As we welcome spring’s warm, rainy weather, amphibians such as wood frogs and spotted salamanders begin their migration to vernal pools, temporary pools fed by snowmelt and rain. They use these vernal pools to breed before heading back into the forest for the remainder of the year. We will explore the trail and visit nearby vernal pools, where you will have the chance to observe and learn how to identify these fascinating species, their egg masses, and tadpoles. You may also see some forest-dwelling and lake-dwelling species, such as red-backed salamanders and green frogs.

This experience highlights the vital role that these temporary pools play in wooded ecosystems and offers a unique opportunity to learn about amphibian life cycles and preferred habitats. Perfect for nature lovers of all ages, this walk combines exploration, education, and a deeper appreciation for the wildlife that thrives right in our backyard.

Sign up at occainfo.org 

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Contact justin@otsegolandtrust.org to let us know your coming!

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Questions? Contact ADK:
607.431.8010
adksusq+contacts@gmail.com

More info on the ADK website:
https://susqadk.org/outing-schedule/
Better yet, JOIN the chapter and get all the details emailed to you weekly!
https://susqadk.org/join/

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Ready to find your way and lose your stress? Join us to master the “Red in the Shed” compass trick to navigate the wilds of the Hartwick College Pine Lake campus. Free baseplate compass for all participants! RSVP required $5 suggested donation

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Ethan Tapper is a forester, digital storyteller, and the bestselling author of How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World. For more than a decade, Ethan has been recognized as a thought-leader in the world of ecosystem stewardship, winning numerous regional and national awards for his work. More recently, he has been recognized as a writer – since its publication in 2024, How to Love a Forest has been named the winner of the 2025 New England Book Award for nonfiction, and received international acclaim.

Ethan’s message of relationship, responsibility and hope reaches millions of people each year through his writing, social media channels with hundreds of thousands of followers, and the hundreds of walks, talks and keynotes that he delivers across North America each year.

Ethan works, writes, hunts, birds and runs a small consulting forestry business from his home at Bear Island – his 175-acre working forest, homestead, orchard and sugarbush in Vermont – and plays in his punk band, The Bubs. Check out his Instagram

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• These hikes require pre-registration and will be limited to 20 to 25 participants
• These hikes require participants to plan accordingly. Bring a packed lunch, snacks, and water to last the whole excursion. Dress appropriately and bring equipment based upon the weather and hike conditions.
• Free and open to all

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With a mix of fields, woods, gardens, and lakeshore, Mohican Farm is an excellent place for birding. Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Co-President, Becky Gretton leads this early morning walk at Mohican Farm in search of the early birds. This walk is suitable for beginners and experts alike. Bring binoculars, a bird guide, and be prepared for any weather (and plan for walking in wet grass). The program is free, but pre-registration is required at occainfo.org. Attendance is limited to 20.

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Volunteers needed to weed, mulch, rake, pick up debris, paint, clean up trails, plant, mulch the playground, and to help rehab picnic tables.

Family friendly jobs include playground mulching and stick pick up

Sign up at Parks and Trails NY

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Volunteers needed at Glimmerglass State Park to help beautify the park, plant flowers, maintain trails, remove litter and debris, and mulch playgrounds.

What should volunteers bring?
Work boots, work gloves, rain jackets, clothing appropriate for the weather, leaf rakes, water, no sandles

Family Friendly Projects
Planting flowers, picking up litter, playground mulch.

Additional Information
All ages are welcome

Please sign up in advance

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