Otsego Outdoors

Saturday ADK hike on the Catskill Scenic Trail
2026-04-18 | Catskill Scenic Trail
In addition to weekly Tuesday hikes, the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club offers all-day Saturday hikes April through October.

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

Morris Earth Day Community Clean Up
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Morris Central School, 65 Main Street, Morris, NY
Join Butternut Valley Alliance, Morris Rotary, Morris Central School, and the Upper Susquehanna Coalition for an Earth Day Community Clean Up on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to noon.
We’ll meet at the Morris Central School main parking lot, then break into groups to help with projects around the village, including:
• Plantings along Calhoun and Butternut creeks• Street clean-up throughout the Village of Morris• Recycling collection
Items accepted for recycling:
• Styrofoam• VHS and cassette tapes• Small electronics (keyboards, chargers, cords, etc.)• Eyeglasses• Inkjet cartridges• Cell phones• Tennis balls• Pet food bags• Pens and markers• Empty cleaning product containers
Bring gloves if you have them and come help make a difference in the Butternut Valley. All are welcome!
Want more information? Email us at info@butternutvalleyalliance.org

Out in Nature: Emmons Pond Bog
2026-04-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Emmons Pond Bog Preserve, 2028 White Hill Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Join the Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA), the SUNY Oneonta Counseling Center, OPA, and the SUNY Oneonta Gender and Sexuality Resource Center for a peaceful and welcoming “Out in Nature” spring walk at Emmons Pond Bog.
This guided hike will explore the unique trails of this remarkable wetland ecosystem as we look for the first blooms of the season, listen for blackbirds and frogs, and observe other signs of spring awakening. Along the way, participants will learn basic flower and tree identification while enjoying the calming benefits of time spent outdoors in community.
Emmons Pond Bog offers a striking landscape shaped over 11,000 years ago as glaciers retreated, leaving behind a water-filled depression that evolved into the bog we see today. From the trail, visitors can take in its quiet beauty—standing dead trees shaped by beaver activity, emerging plant life, and expansive wetland views.
Please note that trails are typically muddy in early spring. Waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.
All are welcome. This program is designed to create an inclusive, supportive space to connect with nature and one another. Sign up at occainfo.org

Guided Herp Walk
2026-04-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Wilber Lake, Oneonta Creek Trails, Wilber Lake Rd, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Join us at Wilber Lake on April 24th at 6pm for a guided Herp Walk to learn more about the world of amphibians. We will be meeting at the entrance on Wilber Lake Road, located on the west side of the lake. This walk will be led by OCCA Field Technician Victoria Prouty and Dr. Elizabeth Bastiaans of SUNY Oneonta.
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

Brookwood Gardens Volunteer Clean Up
2026-04-25 09:00 - 13:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Connect with nature by helping open Brookwood Point for the season! Get your hands in the soil, breathe fresh spring air, enjoy views of Otsego Lake, and meet fellow conservationists!

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

Hike with ADK at Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park
2026-04-28 09:45 - 12:00 | Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, 133 Davis Road, Schenevus, New York, 12155
The Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club leads weekly hikes on Tuesdays. Meet at 9:45, hike begins at 10. The hikes are free and open to all.
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/

Navigation & Forest Bathing
2026-04-28 17:00 - 18:00 | Hartwick College Pine Lake Campus, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820
Navigation & Forest Bathing: The Compass & The Quiet
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

How to Love a Forest: Talk by Ethan Tapper
2026-04-29 19:00 - 20:00 | SUNY Oneonta, Hunt Union Ballroom, 103 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta, NY, 13820
Ethan Tapper is the 2026 Speaker in the Cornell-Gladstone-Hanlon-Kaufmann Lecture Series at SUNY Oneonta. Free and open to the public.
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

Hiking Gear Hacks At Pine Lake
2026-04-30 17:00 - 18:00 | Hartwick College Pine Lake Campus, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820
Learn pro tips for packing, gear maintenance, and clever trail hacks to make your next hike easier. No fee, RSVP required due to limited space. Sign up for this and other Pine Lake events at https://www.hartwick.edu/campus-life/pine-lake-environmental-campus/events-workshops/

ADK Hike to Mud Lake
2026-05-02 | Robert V. Riddell State Park, NY-28, just north of I-88 Exit 17, Davenport, New York, 13750

Birding with Becky
2026-05-02 07:00 - 09:00 | Mohican Farm, 7193 State Highway 80, Springfield, NY, 13326, United States
Join OCCA for a fun bird walk!
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.

I Love My Park Day: Gilbert Lake State Park
2026-05-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Road, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Help get Gilbert Lake State Park ready for another wonderful season!
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

I Love My Park Day: Glimmerglass State Park
2026-05-02 09:00 - 13:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
I Love My Park Day is an annual event that brings together thousands of volunteers to enhance and celebrate New York’s amazing parkland.
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

Hike with ADK on the Susquehanna Greenway
2026-05-05 09:45 - 12:00 | Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway trail (Silas Lane), Silas Lane, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States

Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway Bird Walk
2026-05-09 08:00 - 10:00 | Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway trail (Silas Lane), Silas Lane, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Join the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society for a walk to view returning migrant birds on the Susquehanna Greenway Trail. Charlie Scheim and Sandy Bright will lead the walk. This is an easy hike on unpaved but level ground which may be slightly muddy. No restrooms are available. There are a few benches along the way.
Participants will meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot by the fields near the school district bus garage, just past the transfer station for a two-hour walk to view returning migrant birds on the Greenway trail, located on Silas Lane, off Rte. 205 in Oneonta.
After the bird walk, head over to the Earth Festival at SUNY Oneonta, Chase Auditorium, for a day of learning, inspiration, and hands-on activities.

Earth Festival
2026-05-09 10:00 - 15:00 | SUNY Oneonta, Chase Auditorium, 88 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta, NY
An annual celebration of sustainability, community, and environmental stewardship that brings together families, students, local organizations, makers, and environmental partners for a full day of learning, inspiration, and hands-on activities.

DOAS Bird Walk at Pine Lake
2026-05-19 08:00 - 10:00 | Hartwick College Pine Lake Campus, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820
Join the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS) on Tuesday, May 19 from 8:00-10:00am at Hartwick College’s Pine Lake Environmental campus in Davenport Center. Suzanne Gaynor and Jane Bachman will lead the walk. We can expect warblers, ducks, other songbirds, and possible Bald Eagles who nest nearby.
Meet at 8am in the Pine Lake parking lot at 1894 Charlotte Creek Rd, Oneonta, NY.
This will be a 1 1/2-mile walk past a variety of habitats including Pine Lake, Charlotte Creek, woods, a swamp, and open field. There is one moderate climb and much of the walking is on uneven woodland trails. Sturdy footwear is recommended. A restroom is available at the start and end of the walk.
Contact Suzanne Gaynor at 607-435-2939 for more information. No pre-registration required.

General Clinton Canoe Regatta
2026-05-24 | Susquehanna River
70 mile race from Brookwood Point on Otsego Lake in Cooperstown down the Susquehanna River to Bainbridge. It’s the world’s longest single day flat water canoe race. There canoe races for young and old, newbies to pros. More information on all events available at canoeregatta.org

Hike with ADK at Pine Lake
2026-05-26 09:45 - 12:00 | Hartwick College Pine Lake Campus, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820

Forest Walk: Inside a Forester's Toolkit
2026-05-30 13:00 - 15:00 | SUNY Biological Field Station at Thayer Farm, 7027 State Hwy 80, Springfield, NY, United States
Join OCCA for a unique, hands-on introduction to forest management at Thayer Farm. Led by professional consulting forester Kellen Murphy, this program offers a behind-the-scenes look at how foresters read the landscape and make decisions that shape the health and future of our forests.
We’ll begin with a brief indoor overview (optional, weather dependent), where Kellen will introduce the fundamentals of forest management planning—what landowners consider, how goals are defined, and the tools foresters use to assess forest conditions. Then we’ll head outside for a guided walk through the woods, where participants will see these concepts in action.
Along the way, we’ll explore how to evaluate tree health and species composition, identify signs of past management or natural disturbance, and discuss strategies for balancing ecological health, wildlife habitat, and long-term sustainability. Whether you’re a landowner, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about the woods around you, this program will offer practical insights into how forests are cared for over time.
Kellen Murphy brings over a decade of experience managing private timberlands across New York and has developed forest management plans for more than 10,000 acres .
Please wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain.
Sign up at occainfo.org

Race the Lake Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K & 5K
2026-06-06 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
The 26.2 race will begin at 7:00am, starting and ending at Glimmerglass State Park. The 13.1 race will begin at 8:00am, starting on State Highway 80, near the Fenimore Art Museum. The 10K and 5k race will begin at 9:00am in Glimmerglass State Park. All races finish together in Glimmerglass State Park.
Race the Lake is proud to support America’s VetDogs to raise funds and awareness to support our veterans and first-responders. Their mission is “to help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence.” As of 2024 we have raised $17,000 to help offset costs associated with the America’s VetDogs program.
Race Cost:
26.2 Runner: Non-refundable entry fee is $65 per person if received on or before June 4, or $80 per person if received after June 4.
13.1 Runner: Non-refundable entry fee is $55 per person if received on or before June 4, or $70 per person if received after June 4.
10k Runner: Non-refundable entry fee is $25 per person if received on or before June 4, or $30 per person if received after June 4.
5k Runner: Non-refundable entry fee is $25 per person if received on or before June 4, or $30 per person if received after June 4.
Race Shirt: Entrants who pre-register by May 5 will receive a commemorative tech shirt. Entrants registering on the day of the race will receive a tech shirt if available.
Runners can register online, at the Clark Sports Center or download the entry form and mail it to The Clark Sports Center, Attn: Doug McCoy, P.O. Box 850, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
All runners must have a Clark Sports Center waiver form on file. Children 18 and under must have this waiver signed by a parent. Waivers will be available on at the race or can be downloaded from the CSC website.
Event Schedule:
Friday, June 5
3:00-7:00pm • Packet Pickup (Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K) at Brewery Ommegang
Saturday, June 6
5:30–6:30am • Marathon Runners: Day of registration and bag pick-up at Glimmerglass State Park.
6:30–7:30am • Half-Marathon Runners: Day of registration and bag pick up at the Half-Marathon start (5838 State Hwy 80 Cooperstown, NY 13326).
7:30–8:30am • Bag pickup for 5k and 10k runners up at Glimmerglass State Park.
7:00am • Marathon start
8:00am • Half-marathon start
9:00am • 5k & 10k start
Race Finish • A post race lunch is included for all racers and other choices available for sale.
Shuttles
Vans will transport Half-Marathon racers after the race from Glimmerglass State Park to the start area of the Half-Marathon, where Half-Marathon racers will park their vehicles.

Hike with ADK to Star Field
2026-06-09 09:45 - 12:00 | Star Field, Chicken Farm Hill Road, Cooperstown, New York

On the Trail of Art
2026-06-13 - 2026-06-14 | General Jacob Morris State Forest, Dimmock Hollow Road, Morris, NY, 13326, United States
The Butternut Valley Alliance presents On the Trail of Art, a free arts festival in General Jacob Morris State Forest, featuring works by professional artists and local schoolchildren.
This weekend-long celebration of art, nature, and community features a forest trail lined with work by student artists from Edmeston, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, Morris and Laurens Central Schools, alongside local artists with deep ties to the Butternut Valley.
This year’s festival will be bigger and more dynamic than ever, with strolling musicians, poetry, and several three-piece bands performing throughout the weekend. In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, select events and installations will reflect on this milestone. Art demonstrations will return, along with the ever-popular crystal ball treasure hunt.
Join us at an opening reception on Friday, June 12, from 6-8 pm at Dunderberg Gallery in Gilbertsville.
Admission is free, but they ask you to register for a time slot so visitors can be staggered.
For more information, email BVA
Directions
From Morris: Route 23 west, go 3 miles to Dimmock Hollow Road. Turn left, go 3/4 miles to Creighton Road. Turn right, go 1 mile to George Wells Road. Turn left, go 3/4 mile to Pittsley Road. Turn right. Park along roadside.
From Gilbertsville village center: Route 51 north, go 2 miles to Nichols Road. Turn left, go 3 miles to Pittsley Road. Turn left, go 1 mile to trail entrance. Park along roadside.

Wade and Pull
2026-06-13 09:30 - 13:30 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Join OCCA and our partners, the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) and Capital Region Partnership for Invasive Species Management (CR-PRISM) and protect the very headwaters of the Susquehanna River from invasive species by pulling water chestnut and European frog-bit in Weaver Lake. Bring a canoe or kayak, or, if you really like to get into your work, a pair of waders! Meet at OCCA’s office and we will carpool to the site. Please register (it’s free) at occainfo.org. Use the ‘Additional message’ box if you need space in a canoe

Canoe & Kayak Community Paddle
2026-06-14 10:30 - 15:00 | Canoe and Kayak Rentals and Sales, 2828 Route 28, Portlandville, New York, 13834
Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales (CKRS) is hosting a community paddle. Join OCCA, CKRS staff, and Bill Swift (Swift Canoe and Kayak) and world class canoeist, Terry Kent for a fun, relaxed paddle along the scenic stretch of the Susquehanna River from Milford to Portlandville. Bring lunch, water and clothing to be out on the water for approximately 3 hours. We will meet at the CKRS shop on NY 28 in Portlandville and shuttle to our launch site in Milford. You may rent equipment at CKRS. If you wish to try out a Swift canoe or kayak, email Bill Swift with your request. RSVP to Brent Baysinger at Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales, or call 607-286-7349. Proceeds will benefit OCCA.

Cherry Valley 5K Color Run & Walk
2026-06-21 08:30 - 11:00 | Cherry Valley Community Center, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley, New York
On Sunday June 21- Fathers Day, The Cherry Valley Outdoor Games is hosting The Diamond Dash “Run the Bases” to help support the Cherry Valley Youth Baseball/Softball/T-Ball program. This race is being supported by the Route 20 Road Runners Challenge! This will be a 5K Color Run/Walk! Come for the run and stay for the action of the Outdoor Games!!
The race starts at Alden Field, behind the Old School/Cherry Valley Community Center.

Sign up at itsyourrace.com

Father's Day Fishing Clinic
2026-06-21 10:00 - 15:00 | Neahwa Park, Bertus Lauren Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Free fishing day for kids and their parents hosted by the Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Children 16 and under must be supervised. Bait provided by Sportsman Adventures.

Adult Learn to Row Class
2026-06-22 - 2026-06-24 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
2026 Group Class Schedule:
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.

Hike with ADK at Gilbert Lake State Park
2026-06-23 09:45 - 12:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Hike with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Hikes last about two hours. For more information, email adksusq+contacts@gmail.com or call 607/431-8010. ADK hikes are free and open to the public.

Free Fishing Days
2026-06-27 - 2026-06-28 | NY
Free fishing days offer residents and non-residents who are 16 and older* to fish without a freshwater fishing license (*Kids under 16 can always fish for free!).
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.
