Local News from Marbletown, Rochester, & Rosendale
Maple sugaring for families at Minnewaska
Join Park Preserve educators and other families,1-3 p.m. Thursday, March 28 to experience the magic that is maple sugaring. Mid-February-mid-March is when sap is typically collected for producing maple syrup in the area. If the sap is flowing on the day of the program, each child will be able to taste maple sap. Additionally, each child will be able to taste-test maple syrup and a type of maple candy. This program is recommended for children between the ages of seven to ten years old, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Well-behaved younger siblings capable of participating are welcome to join in. Meet in the Lower Parking Area. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Learn about the Lenape: Family program at Minnewaska
Join Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, 1-3 p.m. Friday, March 29 for a casual lesson on the Munsee Lenape, the Indigenous group who occupied the land of thecurrent day Park Preserve. Learn about their culture and history, learn some Munsee vocabulary, and play some traditional Lenape games! This program is recommended for children between the ages of seven and twelve, but interested children of any age who are able to participate are welcome. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at least 18 years of age. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
Spring wake up hike on Castle Point and Hamilton Point carriage roads
Come join Nick Martin, Park Educator, 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30 to celebrate the springing of spring! Come and explore Castle Point Carriage Road and search for signs of the arrival of spring in the Shawangunk Mountains, where spring typically comes later than in the surrounding valleys. This approximately seven-mile hike will start in the Lake Minnewaska area and will follow a few historic carriage roads to reach Castle Point, a scenic vista with commanding views of the surrounding Park Preserve and Wallkill Valley. The group will then return to Lake Minnewaska on Hamilton Point and Millbrook Mountain Carriage Roads. If snowy and icy conditions persist on the carriage roads, the hike destination may change. If conditions are icy, participants are encouraged to bring microspikes or other ice traction devices. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
