New York State Parks Release Spring Program Schedule

Matt Villnave • March 3, 2021

Saturday, April 3

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Calls of the Wild

Joseph Davis State Park

Spring has sprung and with the greenery, animal calls. Ever wonder what makes each noise? Enjoy a presentation on the calls of the wild and a walk to try recognizing some of them. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


Saturday, April 3

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Vernal Pool Magic!

Evangola State Park

Dancing salamanders and quacking frogs breed in clear forest pools this time of year! Explore and study these ephemeral wetlands during the peak of the frog chorus. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.

             

Sunday, April 4

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

 Fairy Shrimp of the Rain Gardens

Beaver Island State Park

Forest pools come alive with tadpoles, salamander larvae and "fairy shrimp" who appear like magic! Accompanied by a frog chorus serenade, lets probe the rain gardens and discover the creatures that breed there. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.


Wednesday, April 7

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday Woods Walk

 Woodlawn Beach State Park

Spring is finally here! Enjoy a scenic walk through the park to look for spring happenings. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.


Wednesday, April 7

7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

In Search of the Labrador Twister

 Knox Farm State Park

Witness the marvelous display flight of the Labrador twister, Timberdoodle, Bogsucker and Mudsnipe, all names for our upland shorebird most people know as the Woodcock. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.


Saturday, April 10

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Fun Facts with Kelly: Wetland Edition

Beaver Island State Park

Walk along the wetland within Beaver Island! Learn about unique species that call the lagoon home and maybe catch a glimpse of the local beavers swimming around. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


Saturday, April 17

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The Great Thawing

Buckhorn Island State Park

As the ice melts and the ground softens, watch for the first species that emerge from the snow in the great spring thaw. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


Saturday, April 24

    8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 Boating Safety Certification

DeVeaux Woods State Park

Course certifies individuals in Boaters’ Safety, a requirement for anyone who operates a motorboat. 8-hour course followed by an examination. Ages 10+ eligible for certification. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.



Saturday, April 24

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Walk

Knox Farm State Park

Enjoy the sudden burst of color that carpets the forest floor before the new leaves of summer take hold. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.


Saturday, April 24

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 Springtime Bluebird Walk

Knox Farm State Park

With over 400 acres of grassland, Knox Farm is home to an incredible number of nesting Bluebirds. Join us as we monitor newly installed nest boxes and enjoy our state bird. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.


Sunday, April 25

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Explore the New Gorgeview Trail

Whirlpool State Park

Here’s your chance to explore the new rim trail along the Niagara Gorge. Great views await you on this spring day! For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


Sunday, April 25

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Fun Facts with Kelly: Hidden Pond Edition

Joseph Davis State Park

Venture through a maze of trails to discover what lies within! Find hidden gems in the park, teeming with wetland wildlife. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


Wednesday, April 28

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Fiddlehead Frolic

Knox Farm State Park

A walk through the woods to discover the unfurled fronds of a fern, otherwise known as fiddleheads! For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.


Wednesday, April 28

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

What in the Woods is That?

Knox Farm State Park

Delve into the world of the unknown, the world of lichens, mushrooms, mosses, and galls! For information and registration call (716) 549-1050


Friday, April 30

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

A Dose of Nature: Old Growth Forest Walk

DeVeaux Woods State Park

Escape the stress of life and improve your physical activity, energy levels, and mood, while reconnecting with nature. Join us for a walk through the woods. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


Sunday, May 2

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Birding with the B.O.S.

Evangola State Park

Join the NYS Parks and the Buffalo Ornithological Society for a fun morning of birding! This is a great chance for beginning birders to learn the hobby! For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.


Sunday, May 2

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

 Flowers n’ Ferns 

Evangola State Park

Spring flowers are blooming, and ferns are unfurling, a hallmark of the season. Come enjoy this spectacular event which lasts for only a few short weeks. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.


Friday, May 7

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

 Totally Toads

Evangola State Park

Take a chill pill and listen as some bodacious Bufo Americanus males utter gnarly trills! For sure, we’ll check out some tubular egg masses so don't miss this toad-ally tripendicular event! For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.


Saturday, May 8

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Fun Facts with Kelly: Wetlands & Wildflowers

Wilson Tuscarora State Park

Join us as we adventure along the wetlands. Enjoy patches of wildflowers amidst the meandering marsh. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


Saturday, May 8

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

 From Warblers to Wright

Delaware Park and the Martin House

Take a Delaware Park stroll during peak songbird migration and seek colorful warblers. Then enjoy an optional Martin Home tour for half price, $10 a person! For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.


Sunday, May 9

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sunday Stroll in the Park

Niagara Falls State Park

Start your week with a walk at Niagara Falls! Experience spring’s beauty and hear stories of the oldest state park! For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


Saturday, May 15

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Honorable Harvest

Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park

Explore and experience local plant species through their origin stories and traditional uses. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


Saturday, May 15

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Flowers n’ Feathers

Knox Farm State Park

With spring bird migration at its peak, and flowers at your feet, take in the wonderment of spring as we walk. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.


Saturday, May 22

10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Scenic Ride Along the Niagara Gorge

Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park

Join a leisurely bicycle ride and see some gorgeous views along the way! Experience the Lower Niagara Gorge Shoreline Trails. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


Friday, May 28

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Fun Facts with Kelly: Wildflower Edition

Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park

Spring is here and so are wildflowers! Hike the trail to see what flowers we can find and learn about what these natural beauties offer! For information and registration call (716) 282-5154. 


Saturday, May 29

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Bike the Buffalo Waterfront!

Buffalo Harbor State Park

Starting at Buffalo Harbor State Park, we will explore our waterfront’s historic and natural treasures including a rolling salute past Buffalo Naval Park! For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.


Saturday, May 29

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

A Dose of Nature: Pet Friendly Walk

Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park

Escape the stress of life while reconnecting with nature. Join us on a walk with your furry friend. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


Saturday, June 5

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

National Trails Day-Length of the Gorge

Niagara Falls State Park

Enjoy National Trails Day along the beautiful Niagara Gorge as we hike rim and gorge trails from the mouth of the gorge at Artpark to the American Falls! For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


Saturday, June 5

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

World Environmental Day Beach Cleanup

Woodlawn Beach State Park

Beat Plastic Pollution and help us clean Woodlawn Beach after a stormy winter during this annual event which promotes action for the protection of the environment! For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.


Monday, June 7

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

 Schoellkopf Power Station Trail &

65th Anniversary of the Schoellkopf Disaster

Niagara Falls State Park

Learn about the Schoellkopf Power Station on the anniversary of its demise. We will see first-hand what remains of this former complex. After, hike out along the trail or exit the gorge via the elevator. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


Saturday, June 12

8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

 Spring Astronomy

DeVeaux Woods State Park

Spend an evening exploring celestial objects and star patterns that can be observed in the springtime night sky. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.


Thursday, June 17th & 24th

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Grassland Bird Monitoring

Knox Farm State Park 

Calling all birders! We need YOUR help in a community science project. Teams will conduct point count surveys for grassland birds at Knox Farm. Call (716) 549-1050 or email Matthew.Nusstein@parks.ny.gov to sign up for a team. 



Saturday, June 19

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Discovering Design in Nature

Martin House 

Who hasn’t marveled at the design of a bird’s nest? Join NYS Parks and the Martin House to learn about the different types of nests found in nature and how birds create these artful structures. We’ll finish by building an Oriole feeder to take home. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050. 


Sunday, June 20

10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Adventure Hike

Whirlpool State Park

Hike down into the Niagara Gorge, lunch on the whirlpool flats, and explore the remnants of a stopover station from the Great Gorge Route Trolley. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154. 



Sunday, June 20

9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Dance of the Firefly

Knox Farm State Park

With fireflies to guide the way, set out to discover a light show unlike any other in the natural world. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050. 

   

Thursday, June 24

8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

A Walk Under the Strawberry Moon

Golden Hill State Park

Join us for a walk at Golden Hill State Park, located along the shore of Lake Ontario. We will enjoy the sunset and welcome the Strawberry Moon! For information and registration call (716) 282-5154. 



Friday, June 25

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

GORGEous Sunsets

Whirlpool State Park

The Niagara Gorge and sunsets are beauties on their own, but together they are indescribable. Watch rays of light cascade along the gorge as the sun sets behind the escarpment. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154. 


Saturday, June 26

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

A Dose of Nature: Beach Walk

Beaver Island State Park

Escape the stress of life and improve your physical activity, energy levels, and mood while reconnecting with nature. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.

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