Classes are offered as 3-evening sessions, held weeknights from 6:00–8:30 PM.

• Session 1: June 22, 23 & 24
• Session 2: June 29, 30 & July 1
• Session 3: July 20, 21 & 22
• Session 4: August 24, 25 & 26

How It Works:

• Group Classes: $150 per person for a full session (3 evenings).
• A minimum of 3 participants is required for each session.
• No refunds after a session is scheduled with the Coach.

Typical Curriculum:

• Boat handling and water safety
• Basic rowing stroke on an ergometer (indoor rower)
• Coached on-water rows in stable singles or doubles (with pontoons if needed)
• As you progress: rowing in team boats or solo in a racing single.

We emphasize:

• Safety: (stopping the boat, handling wind/weather)
• Comfort and enjoyment on the water.

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2026 Free Fishing Days Schedule

• February 14-15 (President’s Day Weekend)
• June 27-28
• September 26 (National Hunting and Fishing Day)
• November 11 (Veterans Day)

These days offer the perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time, to get back into the sport, or to take a friend or the whole family along to fish! Even though a license is not needed, all other fishing regulations apply.

Did you know? Some libraries let you borrow fishing rods with a library card! Also, check out the Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited for great fishing advice and programming.

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The Cooperstown River Cleanup is a partnership of OCCA, the Lions Club of Cooperstown, Cooperstown Rotary, SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station Dive Team, and Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited

The post Susquehanna River Clean-up appeared first on Otsego Outdoors.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced mushroom hunter, Shane aims to broaden your understanding of mushrooms by sharing knowledge of local species, their ecological roles, and the characteristics used to identify them. Along the way, participants will learn about edible and medicinal mushrooms, common lookalikes, and the habitats where different fungi thrive.

This is a true woodland walk through uneven terrain and off-trail forest, providing an authentic opportunity to observe mushrooms where they naturally occur. Nature lovers, foragers, photographers, and anyone interested in learning more about the hidden world beneath the forest canopy are encouraged to attend.

Meeting Location:
Vibbard Road, Cooperstown (at the highest point on the road)

What to Bring:

• Long pants and sturdy footwear

• Clothing appropriate for the weather

• Shoes you don’t mind getting muddy

Participants should be prepared for a walk through the woods without established trails. Terrain may be uneven, and conditions may be wet depending on recent weather.

Sign up with OCCA

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Classes are offered as 3-evening sessions, held weeknights from 6:00–8:30 PM.

• Session 1: June 22, 23 & 24
• Session 2: June 29, 30 & July 1
• Session 3: July 20, 21 & 22
• Session 4: August 24, 25 & 26

How It Works:

• Group Classes: $150 per person for a full session (3 evenings).
• A minimum of 3 participants is required for each session.
• No refunds after a session is scheduled with the Coach.

Typical Curriculum:

• Boat handling and water safety
• Basic rowing stroke on an ergometer (indoor rower)
• Coached on-water rows in stable singles or doubles (with pontoons if needed)
• As you progress: rowing in team boats or solo in a racing single.

We emphasize:

• Safety: (stopping the boat, handling wind/weather)
• Comfort and enjoyment on the water.

The post Adult Learn to Row Class appeared first on Otsego Outdoors.

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/

The post Hike/Paddle at Goodyear Lake with ADK appeared first on Otsego Outdoors.

We’ll focus on invasive plant and animal species found in the Susquehanna River, how they were introduced, how they impact the environment and our communities, and how to identify them, all while enjoying a leisurely paddle. This stretch of river is slow, meandering, and suitable for most experience levels, though participants should be prepared for a 3-mile trip.

Participants are asked to bring their own watercraft (cleaned, drained, and dried) and should plan to be on the river for approximately three hours. We encourage participants to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else needed to stay safe and comfortable. Life jackets are required and will be provided if needed. The event will be rescheduled if thunderstorms are predicted.

If you do not have your own watercraft, visit Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales in Portlandville or call (607-286-7349) for information on renting one. We are unable to provide transportation from the DEC Portlandville Fishing Access Site back to the DEC Crumhorn Fishing Access site, so please be sure you have planned for this.

Advance registration is required. Sign up with OCCA

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Classes are offered as 3-evening sessions, held weeknights from 6:00–8:30 PM.

• Session 1: June 22, 23 & 24
• Session 2: June 29, 30 & July 1
• Session 3: July 20, 21 & 22
• Session 4: August 24, 25 & 26

How It Works:

• Group Classes: $150 per person for a full session (3 evenings).
• A minimum of 3 participants is required for each session.
• No refunds after a session is scheduled with the Coach.

Typical Curriculum:

• Boat handling and water safety
• Basic rowing stroke on an ergometer (indoor rower)
• Coached on-water rows in stable singles or doubles (with pontoons if needed)
• As you progress: rowing in team boats or solo in a racing single.

We emphasize:

• Safety: (stopping the boat, handling wind/weather)
• Comfort and enjoyment on the water.

Sign up at https://otsegoarearowing.org/join/

The post Adult Learn to Row appeared first on Otsego Outdoors.

Ages: 13–18 (middle and high school students) Season: Summer sessions (on-water); optional indoor meetups during the off-season Our Youth Learn to Row program introduces middle and high school students to the sport of rowing in a fun, safe, and beginner-friendly environment. No prior experience is needed! Rowers will learn the basics of sculling (rowing with two oars) using stable boats and rowing machines to build confidence before venturing onto the lake. Classes are typically offered as one-week summer camps, with small-group instruction from experienced volunteer coaches – including certified OAR members and former competitive rowers. We emphasize teamwork, water safety, and fitness in an enjoyable setting. Many participants discover not just a new sport, but also new friends and a sense of personal confidence!

What Youth Participants Learn:

• Boathouse & Equipment Basics – how to carry boats, oars, and set up a rowing shell.
• Safe Boat Handling – getting in and out of the boat, balance techniques (with pontoons for added stability if needed).
• Rowing Stroke Fundamentals – practice on land (ergometer/rowing machine) and then on the water.
• Rowing Terminology – parts of the boat, commands, and how to row as part of a crew.
• Water Safety Practices – including what to do in the rare event of a capsize (coaches are always nearby in a safety launch).

By the end of a Learn to Row camp, youth participants will be able to confidently row on Otsego Lake – and most importantly, they’ll have fun and feel a sense of accomplishment. Consistent attendance during the session is important for safety and skill development.

Cost:

The Youth Learn to Row program is approximately $125 per week-long session, which covers all equipment, coaching, and facility use. As a community-based nonprofit, we strive to keep this fee low. Financial assistance may be available – please contact us if cost is a concern.

2026 Camp Sessions:

• Session 1: July 20 – July 24, 2026 (Mon–Fri, 9am–12pm)
• Session 2: August 24 – 28, 2026 (Mon–Fri, 9am–12pm)

Sessions are held at Brookwood Point. Space is limited – early registration is encouraged. Successful completion of a Learn to Row session also qualifies students for the Youth Racing Team, if they wish to continue rowing with OAR.

Sign up at https://otsegoarearowing.org/join/

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