On Saturday, April 14, at 2 pm, James Bell, hydraulic energy consultant, will lead a free tour and talk about waterfalls and hydroelectric plants. The driving and walking tour will include the 1908 hydroelectric plant in Schaghticoke, another plant in Middle Falls and two plants in Greenwich. After the tour, participants will adjourn to the Gallery Space, 111 Main Street in Greenwich for a discussion on the history of water power in Rensselaer County. Meet at the Stewarts Shop, 62 Main Street, in Schaghticoke at 1:45 pm. Register by contacting Christine at Christine@renstrust.org or 518-659-5263.
In observance of Earth Day, RLT and the City of Troy are sponsoring the fifth annual clean-up of the shores of Tomhannock Reservoir, the source of drinking water for 125,000 residents of Troy and other communities. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, April 21, from 9 am to noon. Meet at NYS DEC public access parking lot on NYS Route 7 in Raymertown just before the causeway over the reservoir. Groups will collect trash along the shore. Garbage bags will be provided. Bring gloves. We will work regardless of weather, so dress appropriately. To register, contact Paul Schroeder at 518-674-2480 or pschroeder1@nycap.rr.com.
RLT is providing a series of opportunities to learn fungi with local mycologist Sue Van Hook. First up is an indoor workshop on Tuesday, April 24, at 7 pm at The Sage Colleges Library Media Room in Troy. Learn to identify the different groups of fungi in preparation for Sue’s outdoor mushroom walks in May (morel season) and in August. Bring a notebook and a pen. Sue will have copies of How to Identify Mushrooms to Genus I: Macroscopic Features, by David L. Largent for sale at $20. The cost for this workshop is $10 per person, $15 per couple. Kids are admitted free. Register online on www.renstrust.org or contact Marcy at 518-674-2171.
These events are open to the public.