Apr 12 Saturday
Join us in the captivating realm of frogs and insects in our brand-new program! Join us for an unforgettable exploration of these incredible creatures, with a special focus on those that call vernal pools their seasonal home.
Experience the wonder of their metamorphic life cycles as we unravel the mysteries of their development from egg to adult. Gain insights into the vital role vernal pools play in supporting diverse ecosystems and the fascinating adaptations of the creatures that inhabit them.
Highlights of the Presentation:
Guided walk to our vernal pool for an up-close encounter with outdoor amphibian friends.Informative discussions on the significance of vernal pools.Engaging animal show featuring animal ambassadors.
Free program but donations are appreciated.
Join us for a plant-based chili cook-off! Admission ticket gets you a sample of each contestant's chili, and a voting slip for you to rank your favorites. Meet the rescued animals of Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary after (five minute drive from the Grange), and grab some treats from the FREE Farm Stand. It will be a great day to spend time with your community outdoors, and try something new!
Apr 26 Saturday
Please join us for the annual Earth Fest presented by the Town of Fenton Conservation Advisory Committee and Friends of Chenango Valley State Park!
Held in the Great Room of Chenango Valley State Park, this event features local agencies, businesses and lovers of the natural world presenting information in a fun and informative setting, great for the whole family.
This event is free and kicks off with an 8am guided Bird Song Walk through CV State Park (meets at the Great Room, next to the beach) followed by 9am-1pm vendors in the Great Room. A 12pm guided Butterfly Walk and Jack 's Smoke Shack food truck will be there to help make this day a wonderful way to celebrate our Earth.
This event is FREE and FUN, rain or shine! Join us for a beautiful Saturday in the park
“Bloom into Spring” will be an informative presentation on Native Wildflowers for all ages and will include fun activities, a ‘bioblitz’ (or alternative wildflower scavenger hunt) and hike options. Fillmore Glen State Park has long been known for its abundance of native plants and spring is an especially exciting time to visit the park to view its diversity.
During the bioblitz, participants will attempt to record all wildflower species found with the iNaturalist app so be certain to bring your smart phone if you wish to learn about and use this feature. For those who prefer a device free experience, there will be a wildflower scavenger hunt. Many species can be found in the lower park which has easy to maneuver terrain. A more difficult hike to the upper park will be offered.
The presenter will be Carlin Shew, a FORCES (Friends of Recreation, Conservation and Environmental Stewardship) program specialist and local naturalist for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation. She works on environmental stewardship and educational programs in the Finger Lakes Region.
Similar to a Bioblitz, an EcoBlitz is a community-science effort to make as many environmental observations (e.g., record species present, measure temperature or water quality) within a designated location and time period as possible. The EcoBlitz is a great way for the public to engage in scientific activities and connect to the environment. We can also generate useful data for research and conservation! The EcoBlitz brings together naturalists, scientists, students, and any members of the public with a passion for nature to enjoy the great outdoors and have fun!
This is Binghamton University's third EcoBlitz, and the Kickoff event will feature nature tours by naturalists and experts in the university's nature preserve, opportunities to learn to use iNaturalist, and tables from BU's research and student groups, along with community groups with nature-themed information and activities!
May 17 Saturday
Join us for a delightful day of nature, birds, and wine at the beautiful Hunt Country Vineyards. Expert guide, Alyssa Johnson, a local Finger Lakes naturalist and seasoned birder, will lead you on a leisurely walk through the vineyard grounds in search of returning migratory birds.
Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or a nature newcomer, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with the natural world and enjoy the stunning landscape of the Finger Lakes.
As we wander along a scenic gravel farm road, we’ll listen for the sweet songs of warblers, thrushes, vireos, and other forest-dwelling birds, while keeping an eye out for grassland species like bobolinks, meadowlarks, and kestrels. Hunt Country Vineyards is a haven for birds of all kinds, and Alyssa will share fascinating insights on the diverse species that call the area home.The morning will start with a "Meet & Greet" with Suzanne Hunt, co-owner and sustainability professional.She will share some Hunt Country history and info on our sustainability practices.
After the walk, you’ll be treated to a self-guided wine tasting, sampling five wines. We encourage you to bring a picnic to enjoy with your tasting on the Hunt Country grounds. There will be local picnic snacks and wines by the glass/bottle available for purchase in the tasting room as well.
It’s a perfect way to unwind, chat about the birds we spotted, and relax after the stroll.
May 18 Sunday
The Robert hunt and Lawrence Furman memorial car show at Elderwood village at vestal is a free admission to the public to come to look at the cars and it's free entry fee to put your race cars derby cars classic trucks classic cars Muscle cars hot rods street rods rat rods custom cars motorcycle mini trucks tractor pulling truck pulling vehicles atv four wheelers dirt bikes jeeps anything is welcome to be in the car show there will be a rain date of Sunday June 1st we would like cars to start showing up at 10:30am to start setting up for the car show and the car show will start at 12PM and will end at 5pm there will be food drinks music and more fun and a raffle for a chance to win prizes at the car show
Jul 26 Saturday
In 2018 Hunt Country offered our first fun and educational dry-wall stone workshop. By popular demand, we've offered these workshops each year since. This season we continue the tradition with lead instructor Vincent Feucht. This course will cover the core principles of dry-stone walling, through stone placement, and the basics of cheek end construction. Students will leave capable of building structurally sound free-standing walls and retaining walls. This course is intended for complete beginners and amateurs looking to solidify their grasp of the theory and application of dry-stone construction principles. We will cover the basics of shaping with chisels and hammers, and participants will be able to practice basic tooling techniques. Vincent will take the lead on instruction, but will be accompanied by the very skilled past workshop instructor DJ Kitzel. And, Suzanne Hunt who has become quite the adept waller over these years of workshops and stone projects on the farm. A "dream team" to share a wealth of dry walling skills.
Program Information:Saturday morning will include coffee/tea, fresh local pastry, introductions, course overview, expectations, and safety. Sunday morning will include coffee/tea, fresh local pastry, a recap of Saturday and the opportunity for questions and answers. Getting right into the project by 10am both Saturday and Sunday. Instruction will be a combination of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on work to construct a functional wall. All tools and materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring any personal tools as well.
There will be tents on site to protect participants from sun and rain. Layers, sunscreen, sun hat and a water bottle are recommended. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes, or footwear with composite or steel toe protection. Please bring eye protection and your own gloves (thinner are better). We will have extra safety gear on-site just in case.
Jul 27 Sunday