Nature Happenings ...
programs and events at the Mohonk Preserve

Unless otherwise noted, public programs are free to Mohonk Preserve members and $9 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership). Children 12 and under are free.

Saturdays and Sundays in September, 11am and 1pm. Interpretive Program “How Did the Rope Get Up There? History and Practice of Gunks Rock Climbing” and “Ecology and People of the Shawangunks, Yesterday and Today.”
No reservations required. Meet at the Trapps Bridge. These programs will last approximately 20 minutes and involve a gentle stroll. They will be offered by Mohonk Preserve Rangers who are experienced rock climbers. The interpretive programs are free but participants must either be Mohonk Preserve members or purchase a $9 day pass to access the land. Children must always be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday, September 7th, 10-11:30am. Music of the Woods: Songs, Sounds, and Stories.
Join Elizabeth Hunter, Director of Musical Munchkins and Betty Boomer, Mohonk Preserve Environmental Educator, and discover the old tradition of family music making and heighten your and your children’s awareness of nature. Together we will learn easy ways to make music and enrich your family time. Enjoy the elegance and quiet beauty surrounding the Van Leuven Cabin as we share songs, musical stories, play games, and find the songs and sounds of nature in this unique Trapps Hamlet setting. Ages infant to 8 years are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. Older siblings are welcome to this event. This program includes an easy, ½-mile hike. Reservations are required; sign up now. Call 845-255-0919 for reservations and meeting location.

Saturday, September 13th, 9:30-11:30am. Leave No Trace Workshop and Hike.
Do you really “leave no trace” when you visit the Mohonk Preserve and other wild lands? What impact do you have? The Leave No Trace educational program promotes skills and ethics to support the sustainable use of wild lands and natural areas. The concept originated in the U.S. as a way to help recreationists minimize their impact while enjoying the outdoors. Gary Natalie, Volunteer and Leave No Trace Trainer, will introduce you to the seven principles of Leave No Trace and how they apply to the Preserve and beyond. Ages 16 and up are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This is an easy, 2-mile hike. Reservations are required; sign up now. Call 845-255-0919 for reservations and meeting location.

Tuesday, September 16th, 10am-12noon. Toddlers on the Trail Walk – Trees of the Shawangunks.
Join Debbie Biltonen, a local naturalist, and her toddler son and experience the different forest habitats. We may look for Monarch butterflies flying south in the field along the way. Ages 2-6 are welcome, accompanied by an adult. Children need to be able to walk or be in a carrier; jogging strollers cannot be used. Reservations are not required. Meet at the Spring Farm Trailhead. Walks average 1.5 miles and move at a toddler’s pace.

Saturday, September 20th, 1-3pm. Kitchen Garden Harvest Celebration.
In the late 19th century, the Trapps Mountain Hamlet was inhabited by more than 50 families. Relatively self-sufficient, they raised cows and chickens, made butter and cheese, and cultivated kitchen gardens. Discover the Preserve’s 19th-century “kitchen garden,” taste recipes from days of old, and celebrate the work of some very dedicated Mohonk Preserve garden volunteers. Paul Huth, Preserve Director of Research, and Bob Larsen, Preserve Cultural Historian, will describe the people and the small subsistence farms that dotted the ridge’s rocky slopes in past centuries. All ages are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required; sign up begins 9/2. Call 845-255-0919 for reservations and meeting location. This program is free-of-charge and will be held rain or shine.

Saturday, September 27th, 10am-2pm. Ninth Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble Table Rocks/Bonticou Hike.
Join Addie Haas and Larry Braun, Volunteers, and Ethan Pierce, Forester and former Mohonk Preserve Research Intern, and enjoy hiking on quiet trails through the woods to the spectacular giant slabs known as Table Rocks. Then, discover vistas as you ramble on the Northeast Trail to the top of Bonticou Crag. Along the way, Ethan will answer your questions about the ecology and health of the forest. Be ready to take in splendid views from these favorite Preserve destinations. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This is a moderate, 7.5-mile hike, with some steep ascents and descents. Bring lunch, camera, binoculars, and water. Reservations are required; sign up begins 9/9. Call 845-255-0919 for reservations and meeting location.

Sunday, September 28th, Mohonk Preserve Annual Pfalz Point Trail Challenge Ten Mile Fundraising Run. Check-in begins at 7:45am, race starts at 9am sharp.
This 10-mile race offers a rare chance to participate in an organized running event on the Preserve’s scenic footpaths and historic carriage roads. After the race, enjoy a “chili feed” at the Slingerland Pavilion. Entry forms are available at the Visitor Center or www.mohonkpreserve.org/visit/run or www.active.com. Registration must be postmarked by September 22nd. Register early; the race is limited to 300 runners. There is no race day registration. The fee for this event is $25 for Mohonk Preserve members and $30 for non-members.