Otsego Outdoors

Yoga in the Gardens
2025-09-25 17:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Otsego Land Trust is offering a yoga class with teacher Erin Marsala at Brookwood Point Conservation Area, which overlooks Otsego Lake. Register online, suggested donation is $20.

Gilbert Lake State Park Hike with ADK
2025-09-23 09:45 - 12:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
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 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.

Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park Hike with ADK
2025-09-16 09:45 - 12:00 | Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, 133 Davis Road, Schenevus, New York, 12155

Butternut Creek Fun Float (canceled)
2025-09-07 10:00 - 13:00 | 100 Spring Street, Gilbertsville, NY, 100 Spring Street, Gilbertsville, NY
UPDATE: This event is canceled due to low water.
Join OCCA and the Butternut Valley Alliance for an early autumn paddle on Butternut Creek, one of our most beautiful waterways. Along the approximately 3.5 mile paddle, we’ll learn about history, plants, wildlife and more. Meet at 100 Spring Street, Gilbertsville.
At the end of the trip, enjoy hamburgers and hotdogs at Copes Corners Park, provided by BVA. Bring your own personal watercraft, or borrow one. To register (it’s free), visit BVA’s event page, and please let us know if you need a watercraft.

Late Summer Mushroom Walk with OCCA
2025-08-31 14:00 - 16:00 | NY
Join OCCA and certified mushroom forager Shane Gardner for a guided mushroom walk on Sunday, August 26 at 2 p.m. This two-hour educational outing is part of our ongoing monthly series and invites participants to explore the woods while learning to recognize a wide range of wild mushrooms. As we walk, we’ll examine different species, discuss their importance in forest ecosystems, and build foundational ID skills. While this is not a foraging event for edible use, participants are welcome to collect samples during the walk to bring back for discussion during a concluding Q&A session. Venue TBD.
Space is limited, sign up in advance at occainfo.org

Bee A Hero: Weeding at Otsego Lake's Pollinator Garden
2025-08-27 09:30 - 11:00 | Cooperstown’s Lakefront Park, 24 Lake St, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) is partnering with the Lake and Valley Garden Club for a morning of hands-on conservation at Otsego Lake’s Buffer Strip Pollinator Garden! This volunteer event will focus on removing invasive and nuisance plants from the pollinator garden to support a healthy ecosystem for our local pollinators to thrive.
The work will be guided by expert gardener consultant Lynn Marsh along with several experienced members of the Lake and Valley Garden Club, who will share tips on plant identification and pollinator-friendly gardening practices.

When: Wednesday, August 27th, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: Buffer Strip Pollinator Garden located at Cooperstown’s Lakefront Park (24 Lake St, Cooperstown, NY 13326). The garden is at the base of Pioneer St and Fish Rd.
What to Bring: Gardening gloves/tools, water, sun protection

Yoga in the Gardens (Brookwood Point)
2025-08-26 18:30 - 19:30 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Join the Otsego Land Trust at Brookwood Point Conservation Area, for a blissful evening of yoga in the gardens. On Tuesday, August 26th from 6:30 to 7:30, yoga teacher Erin Marsala will host an all-level inclusive yoga session on the lawn of Brookwood Gardens at 6000 State Hwy. 80 in Cooperstown.
Please register in advance for the August 26 class. A suggested $20 donation can be made out online or in-person, additional donations are greatly appreciated. No prior experience required. Please bring your own mat, towel, or just enjoy the lawn!
In case of rain, the event will be postponed to Thursday, August 28, at 6:30.
Donations advance the work of Otsego Land Trust. Their mission is to improve the quality of life through the Upper Susquehanna Region by enhancing climate resilience, promoting public access to nature, and working with land owners and partners to protect and conserve local farmland, forests, and waters in perpetuity. If you have any questions please contact Catherine Nolan (cnolan@otsegolandtrust.org).

Star Field Hike with ADK
2025-08-26 09:45 - 12:00 | Star Field, Chicken Farm Hill Road, Cooperstown, New York
All welcome to take a guided hike to Star Field 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.

Aquatic Invasive Species Control (Goodyear Lake)
2025-08-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Portlandville Fishing Access Site, Route 28, Portlandville, NY, 13834, United States
Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is an aquatic invasive species that interferes with fishing and boating, harms fish and wildlife habitat, and can hurt if you step on it! Join OCCA’s Invasive Species Response Team for an enjoyable—and productive—morning on the ‘stump lot’ at Goodyear Lake as they help control this nuisance plant. They’ll teach you what it looks like, how to remove it, and how to help prevent it from spreading to other places. They’ll also look for other aquatic invasive species while you’re there. Bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one from Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales, just up the street. Bring water, sunscreen, and dress to get a little wet and maybe muddy.
To register (it’s free!), visit their volunteer portal or email volunteer@occainfo.org to register

Falling Footsteps 5K & 1 Mile Walk
2025-08-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann St, Richfield Springs, NY, 13439, United States
This is an out and back, starting and finishing at the Richfield Springs Community Center. There are a couple of hills, but really moderate compared to the hills in the area.
There will be restrooms available at the community center. Parking is available at this site as well. The address is 6 Ann Street. Located 1/4 of a mile behind William’s Tire.
All proceeds benefit the Richfield Springs Community Center! Come on out, have some fun. All roads, no mud!!!
Special Pricing 12 and under is just $10

Here is the Link to the Race Map:
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5713783426/

Additional race information can be found at https://www.runsignup.com/rsccroads.

Summer Harvest Festival and Butternut Valley Gravel Grinder
2025-08-23 | NY
The Butternut Valley Alliance will hold its Summer Harvest Festival and the Butternut Valley Gravel Grinder on August 23.
Sign up for the Gravel Grinder in advance, details to come!

August Nature Hike at Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park
2025-08-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, 133 Davis Road, Schenevus, New York, 12155
Join OCCA’s Assistant Director, Shelby MacLeish on August 22 for a guided hike at the scenic Betty and Wilber Davis State Park as we explore Andy’s Trail—a beautiful 2.7-mile loop that showcases the park’s varied and peaceful landscapes. This moderately easy trail winds through quiet woodlands, stretches across open fields with wide views, and passes a historic, weathered stone wall that hints at the land’s agricultural past. Along the way, we’ll talk about the natural and cultural features of the park, observe seasonal plants and wildlife, and enjoy the serenity of this lesser-known trail.
This is a great opportunity to connect with nature, ask questions, and get to know OCCA staff and fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Please meet at the playground parking lot at 1 p.m. Comfortable shoes, water, and a sense of adventure are encouraged! We hope to see you there. Sign up at occainfo.org

Hike with ADK at Emmons Pond Bog
2025-08-19 09:45 - 12:00 | Emmons Pond Bog Preserve, 2028 White Hill Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
All welcome to take a guided hike at Emmons Pond Bog 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.

Land Navigation by Compass at Glimmerglass State Park
2025-08-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Join James Simpson for a land navigation compass activity at Glimmerglass State Park. Jakes is a certified Adirondack guide and an Adirondack 46er.
Meet at the beach parking lot. Any questions please call the park office 607/547-8662.

Max is 40 people.

Intro to Permaculture for the Queer Community (all welcome)
2025-08-16 15:00 - 18:00 | NY
Join OCCA and friends Rick O’Keefe and John Chanik for a welcoming, hands-on evening exploring permaculture—the practice of creating self-sustaining, ecologically balanced landscapes. Rooted in three core principles—care for people (including the queer community!), care for the earth, and sharing the abundance—permaculture offers a powerful framework for conservation and community connection.
This special event invites participants to:

Learn the basics of permaculture, including identifying edible wild plants

Tour a conservation property in restoration, featuring wetlands and a perennial vegetable garden

Optionally get involved with light stewardship activities like planting trees or prepping birdhouses

Conclude the evening with a shared potluck meal (please bring a dish to pass!)

We’re excited to build community while deepening our relationship with the land. RSVPs are appreciated so we can plan accordingly. The address will be sent out to those who RSVP. If you have any questions email OCCA director Amy Wyant at director@occainfo.org.
All are welcome! RSVP at occainfo.org

Hike with ADK: Whaupaunaucau State Forest
2025-08-16 | Whaupaunaucau State Forest, Norwich, NY
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.

August 16th – Whaupaunaucau State Forest
https://dec.ny.gov/places/whaupaunaucau-state-forest
On August 16th the ADK hike is at the Whaupaunaucau State Forest, Norwich, NY. The hike is around the 5 mile loop. The trail is generally considered a moderately challenging route, with 518 feet of elevation gain.
Hike Leader: Tom Austin 607-435-8107
REGISTRATION LINK (https://forms.gle/62BrhtC9xEzDVzeW8)

iSPY Invasive Species Paddle
2025-08-08 10:00 - 13:00 | Crumhorn Fishing Access Site, H345+P3, Maryland, New York
Ever wonder whether those yellow flowers on the river are good or bad? Wonder no more! Join OCCA and Sarah Coney, Aquatic Invasive Species Manager, from the Catskills Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) for an informative and fun paddle where we’ll ‘Sus’ out the invaders in the Susquehanna River. We’ll focus on invasive plants and animal species found in the river, learn how to identify them, and discuss how they got here, what they do, and what we can do about them. All while enjoying a leisurely, 3-mile paddle!
We’ll start at the Crumhorn Fishing Access Site in Maryland, NY, and end at the Portlandville Fishing Access Site. This section of river is slow, meandering, and friendly to all levels of boating experience. Bring your own canoe or kaya. If you do not have one of your own, visit Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales in Portlandville (607-286-7349) for information on renting one.
Program is free, but pre-registration is required. Please visit https://www.catskillinvasives.com/events/2025/8/8/ispy-invasive-species-paddle-with-crisp-occa to sign up!

Hike with ADK at Gilbert Lake State Park
2025-08-05 09:45 - 12:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
All welcome to take a guided hike on the Twin Fawns 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.

Mushroom walk with OCCA
2025-08-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Thayer Farm (SUNY Biological Field Station), 7027 State Hwy 80, Springfield, NY, United States
Discover the fascinating world of fungi with OCCA and certified mushroom forager Shane Gardner during our next educational mushroom walk on Sunday, August 3 at 2 p.m. As part of our monthly series, this two-hour guided walk offers a hands-on opportunity to explore local woodlands while learning how to identify wild mushrooms in the field. Participants will search for a variety of species, discuss their ecological roles, and sharpen their observational skills. Participants are not foraging for the table in this program, but can bring a basket or bag to gather during the class for the q & a at the end.

This event will be held at the Upland Interpretive Center at Thayer Farm, 7027 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY.
Sign up in advance at occainfo.org

Open House Biological Field Station
2025-07-31 16:00 - 19:00 | SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station, 5838 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station will hold an open house at its Cooperstown campus, featuring short presetations at 5 pm, boat tours, lab tours, and hands-on stations where you can learn about current projects. Light refreshments

Registration encouraged.

Color My World Nature Walk
2025-07-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Hwy 11, Hartwick, NY, 13348
OCCA is joining Hartwick’s summer reading program on Friday, July 25 at 10. If you are in the village of Hartwick, stop by for this fun and free program at 10 am.
Color My World: A Guided Nature Walk
Join us for a vibrant exploration of the natural world as we discover the colors that shape our environment. On this guided walk, we’ll slow down and take a closer look at the many hues found in nature—from the rich greens of summer leaves to the bright pops of wildflowers, the soft blues of the sky, and the earthy tones beneath our feet. This walk is suitable for all ages and is a great opportunity to awaken your senses and see the outdoors in a new light.

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.

Saturday ADK Hike at Thacher State Park
2025-07-19 | NY
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.

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!

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

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
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.

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.”

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.

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.

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
