Otsego Outdoors

What Happens After Dark Family Hike
2024-08-02 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | DOAS Sanctuary and Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, 52 Grange Hall Road Spur, Oneonta, New York, 13820
Join the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society for an evening family hike.

Rain date: August 9
Families (with children ages 5 and up) will gather for a nighttime activity to explore the wonders about what really happens while we are asleep. Escape those fears of the dark as we step out to learn about some of our local nocturnal species.
Please wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Be sure to also bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Several benches and an accessible Porta-Potty are available on site.
Register online at doas.us/summer2024/

Our Presenters:
Camille Robinson-Parisi is a rising junior at Mount Holyoke College pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and Spanish. This is their first year with DOAS, though they have been a part of many outdoor education summer programs in the past. Cami enjoys spending time outdoors and sharing their knowledge on all things birds!
Kaylee Haig is a graduating senior from SUNY Oneonta who is studying Human Development and Family Studies. This is her first year with DOAS. She has had experience with children of all ages through many different educational programs.
Photo of a Barred Owl by Anthony Goldman/Audubon Photography Awards via doas.us

REGISTER NOW

Open House at the Biological Field Station
2024-08-01 16:00 - 19:00 | SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station, 5838 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station (BFS) is having an Open House at the BFS on Thursday, August 1st from 4 – 7 pm at the Cooperstown campus (5838 State Highway 80). The Open House will highlight the research and work going on at the field station by our faculty, staff, students, and summer interns. We currently have 8 interns in our summer program, 6 undergraduate students and 2 high school students. Much of their work centers around Otsego Lake including studies on algae, invasive mussels, water quality and stream discharge monitoring, the understanding of which is needed for the management of this precious resource. We have other studies on the populations of imperiled mussels and local fisheries resources, and even the discovery of new species! There will be displays, specimens, and a few brief presentations to make it an interactive and fun evening.

Refreshments will be served and, weather permitting, short boat tours offered. Come meet the BFS team and learn about the many things that they do!
The Open House is also a chance to meet Florian Reyda, the new director, and to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Willard Harman, who retired in January after a remarkable 55+ years of service.

Seniors Slow Birding Walk
2024-07-29 08:30 - 10:30 | DOAS Sanctuary and Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, 52 Grange Hall Road Spur, Oneonta, New York, 13820
Join the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society at the DOAS Sanctuary for a beginner-led and beginner-friendly “slow birding” bird walk along the sanctuary trails geared towards adults and seniors. During our walk we will prioritize mindful observation of all of the species that we see around us, taking time to focus on bird behaviors and the significance of how they belong within an environment.

Register online at doas.us/summer2024/

An accessible Porta-Potty is available on site. Sanctuary trails may have uneven terrain as well as some uphill sections that may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues.
Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes for the hike. Be sure to bring water and sun protection. Everyone is encouraged to bring binoculars and field guides if they have them, as well as a comfortable camp chair for observation while sitting!

Our Presenters:

Camille Robinson-Parisi is a rising junior at Mount Holyoke College pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and Spanish. This is their first year with DOAS, though they have been a part of many outdoor education summer programs in the past. Cami enjoys spending time outdoors and sharing their knowledge on all things birds!

Kaylee Haig is a graduating senior from SUNY Oneonta who is studying Human Development and Family Studies. This is her first year with DOAS. She has had experience with children of all ages through many different educational programs.

Rain Date August 3

Late July Mushroom Walk with OCCA
2024-07-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Vibbard Road, Cooperstown, NY, Vibbard Road, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Walk leader, Margret Grebowicz lives locally and aims to broaden your understanding of mushrooms and inspire you to learn more. In late July we will be hunting for all the goodies the forest has to offer. The group will meet at the highest point of Vibbard Road, Cooperstown. Participants should dress for a walk through the woods and make sure to wear shoes that can get wet and muddy. If you want to bring mushrooms home, bring a bag along and knife for cutting. Sign up at occainfo.org

iSPY Invasive Species Paddle
2024-07-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Crumhorn Fishing Access Site, H345+P3, Maryland, New York
Join OCCA and our friends at the Catskill Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on July 24 for our third annual iSPY Invasive Species Paddle down the Susquehanna River. Learn how to ID common aquatic and riparian invasive plants and how they threaten the Susquehanna Watershed while enjoying an easy paddle down the river. We’ll start at the Crumhorn Fishing Access Site in Maryland, NY, and end at the Portlandville Fishing Access site. This is a calm stretch of river friendly to new and experienced paddlers alike. We’ll see aquatic and terrestrial species alike, including curly leaf pondweed, water chestnut, Japanese knotweed, and more. Bring water, a snack (or lunch!) and dress to be on the river for 2+ hours.

Please sign up in advance at occainfo.org

OCCA Family Nature Walk at Texas School House State Forest
2024-07-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Texas School House State Forest, Jones Road, New Lisbon, New York
Discover the beauty of Texas School House State Forest with OCCA’s Shelby MacLeish on a delightful mid-summer walk. This trail offers the perfect summer hike, with plenty of shade and proximity to the water. Take in the sights of the beaver dam and the rich variety of flora and fauna that line the trail. Free, please register at occainfo.org

Chop and Cheese with OCCA
2024-07-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Mohican Farm, 7193 State Highway 80, Springfield, NY, 13326, United States
Japanese knotweed is one of the most difficult invasive plants to get rid of. Join OCCA and Mohican Farm as we continue our efforts to eliminate a patch of knotweed. We’ll chop, dig and pull, and then enjoy some light refreshments in the garden at Mohican Farm. Some tools are available. Feel free to bring gardening gloves and pruners of your own. Meet at Mohican Farm, 7207 NY 80, Cooperstown. Please sign up at occainfo.org

Paddle and Pull: Goodyear Lake
2024-07-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Portlandville Fishing Access Site, Route 28, Portlandville, NY, 13834, United States
Join OCCA for another morning of pulling invasive water chestnuts from Goodyear Lake! Meet at the New York State Fishing Access Site at Portlandville. Bring your own watercraft, or reserve a space in an OCCA canoe. If you’ve never seen water chestnut, don’t worry—we’ll show you what to look for and how to remove it. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Please use this form to sign up (it’s free) and be sure to let us know if you need space in a canoe.

Queer Outdoors: Goodyear Lake Paddle
2024-07-07 14:00 - 17:00 | Portlandville Fishing Access Site, Route 28, Portlandville, NY, 13834, United States
Queer Outdoors Goodyear Paddle
Join us at Portlandville Launch for a paddle to Goodyear Lake! We have a limited number of kayaks and quite a few canoes available, so please let us know when you register if you will need one. This is an improved-accessibility launch and we are happy to assist anyone who needs a hand getting out on the water! Rain date July 14.
Location: Portlandville Fishing Access Site, Portlandville, NY 13834
Please contact Will Kuss at 607-375-7280 or water@occainfo.org with any questions!

Register at occainfo.org

July Mushroom Walk with OCCA
2024-07-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Vibbard Road, Cooperstown, NY, Vibbard Road, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Please note: This program is full.
Walk leader, Margret Grebowicz lives locally and aims to broaden your understanding of mushrooms and inspire you to learn more. In early July we will be hunting for chanterelles plus other early summer goodies. The group will meet at the highest point of Vibbard Road, Cooperstown.
Participants should dress for a walk through the woods and make sure to wear shoes that can get wet and muddy. If you want to bring mushrooms home, bring a bag along and knife for cutting. Sign up at occainfo.org

Aquatic Invasive Species Training
2024-06-30 08:00 - 16:00 | SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station Boathouse, 7016 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
The CRISP Watershed Steward Program is offering a free community partners training session at the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station Boathouse.
The program will focus on Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) identification, impacts, locations, and how to prevent AIS spread with decontamination methods and education. It will also introduce collecting data techniques and ensure that you learn more about your waterbodies and those who use them.
So that we might plan for the number of participants, please email your intention to attend at wspcrisp@gmail.com. Complimentary lunch provided.

CANCELED! Otsego Outdoors Paddlepalooza at Brookwood Point
2024-06-29 09:00 - 14:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Due to the forecast for rain and high wind, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Paddlepalooza on Saturday, June 29.

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Join us for Otsego Outdoors Paddlepalooza at Brookwood Point Conservation Area on Otsego Lake. This fun and free event will feature guided paddles, music, demonstrations, and more. This event marks the 25th anniversary of the Glimmerglass Historic District, and celebrates Otsego Lake and area waterways as natural resources that enhance our quality of life. Beginner paddlers welcome!
Need to rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard? Contact Canoe and Kayak Rentals and Sales. Use the code “otsegooutdoors” to get a 10 percent discount during Paddlepalooza. Book in advance by calling 607/286-7349 or online. They will have free 15-minute demos during Paddlepalooza if you want to try out kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding, but if you want to go on a guided paddle, you’ll need to rent a boat or bring your own. If the cost of a rental will prevent you from participating, please contact outdoors@otsego2000.org.
All Day Activities

Free Kayak and Paddleboard Demos (Canoe and Kayak Rentals & Sales)
Boat Washing (CRISP)
Paddle Itineraries (Canoe and Kayak Rentals & Sales)

Ideas for where to paddle on your own from Brookwood, with distances/time.

Lawn Games (Upper terrace)
Information Tables

Otsego County Conservation Association
Otsego Land Trust
Biological Field Station
Otsego Lake Association
Otsego Outdoors and Nature Backpacks (Otsego 2000)

Scheduled Activities
9:15 am: Glimmerglass Historic District Talk and Paddle (Otsego 2000)
Find out about the landscape and history of Otsego Lake. The Glimmerglass Historic District marks its 25th anniversary on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024. Paddle led by Jessie Ravage, architectural historian and author of the Glimmerglass Historic District National Register Nomination
9:45 am: Kids and Parents SUP with Otsego Land Trust
Join Cherise Tolbert from Otsego Land Trust with her kids for a stand up paddle board (SUP) gathering! Parents and kids will SUP along the shoreline together. Please have at least one adult with your child/children.
10:00 am: Boat Parade and Guided Paddle (Canoe and Kayak Rentals & Sales)
Meet at 10 am for an overview of paddling and Otsego Lake, and then head out on the lake at 10:30 am.
10 am – 1 pm: Music by The Woodshop Project
11:30 am: Paddle with Cooperstown Friends of the Parks
12:00 pm: Brookwood Point Garden Tour (Otsego Land Trust)
12:00 pm: Otsego Area Rowing Pop-Up
12:30 pm: Pride Paddle (OCCA Queer Outdoors)
Sign up to attend PADDLEPALOOZA and reserve your spot on a guided paddle!
*Paddles may be changed due to weather and conditions on the lake. Additional activities may be added.
Brookwood Point Conservation Area is located at 6000 State Highway 80 in Cooperstown.
For more information, contact us.

Free Fishing Days in NY
2024-06-29 - 2024-06-30 | 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!).
2024 Free Fishing Days Schedule

June 29-30
September 28 (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.
See the I FISH NY Beginner’s Guide to Freshwater Fishing

Get the Kids Out: Emmons Pond Bog
2024-06-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Emmons Pond Bog Preserve, 2028 White Hill Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Another fun OCCA event!
It’s a day off of school, so bring the kids out to Emmons Pond Bog to explore the trail and get some of their wiggles out. We will talk about trees and flora we find along the trail and have fun rambling through the woods. Dress for the weather and expect mud.

Summer Wildflower Walk with OCCA
2024-06-15 13:00 - 15:00 | SUNY Biological Field Station at Thayer Farm, 7027 State Hwy 80, Springfield, NY, United States
Come join OCCA Board President and botanist Donna Vogler for a midsummer walk in the woods. We will amble through the Thayer Farm woodlands, and down to a pond. The hike is moderate and will highlight the identification of trees and blooms bustin’ out in June. The hike will begin at 1 pm. Dress for the weather.
Free, sign up in advance at occainfo.org

Hanford Mills Exploration Days Bird Walk
2024-06-15 08:00 - 10:00 | Hanford Mills Museum, 51 County Road 12, East Meredith, NY, 13757, United States
Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society will host a morning bird walk starting at 8am on June 15 in conjunction with Exploration Days at Hanford Mills. Veteran birders Suzanne Gaynor and Kathryn Davino will co-lead the walks around the Hanford Mills property. We invite both beginners and experienced birders. The walk covers fairly level terrain and will last about 90 minutes. The trail traverses a variety of surfaces: grass, gravel, and boardwalk, and does include an occasional step up/down and a few gentle slopes. The total distance traveled is about .5 miles. There are no rest areas along the route, but there are benches near the pond, and picnic tables at the parking lot. Accessible bathrooms are available. Participants should meet in the event parking lot (south side of Rt. 12, opposite museum buildings) and bring binoculars, insect repellent, water, and curiosity about birds! When we return to the parking lot, we invite folks to join us as we drive a short distance to see a Bald Eagle nest that currently has a pair of adults caring for one or more fledglings. This is a free program. Call Kathryn Davino (607-746-7396) with questions.

Image: Yellow-rumped warbler; Photo by Landa Palmer, 2019.

Summit Sunday
2024-06-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Join OCCA, CRISP (Catskills Regional Invasive Species Partnership) and CR-PRISM (Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) for a fun, informative, and meaningful day removing European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) from Summit Lake and Weaver Lake in Springfield. Frog-bit is an invasive aquatic plant that can form dense mats on the water that blocks sunlight, alters habitats, and impedes recreation. Help us slow the spread! You may bring your own watercraft, or reserve a space in an OCCA canoe. This program is free, but registration is required.
We will meet at Mohican Farm, 7207 NY-80, Springfield at 10am and carpool to our sites. To volunteer, visit CRISP’s website.

New York State Forest Owners Assn. Meeting and Walk
2024-06-08 08:30 - 15:30 | Meadows County Office Compex, 140 County Highway 33 W, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Join OCCA and the Central New York Chapter and the Southern Tier Chapter of the New York State Forest Owners Association for a morning of presentations on topics of interest to those who own forested parcels, including hemlock woolly adelgid, treatment options for forest pests, “obese trees,” conservation easements, and county forest management. In the afternoon, Otsego County Forester Dan Zimmerman will lead a guided walk at the Forest of the Dozen Dads in Middlefield that shows forest management in action. Meeting takes place in the classroom at the Meadows Office Complex, 140 County Highway 33W.
Free and open to all. Bring your own lunch. For further information, contact Dan Zimmerman at (607) 547-8337, ext. 4, or zimmermand@otsegosoilandwater.com.

On the Trail of Art
2024-06-08 - 2024-06-09 | NY
The Butternut Valley Alliance will transform a state forest in the Butternut Valley into an art gallery, with works by local school children as well as by professional artists with ties to the Butternut Valley.
There will also be art demonstrations, participation art, strolling performance artists, and plein air painters.
On the Trail of Art is a free arts festival, but reservations are required.
Venue and more details to follow.
Photos from 2023:

Homeschool Nature Walk with OCCA
2024-06-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Forest of a Dozen Dads, 325 Blacks Road, Cooperstown, New York
Join OCCA Educator, Shelby MacLeish for a ramble at Forest of The Dozen Dads through the woods and along the pond as we learn common trees and flowers and look for signs of animals living in the forest. This is the perfect time of year to listen for birds, observe efts and watch for beavers. Dress for a walk in the woods as the path may have long portions and plan for mud.

June Mushroom Walk with OCCA
2024-06-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Vibbard Road, Cooperstown, NY, Vibbard Road, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
OCCA mushroom walks are back! Walk leader, Margret Grebowicz lives locally and aims to broaden your understanding of mushrooms and inspire you to learn more. In early June we will be hunting for reishi. The group will meet at the highest point of Vibbard Road, Cooperstown. Participants should dress for a walk through the woods and make sure to wear shoes that can get wet and muddy. If you want to bring mushrooms home, bring a bag along and knife for cutting.
Sign up in advance at occainfo.org.

Paddle and Pull on Goodyear Lake
2024-06-02 13:00 - 16:00 | Portlandville Fishing Access Site, Route 28, Portlandville, NY, 13834, United States
Get a jump on New York’s annual Invasive Species Awareness Week (June 3-9) with a pleasant day on Goodyear Lake! Join OCCA for a fun day on the water to search for and remove water chestnut (Trapa natans), an invasive plant that has troubled Goodyear Lake since 2005.
Don’t know what it looks like? OCCA will teach you!
Bring your own watercraft or borrow a canoe from OCCA (it’s free). Meet at the New York State Fishing Access Site on NY-28 in Portlandville.
Please register in advance at occainfo.org and let us know if you need to borrow a canoe.

Trail Volunteer Training
2024-06-01 10:00 - 12:30 | Arnold Lake State Forest, 767 County Road 46, Hartwick, NY, 13820, United States
Learn the basics of hiking trail maintenance at Arnold Lake State Forest with the Otsego County Conservation Association. We’ll cover some of a variety of topics, including rules and regulations, tree trimming, brush removal, minor drainage, and more, and we’ll put our learning into practice on the actual trails. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to sign up to adopt a section of trail in either Arnold Lake State Forest or Basswood Pond State Forest. Note that all participants are required to fill out a New York State individual volunteer application. Meet at the small parking area on Arnold Lake Road. A limited amount of tools will be available to use, or you may bring your own (hand pruners, hand saw, loppers).
Please sign up in advance at occainfo.org

Race the Lake Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K and 5K
2024-06-01 08:00 - 15:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
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!
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 up with America’s VetDogs to raise funds and awareness for this outstanding cause. America’s VetDogs supports our veterans and first responders. Their mission is “To help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence.”
Register at clarksportscenter.com

Hike with ADK at Hunt's Pond State Forest
2024-05-28 09:45 - 12:00 | Hunt’s Pond State Forest, 433 Hunts Pond Road, New Berlin, NY
Join the members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club for a guided hike. Meet at Meet at 9:45am for announcements and sign-in. Hike commences at 10 and ends around noon.
See https://susqadk.org/outing-schedule/ for details and contact info for hike leaders.

General Clinton Canoe Regatta
2024-05-26 06:00 - 17:00 | Susquehanna River
Join in the world’s longest single day flat water canoe race, 70 miles from Otsego Lake in Cooperstown down the Susquehanna River to Bainbridge.
Shorter races are held on May 24 and 25.

For schedule and more information, go to https://www.canoeregatta.org/

Andy Jones Memorial 5K
2024-05-25 09:00 - 10:30 | Wilber Park, Milford, Dave West Drive, Milford, NY, 13807
Andy Jones was a member of the Milford Fire Department since he turned 14 years old. He loved to help people and tried to bring a sense of contentment wherever he went to help ease those around him. This race was founded in his memory, after he passed away from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
The Andy Jones Memorial 5K raises money to support the Milford Fire Department and to raise awareness about Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).
More information and to register at https://andyjonesmemorial5k.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=15643

Hike with ADK at Gilbert Lake State Park
2024-05-21 09:45 - 12:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Hike the Lake of the Twin Falls Trail at Gilbert Lake State Park.
Join the members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club for a guided hike. Meet at Meet at 9:45am for announcements and sign-in. Hike commences at 10 and ends around noon.
See https://susqadk.org/outing-schedule/ for details and contact info for hike leaders.

Splash Path 5K and Fun Walk
2024-05-18 09:00 - 14:00 | Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston, NY, 13335
Come to Pathfinder Village for the 11th annual Splash Path 5K and Fun Walk. The festival features vendors, food trucks and music. Proceeds benefit Pathfinder Produce and vocational programs.
For more information and to register, go to pathfindervillage.org

Glimmerglass Triathlon (paddle, bike, run)
2024-05-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
The Glimmerglass Tri has returned after a long hiatus. 2024 will be bigger and better than ever before. Racers will begin the race on a kayak or canoe with a 1.5 mile open water PADDLE. Starting at the beachfront at Glimmerglass State Park, the route will follow the protected Glimmerglass bay on Otsego Lake. After the paddle and upon arrival at the beach, racers will transition to their bikes staged near the lakefront pavilion. The BIKE portion of the race will take riders 16.5 miles north of the park on secondary roads, racers will dismount from their bikes and finish the last stretch of the race on foot. A 10K RUN will pass over the Hyde Hall foot bridge and be contained mostly in Glimmerglass State Park.

Bring Your Friends!
Sign up for our team option and share the fun. Split the disciplines between a three or four person team.

What’s Included?
Race registration includes official timing from the Clark Sports Center events team, commemorative race sweatshirt, finisher medal, food and a free finish beer for those 21 and over.
