Otsego Outdoors

Get the Kids Out: Roughing It
2019-04-17 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | 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.

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

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.

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.

Ticks and Lyme Disease: What You Need to Know
2019-02-20 18:30 - 20:00 | 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.

Get the Kids Out: Winter Wandering
2019-02-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Riddell State Park, NY 28 off I-88, Davenport, NY, 13750, United States
Want to have some winter fun? Join OCCA at Robert V. Riddell State Park for a kid-friendly scavenger hunt looking for signs of life in the cold. Meet at 10am at the main parking lot of Robert V. Riddell State Park, Route 28, just north if I-88 Exit 17. Dress for the weather. Free. Sign up at OCCA.

Ice Fishing Clinic
2019-02-20 09:00 - 15:00 | NY
New York State parks will hold a free Ice Fishing Clinic from 9 am to 3 pm at Glimmerglass State Park. Anglers can expect to catch yellow perch and chain pickerel. Sunfish, black crappier, rock bass, black bass, walleye, and lake trout are also present in Otsego Lake. https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7733.html

Presidents' Day Snowshoe Hike
2019-02-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Riddell State Park, NY 28 off I-88, Davenport, NY, 13750, United States
Forget the sales–celebrate our nation’s history with a walk in Robert V. Riddell State Park with Trish and Steve Kent! The Kents donated the land for the park in 2005 and will share some of the property’s interesting history on an invigorating snowshoe hike on the park’s northern–and more forgiving–side. Bring your own snowshoes, water, and dress for the weather. Meet at the Park’s main entrance on State Route 28, just north of I-88 Exit 17. This walk is part of Otsego County Conservation Association’s nature walk series. Free, though pre-registration is appreciated. Visit OCCA for details or to sign up.

CANCELLED Fly Tying Class
2019-02-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Hartwick College Pine Lake Campus, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820
Because of the weather, the fly tying class has been cancelled. The Otsego Land Trust may reschedule it.

Making Tracks and Finding Tracks--Snowshoe Walk
2019-02-09 11:00 - 12:30 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Strap on the snowshoes and hit the trails at the Clark Sports Center. Look for signs of animal life in the snow-covered woods and enjoy some fresh air with Jeff O’Handley of OCCA and Jim Diliberto of the Clark Sports Center. Open to all ages and all skill levels. You must provide your own snowshoes. Meet in the main lobby at the Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. This walk is organized as part of the Cooperstown Winter Carnival. Check the Cooperstown Winter Carnival web page for a full listing of events! Program is free, but pre-registration is appreciated. Visit OCCA to sign up.

Cabin Fever Winter Fest
2019-01-26 11:00 - 15:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Free event at Gilbert Lake State Park features snowshoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, sledding, campfires, kids’ activities, winter camping demos, and winter fun. More info

First Day Hike
2019-01-01 10:00 - 11:30 | NY
Start out the new year at Betty and Wilber State Park. Meet at the Sunset Pavilion and then enjoy a lovely walk through the woods. Warm beverages and granola bars served courtesy of the park. Fleece headbands will also be given away. More information, call 607/547-8662

Over the Top! Mud Lake--CANCELED
2018-10-27 12:00 - 16:00 | Riddell State Park, NY 28 off I-88, Davenport, NY, 13750, United States
***DUE TO IMPENDING POOR WEATHER, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED***
Sorry, for the inconvenience. Unfortunately, no alternate dates are available at this time. We’ll be doing a snowshoe walk in early 2019, and a Mud Lake hike in spring, 2019.

Join OCCA and Steve Kent for an invigorating walk to Mud Lake in Robert V. Riddell State Park. This 3.5-hour, 4.5-mile hike traverses woods rich in beauty, including a 30-foot waterfall, oak and hemlock groves, and Mud Lake, a sphagnum bog at the top of South Hill. Along the way, Steve will share the history of the land that was donated by Steve and his wife, Trish Riddell Kent, in 2005. This is a one-way hike. Meet at noon at the Pine Lake Campus of Hartwick College on Charlotte Creek Road and carpool to the starting point on Gersoni Road. Wear appropriate clothing, bring water and a light snack.

Meet Your State Forester
2018-10-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Basswood Pond State Forest, 500 Conservation Road, Burlington, NY, 13315, United States
New York State Forester Nathan Funk will lead an informative walk through Basswood Pond State Forest. He will talk about the forest’s history, planned forestry actions, and recreational opportunities at the forest. Program is free. Meet at the Basswood Pond State Forest parking area on Conservation Road, Burlington Flats. Free

Get the Kids Out--Trees!
2018-10-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Mohican Farm, 7193 State Highway 80, Springfield, NY, 13326, United States
Need something to do with the kids on Columbus Day? Join OCCA at Mohican Farm and explore the world of trees. We’ll search the property and learn how to tell different kinds from each other, understand the role trees play in our world, and have fun! Meet at OCCA’s office at Mohican Farm, 7207 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. Free.

Trees-Guardians of the Susquehanna
2018-10-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Doubleday Field, 1 Doubleday Court, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
OCCA Executive Director Leslie Orzetti leads this walk along Willow Brook from Doubleday Field to Otsego Lake in Cooperstown. The walk will talk about trees as a vital part of the stream ecosystem, their benefits, and programs that help restore riparian buffer ecosystems. Other stops on the walk include Lakefront Park and ending at Council Rock. This walk is sponsored by the Village of Cooperstown through a New York State DEC Urban and Community Forestry grant. The Urban Forestry grants are funded through the state Environmental Protection Fund and are part of New York’s ongoing initiatives to address invasive species, climate change and environmental justice. Meet in front of Doubleday Field in the Village of Cooperstown.

Otsego County Forest Walk
2018-09-26 09:00 - 11:00 | John W. Chase Memorial Forest, Middlefield, Pearsall and Van Cleef Road, Middlefield, NY, United States
Did you know Otsego County owns over 3,600 acres of forest property? Join Joe Sweeney, Forest Technician with the Otsego County Soil & Water Conservation District on a walk through the John W. Chase Memorial Forest in Middlefield and learn about sustainable forest management, best management practices, forest pests, invasive species, and multi-use land management. Meet at the intersection of Middlefield, Van Cleef, and Pearsall Roads in the town of Middlefield.

OCCA Highway Cleanup
2018-09-22 08:00 - 11:00 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Help pick up litter along a two-mile section of NY State Route 80 in Springfield. Safety vests and helmets, gloves, bags will be provided. Meet at OCCA’s office at 7207 State Route 80, Springfield.

Trees of Cooperstown
2018-09-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Pioneer Park, Cooperstown, Main Street and Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Street trees provide far more than pretty scenery. Join OCCA Program Director, Jeff O’Handley on a pleasant stroll around Cooperstown and learn how we benefit from our trees. The walk also includes some basics of tree anatomy and identification, and will highlight how the Village is looking to protect this important resource. This walk is sponsored by the Village of Cooperstown through a New York State DEC Urban and Community Forestry grant. The Urban Forestry Grants are funded through the state Environmental Protection Fund and are part of New York’s ongoing initiatives to address invasive species, climate change and environmental justicee. Meet at Pioneer Park, corner of Pioneer and Main Street, Cooperstown.

ORCA's "Ride-On" for Complete Streets
2018-09-09 08:00 - 17:00 | Richfield Springs Central School, 93 W Main St, Richfield Springs, NY, 13439, United States
Complete Streets are for everyone. They are designed to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work.
The Otsego Regional Cycling Advocates (ORCA) would like you to join them on Sunday, September 9, 2018 when cyclists of all ages and abilities will take part in a multi-distance bicycle ride starting at Richfield Springs Central School. Riders embark on their choice of a 62, 32, 13, or 3 mile ride. It’s our way of promoting the community’s effort to reduce our carbon footprint, and promote healthy lifestyles.
Check in starts at 8:00 am.
62 mile ride – $30 per person – Start at 9:00 AM
32 mile ride – $30 per person – Start at 10:00 AM
13 mile ride – $30 per person – Start at 11:00 AM
3 mile “Family” ride – Free – Start at 12:00 PM
(Click on each ride name to view a map of the route.)
Click here to register for a full ride, or click here to register for the free Family Ride.
All registration fees are non-refundable. The event will be held rain or shine. All riders must wear a helmet and obey all traffic rules. The roads will not be closed to traffic. All children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Children 13-17 must have a parent or guardian sign the release form before they can ride.
*In case of a weather cancellation due to thunder or lightning, check the Otsego Outdoors Facebook page for updates*
To become a sponsor, email marckingsley62@gmail.com.

A Walk on the Flat Side--Riddell State Park
2018-08-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Riddell State Park, NY 28 off I-88, Davenport, NY, 13750, United States
Join Otsego County Conservation Association 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 6:30 p.m. at the Park’s main entrance on State Route 28, just north of I-88 Exit 17. Free, though pre-registration is appreciated. Sign up at OCCA’s website.

OCCA Be Informed Lecture: Heat Smart Otsego
2018-08-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Modern, updated technologies such as ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, and pellet stoves and boilers can reduce heating and cooling costs, reduce emission of greenhouse gases, and can reduce the release of dangerous volatile organic compounds and particulate matter. This program will introduce you to the technologies available, the environmental and economic benefits of those technologies, and provide you with the roadmap for finding the right technology and incentive program for making your home more comfortable and efficient. Bennett Sandler, Campaign Director for Heat Smart Otsego, and a former founding partner of Equity Energy leads the program. Free. To register, visit OCCA’s website.

Paddle and Pull - Goodyear Lake
2018-08-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Goodyear Lake, State Route 28, Portlandville, NY, United States
Help in the fight against invasive species and enjoy a pleasant day on the water! Join OCCA and the Goodyear Lake Association as we paddle around in the “Stump Lot,” the northernmost portion of Goodyear Lake in pursuit of water chestnut, an aquatic invasive plant. You may reserve a space in an OCCA canoe by using the registration form at OCCA’s website, or can bring your own canoe or kayak. Meet at 1pm at the New York State Fishing Access Site on State Route 28 in Portlandville (approximately .15 miles south of Route 35A). Wear clothes that can get wet/muddy, a hat, and bring sunscreen and water.

Amazing Insects All Around Us
2018-07-21 10:00 - 12:00 | NY
Come on a leisurely walk around the SUNY Oneonta College Camp with Dr. Jeffrey Heilveil, Chair of the Biology Department at SUNY Oneonta and resident entomologist, and catch, observe and learn about many of the late summer insects that reside in Otsego County. Insects are fascinating creatures: some are vital to the foods we eat and flowers we love. Others are important food sources for other animals, or we are important food sources for them. Dr. Heilveil will talk about distinguishing characteristics, where to find the species, and some of the astounding life histories of local insects. Suitable for all ages. Program is free, pre-registration preferred at OCCA’s website.

Paddle and Pull - Goodyear Lake
2018-07-08 13:00 - 16:00 | NY
OCCA kicks off Invasive Species Awareness Week with a water chestnut pull in the Stump Lot portion of Goodyear Lake. OCCA and the Goodyear Lake Association have been partnering for a decade on removing the highly invasive water chestnut (Trapa natans) by hand. Come enjoy the results on a leisurely paddle, and we’ll pull any water chestnuts we find. Bring your own canoe/kayak, or reserve space in one of ours! Meet at 1 p.m. at the Portlandville Fishing Access Site on State Route 28, just south of the County Road 35A bridge. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Please pre-register using our online form.

Butternut Creek Paddle--FULL
2018-06-30 10:00 - 12:00 | NY
***UPDATE: THIS PROGRAM IS FULL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!***Butternut Creek is one of Otsego County’s most scenic waterways. Join OCCA and the Butternut Valley Alliance for a relaxing and informative morning paddling down the creek through forests and valleys. The four+ mile paddle starts at the Bailey Road bridge in Morris and ends at County Road 8 in Gilberstville and should take about two hours. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Bring your own canoe/kayak, or reserve a space in one of ours. After the trip, enjoy a picnic lunch along the river (bring your own lunch/water).

Get the Kids Out! Nature Identification
2018-06-27 10:00 - 11:30 | NY
Explore Wilber Park’s different habitats and learn about the common plant and animal species that call Otsego County home with the Otsego County Conservation Association. In this guided exploration, participants will visit stream, woods and fields and learn about the different types of plants and animals found there. All participants will receive a journal to record their observations and will use field guides to identify what they see. Meet at the first parking lot on the lower level of the park. The program is free and open to all ages, pre-registration required at OCCA’s website.

Water chestnut control at Silver Lake
2018-06-22 10:00 - 13:00 | NY
Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is a highly invasive plant that damages aquatic ecosystems, can cause injury, and has infested a number of water bodies in Otsego County. Join OCCA as we control water chestnut in Silver Lake, New Berlin. We’ll take to the water in canoes and pull plants by hand from 10am to 1pm, then enjoy lunch courtesy of the lake’s owner. Space is limited, and no outside canoes/kayaks are permitted. Pre-registration required at OCCA’s website.

OCCA Highway Cleanup
2018-06-09 08:00 - 10:30 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Help keep a 2-mile section of Route 80 in Cooperstown/Springfield looking good! Afterward, enjoy a complimentary coffee and a muffin at Sunflower Cafe in Springfield! Meet at OCCA, 7207 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, at 8am. Wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Gloves, bags, and equipment provided. Ages 12 and up only.

Basswood Pond State Forest Walk
2018-06-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Basswood Pond State Forest, 500 Conservation Road, Burlington, NY, 13315, United States
Take a 2-mile walk on the lower loop in Basswood Pond State Forest in Burlington Flats with Otsego County Conservation Association. The forest includes pine and spruce plantations, mixed hardwoods, a beaver pond and wetlands. Enjoy late spring wildflowers and look for signs of the forest’s abundant wildlife. Meet at 9 am at the main parking area on Conservation Road. Event is free, but pre-registration at OCCA’s website is appreciated.
