Hike with ADK at Thayer Farm (Biological Field Station)
2024-09-24 09:45 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Thayer Farm (SUNY Biological Field Station), 7027 State Hwy 80, Springfield, NY, United States
Hike Thayer Farm at the SUNY Biological Field Station overlooking Otsego Lake in Springfield with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Guided hikes are free and open to the public.
Meet at 9:45 for announcements and sign-in. Hike starts at 10 and ends around noon. Hike leaders Bill and Kath Holmstrom 607-988-7180.

Free Fishing Day in NY
2024-09-28, 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

Oneonta Epic
2024-09-29 09:00 - 12:00 | Wilber Park, Albert Morris Drive, Oneonta, New York, 13820
Calling all mountain bikers! Join in the Oneonta Epic and enjoy 20-40 miles of trail riding, depending how far you want to go.
Free and open to all.
Meet on the upper level of Wilber Park in Oneonta at 9 am. Any questions, contact Otsego Bicycles, otsegobicycles@gmail.com

Mushroom Walk with OCCA
2024-09-29 13:00 - 15:00 | NY
OCCA’s popular mushroom walks are back! Join OCCA for an enlightening expedition led by local forager, Shane Gardner, as we explore the lush forests along the Butternut Creek in Morris.
During this immersive two-hour session, Shane Gardner will guide participants through the fundamentals of mushroom foraging, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for mycology. The walk will cover various aspects of mushroom hunting, including:

Foraging Basics: Learn the essential principles of responsible and sustainable foraging practices. Discover the do’s and don’ts of mushroom hunting, including proper equipment, clothing, and safety measures.

Mushroom Identification: Gain insights into the key features used to identify different mushroom species. Shane will demonstrate how to examine cap shape, gill structure, stem characteristics, and other crucial identifiers.

Tree Species Recognition: Understand the symbiotic relationships between mushrooms and trees. Learn to identify various tree species and their associated fungi, enhancing your ability to locate specific mushroom varieties.

Free. Register in advance at occainfo.org
You will be emailed starting point once you register. Thank you

Hike with ADK at SUNY Oneonta College Camp
2024-10-01 09:45 - 12:00 | SUNY Oneonta College Camp, College Camp Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Join members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club for a guided hike. All ADK Chapter hikes are open to the public. They encourage anyone interested in joining the club to come for a hike or two and see what they are all about.
Meet at 9:45 am, hike begins at 10:00 am. More information: https://susqadk.org/outing-schedule/

Open House Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary
2024-10-05 10:00 - 14:00 | DOAS Sanctuary and Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, 52 Grange Hall Road Spur, Oneonta, New York, 13820
Come enjoy an open house at the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary on Franklin Mountain, just outside of Oneonta. The event is free and open to the public.
At 10 a.m., a Franklin Hawk Watch counter will conduct a workshop on how to identify flying raptors.
At 11:00 a.m., there will be a trail walk through the sanctuary culminating at the Hawkwatch.
At 12:30 p.m., DOAS will host Deb and John Saltis of Falcon Heart Rescue to see and learn about rescued birds. Falcon Heart Rescue is an organization that rehabilitates and cares for birds in need. Hawks, owls, and an eagle have appeared with them in the past, with ravens and crows most likely to join the event this year. More info about Falcon Heart Rescue can be found on their website: https://falconheartrescue.com/
A variety of complimentary snacks and drinks will be available throug

Queer Outdoors: Fall Foliage Paddle
2024-10-06 14:00 - 17:00 | Portlandville Fishing Access Site, Route 28, Portlandville, NY, 13834, United States
Fall Foliage Paddle from Portlandville Launch
Join us at Portlandville Launch for a paddle towards Crumhorn Launch! We have a limited number of kayaks and quite a few canoes available, so please let us know when you register if you will need one. This is an improved-accessibility launch and we are happy to assist anyone who needs a hand getting out on the water!
Location: Portlandville Fishing Access Site, Portlandville, NY 13834
Please contact Will Kuss at 607-375-7280 or water@occainfo.org with any questions!
Please sign up at occainfo.org

Homeschool Nature Walk: Clark Tower Trails
2024-10-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Clark Tower Trails, 1194 Co Hwy 33, Cooperstown, New York
Stroll through the Clark Tower Trails with OCCA Tower Trails with OCCA educator Shelby MacLeish. We will enjoy a guided walk to observe nature’s changes during fall while enjoying the crisp autumn air. Hope to see you there.

More information at occainfo.org

Get the Kids Out Hike: Parslow Road
2024-10-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Parslow Road Conservation Area, 127 Parslow Road, Oaksville, NY, 13337, United States
Come out and explore the Parslow Road Conservation Area for a fall hike on the school conference day in October. We will explore the varied ecosystems, tromp over the boardwalks, and catch some fall colors.
Register in advance at occainfo.org

5K Mud Run at Waterhill Farm
2024-10-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Waterhill Farm, 3050 County Hwy 8, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
The Family Service Association will host a Mud Run, an obstacle race for all ages, shapes and sizes at Waterhill Farm in Oneonta. This 5K run will take you around the beautiful Waterhill Farm and have you climbing unique obstacles, practice your balance across waist deep water, and jumping over fire!
Run, walk, crawl and laugh your way through the course. Competitive and non-competitive classes offered.
We will have a full day of activities which will include: Local DJ – D. Wooden, Food Trucks, Awestruck Ciders and will finish the day with Music Mafia playing at the finish line area.

OCCA Members Day at Gilbert Lake State Park
2024-10-12 11:00 - 15:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Thank you for being an OCCA member! Let us treat you to a day at Gilbert Lake State Park as a show of appreciation! We will offer short hikes around the lake, fun children’s activities, and lots of free and delicious food for everyone.
Trails may be muddy so bring shoes you are okay with getting dirty. This is a free day available to OCCA members only!
Not a member? Not a problem. Purchase an annual membership today, and you can come along!

Mushroom Walk with OCCA
2024-10-13 13:00 - 15:00 | SUNY Oneonta College Camp, College Camp Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
OCCA’s popular mushroom walks are back! Join us for an enlightening expedition led by local forager, Shane Gardner, as we explore the lush forests at College Camp in Oneonta.
During this immersive two-hour session, Shane Gardner will guide participants through the fundamentals of mushroom foraging, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for mycology. The walk will cover various aspects of mushroom hunting, including:

Foraging Basics: Learn the essential principles of responsible and sustainable foraging practices. Discover the do’s and don’ts of mushroom hunting, including proper equipment, clothing, and safety measures.

Mushroom Identification: Gain insights into the key features used to identify different mushroom species. Shane will demonstrate how to examine cap shape, gill structure, stem characteristics, and other crucial identifiers.

Tree Species Recognition: Understand the symbiotic relationships between mushrooms and trees. Learn to identify various tree species and their associated fungi, enhancing your ability to locate specific mushroom varieties.

Free, register in advance at https://www.occainfo.org/calendar/mushroom-walk-october

Clark Tower Hike with ADK
2024-10-15 09:45 - 12:00 | Clark Tower Trails, 1194 Co Hwy 33, Cooperstown, New York

Volunteer Day at Brookwood Point
2024-10-25 13:00 - 16:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Help the Otsego Land Trust close out the gardens at Brookwood for the winter.
Tasks include:
putting away sculptures
wrapping fountains
taking care of the gardens

Come for the whole time, or any amount of time you can spare.
Sign up at https://otsegolandtrust.org/events/brookwood-garden-end-of-season-volunteer-day

Basswood Pond State Forest Loop Hike with OCCA
2024-10-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Basswood Pond State Forest, 500 Conservation Road, Burlington, NY, 13315, United States
Enjoy the 2ish mile loop at Basswood Pond State Forest in Burlington with OCCA Program Director, Jeff O’Handley. Trail volunteers have been hard at work keeping the trails open and clear for our enjoyment. We’ll traverse mixed deciduous forest, spruce plantations, a regenerating clear cut, and more! Meet at the small parking area on Basswood Road.

Coop Loop 5K/10K
2024-10-27 11:00 - 13:00 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Grab your Halloween mask, the family and come out to run or walk the Coop Loop. The race offers a 3 mile run/walk or you can double up on the same course for the 10k. The course takes you through the village of Cooperstown and is mostly flat with the exception of a half mile hill near the finish.

The race starts and ends at The Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326. It is a moderately difficult course that travels the roads in the Village of Cooperstown. The 5k race will travel the course once, while the 10k will travel the course two times and conclude at The Clark Sports Center.

5k/10K • Registration on, or before, October 25: $25, October 26-27: $35.
Family • $50 family entry fee. 5 people max, all children must be 18 or under. Individual registrations must be completed for each member. (Family registration is not available on race day).
Prizes will be awarded for kids and adults the following categories:

Scariest
Funniest
Best Group
Most Creative
Best Overall

Day of Race check in and registration will take place from 9:e0 am to 10:30 am.

Naked Eye Astronomy
2024-11-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
The skies of autumn provide us with a nice assortment of stars and constellations to view. Additionally rising on the eastern horizon, the Summer Triangle asterism will still be visible too. We plan a tour of some well known constellations and stars and discuss the myths and stories for which many are named. We will also view the Milky Way which will be high overhead on this date. And then we will attempt to locate the most distant object the human eye can see without the aid of telescopes. The Andromeda Galaxy (M31), located 2.5 million light years from Earth, 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 and answer any questions. 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.
Stargazing is best with 100% clear and dark skies. The program will be postponed until November 2nd if Jim Hill deems the skies and weather unfavorable on the 1st

Register with OCCA online https://www.occainfo.org/calendar/naked-eye-astronomy-2

Queer Outdoors: Mud Lake Hike
2024-11-03 14:00 - 17:00 | Robert V. Riddell State Park, NY-28, just north of I-88 Exit 17, Davenport, New York, 13750
Join OCCA for a hike to Mud Lake in Robert V. Riddell State Park! The Mud Lake trail is a 5+ mile out and back trail in the southern portion of the park. The trail has a significant elevation change to the top and passes through several forest types, a waterfall, and Mud Lake, a naturally occurring floating sphagnum bog with carnivorous pitcher plants.
Please contact Amy Wyant at 607-375-7139 or director@occainfo.org with any questions!
Free, sign up at occainfo.org

Table Rock Hike with ADK
2024-11-05 09:45 - 12:00 | Table Rock Trails at Hartwick College, Hartwick Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820

OCCA Kids Walk in Cooperstown
2024-11-09 02:15 - 15:15 | Village Hall, Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Nature lovers, join OCCA for an exciting urban expedition in Cooperstown after the Glimmerglass Film Days kids’ movie Flow! We’ll uncover hidden wonders in unexpected places around town.
This family-friendly nature walk is perfect for all ages. Spend an hour discovering the local ecosystem and bond with your little ones.
Meet at the Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown at 2:15. Bring your curiosity and sense of adventure. Nature’s ready to play hide and seek, even in the heart of Cooperstown. See you soon, fellow nature detectives!
Free, registration appreciated, but not required

Bird Walk with the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society
2024-11-09 08:30 - 09:30 | Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Hwy 80, Cooperstown, NY, United States
Join Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society trip leader Becky Gretton for a bird walk by Otsego Lake in Cooperstown.
Please meet promptly at 8:30am outside the entrance to the Fenimore Art Museum. The walk will take participants through the Fenimore grounds, along the shores of Otsego Lake and will loop around back to the starting point.
Bring binoculars and dress for the weather conditions. This program is free and open to the public. Birdwatchers of all levels—novice to expert—are welcome to attend! Held as part of Glimmerglass Film Days, which runs November 7-11.
Free, registrations appreciated but not required.

Guided Forest Walk
2024-11-10 12:00 - 14:00 | NY
Join the Otsego Land Trust for a walk on privately owned land that has been protected forever through conservation with Otsego Land Trust, and learn about Black Land Ownership with Christopher Banks Carr and Melissa Hunter Gurney.
Walk grade: steep
Guides: Chris Carr and Melissa Hunter Gurney, Black Land Ownership
We are excited to work with Chris and Melissa from Black Land Ownership to host a guided walk on their property in Fly Creek. This walk is in conjunction with the film Farming While Black, which Otsego Land Trust is sponsoring as part of Glimmerglass Film Days
Please register, and the address will be sent to you. https://otsegolandtrust.org/events/guided-forest-walk

“We want our land to be a safe space for folks who would like to experience the great outdoors without the threat of harassment, intimidation, and overt racism.”
– Chris and Melissa, Black Land Ownership

OCCA Be Informed Series: Otsego Lake Fish
2024-11-13 19:00 - 20:30 | 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
