September 19: Monarch Appreciation and Conservation, 2 to 3 pm.
Join Casey Pendergast to learn about the Monarch life cycle, see our new monarch waystation and learn how you can attract monarchs to your backyard. We will have monarchs in various life stages for viewing. This program is for all ages. Free.
[private]September 23: Fall Equinox Paddle, 5 to 6:30 pm.
Here is another opportunity for an evening paddle on the first day of Fall! This is a great way to start observing the trees as the leaves start to change colors along the lake shore. This program is limited to 12 boats and pre-registration is required. Boats can be rented for $10 or you may bring your own. Must be 16 or older.
September 26: Forest Skills Day 12 to 3 pm.
Learn new skills or brush up on old ones. This day is designed for youth ages ten and older and also scout, 4-H and youth leaders who want more knowledge of forest ecology. Choose two of these topics: Map and Compass, GPS and Geocaching, Forest Ecology,Tree Identification and Forest Measurements (tree diameter, height and age). For more information please call the Center. Free.
September 22: Mushrooming for Beginners, 5:30 pm to 7 pm.
Learn all about the mysterious world of fungi. This program, led by naturalists Ian Keefe and Casey Pendergast, is for beginner level mushroom enthusiasts. You will learn how spore prints are taken and how to identify common mushrooms. Come early and have dinner in the woods before the program. Pre-registration is required.
September 26 and 27: Sixth Annual Plateau Traverse Hike
A two-day, 30-mile hike. Hike for one or both days. Co-sponsored by the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance and the Rensselaer Land Trust. For more information, visit www.rensselaerplateau.org.
September 30: Evening Fall Hike 5 to 6:30 pm.
Get outside before it’s too cold! Another guided, 2 to 3 mile hike. Dress appropriately. For all experience levels ages 16 and up. Free and Fun.
A complete list of programs can be found at: www.dykenpond.org. Pre-registration is encouraged to help with planning, but not required and can be done by contacting the Center at dykenpond@fairpoint.net or (518) 658-2055.
Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is a Rensselaer County Park open daily during daylight hours for hiking, fishing and non-motor boating. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent each day from 9am until 3pm. Call for more information and a complete schedule of our summer events.[/private]