Otsego Outdoors

Free Fishing Day in NY
2024-11-11 | New York
Free fishing days offer New York State residents and non-residents who are 16 and older* to fish without a freshwater fishing license or recreational marine fishing registration (*Kids under 16 can always fish for free!).
2024 Free Fishing Days Schedule

June 29-30
September 28 (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.
See the I FISH NY Beginner’s Guide to Freshwater Fishing

OCCA Be Informed Series: Otsego Lake Fish
2024-11-13 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Fisheries biologist Dr. Chip Cotton (SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station) will discuss ongoing efforts to catalog and update the biological inventory of fish species that inhabit the lake. He will discuss how the lake’s fish community has changed over the last half century, as well as some of the factors driving those changes. Cotton will provide practical tips for anglers to help identify closely related and confusing species. Lastly, Cotton will discuss some of the local research and monitoring efforts conducted by fisheries biologists at SUNY Cobleskill and the Biological Field Station.
This OCCA program will be held at the Clark Sports Center in the community room at 7 pm.
Sign up at occainfo.org.

Volunteer to Put Up Birdhouses
2024-11-14 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Parslow Road Conservation Area, 127 Parslow Road, Oaksville, NY, 13337, United States
The Otsego Land Trust received a grant to get 50 birdhouses fabricated for Parslow Road Preserve, an awesome bird habitat! We have owl boxes, wood duck boxes, bluebird boxes, and others that need to be put up and we need your help!
Come on November 14 or 15, or both days.
Let the Land Trust know you’re coming

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot for Hospice
2024-11-28 09:00 - 10:30 | Oneonta Boys and Girls Club, 70 River Street, Oneonta, New York, 13820
Choose to do a 5K run or a 2.5K walk. The Turkey Trot begins promptly at 9 am on Thanksgiving on House Street in front of Riverside School in Oneonta. Virtual Race options available too.

In-Person Registration/Pick-Up Information:
All pickups will be at the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club, located at 70 River St in Oneonta

Wednesday, 11/27: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Thursday (Trot morning): 7:30 am – 8:45am

Run/Walk will start promptly at 9:00 am at our usual location (House St – in front of Riverside School)

Day After Thanksgiving Hike
2024-11-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Table Rock Trails at Hartwick College, Hartwick Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820
Let’s get outside on the Friday after Thanksgiving instead of shopping or vegging in front of screens! Join OCCA Assistant Director, Shelby MacLeish for a hike at the Table Rock Trails in Oneonta. Please sign up at occainfo.org

Hike with ADK at Gilbert Lake State Park
2024-12-10 09:45 - 11:30 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Join members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club for a guided hike. Open to all.
Meet at 9:45 am, hike begins at 10 am

Homeschool Nature Walk at Glimmerglass State Park
2024-12-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Join the Otsego County Conservation Association for a Homeschool Nature Walk.
Winter is an excellent time to explore our local parks. Let’s bundle up and see what wonders we find. We will meet at the trailhead to the beaver pond and explore from there.
Please sign up at occainfo.org

Cooperstown Ugly Sweater Run/Walk
2024-12-14 09:30 - 11:30 | Pioneer Park, Cooperstown, Main Street and Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
The Clark Sports Center is excited to welcome back our Rockin’ Around Cooperstown Ugly Sweater Race! While this is a fun event for those participating, we are also raising funds for the Cooperstown Angel Network, who assists families with demonstrated need in the Cooperstown Central School District.
RACE LOCATIONThe race will begin at Santa’s House in Pioneer Park at approximately 9:30am with Santa himself giving opening remarks.
DISTANCE2 mile walk or 4 mile run, both chip timed. The walk and run course will go through the Village of Cooperstown.
COSTThis year’s registration cost is donation based – you choose! No amount is too big or too small.
All proceeds from this year’s race will go directly to the Cooperstown Angel Network. The Cooperstown Angel Network assists families with demonstrated need in the Cooperstown Central School District. Checks can be made payable to: Angel Network of Cooperstown, Inc. The Angel Network of Cooperstown, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible.
REGISTRATIONRegister in person at the Clark Sports Center. Registration forms are available at the Main Desk.
Pre-registered runners and those who wish to register on race day may do so from 8:00–9:00am at the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce (31 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown NY 13326). The race begins at 9:30am on Main Street.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION• The race is a rain, snow or shine event• Dress Warm and in your ugliest sweaters!• Please bring ID• Parking available at Doubleday Field, Clark Sports Center, or the Trolley Red Lot• The race is timed, but is currently not a USATF sanctioned event• A water stop will be placed near the halfway mark and at the end• Please note that traffic will be allowed on all streets. Major intersections will be staffed.• Please avoid personal listening devices

First Day Hike at Gilbert Lake State Park
2025-01-01 09:00 - 12:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Self-guided hike/ski/snowshoe around the Gilbert Lake trail or outer trails. Dress for the weather and wear smart footwear for outdoor activities, there may be snow, ice, slush and/or mud. If we’ve had enough snow, we’ll have the road around the lake snow-blown for easy walking. The fires will be roaring in the Briggs Pavilion to warm you up after your outdoor adventure. Snacks and hot beverages will be provided.
Meet-up Location: Briggs Pavilion at Gilbert Lake, Approximate distance of hike: 1-3 miles, Leashed pets welcome.

First Day Hike at the Rogers Center
2025-01-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Rogers Environmental Education Center, 2721 State Highway 80, Sherburne, New York, 13460
Welcome the new year with a hike along the trails at Rogers Center. Meet at our main parking lot and choose your hiking adventure: Easy – Channels Marsh Trail; Moderate – Adams Farm Trail; Challenging – Farm Tower. Friends of Rogers Staff, and members of the Bullthistle Hiking Club lead the hikes. Registration not required.

First Day Hike at Glimmerglass State Park
2025-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Start off 2025 with a hike!

After checking in at the park office at 10:00am for swag/giveaways, hikers will head towards the beach. From there, they can hike the Beaver Pond Trail (0.5 mile easy walk). We will have a small bonfire near Beaver Pond and some hot cocoa. If you don’t want to hike on the Beaver Pond Trail, we have other trails to check out. Please bring proper clothing, footwear, hiking poles and your camera! Meet-up Location: Glimmerglass State Park Office, Approximate distance of hike: 1.5 miles, Leashed pets welcome.

Herps of Otsego County talk
2025-01-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Have you ever seen a parade of frogs and salamanders crossing the road in early spring? Do you wonder where they’re going or why? If so, please come to a workshop with OCCA and Elizabeth Bastiaans, Associate Professor of Biology at SUNY Oneonta!
You’ll get to know New York’s species of vernal pool breeding amphibians and how you can help them safely migrate from the forest to their breeding sites each spring, while collecting valuable community science data on who’s migrating where!
This program is taking place at the Clark Sports Center in the community room.
Please register at occainfo.org

Homeschool Nature Day at Wilber Park
2025-01-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Wilber Park, Albert Morris Drive, Oneonta, New York, 13820
Join OCCA for a relaxing winter stroll through Wilber Park! The snow and mud create an ideal backdrop for spotting animal tracks, and we will explore the trails in winter.
We will meet at the Briggs Swimming Pool. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear supportive, warm footwear.
To access Lower Wilber Park—From Center Street take the first left onto East Street. At the first light turn right onto Spruce Street. Lower Wilber Park entrance will be on your left.
Please register in advance at occainfo.org

Birdability Presentation
2025-01-17 19:30 - 20:30 | NY
Join Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS) on Friday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom, for a presentation on Birdability’s initiatives to enhance access and inclusivity for birders with disabilities and other health challenges.
Cat Fribley, Executive Director of Birdability.org, and Virginia Rose, founder of Birdability, will delve into the organization’s mission, providing a detailed exploration of its efforts to make birding more accessible and inclusive, and how we all have a role.
This session will introduce the Birdability Map, provide information about barriers and what helps create access for birders with disabilities and other health concerns, and offer practical insights for creating accessible events and spaces. Attendees will gain actionable tips and tools to help create access and inclusion in their communities.
This program is provided free of charge and open to the public. Register at the following URL: https://tinyurl.com/y5hetdhp
Presenter Bios
Cat Fribley (she/her) serves as the Executive Director of Birdability. With a rich background in nonprofit development, a passion for birding, and a steadfast commitment to disability rights, she brings a unique perspective to this role. Cat’s journey into birding began in college, where it became a source of mental health support and healing following a PTSD diagnosis. Over time, a series of physical injuries and illnesses led her to seek adaptive ways to continue birding as a form of mindfulness and connection with nature, despite limited mobility. Her experiences navigating accessible birding opportunities while traveling to all 50 states have made her especially attuned to the work of Birdability and the importance of the Birdability Map. She now resides in Iowa City, IA, with her wife and two indoor cats, within a beloved community and among a variety of backyard birds.

Virginia Rose (she/her) fell off a horse at the age of 14 which resulted in a spinal cord injury. A wheelchair user ever since, she began birding 17 years ago and discovered her best self in nature. She founded Birdabilty in 2018 and leads accessible Birdability outings for Travis Audubon and at birding festivals each year. As a retired high school English teacher, she is passionate about bringing the same joy, empowerment and community she found in birding and nature to others who have mobility challenges.

Annual Waterfowl Count
2025-01-19 | NY
The NY State Ornithological Association’s annual statewide waterfowl count is scheduled for Sunday, January 19, 2025.
The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS) covers Otsego Lake and the Susquehanna River above Unadilla, the Unadilla River, and Cannonsville Reservoir and the W. Branch of the Delaware River. This effort involves surveying waterways where they can be viewed, and identifying and counting ducks and geese. The totals are used by the Department of Environmental Conservation in managing these species over the upcoming year.
Anyone interested in helping with the census, please contact Andy Mason at (607) 267-8491, or by email at AndyMason@earthling.net.

Get the Kids Out: Fortin Park
2025-01-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Fortin Park, 101 Youngs Road, Oneonta, NY, 13861, United States
Join OCCA for a holiday break at Fortin Park! If there’s snow, we’ll have the opportunity to sled or build snow sculptures. If not, we’ll explore the park and learn about the watershed and the animals that inhabit Fortin Park. It will be a fun day either way. We hope to see you there.

Please sign up at occainfo.org

Hike with ADK: Gilbert Lake State Park
2025-01-21 09:45 - 12:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Join the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club for a guided hike. Open to the public and free. Schedules hikes may change, check https://susqadk.org/outing-schedule/ for latest updates.
Hikes begin at 10 am, with sign-in and announcements beginning at 9:45 am.

Naked Eye Astronomy
2025-01-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Mohican Farm, 7193 State Highway 80, Springfield, NY, 13326, United States
Join OCCA for a night of star gazing!
The skies of winter provide us with spectacular stars and constellations to view. At no other time of the year are there so many bright stars (stars with apparent magnitude less than 1) in the sky. Additionally planets Saturn & Venus may be visible on the western horizon and mighty Jupiter and Mars will be visible as well. We plan a tour of some well known constellations and stars and discuss the myths and stories for which many are named. Then we will attempt to locate the most distant object the human eye can see without the aid of telescopes. The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is located 2.5 million light years from Earth, and it ought to be in prime viewing position for us on this evening.
No need to bring binoculars or telescopes, this is “Naked Eye Astronomy”. Do bring a comfortable lawn chair, warm clothes maybe even a blanket and gloves.

We will meet inside the workshop at Mohican Farm at 7:00 for a brief overview of what we hope to see. Please if you have any questions write them down so we can discuss. I have found that your Astronomy question is likely one which many other folks have as well. We then head outside and let our eyes acclimate for a glorious evening of star gazing.
After the program, which should last 45min. – an hour, we will return inside for hot chocolate.
Stars are best viewed on a cloudless night. If the sky is overcast, we will reschedule for Saturday, January 25.
Sign up in advance with OCCA

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Survey Training
2025-01-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is a pest insect that is attacking and killing eastern hemlock trees throughout the east coast. In this workshop, you will learn about the importance of hemlocks, the natural history of HWA, and how to search for and report findings of hemlock woolly adelgid, and then participate in an actual survey of hemlock trees on the Clark Sports Center grounds. This will be an indoor/outdoor program, so dress appropriately.
Please sign up at occainfo.org

Hike with ADK: Catella and Neahwa Parks
2025-01-28 09:45 - 11:30 | Neahwa Park, Bertus Lauren Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States

Smullens 5K/10K Race
2025-02-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Cooper Park/National Baseball Hall of Fame, 25 Main Street, Cooperstown,, NY, 13326, United States
Come out and race the oldest, continuously held race in Otsego County! The 52nd annual race will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025. The race starts at 11:00am. Day of race check-in and registration will take place from 10:00–10:30am in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Library foyer in Cooperstown.
Register today

Walk the Planets at Compton Bridge
2025-02-01 13:30 - 15:00 | Compton Bridge Conservation Area, 184 County Highway 11C, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Journey with OCCA from the sun to Pluto and back in a little over an hour! Bill Ralston guides us on a thousand-yard walk which models our solar system at a scale that is both relatable and awe-inspiring. Common objects such as bowling balls, peppercorns, and walnuts represent the sun and planets—our feet are the rockets that will get us there.
Meet at the Otsego Land Trust’s Compton Bridge Conservation Area, 184 County Highway 11C, Cooperstown. Our walk will be along the railroad tracks. Dress to be outside.
Register with OCCA

Geocaching Adventure in Cooperstown
2025-02-02 10:00 - 11:30 | Pioneer Park, Cooperstown, 80 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
As part of the Cooperstown Winter Carnvial, the Clark Sports Center is offering a Geocache Adventure starting in Pioneer Park (on the corner of Main Street and Pioneer Street in Cooperstown).

Gather up at Pioneer Park for a family-friendly adventure! Whether you’re a grown-up or a kid (Group of children must have an adult w/them), this event is absolutely free and filled with fun. Dive into the world of high-tech treasure hunting with GPS devices – it’s like a global scavenger hunt! We’ll be hitting the pavement, so come prepared for some outdoor excitement. Don’t worry if you don’t have your GPS device; the Clark Sports Center has got you covered with units to share. Get ready for a thrilling journey of discovery and maybe even a few surprises along the way!

Winter Walk in Cooperstown
2025-02-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Village Hall, Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Part of the Cooperstown Winter Carnival, all welcome!
Winter Walk from OCCA: On this short stroll around the village, we will discover that nature is beautiful and interesting in winter too. On this slow-paced walk, we will be looking at whatever natural curiosities intrigue the group, from birds to trees. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly in layers. We will meet at the Village Library, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown .

Info Meeting for Mountain Bike Team Grades 6-12
2025-02-02 15:00 - 16:00 | Woodland Cycles, 24 South Main Street, Milford, NY, 13807, United States
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to find out about the Otsego Composite Mountain Bike Team, which is looking for new members. Learn some new skills and meet some cool people. Beginners welcome.
For more information please call of text Marielle 607/282-0013

Hike with ADK: Riddell State Park
2025-02-04 09:45 - 12:00 | Robert V. Riddell State Park, NY-28, just north of I-88 Exit 17, Davenport, New York, 13750
Join the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club for a guided hike. Open to the public and free. Schedules hikes may change, check https://susqadk.org/outing-schedule/ for latest updates. The ADK website also lists phone numbers of trip leaders.
Hikes begin at 10 am, with sign-in and announcements beginning at 9:45 am.

Hike with ADK: Fortin Park
2025-02-11 09:45 - 12:00 | Fortin Park, 101 Youngs Road, Oneonta, NY, 13861, United States

Homeschool Nature Day: Gilbert Lake State Park
2025-02-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Join OCCA for a winter walk around Gilbert Lake State Park! This interactive experience will take us around the lake loop, where we will listen for birds, look for animal tracks, and learn about nature. Please dress appropriately for the weather. We will meet in the parking lot near the Briggs Pavilion.
Sign up at occainfo.org

Great Backyard Bird Count
2025-02-14 - 2025-02-17 | NY
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free, fun, and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Count birds in your backyard, local park or wherever you spot a bird and submit your observations online. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the four-day event and report their sightings online at birdcount.org. Anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, from beginning bird watchers to experts, and you can participate from your backyard, or anywhere in the world.
Each checklist submitted during the GBBC helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society learn more about how birds are doing, and how to protect them and the environment we share. Last year, more than 140,000 participants submitted their bird observations online, creating the largest instantaneous snapshot of global bird populations ever recorded.

Register to Participate at www.birdcount.org
