required. Meet at the Mohonk Preserve Spring Farm Trailhead. This is a moderate, 7-mile snowshoe, led by Ellen Berlin (592-2105). New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact the leader prior to the hike for information on hike levels, what to bring, and other information. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership).
Sunday, February 7th, 10am-2pm. Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables Hike – Stony Kill.
Singles and Sociables outings welcome all adult hikers, single and non-single, aged 18 and above. No reservations required. Meet at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center. This is a moderate, 5-mile hike, led by John Connolly (691-6521). Bring stabilizers or crampons. New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact the leader prior to the hike for information on hike levels, what to bring, and other information. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership).
Located in five Ulster County towns, the Mohonk Preserve is a mountain refuge – for people and nature. It is a haven for wildlife, a living museum, and a sanctuary where visitors can come to reflect and be restored. The Preserve’s mission is to protect the Shawangunk Mountains by inspiring people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world.
Visitors are welcome on Preserve lands and at the Visitor Center, which has exhibits, trails, and a nature shop. Preserve lands are open sunrise to sunset every day, and a current membership or day entry pass is required to access the lands. Admission to the Visitor Center is always free. For more information and Visitor Center hours of operation, visit www.mohonkpreserve.org, or call the Preserve at (845) 255-0919.
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