Otsego Outdoors

Water Chestnut Removal at Goodyear Lake
2023-08-05 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Goodyear Lake, State Route 28, Portlandville, NY, United States
Water chestnut, an invasive plant that is highly disruptive to aquatic ecosystems, has been staging a comeback in Goodyear Lake. Take to the waters to help reduce the population of water chestnut. Bring your own watercraft, or reserve a space in an OCCA canoe.
Register at occainfo.org
Meet at the Fishing Access Site on NY Route 28 in Portlandville

Hike with ADK at College Camp
2023-07-25 08:00 - 17:00 | SUNY Oneonta College Camp, College Camp Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
The Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club offers a guided hike every Tuesday. These hikes are open to all.
Please contact the hike leader for more information. Details at https://susqadk.org/outing-schedule/
Participating in this event counts toward the Otsego Outdoors Summer Octet Challenge

Queer Paddle and Picnic
2023-07-23 14:00 - 17:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Paddle and Picnic at Brookwood Point. Try out new equipment or stay dry and relax on shore. We will have a variety of kayaks and paddleboards to test out. Snacks will be provided and you are welcome to bring your own as well!
Register using this form
Participating in this event counts toward the Summer Octet Challenge.

Hike with ADK at Hunt's Pond
2023-07-18 09:45 - 12:00 | Hunt’s Pond State Forest, Hunts Pond Road, South New Berlin, New York
The Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club offers a guided hike every Tuesday. These hikes are open to all. Please contact the hike leader for more information. Details at https://susqadk.org/outing-schedule/

Learn 10 Trees
2023-07-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
The NY Flora Association and the Leatherstocking Botanical Society are collaborating to present a botanical training program pioneered by the NYFA. During the course of the afternoon participants will learn how to use identification keys, how to create their own keys and will learn the diagnostic features of a host of native tree species.
Most walking will be on trails so appropriate footwear should be used. Be prepared with snacks, adequate water, and sunscreen and appropriate clothing for the forecast. Ticks may be present so be prepared to repel.
If you have any questions about the trip before registering, contact glimmerglass@nyflora.org.
All NYFA field trips are free and open to all. Donations to NYFA welcome. https://nyflora.org/events-directory/?fbclid=IwAR2SbElbHRJWcqi4mM9NJIkct1ojGnp8e53ScrN1pEIbBhyaWnmdnkppz5M

Plein Air Painting at Brookwood Gardens
2023-07-15 10:00 - 2023-07-16 16:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Come try your hand at painting, guided by a professional artist OR just come watch painters and stroll the gardens!

For more information, contact the Otsego Land Trust

Summer Hike at Table Rock
2023-07-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Table Rock Trails at Hartwick College, Hartwick Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820
Join OCCA educator Shelby MacLeish for a mid-summer hike that will offer an excellent view of the valley below. Don’t let the July heat deter you, we will let the weather be our guide for how far and how fast we hike.
This event is free and open to anyone. Please register using the form below. If you have questions, contact Shelby MacLeish at 607-547-4488 or via email at coordinator@occainfo.org Register using this form
All welcome, good for kids and adults. Participating in this hike counts toward the Summer Octet Challenge.

Water Chestnut Pull at Goodyear Lake
2023-07-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Goodyear Lake, State Route 28, Portlandville, NY, United States

Chop and Cheese
2023-06-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Get your hands dirty at Mohican Farm! Join the Otsego County Conservation Association as we continue our efforts to eliminate Japanese knotweed at Mohican Farm in Springfield. We’ll spend time cutting back the above ground portion of the plant and digging up the rhizomes. When we’re finished, enjoy some light refreshments in the garden. Bring gardening gloves, hand pruners, and a beverage of choice; we’ll provide the knotweed, grubbing tools, and the cheese! Please sign up using this form
Participating in this event counts toward the Otsego Outdoors Summer Octet.

Hike or Paddle with the ADK at Goodyear Lake
2023-06-27 09:45 - 12:00 | Goodyear Lake Waterway Access, Silliman Cove Road, Maryland, New York
Meet at the Goodyear Lake Waterway Access and join members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club for a paddle or a hike. Please arrive by 9:45 for sign-in and announcements. Hike/paddle will commence at 10:00 and finish by noon. Hike/paddle Leaders Jim Austin 607 437-5734, Tom Austin 607-435-8107.
Participating in this event counts toward the Otsego Outdoors Summer Octet Challenge.

Water Chestnut Pull on Goodyear Lake
2023-06-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Goodyear Lake, State Route 28, Portlandville, NY, United States

Free Fishing Day (New York State)
2023-06-24 - 2023-06-25 | 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!).
2023 Free Fishing Days Schedule

February 18-19 (President’s Day Weekend)
June 24-25
September 23 (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.

Be Informed Lecture Series: What is a Healthy Lake
2023-06-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Dr. Kiyoko Yokota, an associate professor in limnology at SUNY Oneonta will speak on June 21st at 7 pm giving a talk entitled, “What is a Healthy Lake?” She will cover basic lake ecology, covering both physical and biological factors that determine the quality of water found in a waterbody.
Yokota’s research interests include phytoplankton (incl. cyanobacterial bloom) dynamics, microplastic-phytoplankton interaction, biogeochemical cycling, and the impact of climate change on lakes. She also serves as the Technical Advisor for the Otsego Lake Association and is current President of the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS).
This program is free and open to anyone. Sign up at https://occainfo.org/calendar/be-informed-lecture-series-what-is-a-healthy-lake/

Get the Kids Out: Family Hike at Gilbert Lake State Park
2023-06-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Join OCCA educator Shelby MacLeish for a family hike at Gilbert Lake State Park. We will meet at the trailhead on Cabin Colony Road before hitting the trail. Our hike will take us to ponds, a beaver lodge and through thick forest, great for shade on a sunny afternoon. We will practice tree identification, hunt for local wildlife, and get to know the flora and fauna of Gilbert Lake State Park.
Gilbert Lake State Park is located at 18 CCC Road, Laurens, NY 13796. This event is free and open to anyone. Please register at https://occainfo.org/calendar/get-the-kids-out-gilbert-lake-state-park/

If you have questions, contact Shelby MacLeish at 607-547-4488 or via email at coordinator@occainfo.org

Father's Day Fishing Clinic with Trout Unlimited
2023-06-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Neahwa Park, Bertus Lauren Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Come join the Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited at Hodges Pond in Neahwa Park for a fun fishing derby. Free registration upon arrival. Rain or shine

Trail Volunteer Training/Work Day at Basswood
2023-06-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Basswood Pond State Forest, 500 Conservation Road, Burlington, NY, 13315, United States
Let’s get the trails at Basswood Pond State Forest ready for the summer. Join OCCA for a hands-on volunteer training. We will be working to make a path through the clear cut. Please sign up using this form
Meet at the Basswood Pond State Forest parking lot on Jacobs Road the north side of the state forest.
Afterward, volunteers will have the option to adopt a portion of state forest trails to care for throughout the season.

Upper Susquehanna River Historic Sojourn
2023-06-17 07:00 - 17:00 | NY
Join the Unadilla Historical Association for a leisurely canoe trip on the Susquehanna River from Wells Bridge to Sidney featuring speakers on river ecology, river stewardship, Native American waterways, recreational river trails and much, much more. Breakfast, Lunch at Muddy River Brewery, backpack, river trail markers provided.
The cost is $50 per person, and the trip will be limited to 40 people.
To take part, email sginkusa@gmail or Unadillahistorical@yahoo.com for a itinerary map, reservation form and free Awestruck drink card.

Read the Daily Star article about the event

Homeschool Nature Hike at Emmons Pond Bog
2023-06-16 12:00 - 13:30 | Emmons Pond Bog Preserve, 2028 White Hill Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
For some of you this hike may be a repeat but that’s okay because now we can see what the trail looks like in early summer. Join OCCA to explore the trail along the bog, stopping to identify trees, play games and watch for birds. Note we will be meeting on the third Friday in June due to a scheduling conflict.
Emmons Pond Bog is located at 2028 White Hill Rd, Oneonta, NY 13820. This event is free and open to anyone. Please register in advance at https://occainfo.org/calendar/homeschool-nature-hike-emmons-pond-bog/

If you have questions, contact Shelby MacLeish at 607-547-4488 or via email at coordinator@occainfo.org

Hyde Hall and Glimmerglass State Park Block Party
2023-06-10 10:00 - 15:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Join the community at Hyde Hall and Glimmerglass State Park for a day of crafts, music, food, books, and more to celebrate the summer season.

Invasive Species Control on Silver Lake
2023-06-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Silver Lake, Silver Lake Road, New Berlin, NY, 13411, United States
Join OCCA and the Silver Lake community for an enjoyable day of invasive species control! We’ll paddle on a beautiful, 40-acre lake in New Berlin in search of water chestnut and European frog-bit, two invasive plants that are impacting the lake. Free, but please register at occainfo.org to receive directions to our meeting location.

Learn to Row Open House
2023-06-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Join Otsego Area Rowing for a Learn to Row Open House at Brookwood Point on Otsego Lake.
Free and open to all ages.
Rain date is June 17.

On the Trail of Art
2023-06-10 - 2023-06-11 | General Jacob Morris State Forest, Dimmock Hollow Road, Morris, NY, 13326, United States
The Butternut Valley Alliance presents On the Trail of Art, a free arts festival in General Jacob Morris State Forest, featuring works by professional artists and local schoolchildren. There will also be art demonstrations, participation art, strolling performance artists, and plein air painters. This event is part of the Otsego Outdoors Spring Octet Challenge.
Reservations required The event will run 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday, June 10 and 9 am to 4 pm on Sunday, June 11.
Directions
From Morris: Route 23 west, go 3 miles to Dimmock Hollow Road. Turn left, go 3/4 miles to Creighton Road. Turn right, go 1 mile to George Wells Road. Turn left, go 3/4 mile to Pittsley Road. Turn right. Park along roadside.
From Gilbertsville village center: Route 51 north, go 2 miles to Nichols Road. Turn left, go 3 miles to Pittsley Road. Turn left, go 1 mile to trail entrance. Park along roadside.
Sculpture on display at Texas School House State Forest, On the Trail of Art 2021.
Artwork hanging between trees, On the Trail of Art 2021.

Chop & Cheese
2023-06-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
It’s back! Japanese knotweed, that is, and that means Chop & Cheese is back, too. Join the Otsego County Conservation Association as it continues its efforts at eliminating a patch of the highly invasive plant, Japanese knotweed at Mohican Farm in Springfield. We’ll cut back the plants and dig up the roots, and then we’ll enjoy light refreshments overlooking Otsego Lake in Mohican Farm’s beautiful garden. Bring work gloves, hand pruners, and a beverage of choice. We’ll supply the knotweed, bags and soft drinks and snacks. Please sign up in advance at https://occainfo.org/calendar/chop-cheese-4/

Plant the Garden at Brookwood Point
2023-06-06 13:00 - 16:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Volunteer with the Otsego Land Trust for the annual spring planting and gardening day at beautiful Brookwood Point Conservation Area historic gardens.

The Land Trust needs all of the hands we can get to wake the garden back up and get it in tip-top shape for the summer.

It should be a fun afternoon enjoying the lakeside garden and getting our hands dirty as a community.

Please let the Land Trust know you can come to help out, on Sunday, June 4 from 1 pm-4pm and/or on Tuesday, June 6 from 1 pm – 4pm.

Plant the Garden at Brookwood Point
2023-06-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
The Land Trust needs all of the hands we can get to wake the garden back up and get it in tip-top shape for the summer.

It should be a fun afternoon enjoying the lakeside garden and getting our hands dirty as a community.

Please let the Land Trust know you can come to help out, on Sunday, June 4 from 1 pm-4pm and/or on Tuesday, June 6 from 1 pm – 4pm.

Water Chestnut Pull at Goodyear Lake
2023-06-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Goodyear Lake, State Route 28, Portlandville, NY, United States
Volunteers needed!
Kick of New York’s annual Invasive Species Awareness Week by getting an early start on controlling invasive water chestnut at Goodyear Lake’s “stump lot.” Bring your own watercraft or reserve a space in one of OCCA’s when you register at occainfo.org.
Meet at the New York State Fishing Access Site on NY State Route 28 in Portlandville.

Girls on the Run 5K
2023-06-04 10:00 - 15:00 | Neahwa Park, Bertus Lauren Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
The Girls on the Run Central New York 5 K is open to the public. Festivities begin at 10 am. Run, roll, push, walk or hop your way across the finish line. Come early for the DJ and live Zumba. Race begins at noon. Register in advance at https://www.girlsontheruncny.org/5k

Rotary District 7170 Susquehanna Paddle
2023-06-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Crumhorn Fishing Access Site, H345+P3, Maryland, New York
Rotary District 7170 is conducting a paddle event on the Susquehanna River defined below. This event is open to the public. The purpose is to enjoy our natural assets and to learn more about environmental sustainability. There will be an event party for each event with snacks, and drinks. Rotary and other environmental sustainability organizations will have information available. The fee is $10.00 per adult (18 and over) to help defray costs. Children under 18 are free. A waiver of liability is required for each participant and should be brought to the event. The cut-off date for registration is three days prior to each event. Checks should be made out to Rotary District 7170.
June 3: Crumhorn Pond (DEC Fishing Access Area) to Portlandville – 9 AM, 3.5 miles (about 1 hour) or to Goodyear Lake Waterway Access at Silliman Cove 6.5 miles (about 2 hours). Event party next to Canoe and Kayak in Portlandville. For rentals call 607-286-7349.
Please fill out this form to register for the 2023 Paddle Event and send to jsmith1532@aol.com or call 607-754-0673. You will receive an email or phone call at a later date to verify final details of the event. We will also provide guide for cleaning your canoe or kayak of invasive species. Any questions can be directed to Kevin Millar at kjmilow@gmail.com or call 607-687-3263.

2023 Race the Lake Marathon & Half-Marathon, 10K/5K
2023-06-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
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 10K and 5k race will begin at 9:00am in Glimmerglass State Park. All races finish together in Glimmerglass State Park. This year, Race the Lake has teamed with America’s VetDogs to raise funds and awareness for this outstanding cause. America’s VetDogs supports our veterans and first responders.
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 the Glimmerglass Festival, 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!

More information and to register: https://www.clarksportscenter.com/events/2023-race-the-lake-marathon-half-marathon/

Queer Solidarity Stroll
2023-05-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Robert V. Riddell State Park, NY-28, just north of I-88 Exit 17, Davenport, New York, 13750
Join the Otsego County Conservation Association for the first of its queer organized and led outdoor event series! This light hike is designed to give you time to connect with the outdoors as well as other queer people. Make a new friend, swap tips on finding gender-affirming gear or fun trails, or simply enjoy a walk in good company. No gear besides sneakers, water, and a snack will be necessary.
We will meet at Robert V. Riddell State Park in Davenport at 10am. For further details please contact Will Kuss at 607-375-7280 (call or text as you prefer) or water@occainfo.org. This program is free. Please register in advance at https://occainfo.org/calendar/queer-solidarity-stroll/
