Pilates For A Purpose - March 8th
We are excited that Reform Pilates Studio has chosen us to be one of their non-profit partners for the Pilates for a Purpose program.Mark your calendars for March 8th!All donations for the class that day will go to support our programs at the Preserve & Park!http://www.reformyourbody.com/specials/pilates-for-a-purpose/
1/10/2014 weekend update
Due to the expected rainfall trails will not be groomed. The red-blue meadow loop was dragged yesterday however. The earliest the trails can be groomed again may be Monday, but this is all dependent on the weather we receive. Let's hope for snow instead of rain!Additionally, there are NO guided programs this weekend. (It would be a slushy time through all of the wet snow anyways.) Please be sure to keep us in mind for the Nature in Winter snowshoe hike on Saturday 1/25/2014 at 11am! Call the office or email info@wiltonpreserve.org to register if you're interested.Have a great weekend!
Beautiful Fresh Snow!
Our trails received about a foot of powder snow over the weekend. With the retirement of our long-time volunteer groomer Pieter Litchfield, we are still in the process of getting our grooming program for this winter finalized. We have purchased an ATV and grooming equipment to continue the quality program that our visitors have come to expect. Grooming began on Sunday with most of the trails rolled. Track has not been set at this time. We are still looking for more grooming help, so if you think you might be interested, please contact us at 450-0321. Thanks and happy trails!
Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe Postponed Until February 23rd
With the lack of any significant snow in the forecast between now and Saturday we have made the difficult decision to postpone the Annual Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe to our back-up date of Saturday, February 23rd.
Thursday, May 17th Karner Blue Butterfly Walk
Time: 4pm Place: Old GickPreregistration required by May 16th The endangered Karner blue butterfly has two broods every summer. Its adult life span is very short and only lasts for a few days. The best time to see the butterfly is in late May/early June and early July. When the Karner blue butterfly has emerged, WWPP will be notifying the public on our website (www.wiltonpreserve.org). The butterflies may or may not be out due to changes in the weather. We will be looking for butterflies in the first brood that are looking for nectar and mates in the open pine/oak savannah.
Saturday, May 5th Bird Walk with Rich Speidel
Time: TBD Place: Camp SaratogaPreregistration Required: Call Rich Speidel at (518) 623-2587May is the best month to hear and see migratory birds in our area. This will be a leisurely morning walk along the trails and the varied habitats of the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. Please bring binoculars. This program is offered through the Adirondack Mountain Club. Group size is limited to 15.
Earth Day Celebration Craft, Sun April 22nd
Field Ecology Walk, Thurs April 12th
Spring Vacation Week ProgramThursday, April 12th Field Ecology WalkTime: 1-2 pmPlace: Camp Saratoga NorthPreregistration required by April 11th: Call (518) 450-0321 or email shabanah@wiltonpreserve.orgCome to camp, and enjoy a guided hike through the fields and forests of Camp Saratoga. Learn about the unique animals, grasses and wildflowers and their adaptations to our dry sandplains habitat. Come discover the diverse creatures throughout these open areas of nature. Meet us at the kiosk by Parking Lot #1 on Scout Road at Camp Saratoga for this hour-long walk.
Fish Release at SSSP Wed, April 11th
Spring Vacation Week Program!Time: 11am-2pmPlace: Saratoga Spa State ParkWe will be joining in on the fun of the annual fish stocking morning at the Spa State Park. Visit our table at Geyser Picnic Area to participate in children’s crafts, learn about the other local environmental organizations and don’t forget to bring a bucket with you to get a fish to drop into Geyser Creek! Come make, talk and learn at the Spa State Park’s annual fish release.
Wetland Walk Tues, April 10th
Spring Vacation Week Program!Time: 1-2 pmPlace: NeilmannPreregistration required by April 9th: Call (518) 450-0321 or email shabanah@wiltonpreserve.orgWetland communities are very fragile and delicate ecosystems. Come listen for spring peepers and wood frogs and explore the wetlands at the Neilmann parcel of Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park! We will be meeting us at the Neilmann parking lot on Ruggles Road just south of King Road for an hour-long exploration.
Conservation Walk Mon, April 9th
Spring Vacation Week Program!Time: 1-2pmPlace: Old GickPreregistration required by April 6th: Call (518) 450-0321 or email shabanah@wiltonpreserve.orgWilton Wildlife Preserve & Park has been involved with various conservation efforts within the Saratoga Sandplains and the surrounding forest. Come join us on a fun walk through the Oak/Pine Savannah and learn the importance of this early successional habitat. We will also be looking at the forest community and understanding the characteristics that help maintain a thick understory habitat. The walk will leave from the parking lot on Route 50 which is just under four miles past Wilton Mall and will take place on the Old Gick Farm trail.
Nature Walk Sat, March 24th
Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe event for 3/3 Cancelled
With the unusual winter we have had with the lack of any appreciable snowfall, the trails have become too icy and hazardous to hold the event on the 3rd.
We tried three times this year, but Mother Nature just didn't cooperate! Mark your calendars, the next Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe is scheduled for Saturday evening, January 26th, 2013!
Gavin Park event for 2/25 Cancelled
Fall Thanksgiving Craft Sat, Nov 19th
1 pm-2 pm; Place: Camp Saratoga North TrailWhat better way to be creative than to make your annual craft in a different way. Join us for a small stroll as we collect things from nature to make our own version of a turkey for Thanksgiving. The stroll will be approximately 20 minutes and the craft will be approximately 40 minutes. This program is for children of all ages. This activity will not take place if there is rain.To Camp Saratoga North and South Trails:From the South: Take the I87 North to Exit 15. Go north on Route 50 for about four miles. Make a left onto Scout Road. Go straight under the railroad bridge until the crosswalk and make a right into Parking Lot #1. For both trails we will meet in the parking lot.From the North: Take the I87 South to Exit 16. Take a left onto Ballard Road, cross the Northway and make the first right on Edie Road. Continue for 0.6 miles and make a turn at your first left onto Scout Road. Drive down Scout Road until you reach Parking Lot #1 on the left side of the street
Pine Oak Walk Sat, Nov 19th
from 10-11 amHave you ever been curious about the pines and oaks in your backyard? No matter where you go at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, you will find lots of pines and oaks due to our pine-oak savannah habitat. During this beautiful mile long walk through rich pine-oak forests, we will discuss the different pine and oak species and how they have adapted to various landscapes. Please dress appropriately for weather and ticks. This program will not take place if there is rain.To the Fox Parcel:From the South: From the Wilton Mall (Exit 15 on I87), go north on Route 50 for about four miles. Make a right across the street from the “U” shaped parking lot marked as “Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park”. The Fox Parcel parking lots is rectangular shaped and across Route 50 from the Old Gick Farm Trail.From the North:Take the I87 South to Exit 16. Take a left onto Ballard Road and drive for 2.1 miles. At the traffic light, make a right onto Route 50 and drive 0.7 miles. Make a left across the street from the “U” shaped parking lot marked as “Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park”. The Fox Parcel parking lots is rectangular shaped and across Route 50 from the Old Gick Farm Trail.
Kid's Craft: Fall Bouquets Sat, Nov 12th
1 pm-2 pm; Place: Camp Saratoga South TrailLooking for a centerpiece that the family will admire during Thanksgiving? Let’s bring the beauty of nature inside for the fall holidays! Come to Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park to collect various things found in nature and create your own masterpieces. The stroll will be approximately 20 minutes and the craft will be approximately 40 minutes. This program is for children of all ages. This activity will not take place if there is rain. Directions: From the Wilton Mall (Exit 15 on I87), go north on Route 50 for about four miles. Make a left onto Scout Road. Go straight under the railroad bridge until the crosswalk and make a right into Parking Lot #1.