Catskills Nature Explorers: Become a Junior Steward!
This week, the Catskill Nature Explorers are learning how to be awesome stewards of the Catskill Mountains! Join us to discover the principles of Leave No Trace and how we can all help protect the land, water, and wildlife we love. Catskills Nature Explorers is a fun, hands-on program designed to inspire the next generation […]
Catskills Nature Explorers: Geology of the Catskills
This week, the Catskills Nature Explorers are digging into the cool geology of the Catskills! Join us for a fossil hunt as we explore the ancient history hidden beneath our feet and search for some rocky treasures. Catskills Nature Explorers is a fun, hands-on program designed to inspire the next generation of naturalists through weekly […]
Catskills Nature Explorers: Pollinator Power
This week, we’re buzzing with excitement! Join the Catskills Nature Explorers to learn about amazing local pollinators like butterflies, and bees—and why they’re so important to nature! We’ll craft our own pollinators to take home and explore the pollinator garden in search of real signs of pollinator activity. Catskills Nature Explorers is a fun, hands-on […]
Catskills Nature Explorers
Catskills Nature Explorers is a fun, hands-on program designed to inspire the next generation of naturalists through weekly adventures in nature, science, art, and wildlife. From bugs to birds, wildflowers to weather, each week brings a new adventure in nature, science, art, and wildlife. Held every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 am throughout June, July, […]
Catskills Nature Explorers: Nature Protectors Fighting Invasives
This week, join the Catskills Nature Explorers to become nature protectors as we learn how to spot and stop the spread of invasive species! We’ll head out on a fun nature walk to search for and identify these plant and animal invaders in the wild. Catskills Nature Explorers is a fun, hands-on program designed to […]
Catskills Nature Explorers:Discovering Songbirds
This week, join the Catskills Nature Explorers to tune into the world of precious songbirds! Get ready to listen closely and see if you can match the unique and beautiful songs to the birds that sing them—and use binoculars to spot these feathered friends in action. Catskills Nature Explorers is a fun, hands-on program designed […]
Catskills Nature Explorers: Birds of Prey
Fly on over to the Catskill Visitor Center to join the Catskills Nature Explorers and learn all about the amazing birds of prey in our environment! We’ll discover what makes these hunters so special and even dissect owl pellets to find out what owls eat! Catskills Nature Explorers is a fun, hands-on program designed to […]
Catskills Nature Explorers: Habitat Discovery
Come join us to learn about the importance of habitats for wildlife and the idea of “do no harm” when exploring nature! We’ll talk about the best ways to interact with animals and explore the different habitats at the Catskill Visitor Center, from woodlands to meadow! Catskills Nature Explorers is a fun, hands-on program designed […]
Catskills Nature Explorers: Into the World of Bears
This week, join the Catskills Nature Explorers to dive into the wild world of black bears—discover how these incredible animals live in the Catskills, and put your own nose to the test to see if you can smell as well as a bear! Catskills Nature Explorers is a fun, hands-on program designed to inspire the […]
Catskills Nature Explorers: Fun with Fungi
Join us for a fungi-filled adventure as we learn about the fascinating world of mushrooms with special guest Diana Richards, former Education Lead for the Fungi Foundation. We’ll explore the forest in search of fabulous fungi and uncover the hidden wonders of the forest floor. Catskills Nature Explorers is a fun, hands-on program designed to […]
Catskills Nature Explorers: Summer Solstice Celebration
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with the Catskills Nature Explorers as we learn about the power of the sun, how plants and animals in the Catskills adapt to the season, and explore fun traditions tied to this magical time of year! Plus, we’ll make awesome sun prints to take home and kick off summer! Catskills Nature […]
Catskills Nature Explorers: Plant Detectives
Get ready to become plant detectives! This week, join the Catskills Nature Explorers to learn how to identify different plants, explore their uses, and get creative by making our own leaf rubbings to take home. Catskills Nature Explorers is a fun, hands-on program designed to inspire the next generation of naturalists through weekly adventures in […]
Catskills Nature Explorers: Fire Tower Adventure
Calling all curious kids! Help us kick off the Catskills Nature Explorers program with a special celebration for World Environment Day! Join us for a guided walk with our Naturalist to the 80-foot fire tower and learn more about the Catskills’ unique environment. Catskills Nature Explorers is a fun, hands-on program designed to inspire the […]
Huge Sale at the Catskills Visitor Center!
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with our biggest store sale of the season! From outdoor essentials to unique Catskills gifts, enjoy deep discounts across the shop—up to 50% off! Save on favorites like: 10% off: T-shirts, mugs, stuffed animals, trekking poles, bear canisters, tick supplies, and more 20% off: Pocket guides, kids games, knit hats, postcards, […]
Last Volunteer Day for the Ashokan Rail Trail Habitat Restoration
June 15th is the last Volunteer Day for the Ashokan Rail Trail Habitat Restoration! Come out and help the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership team plant native saplings! Whether it’s your first time or third time volunteering, or you’re a seasoned volunteer, your time and effort will get us one step closer to our goal […]
Restore and Rewild: Ashokan Rail Trail Planting Day
It’s the second-to-last Volunteer Day for the Ashokan Rail Trail Habitat Restoration! Come out and help the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership team plant native saplings! Last year, our volunteers planted 180 trees and removed half an acre of invasive species, and we hope to do more with your help! Join us on June 12th, […]
Native Planting Day: Celebrate Great Outdoors Month
June is National Great Outdoors Month—what better way to celebrate than by giving back to the land you love?! Join the Catskills Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on the Ashokan Rail Trail to help restore the native habitat, learn about invasive species, and plant trees like Red Maple and Swamp White Oak. Discover how invasives […]
Bird Walk and Talk at the Catskills Visitor Center
Join the Catskill Science Collaborative and Dr. Kara Belinsky of SUNY New Paltz in this birding workshop and walk at the Catskills Visitor Center on Saturday, May 10th, 10:00-11:30 AM. She will introduce you to 12 delightful montane birds, giving you a peek into their lives (amazing migrations, colorful feathers, and enchanting songs!), and help […]
Invasive Species Pull & Native Planting: Help Restore Clean Air
Join us on May 31st from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Ashokan Station Trailhead to plant native tree saplings from Catskill Native Nursery. May is Clean Air month, by restoring the native habitat along the Ashokan Rail Trail you are also helping to restore the clean air in the area! Help the Catskill […]
Invasive Species Pull: Kindness to Critters With Habitat Restoration
In honor of “Be Kind to Animals Month,” help the critters along the Ashokan Rail Trail by removing invasive plants and planting natives to restore their habitat! Restoring native plant communities has a positive impact by improving access to food resources, shelter, nesting materials, and breeding habitat for native wildlife—while also helping to prevent invasive […]
Hike & Learn Series: The Neversink
Join Moe Lemire—NYS licensed guide and founder of Hike On Guides—for an immersive 8-mile hike through the heart of the Catskills along The Neversink. This unique hike offers a rare opportunity to witness a pristine creek untouched by human impact. As we explore, we’ll discuss the ecological importance of healthy riparian buffers and observe the […]
Hike & Learn Series: Indian Head Loop
Join Moe Lemire—NYS licensed guide and founder of Hike On Guides—for a 7-mile educational hike with 1,750 feet of elevation gain through the scenic Indian Head Loop. As we explore, we’ll discuss the visible impacts hikers and campers can have on the landscape when Leave No Trace principles aren’t followed. As we climb, we’ll transition […]
Hike & Learn Series: Halcott Mountain
Join Moe Lemire—NYS licensed guide and founder of Hike On Guides—for an exploratory hike up Halcott Mountain on May 20th from 10 AM – 3 PM. Along the way, you’ll learn how to identify the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and witness its impact on old-growth hemlocks in the Catskills. We’ll discuss both chemical and biological […]
Get Outdoors & Get Together Day
The Catskill Center is thrilled to partner with NYSDEC and NYSParks to celebrate Get Outdoors & Get Together Day, a statewide event that welcomes people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds to enjoy the outdoors together. Join us on Friday, June 14th from 12-3 PM at the Catskills Visitor Center for a day full […]
Preserve the Path: Ashokan Rail Trail Invasive Pull
Have you ever walked along the Ashokan Rail Trail and thought, “What is this plant taking over the whole area?!” Join the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on May 10, 2025 for a hands-on effort to identify and remove invasive species along the Ashokan Rail Trail. We’ll meet at the Ashokan Station Trailhead at […]
Volunteer Orientation: Catskills Visitor Center Volunteers
Do you have a vast knowledge of the Catskills? Do you like helping people? If so, the Catskills Visitor Center is looking for you! With the increasing growth of visitation to the Catskills, the Catskills Visitor Center is looking for motivated, friendly volunteers to help make visitors’ first stop in the Catskills memorable. Volunteers will […]
Volunteer Orientation: Maurice D. Hinchey Memorial Site Restoration
The Catskills Visitor Center is looking for Volunteer Gardeners to help restore Maurice D. Hinchey’s gravesite and the surrounding historic graveyard. Over time, the gravesite has become home to invasive species and common weeds. We need your help to bring back the original character of this meaningful space Orientation will be held at the Catskill […]
Fall Birding Walk
Join the Catskill Center’s Finn Parnell for a guided stroll through the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for bird enthusiasts. Discover a diverse array of birds while learning to use mobile apps for easy identification—don’t forget your binoculars! A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. This event is FREE with […]
Hike to Balsam Lake Fire Tower
Join one of our Catskill Stewards for this 6 mile, out-and-back hike to the top of Balsam Lake Mountain. Don’t miss out on your chance to climb the fire tower and enjoy the views. This is a great way to work on completing the 2025 Catskill Fire Tower Challenge, which is organized by the NYS […]
Tags: catskills, family-friendly, Hiking, outdoor recreationPollinator Garden Walk: Overwintering Pollinators
Discover how to “put your garden to bed” for winter without evicting your winged guests with the legendary Maraleen Manos-Jones, a passionate pollinator protector with over 50 years of butterfly wisdom! Take a stroll through the Catskills Visitor Center’s pollinator garden with butterfly expert Maraleen Manos-Jones on Saturday, September 20 from 10-11:30 AM and learn […]
Tags: catskill mountains, catskills, family-friendly, outdoor recreation