Otsego Outdoors

Hawkwatch Open House
2019-10-05 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | New York
Join us, Saturday, October 5 from 10 am to 2 pm, when the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society will host an open house at the DOAS Sanctuary and Hawkwatch on Grange Hall Spur Road, Oneonta.
The day will include live birds of prey, a hawk ID workshop, bird mask making and a trail walk. The event is free and open to the public.
Refreshments will be available throughout the day. Visit www.doas.us for details.

Hit the Links--Leatherstocking Golf Course Walk
2019-10-02 08:00 - 10:00 | New York
Enjoy the Leatherstocking Golf Course without the frustration of trying to hit out of the rough! Golf Course Superintendent Mike O’Neill will lead a tour of the grounds showcasing its beauty and will share projects and management practices designed to keep the links “green” as well as green. In addition to the lush scenery and spectacular views of Otsego Lake, we’ll see sediment retention ponds, lake bank stabilization efforts, and more. Meet at 8 am at the golf course maintenance shop. Program is free, though

Enjoy the Leatherstocking Golf Course without the frustration of trying to hit out of the rough! Golf Course Superintendent Mike O’Neill will lead a tour of the grounds showcasing its beauty and will share projects and management practices designed to keep the links “green” as well as green. In addition to the lush scenery and spectacular views of Otsego Lake, we’ll see sediment retention ponds, lake bank stabilization efforts, and more. Meet at 8 am at the golf course maintenance shop.
DIRECTIONS: Turn off NY Route 80 at the sign for the Cooperstown Country Club (across from the Farmers’ Museum). Proceed carefully, you are on the golf course! Bear left at the tennis courts and follow the drive to the parking area by the workshop. GPS coordinates 42.711815, -74.924378.pre-registration is appreciated.

DIRECTIONS: Turn off NY Route 80 at the sign for the Cooperstown Country Club (across from the Farmers’ Museum). Proceed carefully, you are on the golf course! Bear left at the tennis courts and follow the drive to the parking area by the workshop. GPS coordinates 42.711815, -74.924378.

Drops to Hops Bike Race
2019-09-28 10:00 - 15:00 | New York
Join us for the 8th Annual Drops to Hops Bike Race! Races begin at 10:00am, starting and ending at Ommegang (656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown, NY 13326). Ommegang will host a party at the finish line for racers and families! Must be 21 to drink.
RACE DISTANCE
“A” Race – 43 miles
“B” Race – 23 miles
View race courses: http://www.clarksportscenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/A-and-B-maps.pdf
RACE COST
Individual registration received on or before Thursday, September 26: $40
Individual registration after Thursday, September 26: $55
We will have a 5 person “TEAM” race for “A” riders. Each person must register individually and specify on their registration sheet if they are with a team. The 5 person team will have each racer’s time added. An overall award will be presented to the team with the lowest total time. It will be a non-gender specific race and 5 people must race in the A group to count. Note: Athletes must be 16 years old or older to participate.
REGISTRATION
Racers may pre-register online, at the Clark Sports Center’s Fitness Center Desk or by mail. Day of race check-in and day of race registration is available at Ommegang (656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown, NY 13326) from 8:30-9:30am.
AWARDS
Awards will be distributed to the overall best male and female, as well as second and third place male and female in each division. Overall awards will also be presented to the senior division and team division. Winners will be announced within 30 minutes of the last finisher.
IMPORTANT RACE INFO
• The “A” ride (43 miles) is for experienced racers only. Men and women will race together.
• The “B” ride (23 miles) is a Citizen’s fun race. Despite being labeled as a race, we encourage riders of various levels to participate in the “B” field as long as they are comfortable with the distance and terrain. No experienced “licensed” racers will be allowed to ride in the “B” race. The “B” race will also be a shortened, less difficult route than the “A” course.
• We reserve the right to place riders in the field appropriate for their level of experience. If you hold a USA cycling license, you should register for the “A” race.
• All riders must wear approved helmets.
• The course will be open to traffic.
• Must be at least 16 years of age on race day.
• Ommegang will host a party at the finish line for racers and families. You must be 21 to drink.
• You may register at The Clark Sports Center or online.
FAQ
• Is the race open to beginners? Yes! Beginner riders/racers are encouraged to register for the Citizens Race (“B” Ride).
• Can I ride a mountain bike? You may ride a mountain bike or a single speed bike. Tri-bikes are not allowed. Due to insurance purposes, we cannot allow recumbent bicycles.
• Are you affiliated with USA Triathlon? No, we are not.
• What is the severe weather policy? We will make every effort to race, but safety is our #1 concern. If the forecasted weather is questionable, we will post updates to this event page about the race status, or you may call us at 547-2800 for information. Lightning and torrential flooding.
Questions? Visit: http://www.clarksportscenter.com/events/2019-drops-to-hops/ OR contact Event Director, Doug McCoy, at (607) 547-2800, ext. 111, or via email at mccoyd@clarksportscenter.com.

Naked Eye Astronomy--The Autumn Sky
2019-09-27 19:30 - 21:00 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Can you find the North Star? How about Arcturus? Can you find constellations, like Cygnus the swan, Ursa Major, Draco, Pegasus or Andromeda? What about Jupiter and Saturn? All these celestial objects will be in the evening sky this autumn, and you can learn how to find them! Join OCCA Vice President Jim Hill for a beginner’s guide to the autumn sky. Bring blankets or a chair and dress warmly, as we will spend time outside, and the best viewing is often while lying on your back or sitting in a lawn chair. No telescopes; binoculars are optional but not necessary, this is naked eye astronomy, after all!
Meet at the Mohican Farm workshop, 7207 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. Program is free, but pre-registration is appreciated. Visit https://occainfo.org/signup/ to register.
Jim Hill taught high school science at Richfield Springs for 30 years. His courses included AP Biology, Human Genetics, and Astronomy.
NOTE: In the event of poor weather or cloudy skies, the program will take place on September 28, same time.

Harvest Festival
2019-09-22 10:00 - 17:00 | New York
The Farmers’ Museum Harvest Festival is a two-day community event highlighting the music, crafts, and harvest of our Otsego region.
The Cooperstown Farmers’ Market will be in the Ag tent showcasing many items from our vendors. Come by and sample a few of the porducts available year-round at the Market.
Learn about bee keeping from the Leatherstocking Beekeepers; you can purchase maple syrup from the Otsego County Maple Producers and beautifiul dried lavender arrangements from Kingfisher Lavender.
Harvest goers can also enjoy delicious roasted corn, pulled pork, chili and more at the food tent.
The Harvest Festival is Saturday – Sunday, September 21-22, 2019 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Cost is $12 for adults, $10.50 for seniors (65+), $6 for children (7-12). Children 6 or younger are free. Admission is also free for Museum members.

Harvest Festival
2019-09-21 10:00 - 17:00 | New York
The Farmers’ Museum Harvest Festival is a two-day community event highlighting the music, crafts, and harvest of our Otsego region.
The Cooperstown Farmers’ Market will be in the Ag tent showcasing many items from our vendors. Come by and sample a few of the products available year-round at the Market.
Learn about bee keeping from the Leatherstocking Beekeepers; you can purchase Maple syrup from the Otsego County Maple Producers and beautiful dried lavender arrangements from Kingfisher Lavender.
Harvest goers can also enjoy delicious roasted corn, pulled pork, chili and more at the food tent.
The Harvest Festival is Saturday – Sunday, September 21-22, 2019 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Cost is $12 for adults, $10.50 for seniors (65+), $6 for children (7-12). Children 6 or younger are free. Admission is also free for Museum members.

Brookwood Garden Tour
2019-09-17 16:30 - 17:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Otsego Land Trust is hosting a series of tours at Brookwood Point.
The Garden Tours will be led by OLT volunteer Patricia Thorpe, who knows horticulture like the back of her hand. She will discuss how the garden has evolved over time and identify a myriad of flowering plants that call Brookwood home. The dates of the garden tours are Tuesday, July 16th; Wednesday, August 14th; and Tuesday, September 17th.
The September tour begins at 4:30 pm and will last about 45 minutes.
To RSVP for this event, email Becky or call 607.547.2366 x108

Gravel Group Ride (expert)
2019-08-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Woodland Cycles, 24 South Main Street, Milford, NY, 13807, United States
Check out some of the best gravel and B-roads Otsego County has to offer. Faster pace gravel ride for people who have ridden gravel before. More elevation gain, but regroup at the top of climbs. More technical descending. This is still not a “hammer-fest,” but for experienced riders who want a faster paced ride. Expert gravel is a no-drop ride. Refreshments after the ride. The ride is approximately 1-1.5 hours. Hang out at the shop after for free refreshments and great company! Group rides are offered weekly on Wednesdays through August 28, and alternate between easy and expert rides.

Brookwood Point Summer Tours
2019-08-22 17:30 - 18:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
History Tour – led by OLT volunteer Ed Rowley. Tours last about a half hour to 45 minutes.
Click here for complete details.

Group Gravel Ride (easy)
2019-08-21 18:00 - 19:30, 2019-08-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Woodland Cycles, 24 South Main Street, Milford, NY, 13807, United States
Check out some of the best gravel and B-roads Otsego County has to offer. Hang out at the shop after for free refreshments and great company! All rides leave Woodland Cycles at 6 pm. Ride at your own pace. For people who are new to gravel riding or want to take it easy, learn new routes, and enjoy the scenery and the company. There will still be a good amount of climbing but climb at your own pace. This is a no-drop ride. Refreshments after the ride. The ride is approximately 1-1.5 hours. Rides are offered every Wednesday at 6 pm through August 28, and alternate between easy and expert level.

Paddle and Pull, Silver Lake
2019-08-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Silver Lake, Silver Lake Road, New Berlin, NY, 13411, United States
Join us at Silver Lake in New Berlin on August 17th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. We need your help continuing to remove water chestnut (Trapa natans) and European frog-bit (Hydrocharus morsus-ranae), two highly invasive aqautic plants, from the lake. Please help us get them before they spread further!
Bring water, sunscreen and dress to get wet and dirty. Due to local restrictions, only canoes owned by members of the Silver Lake community or OCCA are allowed on the Lake; please register for this event. Enjoy some time on the water and help the environment at the same time.

Chop and Cheese
2019-08-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Help control Japanese knotweed, then enjoy light refreshments in a beautiful setting overlooking Otsego Lake.
We’ll supply the Japanese knotweed and the cheese and crakcers; you can brings tools (loppers,, hand pruners) and your preferred beverage.
Dress to get dirty!

Group Gravel Ride (Expert)
2019-08-14 18:00 - 19:30, 2019-07-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Woodland Cycles, 24 South Main Street, Milford, NY, 13807, United States

Brookwood Garden Tour
2019-08-14 17:30 - 18:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Otsego Land Trust is hosting a series of tours at Brookwood Point.
The Garden Tours will be led by OLT volunteer Patricia Thorpe, who knows horticulture like the back of her hand. She will discuss how the garden has evolved over time and identify a myriad of flowering plants that call Brookwood home. The dates of the garden tours are Tuesday, July 16th; Wednesday, August 14th; and Tuesday, September 17th.
The August tour begins at 5:30 pm and will last about 45 minutes. The September tour will start at 4:30 pm and also last about 45 minutes.
To RSVP for these events, email Becky or call 607.547.2366 x108

Otsquago Creek: Geology in Action!
2019-08-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Robert Woodruff Learning Center, NY-80, Jordanville, NY, 13361, United States
Witness the results of thousands of years of geologic processes in action on this walk at the Robert Woodruff Learning Center at Owen D. young Central School in Van Hornesville.
Rain falls and seeps into rocks, dissolving them. The water finds its way to the surface and forms the Otsquaga Creek. As it flows, it shapes the land, leaving tufa deposits and carving waterfalls, terraces and caves. The result is s spectacular landscape that is still changing today.
This walk is led by Dr. Les Hasbargen, who teaches geology and geomorphology at SUNY Oneonta. Van Hornesville is one of his favorite places to bring students on field trips.
The Robert Woodruff Outdoor Learning Center is located in the village of Van Hornesville on New York State Route 80. Access to the facility is via the driveway at the north side of the Owen D. Young Central School. Turn into the driveway, head down the hill and bear to the left; it is a short distance to the parking area and entrance by the bridge.
For more information, email Jeff O’Handley or call 607.282.4087.

Paddle and Pull--Goodyear Lake
2019-08-03 09:00 - 12:00 | New York
Water chestnut (Trapa natans) persists in the Stump Lot portion of Goodyear Lake. Meet OCCA staff at the Fishing Access Site in Portlandville, take to the water, and help keep this highly-invasive aquatic plant under control. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat and dress to get wet and maybe dirty. You may bring your own canoe or kayak, or reserve a space in an OCCA canoe. Spend an enjoyable couple of hours on the water, and help the environment, too!
The Portlandville Fishing Access Site is located on State Route 28 in Portlandville, approximately 800 feet south of County Route 35A, GPS coordinates 42.528468, -74.971153.

Group Gravel Ride (Expert)
2019-07-31 18:00 - 19:30 | New York

ADK Group Hike by Goodyear Lake
2019-07-30 10:00 - 12:00 | New York
All welcome! The Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club leads weekly hikes. The hike on Tues., July 30th will be at Goodyear Lake, led by Linda Pearce. Two options: A 3-mile hike with some moderate inclines, or a shorter, easier walk led by Bev Hensle on the lake roads. Bring your lunch and we will eat in our backyard when we return. Ice cream and cold drinks will be provided. Protect yourself from ticks. Meet at the Pearce house at 10:00 am, or carpool from the Oneonta Price Chopper, leaving at 9:40 am. If the usual meeting area is still unavailable due to paving, go to the far Price Chopper end of the lot and toward Rt. 7.
Directions:

From Oneonta: Rt. 7 east to Cooperstown Jct., sharp left turn at Austin’s Auction Barn onto Ct. Hwy. 35, proceed 1.2 mi. to Sunnikrest Rd. on left.
From Cooperstown: Rt. 28 south to Portlandville, turn left onto Ct. Hwy. 35A and bear right past Wightman’s Lumber and continue approx. 2 mi. to Sunnikrest Rd. on right. On Sunnikrest, cross RR tracks and we’re the first house on the left.

Any questions – call Linda at (607) 432-8969.

Brookwood Point Summer Tours
2019-07-25 17:30 - 18:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
History Tour – tours last a half hour to 45 minutes.
Complete schedule of tours

Group Gravel Ride with Woodland Cycles (Easy)
2019-07-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Woodland Cycles, 24 South Main Street, Milford, NY, 13807, United States

ADK hike at Fetterley Forest with botanist
2019-07-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Fetterley Forest, 302 Roses Hill Road, Richfield, NY, 13439
The Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club hike on Tuesday, July 23rd will be at Fetterley Forest, an Otsego Land Trust property, located on the east side of Canadarago Lake south of Richfield Springs. We will be joined by Connie Tedesco, a botanist, who will be identifying, hopefully, 10 species of ferns as well as wildflowers in bloom.
The walk in the Forest is just over 1 mile and slightly hilly. Starting from the corner of Walnut Grove Hill Rd. and Rose’s Hill Rd. (uphill) will make it about a 2 mi. walk. If carpooling from Oneonta, meet at the Oneonta Price Chopper at 8:45 am to sign in, leaving at 9:00. The hike will start at 10:00. Bring bug spray, water, hat and poles, if desired.
Directions: The Forest location is 302 Rose’s Hill Rd., Richfield Springs, NY. From Oneonta – Rt. 28 N toward Cooperstown. Just past the Ford dealership near Cooperstown, take a left onto Co. Hwy. 26 to Fly Creek, turning left at the light puts you back onto Rt. 28. Continue to Schuyler Lake, turn right at the light onto Co. Hwy. 22, proceed 3.8 mi., turn right on Walnut Grove Hill Rd. (dirt road) and go .9 mi. to corner of Rose’s Hill Rd. where we will park. Parking is also available at the Fetterley Forest site if you don’t want to walk the road. Questions – call Ruth Schaeffer at 988-7036 or e-mail rwschaeffer88@yahoo.com

Learn to Swim at Glimmerglass
2019-07-22 11:15 - 12:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Glimmerglass State Park will be hosting a week long learn-to-swim program. There will be a morning session from 11:15 am to 12 pm and an evening session from 5:30 pm-6:15 pm. Please call the park office to sign up or for more information at (607)547-8662. The lessons are free and open to all.

Otsquago Creek: Geology in Action--POSTPONED!
2019-07-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Robert Woodruff Learning Center, NY-80, Jordanville, NY, 13361, United States
Due to instructor illness, this program is postponed until Sunday, August 11, time to be determined. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Brookwood Point Summer Tours
2019-07-16 17:30 - 18:00 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Otsego Land Trust is hosting a series of tours at Brookwood Point.
The Garden Tours will be led by OLT volunteer Patricia Thorpe, who knows horticulture like the back of her hand. She will discuss how the garden has evolved over time and identify a myriad of flowering plants that call Brookwood home. The dates of the garden tours are Tuesday, July 16th; Wednesday, August 14th; and Tuesday, September 17th. The July and August tours begin at 5:30 pm and last about 45 minutes. The September your will begin at 4:30 and also last about 45 minutes.
To RSVP for these events, email Becky or call 607.547.2366 x108

Learn to Row Day
2019-07-13 12:30 - 14:30 | Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326
Learn-to-Row Day is a great way to try rowing and experience the fun!

Learn the parts of a rowing shell
Try the land rowing machines and learn basic rowing techniques
Row on Otsego Lake guided by experienced rowers and coaches
Get information about our Learn-to-Row mentoring program for adults and other rowing programs

We recommend you wear comfortable clothing that can get wet (including something on your feet).
Free.
Where do I park? The Otsego Land Trust/Brookwood Gardens have made a special request that people park only in the grass area along the road and only to drive beyond the teahouse to unload vehicle.

Chop and Cheese
2019-07-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Japanese knotweed is one of the most difficult to control invasive species in Otsego County. Join us at Mohican Farm for an evening of chopping (and maybe digging) down a stand of Japanese knotweed; then enjoy light refreshments in the garden overlooking Otsego Lake.
Participants should dress to get dirty and should bring work gloves, pruners and their preferred beverage!
Sign up here or cal 607.282.4087 or email Jeff O’Handley at programdirector@occainfo.org

Group Gravel Ride with Woodland Cycles (Easy)
2019-07-10 18:00 - 19:30 | New York
Check out some of the best gravel and B-roads Otsego County has to offer. Hang out at the shop after for free refreshments and great company! All rides leave Woodland Cycles at 6:00 pm. Ride at your own pace. For people who are new to gravel riding or want to take it easy, learn new routes, and enjoy the scenery and the company. There will still be a good amount of climbing but climb at your own pace. This is a no-drop ride. Refreshments after the ride. The ride is approximately 1-1.5 hours. Rides are offered every Wednesday through August 28, and alternate between easy and expert level.

Group Hike with ADK
2019-07-09 10:00 - 12:00 | New York
Join the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club for a 2 1/2 mile hike on Pam Lea’s “back 80.” Walk through hay fields, adjacent swamp, woodland and seasonal roads with views of the Fly Creek valley and Canadarago Lake. Car poolers should meet at the Price Chopper in Oneonta at 9:15 for the hike at 10:00. Take State Rt. 28 north through Cooperstowm and Fly Creek to Schuyler Lake. Turn left at the post office, go 1/4 mile then right onto Co. Hwy. 23. Go one more mile – brown house on the right and horse barn on the left. The address for GPS is: 1441 Co. Hwy. 23, Richfield Springs, N.Y. 13439.
Any questions call Pam Lea, 315-274-2664. Jerry’s Place is good for lunch on the way home. The Susquehanna Chapter leads free outings on Tuesdays see website for schedule
