Sign-up for Huyck Preserve Events

Sign-up for Huyck Preserve Events RENSSELAERVILLE - Not that spring has sprung, it is time to sign-up for beach passes and other events and programs at the Huyck Preserve in Rensselaerville. Registration for 2023 beach passes and boat rack rental spaces is now open and available to those with a 2023-24 Huyck Preserve membership. Already renewed for 2023-24 - Beach passes can be purchased by mail or in-person at the Huyck Preserve Visitors' Center. Boat rack sign-ups are available by mail, over the phone, or in-person at the Huyck Preserve Visitors' Center. Not yet renewed for 2023-24 - Beach passes and boat rack rentals may be purchased online as a membership add-on, by mail with a membership renewal, or in-person at the Visitors' Center with a membership renewal.

Mark your calendars--the Lake Myosotis swimming area is scheduled to open June 24. Join them at the beach on the opening date from 5-7 PM for a pizza party with pizza available for purchase from Be Golden Farms to celebrate the start of the 2023 swimming season. Boats may be stored on rented racks starting May 1.

The summer Odum Internship in Field Ecology provides undergraduate students the opportunity to learn from experienced ecologists and perform independent research. The deadline to apply is April 21.

The first meeting of our new Read + Hike Book Club is May 6. Come discuss themes of ecology and humanity’s relationship with nature with other book and nature lovers in this monthly program. Each meeting, we will take a leisurely hike with stopping points for book discussion. Come to all the meetings, some meetings, or just one! Hikes will start from the Eldridge Research Center, 284 Pond Hill Road, Rensselaerville, NY unless otherwise noted and will meet from 3-4:30 PM.

Our May book selection is The Darkness Manifesto: On Light Pollution, Night Ecology, and the Ancient Rhythms That Sustain Life by Johan Eklöf. Habitat loss, climate change and overuse of agricultural chemicals take a huge toll on wildlife and biodiversity. Johan Eklöf, a Swedish bat scientist, argues that the loss of darkness in our zeal for light at night is just as serious. Combining scientific evidence with rich animal behavioral description, The Darkness Manifesto outlines the global campaign against light pollution, while there’s still something left to save in the dark night.

Visit www.huyckpreserve.org/events for a full reading list and meeting dates. Want to learn about this exciting program from its leader?  Come to the Rensselaerville Library on May 11 at 7 pm to hear more from Lynn Love, Huyck Preserve Board Member and avid reader (and hiker).

Earth Day ​Saturday, April 22, 10AM-noon, meet at the Eldridge Research Center, 284 Pond Hill Road, Rensselaerville, NY 12147.

Looking for a way to help the planet this Earth Day? Come to the Preserve and join us in our efforts to clear Asiatic bittersweet. Bittersweet leads to tree death when it climbs, girdles, outcompetes, and topples trees. Your help can make a real difference!  This is a free event.

The Signs of Spring Guided Hike will be on Saturday, May 6,|10 AM -noon.

Join Stewardship Coordinator Garrett Chisholm for a spring hike. They will discuss phenology, the study of seasonal changes and timing in nature, and look for markers of the springtime changes experienced by plants and animals along the trails.  Suggested donation of $5; members and children under 12 free.

Summer Opportunities for High School Students

Wildlife Ecology Research Program Designed for high school students interested in a deep exploration of the natural sciences, this two-week program aims to provide a significant academic experience that will help students prepare for courses and research experiences at the college level while letting them explore career options. The program culminates in small group research projects and also leaves time for fun.

Stewardship Internship Students have a chance to make a real difference to the health of the Huyck Preserve’s natural communities in this four-day internship. Invasive species pose a serious threat to the native species of the Preserve. Students will join Stewardship Coordinator Garrett Chisholm and his summer stewardship crew to learn about invasive species management and tackle some of our most pressing invasive species removal work.  Program dates: July 17-20; 9 AM-1 PM

K-5 Summer Program

Nature Study Get your kids outside this summer. In this program, students learn about nature through hands-on exploration of our forest trails and streams. They use science-themed games and crafts to reinforce the basic concepts of ecology and environmental science we've discussed out in the woods. Class size is limited, and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Class Dates Grades K-2: July 10-14, 9 AM - 12 PM Grades K-5, week 1: July 10-14, 1 - 4 PM Grades K-5, week 2: July 17-21, 9 AM - 12 PM Grades 3-5: July 17-21, 1 - 4 PM

The middle school program, Ecological Explorations, is already full. Families interested in the middle school program may call the office (518-797-3440) to join the waitlist.

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