Astronomy Party Rescheduled to April 29th due to Bad Weather
It is hard to be an astronomer!So often there is disappointment when long awaited events are blocked by clouds.The Hubble telescope marked the first time in human history when weather would not get in the way of astronomers looking to view the sky.So we need to be stoic and think about all of the astronomers who have come before us, who missed seeing the comet, the eclipse, the meteor shower, etc., etc.Thank you for your interest in the Astronomy Party that was scheduled for March 31 with a rain date of April 1, we have rescheduled it to Saturday, April 29th. Please call 450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org to register.
Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski Rental this weekend - March 18 and 19!
When life gives you an amazing March snowstorm, you get out and enjoy it!We will be renting snowshoes on Saturday and Sunday starting at 10:00 am in the cabin by Parking Lot #1 on Scout Road.Rentals are $5.00 each or free if you are a member of the Preserve & Park.
3/15/2017 Trail Update and Grooming Report
Thank you winter storm Stella! We have well over a foot of lovely soft powder snow here at the Preserve & Park.The trails at Camp Saratoga are being rolled today, this will be the final grooming of the season based on our stewardship agreement with NYS DEC.With colder temperatures forecast through the weekend and even the chance for a little more snow on Saturday, don't miss the chance to get out and enjoy the winter a little longer!
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.
2/22/2017 Trail Report
While the warm weather makes it nice to be outside, it has done a number on the trails.In the open areas, like in the meadows, the trails are down to bare ground.Expect spring conditions.
Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Rentals - Cancelled until we get more snow!!
We will no longer be renting out cross country skis and snowshoes from 10 am – 3:00 pm at Parking Lot #1 at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road.Trails are bare and muddy in spots and with the forecast rain, we expect that they will continue to deteriorate.
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.
Scouts hold Klondike Derby February 4 and 5
If you come to visit Camp Saratoga this weekend you may be surprised to find it filled with Boy Scouts!! The Twin Rivers Council is holding a Klondike Derby and Wilton Troop 4024 is the host troop. Scouts will be camping out overnight and participating in lots of fun challenges.The trails at Camp Saratoga will be open to the public and parking will be available at Parking Lot #1 on Scout Road. While there will be Road Closed barriers set up on Scout Road, that is just to limit the through traffic on Scout Road. Park users will still be allowed through to go to Parking Lot #1Please be aware that the trail conditions are still icy and we recommend using some kind of traction, like microspikes.
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.
12/29/2016 Grooming and Trail Report
On Thursday evening after the snowfall, the trails were rolled.The snow was wet and sticky.In the woods, the coverage was thin in spots.Be cautious, there are areas with thin coverage and icy spots.
12/19/2016 Trail Report and Grooming Update
The trails were rolled on Saturday, but no track was set due to the very light and fluffy condition of the snow.The pouring rain on Sunday was disappointing, but the snow seems to have survived pretty well, and is still somewhat powdery and not bullet-proof as we feared!
Join Us on December 13th for our Annual Holiday Gathering, Photography Show Opening, and Annual Meeting
Please Join Us,Tuesday, December 13thAnnual Holiday Gathering, Photography Show Opening, and Annual MeetingAnnual Meeting 6:00-7:00Reception & Photography Show 7:00-8:00At the Park Office, 80 Scout RoadThe annual meeting is an opportunity for everyone to come together and learn about the successes of Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park during the past year and to hear about our plans for the future.Our holiday reception will follow the meeting with homemade refreshments and the opening night of our fifth Annual Photography Show. This is a great opportunity to see these beautiful pictures of the Preserve & Park on display for the first time.Come for the meeting and stay for the reception or just drop in to see the photos and join in some seasonal goodies and holiday cheer.