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.
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
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.
Wild About Blue: October 26
Please join us at our annual fundraiser at the Saratoga National Golf Club. At the event we will be presenting Wildlife Biologist Kathy O’Brien with our Metamorphosis Award, an award given to an individual who has helped initiate great change in the community. She has been instrumental in the survival of the endangered Karner blue butterflies. We will also have a unique silent auction! Cost is $65.00 and preregistration is required by Friday, October 17, 2014. Please RSVP to Margo at 518-450-0321.
Conservation Conversation – Blue Birds
