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).

Wednesday, February 10th, 9:30am-1:30pm.  Mohonk Preserve Bob Babb Wednesday Walk – Frannie Reese Preserve (a Scenic Hudson Park).

The Bob Babb Wednesday Walks welcome adults of all ages and levels of ability.  No reservations are required.  Meet at Johnson-Iorio Park, Highland (from Route 9W, just north of the Mid-Hudson Bridge, go east on Haviland road to the end).  This is a moderate, 3-mile hike. There is no fee for this program.

Saturday, February 13th, 9am-12noon.  Mohonk Preserve – Kids’ Snow School Spectacular.

Join Andrew Bajardi, Mohonk Preserve Ranger, and come out and play! Build a snow shelter, learn about snow crystals, enjoy a hike, and play winter games. The day is sure to be fun even if there is no snow.  Children ages 6 and up are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This program includes an easy, 2-mile hike. Dress for the weather and bring a snack. Reservations are required; sign up begins 2/1/10. 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). Children 12 and under are free.

Saturday, February 13th, 9:30am-4pm.  Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables Hike – Awosting Falls.

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, February 14th, call the hike leader for time.  Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables Hike – Schunemuck Mountain.

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, 10-mile hike, led by Gary Cursi (534-2886). Bring snowshoes 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.

Wednesday, February 17th, 9:30am-1:30pm.  Mohonk Preserve Bob Babb Wednesday Walk – Beacon Hill Loop.

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 Upper Lot. This is a moderate, 3-mile hike.  The fee for this program is $6 per person.

Thursday, February 18th, 7-8:30pm. Shawangunk Ridge Biodiversity Partnership Lecture Series – Songbirds on the Move.

Every fall and spring, the region is graced by hundreds of species of songbirds that rely on the land to rest and breed during their long migrations. Valerie Freer, president of the Sullivan County Audubon Society, will share the findings of her years of backyard research on both familiar and unusual species and discuss management efforts underway to help support their survival. Open to the public, free of charge (no registration necessary). Ellenville Public Library & Museum, 40 Center St. 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 20th, 10am-3pm.  Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables Snowshoe (hike if no snow) – Duck Pond.

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, 6-mile snowshoe, led by Tonda Highley (255-9933). There will be a potluck afterwards. 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 21st, 1:30-3pm.  Mohonk Preserve – Tour the Daniel Smiley Research Center.

Paul Huth, Mohonk Preserve Director of Research, will take you on a journey through the historic and diverse collections at the Daniel Smiley Research Center, discussing their value to science, public outreach, and land management at the Mohonk Preserve and beyond. Children ages 15 and up are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This is an indoor program. Reservations are required; sign up begins 2/8/10. 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).

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.