Local News from Marbletown, Rochester, & Rosendale
Papermaking for everyone
Join Park Educators in learning the fun art of papermaking, 9:30 a.m.-noon Sunday, Aug. 4. Using simple tools, create paper from old to produce lovely new results to decorate using paints, pastels, sun prints and other materials. This program is recommended for anyone over the age of seven, but children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, 5281 Route 44/55, Kerhonkson.
Junior Naturalists for families with upcycling craft
Bring the family to Minnewaska, 9:30 a.m.-noon Monday, Aug. 5 to learn how to turn a t-shirt into a tote bag. The group will take a casual, one-mile hike after the craft session, collecting trash found along the trail, and learning about the importance of keeping the world clean and safe. Bring a t-shirt for crafting. This program is recommended for children between the ages of 6-12, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Well-behaved younger siblings are always welcome. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, 5281 Route 44/55, Kerhonkson.
Two views and a stream hike
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, 9:30 a.m.-noon. Tuesday, Aug. 6 for a quiet hike along the Bullwheel, High Peter’s Kill, Yellow Loop, and Red Loop Footpaths to two scenic overlooks in the Peter’s Kill Area. One view offers a leafy panorama of the Rondout Valley, with a backdrop of the Catskill Mountains, and the second view spotlights the iconic Sky Top Tower. Meet at the Peter’s Kill Area.
Scenic walk to a cliff-edge view from Echo Rock
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11 for an approximately four-mile walk on level-surfaced carriage roads to reach Echo Rock. All participants should come well prepared with appropriate footwear, food, and water. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, 5281 Route 44/55, Kerhonkson.
Bike to swim at Lake Awosting Beach
Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, and Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 for a bike ride to Lake Awosting. Everyone will have an opportunity to dip into the cool, clear lake followed by lunch at the quiet, rock-slab beach. The total distance for the bike ride is approximately nine miles. Participants must bring their own bikes, equipment, swim gear, towels, food and water and they should be capable of doing this ride with minimal stops. The Lake Awosting Swim Area has a changing area and composting toilets. Only Class 1, pedal-assist, electric bikes are allowed in the Park Preserve. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center Upper Parking Lot.
Adventurous outing and discussion of long-distance hikers
Join Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14 for an all day, eight-mile hike on a combination of gently sloping carriage roads and rugged footpaths. On this hike, the group will discuss the lives and accomplishments of a few notable long-distance hikers, including John Burroughs, Grandma Gatewood, and Dr. John Francis, all while enjoying the amazing scenery that this more remote area of Minnewaska offers. Note that this hike is intended for more experienced hikers, as the footpaths include some steep sections with tricky footing. Participants should come prepared with appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear, and plenty of water and food to sustain themselves. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, 5281 Route 44/55, Kerhonkson.
Pre-registration for all these programs is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.
