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
Saturday's Full Moon Ski and Snowshoe: Cancelled
For those of you who have been out and using the trails at the Preserve & Park, you know that the conditions have really deteriorated. The rain and subsequent freeze over the weekend didn't help at all! The dusting of snow that we got overnight into Monday has only hidden the icy spots. The trails are bare in spots, icy in other spots, and have very thin coverage in between.With the lack of any significant snow in the forecast between now and Saturday we have made a difficult decision.We are cancelling this Saturday's Full Moon Ski and Snowshoe.If we get some better conditions this winter, we are hoping to reschedule.While we are disappointed in the weather this winter, we have scheduled lots of other great, upcoming events including our Winterfest with a bonfire, cocoa, and s'mores. Check out all of our other programs in the Calendar section of the website.
Trail Conditions 1/15/2016
The trails have patchy ice with a thin cover of snow.The forecast for the weekend is for some sleet and snow overnight into Saturday, with accumulations of less than two inches before transitioning to rain in the morning.Please use caution as there may be ice under the new snow!!
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
Annual Full Moon Ski and Snowshoe: Saturday, January 23rd
Full Moon Ski and SnowshoeSaturday January 23rd, 6-9 pmJoin us at the popular and highly anticipated Annual Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road.This year we will be able to watch the full moon rise over Camp Saratoga to help light the event!!Luminaries will glow along 2.5 miles of groomed trails. Along the way you will find fields and forests, warming bonfires and plenty of hot chocolate. The terrain is suitable for all levels and ages and includes a smaller 1 mile loop. Participants can drop-in anytime during the evening, no registration is needed.Snowshoes and cross-country skis will be available on a first-come first-serve basis in the I.P Winter Lodge off of Parking lot #2. The rental free is $5/ person for non-members. Parking will be directed by WWPP.This event is weather permitting.Call 450-0321 for more information.We are still looking for volunteers for the event, please call if you are interested in helping out!
Trail Conditions 1/2/2016
Annual Photography Show: Winners Announced
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park hosted its fourth annual Photography Show and Contest on Tuesday, December 8th at the Preserve & Park Office at 80 Scout Road. The Show’s rules require that all of the entries must have been taken place at the Preserve & Park.This year had the largest number of entries to-date and almost fifty images were selected and are on display. This year’s Best In Show was awarded to Shari Crocker for her image “Field of Lupine.” Carolina Wierzbowski won for Best featuring the endangered Karner blue butterfly for her photograph, “Karner.” Jeff Lawson’s shot “Ski Slope” won for Best featuring Recreation. Howard Lester’s charming shot of a mother and daughter at the pond won for Best featuring Education with “Wilton Wildlife Festival.” This year’s winner for Best Animal Shot was Eric Avery for “Eastern Towhee.” Kolby Himelrick won again this year in the Best under-13 category for his picture “I Think We Should Dock Here.” Best Nature in Winter with was won by Bernie Fabry with “The Little Tree that Could,” while Best Nature In Autumn was won by Ron Harrower for “Wilton Wildlife.” Best featuring Conservation was a stunning image “Frosted Elfin on Blue” taken by Wayne Jones.The selected photographs will be on display through April 1, 2016 at the office located at 80 Scout Road in Gansevoort during office hours.
Trail Update: Old Gick Farm Closed
NYS DEC has contracted to have sinkholes repaired in the Karner blue butterfly habitat.This work involves heavy equipment. For safety reasons the trails will be closed until the work is done.The work is expected to be completed mid-January.
December 8th: Annual Meeting, Holiday Gathering, and Photo Show
Tuesday December 8th Annual Meeting at 6:00pmHoliday Gathering and Photography Show Opening at 7:00 pmCelebrate the holiday season with Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park! Learn about all of the accomplishments of the past year and what is planned in the coming year. The Annual Meeting will begin at 6:00 pm.Following the Annual Meeting will be our annual Holiday Reception and Photography Show Opening at 7:00 pm. All are welcome for both events but it is not required to sit at the annual meeting in order to attend the photo show.Food and libations will be provided at the Holiday Gathering and all are welcome!
Photography Show - Seeking Submissions
The deadline is fast approaching for our annual photography show. Details can be found on the flyer below. Click on it for an enlarged version.
Wild About Blue A Huge Success!
Over 150 people attended Wild About Blue on Sunday, October 18th. It was our biggest fundraiser to date and grossed almost $30,000!We were proud to honor Jane Adams Wait with the 2015 Metamorphosis Award for her work in founding the Yaddo Garden Association.
We couldn't have done it without all of our donors, both the Honorary Committee and for the Silent Auction. If you see any of these wonderful people or go to these businesses, let them know that you appreciate their support of Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.
Honorary Committee
Visionary
Adirondack Trust Company
Anonymous (2)
Frank & Delores Parillo
Prime at Saratoga National Golf Club
The D.A. Collins Companies
Steward
Anchor QEA
Linda Baker
Gail & Russell Danforth
Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co
Stewart’s Shops
Lucy R. Waletzky, M.D.
Wilton Rotary
Woodlawn Commons
Guardian
Drs. Chris & Leisa Brockett
Drs. Jean & John Buhac, Nicole Buhac
Becky Christner & Carter White
Larry Gordon & Patricia Watkins
Peg McCanty & Mike Geppner
Linda & Richard Hovious
Anthony & Rachel Krackeler
Redbud Development, Inc.
Bob Rice, Debbie Rice, Hailey Houde
The Nature Conservancy – Eastern New York Chapter
Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop
Protector
Florence Andresen & William F. Baumann; Anonymous (2); Kerstin Beeg, Thomas Beeg;
Jennifer Benaman & Andrew Roginski; Bert & Bailey Bloom;
Clark W. Brink – McDonald’s of Saratoga;
Charlie & Kathy DiSanto; Rick Fenton & Hollyday Hammond
Nancy & Greg Ferguson; Ben Ford & Jean Dugan; Steve & Dorothy Harran;
Barbara Hefter; George Hodgson; The Kilduff & O’Connor Family; Joanne & Tom Klepetar;
John & Sue Lant; Joel & Maxine Lindig Lautenberg;
Mike and Mary Los; Heather & Tim Mabee; Kim Marsella & Blue Neils;
Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Leeds/Saratoga
Kathy Mattes & Andy Marsh; Mary Pat Meaney & Joseph W. Zarzynski;
Matthew Miczek & Ann Marie Przywara; John E. Munter; John & Lee Nelson;
Bill & Eleanor O’Donnell; Charles Pickett/Kathleen Rehl; John & Kimberly Pilkington;
Mike & Katilyn Prutsman; Mr. & Mrs. David Putman; Ryan Riper & Debra Riper;
Saratoga City Center/Mark E. Baker; Caroline Stem & Bill Sprengnether;
Steven & Rene Streicher; Congressman Paul D. Tonko; Trustco Bank;
Pat Tuz & Jon Weilbaker; Mr. & Mrs. Charles V. Wait Sr.; Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Walsh;
Wendy Whittmore & Paul Hicks; Anne & Ethan Winter ; Witt Construction, Inc.
Assemblywoman Caroline Woerner; Dr. Larry Zinn
Thank You to Our Silent Auction Donors
9 Miles East; Alpine Ski and Sports; Bay Optical; Brian Teague Photography;
Caffe Lena; Candle Collective; Cantina;
Cardinal Direction Landscape Architecture; D’Andrea’s Wine and Liquor Imports;
Gail Holstein Danforth; Dion Snowshoes;
Diane Dodd; Druthers; DZ Restaurants; East Side Wine and Spirits;
Endangered Chocolate Company; G. Willikers; Gaffney’s; Gideon Putnam;
Gore Mountain; Healthy Living Market and Café; Heather Mabee;
Home Made Theater; Impressions of Saratoga; Jeff Olson;
Jones and 50 Wine and Spirits; Lapland Lake Ski Center; Longfellow’s;
Nancy Miller Designs; Next Door Kitchen and Bar; Northshire Book Store;
Olde Bryan Inn; Parkside Eatery; Prohibition Pig; Purdy’s Discount Wine and Liquor;
Putnam Market; Rustic Charm; Saratoga Arms; Saratoga National at Prime;
Saratoga Performing Arts Center;
Smiles for Life Dental Care – Dr. Marc Johnson; Saratoga Winery;
Saratoga Zymurgist; Serendipity Arts Studio;
Simplee Wines and Spirits; Spa City Bicycles; Stella and Dot;
The Candy Co. of Saratoga Springs; The Egg; The Georgian Resort;
The Wild Center; The Wishing Well; Thirsty Owl Outlet & Wine Garden:
Tina Facteau; Wild Birds Unlimited
Join Us at Wild About Blue October 18
Our annual fall fundraiser is coming up soon. Please join us and help to support our programs and efforts in conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation. Click on the images below for more details about the event - we hope to see you there!
Another beautiful fall weekend: Sept 26 and 27
Go for a walk or visit the fire tower!(1) Saturday at 11:00 at Camp Saratoga we will be having a Monarch Butterfly walk. The walk lasts about an hour over gently rolling terrain. We will be looking for the butterflies that are in the midst of their southern migration. Call 450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org to register.(2) Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm the Historic Cornell Hill Fire Tire will be open. You can climb the tower to get a bird's eye view of the surrounding area and visit the re-created fire ranger's cabin.Come and visit!!
Wild About Blue October 18th
The invitations to our annual fall fundraiser have been mailed!Wild About Blue, a fundraising event for the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be taking place on Sunday, October 18, 2015 beginning at 4:00 pm at the Saratoga National Golf Club with drinks, a bountiful buffet, and a unique silent auction.Please call 450-0321 or email at info@wiltonpreserve.org for more information or to receive an invitation.
Star Party on September 18
Star Party to be held at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park On Friday, September 18 at 7:15 pm, there will be a star gazing party at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park’s Camp Saratoga. Join the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park and volunteers from the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers, Inc. and the Southern Adirondack Astronomy Club to study the night sky in all of its beauty. This date was chosen for gazing at the waxing crescent Moon and at Saturn through the telescopes that will be set up by the Astronomy club members. There will be telescopes available and experts will be on hand to share their knowledge of the night sky. Please bring a blanket to lay on the ground and dress appropriately for the weather, it gets chilly at night! The rain date for this event is Saturday, September 19 at 7:15 pm in the same location. Space is limited so preregistration is required by Wednesday, September 16.For more information, please call the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org.
Trail Alert
Trail AlertBeavers have built a dam across the bridge where the blue trail crosses Delegan Brook. The trail is under several inches of water in the area. Please use caution.DEC has been notified.
Second Brood of Karners are here!
On Monday, June 29, the first Karner blue butterflies of the second brood were observed at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.The endangered Karner blue butterflies that are in the second brood will mate and lay eggs that will overwinter until next spring!There are several trails in the Preserve & Park where you can observe these small blue butterflies. The most accessible are at Camp Saratoga where the trail leaves from parking lot #1. The other trails are Old Gick Farm and Fox which are accessed from parking areas off of Route 50, just north of King Road.To get a chance to see and learn more about these beautiful, endangered butterflies we will be offering many opportunities to attend a guided nature walk.Karner Blue Butterfly Walks at Old Gick FarmWednesdays July 1, 8, 15, 22 at 11:00 am and 4:00 pm And Saturday July 18 at 10:00 am We will be looking for adults that are searching for nectar and mates in the open pine/oak savannah meadows. The walk will be cancelled if it is raining. The walk lasts for about an hour. Please park in the lot by the Saratoga Sandplains Sign on Route 50 half a mile north of King Road. Preregistration is strongly encouraged by calling 450-0321 or info@wiltonpreserve.org
Camp Saratoga 5K Fun Runs
Camp Saratoga 5K Fun RunsJune 22, July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17 at 5:30 pmThe Saratoga Stryders host this series of five fun runs on wooded trails at the beautiful 310 acre parcel. The race series is open to all ages and abilities, run one race or all five. Registration is $5 per race at the door starting at 5:30PM. Races begin at 6:15PM sharp - rain or shine.A raffle is held at the end of each race with many prizes awarded. At the last race of the series the Ironman and Ironwoman award is given. This is a fun but challenging trail course: expect to add 10-20% to your best 5K road course time. There are no water stops on the course. Water is available at the finish.Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, Jake Fund and other local non-profits. For more information contact Laura Clark at races@saratogastryders.org or 581-1278.
Wildlife Festival Sunday is Rain or Shine!!
A little rain on Sunday won't spoil our Wildlife Festival!We are all set up for a warm and dry event inside the Dining Hall by the pond at Camp Saratoga.The live animal programs and crafts will all be inside under cover.We will still have a BBQ and bake sale. So what better for a rainy day than to come to the festival! See you on Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.