Otsego Outdoors

Queer Solidarity Stroll
2023-05-28 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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/

Andy Jones Memorial 5K
2023-05-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Wilber Park, Milford, Dave West Drive, Milford, NY, 13807
In honor of Andy Jones, an active member of the Milford Fire Department and a Milford Central School graduate who unexpectedly passed away in January 2023 from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), the Milford Fire Department is honoring Andy by creating an annual scholarship to a graduating Milford Senior that is going to continue on in providing community service.

All funds raised during this event will go towards the annual scholarship and HCM awareness.
For more information, or to sign
up: https://andyjonesmemorial5k.itsyourrace.com

General Clinton Canoe Regatta
2023-05-26 - 2023-05-28 | Susquehanna River
Be a part of the world’s longest single-day flat water canoe race as a paddler or a spectator. The 70-mile race begins at Brookwood Point on Otsego Lake in Cooperstown and continues down the Susquehanna River to General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.
Since its start in 1963, the Regatta has grown to 3 days of canoe races plus many other events; a 5k run, wrestling tournament, carnival rides, entertainment, food, fireworks and more. There are canoe races for young and old, newbies to pros. The General Clinton Canoe Regatta brings racers and spectators from all over the US, Canada, Europe and South America to paddle in this premier canoe racing event.

Blazing A Trail talk
2023-05-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Hwy 11, Hartwick, NY, 13348
Find out more about Otsego Outdoors, the Octet Challenges, and local trails at a talk by Peg Odell, Otsego 2000 program and communications manager, at Kinney Memorial Library in Hartwick. Feel free to come and share your favorite local hikes too!

Butternut Creek Riparian Stewardship Day
2023-05-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Butternut Creek
The Butternut Valley Alliance and the Upper Susquehanna Coalition will be hosting a volunteer workday to steward riparian forest buffer plantings in the Butternut Creek watershed on May 20th, 2023 from 9am-12 pm. If you have any questions, please contact GlasserA@tiogacountyny.gov or bva.exec@gmail.com. You can register for the event using this link . Please Join Us!
We’ll meet at the corner of State Route 23 and County Route 51 just outside the Village of Morris (across from the cemetery) to plant trees and maintain the buffer along the Butternut Creek.
Volunteering at this event counts toward the Otsego Outdoors Spring Octet.

Morning Birds at Mohican with OCCA and DOAS
2023-05-20 07:00 - 09:00 | Mohican Farm/OCCA offices, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
What will be flitting and flying about the woods and fields at Mohican Farm in Springfield? Join us and find out! Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Co-President, Becky Gretton leads this bird walk at The Clark Foundation’s Mohican Farm. The varied habitats of the farm attract a surprising array of avian life. Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
Sign up in advance at https://occainfo.org/calendar/morning-birds-at-mohican/

DOAS Big Day Bird Count
2023-05-20 | New York
The Big Day is a group effort in which birders, working alone, in pairs, or in small groups, work to locate as many bird species as we can in a single fun day on Saturday May 20. Birders can spend any amount of time they choose within that 24 hours, and report on their efforts to the Big Day coordinator, Charlie Scheim.
Everyone is welcome, novice or experienced. If you are interested and have not participated before, please contact Charlie at 607-434-4880 (voice or text) or scheimc@hartwick.edu to get information on joining in the fun.
DOAS Bird Checklist – revised 2020.

Splash Path 5K and Fun Walk
2023-05-20 | Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston, NY, 13335
Pathfinder Village invites you to join in the 10th annual Splash Path 5K and Fun Walk. This year’s event will raise funds for vocational programs and our Pathfinder Produce Mobile Market, which has delivered fresh fruits & vegetables to neighbors in area communities since 2018.
The Splash Path 5K and Fun Walk features a flat scenic route, non-toxic color stations, and pre- and post-run family festivities, including a ZUMBA warm-up session, music, food trucks, and craft and home business vendors. Each pre-registered participant will receive a tee shirt and goodie bag. Please note that bicycles and dogs are not allowed on the route.
More information/to register

Jean Miller Memorial Wildflower Walk
2023-05-17 10:00 - 12:30 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
The 2023 Jean Miller Memorial Wildflower Walk at Gilbert Lake State Park, in cooperation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation – Central Region, will take place this year on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. Participants will meet at the beach area at 10am.
The walk is approximately 2-3 hours in the Park on easy to medium terrain and will be led by DOAS member and local botanist, Connie Tedesco. Bring water, insect repellent, binoculars if on hand, and your curiosity!
This is a free program. Pre-registration is required on the DOAS website using this form. This helps us contact participants in case there is an issue with the weather. Contact info@doas.us for additional information.

Hike with ADK at the Silas Lane Susquehanna Greenway
2023-05-16 09:45 - 12:00 | Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway trail (Silas Lane), Silas Lane, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Join members of the the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club for a guided hike along the Susquehanna Greenway at Silas Lane. These weekly hikes are open to all.
For more information see https://susqadk.org/outing-schedule/
Participating in an ADK hike counts toward the Otsego Outdoors Octet Spring Challenge.

Spring Bird Walk at the DOAS Sanctuary
2023-05-14 08:00 - 10:00 | DOAS Sanctuary and Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, 52 Grange Hall Road Spur, Oneonta, New York, 13820
Returning migrants should include warblers, vireos, orioles, tanagers, and possibly waterfowl and raptors. The walk will last approximately two hours, and will require some hill-climbing and hiking over uneven and possibly muddy ground. For further information, contact Andy Mason, 607- 267-8491.
Directions to the
DOAS Sanctuary can be found at the doas website: https://doas.us

Evening Hike at Glimmerglass State Park with OCCA
2023-05-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Get the Kids Out Evening Stroll at Glimmerglass State Park
Have you ever wanted to explore the park after dark? Join OCCA educator Shelby MacLeish for an evening walk along the beach and the beaver pond trail, where we will experience the sights and sounds we do not get to experience during the day.
The program is free and open to everyone. Please register in advance at https://occainfo.org/calendar/get-the-kids-out-evening-stroll/

Homeschool Nature Walk at Glimmerglass State Park with OCCA
2023-05-12 12:00 - 13:30 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Join OCCA educator Shelby MacLeish for a seasonal walk and pond study on the Beaver Pond and Covered Bridge Trails. Our group will examine the wetlands, beaver ponds, and shadow brook for nesting waterfowl, macroinvertebrates, and signs of local animals. We will talk about adaptations, plant ID, and the park’s natural history.
The program is free and open to everyone. To sign up for the program, please visit https://occainfo.org/calendar/homeschool-nature-walk-glimmerglass-state-park/

Hike with ADK at Texas School House State Forest
2023-05-09 09:45 - 12:00 | Texas Schoolhouse State Forest, Mount Vision, NY, 13810, 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

I Love My Park Day at Glimmerglass
2023-05-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Help get Glimmerglass State Park ready for the season! Volunteers needed for planting, weeding, raking, and tasks for all ages and abilities! Register at https://www.ptny.org/get…/volunteer/i-love-my-park-day
Participating in this event counts toward the Otsego Outdoors Spring Octet.

I Love My Park Day at Gilbert Lake
2023-05-06 08:00 - 15:30 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Road, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Help get Gilbert Lake State Park ready for the season.
I Love My Park Day is the largest single-day volunteer event in NYS and presents a perfect opportunity to clean up our favorite parks and shorelines, plant trees and gardens, restore trails and wildlife habitat, remove invasive species, and work on various site improvement projects–all which help to prepare our iconic state park system and public lands for the start of the season. Join us at Gilbert Lake State Park this year for painting, general grounds cleanup, flower bed cleanup & mulching and trail maintenance.
Register here: https://reg.resport.io/s/step1.jsp?r=5203368469331968
Volunteering at this event counts toward the Otsego Outdoors Spring Octet.

Susquehanna Greenway Bird Walk
2023-05-06 08:00 - 10:00 | Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway trail (Silas Lane), Silas Lane, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
Guided walk will feature opportunities to view returning migrant birds.
Meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot by the fields near the school district bus garage, just past the transfer station, on the Greenway trail, located on Silas Lane, off Rte. 205 in Oneonta.
This will be an easy hike on level ground. Contact Charlie Scheim at 607-434-4880 or scheimc@hartwick.edu for more information.

Hike with ADK at Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park
2023-05-02 09:45 - 12:00 | Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, 133 Davis Road, Schenevus, New York, 12155
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.

Bike Rodeo
2023-04-30 09:00 - 12:00 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Safe Kids Otsego County presents a Bike Rodeo, with a Helmet Check by Bassett Injury Prevention, a bike fit by CNY Cycling, a Wheel Shop by CNY Cylcing and woodland Cycles, Rules of the Road by Cooperstown Police Dept. and an Obstacle Course by the Clark Sports Center.

Free and open to all

Family Hike at Wilber Park
2023-04-29 13:00 - 15:00 | 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

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)
