Race the Lake Marathon, 1/2 marathon, 10K and 5K
2025-05-31 07:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Race The Lake marathon and half marathon will take racers around beautiful Otsego lake in Cooperstown NY. You will run past such landmarks as the Otesaga Hotel, The Farmers Museum, The Fenimore Art Museum and The Baseball Hall of Fame. The lake will always be on your right with awesome views of the surrounding area, running through small villages down challenging county route roads.
The marathon (26.2) and the half marathon (13.1) are certified by the USATF. These races can be used as a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
This year the Half Marathon has been selected to be part of the USATF Adirondack Grand Prix Series.
The courses are also completely staffed with many local volunteers. There are numerous water and aid stations as well as bicycle patrols throughout the course that ensure a safe and directed run. There will be aid stations no more than two miles apart.
A post race lunch is included for all racers and other choices available for sale. Awards to the overall male and female plus the top three in each age group will be handed out for all four races. Tech shirts to those who register before May 5, 2024 are guaranteed. All finishers will receive a medal as well.
7:00am: Marathon Start (Glimmerglass State Park)
8:00am: Half Marathon Start (Yellow Trolley Lot)
9:00am: 10K/5K Start (Glimmerglass State Park)
10:00am-2:00pm: Post Race Afterparty
Sponsored by the Clark Sports Center

Uplands Center Bird Walk
2025-06-07 08:00 - 10:00 | Uplands Center, 241 Dunk Hill Road, Walton, NY
Join DOAS Director Charlie Scheim, Bird Sightings author Sandy Bright, and the Environmental Director of the Uplands Center Renee Hardenkamp for a morning bird walk at the Uplands Center in Walton, NY (2641 Dunk Hill Road) on Saturday, June 7 at 8:00am. Our focus will be on observing birds and their breeding behaviors., will accompany us on this walk. The Uplands Center (www.uplandscenter.org) has acres of fields and forests, great habitat for breeding birds. We will meet just outside the main lodge. The walk will begin on a mostly level grassy path through a large field where we will likely find a number of grassland species. We will then follow a path through a wooded area with some gentle uphills and downhills, seeking woodland inhabitants. There are accessible rest rooms at the walk’s beginning and end and some rest spots along the way. The walk will likely last about an hour and a half. This program is free and there is no pre-registration required. You may call Charlie Scheim at 607-434-4880 for more information or for any last minute weather concerns.

Image: Bobolink; photo by Jennifer Hyypio.

Trails Team Training
2025-06-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Basswood Pond State Forest, 500 Conservation Road, Burlington, NY, 13315, United States
New date: June 8 at 10 am (May 31 postponed because of rain)
Love spending time in the woods? Want to give back to the places you love to hike and explore? Otsego County Conservation Association is seeking volunteers who want to help keep our local forests accessible. Join us for our Trails Team training and learn how to help care for the serene trails at Basswood State Forest and Arnold Lake State Forest. Once trained, you’ll be able to “adopt” a section of trail at either State Forest to help maintain.
This hands-on training will teach you the approved techniques and safety practices for maintaining trails on state land, as well as what tools and methods are allowed. Once trained, you’ll be able to head out in small groups to keep the trails clear and enjoyable. Each small team “adopts” a stretch of trail and commits to helping maintain it throughout the year.
What to Expect:

Learn trail-clearing protocols and safety techniques
Meet other outdoor lovers and potential trail partners
Ability to volunteer independently year-round
You’ll leave with the option to adopt a section of a trail at either Arnold Lake State Forest or Basswood State Forest.
Enjoy a rewarding way to give back to your community and nature

What to Bring:

Sturdy boots and clothes suitable for brushy terrain
Work gloves (if you have them)
Water / snacks and your enthusiasm!

Please sign up in advance at occainfo.org or email Kendall

OCCA Homeschool Nature Walk at Basswood Pond State Forest
2025-06-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Basswood Pond State Forest, 500 Conservation Road, Burlington, NY, 13315, United States
Join OCCA for a homeschool nature walk at Basswood Pond! During this educational adventure, participants will explore the scenic trails, searching for a variety of wildflowers in bloom. We’ll take the time to identify these beautiful plants and learn about their unique characteristics and habitats. Participants will also have the opportunity to complete a scavenger hunt as we navigate around the trails.
We encourage families to come dressed for the weather. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, enhance your knowledge, and enjoy the great outdoors with fellow homeschoolers. We hope to see you there for a day of adventure and learning! We will meet in the Conservation Road parking lot.
Sign up at occainfo.org

Chop and Cheese with OCCA
2025-06-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Mohican Farm, 7193 State Highway 80, Springfield, NY, 13326, United States
Japanese knotweed is one of the most difficult invasive plants to get rid of. Join OCCA and Mohican Farm as we continue our efforts to eliminate a patch of knotweed. We’ll chop, dig and pull, and then enjoy some light refreshments in the garden at Mohican Farm. Some tools are available. Feel free to bring gardening gloves and pruners of your own.
Please sign up at occainfo.org

Frog-bit Fun in Weaver Lake with OCCA
2025-06-12 09:30 - 13:30 | Mohican Farm, 7193 State Highway 80, Springfield, NY, 13326, United States
Join OCCA and our friends at CRISP and the Capital Region PRISM to help clear invasives around the Weaver Lake launch area in the Town of Warren. Bring waders or a kayak and prepare to get wet and muddy as we pull European frog-bit and water chestnut to help prevent the spread of invasive species.
Two shifts are available:
9:30am-11:30am
or
11:30am to 1:30pm.
We will meet at OCCA’s Mohican Farm office, 7207 NY 80, Cooperstown, and carpool to the lake.

Please sign up at occainfo.org

On the Trail of Art: Basswood Pond State Forest
2025-06-14 - 2025-06-15 | Basswood Pond State Forest, 500 Conservation Road, Burlington, NY, 13315, United States
Join the Butternut Valley Alliance for this wonderful event: an art show in the forest featuring work by local students and professional artists from the Butternut Valley.
Sign up at https://butternutvalleyalliance.org/
For more information, contact art-trail@butternutvalleyalliance.org

Free Family Saturday Bird Walk at Hanford Mills Museum
2025-06-14 08:00 - 09:30 | Hanford Mills Museum, 51 County Road 12, East Meredith, NY, 13757, United States
Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society will host a morning bird walk starting at 8am on June 14 in conjunction with Exploration Days at Hanford Mills. Veteran birders Suzanne Gaynor and Kathryn Davino will co-lead the walks around the Hanford Mills property. We invite both beginners and experienced birders. The walk covers fairly level terrain and will last about 90 minutes. The trail traverses a variety of surfaces: grass, gravel, and boardwalk, and does include an occasional step up/down and a few gentle slopes. The total distance traveled is about .5 miles. There are no rest areas along the route, but there are benches near the pond, and picnic
tables at the parking lot. Accessible bathrooms are available.
Participants should meet in the event parking lot (south side of Rt. 12, opposite museum buildings) and bring binoculars, insect repellent, water, and curiosity about birds! When we return to the parking lot, we invite folks to join us as we drive a short distance to see a Bald Eagle nest that currently has a pair of adults caring for one or more fledglings. As of early March, the adults have been sitting on the nest.

Father's Day Fishing Clinic
2025-06-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Neahwa Park, Bertus Lauren Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
The Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited will offer a catch and release fishing clinic. Bring a rod or borrow one from the club.

Hike with ADK: New Island
2025-06-17 09:45 - 12:00 | New Island, Oneonta, New York
Join the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club for a guided hike open to all. Meet at 9:45 am for check in, hike begins at 10 am. The Chapter offers weekly hikes on Tuesdays and longer hikes once a month on Saturdays. See website for details.

Get the Kids Out with OCCA at Mohican Farm
2025-06-19 15:00 - 16:00 | Mohican Farm, 7193 State Highway 80, Springfield, NY, 13326, United States
Join OCCA at Mohican Farm as we explore the world of vernal ponds and wetlands. Discover the aquatic environments on the farm and the creatures that inhabit them during this informative walk and talk. Participants will also have the opportunity to catch macroinvertebrates with nets. After the exploration, we will wander down to the lake. Dress for the weather.

Sign up at occainfo.org

Trail Repair Days at Robert Woodruff Outdoor Learning Center
2025-06-20 - 2025-06-21 | Robert Woodruff Learning Center, NY-80, Jordanville, NY, 13361, United States
The Van Hornesville Community Corporation needs volunteers to help with repairs and upgrades to the Robert Woodruff Outdoor Learning Center, located behind Owen D. Young Central School in Van Hornesville.
Volunteers are needed to restore the stairs leading to the waterfalls, repair bridges, and clear trails.
Shovels, sturdy shoes or boots and work gloves encouraged.
Lunch will be provided at noon both days. Please let them know you’re coming by emailing info@vhccorp.org or by leaving a message at 315/522-3131.
Work will be done between 9 am and 4 pm on June 20 and 21, with lunch served at noon.

Hike with ADK: Mud Lake
2025-06-21 | Robert V. Riddell State Park, NY-28, just north of I-88 Exit 17, Davenport, New York, 13750
On June 21st the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) hike will be from Riddell State Park south to Mud Lake and finishing at Pine Lake. The hike will be approximately 5.5 miles with about 850 feet of elevation gain. This hike requires shuttling cars to provide transportation from both ends of the hike.
Hike Leader: Tom Austin 607-435-8107
REGISTRATION LINK ( https://forms.gle/DUk1jyimXN8kaMKk8 )

Saturday Hike with ADK: Mud Lake Trail
2025-06-21
On June 21st the ADK hike will be from Riddell State Park south to Mud Lake and finishing at Pine Lake. The hike will be approximately 5.5 miles with about 850 feet of elevation gain. This hike requires shuttling cars to provide transportation from both ends of the hike.
Registration Required.
Details on the Summer Hikes Page: https://susqadk.org/saturday-hikes/

Summer Foraging Walk with AC Stauble-Hill
2025-06-22 14:00 - 16:00
Experience the magic of summer through the lens of a seasoned forager! OCCA invites you to join herbalist and farmer AC Stauble of Cohosh Creek Herb Farm and Sanctuary in West Edmeston for an immersive foraging walk through her diverse and ecologically rich farm. Participants will take a garden walk and woods walk with a focus on native plants and wild edibles.. Whether you’re a budding herbalist, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about the edible and medicinal plants growing all around you, this walk promises to be both educational and inspiring. Come prepared for a sensory-rich journey that reconnects you with the natural world.

Sign up in advance at occainfo.org

New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail Ribbon-Cutting
2025-06-26 10:45 - 12:00 | Fish Road Launch, Fish Road, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Join us on — or off — the water!
Paddlers will put in at the Fish Road Launch at Lakefront Park in Cooperstown and paddle through a ribbon to officially open the water trail at Council Rock! Paddlers should gather on the water near Council Rock around 10:45 am, ribbon cutting at 11 am.
You can also join us at Council Rock Park to watch the boats. We’re inviting media and would love as many colorful kayaks and canoes as possible on the water for this photo op.
RSVP FOR THE RIBBON CUTTING HERE
If you have your own boat, bring it! We’ll gather near Council Rock at the mouth of Otsego Lake around 3:45pm.
If you’d like to rent a boat for the event, stakeholder Brent Baysinger of Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales will be offering a special rental pricing that day:

$25/single kayak
$35/tandem kayak or canoe.
Price includes delivery, PFD and paddle. Supplies are limited.
Contact Brent to rent a boat

Free Fishing Day in New York State
2025-06-28, 2025-06-29
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!).
2025 Free Fishing Days Schedule

February 15-16 (President’s Day Weekend)
June 28-29
September 27 (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.

Cooperstown Culvert Assessments (volunteer)
2025-06-28 09:00 - 12:30
Be part of an exciting community science effort in Otsego County! Join OCCA and some of our Culvert Team leaders to assess the conditions of culverts near Otsego Lake. If you like this type of volunteer work, you have the option to join one of our culvert teams as an assistant for other assessments throughout the summer!
What are the Culvert Teams Doing?
This summer, Culvert Team volunteers will hit the road to assess stream‑road crossings (culverts) across the watersheds of Otsego Lake, Canadarago Lake, and Butternut Creek. The focus of these assessments is to understand if culverts/bridges are conducive to aquatic travel, but we also collect data on the state of the structures themselves. The data collected determines if culverts allow for organisms such as fish, turtles, and other aquatic wildlife to navigate our local streams and tributaries.
Event Details:

🗓 Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025

📍 Location: South West side of Otsego Lake Watershed, official meeting site TBD.

🧢 What to Bring: Waders or tall waterproof boots if you have them, water/snacks, sunscreen/bug spray.

⏱ When: 3-4 hours, 9 AM – 12:30 PM

🌟 RSVP / Info: Sign up here or email volunteer@occainfo.org

Why This Matters
Your participation means real-world impact. The collected data is open source and can be used by OCCA, the DEC, County Highway Department, Soil & Water Conservation District, and more to apply for grants, plan culvert repairs and replacements, and enhance stream health and wildlife passage. An improperly designed culvert doesn’t just affect wildlife; it also can contribute to erosion and climate-related disasters.

Summer Mushroom Walk with Shane Gardner
2025-06-29 14:00 - 16:00
Join Us for a Summer Mushroom Foraging Walk with Expert Shane Gardner
Sunday, June 29 | 2:00 PM
Discover the fascinating world of wild mushrooms with foraging expert Shane Gardner on a guided summer walk through the woods. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned mushroom hunter, this event offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of edible and medicinal fungi in their natural habitat.
Shane will share his extensive knowledge of local mushroom species, teaching participants how to safely identify key characteristics, understand habitats, and distinguish edible varieties from toxic lookalikes. You’ll also learn about the health benefits and culinary uses of various medicinal mushrooms.
This hands-on experience is perfect for nature lovers, food enthusiasts, herbalists, and anyone interested in reconnecting with the natural world.
What to Bring:

Comfortable walking shoes

Weather-appropriate clothing

A notebook or field guide (optional)

Basket or bag for collecting (optional)

Location details will be provided upon registration.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early!

Hike with ADK at Arnold Lake State Forest
2025-07-01 09:45 - 12:00 | Arnold Lake State Forest, 767 County Road 46, Hartwick, NY, 13820, United States
All welcome to take a free guided hike with members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK). Meet at 9:45 am for info and check in, hike begins at 10 am. See susqadk.org/outing-schedule for more details and information on where to meet.
The Chapter offers Tuesday hikes weekly and longer hikes once a month on Saturdays.

Summer Bog Walk with OCCA at Greenwoods Conservancy
2025-07-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Greenwoods Conservancy, 800 Zachow Road, Hartwick, NY, 13348
Donna Vogler, OCCA President and retired biology professor will lead a 1.4 mile nature walk of several habitats of Greenwoods Conservancy. First will be a section along a treeline with vernal pools and native deciduous trees. Then through a hemlock woods down to the beautifully preserved Cranberry Bog where salamanders and carnivorous plants may be spotted. An uphill stretch winds through mixed woods and a return via a couple of constructed marshes. Park at the silo barn. Space is limited, please sign up at occainfo.org

Susquehanna River Clean Up Oneonta
2025-07-07 - 2025-07-12 | Fortin Park, 101 Youngs Road, Oneonta, NY, 13861, United States
The Susquehanna River Clean-Up, historically a joint project of the Cooperstown Lions Club, the Rotary Club of Cooperstown, Otsego 2000, and the Biological Field Station/SUNY Oneonta Dive team is expanding this year thanks to a grant received by OCCA.
The Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be leading a clean up initiative between Colliersville and Fortin Park in Oneonta. For more information, please reach out to Steve Eichler.

OCCA is also seeking organizers or volunteers for clean ups of the Susquehanna in Milford, Portlandville and Colliersville. Debris drop sites are needed for these three areas too. There will also be a clean up on July 12 at Compton Bridge in Cooperstown.
Please sign up in advance. Any questions, please contact Kendall Jacob at OCCA.

Susquehanna River Clean Up Cooperstown - Fish Rd Boat Launch
2025-07-12 08:00 | Compton Bridge Conservation Area, 184 County Highway 11C, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
8th Annual Susquehanna River Clean-Up, July 12, 2025
Fish Rd Boat Launch, Otsego Lake
24 Lake St, Cooperstown, NY 13326
The Susquehanna River Clean-Up, historically a joint project of the Cooperstown Lions Club, the Rotary Club of Cooperstown, Otsego 2000, and the Biological Field Station / SUNY Oneonta Dive team is expanding this year thanks to a grant received by OCCA. In addition to the Cooperstown clean-up, smaller clean-up initiatives will be held in Milford, Portlandville, Colliersville, and Oneonta.
Volunteers will be parking at the Bassett Parking lot behind Bassett Hall on Susquehanna St across from Walnut St. The gate will be open starting at 7:45am, and volunteers will be shuttled from there to the Fish Rd Boat Launch on Otsego Lake to help with clean-up efforts.
Volunteers are needed both in and out of the water. Tasks include working with the BFS Dive Team to pull trash from near the docks, guiding debris-laden rafts and kayaks back to the shoreline collection point, assisting with loading debris into trailers and transporting it to the transfer station, manning the refreshments table, and helping with documentation.
There also will be clean-ups in Oneonta, organized by the Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited. For more information on that clean up, which will take place July 7-12, please contact Steve Eichler.
OCCA is also seeking organizers or volunteers for clean ups of the Susquehanna in Milford, Portlandville and Colliersville. Debris drop sites are needed for these three areas too.
Please sign up in advance. Any questions, please contact Kendall Jacob at OCCA.

Turning Stones: Discovering the Life of Water with aquatic ecologist Declan McCabe
2025-07-13 14:00 - 15:30 | SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station, 5838 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Discover the Hidden Life of Water with Declan McCabe
Join aquatic ecologist Declan McCabe for an engaging and interactive presentation featuring a slide show and live aquatic macroinvertebrates. This free program dives into the fascinating world of freshwater ecosystems, exploring:

How the unique properties of water make life possible
The differences between flowing and standing water—and the distinct species that inhabit rivers vs. lakes
Life on the surface: the remarkable adaptations of creatures that live on top of the water
Safe, practical ways to reduce mosquito populations around your home
Budget-friendly tools and tips for exploring aquatic life close to home
Simple actions anyone can take to protect watersheds and improve water quality

🧭 Please register for this free program .
This program is presented in collaboration with the Biological Field Station and will be held at their campus -5838 State Highway 80, Cooperstown
About Declan McCabe
Declan McCabe sees the natural world with a biologist’s eye and a storyteller’s heart. To him, every patch of soil, fallen log, or puddle is a thriving microcosm waiting to be explored. A professor of biology at Saint Michael’s College and a regular contributor to Northern Woodlands, Connecticut Woodlands, and The Outside Story, McCabe is passionate about making complex science engaging for learners of all ages.
His newest book, Turning Stones: Discovering the Life of Water (Down East Books, 2024), invites readers to discover the unseen life teeming in our rivers—if only we take the time to look. Based in South Burlington, McCabe can often be found walking along the Winooski River, where, as he says, “slowing down and observing carefully reveals diverse life in unexpected places.”

Hike with ADK at Basswood Pond State Forest
2025-07-15 09:45 - 12:00 | Basswood Pond State Forest, 500 Conservation Road, Burlington, NY, 13315, United States

Summer Nature Hike at Table Rock Trails
2025-07-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Table Rock Trails at Hartwick College, Hartwick Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820
OCCA Family Hike – Table Rock Trails
Join OCCA Assistant Director Shelby MacLeish for a scenic summer hike at Hartwick College’s Table Rock Trails. We’ll follow a 1.2-mile loop, exploring unique rock formations and taking in sweeping views of Oneonta from above. This free, family-friendly hike is open to all ages and experience levels.
Come enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature and community!
See the directions below from the Otsego Outdoors website:
From the main Hartwick College entrance on West Street in Oneonta, take Hartwick Drive to upper campus. Drive past the Binder Physical Education Center parking lot. Look for the trailhead parking sign on the left designating where the public can park when visiting Table Rock. GPS for parking area is: 42.454747, -75.075533

Sign up at occainfo.org

Two Creeks Trail Opening
2025-07-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Morris Central School, 65 Main Street, Morris, NY
Celebrate the completion of Phase I of Two Creeks Trail, the first half-mile of a three-mile loop along the Calhoun and Butternut Creeks. Truly a community effort, this project is undertaken by Butternut Valley Alliance (BVA), Morris Historical Society, Morris Rotary, Butternut Valley Garden Club and Morris Central School. The trail is another link in BVA’s goal of a valley-long trail system.
Interpretative signage was developed by MCS Environmental Science students with assistance from the Morris Historical Society. The signs, funded through an Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District grant, cover a wide range of topics. Topography of the creek and floodplains are explained as well as historical uses of the creek and surrounding area. Environmental concerns are raised such as impacts to its ecosystem and how to evaluate its health. Signage
also provides recommendations for maintaining the waterway’s well being such as planting and maintaining pollinator-attracting flora. Intended as an instructional device and to promote discussion, each signs poses a question about its topic.

This is event is part of the Morris Central School Community Fun Day. All welcome!

Saturday ADK Hike at Thacher State Park
2025-07-19
On July 19th the ADK hike is at John Boyd Thacher State Park, 830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186. We will hike the Indian Ladder Trail followed by a loop that will include Hang Glider’s Cliff and High Point. Parts of this hike are on the Long Path. The distance is about 7 miles with an elevation gain of about 500 feet. Learn more about the park here: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/thacher/
Susquehanna ADK
Saturday Hike Series 2025

The chapter is offering seven longer all-day hikes on the third Saturday of each month, April through October. Below is a brief description of each hike and the leaders’ contact information, if you have questions.
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.
These hikes require pre-registration and will be limited to approximately 20 participants.
The hike leader will provide detailed instructions beginning about three weeks prior to the hike date for those registered.

Hike leader: Jim Austin 607-437-5734.
REGISTRATION LINK (https://forms.gle/2MbzAdWC6y6R5m838)

Photo shows Tom Walsh at Thacher State Park. He hiked the Long Path from there to New York City in the Summer of 2024 to raise funds for Otsego Outdoors and Bassett Cancer Institute.

Hike with ADK at Glimmerglass State Park
2025-07-22 09:45 - 12:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
All welcome to take a guided hike on the Sleeping Lion Trail with members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK). Meet at 9:45 am for info and check in, hike begins at 10 am. See susqadk.org/outing-schedule for more details and information on where to meet.
The Chapter offers Tuesday hikes weekly and longer hikes once a month on Saturdays.
