Otsego Outdoors

Mushroom Walk with OCCA
2024-09-29 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 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

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

Free Fishing Day in NY
2024-09-28 | 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

Hike with ADK at Thayer Farm (Biological Field Station)
2024-09-24 09:45 - 12:00 | 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.

Drops to Hops Bike Race/Ride
2024-09-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown, New York, 13326
Join us for an unforgettable bike race/ride that starts and ends at Brewery Ommegang – the perfect combination of scenic routes, challenging terrain, and post-ride festivities! As the fall leaves paint the landscape with vibrant hues, you’ll navigate through picturesque secondary roads, soaking in breathtaking views along the way.
Whether you’re a competitive cyclist seeking a thrilling challenge or simply looking for a fun ride with friends, our event promises something for everyone. With exhilarating uphills and exhilarating downhills, you’ll experience the full spectrum of cycling excitement.
For our riders aged 21 and over, Brewery Ommegang has a special treat in store – your first pint on the house! And that’s not all – all awards will be provided by Ommegang, ensuring a memorable celebration of your accomplishments.
The race starts and ends at Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
“A” race – 45.35 miles
“B” race – 23.14 miles

Individual registration received on or before Thursday, September 19, 2024: $40
Individual registration after Thursday, September 19, 2024: $55
* We will have a 5 person “TEAM” race. Each person must register individually and specify on their registration sheet if they are with a team. The 5 person team will have each racer’s time added. An overall award will be presented to the team with the lowest total time. It will be a non-gender specific race and 5 people must race in the A group to count.
Note: Athletes must be 16 years old or older to participate.

Race Registration
Racers may pre-register online. Day of race check-in and day of race registration is available at Brewery Ommegang from 8:30-9:30am.

Butternut Creek Fun Float
2024-09-15 10:00 - 13:00 | 100 Spring Street, Gilbertsville, NY, 100 Spring Street, Gilbertsville, NY
Join OCCA and the Butternut Valley Alliance for this easy-going paddle down the beautiful Butternut Creek. September is a lovely time to paddle, with some early fall colors, late summer wildflowers, migrating birds and more. We’ll put in at 100 Spring Street in Gilbertsville and paddle down to Copes Corners Park, a distance of about 4 miles. Bring your own canoe/kayak or reserve a space in an OCCA canoe (it’s free!).

Sign up at: https://www.occainfo.org/calendar/butternut-creek-fun-float-1

Otsego Land Frolic
2024-09-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Cherry Valley, NY
Join the Otsego Land Trust for informational and fun workshops and walks at privately owned conservation easement properties protected through Otsego Land Trust in Cherry Valley. Free and open to the public, but please sign up in advance by September 6 as space is limited.
3:00 – 4:00 PM

Water Conservation Spotlight Walk: Join Daniel Stitch, Associate Professor of Biology at SUNY Oneonta and Secretary-Treasurer for the NY Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, and Miranda A. Kearney, Assistant Professor at the Biology Department at SUNY Oneonta on a walk to learn about the importance of wetlands and fresh water, how to support wetlands and water on your own land, and real conservation work being done in Cherry Valley.

Invasive Identification and Eradication Walk: Walk with Otsego County Conservation Association’s Jeff O’Handley and learn how to find and eradicate invasive species on your property.

4:00 – 5:00 PM

Wetlands and Amphibian Walk: Join Elizabeth Bastiaans, Associate Professor of Biology at SUNY Oneonta in a search for amphibians and learn about biodiversity.

How to Care for your Forest: Join Nathan Waterfield, an arborist from TimberWorks Forest Management in Cherry Valley to walk through a forest that has been protected forever, and learn about ways to support a healthy forest.

An invitation-only reception will be held from 5 pm to 7 pm for conservation easement landowners, donors, and partners.

Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch and Citizen Science with DOAS
2024-09-11 19:00 - 20:30 | A.J. Reed Science Discovery Center, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta, NY
Part of the OCCA Be Informed Lecture series, this program at the A.J. Reed Science Discovery Center will cover Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, one of New York State’s premiere fall raptor migration sties. Andy Mason will
discuss the data gathered at the site as part of a largely citizen science effort to monitor hawk and eagle populations and movements in North America. Franklin Mt. is noted for late season flights of Red-tailed Hawks and Golden Eagles. In 2018, 323 Goldens were tallied at the site, the highest total in the 35 year history of the hawkwatch. He will also give a brief overview of the Audubon Chapter’s other citizen science efforts.
In conjunction with the program, OCCA will sponsor a visit to the Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 9:30 a.m. This time period coincides with the peak movement of Broad-winged Hawks, a species that can travel in flocks of up to a hundred birds under the right conditions.
Andy Mason is co-president of the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Soc. and a founder of the Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch. He is past chair of the Audubon Council of NY State, and past president of the NY State Ornithological Assoc. He has been an active birder for over 35 years, participated in the NY State Breeding Bird Atlases, and has lead bird workshops for the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Intro to Birdwatching
2024-09-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY
Learn about the joys of birdwatching with the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society. This free program will be held at the Huntington Memorial Library in Oneonta.

Please register in advance: https://hmloneonta.org/adult-programs/

Homeschool Nature Walk with OCCA
2024-09-10 13:00 - 15:00 | DOAS Sanctuary and Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, 52 Grange Hall Road Spur, Oneonta, New York, 13820
Join OCCA’s Assistant Director, Shelby MacLeish for a magical autumn hike at the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Sanctuary. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of fall, spot wildlife preparing for winter, and learn about the fascinating changes happening in our local ecosystems.

2-hour family-friendly hike
Explore forests, meadows, and wetlands
Learn about bird migration and animal hibernation.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and celebrate the beauty of fall. Register now!

Star Field Hike with ADK
2024-09-10 09:45 - 12:00 | Star Field, Chicken Farm Hill Road, Cooperstown, New York
Join the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club for a Tuesday morning hike at Star Field in Cooperstown. Hikes are free and open to the public. For more information, please go to https://susqadk.org/outing-schedule/

Meet at 9:45 for announcements and sign-in. Hike starts at 10 and ends around noon. Hike leader Sarah Patterson 607-267-7427.

Queer Outdoors: Vroman's Nose Hike
2024-09-08 14:00 - 17:00 | Vroman’s Nose, 264 Mill Valley Road, Middleburgh, NY, 12122
Vroman’s Nose is a short drive from Oneonta and a quick, relatively steep hike with an amazing view as a payoff. We will hike up and have iced tea on the slab, then take it easy on the way down. If you need a ride we will help coordinate!
Location: Vroman’s Nose Hiking Trail, 264 Mill Valley Rd, Middleburgh, NY 12122
Please contact Will Kuss at 607-375-7280 or water@occainfo.org with any questions!

Register for the free hike at occainfo.org

September Mushroom Walk
2024-09-08 14:00 - 16:00 | NY
Exciting news for nature enthusiasts and culinary adventurers! OCCA’s popular mushroom walks are making a comeback, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of fungi. Join us for an enlightening expedition led by local forager, Shane Gardner, as we explore the lush forests just outside of Cooperstown.
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.

Sign up at occainfo.org. Exact location will be sent out to registered participants.

Geology Walk (Registration Full)
2024-09-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Robert Woodruff Learning Center, NY-80, Jordanville, NY, 13361, United States
Join OCCA and SUNY Oneonta Professor of Geology, Les Hasbargen to explore the rocks, caves, waterfalls and fossilized plants along Otsquago Creek by the Owen D. Young Nature Trail and examine the interesting interactions between the rocks and waters of the gorge.
The Robert Woodruff Learning Center is located on the north side of the Owen D. Young Central School campus.
Registration is now full

I-Spy Invasive Species
2024-09-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Crumhorn Pond Fishing Access, Susquehanna State Forest, 42.556314 N, 74.942386 W
Join OCCA and CRISP to learn how to ID common aquatic and riparian invasive plants and how they threaten the Susquehanna Watershed while enjoying an easy paddle down the river. We’ll start at the Crumhorn Fishing Access Site in Maryland, NY, and end at the Portlandville Fishing Access site.
This is a calm stretch of river friendly to new and experienced paddlers alike. We’ll see aquatic and terrestrial species alike, including curly leaf pondweed, water chestnut, Japanese knotweed, and more.
Bring water, a snack (or lunch!) and dress to be on the river for 2+ hours.
Sign up through the CRISP website: Events — CRISP (catskillinvasives.com)

Kids Fun Run at Fortin Park
2024-09-07 08:30 - 09:30 | Fortin Park, 101 Youngs Road, Oneonta, NY, 13861, United States
OWL is teaming up with the Oneonta High School Cross Country Team to present a Kids Fun Run at the Dave “Flash” Forbes Cross Country Invitational in Fortin Park. Come for the Fun Run and stick around to cheer on our amazing OHS athletes!
100m race: Open to children age 3 – second grade400m race: Open to children in grades 3-6
The 100m begins at 9:00 immediately followed by the 400m race.
Check-in begins at 8:30.
Cost: $5

Butternut Valley Gravel Grinder
2024-09-07 | 4021 NY-51, Garrattsville, NY 13342, 4021 NY-51, Garrattsville,, NY, 13342
The 2024 Butternut Valley Gravel Grinder will feature a new route, great food and beer. Come meet Alessandro Ballan, world champ and Tour of Flanders winner. Register for either the 45 mile tough scenic loop or the 10 mile flatter route at bikereg.com.
All participants will be entered to win a custom Rock Lobster frame. Total event registration limit is 350.

This is not a race; more like a cycling challenge.

Follow Butternut Valley Gravel Grinder on Instagram

Rothenberger 10K, 5K and Fun Run
2024-08-31 08:00 - 13:00 | Neahwa Park, Bertus Lauren Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
The Rothenberger Road to Recovery Run is in memory of Lucas Rothenberger, for those who have lost a loved one to substance use disorder, and to provide knowledge and education on the reality of recovery. This run encompasses prevention, treatment, and recovery through a collaboration of FOR-DO, the Rothensbergers, and the community. There will be a 1K Fun Run, 5K Color Run/Walk, and 10K Race. Bring the family, the kids can play in Neahwa Park, participate in the 1K Color Walk/Run or just hang out and listen to music. This year we will be doing a hybrid event and have a virtual component to accommodate all individuals at their own comfort level.
Online registration will remain open until Friday, August 30th at 9am. Day of registration will be held from 7:30am-8:30am in Neahwa Park on Saturday, August 31st. Packet Pickup will take place on the day of the race. The first 200 participants to register will receive a t-shirt and bracelet.

Pre-Registration Prices:
1K Fun Run/Walk: $20.00
5K Run/Walk: $25.00
10K Run: $30.00
Day Of Prices:
1K Fun Run/Walk: $25.00
5K Run/Walk: $30.00
10K Run: $35.00

Family Nature Walk with OCCA
2024-08-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Parslow Road Conservation Area, 127 Parslow Road, Oaksville, NY, 13337, United States
Embrace the opportunity to connect with nature with OCCA on a journey around the Parslow Road Conservation area on Friday, August 23. Take the time to unwind and discover the natural surroundings. Our focus will be on recognizing local flora and fauna as we explore the various habitats.
Free. Please sign up in advance at occainfo.org

Paddle and Pull on Goodyear Lake
2024-08-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Portlandville Fishing Access Site, Route 28, Portlandville, NY, 13834, United States
Join OCCA for a morning of pulling invasive water chestnuts from Goodyear Lake! Meet at the New York State Fishing Access Site at Portlandville. Bring your own watercraft, or reserve a space in an OCCA canoe.
If you’ve never seen water chestnut, don’t worry—we’ll show you what to look for and how to remove it. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Please register at occainfo.org (it’s free) and be sure to let us know if you need space in a canoe.

Otsego Lake Assn. Annual Gathering (open to public)
2024-08-10 08:30 - 10:45 | Otsego Sailing Club, 5992 NY-80, Cooperstown, New York, 13326
Spend a couple of your Saturday morning hours learning what’s happening in and around OTSEGO LAKE.
The gathering is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Come at 8:30 for coffee and donuts!
Presentations are scheduled from 9:00am until 10:45am

Special guest: Dr. Florian B. Reyda, Director, SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station
Topic: Otsego Lake and the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station
Plus other scientific updates including Poster Presentations by SUNY Biological Field Station interns.

There will be a silent auction and OLA apparel sale.

Where: Otsego Sailing Club —in their beautiful new open air pavilion
5992 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY

The mission of the Otsego Lake Association is to educate, advocate, and actively participate in protecting the health, beauty, and well being of Otsego Lake by facilitating the implementation of the Otsego Lake Watershed Management Plan

Contact Info: Otsego Lake Association website: https://www.otsegolakeassociation.org

iSpy Invasive Species
2024-08-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Crumhorn Fishing Access Site, H345+P3, Maryland, New York
Join OCCA and our friends at the Catskill Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) for our third annual iSPY Invasive Species Paddle down the Susquehanna River. Learn how to ID common aquatic and riparian invasive plants and how they threaten the Susquehanna Watershed while enjoying an easy paddle down the river. We’ll start at the Crumhorn Fishing Access Site in Maryland, NY, and end at the Portlandville Fishing Access site. This is a calm stretch of river friendly to new and experienced paddlers alike. We’ll see aquatic and terrestrial species alike, including curly leaf pondweed, water chestnut, Japanese knotweed, and more.
Bring water, a snack (or lunch!) and dress to be on the river for 2+ hours. NOTE: Registration for this program is through CRISP. Visit iSPY Invasive Species Paddle — CRISP (catskillinvasives.com) to sign up

Susquehanna River Clean Up
2024-08-03 08:00 - 12:00 | Susquehanna River
Sign up to help the Cooperstown Lions Club and the Cooperstown Rotary with the annual Susquehanna River Clean Up. Volunteers are needed as kayakers, shuttle drivers, and picking up debris to place on rafts. People are also needed to provide refreshments to volunteers and to take photos. This year they will be focusing on cleaning up by the Wastewater Treatment Plant and by Grasslands.
Please sign up to help online.
Volunteers can also reach out directly to Marcie Foster (fostermarcie@hotmail.com) to sign up.
Please bring a life jacket, water shoes, clothes suitable for being in the water (synthetic), and gloves. Lifejackets and gloves will be provided for anyone that needs them.

What Happens After Dark Family Hike
2024-08-02 19:30 - 21:30 | DOAS Sanctuary and Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, 52 Grange Hall Road Spur, Oneonta, New York, 13820
Join the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society for an evening family hike.

Rain date: August 9
Families (with children ages 5 and up) will gather for a nighttime activity to explore the wonders about what really happens while we are asleep. Escape those fears of the dark as we step out to learn about some of our local nocturnal species.
Please wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Be sure to also bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Several benches and an accessible Porta-Potty are available on site.
Register online at doas.us/summer2024/

Our Presenters:
Camille Robinson-Parisi is a rising junior at Mount Holyoke College pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and Spanish. This is their first year with DOAS, though they have been a part of many outdoor education summer programs in the past. Cami enjoys spending time outdoors and sharing their knowledge on all things birds!
Kaylee Haig is a graduating senior from SUNY Oneonta who is studying Human Development and Family Studies. This is her first year with DOAS. She has had experience with children of all ages through many different educational programs.
Photo of a Barred Owl by Anthony Goldman/Audubon Photography Awards via doas.us

REGISTER NOW

Open House at the Biological Field Station
2024-08-01 16:00 - 19:00 | SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station, 5838 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station (BFS) is having an Open House at the BFS on Thursday, August 1st from 4 – 7 pm at the Cooperstown campus (5838 State Highway 80). The Open House will highlight the research and work going on at the field station by our faculty, staff, students, and summer interns. We currently have 8 interns in our summer program, 6 undergraduate students and 2 high school students. Much of their work centers around Otsego Lake including studies on algae, invasive mussels, water quality and stream discharge monitoring, the understanding of which is needed for the management of this precious resource. We have other studies on the populations of imperiled mussels and local fisheries resources, and even the discovery of new species! There will be displays, specimens, and a few brief presentations to make it an interactive and fun evening.

Refreshments will be served and, weather permitting, short boat tours offered. Come meet the BFS team and learn about the many things that they do!
The Open House is also a chance to meet Florian Reyda, the new director, and to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Willard Harman, who retired in January after a remarkable 55+ years of service.

Seniors Slow Birding Walk
2024-07-29 08:30 - 10:30 | DOAS Sanctuary and Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, 52 Grange Hall Road Spur, Oneonta, New York, 13820
Join the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society at the DOAS Sanctuary for a beginner-led and beginner-friendly “slow birding” bird walk along the sanctuary trails geared towards adults and seniors. During our walk we will prioritize mindful observation of all of the species that we see around us, taking time to focus on bird behaviors and the significance of how they belong within an environment.

Register online at doas.us/summer2024/

An accessible Porta-Potty is available on site. Sanctuary trails may have uneven terrain as well as some uphill sections that may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues.
Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes for the hike. Be sure to bring water and sun protection. Everyone is encouraged to bring binoculars and field guides if they have them, as well as a comfortable camp chair for observation while sitting!

Our Presenters:

Camille Robinson-Parisi is a rising junior at Mount Holyoke College pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and Spanish. This is their first year with DOAS, though they have been a part of many outdoor education summer programs in the past. Cami enjoys spending time outdoors and sharing their knowledge on all things birds!

Kaylee Haig is a graduating senior from SUNY Oneonta who is studying Human Development and Family Studies. This is her first year with DOAS. She has had experience with children of all ages through many different educational programs.

Rain Date August 3

Late July Mushroom Walk with OCCA
2024-07-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Vibbard Road, Cooperstown, NY, Vibbard Road, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Walk leader, Margret Grebowicz lives locally and aims to broaden your understanding of mushrooms and inspire you to learn more. In late July we will be hunting for all the goodies the forest has to offer. The group will meet at the highest point of Vibbard Road, Cooperstown. Participants should dress for a walk through the woods and make sure to wear shoes that can get wet and muddy. If you want to bring mushrooms home, bring a bag along and knife for cutting. Sign up at occainfo.org

iSPY Invasive Species Paddle
2024-07-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Crumhorn Fishing Access Site, H345+P3, Maryland, New York
Join OCCA and our friends at the Catskill Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on July 24 for our third annual iSPY Invasive Species Paddle down the Susquehanna River. Learn how to ID common aquatic and riparian invasive plants and how they threaten the Susquehanna Watershed while enjoying an easy paddle down the river. We’ll start at the Crumhorn Fishing Access Site in Maryland, NY, and end at the Portlandville Fishing Access site. This is a calm stretch of river friendly to new and experienced paddlers alike. We’ll see aquatic and terrestrial species alike, including curly leaf pondweed, water chestnut, Japanese knotweed, and more. Bring water, a snack (or lunch!) and dress to be on the river for 2+ hours.

Please sign up in advance at occainfo.org

OCCA Family Nature Walk at Texas School House State Forest
2024-07-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Texas School House State Forest, Jones Road, New Lisbon, New York
Discover the beauty of Texas School House State Forest with OCCA’s Shelby MacLeish on a delightful mid-summer walk. This trail offers the perfect summer hike, with plenty of shade and proximity to the water. Take in the sights of the beaver dam and the rich variety of flora and fauna that line the trail. Free, please register at occainfo.org

Chop and Cheese with OCCA
2024-07-17 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. Meet at Mohican Farm, 7207 NY 80, Cooperstown. Please sign up at occainfo.org
