Grooming and Trail Report 3/2/2018
Well! We have a good 6+ inches of wet, heavy snow! The one-mile meadow loop was groomed but there is a tree down past the bridge so no other grooming was done today.We will be open from 10:00 to 3:00 on Saturday and Sunday renting cross country skis and snowshoes. You may find other trees and branches down on the trails, so be aware as you go.
Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski Rentals This Weekend (March 3 and 4)
With the fresh snow on the ground, the trails will have enough coverage to get out and enjoy this great winter blast!The Rental Cabin is located in Parking Lot #1 on Scout Road.We will be there from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Last rentals at 2:00 and returns must be by 3:00.$5.00 per rental or free for members of the Preserve & Park!
Owl Prowls on March 7th and 16th
Lots of Outdoor Activities for School Vacation
Looking for something to do during Winter Vacation? Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park offers “naturally” fun programs with a full week of outdoor programs scheduled.Our snowshoe and cross country ski rentals will be open all week from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. We have lots of sizes from little kids through adult, so you can get out with the whole family! Animal Tracking Hike Monday, February 19, from 11:00 am-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. Skull ScienceTuesday, February 20 from 1:00-2:00 pm Participants will meet at the Park Office at 80 Scout Road and use 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. Marshmallow GlaciersWednesday, February 21 from 2:00pm- 3:00 pmParticipants will meet at the Preserve & Park office a t 80 Scout Road 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. This program is best for children ages 8 and up. Preregistration is required by February 20. Owl ProwlsWednesday, February 21 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 19th by calling the Library at (518) 584-7860 option 3. This program will be offered again at the same time on March 2 and 7 and at 7:00 pm on March and 16. Winter Nature Scavenger HuntThursday, February 22, 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 21. Natural Picture Frame MakingFriday, February 23, 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 22.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.#
Grooming and Trail Report 2/7/2018
As of this evening we had ten inches of gorgeous powder.The trails were rolled early this afternoon after four inches had fallen, and again late in the day after anther six inches came down.Conditions should be great for this weekend's snowshoe race and for our Saturday Winterfest Activities!!Get out and enjoy these amazing conditions while we have them.
Winterfest February 10th
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be hosting a day of fun activities to celebrate getting outdoors in winter. The events will all take place at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road in Wilton. The day will kick-off with the 15th Annual Camp Saratoga 8k Snowshoe Race which is part of the Dion Winter Series. Onsite registration will begin at 9:15 and the race begins at 10:30. For more information on the race, go to www.saratogastryders.com.With the recent snow, the trails will be in great shape and the Preserve & Park will be renting out snowshoes and cross country skis from 10:00 am with the last rentals needing to be returned by 3:00 pm. There are a range of sizes from toddlers through adult, so the whole family can get out together to enjoy some winter fun. Rentals are $5.00 per person or free to members of Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.Activities during Winterfest will include a bonfire with hot cocoa and s’mores, an animal tracking walk beginning at noon, and a winter tree walk beginning at 1:00. There will be activities in the Winter Lodge beginning at 1:30. These will include an animal track activity, a display on animals of the Preserve & Park, and a trees-in-winter nature craft. There will also be an ice fishing display and information in the Winter Lodge beginning at 1:30. The display will include old ice fishing equipment and modern rigs. There will be information on different kinds of rigs and bait for different kinds of fish. This is perfect for anyone who has questions about ice fishing and is looking to get answers about the hows and whys. The day will finish with a snowman building contest at 2:00 by the Winter Lodge. All of the Snowmen will be judged and the prizes announced at 3:00 at the end of Winterfest.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.
Grooming and Trail Report 2/5/2018
We are very happy to report that yesterday brought us 5 to 6 inches of very lovely snow.We will be getting out to roll the trails this afternoon, so we will update this report once they have been rolled.We are excited that there is more snow in the forecast for Wednesday so the trails should be in great shape for Saturday's Snowshoe Race and for Winterfest!!
Grooming and Trail Report 1/17/18
Snow, snow, beautiful snow!! Light and fluffy and lovely and groomed.The trails at Camp Saratoga were rolled late this afternoon after around six inches of snow had accumulated in the past two days.The trails are in great shape. Please do not walk on the groomed trails in boots - snowshoes and cross country skis only at Camp Saratoga North.You can use the trails on the south side of Scout Road to walk without skis or snowshoes.Our volunteers work hard to keep the trails in great shape and we appreciate your help in keeping them that way.
January 20th Annual Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe- Full!
Based on huge demand, all of the free parking tickets have been claimed.We are sorry that we can't accommodate any more registrations at this time.USE THIS LINK TO REGISTER:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-candlelight-ski-and-snowshoe-tickets-41982717438Join us at the popular and highly anticipated Annual Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road. 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. We will have a bake sale in the I.P Winter Lodge and donations are always appreciated. We have a limited number of snowshoes that will be available on a first-come first-served basis in the I.P. Winter Lodge off of Parking lot #2. The rental fee is $5/ person. We cannot reserve or hold any snowshoes. If you want to be sure to have snowshoes for the event we recommend that you rent them from somewhere like the Alpine Sport Shop in Saratoga Springs or at EMS in Wilton.Since parking is limited and we do not want to cause any damage to the trails at the Preserve & Park by having too many people show up, this year we are requiring registration for the event. You will need to print out a ticket and show it to one of the parking attendants to be admitted to the event. We encourage people to carpool and ONLY one ticket is needed per car. Volunteers do not need to register, they will be able to park in the volunteer parking area at the office.Parking will be directed by volunteers so please be patient and polite.This event is weather permitting.Please call or email for more information or if you are interested in volunteering for this event.518-450-0321info@wiltonpreserve.org
January 15th: Join Us for Two Different Outdoor Walks
Wellness Walk at 11:00 am at Camp SaratogaEnjoy nature with others looking to get outside! The walk is geared towards gentle exercise and is for participants at basic fitness levels. It is led by Linda Hovious, fitness instructor at the Saratoga Y. 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. Pre-registration is greatly appreciated by emailing info@wiltonpreserve.org or calling 518-450-0321.Winter Exploration Walk at 1:00 pm at Camp SaratogaJoin us for a guided hike all about winter exploration and discovery! Look for animal tracks and learn about different plant and animal adaptations for winter survival. Meet at the kiosk in Parking Lot 1 at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road and dress for the weather. Snowshoes are available for rental 30 minutes before the program; free for members and $3 for non-members. If there is no snow the program will take place without snowshoes. Call or email to register
Grooming and Trail Report 12/25/2017
We have the most amazing volunteers!!On Christmas Day, Ryan went out and groomed the trails at Camp Saratoga late in the day, so they should be in perfect condition for skiing and snowshoeing on Tuesday!We got about six inches of fresh snow and the conditions are great - packed powder!!As always, please please please do not walk on the groomed trails in boots, we have so many other trails that you can use. We beg you to leave the groomed trails for the use of people on skis or snowshoes - thank you!!
Enjoy this great snow!!!
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!!
Please Consider a Gift to Our Annual Appeal
Our 2017 Annual Appeal Is UnderwayWe hope that you will consider a generous, end-of-year contribution to support our work in conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation.Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park relies on our volunteers for their time and energy and on our members and donors for their financial support.Be assured that your support truly makes a difference and is greatly appreciated!Donate HereThanks so much!
Annual Meeting, Holiday Reception, & Opening of our 6th Annual Photography Show
Monday, December 4Annual Meeting 6:00-7:00 pmReception & Photography Show 7:00-8:00 pmPlease join us for our Annual Meeting, Holiday Reception, and the Opening of our 6th Annual Photography ShowWilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Officeat 80 Scout Roadwww.wiltonpreserve.org518-450-0321
Volunteer Meeting; Monday, November 20th at 7:00
Our Volunteer Meeting is at 7:00 on Monday, November 20thWe will talk about upcoming volunteer opportunities and update people on the latest news from the Preserve & ParkWe are celebrating Thanksgiving a little early this year since we are so thankful for our wonderful volunteers!!We will have special Thanksgiving refreshments starting at 6:45. Hope you can join us!!
Join Us at Wild About Blue - Sunday, November 12th
Our Annual Fall Fundraiser is Wild About Blue.This year’s Wild About Blue will take place on Sunday, November 12, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Saratoga National Golf Course with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and bountiful food stations. This beautiful venue allows us to create a special evening, with people who, like you, care deeply about the environment and the success of the Preserve & Park.Purchase your ticket by clicking hereFunds raised by the event support our many successful undertakings, including habitat work for the Karner blue butterfly, year-round environmental education programs for all ages and interests, the creation and maintenance of almost 20 miles of recreational trails, and free public events like our Earth Day Celebration, Wildlife Festival, Winterfest, and Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe. Wonderful donors and volunteers through the years have helped to create this lasting preserve for nature and this park enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts from far and near.Wild About Blue, inspired by our work with the endangered Karner blue butterfly, also gives us the opportunity to recognize someone who has created transformative change in our community through the annual Metamorphosis Award. This year we are honoring Mike Huchro, Nancy Ferguson, and Barbara Messier for their work in initiating and running Lake Avenue Elementary School’s Fifth Grade Outdoor Education Experience.This program through its three-day wilderness outing at Camp Wakpominee has helped more than 1,000 students build confidence, friendships, a sense of responsibility, and an appreciation of the natural world. Supported by the PTA and run by school staff and parent volunteers, this program is a model for other elementary schools in the region, state, and further afield. These three individuals have created positive and dramatic changes in the lives of their school community and we are proud to have them as our honorees this year!Past recipients are Larry Gordon, Heather Mabee, Kathy O’Brien, Jane Adams Wait, and Joe Bruchac.
Monthly Wellness Walk in October at Neilmann Trail
Mondays – Once a Month at 11:00 amOctober 16 at the Neilmann Trail Come enjoy nature with others looking to get outside every month! The walk is geared towards gentle exercise and is for participants at basic fitness levels.The walk is led by our wonderful volunteer, Linda Hovious who is also a fitness instructor at the Saratoga Y.Meet at the kiosk in the parking lot south of King Road on Ruggles Road. Pre-registration is always appreciated by calling 518-450-0321 or emailing info@wiltonpreserve.orgThis monthly walk will also take place on November 20th, leaving from the Opdahl Farm trailhead on Ballard Road.
Historic Cornell Hill Fire Tower Open Hours in October
October 14, 15, 28 and 29from 10:00 am – 3:00 pmThe Historic Cornell Hill Fire Tower and replica Fire Ranger observer’s cabin will be open for those who want to get a birds-eye view of the park while learning about the life of a fire tower monitor.Access is from Parking Lot 3 on Scout Road.Since the fire tower can not be open during inclement weather, to confirm that it is open, contact Larry Gordon at 469-0918.
Monarch Butterfly Walks
Saturdays, September 9 and 2311:00 am at Camp SaratogaJoin us for a nature walk to learn about the amazing life cycle of the Monarch butterflies. The walk covers about a mile of gently rolling terrain. We will be looking for the butterflies during their peak season just before they start to migrate to Mexico for the winter. The monarch butterflies love the Preserve & Park for its many nectar species and its open pine/oak savannah.Pre-registration is appreciated by calling 518-450-0321 or emailing info@wiltonpreserve.orgThe walk will not take place if there is rain. This is a Hudson River Ramble Event.