Audubon Society Open House
2025-10-04 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | DOAS Sanctuary and Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, 52 Grange Hall Road Spur, Oneonta, New York, 13820
The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS) will host an Open House event at the DOAS Sanctuary and Hawkwatch Directions may be found here. Freshly brewed bird-friendly coffee and other complimentary snacks and refreshments will be available throughout the day as well as a display of raffle items for our drawing at the annual Charter Dinner, which will be held on Friday, October 17.

The schedule for 2025 will be as follows:

10:00 AM – Raptor Identification Workshop

11:00 AM – Sanctuary Trail Walk

12:30 PM – An introduction to Ravens (informal with live bird)

1:00 PM – Live Birds of Prey with Deb and John Saltis from Falcon Heart Rescue

Falcon Heart Rescue, based in the Herkimer region, is a non-profit organization that rehabilitates and cares for birds in need. Hawks, owls, and an eagle have appeared with them in the past. More info about Falcon Heart Rescue can be found on their website: https://falconheartrescue.com/
This year, in addition to the above, from 10 AM to 1 PM, visitors to the open house can bring window glass measurements and take home an Acopian Bird Saver to prevent bird-window collisions and help to make a bird for the Bird Collisions in the Anthropocene art project. Kids can also enjoy playing a large scale board game, The Great Bird Migration Challenge in the field near the barn and tracking what happened to them along their migration.

Riders Wear Pink
2025-10-05 | 7 Hamlets Brewing Company, 26 Seymour Lane, Westmoreland, NY, 13490
A bike ride to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. We ride to raise money for patient support, research, and to find a cure.
OUR GOAL: $50,000.
Participants can choose between 3 great ride options: a comfortable 20 mile loop on awesome county roads or a 50 mile route to Sylvan Beach and back.
New this year: Fun Mile Event!
Net proceeds from the event will benefit the tremendous efforts of the American Cancer Society

Sign up at https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=129680

The Trailwagger 3K-5K-8K run/dog walk
2025-10-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
We are very excited to announce a new collaboration between Super Heroes Humane Society and The Clark Sports Center Events team! The inaugural Trailwagger will be October 11, 2025, and held on the amazing trails of Gilbert Lake State Park. No cars to worry about and racers will be treated to beautiful fall colors. A portion of the funds from the event will support the Super Heroes Humane Society.

The 3-mile run/walk takes place on some paved roads in the park and also on the trails.
Our 5-mile run/walk is mostly trail running, and you get to see a couple of the ponds and creeks on the grounds.
If 5 miles isn’t long enough, you can combine the 5-mile with the 3-mile and see 8 miles of the park’s trails by signup for as a two-person team.

Bring your four-legged family member for a stroll around the lake!

Race Cost
The event offers different divisions, so there is something for every level!

Individual “Loop the Lake” Dog Walk registration received on or before October 9: $25
4-Member Family “Loop the Lake” Dog Walk registration received on or before October 9: $100
3-Mile Trailwagger registration received on or before October 9: $35
5-Mile Trailwagger registration received on or before October 9: $35
8-Mile Trailwagger registration received on or before October 9: $45
8-Mile Trailwagger Team registration received on or before October 9: $60

All registrants receive a free t-shirt and dogs in the dog walk get a matching bandana!

More info and to register: https://www.clarksportscenter.com/events/the-trailwagger/

Hyde Hall Covered Bridge 200th Year Celebration
2025-10-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Celebrate 200 Years of America’s Oldest Covered Bridge! Join Glimmerglass State Park on 10/11 as the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge turns 200! Enjoy a full day of live music, a classic car show, kids’ activities, historical talks, and more—all FREE! Plus: commemorative souvenirs, tasty food vendors, and camping options available. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of a true American icon! Otsego Outdoors will also be present at the event tent.

**Rain date Sunday, 10/12/25

Family Sketch and Nature Walk Inspired by Calvin & Hobbes
2025-10-12 10:30 - 12:00 | Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Hwy 80, Cooperstown, NY, United States
Calvin and Hobbes are famous for exploring the natural world around them and now it’s your turn!
Join Fenimore Art Museum and the Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) for a special family program celebrating both the outdoors and the museum’s fall exhibition, Exploring Calvin and Hobbes.

After a guided tour of the exhibition, OCCA will lead a nature walk across the museum’s lawn and to the lakefront. Families will learn to spot native plants and trees, look for signs of wildlife, and discover how forests, shorelines, and lakes are all connected. Children will be encouraged to slow down, notice details, and ask questions, just like Calvin and Hobbes did on their backyard adventures.
Each child will receive a mini sketchbook, colored pencils, and a magnifying glass to make their own nature sketches during the walk and at home.

Cost: Kids & Teens: $5.00 each | Adults included with Price of Museum Admission

This is a walk-in program; no pre-registration required.

This program is part of Otsego Outdoors, a collaboration among OCCA and local nonprofits that connects people to year-round outdoor recreation in our region. Visit otsegooutdoors.org to explore local trails, events, and the popular Otsego Octet Challenge.

Family Sketch & Nature Walk Inspired by Calvin and Hobbes
2025-10-12 13:00 - 14:30 | Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Hwy 80, Cooperstown, NY, United States
alvin and Hobbes are famous for exploring the natural world around them and now it’s your turn!
Join Fenimore Art Museum and the Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) for a special family program celebrating both the outdoors and the museum’s fall exhibition, Exploring Calvin and Hobbes.

After a guided tour of the exhibition, OCCA will lead a nature walk across the museum’s lawn and to the lakefront. Families will learn to spot native plants and trees, look for signs of wildlife, and discover how forests, shorelines, and lakes are all connected. Children will be encouraged to slow down, notice details, and ask questions, just like Calvin and Hobbes did on their backyard adventures.
Each child will receive a mini sketchbook, colored pencils, and a magnifying glass to make their own nature sketches during the walk and at home.

Cost: Kids & Teens: $5.00 each | Adults included with Price of Museum Admission

This is a walk-in program; no pre-registration required.

This program is part of Otsego Outdoors, a collaboration among OCCA and local nonprofits that connects people to year-round outdoor recreation in our region. Visit otsegooutdoors.org to explore local trails, events, and the popular Otsego Octet Challenge.

Queer and BIPOC Outdoor Adventure: Moving Meditation
2025-10-13 12:00 - 14:00 | Richfield Springs, NY
Join OCCA Executive Director, Amy Wyant, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day for an exploration of moving meditation. Have you tried traditional mediation but feel like your not very good at it? Need to find something new to help calm your mind and focus your attention? Well then this is the program for you. This program, in Richfield Springs, NY will spend time discussing moving meditation, how to customize your own practice (even if your brain sometimes feels like grand central station at 5 pm).
We will then embark on a meditative walk in nature and conclude with iced tea (or hot tea, depending on the weather) and cookies. Please bring a reusable water bottle, journal and any portable items that you find calming (fidget toys, crochet/knitting, sketch pad and pencils, etc… ) The pace will be a light walk with elevation changes. Wear sturdy shoes/hiking boots that can get dirty.
Please register here. The address will be sent upon registration.

Naked Eye Astronomy with OCCA
2025-10-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Have you ever wondered…:” what star is that” or “which is the north star” maybe you have never identified the Little Dipper. If so please join OCCA for a fun night of Naked Eye Astronomy. Friday October 17, 2025, at OCCA Headquarters located at 7207 State Route 80, Cooperstown. All are welcome. Please plan to meet at the OCCA office around 7:30p. RAINDATE-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
The goal of this workshop is to assist participants in identifying and appreciating the constellations, stars and planets visible in the night sky. The night skies of Autumn may lack some of the very bright stars of the winter skies but does afford an excellent opportunity to explore the seasonal constellations. We will view the asterism of the Summer Triangle which will actually be high overhead.. Additionally, there will be a tour of some well known constellations and stars and discuss the myths and stories for which many are named. Planet Saturn will be visible low on the south eastern horizon.
Additionally, we hope to see the most distant object visible with the naked eye. The Andromeda Galaxy, often referred to M31, is located approximately 2.5 million light years away! With proper dark cloudless skies this object is visible if you know where and importantly HOW to look for it.
We will meet at OCCA Headquarters/office at 7:30 on 10/17. We will have a brief overview of what we hope to see and a review some astronomy terms. 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.
The program, should last 45-60 min.
No need to bring binoculars or telescopes, this is “Naked Eye Astronomy”. Do bring a comfortable lawn chair, warm clothes maybe even a blanket.

Hike with ADK at Delaware-Otsego County Audubon Sanctuary
2025-10-21 09:30 - 12:00 | Delaware-Otsego Audubon Sanctuary, 2970 Grange Hall Rd, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
All welcome to take a guided hike with members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adrirondack Mountain Club (ADK). Meet at 9:45 am for information 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.

Brookwood Garden Annual Clean-Up
2025-10-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Join Otsego Land Trust to help put Brookwood Gardens to sleep for the season! Please RSVP on the Otsego Land Trust website.

OLT’s mission is to conserve the natural heritage of woodlands, farmlands and waters that sustain rural communities, promote public health, support wildlife diversity and inspire the human spirit. For more information about Otsego Land Trust, visit OtsegoLandTrust.org or call 607-547-2236.

2025 Coop Loop 5k & 10k Race
2025-10-26 | 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 will begin at 9:30 am. It will start and end 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 by October 26th: $30, Day of Registration: $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
Best Overall

Day of Race check in and registration will take place from 8:30-9:15 am.

October Mushroom and Foraging Walk
2025-10-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Fetterley Forest, 302 Roses Hill Road, Richfield, NY, 13439
Explore the world of wild fungi and plants with OCCA during a special foraging-focused walk on Sunday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m. Certified mushroom forager Shane Gardner will be joined by local herbalist and farmer AC Hill for this two-hour guided outing through the woods. Together, they’ll introduce participants to a variety of mushrooms, medicinal herbs, and edible plants that grow in local forests, fields, and even backyards.
You’ll learn how to observe, identify, and understand the roles these species play in natural ecosystems, with plenty of tips for safe and ethical foraging. While harvesting for eating is not part of this program, participants are welcome to gather samples for closer examination during the Q&A session at the end of the walk.
Curious, hands-on learners of all experience levels are welcome. Registration is required—sign up on the OCCA website.

The 11th Annual Arc Otsego Hot Cocoa 5K Run & 1K Walk, Run & Roll 2025
2025-11-02 10:00 | Neahwa Park, Bertus Lauren Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
When you walk, run or roll the Arc Otsego’s Hot Cocoa 5K or 1K, you are helping make life sweeter for people with developmental disabilities! Proceeds benefit The Arc Otsego’s Helping Hands Fund which assists individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to seize life’s opportunities and overcome life’s challenges.
You can sign up anytime between now and October 24th at 4pm.
Details: The 5K course will be fully in Neahwa Park! Two laps of the beautiful park will get you to our 5k finish. The Arc are excited to provide a fully in the park course, which provides better safety for runners, walkers, and rollers, and more spectators to cheer you on!
Times and costs are as follows:
1K, 9:30 a.m.
5K, 10:15 a.m.
1K, $15
5K, $25
Children under 5 free (shirt is not available)
Commemorative mugs may also be purchased for $5 each. Please refer to the registration form for more information.
You can also add a membership to The Arc Otsego for $10. This supports advocacy efforts, programs, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You will receive a 10% discount at The Otsego ReUse Center and the Main View Gallery and Gift Shop for the year as a thank you for your membership!

Online registration will close Friday, October 24th. After that date please sign up on the day of the race in the park.
Register by 4 p.m. on September 24th to be guaranteed your shirt. Participants selecting youth sizes will receive a short-sleeve race t-shirt. Participants selecting adult sizes will receive long sleeve shirts. Registrations for kids under 5 are free and do not include a shirt.
Registrations after 4pm on September 24th are not guaranteed a shirt, but there will be additional available and The Arc will do their best to meet your needs on a first come, first serve basis for those registering after September 24.
Sponsorship opportunities are available! For more information, visit, contact Faith Tiemann, Chief Marketing Officer, at tiemannf@arcotsego.org
Additional Information:
Early packet pickup will be held at The Arc Otsego, located at 35 Academy Street in Oneonta, on October 29th from 930am to 6pm, and October 30th, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Same-day packet pick up will be held at the Oneonta Outlaws Clubhouse from 7:45 -9:15 a.m. on Sunday. November 2.

Registration will close Friday, October 24, 2025. After this time, you may register day-of in Neahwa Park.

Free Fishing Day in New York State
2025-11-11 | 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!).
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.

The Eagle Guy: A Life with New York’s Majestic Raptors
2025-11-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Join the Otsego County Conservation Association for a captivating talk and slideshow with Scott Van Arsdale, retired Fish and Wildlife Technician with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, as he shares stories from a career spent working up close with some of our most iconic birds of prey.
Scott will trace the remarkable history of eagles in New York, including the highly successful bald eagle restoration program. He’ll recount firsthand experiences—from climbing into treetop nests to wintertime capture missions involving both bald and golden eagles—and explore current threats to these powerful raptors.
About the Speaker:
A Finger Lakes native and SUNY Cobleskill graduate, Scott served more than 30 years with DEC, much of that time based in Stamford. He is the author of The Eagle Guy, a memoir chronicling his decades of fieldwork. Scott now lives in the Town of Otego.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from someone who’s spent a lifetime helping eagles soar.
Scott will have his book for sale after the talk.
Register on the OCCA website.

Tree Walk: Revolutions in the Village
2025-11-15 15:30 - 17:00 | Cooperstown, NY
Join the Otsego County Conservation Association for a guided tree walk through the Village of Cooperstown during this year’s Glimmerglass Film Days and in partnership with the DEC Community and Urban and Forestry Grant. Led by OCCA’s Assistant Director, Shelby MacLeish, this walk invites participants to explore how trees embody Revolutions, not just as symbols of growth, change, and renewal but as living forces shaping the health and resilience of our communities. Meet on Saturday, November 15 at 3:30 pm at the Village Library of Cooperstown.
In a small village like Cooperstown, trees are quiet yet powerful allies. They cool streets and homes, buffer noise, clean the air, and provide beauty and shade that enhance daily life. Their roots help manage stormwater, protecting Otsego Lake, the source of the Susquehanna River, from erosion and pollution. Each tree contributes to the broader ecological revolutions that sustain the watershed and the planet.
As you meander through Cooperstown’s tree-lined streets, you will reflect on how nature’s steady cycles mirror the theme of this year’s Film Days and how even in turbulent times, trees remind us of balance, interconnection, and the possibility of renewal.
This program is free and open to everyone. Register here.

Hike with ADK at Robert V. Riddell State Park
2025-11-18 09:30 - 12:00 | Robert V. Riddell State Park, NY-28, just north of I-88 Exit 17, Davenport, New York, 13750
All welcome to take a guided hike with members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK). Meet at 9:45 am for information 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.

Cranksgiving Oneonta
2025-11-22 11:00 - 14:00 | Otsego Bicycles, 74 Water Street, Oneonta, 13820, United States
Come join Otsego Bicycles for the first ever Cranksgiving Oneonta, a food drive on two wheels on Saturday, November 22nd from 11am to 2pm. Part bike ride, part scavenger hunt, Cranksgiving is a fun way to bike around town while gathering donations to support Your Safe Haven food pantry. All you need is a bicycle, a lock, and a bag. The event is free, but you’ll need $10-$20 to purchase food.

You’ll pedal the streets as you search for specific items at various stories around town. Once you’ve collected all the items and arrived at the finish, the food will be donated to the needy. Cranksgiving is a national event that occurs in over 100 cities across the country, now including Oneonta!

This event welcomes everyone: very casual riders as well as cycling enthusiasts. For those looking for a challenge, this event will include an optional “three hill challenge” in addition to the usual stops. And yes, there will be prizes, donated by local businesses.

Aim to arrive at Otsego Bicycles (74 Water Street, Oneonta) at 11am on 11/22 for registration. The ride kicks off 11:30am. See you there! We will have more details to follow in the coming weeks.

Hike with ADK at Wilber Park
2025-11-25 09:30 - 12:00 | Wilber Park, Albert Morris Drive, Oneonta, New York, 13820

Day After Thanksgiving Hike
2025-11-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Join the Otsego County Conservation Association for their annual Day After Thanksgiving Hike at beautiful Glimmerglass State Park. On this Friday afternoon, trade the shopping crowds for fresh air and fall beauty as you explore the park’s trails and shoreline.
Led by OCCA Assistant Director, Shelby MacLeish, this leisurely hike will focus on tree identification in the fall, discovering what plants and fungi are still growing this time of year, and enjoying the stunning views of Otsego Lake. It’s a wonderful way to reconnect with nature, walk off your Thanksgiving feast, and celebrate the season with friends and family.
All are welcome—bring sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, and get ready to #OptOutside!

Hike with ADK at Wilber Lake
2025-12-02 09:30 - 12:00 | Wilber Lake, Oneonta Creek Trails, Wilber Lake Rd, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States

Hike with ADK at Table Rock Trails
2025-12-09 09:30 - 12:00 | Table Rock Trails at Hartwick College, Hartwick Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820

Hike with ADK at SUNY Oneonta College Camp
2025-12-16 09:30 - 12:00 | SUNY Oneonta College Camp, College Camp Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States

Hike with ADK at Neahwa Park
2025-12-23 09:30 - 12:00 | Neahwa Park, Bertus Lauren Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States

Hike with ADK at Neahwa Park Holiday Display
2025-12-23 09:45 - 12:00 | Neahwa Park, Bertus Lauren Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
The Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) offers guided hikes each Tuesday morning. Meet at 9:45 am for announcements and check in, and hike from 10 – noon or so.
Open to the public. They also have monthly meetings and volunteer opportunities. https://susqadk.org/outing-schedule/

Hike with ADK at Gilbert Lake State Park
2025-12-30 09:30 - 12:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States

First Day Hike at Gilbert Lake State Park
2026-01-01 09:00 - 13:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Celebrate the start of 2026 with a hike!
This is a self-guided hike opportunity with no official hikes scheduled. The trail will be open for hiking, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, dancing, and sledding – any movement encouraged! The most popular trail would be the Lake Trail. The Lake Trail is just over a mile with minor hills. We will also have a path cleared on the road around the lake for easier walking on the pavement with the other half of the road being our groomed skiing path (snow pending). Dress for the weather and bring ice spikes or walking sticks to help in case of ice! Meet at The Briggs Pavilion and the hike has options range between 1 and 3 miles. No registration required.

First Day Hike at Glimmerglass State Park
2026-01-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
After checking in at the park office for swag/giveaways (first come, first served basis), hikers will head towards the beach parking areas. From there, they can hike the Beaver Pond trail which is a 0.5 mile easy walk. We will have a small bonfire near Beaver Pond and some hot cocoa. All the trails will be open if you want to explore your own path! Please bring proper clothing, footwear, hiking poles and your camera! No registration required.

Intro to Snowshoeing at Pine Lake
2026-01-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Hartwick College Pine Lake Campus, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820
The Pine Lake campus of Hartwick College is offering two Intro to Snowshoeing classes, open to the public, on January 8 and January 15, 4-6 pm. Each session costs $5 and includes instruction on techniques, gear, and cold-weather trail safety. Snowshoes and hot chocolate provided. Register in advance
Any questions please contact pinelake@hartwick.edu

Homeschool Nature Walk with OCCA
2026-01-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Parslow Road Conservation Area, 127 Parslow Road, Oaksville, NY, 13337, United States
Bundle up and join us for a cozy winter walk along Oaks Creek at Parslow Road Conservation Area on January 9 at 1 pm. Together we will explore how the creek and surrounding forest change in the colder months, looking for animal tracks in the snow or mud, winter buds on trees and shrubs, and signs of birds and other wildlife that stay active all year long. We will pause often to observe, listen, and ask questions, encouraging children to use all their senses to notice the quiet details of the winter landscape.
This homeschool-friendly program is geared toward school-age children and their families, with activities and discussion adjusted to suit a range of ages. The trail may be snowy, icy, or muddy, so please dress warmly in layers and wear sturdy, waterproof footwear. Feel free to bring a notebook or nature journal if your child likes to sketch or write about what they discover.
Please register in advance.
