Owl Prowls on March 7th and 16th
Grooming and Trail Report 12/22/2017
Today we got eight inches of lovely fluffy snow!!This evening, the trails at Camp Saratoga North were rolled in anticipation of tomorrow's warm up and rain.There may be some more snow in the forecast for Christmas Day - not a bad start since winter officially began on Thursday!!Once we have groomed the trails at Camp Saratoga North, we ask people to please respect the work of our volunteer trail groomers and DO NOT WALK ON THE GROOMED TRAILS WITHOUT SKIS OR SNOWSHOES!! Putting deep footprints in the groomed trails spoils them for everyone. There are lots of great trail on the south side of Scout Road that are not groomed and you can walk on them.Thanks!!
Earth Day Celebration - April 22
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Earth Day Celebration8:00 am to Noon on Saturday, April 22nd
8:00 am: At the Pavilion at Camp Saratoga SouthCheck out our table top displays and register for the 5k Stryders run/walk.8:30 am:Saratoga Stryders Saturday Morning 5k Fun Fitness Run/WalkLonger run or walk geared for all ages.9:00 am:Family One-Mile Walk Fitness Walk at Camp Saratoga NorthThis is a shorter walk, geared towards families with younger children. It will be led by Linda Hovious, fitness instructor at the Saratoga YMCA.10:00 am:Volunteer Habitat Conservation Project at Camp SaratogaHelp the Endangered Karner blue butterflies on Earth Day! Help to make the habitat better for the wild blue lupine, the plant that the endangered butterflies depends on for its survival. Geared towards all ages.10:00 am – noonPond Life Exploration; nature craft; nature displays, Fire Tower Open11:00 am:Nature Scavenger Hunt at Camp Saratoga NorthAre you a good and observant nature detective? See how well you can do on a spring scavenger hunt!11:00 am:Wellness Walk at Camp Saratoga SouthThis is a longer walk is geared toward people with a moderate fitness level. It will be led by Linda Hovious, fitness instructor at the Saratoga YMCA.We are finishing up at noon so that people can leave in time to attend the Earth Day March for Science in Albany.
Frog Watch Training on Monday, March 13th
FrogWatch USA Volunteer Training Session to be held at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & ParkOn Monday March 13th Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be holding a training session for people who are interested in becoming FrogWatch USA™ Volunteers. FrogWatch USA™ is a frog and toad volunteer monitoring program with over ten years of data collection on record. It is a great opportunity for volunteers get involved in their community to collect and report information about wetlands and frog and toad populations in the United States and to be a part of a nationwide program where participants learn and practice science and develop a closer relationship with the natural environment. Frogs and toads are important - and are in trouble!Frogs and toads are both predators in prey in aquatic and terrestrial food webs. They directly benefit humans by eating insects that can be pests and transmit diseases and are sensitive to changes in their environment and are indicators of problems that can affect human health.Many previously abundant populations have experienced dramatic population declines - inthe United States and around the world. It is essential that we understand the scope, scale,and cause of these declines. Anyone can volunteer and you do not have to be a frog or toad expert to make an important contribution. All you need an interest in learning about frogs and toads, the commitment to learn and identify their distinct calls, and the ability to make several evening visits to a local wetland.The training session will take place starting at 6:00 pm and run until 8:00 pm at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Office at 80 Scout Road in Gansevoort. Registration is required so that there are materials for the registrants. For more information or to register for the program, please call the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org. If you are unable to attend the training but would still like to participate please call or email for information on doing a self-training program. For up-to-date trail conditions or program information, please visit the Preserve & Park’s website at www.wiltonpreserve.org The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is a non-profit organization that conserves ecological systems and natural settings while providing opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation.
School Vacation Programs: February 20th - 24th
Looking for something to do during Winter Vacation? Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park offers “naturally” fun programs with a full week of outdoor programs scheduled. Animal Tracking Hike Monday, February 20, from 11:00am-12:30 pmParticipants will meet at the Saratoga Springs Public Library to learn about animal footprints and get snowshoes. We will walk to Congress Park and look for animal tracks. Registration is limited to 20 families, so register early! Preregistration is required by calling the Library at (518) 584-7860 option 3. Marshmallow GlaciersTuesday, February 21 from 2:00pm- 3:00 pmParticipants will meet at the Saratoga Springs Public Library to learn the natural history of the Saratoga Sandplains ecosystem, going all the way back to the last ice age! This program will wrap up with a tasty marshmallow model of a real-life glacier. Preregistration is required by calling the Library at (518) 584-7860 option 3. Skull ScienceWednesday, February 22 from 1:00-2:00 pmat the Park Office at 80 Scout RoadUse animal skulls and furs to discover how different animals have adapted to survive in their habitats. We will be examining animal artifacts during this interactive lesson. This program is best for children ages 8 and up. Preregistration required by February 20th. Owl ProwlsWednesday, February 22 at 6:00 pmat the Park Office at 80 Scout RoadStarting with an indoor presentation, participants will learn about which owls are found in our area. Then we will head outdoors to listen and look for wild owls! Group size is limited and is for ages 5 and up. Preregistration is required by February 20th by calling the Library at (518) 584-7860 option 3. This program will be offered again at the same time on March 3rd, 8th, and 17th. Winter Nature Scavenger HuntThursday, February 23, from 1:00pm-2:00pmAt Camp Saratoga NorthChildren will learn to use their senses to explore the outdoors during winter by working to complete a nature scavenger hunt. The program is designed for children ages 5 and up. Snowshoes will be available for rental 30 minutes before the program; free for members, $3 for non-members. If there is no snow, the program will take place without snowshoes. Preregistration required by February 22nd. Natural Picture Frame MakingFriday, February 24, from 2:00 pm-3:00 pmJoin us at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park for a great nature craft that can be done during any season! We will use twigs, pine cones, and other materials found in nature to create our picture frames. This program is for children ages 5 and up. Preregistration required by February 23rd.Preregistration is required at least one business day in advance of the program. For more information, please call the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org. For up-to-date trail conditions or program information, please visit the Preserve & Park’s website at www.wiltonpreserve.org The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is a non-profit organization that conserves ecological systems and natural settings while providing opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation.
2/17/2017 Trail and Grooming Report
With the warming temperatures over the weekend we should have some really nice spring conditions on the trails!Grooming is tricky when the temperatures are above freezing. We will get out and roll the trails as we can as the temperature and conditions allow.We will be renting out cross country skis and snowshoes everyday from Saturday February 18th through Sunday the 26th from 10:00 - 3:00 at Parking Lot #1 at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road.Get out and enjoy the snow while we still have it!!
2/14/2017 Grooming and Trail Report
It is so nice to have snow!! The trails were rolled today at noontime.We have at least three different user groups for the groomed trails so please be considerate of the other users!Snowshoers - please stay to the middle and left of the trails, try not to walk through and flatten the classic cross country ski tracks on the right side of the trail.Classic skiers - try to stay to the right in the classic tracks.Skate skiers - we try to groom as wide as we are allowed, please have patience with the other trail users.
Grooming and Trail Report: 2/10/2017
The Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe is still cancelled for Saturday night. Based on the conditions and the forecast on Tuesday we had to make a decision based on those conditions. These surprise storms were not in the forecast at all at that time. We are as disappointed as the rest of you are.All of the trails were rolled this morning. The snow is very fluffy and dry with a one inch base on the trails in most areas. There is still ice in some areas under the snow so please continue to use caution.We are expecting a little snow overnight and more significant snow on Sunday.
CANCELLED - No Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe this year
UPDATE Feb 9: : Still cancelled. Storm totals for Gansevoort are predicted to be 1 -2 inches, Saratoga 3 - 6, and Albany 6 - 12. This storm is bigger the further south you are.Enjoy the snow, but we will not be having the event this year.Feb 7: We were really hoping that this storm would be the one!We were hoping that instead of rain and sleet and ice, we would get enough snow to hold our Annual Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe.Unfortunately, the trails are not in any shape to hold this event.There is not enough snow and too much ice, especially after things freeze up later in the week.Here's hoping for some more snow so that other upcoming events can take place.Please check our calendar page for all the other great events that are scheduled for the next months. http://www.wiltonpreserve.org/calendar
Trail Report 2/2/2017
So we were hoping for better winter weather than last year, but so far the snow fairies are not coming our way.As you might expect there are places where the trails are very icy, there are places where there is bare ground, and there are places were there is decent coverage. A real mixed bag!We are encouraging people to wear some kind of traction device like microspikes.We will make a decision about the Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe early next week.
No Weekend Snowshoe or Ski Rentals
With the poor weather and trail conditions, we will be suspending winter rentals until the conditions improve.
1/11/2017 Grooming and Trail Report
Ice Ice Baby!Crazy warm temperatures are melting snow and slicking up the ice on the trails. We will have freezing of all that mess overnight on Thursday.Temperatures are too warm to groom. Things are very very icy. Rain is forecast for Thursday then freezing again overnight and into Friday.Please use caution. Snowshoes or microspikes are highly recommended on the trails.
1/7/2017 Trail and Grooming Report
The trails were groomed this afternoon for the first time since the heavy rain and deep freeze.The conditions are hard pack in the woods and ice in the meadows and open areas.The grooming improved the hard pack a little.Snowshoes or micro spikes are recommended for the trail conditions.We need some more snow!!!
Weekend Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski Rentals Begin
Snowshoe and Cross-Country Ski Rentals on Saturdays and Sundays from January 7- March 12.(And during the February Vacation Week February 20-24)Rentals from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm from the Information Cabin in Parking Lot #1 on Scout Road.Get outside and explore our winter trails! Rentals are free for members and $5 for non-members.All rentals must be back by 3:00.
12/22/2016 Grooming and Trail Report
This morning we had another three inches of snow at the Preserve & Park.The trails at Camp Saratoga North were all rolled so they should be good for some winter fun! We will not be setting track until we have a little more snow on the ground.The groomed trails begin from the trailhead that leaves from Parking Lot #1 on Scout Road.We have put up signs urging people not to walk on the groomed trails so please help us keep the trails in good shape by using Camp Saratoga South if you are in boots. You can access these non-groomed trails from Parking Lot #1 or Parking Lot#3`on Scout Road.Thanks!!
FrogWatch USA Volunteer Training Sessions
On Wednesdays March 9th and 16th Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be holding training sessions for people who are interested in becoming FrogWatch USA™ Volunteers. FrogWatch USA™ is a frog and toad volunteer monitoring program with over ten years of data collection on record. It is a great opportunity for volunteers get involved in their community to collect and report information about wetlands and frog and toad populations in the United States and to be a part of a nationwide program where participants learn and practice science and develop a closer relationship with the natural environment. Frogs and toads are important - and are in trouble!Frogs and toads are both predators in prey in aquatic and terrestrial food webs. They directly benefit humans by eating insects that can be pests and transmit diseases and are sensitive to changes in their environment and are indicators of problems that can affect human health.Many previously abundant populations have experienced dramatic population declines - in the United States and around the world. It is essential that we understand the scope, scale, and cause of these declines. Anyone can volunteer and you do not have to be a frog or toad expert to make an important contribution. All you need an interest in learning about frogs and toads, the commitment to learn and identify their distinct calls, and the ability to make several evening visits to a local wetland.The training sessions will take place starting at 6:00 pm and run until 9:00 pm at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Office at 80 Scout Road in Gansevoort. Registration is required so that there as there are materials for the registrants. For more information or to register for the program, please call the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org. If you are unable to attend the training but would still like to participate please call or email for information on doing a self-training program.
Nature in Winter Walk - January 30
Nature in Winter Walk at Camp Saratoga On Saturday, January 30th, at 1:00 pm Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be hosting a winter exploration nature walk at Camp Saratoga North on Scout Road in Gansevoort. This hour-long walk over gentle terrain will explore the flora and fauna of the preserve and park. Together we will learn the basics of winter tree identification and animal tracking. Participants will learn about adaptations that plants and animals have that help them survive the winter. We will even look for signs of animals in winter including animal tracks in the snow. The trails are icy and we suggest wearing microspikes/ crampons/ yaktrax and/or bringing hiking poles. There will be snowshoes available for rental prior to the program at Parking Lot 1 at Camp Saratoga. The rentals are free for members or $3/pair for non-members.Preregistration is required at least one business day in advance of the actual event. For more information, please call the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org. For up-to-date trail conditions or program information, please visit the Preserve & Park’s website at www.wiltonpreserve.org The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is a non-profit organization that conserves ecological systems and natural settings while providing opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation.
Weekend Events Cancelled
Cancelled! Snowshoe and Cross Country Rentals NOT Open this Weekend
Well the weather is doing its best to mess with us this winter! We will try again next week. In spite of it all, we will have regular weekend rental hours starting the weekend of January 16th.Rentals will be available from the cabin next to Parking Lot#1 on Scout Road.Hours are from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. $5.00 per pair or free for Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park members.If you are interested in rentals during the week, please call the office at 450-032