Otsego Outdoors

Ticks and Lyme Disease: What You Need to Know
2019-02-20 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | First United Methodist Church of Oneonta, 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Not an outdoor activity, but something anyone who enjoys the outdoors should attend! Otsego County Conservation Association and Mohican Farm start off their 2019 Be Informed Lecture Series by repeating this popular talk from last year.
Lyme disease is a serious public health threat spread by the bite of the black-legged (deer) tick, (Ixodes scapularis). Dr. Carmen Greenwood, Associate Professor at SUNY Cobleskill, will discuss the biology and ecology of ticks. Following this, Otsego County Communicable Disease Coordinator, Theresa Oellrich, RN, will discuss the specifics of Lyme disease, including its health impacts, treatment and prevention, and what to do if bitten by a tick. This program will take place in the Embury room at the First United Methodist Church of Oneonta, 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. Park on Church Street or at the NBT bank lot on Wall Street. Visit OCCA for details or to sign up. Free.

The Eastern Bluebird
2019-03-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Otsego Land Trust will be hosting John Rogers, co-founder of the NYS Bluebird Society on Wednesday, March 20th at 6:30 pm in the Community Room at the Clark Sports Center. Join him as he discusses the life history of the Eastern Bluebird. This presentation is for all who love and appreciate the great outdoors. Please RSVP to becky@otsegolandtrust.org.

Be Informed Lecture Series: Ticks & Lyme Disease
2019-03-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Lyme disease is a serious public health threat spread by the bite of the black-legged (deer) tick, (Ixodes scapularis). Dr. Carmen Greenwood, Associate Professor at SUNY Cobleskill, will discuss the biology and ecology of ticks. Following this, Otsego County Communicable Disease Coordinator, Theresa Oellrich, RN, will discuss the specifics of Lyme disease, including its health impacts, treatment and prevention, and what to do if bitten by a tick.
With spring coming soon, this is an important program for anyone who spends time outdoors. Lecture is sponsored by Otsego County Conservation Association and Mohican Farm. Free. Takes place at Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta.

Earth Festival - Saturday, April 13th
2019-04-13 11:00 - 15:00 | NY
Earth Festival is an environmentally focused, interactive event featuring exhibits, workshops, vendors, food and entertainment, all with a fun, earth-friendly twist. The first Earth Festival was held in 2006 as an event for the environmental community to work together to provide a showcase event to help keep Otsego County citizens informed about environmental activities that are taking place in our region and as an avenue for increased involvement. It continues to bring together a great mix of people – exhibitors, vendors, sponsors, presenters, entertainers and volunteers!
Milford Central School, 42 W. Main St., Milford, NY 13807

Get the Kids Out: Roughing It
2019-04-17 10:00 - 11:30 | NY
Join OCCA for a special kid-friendly program. Do you know what it takes to survive in the wilderness? We’ll cover the basic needs of human survival and learn how to build shelter, find water, and stay alive until help arrives. Dress for weather. Meet at 10am at Mohican Farm, 7207 State Route 80, Cooperstown.

Woodcock Walk
2019-04-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Parslow Road Conservation Area, 127 Parslow Road, Oaksville, NY, 13337, United States
Join the Otsego Land Trust and Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society for a Woodcock Walk at Parslow Road Conservation Area. DOAS Member and local environmental educator Chris DeCesare will lead the walk to observe the spring mating ritual of the woodcock.The walk will begin at 7:00 PM in the parking lot with a short introduction to the woodcock and its habits. Then, participants will walk on the trail discussing the varied habitats on the property as they make their way to the best spot to observe the woodcocks. Please dress appropriately. Waterproof footwear and headlamp or flashlight are recommended.
Parslow Road Conservation Area is located at 127 Parslow Road, Hartwick, NY 13348. For additional details, contact Chris DeCesare at 607-244-5496 or chris.decesare444@gmail.com. RSVP online at DOAS.us.

Film Night - "A Plastic Ocean" - Free
2019-04-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Village Hall, Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Commemorate Earth Day with Otsego 2000 and the League of Women Voters with a free screening of the award winning film “A Plastic Ocean”. Over 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans EVERY YEAR! This film documents the deadly effects this is having on marine wildlife.
The film will be at 7:00 pm in the Ballroom of the Cooperstown Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.
There will be a discussion after the film.

Over the Top! Mud Lake Hike
2019-04-28 13:00 - 16:30 | Riddell State Park, NY 28 off I-88, Davenport, NY, 13750, United States
Join OCCA for this invigorating, 4.5 mile hike to Mud Lake, a unique sphagnum bog in Robert V. Riddell State Park, led by Steve Kent. Along the way, view deep woods and a thirty-foot waterfall, and be entertained with tales of the Riddell family, who owned the property for five generations. In 2005, Steve and his wife, Trish Riddell Kent, donated the land to the state. Bring water, a snack, and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Portions of the trail are rugged and may be muddy or icy, depending on weather.
Meet at the parking area of the Pine Lake Environmental Campus of Hartwick College, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, and carpool to the hike’s starting point on Gersoni Road.
Click here to sign up or call Jeff O’Handley, Program Director at 607.282.4087

Bird Walk at Susquehanna Greenway Trail
2019-05-04 08:00 - 10:00 | Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway trail (Silas Lane), Silas Lane, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
On Saturday, May 4, Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society will lead a walk at the Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway (OSG) trail, located on Silas Lane, off Rte. 205 in Oneonta’s west end to view returning migrant birds. This will be an easy hike on level ground for about 2 hours, starting at 8:00AM. Participants should meet at the parking lot by the soccer fields just past the transfer station. For more information, contact: Charlie Scheim at 607-434-4880.

I Love My Park Day
2019-05-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park, Glimmerglass State Park and Gilbert Lake State Park are holding events.
At Glimmerglass, volunteers are needed to:

Clean up and plant flowers around our historic covered bridge. Please bring: Garden Gloves
Pick up debris that has been left on our shores and beach after the winter.
Clean up debris and plant flowers to prepare for the summer season at the Nature Center
Clean out our bioswales in the main parking lot. Please bring: Work gloves are needed and if you have small clippers, they would be helpful.
Registration is REQUIRED. All volunteers should come to our Main Parking Lot to sign in and receive job assignments. All ages are welcome. Please bring gloves and sm

all clippers. If you have any questions please call the park office at (607) 547-8662.
At Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park, from 9am to noon volunteers can meet at Sunset Pavilion and help with trail clean up planting trees and flowers in the park.
Please bring: Garden gloves, rakes Questions? Call: 607-547-8662
Email: Ryann.Young@parks.ny.gov

At Gilbert Lake State Park, from 10 am to noon, volunteers are asked to meet at the beach bathhouse and help with general clean up at the beach area and spreading wood chips. Please bring garden gloves and rakes. Painting and repairing jobs also needed. Questions? Call: 607-432-2114
Email: maureen.starrs@parks.ny.gov

Please register for any one of these projects at: https://ptny.wufoo.com/forms/zlrdjul1s6zmvf/

Brookwood Point Spring Cleanup
2019-05-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
We need your help with our annual spring cleaning of the gardens at Brookwood Point and getting the property ready for the busy 2019 summer season.
The cleanup will be held on Saturday, May 4th from 1-4 pm. All are invited to join in the outdoor fun of this community service event. We welcome those who can spend just a few minutes helping to those who can stay the entire duration. No gardening experience is necessary – there will be tasks for everyone to complete, from child to adult. Otsego Land Trust will provide tools, guidance, and refreshments. This event will be held rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather.
Brookwood Point is located at 6000 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Please RSVP to Becky at 607-547-2366 ext. 108 or becky@otsegolandtrust.org – we want to ensure there are enough tools and snacks for all.

The Birds of Mohican Farm
2019-05-11 07:00 - 21:00 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Join Becky Gretton for an early morning walk to get the birds! Mohican Farm’s fields, woods and shoreline make it a great location for birding, including spring warblers, swallows, bluebirds, shorebirds–maybe even bobolinks and eagles. The walk is led by Becky Gretton, Co-president of Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, and is suitable for all levels of birders. Bring binoculars and a field guide, and get here early!
Please pre-register, enrollment is limited to twenty people. Meet at OCCA’s office at Mohican Farm, 7207 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326

AVID Workshop with OLT and CCE
2019-05-11 14:00 - 17:00 | NY
Join Otsego Land Trust and Cornell Cooperative Extension for a two-part workshop on Assessing Vegetation Impacts from Deer (AVID). This workshop is perfect for landowners or anyone interested in deer management.
The workshop will include a one-hour indoor segment from 2-3pm at the Otsego Land Trust office (101 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326). This will be followed by 2 hours in the field at Parslow Road Conservation Area (127 Parslow Road, Hartwick, NY 13348) to practice setting up plots and taking measurement. The workshop is free and open to the public.
To register, please contact Becky Talbot at 607-547-2366 x108 or at becky@otsegolandtrust.org.

Jean Miller Memorial Wildflower Walk
2019-05-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Join Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Member and expert Botanist, Connie Tedesco for the Jean Miller Memorial Wildflower Walk at Gilbert Lake State Park, on Wednesday, May 23.
Participants will meet at the beach area at 10 AM. The walk is approximately two hours in the Park. Bring water, insect repellent, binoculars if on hand, and your curiosity!
For more information please contact Connie Tedesco at ctedesco1026@gmail.com. This event is free and open to the public.

General Clinton Canoe Regatta
2019-05-24 00:00 - 2019-05-27 00:00 | NY
The world’s longest single day flat water canoe race is held each year on Memorial Day Weekend. Along with the 70 mile race from Cooperstown to Bainbridge, the weekend offers a SUP Race, spring races, relay races, and much more for amateurs and professional paddlers.
Longest single day flat water canoe race in the world
Canoes of all kinds compete from 90 lb. recreational canoes to 20 lb. lightweight graphite canoes (within their respective classes).
The start of this world championship 70 mile flat water endurance race is at the source of the Susquehanna River on Otsego Lake, Cooperstown, New York and finishes at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, New York
Grueling 70 mile test of endurance, stamina, and canoeing skills
Canoeing’s top marathon paddlers from North America and Europe, featuring world class athletes such as 28 time General Clinton Canoe Regatta winner, Canadian Serge Corbin and Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Barton.
Estimated 3,000 amateur, professional and Olympic hopeful canoeists participate over the course of the weekend. Register at https://www.canoeregatta.org/race/
US$25,000 in cash and prizes awarded
Full weekend with over 50 races in one or two person classes, for all ages including:
Generation Gap Relay–Race Relay–Scout Races –1-man 18 mile sprint–Youth Races—70 mile amateur endurance races–Sprint—70 mile pro endurance races
Thousands of spectators at every accessible point on the river contribute encouragement, cheer, and assist the canoeists over the big 4-day Memorial Day weekend.
At the finish line, paddlers and spectators alike enjoy carnival rides, fireworks, free entertainment for kids of all ages, arts and crafts, all kinds of tasty foods, a flea market and much more !

Be Informed- Making a Meadow
2019-05-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Mohican Farm Manager Bob Sutherland walks you through the steps of converting part of your property to a native wildflower meadow that will be good for pollinators, pleasing to look at, and will reduce your carbon footprint!
Part of the program will be indoors learning about the benefits of meadows and short-and long-term care requirements, and some will be outside working on an actual meadow project at Mohican Farm. Dress to get dirty!
Click here to register or call Program Director, Jeff O’Handley at 607.282.4087, or email programdirector@occainfo.org

National Trails Day - Basswood Pond State Forest
2019-06-01 11:00 - 13:00 | NY
What better way to celebrate National Trails Day than by helping with trail maintenance at Basswood Pond State Forest. Tasks will include moving woody debris off the trails, trimming back encroaching vegetation, and improving drainage on wet parts of the trail. Volunteers should wear clothing appropriate for working in the woods and can bring water, gloves and hand tools.
Please register for the event by May 24 so that we can submit proper paperwork to the NYS DEC.

Walk on the Flat Side: Riddell State Park
2019-06-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Riddell State Park, NY 28 off I-88, Davenport, NY, 13750, United States
Join OCCA 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 7:00 p.m. at the Park’s main entrance on State Route 28, just north of I-88 Exit 17.
To register for this free event, click here, or call 607-282-4087 or email programdirector@occainfo.org

Race the Lake Marathon & Half-Marathon
2019-06-08 08:00 - 16:00 | NY
The 26.2 race will begin at 8:00am, starting and ending at Glimmerglass State Park. The 13.1 race will begin at 8:00am, starting on State Highway 80, near the Fenimore Art Museum. The 5k race will begin at 9:00am in Glimmerglass State Park. All races finish together in Glimmerglass State Park.
The Race will circle clockwise around the picturesque Otsego Lake. Runners will travel through Cooperstown, Springfield, Middlefield and the Town of Otsego. You will have views of the lake almost all the way as you pass Glimmerglass Opera, The Farmers Museum, The Otesaga Resort Hotel and several other landmarks. Both of the races will be challenging, not only for the mileage, but also the elevation changes. It’s the perfect setting for a marathon!
Race medals will be distributed to every finisher as they cross the finish line.
Awards will be distributed to the overall best male and female times, as well as the top three male and female finishers in each age group. Awards will be presented for the following categories:

Teen: 19 years old & under
20–29 years old;
30–39 years old;
40–49 years old;
50–59 years old;
60–69 years old;
70 and above.

Register at: https://itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=1781
More information: http://www.clarksportscenter.com/events/2019-race-the-lake-marathon-half-marathon/?fbclid=IwAR3US-NVAkFadFlt94IwH0PO1yV7X8LUTXOk1eC_-WYb91Q71jOocwBVXro

Brookwood Point Summer Tours
2019-06-10 17:30 - 18:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
First in the Summer Series, OLT volunteer Ed Rowley will be hosting the Brookwood Point History Tour, which will cover Brookwood’s history from the time of Native American presence, to the founding of Cooperstown, to present day.
Additional history tours will take place Thursday, July 25th and Thursday, August 22nd.
Email Becky or call 607.547.2366 x108 for questions or to register for this event.
Click here to view all the Summer Tours which Otsego Land Trust is hosting.

Float the Butternut
2019-06-15 10:00 - 12:00 | NY
Free
OCCA and the Butternut Valley Alliance join forces for this fun float down the creek. Enjoy a leisurely paddle and take in the sights and sounds of one of our most beautiful creeks. Starting and end points to be determined. Bring water and a snack, and your own canoe/kayak (a limited number of spaces are available in OCCA canoes).

Pre-registration required.

Hike at Emmons Pond Bog Preserve
2019-06-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Emmons Pond Bog Preserve, 2028 White Hill Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
On Sunday, June 16 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Member and local Environmental Educator, Chris DeCesare will lead a walk to observe the plants and animals of Emmons Pond Bog Preserve. This property is managed by the Nature Conservancy and includes meadow, woods, and wetland areas to explore. We’ll discuss the plants that grow specifically in a bog environment and look for signs of birds and other animals in the field and forest as we make our way around the 1.4 mile trail.
Binoculars and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Meet at the Preserve entrance on White Hill Road. For additional details, contact Chris DeCesare at 607-244-5496 or chris.decesare444@gmail.com.
Free hike, but you need to register with the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society.

Fishing Derby & Clinic
2019-06-16 11:00 - 15:00 | Neahwa Park, Bertus Lauren Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
The Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold a one day Fishing Derby and Clinic at the Neawha Park skating Pond in Oneonta on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16th.
This is a special educational fishing event specifically permitted by the NY State Dept. of Environmental Conservation for kids and parents of all ages for Father’s Day only. Fishing licenses will not be required. According to the DEC requirements, there will be no competitive fishing prizes. This will be a two part event.
Parents and kids must register upon entering the pond. Tickets will be distributed at registration. Fishing in the pond will take place from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM after which registered attendees will be asked to assemble in the pavilion. There will be a brief fishing education clinic presented for children by members of Trout Unlimited, followed by door prizes. Parents and children must register and
attend the clinic to be eligible for the door prize drawings.
The event will end at 3PM but will be halted if there is a threat of lightning. Fishing worms will be provided.
Chapter members will be available to assist in the baiting of hooks and release of fish caught.
All fish caught must be released back into the pond

Sunset Stroll
2019-06-21 19:45 - 21:00 | Fetterley Forest, 302 Roses Hill Road, Richfield, NY, 13439
The Otsego Land Trust and the Canadarago Lake Improvement Association are partnering to host a Summer Solstice Sunset Stroll on the longest day of the year at Fetterley Forest.
Situated on the high point of Panther Mountain, Fetterley Forest is on the ridge that runs east of Canadarago Lake and Oaks Creek.
Attendees are invited to pack their own picnic snack to enjoy at the trail’s overlook of Canadarago Lake and Deowongo Island. It’s a view you won’t forget!
Please be mindful of weather conditions and dress appropriately for walking on trails and avoiding bug bites.

Learn 10...Trees (FREE)
2019-06-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Botanist Dan Spada will guide participants in a beginner’s course on how to identify 10 native tree species through the use of keys, guides and their senses during a combination of lab and field sessions. The route is over moderate terrain, but participants should be prepared with sturdy shoes, sunscreen, hat, water and bug dope. A 10x hand lens is optional. Participants may bring guidebooks, although guides will be provided to borrow. anyone interested in how to know the trees is encouraged to participate; no prior botanical training is necessary.
The trip is limited to 15 participants. Sign up here or call Jeff O’Handley at Otsego County Conservation Association at 607-282.4087
“Learn 10…” is a program of the NY Flora Association (NYFA) designed to help people of all ages and levels of knowledge begin learning the plants of New York. “Learn 10…” focuses on a group of only 10 plants to teach simple techniques for easily identifying any plant, including trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses. ferns and mosses. “Learn 10…” is a fun and interactive way to learn plants and develop a deeper appreciation of the natural world.

Group Gravel Ride with Woodland Cycles
2019-06-26 18:00 - 19:30 | Woodland Cycles, 24 South Main Street, Milford, NY, 13807, United States
Check out some of the best gravel and B-roads Otsego County has to offer. Hang out at the shop after for free refreshments and great company! All rides leave Woodland Cycles at 6 pm. Ride at your own pace. For people who are new to gravel riding or want to take it easy, learn new routes, and enjoy the scenery and the company. There will still be a good amount of climbing but climb at your own pace. This is a no-drop ride. Refreshments after the ride. The ride is approximately 1-1.5 hours. Rides are offered every Wednesday at 6 pm through August 28, and alternate between easy and expert level.

Water Chestnut Control - Silver Lake
2019-06-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Silver Lake, Silver Lake Road, New Berlin, NY, 13411, United States
Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is spreading at this 40-acre lake on the western edge of Otsego County. Join OCCA and members of the Silver Lake community as we seek out and remove this pernicious invasive. Lunch will be provided by the lake’s owner to volunteers afterward. Note: outside watercraft are not permitted at Silver Lake.
Please use the registration form to sign up and reserve space in a canoe/kayak.

New Island Group Bike Ride
2019-06-28 17:45 - 19:00 | NY
Join Otsego Bicylces for a no-drop, off-road ride to New Island. Fun for all ages and abilities, Eye protection is recommended. Meet at the store (75 Water Street, Oneonta) at 5:45 pm.

Group Gravel Ride (Expert)
2019-07-03 18:00 - 19:30 | NY
Check out some of the best gravel and B-roads Otsego County has to offer. Faster pace gravel ride for people who have ridden gravel before. More elevation gain, but regroup at the top of climbs. More technical descending. This is still not a “hammer-fest,” but for experienced riders who want a faster paced ride. Expert gravel is a no-drop ride. Refreshments after the ride. The ride is approximately 1-1.5 hours. Hang out at the shop after for free refreshments and great company!

Paddle and Pull - Goodyear Lake
2019-07-07 13:00 - 16:00 | NY
Enjoy a pleasant day on Goodyear Lake and help combat invasive species at the same time! Water chestnut (Trapa natans), a highly invasive aquatic plant, once covered multiple acres of Goodyear Lake’s “Stump Lot”. A concerted effort by OCCA, the Goodyear Lake Association and scores of volunteers over the years has reduced the water chestnut population significantly, but pulling is still needed to keep it in check.
Bring your own canoe/kayak, or reserve space in one of ours (free, but pre-registration is required).
Meet at the New York State Fishing Access Site in Portlandville, State Route 28, Portlandville. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.
This event is part of New York’s Invasive Species Awareness Week.
