Otsego Outdoors

ORCA's "Ride-On" for Complete Streets
2018-09-09 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Richfield Springs Central School, 93 W Main St, Richfield Springs, NY, 13439, United States
Complete Streets are for everyone. They are designed to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work.
The Otsego Regional Cycling Advocates (ORCA) would like you to join them on Sunday, September 9, 2018 when cyclists of all ages and abilities will take part in a multi-distance bicycle ride starting at Richfield Springs Central School. Riders embark on their choice of a 62, 32, 13, or 3 mile ride. It’s our way of promoting the community’s effort to reduce our carbon footprint, and promote healthy lifestyles.
Check in starts at 8:00 am.
62 mile ride – $30 per person – Start at 9:00 AM
32 mile ride – $30 per person – Start at 10:00 AM
13 mile ride – $30 per person – Start at 11:00 AM
3 mile “Family” ride – Free – Start at 12:00 PM
(Click on each ride name to view a map of the route.)
Click here to register for a full ride, or click here to register for the free Family Ride.
All registration fees are non-refundable. The event will be held rain or shine. All riders must wear a helmet and obey all traffic rules. The roads will not be closed to traffic. All children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Children 13-17 must have a parent or guardian sign the release form before they can ride.
*In case of a weather cancellation due to thunder or lightning, check the Otsego Outdoors Facebook page for updates*
To become a sponsor, email marckingsley62@gmail.com.

A Walk on the Flat Side--Riddell State Park
2018-08-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Riddell State Park, NY 28 off I-88, Davenport, NY, 13750, United States
Join Otsego County Conservation Association board member Patricia Riddell Kent and Steve Kent, who donated the land for the state park, on this early evening walk around the northern portion of Robert V. Riddell State Park. Visit historic structures, walk through fields, forests, and along Schenevus Creek, and learn about the interesting history of the land on this 1.5-mile, mostly flat walk. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Park’s main entrance on State Route 28, just north of I-88 Exit 17. Free, though pre-registration is appreciated. Sign up at OCCA’s website.

OCCA Be Informed Lecture: Heat Smart Otsego
2018-08-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Modern, updated technologies such as ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, and pellet stoves and boilers can reduce heating and cooling costs, reduce emission of greenhouse gases, and can reduce the release of dangerous volatile organic compounds and particulate matter. This program will introduce you to the technologies available, the environmental and economic benefits of those technologies, and provide you with the roadmap for finding the right technology and incentive program for making your home more comfortable and efficient. Bennett Sandler, Campaign Director for Heat Smart Otsego, and a former founding partner of Equity Energy leads the program. Free. To register, visit OCCA’s website.

Paddle and Pull - Goodyear Lake
2018-08-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Goodyear Lake, State Route 28, Portlandville, NY, United States
Help in the fight against invasive species and enjoy a pleasant day on the water! Join OCCA and the Goodyear Lake Association as we paddle around in the “Stump Lot,” the northernmost portion of Goodyear Lake in pursuit of water chestnut, an aquatic invasive plant. You may reserve a space in an OCCA canoe by using the registration form at OCCA’s website, or can bring your own canoe or kayak. Meet at 1pm at the New York State Fishing Access Site on State Route 28 in Portlandville (approximately .15 miles south of Route 35A). Wear clothes that can get wet/muddy, a hat, and bring sunscreen and water.

Amazing Insects All Around Us
2018-07-21 10:00 - 12:00 | NY
Come on a leisurely walk around the SUNY Oneonta College Camp with Dr. Jeffrey Heilveil, Chair of the Biology Department at SUNY Oneonta and resident entomologist, and catch, observe and learn about many of the late summer insects that reside in Otsego County. Insects are fascinating creatures: some are vital to the foods we eat and flowers we love. Others are important food sources for other animals, or we are important food sources for them. Dr. Heilveil will talk about distinguishing characteristics, where to find the species, and some of the astounding life histories of local insects. Suitable for all ages. Program is free, pre-registration preferred at OCCA’s website.

Paddle and Pull - Goodyear Lake
2018-07-08 13:00 - 16:00 | NY
OCCA kicks off Invasive Species Awareness Week with a water chestnut pull in the Stump Lot portion of Goodyear Lake. OCCA and the Goodyear Lake Association have been partnering for a decade on removing the highly invasive water chestnut (Trapa natans) by hand. Come enjoy the results on a leisurely paddle, and we’ll pull any water chestnuts we find. Bring your own canoe/kayak, or reserve space in one of ours! Meet at 1 p.m. at the Portlandville Fishing Access Site on State Route 28, just south of the County Road 35A bridge. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Please pre-register using our online form.

Butternut Creek Paddle--FULL
2018-06-30 10:00 - 12:00 | NY
***UPDATE: THIS PROGRAM IS FULL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!***Butternut Creek is one of Otsego County’s most scenic waterways. Join OCCA and the Butternut Valley Alliance for a relaxing and informative morning paddling down the creek through forests and valleys. The four+ mile paddle starts at the Bailey Road bridge in Morris and ends at County Road 8 in Gilberstville and should take about two hours. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Bring your own canoe/kayak, or reserve a space in one of ours. After the trip, enjoy a picnic lunch along the river (bring your own lunch/water).

Get the Kids Out! Nature Identification
2018-06-27 10:00 - 11:30 | NY
Explore Wilber Park’s different habitats and learn about the common plant and animal species that call Otsego County home with the Otsego County Conservation Association. In this guided exploration, participants will visit stream, woods and fields and learn about the different types of plants and animals found there. All participants will receive a journal to record their observations and will use field guides to identify what they see. Meet at the first parking lot on the lower level of the park. The program is free and open to all ages, pre-registration required at OCCA’s website.

Water chestnut control at Silver Lake
2018-06-22 10:00 - 13:00 | NY
Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is a highly invasive plant that damages aquatic ecosystems, can cause injury, and has infested a number of water bodies in Otsego County. Join OCCA as we control water chestnut in Silver Lake, New Berlin. We’ll take to the water in canoes and pull plants by hand from 10am to 1pm, then enjoy lunch courtesy of the lake’s owner. Space is limited, and no outside canoes/kayaks are permitted. Pre-registration required at OCCA’s website.

OCCA Highway Cleanup
2018-06-09 08:00 - 10:30 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Help keep a 2-mile section of Route 80 in Cooperstown/Springfield looking good! Afterward, enjoy a complimentary coffee and a muffin at Sunflower Cafe in Springfield! Meet at OCCA, 7207 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, at 8am. Wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Gloves, bags, and equipment provided. Ages 12 and up only.

Basswood Pond State Forest Walk
2018-06-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Basswood Pond State Forest, 500 Conservation Road, Burlington, NY, 13315, United States
Take a 2-mile walk on the lower loop in Basswood Pond State Forest in Burlington Flats with Otsego County Conservation Association. The forest includes pine and spruce plantations, mixed hardwoods, a beaver pond and wetlands. Enjoy late spring wildflowers and look for signs of the forest’s abundant wildlife. Meet at 9 am at the main parking area on Conservation Road. Event is free, but pre-registration at OCCA’s website is appreciated.

Fetterley Forest Spring Cleanup
2018-05-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Fetterley Forest, 302 Roses Hill Road, Richfield, NY, 13439
Come help Otsego Land Trust with the spring cleanup of Fetterley Forest on Saturday May 12th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Become a true trailblazer as we carve a new trail through the forest!
Tools, guidance, and refreshments will be provided.

Morning Birding at Mohican
2018-05-12 07:00 - 09:00 | Mohican Farm, 7193 State Highway 80, Springfield, NY, 13326, United States
The early bird may get the worm, but the early birder gets the birds! Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Co-President Becky Gretton leads an early birding walk at Mohican Farm in Springfield. The farm provides a mix of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, cultivated fields, and lake shore. Bring binoculars and a field guide; we’ll provide the coffee and the birds! Space is limited. Meet at Mohican Farm, 7207 State Highway 80, Cooperstown.
Registration for OCCA programs is available at https://occainfo.org/program-and-event-sign-up-form/ or by calling (607) 547-4488.

Bicycling Skills 123 Class
2018-05-11 15:00 - 19:00 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
The Otsego Regional Cycling Advocates (ORCA) is hosting a bicycling skills class for youth, ages 7 years and up. The class will be on Friday May 11th, 3pm – 7pm and will be offered at the Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown, NY.
The class will follow the “Bicycling Skills 123” curriculum established by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) and will be taught by a local League-Certified instructor. Both classroom time and time on bikes are included in this course. Snacks will be provided during a scheduled break.
Prior registration is required by May 4th. Cost of the class is a suggested $20 donation per registered participant and the maximum number of participants will be limited to 15. Participants younger than 14 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Each participant must provide their own working bicycle and helmet.
Click here to register online or mail the registration form and check to Otsego 2000, PO Box 1130, Cooperstown, NY 13326. For any questions, please contact Martha Clarvoe at 607-293-6654.

Sponsored by:

Brookwood Point Spring Cleanup
2018-05-06 13:00 - 16:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Come help Otsego Land Trust with our spring cleanup!! Pick up branches, rake leaves, mulch trails and clean gardens this Sunday from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm.
Tools, guidance and refreshments will be provided

Bicycling Skills 123 Class
2018-04-21 09:00 - 13:00 | Milford Central School, 42 W Main Street, Milford, NY, 13807, United States
The Otsego Regional Cycling Advocates (ORCA) is hosting a bicycling skills class for youth, ages 7 years and up. The class will be on Saturday April 21st, 9am – 1pm and will be offered at the Milford Central School, 42W Main Street in Milford, NY as part of the 14th annual Earth Festival.
The class will follow the “Bicycling Skills 123” curriculum established by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) and will be taught by a local League-Certified instructor. Both classroom time and time on bikes are included in this course. Snacks will be provided during a scheduled break.
Prior registration is required by April 13th. Cost of the class is a suggested $20 donation per registered participant and the maximum number of participants will be limited to 15. Participants younger than 14 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Each participant must provide their own working bicycle and helmet, which are needed for the class. A rain date make-up class is scheduled for May 11th at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown.
Click here to register online or mail the registration form and check to Otsego 2000, PO Box 1130, Cooperstown, NY 13326. For any questions, please contact Martha Clarvoe at 607-293-6654.
Sponsored by:

Snowshoe hike to Mud Lake
2018-03-10 12:00 - 15:00 | Riddell State Park, NY 28 off I-88, Davenport, NY, 13750, United States
Join Steve Kent on a snowshoe hike or walk to Mud Lake in Robert V. Riddell State Park. Climb South Hill, view a scenic ravine and waterfall, and visit Mud Lake, a sphagnum bog at the top of the hill, and return to the starting point on Gersoni Road. Along the way, Steve will share interesting tales of the life of the land when it was part of the Riddell family. Steve and his wife, Patricia Riddell Kent, donated the land to the state in 2005. Meet at noon on the east side of Gersoni Road, just south of I-88, Exit 17. Participants need to supply their own snowshoes and should bring water, a snack, and weather-appropriate clothing. In the event there is not enough snow, we will proceed on foot.
Registration for OCCA programs is available at https://occainfo.org/program-and-event-sign-up-form/ or by calling (607) 547-4488.

Up and Over
2017-10-14 12:00 - 16:30 | Riddell State Park, NY 28 off I-88, Davenport, NY, 13750, United States
Climb up and over South Hill in Robert V. Riddell State Park with Patricia Riddell Kent and Steve Kent, donors of the park. This 3.5-hour, 4.5-mile hike traverses woods rich in beauty and history, makes a stop at a spectacular, 30-foot waterfall, swings by Mud Lake, a bog at the top of the hill, and continues down to the Pine Lake Campus of Hartwick College. Meet at the Pine Lake Campus, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta, and carpool to the Robert V. Riddell State Park entrance, hike up and over the hill, and end up back at Pine Lake. Bring sufficient water and a snack or light lunch. Program is free, pre-registration required at http://occainfo.org/program-and-event-sign-up-form/
For information, call or e-mail OCCA at (607) 547-4488.

Woods Walk
2017-09-30 09:00 - 11:30 | NY
NYFOA’s Southern Tier Chapter (SOT) will host a woods walk at the 1,250 acre Texas Schoolhouse State Forest. The forest is located in a spectacularly beautiful part of Otsego County, between Oneonta and Cooperstown. The forest features a large beaver pond, great heron nests, streams, rolling hills, old stone walls, and much more. The DEC is in the process of organizing a timber sale at the forest and senior DEC forester Nathan Funk will lead the woods walk. Nathan will discuss the steps the DEC follows before a harvest to insure forest regeneration — a key NYFOA goal. This includes controlling invasives, selective thinning, and the role of hunting to control deer browse. Nathan will also discuss how the DEC partnered with the local town to create recreational trails within the state forest that can be used free of charge in all seasons.
SOT members Jeannine and Stacey Kazacos are organizing this woods walk. Please be sure to bring water, insect repellent, and rain gear, just in case. Bring a brown bag lunch or you can consider having lunch in charming Cooperstown. Questions? Contact Jeannine or Stacey at: stacey@sent.com or call 607-293-8195.
Place: Trail head at the Texas School House State Forest. The meeting point is located on Jones Rd, Mt Vision, NY about .4 mile west of the intersection of Texas and Jones Roads. We will post signs in the area on the day of the event to help woods walkers find us! There is no street address for the trailhead however you can use the following coordinates: 42.656343, -75.112324. Please call Stacey or Jeannine Kazacos if you need help with directions.

Up the Creek
2017-08-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Mohican Farm, 7193 State Highway 80, Springfield, NY, 13326, United States
Be Informed Lecture Series
OCCA Executive Director Leslie Orzetti takes you “up the creek” at Mohican Farm. Dr. Orzetti will cover topics in stream ecology and give attendees a hands-on experience collecting water quality and critter samples from the creek, and will also introduce the brand new Citizen Science Water Quality Monitoring Program and provide a brief overview of what volunteers can expect when the program begins this fall. Program is free, pre-registration required at http://occainfo.org/program-and-event-sign-up-form/
For information, call or e-mail OCCA at (607) 547-4488.
Location: Mohican Farm workshop, 7207 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326

A Walk on the Flat Side
2017-08-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Riddell State Park, NY 28 off I-88, Davenport, NY, 13750, United States
Join Patricia Riddell Kent and Steve Kent, who donated the land for the state park, on this early evening walk around the northern portion of Robert V. Riddell State Park. Visit historic structures, walk through fields, forests, and along Schenevus Creek, and learn about the interesting history of the land. Meet at 6 p.m. at the Park’s main entrance on State Route 28, just north of I-88 Exit 17.
Program is free, pre-registration is appreciated. Sign up online at http://occainfo.org/program-and-event-sign-up-form/
For information, call or e-mail OCCA at (607) 547-4488.

Lake Ecology Adventure Program
2017-07-31 08:00 - 2017-08-04 17:00 | NY
The Schoharie River Center is offering a five-day Lake Ecology Studies Adventure Program on Otsego Lake for youth ages 13-17.
Each day you will hike, swim, paddle, sail or bike to a variety of freshwater ecosystems within the Otsego Lake watershed including sailing on Otsego Lake aboard a 24 foot sail boat, paddling on the Susquehanna River, and studying the water quality, flora and fauna of area streams and Otsego Lake.
You will learn about local fresh water ecology through:
-Conducting field research, water chemistry testing and analysis, collecting macro-invertebrates and study their habitat.
-Learn how to use digital and video cameras
-Learn how to read maps and compass and use a GPS
-Make friends, have fun, sail on a 24 foot Santana or an E-Scow Sailboat and get wet
Cost: $300 per week (includes transportation to Cooperstown daily)
For more information or to sign up contact John McKeeby, at the Schoharie River Center, 320-4510.

FREE Swim Lessons
2017-07-24 10:00 - 2017-07-28 11:00 | NY
Free learn-to-swim programs are being offered at Gilbert Lake State Park and Glimmerglass State Park. Contact the specific park directly to register your child today!
Gilbert Lake: (607) 432-2114
Glimmerglass: (607) 547-8662

Canadarago Lake Paddle
2017-07-22 13:30 - 14:30 | NY
Join OCCA Executive Director Leslie Orzetti and Program Director Jeff O’Handley on an easy paddle along the west shore of Canadarago Lake. The tour will focus on aquatic ecology, habitats, invasive species, and fun! The paddle is part of Canadarago Lake Improvement Association’s annual picnic, a free event celebrating Canadarago Lake featuring music, food, exhibits, and more. To sign up for the tour, visit http://occainfo.org/program-and-event-sign-up-form/ or stop by our table at the picnic. The event will take place at Baker’s Beach, 8114 State Highway 28, Richfield Springs.

Amazing Insects
2017-07-22 10:00 - 12:00 | SUNY Oneonta College Camp, College Camp Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Come on a leisurely walk around the College Camp with Dr. Jeffrey Heilveil, Chair of the Biology Department at SUNY Oneonta and resident entomologist, and catch, observe and learn about many of the late summer insects that reside in Otsego County. Insects are fascinating creatures: some are vital to the foods we eat and flowers we love. Others are important food sources for other animals, or we are important food sources for them. Dr. Heilveil will talk about distinguishing characteristics, where to find the species, and some of the astounding life histories of local insects. Meet at the Faculty/Staff parking lot on Blodgett Drive, behind the Hunt Union; we will walk to the trail from there
NOTE: In case of bad weather, there will be a presentation in the Science I building.

Get the Kids Out!
2017-07-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Road, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Blast away the summer doldrums with a special program in Gilbert Lake State Park. Watch for more details soon!

Paddle and Pull
2017-07-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Goodyear Lake, State Route 28, Portlandville, NY, United States
Kick of Invasive Species Awareness Week with a water chestnut pull in the Stump Lot portion of Goodyear Lake. OCCA and the Goodyear Lake Association have been partnering for a decade on removing the highly invasive water chestnut (Trapa natans) by hand. Come enjoy the results on a leisurely paddle, and we’ll pull any water chestnuts we find. Bring your own canoe/kayak, or reserve space in one of ours! Meet at 1 p.m. at the Portlandville Fishing Access Site on State Route 28, just south of the County Road 35A bridge. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Please pre-register using our online form.

Trailblazing at Texas School House State Forest
2017-07-01 09:00 - 13:00 | Texas Schoolhouse State Forest, Mount Vision, NY, 13810, United States
Volunteer Day: Trailblazing at Texas School House State Forest, Mt. Vision, NY 13810
On Saturday, July 1, 2017 from 9:00 AM — 1:00 PM the Town of New Lisbon in cooperation with the New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will sponsor a Volunteer Day. Our plan is to clear about two miles of recreational trails in the Texas School House State Forest. The DEC has granted our town a volunteer stewardship agreement which allows us to plan, clear, and maintain these trails on the state land. We have picked a beautiful area. The proposed trails take the hiker over varied terrain, through a mature woods to a large pond with abundant bird and wildlife to view. Volunteers are welcome to help this effort by clearing debris and down trees by hand from the proposed trails. For safety’s sake, and to open up this event to adults and younger men and women, much of the work requiring chainsaws and machines will have been started in advance — only hand tools needed on Volunteer Day. That said, there will be plenty to do to clear the trails of down trees and brush using “manual labor.”
All volunteers will need to submit a registration form. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to have a parent sign the form.
Safety is key. Please wear closed toe work shoes, long pants, a hat, and work gloves. Bring water, bug spray, and a camera.
Date: July 1, 2017
Time: 9:00 AM — 1:00 PM
Place: Trailhead parking area at Texas School House State Forest located on Jones Rd, (about .75 miles west of the intersection of Texas Rd and Jones Rd), Mt. Vision, NY 13810. We will post signs in the area on the day of the event to help volunteers find us!
We welcome individuals, families, and groups to participate — you do not have to be a resident of the Town of New Lisbon to come out. To register or learn more please contact: Stacey Kazacos, Tel: 607-293-8195, email: stacey@sent.com

Otsego Lakes Festival
2017-06-10 10:00 - 15:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Otsego Lakes Festival is a day to celebrate the beauty and importance of Otsego County’s lakes. A program of the Otsego County Water Quality Coordinating Committee, this year, event will take place at Glimmerglass State Park and is being run in conjunction with the Clark Sports Center’s “Race the Lake Marathon.” Visit our Lakes Festival page for more information about the program, as well as for information about being a donor or exibitor/vendor.

Blue Trail at Basswood
2017-06-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Basswood Pond State Forest, 500 Conservation Road, Burlington, NY, 13315, United States
Established as a Reforestation Area by New York State in the 1930s, Basswood Pond State Forest in Burlington is a multi-use forest that includes logging, hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing. OCCA Program Director Jeff O’Handley leads this easy, 2-mile walk along the blue trail. The hike includes pine plantations, mixed deciduous forests, beaver ponds and streams. Meet at the small parking area on Basswood Road. Basswood Road is approximately 1.5 miles north of the intersection of State Route 80 and County Road 16.
