iSPY Invasive Species Paddle with CRISP
2026-07-18 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Crumhorn Fishing Access Site, H345+P3, Maryland, New York
Ever wondered what those bright yellow irises or feathery plants clogging up waterways are? Join the Catskill Center’s CRISP Aquatic Invasive Species Manager, Sarah Coney, and the Otsego County Conservation Association to “sus” out aquatic invaders along the Susquehanna River.
We’ll focus on invasive plant and animal species found in the Susquehanna River, how they were introduced, how they impact the environment and our communities, and how to identify them, all while enjoying a leisurely paddle. This stretch of river is slow, meandering, and suitable for most experience levels, though participants should be prepared for a 3-mile trip.
Participants are asked to bring their own watercraft (cleaned, drained, and dried) and should plan to be on the river for approximately three hours. We encourage participants to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else needed to stay safe and comfortable. Life jackets are required and will be provided if needed. The event will be rescheduled if thunderstorms are predicted.
If you do not have your own watercraft, visit Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales in Portlandville or call (607-286-7349) for information on renting one. We are unable to provide transportation from the DEC Portlandville Fishing Access Site back to the DEC Crumhorn Fishing Access site, so please be sure you have planned for this.
Advance registration is required. Sign up with OCCA

Adult Learn to Row
2026-07-20 - 2026-07-22, 2026-08-24 - 2026-08-26 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
2026 Group Class Schedule:
Classes are offered as 3-evening sessions, held weeknights from 6:00–8:30 PM.

Session 1: June 22, 23 & 24
Session 2: June 29, 30 & July 1
Session 3: July 20, 21 & 22
Session 4: August 24, 25 & 26

How It Works:

Group Classes: $150 per person for a full session (3 evenings).
A minimum of 3 participants is required for each session.
No refunds after a session is scheduled with the Coach.

Typical Curriculum:

Boat handling and water safety
Basic rowing stroke on an ergometer (indoor rower)
Coached on-water rows in stable singles or doubles (with pontoons if needed)
As you progress: rowing in team boats or solo in a racing single.

We emphasize:

Safety: (stopping the boat, handling wind/weather)
Comfort and enjoyment on the water.

Sign up at https://otsegoarearowing.org/join/

Youth Learn to Row Camp
2026-07-20 - 2026-07-24, 2026-08-24 - 2026-08-28 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Youth Learn to Row with Otsego Area Rowing
Ages: 13–18 (middle and high school students) Season: Summer sessions (on-water); optional indoor meetups during the off-season Our Youth Learn to Row program introduces middle and high school students to the sport of rowing in a fun, safe, and beginner-friendly environment. No prior experience is needed! Rowers will learn the basics of sculling (rowing with two oars) using stable boats and rowing machines to build confidence before venturing onto the lake. Classes are typically offered as one-week summer camps, with small-group instruction from experienced volunteer coaches – including certified OAR members and former competitive rowers. We emphasize teamwork, water safety, and fitness in an enjoyable setting. Many participants discover not just a new sport, but also new friends and a sense of personal confidence!
What Youth Participants Learn:

Boathouse & Equipment Basics – how to carry boats, oars, and set up a rowing shell.
Safe Boat Handling – getting in and out of the boat, balance techniques (with pontoons for added stability if needed).
Rowing Stroke Fundamentals – practice on land (ergometer/rowing machine) and then on the water.
Rowing Terminology – parts of the boat, commands, and how to row as part of a crew.
Water Safety Practices – including what to do in the rare event of a capsize (coaches are always nearby in a safety launch).

By the end of a Learn to Row camp, youth participants will be able to confidently row on Otsego Lake – and most importantly, they’ll have fun and feel a sense of accomplishment. Consistent attendance during the session is important for safety and skill development.
Cost:
The Youth Learn to Row program is approximately $125 per week-long session, which covers all equipment, coaching, and facility use. As a community-based nonprofit, we strive to keep this fee low. Financial assistance may be available – please contact us if cost is a concern.
2026 Camp Sessions:

Session 1: July 20 – July 24, 2026 (Mon–Fri, 9am–12pm)
Session 2: August 24 – 28, 2026 (Mon–Fri, 9am–12pm)

Sessions are held at Brookwood Point. Space is limited – early registration is encouraged. Successful completion of a Learn to Row session also qualifies students for the Youth Racing Team, if they wish to continue rowing with OAR.
Sign up at https://otsegoarearowing.org/join/

Wilderness First Responder Class
2026-07-25 - 2026-08-01 | Hartwick College Pine Lake Campus, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820
This course is the industry standard for outdoor leaders. Learn advanced assessment, long-term care and emergency leadership in the backcountry. The cost is $850
For more information or to register, go here

Paddle & Pull Water Chestnut at Canadarago Lake
2026-07-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Canadarago Lake Boat Launch, 135 Dennison Road, Richfield Springs, NY, 13439, United States
Join CRISP, the Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA), and the Canadarago Lake Improvement Association (CLIA) for a hands-on day on the water to survey for and remove invasive water chestnut.
Participants can explore the Canadarago Lake shoreline to search for water chestnut (Trapa natans) or join a paddle down Oaks Creek to help remove any plants we find. Along the way, you’ll learn how this invasive species threatens the Canadarago ecosystem, impacts recreation, how to identify it, and how it can be effectively managed.
Participants are asked to bring their own watercraft (cleaned, drained, and dried) and should plan to be on the river for approximately three to four hours. We encourage participants to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else needed to stay safe and comfortable. Life jackets are required and will be provided if needed. The event will be rescheduled if thunderstorms are predicted.
Advance registration is required, sign up with OCCA

Pine Lake Community BBQ
2026-07-25 12:00 - 16:00 | Hartwick College Pine Lake Campus, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820
Celebrate 55 years at Pine Lake! Join our Community BBQ. Free food, yard games, and lakeside fun. Come help us celebrate our anniversary!

City of the Hills Hike with ADK
2026-08-15 | Table Rock Trails at Hartwick College, Hartwick Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820
In addition to weekly Tuesday hikes, the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club offers all-day Saturday hikes April through October.

These hikes require pre-registration and will be limited to 20 to 25 participants
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.
Free and open to all

This hike will cover Table Rock Trails to Homer Folks, approximately 6 miles

Glimmerglass Triathlon
2026-08-22 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Join Clark Sports Center for an unforgettable multisport adventure at Glimmerglass State Park, where natural beauty meets endurance challenge! Participants will complete three exciting segments—paddle, bike, and run—set against the scenic backdrop of Otsego Lake and the historic Hyde Hall grounds. Whether you’re racing solo or teaming up, this event offers a unique way to explore the beauty of Glimmerglass while testing your endurance across land and water.
Event Info:
Packet Pickup: Participant packets can be picked up on Friday from 3 to 6 pm, or Saturday from 6:00 – 8am at Glimmerglass State Park
Day of Registration: Participants will be able to register at packet pickup on Friday night from 5-7pm or on Saturday from 6-8am on Saturday morning at Glimmerglass State Park.
Equipment Staging: Bikes and kayaks/canoes can dropped off in staging areas Saturday morning only from 6-8am.
Participants are required to provide their own equipment for the race (bikes, kayaks/canoes, flotation devices, etc). Rentals available through registration process. Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales are offering canoe and kayak rentals for any racer needing one. Simply go to the registration page and a question will lead you to the rental.
Start Time: Race will kick of at 9am with the paddle portion followed by the bike, then the run.
Race Info:
Paddle – 1.5 Miles
Type: Kayak or Canoe
Route: Begin at the beachfront, paddling through the protected waters of Glimmerglass Bay on picturesque Otsego Lake.
Transition: Finish at the beach and head to the nearby lakefront pavilion to begin the bike segment.
Bike – 18 Miles
Route: Ride north of the park along quiet secondary roads, ideal for a fast and scenic ride.
Staging: Bikes will be staged near the lakefront pavilion for a smooth transition from paddle to ride.
Run – 5K
Route: This year’s run is a shortened 5K course (previously 10K) that includes a crossing of the historic Hyde Hall foot bridge and winds through the wooded trails and open spaces of Glimmerglass State Park.
Finish: Wrap up your race with cheering spectators and lakefront views!

Team Option – 3 or 4-Person Relay
Want to share the challenge? Register as a relay team!
Format: Teams of 3 or 4 racers can each take on one segment (paddle, bike, or run).
Benefit: Enjoy the event as a fun, collaborative experience—perfect for friends, family, or coworkers!

Butternut Valley Gravel Grinder
2026-08-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Butternuts Beer and Ale, 4020 NY-51, Garrattsville, New York, 13342
Kicking off Butternut Valley Days is the Butternut Valley Gravel Grinder, founded in 2019 in partnership with Central New York Cycling. The bike ride (not a race) winds through the hills of the Butternut Valley, starting and ending in Garrattsville at Butternuts Beer and Ale Brewery.
Choose to ride a 48-mile Long Route or the 16-mile Short Route. Register today!
The Gravel Grinder is a part of Butternut Valley Days, a multi-day celebration of the Valley with events throughout the region. Learn more about Butternut Valley Days here.

Free Fishing Day
2026-09-26, 2026-11-11
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!).
2026 Free Fishing Days Schedule

February 14-15 (President’s Day Weekend)
June 27-28
September 26 (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.
Did you know? Some libraries let you borrow fishing rods with a library card! Also, check out the Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited for great fishing advice and programming.
