Stony Kill Farm Offers Free Nature Programs
Unique outdoor opportunities await you this March at Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center as we begin to see and explore the early signs of spring. March is the time for gathering sap from the sugar maple tree! Join us at the “Superb Sugars” and the Backyard Maple Sugaring programs for a hands-on, once a year program experience. Meet at the Manor House Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. Dress for the weather; programs include indoor activities and outdoor exploring. All programs are approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes long, unless otherwise stated and are FREE.
Thursdays in March from 4:00 – 5:00 PM After-School Program – “Superb Sugars” For school-aged children and their caregivers Engage in the entire maple sugaring process from sap to syrup, and taste the sweet result. This program encourages an appreciation of forest resources and an understanding of how people depend on, and affect, the natural environment. Participants will use all five senses during this class as they watch the crystal-clear sap drip from the tapped trees, smell the sap boiling in the evaporator, touch the rough bark while they twirl a drill and pound a spile and, of course, taste the final product-maple syrup!
This class will be repeated each Thursday during March, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM as part of our regularly scheduled after-school program. Individuals and families need not call ahead. Organized groups who wish to take part in “Superb Sugars”, such as scout groups, are asked to call at least one week in advance to schedule a date and time.
Classes take place completely outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, some of the class may be taught indoors, but participants will still go outdoors to inspect the trees.
Saturdays in March at 10:00 AM Guided Nature Walks Nature slowly starts to wake up this month. Join us as we search for some early signs of spring. This program is repeated each Saturday during March at 10:00 AM.
Saturday, March 6, 2:00 PM Muddy March March can be a chilly, sloppy month, but don’t let that stop you from getting outdoors. Apply a waterproof substance to your hiking boots and join us for a walk on the Sierra Trail. Meet at the Sierra Trail parking lot.
Saturday, March 13, 2:00 PM Backyard Maple Sugaring Discover how to participate in one of New York State’s oldest farm and forest traditions. Learn how to recognize and tap sugar maple trees and how to boil their sap down to delicious syrup.
Saturday, March 20, 2:00 PM Green Thumb Blues Defrost those green thumbs with a visit to Stony Kill’s greenhouse. Learn about maintaining a greenhouse and how to prepare for spring planting.
Saturday, March 27, 2:00 PM Walking with Cold Blood Come join the Stony Kill staff as we walk on the cold-blooded side of life along Stony Kill’s trails, searching for and learning about the emerging reptiles and amphibians. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
For more information about Stony Kill Farm please call 845-831-8780, ext. 300. Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center is operated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and is located on Route 9D in Wappingers Falls, about 2 miles north of the Beacon-Newburgh bridge (I-84). Visit Stony Kill’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/education/1833.html for a listing of more programs and activities you and your family can take part in. From the website, you can also join a listserve and be among the first to learn about special programs and events at Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center.
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center is a designated New York State Watchable Wildlife site, where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. Learn more by visiting “Watchable Wildlife” at www.dec.ny.gov.
