Otsego Outdoors

Family Hike at Wilber Park
2023-04-29 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Wilber Park, Albert Morris Drive, Oneonta, New York, 13820
Come explore the lesser known trails in Oneonta’s Wilber Park with OCCA Education Specialist Liz Brown. We’ll look for signs of spring as we hike up the ridge above Oneonta Creek. Come prepared to walk 2-3 miles along steep terrain, with elevation gain of around 300′. To get to the upper pavilion, enter Wilber Park at Center Street and follow Wilber Park Drive to the parking area. Program is free, but please register in advance on the Otsego County Conservation Association website.

Drive-Thru, Drop Off Recycling (Volunteers Needed)
2023-04-29 12:00 - 15:00 | Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown, New York, 13326
This year, Earth Festival and Drive-Thru, Drop-Off Recycling (DTDO) are separate events. We hope that you’ll be able to join OCCA for both. If you can volunteer at the Drive-Thru, Drop-Off Recycling event, please contact Jeff O’Handley (and that counts toward the Spring Octet Challenge!)
OCCA will be hosting DTDO at Brewery Ommegang again this year. Free registration is available here. If you have any questions, please contact Anna at 607-547-4488 or coordinator@occainfo.org.

Rink Roll Up at Badger Park
2023-04-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Badger Park, Beaver Street, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Join Cooperstown Friends of the Park to roll up the liner for the ice rink at Badger Park. Helping out at this event counts toward the Otsego Outdoors Spring Octet Challenge.

Badger Park is located on Beaver Street, behind the CVS and Price Chopper on Chestnut Street in Cooperstown.

Trail Volunteers Training
2023-04-22 10:00 - 12:30 | Basswood Pond State Forest, 500 Conservation Road, Burlington, NY, 13315, United States
Spend Earth Day at Basswood Pond State Forest learning how to take care of trails. The goal is to create a corps of trained volunteers who “adopt” portions of state forests trails to keep local trails in good shape for all of us.
OCCA is seeking volunteers to adopt portions of hiking trails in Basswood Pond, Arnold Lake and Milford State Forests. Join us at Basswood Pond State Forest in Burlington and learn the ins and outs of basic trail maintenance. We’ll cover some of the rules and regulations of working in a state forest and get our hands dirty with practical experience, too.
Not yet registered but still want to participate? Please email Jeff O’Handley at OCCA by Friday at 2 pm, and he’ll get you the information you need.
This program is being offered in conjunction with Otsego Outdoors.
Thank you for your willingness to help out!
Postponed from March 25 and April 1. Date will be confirmed with registered participants on Thursday, April 19.

Morris Earth Day Clean Up
2023-04-22 09:00 | Morris Firehouse, 117 Main Street, Morris, New York
Help the Butternut Valley Alliance, Morris Rotary, and the Morris Central School Science Club in a Roadside and Community Clean up and Recycling Collection.

Wetlands not Wastelands at Oneonta Railyards
2023-04-19 13:00 | Oneonta Railyards, Roundhouse Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820
Join Otsego Now and the Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful Campaign to clean up litter at the Oneonta Railyards, home to 27-acres of protected wetlands. All supplies will be provided. Just show up or register here
Meet at the corner of Roundhouse Road and Fonda Avenue at 1 pm. No set end time. Questions? Email ggardner@otsegonow.com
Participating in this event counts toward the Otsego Outdoors Spring Octet Challenge.

Hike with ADK at College Camp
2023-04-18 09:45 - 12:00 | SUNY Oneonta College Camp, College Camp Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Join members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) for a guided hike. Free and open to all. For more information, go to susqadk.org

Earth Festival
2023-04-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Milford Central School, 42 W Main Street, Milford, NY, 13807, United States
The OCCA Earth Festival is back! Join us for a fun and informative day at Milford Central School. The event will include our traditional vendor and information fair, food, kids activities, and more!

Glimmerglass Volunteer Trail Maintenance Day
2023-04-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Meet at the Sleeping Lion Trailhead at 9 am. All participants need to sign a waiver on site. Work includes tread re-construction, moderate to hard work, and hiking up to one mile. Gloves, boots and light hand tools recommended.
Hosted by the Friends of Glimmerglass State Park, the Clark Sports Center, Otsego Composite Mountain Bike Race Team, and Woodland Cycles.

Homeschool Nature Day at Texas School House State Forest
2023-04-14 12:00 - 13:30 | Texas Schoolhouse State Forest, Mount Vision, NY, 13810, United States
Let’s take a hike at Texas Schoolhouse State Forest and explore the early signs of spring (we hope)! We will look for signs of animals foraging for food, and buds on trees and see if we can find the local beaver. As we make our way along the blue trail, we will identify flora and fauna and play nature games.
The program is free and open to everyone. To sign up for the program, use this form. For more information, contact Education Specialist Shelby MacLeish at education@occainfo.org. The trailhead is located on Jones Rd. in Mt Vision, about .4 miles west of the intersection of Jones and Texas Roads on the south side of the road.

Woodcock Walk at Parslow Road Conservation Area
2023-04-13 18:45 - 19:45 | Parslow Road Conservation Area, 127 Parslow Road, Oaksville, NY, 13337, United States
On Thursday, April 13 from 6:45 to 7:45 PM, join Otsego Land Trust and Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society for a Woodcock Walk at the Parslow Road Conservation Area. DOAS local environmental educators Charlie Scheim and Sandy Bright will lead a walk to observe the spring mating ritual of the woodcock.
Please register at: https://otsegolandtrust.org/events/woodcockwalk

The woodcock usually spends its time hidden on the forest floor probing for earthworms in moist soil, but on spring evenings males perform a dance in scrub fields to attract potential mates. This wonderful display occurs in three parts: the strut, the launch skyward, and the spiral back to earth accompanied by buzzy calls and twittering wing sounds. The walk will begin at 7:00 PM in the parking lot with a short introduction to the woodcock and its habits, and a walk on the trail listening and looking for the birds that inhabit this protected property. The sun is expected to set around 7:30 pm at which time the group will position itself in the best location to view and count the Woodcocks. 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. Waterproof footwear, a headlamp or flashlight, and binoculars are recommended.
American Woodcock spend most of their time hidden in fields and on the forest floor, where they probe for earthworms. But on spring nights, males perform very conspicuous displays, giving a buzzy “peent” call, then launching into the air. Their erratic display flight includes a distinctive, twittering flight sound and ends with a steep dive back to the ground. The wet thickets, shrubby swamps, and open fields at Parslow Road Conservation Area are ideal habitats for these interesting birds that have unfortunately seen a population decline over the years.

(This event was rescheduled from April 22)

Hike with ADK at Riddell State Park
2023-04-11 09:45 - 12:00 | Robert V. Riddell State Park, NY-28, just north of I-88 Exit 17, Davenport, New York, 13750

Get the Kids Out: Mohican Farm
2023-04-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
April vacation is the perfect time to hike, and by Wednesday, we’ll all need to get out of the house! The trail at Mohican is rich in diversity, which will give us a chance to notice the winter season melt away with the promise of spring. Our hike will take the group through several habitats, including an open meadow, wetland, forest, and lake edge. We will keep our eyes open for animal tracks, shells, feathers, and other signs of the natural world. Dress for the weather and plan for mud.
The program is free and open to everyone. If you want more information, contact Education Specialist Shelby MacLeish at education@occainfo.org. To sign up, go to https://occainfo.org/calendar/get-the-kids-out-mohican-farm/

Hike with ADK at New Island
2023-04-04 09:45 - 12:00 | New Island, Oneonta, New York

Joker Run/Walk
2023-04-01 08:30 - 12:30 | YFC Teen Center, 16 Watson Street, Unadilla
For all ages. Costumes encouraged. 3.6 mile run or 1.1 mile walk
Date: April 1st. Saturday.
Registration: 8:30AM – 10:00AM.
Race starts: 10:30AM.
Location: Teen Center, 16 Watson St. Unadilla.
Benefits: YFC Teen Center.
Register the morning of the race 8:30 am – 10:00 am at the Teen Center in Unadilla

Hike with ADK at SUNY College Camp
2023-03-28 09:45 - 12:00 | SUNY Oneonta College Camp, College Camp Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Join members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) for a guided hike at College Camp. Free and open to all. For more information, go to susqadk.org

Not So Frozen Toes Trail Run
2023-03-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
This is a challenging off-road 5 mile course that travels the perimeter of the Clark Sports Center property and the wooded trails. Race held in all weather conditions. Pre-registration will be held in the Main Lobby from 8:30–9:30am.
Register $25

Hike with ADK at Neahwa Park
2023-03-21 09:45 - 11:30 | Neahwa Park, Bertus Lauren Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Join members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) for a guided hike around Neahwa Park. Free and open to all. For more information, go to susqadk.org

Get the Kids Out!
2023-03-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, 133 Davis Road, Schenevus, New York, 12155
Celebrate a day off from school and St. Patrick’s Day by taking a hike! Andy’s Trail in Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park is a perfect place to explore. The walk will take us through woods, over streams, and near ponds, where we will play games, look for signs of spring and see how many shades of green we can find. Hopefully, a pot of gold will be waiting for us at the end of the hike! Dress for the weather and plan for mud. Free and open to all. Sign up at occainfo.org If you have questions, contact Education Specialist, Shelby MacLeish education@occainfo.org.
Free

Hike with ADK at Gilbert Lake State Park
2023-03-14 09:45 - 11:30 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Join members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) for a guided hike at Gilbert Lake State Park. Free and open to all. For more information, go to susqadk.org

Homeschool Nature Group (OCCA)
2023-03-10 12:00 - 13:30 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Join OCCA Education Specialist, Shelby MacLeish for this freewheeling exploration of Gilbert Lake State Park. We will let the weather and trail conditions guide us on how far around the lake we go but as we wander, we will learn about the trees, identify birds and play nature games. To register for this free program, go to the OCCA website. For more information, contact (607) 547-4488 or email eduction@occainfo.org.

Hike with ADK at Fortin Park
2023-03-07 09:45 - 11:30 | Fortin Park, 101 Youngs Road, Oneonta, NY, 13861, United States
Join members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) for a guided hike around Fortin Park. Free and open to all. For more information, go to susqadk.org

Full Moon Celebration
2023-03-05 13:00 - 20:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Gilbert Lake State Park offers a day and evening full of hiking, s’mores making, coloring, fishing and hot cocoa. The park is collecting non-perishable food and self-care items for area food pantries.

Get the Kids Out! Drop off Nature Day
2023-02-22 08:30 - 15:00 | Oneonta World of Learning (OWL), 167 Youngs Road, Oneonta, New York, 13820
Looking for something fun for your kids during the mid-winter recess? Join OCCA and the Oneonta World of Learning (OWL) for this fun day of winter exploration. Education Specialists Shelby MacLeish and Liz Brown will take kids grades K-5 for an exploration of Fortin Park and will also lead crafts and nature games. Everyone should dress for the weather and pack their lunch.
PLEASE NOTE this special drop-off program requires a $25/child fee. To register for the program, visit OWL’s EventBrite page. Register before Feb. 15 for a $5 discount! For more information, contact Shelby MacLeish at education@occainfo.org.

Ice Fishing Clinic (canceled)
2023-02-22 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
UPDATE: Due to lack of ice, this clinic has been canceled. They will hold another one the Wednesday after President’s Day in 2024.
Free ice fishing clinic with instructors from the DEC and NYS Parks! All gear and bait supplied.
3 sessions 9:30-11:00, 11:30-1:00, and 1:30-3:00. Call the park office to register at 607-547-8662.
No rain date- event may be moved to Canadarago Marine Park if conditions are unfavorable at Glimmerglass State Park.

Hike with ADK at Wilber Park
2023-02-21 09:45 - 11:30 | Wilber Park, Albert Morris Drive, Oneonta, New York, 13820
Hike with members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK). All welcome. Free to participate. Meet at 9:45 am for information and announcements. Guided hike begins at 10 am. See susqadk.org for more information.

Naked Eye Astronomy
2023-02-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
The mid-February sky sparkles with arguably the best star field of the year. We will explore many first-magnitude and brighter stars and the constellations with which they are associated. Additionally, the planet Mars will plainly be visible, as will Jupiter and maybe Venus if the horizon permits. We also hope to view the most distant object visible to the naked eye…located 2.5 million light-years away, M31, The Andromeda Galaxy.
Please, bring comfortable folding chairs and dress warmly! We will meet before the presentation in the workshop on site and then return indoors afterward for hot chocolate. Free!

Frozen Toes 5 Miler Trail Run
2023-02-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
The Frozen Toes 5 Miler Trail Run is a challenging off-road 5 mile course that travels the perimeter of the Clark Sports Center property and the wooded trails. 2.5 mile option available. Race held in all weather conditions.
LOCATION
The race takes place on the The Clark Sports Center grounds at 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326.
REGISTRATION
Register online at: https://frozentoes5miler.itsyourrace.com//event.aspx?id=13097
Pre-registration will be held in the Main Lobby, beginning at 10:00am on race day.
COST
$25/person
For more information, please contact Event Director, Doug McCoy, at (607) 547-2800, ext. 111, or visit: https://www.clarksportscenter.com/…/2023-frozen-toes-5…/

Free Fishing Day (New York State)
2023-02-18 - 2023-02-19 | 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.

Hike with ADK at the Greenway Trail
2023-02-14 08:00 - 17:00
Join members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club for a guided hike along the Greenway in Oneonta. Free and open to all. Hikes begin at 10 am, please arrive at 9:45 am for check in and announcements. For more information, contact the Club. https://susqadk.org/outing-schedule/
