Earth Day 2013

Earth Day 2013

Monday April 22 is Earth Day and Friday April 26 is National Arbor Day.  Celebrate our planet Earth with some free and fun activities!

Winged Beauties! Just in time for Earth Day, on Thursday, April 18 at 7:00 pm the Beacon Institute kicks off its 2013 Third Thursday lecture series with Bald Eagles: Rising From the Brink of Extinction, with Pete Nye, a top eagle biologist.  Held at the Center for Environmental Innovation and Education, 199 Dennings Avenue, Beacon.  845-838-1600.  Register online at www.bire.org/events. 

Earth Nite!  Friday, April 19 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at the Albert Wisner Public Library in Warwick.  Family friendly Earth celebration activities include music, food tasting, recycling ideas and gardening projects.  The first 50 visitors will receive a free seedling tree.  Free, but registration required.  www.albertwisnerlibrary.org, 845-986-1047 x3.

Earth Day Celebration!  Saturday, April 20 from 10:30 to 3:00, the Bear Mountain Trailside Museums and Zoo will be holding a special Earth Day celebration.  Visitors can make treats for the bears at 10:30 and then watch them be fed at 11:00; there will also be nature related displays, activities and games.  The first 100 visitors will receive a free seedling tree to take home (limit one per household).  Bear Mountain State Park, www.trailsidezoo.org.  845-786-2701 x293.  For more information about Trailside, see blog post of 4/9.

Into the Woods Earth Day Celebration!  Saturday April 20 from 10:00 to 3:00 at the Clearpool campus in Carmel.  Activities include kids crafts and games, the opportunity to build a bat house, guided hikes and tree identification lessons, a portable sawmill demonstration and live music.  Event is free, but registration is required.  www.clearpool.org, 845-225-8226 x605, or email chendershot@greenchimneys.org. 33 Clearpool Road, Carmel, NY 10512

Earth Day Shoreline Clean Up!  Saturday April 20, from 1:00 to 3:00pm, sponsored by Scenic Hudson.  For those who want to celebrate by service.  Clean up will take place at Long Dock Park, Newburgh.  Wear old clothes, bring work gloves, boots, etc.  www.scenichudson.org, 845-473-4440 x273. Email aconeski@scenichudson.org.

Be a Green Teen!  Sunday, April 21 from 2:00 to 3:00, for teens at the West Nyack Library. Strawtown Road, West Nyack. Space is limited, registration is required. www.westnyacklib.org, 845-358-6081.

Earth Day Craft and Story Time!  Monday April 22, from 4:00 to 5:00, for kids 5-9 at the Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack.  Space is limited, registration is required.  www.nyacklibrary.org, 845-358-3370 x228

Arbor Day Tree Giveaway!  Friday, April 26 at the New City Library, teen volunteers will be giving away small bare-root spruce trees from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.  220 N. Main Street, New City, NY  10956  www.newcitylibrary.org

Trees for Wildlife!  Sunday, April 28 from 12:30 to 2:30 at the Nature Center in Rockland Lake State Park, learn about native trees and gardening for wildlife, walk the Nature Center circle trail.  Free native tree seedlings (donated by the National Wildlife Federation) will be distributed by the Girl Scouts of Congers and Nature Center volunteers. Information about how to become a volunteer will also be available. 299 Rockland Lake Road, Valley Cottage, NY  10989 (845) 786-2701 www.trailsidezoo.org., or email elaine.brown @ parks.ny.gov.   For more about the Nature Center and Rockland Lake State Park, see my post of April 4. 

Ten Free Shade Trees!  Join the National Arbor Day Foundation by April 30, 2013 and receive 10 free shade trees to celebrate Arbor Day.  It’s a $10.00 donation, so though technically not free, it’s still a great deal and supports both the environment and the Foundation.  The trees are guaranteed and will be replaced at no charge if dead or damaged.  Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE  68410.  www.arborday.org.

And finally, a Giant Earth Day Flea Market will be held by the Palisades Flea Market on April 20 and 21 at the Palisades Community Center, 675 Oak Tree Road, Palisades.  It’s not exactly free because you’ll probably end up buying something, but it’s still a lot of fun.  Reduce, reuse, recycle! 

Bear Mountain Trailside Museums and Zoo

Bear Mountain Trailside
Museums and Zoo

1 Hessian Dr.

Highland Falls, NY  10928

(845) 786-2701 x265

www.trailsidezoo.org

www.facebook.com/pages/Trailside-Museums-and-Zoo-at-Bear- 

Mountain-State-Park

What’s there?  The Grand-Daddy of all trailside museums, with extremely well marked nature trail, WPA era museum buildings, a zoo featuring native wildlife, the ruins of Revolutionary War era Fort Clinton, awesome scenic views of the Hudson, and so much more!

History museum with hand carved flagpole

Who is it for?  Anybody who loves animals, nature, history, hiking or is just looking for a really great place to have a picnic—or steal a romantic moment.  The paved paths are stroller and wheelchair accessible, although there are some rather steep inclines which can be a little challenging.

Where is it?  Located in the heart of Bear Mountain State Park, just off of Rte 9W and the Bear Mountain Bridge traffic circle.  The walk from the parking lot to the start of the museum/zoo area does take about 10 minutes, perhaps longer if you’re with little kids.  The paths also comprise part of the Appalachian Trail.

When is it open?  The Trailside museums and zoo is open 363 days a year (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 10:00 to 4:30 daily.  Animal feedings are every day at noon.

How much will it cost you?  Admission is free; there is a suggested donation of $1.00 per person.  Parking is free weekdays and non-holidays from October through May.  Parking is $8.00 all weekends and holidays, and daily from June through September.  Parking is always free with an Empire Passport (see below).

While you are there…Bear Mountain State Park has so much to offer that you’ll probably have to come back to check out the rest of it.  But when you do, and you really should, make sure to visit the Merry-Go-Round ($1.00/ride).  The path around Hessian Lake is fully paved and a nice walk.  You can rent boats in the summer, although that starts to get pricey.  Bear Mountain also has a pool, located along the path to the museums/zoo, which charges $1.00 for children 6-12 and $2.00 for adults to swim, and an ice skating rink open in the winter (call for fees). The Appalachian Trail, along with several other hiking trails, run through the park, and you can also drive up Perkins Memorial Drive to the top of Bear Mountain and visit the tower at the top.

Why go?

The question really should be, why not? Opened to the public in 1927, this is the original and most venerable of the trailside museums; the 85 years of dedication and development clearly shows. 

To start with, the Nature Trail itself is extremely well marked,  incorporating lessons in history, geology, and ecology into the numerous plaques and interpretive signs along the way.  Not only does the trail identify flora, fauna and geologic landmarks, it poses educational questions designed to engage even the youngest children and raise environmental and ecological awareness. There is even an additional side trail, which not only leads to magnificent river views, but also incorporates educational markers.  Here you will also find the massive statue of Walt Whitman, the American poet who lauded nature and the "open road" throughout his works.

Continuing along the path you’ll find four rustic fieldstone buildings dating back to the late 1920’s and early 1930’s. These house the Herpetology, History, Nature Study and Geology collections.  

Eastern rattlesnake

  The reptile house showcases some of our most lethal local snakes. 

Mastodon tusk

And where else in the Hudson River Valley, other than here, are you going to be able to see the remains of a massive mastodon unearthed only a few miles away? 

Check out, in the History Museum, the giant iron chain link, believed to have been part of Mad Anthony Wayne’s river defenses against the invading British. The museum displays also include Revolutionary era cannon balls and other ordnance found in the area, models of the mines that once dotted the surrounding mountains, and local Native American artifacts.

But the biggest draw continues to be the zoo itself. Many of the animals, all native to the area, became residents when illness and injury prevented their release into the wild. That being said, they’re certainly healthy and well cared-for now. 

The red foxes are a special favorite of my family, but you’ll also find coyotes, a porcupine, an otter, a bald eagle, numerous birds, and of course, bears.

There are deer here, too, although I’m not sure why—they’re almost as common as squirrels these days, but I guess they still have their charm.

Along a separate trail branching off the main path you can explore what’s left of Fort Clinton, one of the two “twin forts” that once bracketed the Popolopen Gorge (Fort Montgomery is the other).  Here Revolutionary War battles were fought, blood was spilled and heroic deeds were done on both sides as the British and the Americans fought it out for dominion over the Hudson River passage.  In fact, the fort covered a good portion of what today is the museums and zoo; it's hard to imagine that this peaceful area was once a fierce battle field.

On the far side of the History Museum a wide lawn opens up with river views to die for. Here you can see, up close and personal, the Bear Mountain Bridge and Anthony’s Nose across the river.  This makes a great place to take a break and maybe have a snack with the little ones.  On the north side of this area, just under the bridge, you can take the trail that leads down the Popolopen Gorge to the creek below, and across the mini-suspension bridge to Fort Montgomery (also open free to the public). 

In addition to its regular exhibits, the Trailside Museums and Zoo  run periodic interpretive and educational programs.  Check the website and the Facebook page to find out what’s happening at the zoo. 

Finally, for those who want to know—and who doesn’t—there’s a gift shop located in the Bear Mountain Inn.  In addition to the expected bear-themed tchochkas, the shop offers camping and hiking supplies, wildlife and camping themed items and a wide array of locally produced jams, candies and honey.  There is also a small café offering lite fare. 

This is a place that never grows old.  I came here as a kid, brought my own kids, and now they're grown up and still love it.  There's always something new along with all the old and familiar, and that's what makes this a place you'll want to visit again and again.

A note about the Empire Passport:  This is essentially a pre-paid parking permit good not only for Bear Mountain State Park, but for all New York State parks and historic sites that charge a parking or vehicle use fee.  It’s an initial outlay of $65.00 (ouch) but is absolutely worth it if you plan to use your state parks to the max.  At $8.00 a pop to park at a state facility, you need only visit 8 times the entire season in order for this to pay for itself.  I highly recommend doing so if you can afford it, as our state parks are one of the most versatile and rich low or no cost resources available to us.

Rockland Lake State Park

Rockland Lake State Park

299 Rockland Lake Road

Valley Cottage, NY  10989

(845) 268-3020

http://nysparks.com/parks/81

www.facebook.com/pages/Rockland-Lake-State-Park

What’s there?  Three mile easily accessible walking/cycling trail circumnavigating the lake; historic ruins of Knickerbocker Ice Company buildings with interpretive plaques; Nature Center and trail (seasonal), tennis courts, picnic and play areas. For additional fees: swimming pools, bath houses, golf courses,  boating and fishing.

Who is it for?  Everyone! The paved lakeside trail makes it easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, as well as walkers, joggers, scooters and rollerbladers.

Where is it?  Located along a stretch of Route 9W in Rockland County, starting just north of Upper Nyack, and ending in Congers.  There are two entrances, North and South, along 9W. 

When is it open?  The park is open 365 days a year from sunrise to dusk.  The Nature Center and trail is open generally from June through August, but its days and hours vary depending on volunteer availability, so it’s best to call ahead if you’re planning on visiting.  The pool, golf courses and tennis courts are open seasonally; see the website or call for more information.  Boating and fishing permits are also available seasonally.  As of now, no reservations required or time limit set for use of the tennis courts, but check back periodically to see if that changes.

Upended swan

How much will it cost you?  Walk-in, bicycle and other non-motorized entry to the park is free, as is access to the trails, Nature Center, tennis courts and picnic and play areas.  Starting on weekends in mid-April, and then daily from June through the Fall, there is a vehicle use fee of $8.00.  If you invest in an Empire Passport (see below), the fee is waived.  Pool fees are $1.00 for kids and $2.00 for adults, which is as close to free as you can get while still having to pay something. Kids 5 and under are always free.  Golf course  fees are more; call for exact prices.  Boating and fishing both require permits which include a one-time seasonal fee.  Boating permits can be obtained at the park office.

While you are there, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike along the Long Path to the top of Hook Mountain or you can access the Nyack Beach State Park trail and the Haverstraw Beach bike path nearby along the Hudson River.  Please note: Stick to the trails only.  Climbing the cliffs of Hook Mountain is strictly forbidden as the instability of the rock face makes climbing extremely dangerous. 

Why go?

Exercise equipment along the path

The Hudson River Valley is filled with State parks, and each one has something unique to recommend it.  What I love about Rockland Lake State Park is how easily accessible it is for people of all ages, which makes it especially family friendly.  If you want to introduce your kids to the pleasures of hiking and the great outdoors, this is an excellent place to start.  The lakeside path is level and paved, which makes it easy even for toddlers to navigate (and you can bring along the stroller, as well). As you walk at your own pace, the views of lake, hills and forest remain remarkably pure and natural despite the relative development of the area.  Children especially will love seeing geese, swans, ducks and other wildlife on and around the water.  There are also conveniently located benches, picnic tables and workout equipment along the way.     

In addition to the natural sights around the lake, the remains of the Knickerbocker Ice Company buildings still stand on the northeastern shore. It’s really something to see the enormous stone walls stretching on for what seems like forever and realize that this was once the site of a thriving industry. 

A portion of the ice house wall

There are several interpretive plaques placed near the ruins that explain the history of the ice company and the nearby hamlet of Rockland Lake.  A more detailed history of the area, which might enhance your visit here, can be found at the Knickerbocker Ice Festival website at www.knickerbockericefestival.com.   The Ice Festival usually takes place sometime during the winter, and includes such events as an ice sculpting competition, igloo building, arts displays and, of course, food and tchochkas.

Rockland Lake also has a Nature Center and trail, which sadly has fallen on hard times.  A lack of funds has limited the rehabilitation of some of the storm-damaged trail, as well as the permanent staffing of the Center.  That is why it is only open seasonally, staffed by volunteers as administered through the Bear Mountain Trailside Museum office (www.trailsidezoo.org). It still is a really cool place to explore, so definitely call ahead if you’re planning a visit to see if it’s open that day. Better yet, find out about volunteering there, and take the concept of  free and fun to a whole new level. The recently completed draft Master Plan for the improvement of the Rockland Lake State Park Complex does call for a major renovation and expansion of this feature, but that will be some time down the road.  If you’re interested, however, you can obtain a copy of the plan and submit your thoughts and comments in support of the Center and other features. Call or visit the park office for more information.

Tree formation

One of the best features of this park is its sheer size. Spread out over 1943 acres of land the Rockland Lake Complex, which includes Nyack Beach, Hook Mountain and Haverstraw Beach, has plenty of room for running around, ball playing and picnicking in a beautiful setting.  And there are very few places left where you can get free unlimited access to tennis courts!  The park does get crowded in the high summer, however, so keep that in mind when making plans.  And don’t forget--$1.00 and $2.00 to go swimming!  While technically not free, it doesn’t get any cheaper than that.  Again, it gets crowded in the summer, so plan accordingly.

A note about the Empire Passport:  This is essentially a pre-paid parking permit good not only for Rockland Lake State Park, but for all New York State parks and historic sites that charge a parking or vehicle use fee.  It’s an initial outlay of $65.00 (ouch) but is absolutely worth it if you plan to use your state parks to the max.  At $8.00 a pop to park at a state facility, you need only visit 8 times the entire season in order for this to pay for itself.  I highly recommend doing so if you can afford it, as our state parks are one of our most rich and versatile low or no cost resources available.