Walks & Talks

2026 "Big Tent" Programs

Friday Evening
Return of The American Chestnut
with Lake Graboski

What do you know about the American chestnut tree? Join Lake Graboski, Regional Science Coordinator with The American Chestnut Foundation, for a history on the American chestnut, its demise, and restoration efforts. Find out what makes the American chestnut a special tree, for people and wildlife alike. Learn about the ecology of this forest tree and how human impact reduced its niche to that of a shrub. See how people through history and into today are helping the species make a come-back and learn how you can help!

Saturday Evening
Western New York Wildway
with Marcus Rosten

Growing up exploring the rail bed thickets of Buffalo and summering in the green cabins of Allegany, Marcus discovered early that nature is more than a backdrop—it is a teacher, a playground, and a home. Those experiences sparked a lifelong connection to the lands and waters of Western New York and a deep interest in how people and wildlife can best coexist across the landscape. Today, Marcus helps lead the WNY Wildway, an initiative of the WNY Land Conservancy working to protect and reconnect the region’s largest remaining tracts of wildlife habitat. Building on the broader Eastern Wildway, the WNY Wildway focuses on conserving the lands that keep our region climate-resilient and will enable safe wildlife movement from the Pennsylvania border to the shores of Lakes Erie and Ontario. Join him to reflect on how our landscapes connect us all, how wildlife moves through them, and how we can help keep the places that inspire us thriving for generations to come.

Below is the list of confirmed programs for the 2026 Allegany Nature Pilgrimage

Classes, Walks, and Fieldtrips

Code Key
Participant Expertise:  A1=Beginner  A2=Intermediate  A3=Advanced
Audience:  B1=Families of all ages  B2=Young children with adult  B3=Older children with adult  B4=Adults only
Difficulty:  C1=Seated, all abilities  C2=Easy walk  C3=Moderate walk  C4=Strenuous/long hike

Adult-Themed Nature Talk: We will have a discussion on the culture and mythology of the plants and animals of the park. Part of our discussion will focus on the mating rituals of the animals of the park. This conversation will be a bawdy discussion of nature within the park. PowerPoint presentation for adults only.
A1,B4,C1. Lon Myers

All-Day Birding: Participants will travel (carpool if possible) throughout Allegany State Park. We will visit many different habitats looking for the birds, and other wildlife present.
A1,B1,C3 Timothy Baird

Allenberg Bog Slog: Experience the unique flora and fauna of a spectacular northern peat bog that features a quaking mat surrounding a bog pool. Many plants that are uncommon or rare in this part of New York occur here. We’ll also pay special attention to dragonflies and damselflies, including some unusual ones often are flying here at this time.
A2,B4,C3 Steven Daniel & Wayne Gall

Amble, Ramble and maybe a Scramble: Meet at the Stone Tower for a reading the forest exploration on the Bear Paw Trail. How to see the trees in the forest and what do they tell us.
A1,B3,C3 Ro Woodard

Amphibians and Reptiles of Allegany State Park: Join Mark on a walk around Camp Allegany to find local amphibians and reptiles and learn about their biology.
A1,B1,C3 Mark Carra

Bad Boy Plants and the Insects that Love Them: The natural world is built upon specialized relationships. Native plants need birds, insects and butterflies to spread their seed, protect their young and provide the essentials of life. These specialized relationships explain why biodiversity is critical for reliance in an ecosystem facing a changing climate.
A1,B3,C1 Kathleen Contrino

Bearpaw Loop Adventure: Exploring the Stone Tower and Fire Tower of the Summit Area: This 3-mile moderately challenging loop hike offers stunning views of forests, fields and valleys. Along the way you will explore two iconic towers. This adventure offers the perfect blend of nature, history and scenic landscapes.
A1,B1,C3 Jonathan Anderson

Bees, Butterflies & Beneficials: Join beekeeper Shannon Rinow in the Butterfly Meadow for an inside look at the fascinating world of honeybees and the role they play in our gardens and ecosystems. Learn about hive structure, bee behavior, and the basics of beekeeping, with real equipment on display. We’ll also touch on native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, along with the native plants that support them.
A2,B1,C2 Shannon Rinow

Beginner Hiking Walk and Talk: This introductory hike focuses on the basics of hiking—how to begin, what to bring, and how to safely enjoy time outdoors—while taking time to notice and explore the nature around us. Along the way, we’ll share practical hiking safety tips, trail etiquette, and simple tricks to make your hikes more enjoyable. The walk will be guided by a New York State–certified hiking guide, making it a welcoming experience for beginners and anyone looking to reconnect with the outdoors.
A1,B1,C3 Jennifer Crane

Beginning Birding: An Introductory experience. We will concentrate on birdwatching basics like how to use a guide book, binoculars and some easy bird identification. Please bring your own binoculars.
A1,B2,C1 Garner Light

Beginner to Intermediate Birding: The pace will be leisurely with time for observation and education in varied habitat.
A1,B3,C2 Matthew Nusstein

Bird Banding: Get a close view of warblers and other birds as our bird banders catch birds in nets and demonstrate how to band them.
A1,B1,C1 Thomas LeBlanc

Birds & Buds-Step by Step Artwork: Dad and daughter duo Charles and Erin will guide participants through the entire artistic process from sketch to final painting. Participants will create an image of a backyard bird and native plant (species to be revealed!), using a variety of materials including colored pencils, pastels, and paint. Everyone will leave with knowledge about principles of design, media techniques, and a ready-to-display work of art.
A1,B1,C1 Charles & Erin Ruffino

The Bluebird of Happiness: Learn about our NY State bird; its habitat, diet and behaviors. You will see photos and a display of nests and eggs of native birds. You will learn how to build and monitor a nestbox and ways to help the bluebird survive. You will see how easy it is to build a nestbox! Handouts will be made available of building plans and instructions for mounting.
A1,B1,C1 Elaine Crossley

Bones-What We Can Learn from Them: Ever find a bone on one of your forays into nature and wondered what kind of animal left it? Ever wonder why we don't tend to find more bones and antlers? Ever wonder how old you actually are (and what that has to do with a talk on bones)? Those topics and much more will be covered in this presentation.
A1,B1,C1 Glenn Wahl

Botanical Outlaws: Thieves, Parasites & Carnivores: Wayne will review the natural history of some native plants that behave “badly,” meaning they obtain sugars or nutrients by unconventional means. Parasitic plants like oakdrops and beechdrops steal sugars directly from a photosynthetic host. Mycotrophic (fungus-nourished) plants like Indian pipe and coralroot orchids steal their sugars indirectly from a photosynthetic host via a fungal intermediary. Carnivorous plants like pitcher plants and sundews supplement their nutrient supply via insect corpses.
A1,B3,C1 Wayne Gall

Botany & More Along the Blacksnake Mountain Trail: A moderate hike, but we'll take 3-4 hours to cover the 3 mile distance! This trail includes some exceptional areas for some special Allegany plants--including forested seeps that are incredibly lush with wildflowers, ferns and overall great plant diversity. Although the focus will be on the plants, we won't overlook whatever else happens to come our way--birds, butterflies, dragonflies, fungi.
A2,B4,C3 Steven Daniel

Botany Blitz For Kidz!: Come learn some basic botany skills for kids! This program will teach kids some basic plant identification skills. We’ll then use these skills to go on a botany blitz (AKA scavenger hunt) around the Camp Allegany area. Prizes for all competitors!
A1,B1,C2 Angela Driscoll

Bridal Falls Birding: Take a walk down to the Bridal Falls in search of Louisiana Waterthrush, Acadian Flycatcher, Winter Wren, and other forested ravine specialties. Please be prepared with appropriate footwear for hiking down a steep and possibly wet trail.
A2,B4,C3 Tom Kerr

Bringing the Pilgrimage Home: Your yard can be a nature preserve as amazing as what you find at the pilgrimage. Learn how planting native plants for pollinators and butterflies also brings a host of other animals from birds to toads.
A1,B1,C1 Jeff Tome

Bugs by Nightlight: Participants will observe night-flying insects attracted to a mercury vapor light and white sheet after dark. A diversity of moths, caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies, and beetles are just some of the insect taxa likely to be encountered. Discussion will focus on identifying characteristics and the natural history of the attracted insects.
A1,B1,C1 Wayne Gall & Steven Daniel

Bug Pinning and Preservation for Scientists and Artists: Practice with the tools of the ancient, evolving insect pinning trade in this crash course. Learn to preserve the completed specimens once you have them.
A1,B3,C1 Conrad Baker

Busy Beavers: Learn all about the official mammal of New York State while visiting an active beaver colony.
A1,B1,C2 Kristen Rosenburg

Common Bird Identification: This talk will provide basic information about some bird species commonly seen and/or heard in the woodlands and backyards of Western New York. The information presented is geared toward non-birders who want to learn something about the birds with whom they share the earth.
A1,B1,C1 Peter Corrigan

Community Climate Convo: How would our climate change if (more than human) nature had rights? One of the biggest challenges humans face now is dealing in a healthy way with the viewpoints and emotions that inform our decisions regarding rapidly increasing environmental degradation and depletion, loss of biodiversity, and the destabilization of our most complex and essential Earth systems. The more skilled we become in sharing our values and feelings, holding them with care and consideration for each other, the stronger is our capacity to respond to the global metacrisis with integrity and in community. Join us for an exploration of how the rapidly growing Rights of Nature movement is imagining new pathways for the future of ALL Earth inhabitants.
A1,B4,C1 Jennifer Fendya

Corn Husk Dolls: The story of the No Face Doll will be shared and we have a step-by-step process of the corn husk doll to complete in our time together. Time and patience, some knot tying is involved and families with small children will need aid to complete the project. All materials will be included.
A1,B1,C1 Penny Minner

Creature Clues: Using a variety of discovery tools, from hand lenses and ID sheets to your own senses, get ready to put those powers of observation to the test. Children and their adults will work together to look for animals and the clues they leave behind to figure out what animal dug that hole, who is living under the logs, and explore the forest. There will be a mix of structured activities and free exploration time to help you discover what animals, large and small, might be calling Allegany State Park home.
A1,B1,C2 Chelsea Jandreau

Disc Golf: This introductory disc golf class will teach you the fundamentals of the game through a variety of fun and engaging activities all while enjoying nature. You’ll learn proper throwing techniques, rules, and strategies while enjoying the outdoors. Disc golf is a fantastic way to add a recreational element to your nature walks, combining exercise, skill-building, and appreciation for nature in a single experience.
A1,B1,C2 Jonathan Anderson

Dragonflies & Damselflies: Learn about these beautiful flying beasts of the ponds and lakes. Groups will catch, identify and release the insects after taking a closer look at each one.
A1,B1,C2 Jeremy Martin

Early Morning Birding: Sunrise birding at the Red House Wetland Trail. Binoculars will be provided as needed.
A1,B1,C2 Tom Kerr

Edible Wild Plants: Can I eat that? Learn to identify common edible plants in the woods or field. Some medicinal uses will also be discussed.
A1,B1,C2 Adele Wellman

Fairy Houses and Toad Abodes: Nature is full of lots of surprises – maybe even fairies! Using all natural materials from the woods, participants will learn how to build a house anywhere they want to for fairies and nature’s friends to visit. A great way to be creative and just play in the woods. This program is fun for kids and their parents or anyone that wants to enjoy a little time to let their imagination run free! A short story is also included.
A1,B1,C2 Lauren Makeyenko

Falconry: Come along for a meet and greet with Meeps the American Kestrel and an introduction to the 4,000 year old practice of falconry.
A1,B3,C2 Jessica Hill

Family Folk Concert: Bring your chair and join us under the "Big Tent" on Saturday at 5:30 pm for a concert featuring a variety of folk and acoustic songs, many of which tie into the ANP theme of nature and the outdoors and our responsibilities to all who share this planet with us. The audience is invited to sing along in this beautiful space.
Nan Hoffman, Joe Tumino and Kathy DeLoughry

Fern Foray! Come befriend the fabulous ferns that fill the forest floor with feathery fronds! We will hike the Red Jacket Trail (#8, 1 mile loop) behind the Red House Administration Building and explore the basics of fern identification while getting to know Allegany’s most common species!
A1,B1,C3 Marcus Rosten

Fibonacci Sequence & Sacred Geometry in Nature: Did you know there’s a divine plan to nature? Mathematical principles can be found in nature, from flower petals to the spirals of galaxies and even human anatomy, creating a sense of balance and aesthetic pleasure. Often explained through concepts like the Fibonacci sequence, sacred geometry, and the golden ratio (1.618), these principles shape the world around us. After this lecture, you’ll begin looking more closely at nature and see how these mathematical wonders reveal a deeper, hidden beauty in the natural world.
A1,B3,C1 Diane Crandall

Fire Towers of Allegany State Park: This will be an in-depth talk about the history of Allegany State Park fire towers with a discussion, questions and tour of the fire tower after the presentation.
A1,B1,C2 Kevin Gallineau

Five-Mile Nature Hike: We will hike the Christian Hollow cross-country trail in the Park’s Summit area. Once the snow melts, this area features interesting wildflowers, cool plants and a variety of birds. Come share the beauty of Allegany's “upland” woods as we travel an excellent trail with nice views at a moderate pace. As we hike and observe, all will be welcome to share information about what we’re seeing and enjoying.
A2,B3,C3 Teresa & Peter Corrigan

Five, Six, Pick Up Sticks: We will look at samples of games and crafts you can make with sticks and then take a short walk to find sticks. Sticks are not just for kindling! When we return to the tent you will make a game/craft of your choice using your sticks and provided materials. Make a magic wand, journey stick, tic tac toe game, weaving project or make up your own. You will leave with your simple project and a list of ideas to take with you.
A1,B1,C2 Kimberly Clarke

FLASH! Contemplative Cellphone Photography: Contemplative practices have emerged from diverse traditions and involve practical methods of bringing about a state of mind/body well-being through movement, self-awareness and focused attention. In this introduction to a perception-based approach to photography, you’ll learn a few simple skills for quieting the mind to help you engage directly with the land through looking and seeing. Then you’ll use your cellphone to make photographic images of the “ordinary magic” that has – FLASH! – caught your eye. Please note: our aim is to tune our “human perceptual apparatus,” NOT to learn cellphone camera technology!
A1,B3,C1 Jennifer Fendya

Forest Bathing-It’s Not What You Think! Forest Bathing/Forest Therapy has its roots in the Japanese shinrin-yoku, a well-researched method of nature immersion that supports physiological health and psychological well-being. It is equally informed by embodiment & mindfulness practices, indigenous principles of reciprocity, and deep ecology. On this relaxed, pleasure-oriented walk, participants are offered invitations to explore sensory experiences and engage with the “other-than-human” world. We’ll gather along the way to share what we’re noticing as we “bathe” in the forest atmosphere.
A1,B3,C1 Jennifer Fendya

Forest Health and a Changing Landscape: Participants will learn what a forester does and be exposed to forest health issues in the western NY area. learning will focus on how these affect forest diversity and the recreational experiences of the trail user. Participants will stop at several sites along the Three Sisters trail to learn how to identify common forest invasive species in the area, and they will be exposed to using IMAP invasive app to record invasive species. Learn how to become a citizen scientist of the forest we love!
A1,B1,C3 Theresa Draves

General Nature: We will take a short walk along the Red House bike trail from Camp Allegany and venture into the woods to see what we can find. We will learn a bit about trees and some of the other organisms that call the park home. We won't be able to identify everything that we see, but that's part of the fun. You deserve a walk in the woods!
A1,B1,C2 Robert Reeves

General Nature Hike: Easy walk near the camp. We will look at the features of the area and how they relate. We may walk to the bike path across from the camp or maybe have a pop quiz.
A1,B1,C2 Laura Dustin

Geology of the Region: A family oriented interactive geology program with hands-on demonstrations. Together, we'll journey through time to uncover the geologic history of the surrounding area. Come ready to discover and ask questions.
A1,B1,C2 Chris Myers

Grasses, Sedges, and Rushes...Oh My! An introduction to these fascinating, yet maligned, groups of plants, that have an undeserved reputation for being difficult, if not impossible to learn. So we will "Learn 10" graminoids. and it shouldn't be too painful! "Learn 10" is a program begun by the New York Flora Association to help make various groups of plants accessible to non-botanists.
A1,B4,C2 Steven Daniel

Headwaters Hike: Have you ever wondered where our streams, creeks, and rivers begin? The “headwaters” are the source of a waterway. We’ll explore a headwater forest in Allegany State Park, where the water we see will eventually travel all of the way to the Gulf of Mexico. We’ll discuss why healthy headwaters are important for our watershed and enjoy some natural discoveries along the way.
A1,B1,C3 Claudia Nusstein

Herpetology: Join renowned author Twan Leenders as we learn about the reptiles and amphibians found in the lower elevations around Camp Allegany and search the nearby streambed in search of reptiles and amphibians.
A1,B1,C2 Twan Leenders

High Elevation Herpetology: Join renowned author, Twan Leenders as we learn about the reptiles and amphibians found in the upper elevations in Allegany State Park. We will explore the nearby area in search of reptiles and amphibians.
A1,B1,C3 Twan Leenders

Hike to find a Wild Surviving American Chestnut: Did you know that the forests surrounding us are home to a functionally extinct tree species? Join us for a hike to see wild surviving American chestnuts and discuss their story in a forest setting. Hike will be led by Lake Graboski, Regional Science Coordinator with The American Chestnut Foundation. This will be an educational hike for those who want to improve their tree ID skills and for those interested in forest history and ecology
A1,B3,C3 Lake Graboski

History of Allegany State Park: A historical timeline of the park and forgotten places. Take a trip back in time to the early days of Allegany State Park. We will cover pre-park, how and why the Park was formed, as well as what life was like was like in the early days. This field trip will be a combination of driving and walking. We will end in the Quaker Area which is about 25 minutes from the Red House Area and if time allows, we will take an optional short hike to a historical area.
A1,B1,C2 Dave Robbins

The History of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy: Come listen to renowned Seneca Nation Elder, Dennis Bowen who will share his rich past, experiences and the history of this great confederacy, its Great Law of Peace, and challenges which it has faced and faces today in the culture of current day America.
A1,B1,C1 Dennis Bowen

How to Use a Field Guide: Field Guides can be confusing, and there are so many different kinds of them. Bring your most hated field guide nemesis and the one you love the most. We'll look at why there is no one size fits all field guide, how to make the most out of what you have and how you can use apps and google lens to supplement the guides you have.
A1,B1,C1 Jeff Tome

Identifying Wild Mushrooms-Edible, Poisonous and Beautiful: This program is a photo show with explanations. Dr. Victor will show you, with photos, how to identify the most tasty edible mushrooms and explain how not to confuse them with dangerous varieties. He will explain the conditions when and where to find wild mushrooms; dates, weather and locations. He will also explain the French way to cook chanterelle mushrooms.
A1,B3,C1 Jeffrey Victor

Improving Your Nature Photography: This program starts out with thoroughly explaining the use and relationships between ISO, aperture and shutter speed settings. The remainder will cover composition, light, depth of field, subject selection, area photo locations, birds and dragonflies in flight and a host of suggestions, ideas, etc.
A2,B1,C1 Craig Braack

Let the Forest Come to You: - Meet at Camp Allegany for a unique field trip lead by you! We will briefly talk about still observations from a sitting spot and then find our own place to quietly observe and let the birds, and animals come to us for a half hour; then regroup and share our experiences. You may want to bring a seat or cushion, binoculars, or camera. What will we see?
A1,B3,C3 Ro Woodard

Life Under a Lens: Enter the world of all that is small as we explore species seldom seen. We will investigate tree bark, stumps, logs, rocks and everything in between! Bring a hand lens if you have one. Focus will be on mosses, liverworts and overlooked species in the woods.
A1,B1,C2 Matthew Nusstein

Little Rock City: Participants will travel by car to Little Rock City north of Salamanca, NY. The location is an outcropping of Salamanca conglomerate rock in the Little Rock City State Forest. The geology of the site will be discussed and explored. Little Rock City is host to a variety of interesting plants and animals as well.
A1,B3,C3 Timothy Baird

Live Animals of the World Give Up Their Secrets: Living creatures from distant places will teach us that they are perfectly adapted to their natural habitats and how this relates to our own survival.
A1,B1,C1 Mark Carra

Mammals: Explore mammal habitat and learn to look for signs of mammals. We will study skulls, pelts, and adventure into the woods in search of tracks, bedding, foraging, and scat. We will also learn how to make plaster casts.
A1,B3,C2 Salah Griffis

Margery Gallogly Allegany Wildlands Tour: Join the WNY Land Conservancy for a guided hike at their Janet Gallogly Allegany Wildlands, originally protected in 2022, and more than doubled in size with the Allegany Wildlands Expansion in 2025. Explore the preserves’ mature forests and diverse plant life while searching for breeding Cerulean Warblers and other forest birds during this exciting time of year.
A1,B1,C3 Andrew Gaerte

Mini Rebel Nature Journal: Using selections from Audubon Community Nature Center’s Rebel Nature Journal, participants will explore their surroundings, practice their observation skills, and capture their time in nature in a unique way. Your experiences won’t always be captured in full sentences, words, or even in pen or pencil. Instead, kids and families, working either independently or together, will use a combination of words, drawings, and the nature found around them to record the information gathered with your five senses.
A1,B1,C2 Chelsea Jandreau

Mushroom Walk: Walk around Camp Allegany and search for interesting mushrooms and share our discoveries.
A1,B1,C2. Garrett Taylor

Native Plant Garden Design: Hands-on design help from Kathy Contrino. We will discuss specific designs principles, discuss different ways of growing plants, answer any questions on gardening challenges, peruse books, and create a native plant garden. A1,B3,C1 Kathleen Contrino

Nature Bingo! Kids of all ages are welcome! Come out as we walk, talk, and play a round of Bingo in nature. We will cover some nature basics, as we find items for our Bingo game. Everything you need will be provided and there will be some fun prizes too!
A1,B1,C2 Tonie Cowen

Nature In Song & Story: Revel in the wildness of nature, ponder nature’s mysteries and protection and laugh at its oddities, all in a program of folktales, music, myths and personal accounts for all ages. The song-story duo of Dee and George will entertain and inspire you with some of their favorite tales and songs that celebrate our natural world.
A1,B1,C1 George Crafts & Dee Kysor

Nature Journaling and Mindfulness: Settle in, unwind, and savor the beauty and wonder of nature with a sensory-rich immersive experience. We will use provided art materials and found natural elements to casually draw, paint, and write about our observations of what is in front of us while using our senses to reflect, stay present, and become mindful of this special moment with nature.
A1,B3,C1 Kimberly Adriaansen

Nature Mandalas (A Circle from Natural Materials): This workshop aims to connect participants with nature through a creative and meditative experience. Using natural objects collected from the forest, participants will collaboratively create a mandala, drawing inspiration from the works of environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy. The activity fosters mindfulness, appreciation for natural forms, and community engagement.
A1, B3, C2 Amy Witman

Nature’s Medicine Cabinet: An Introduction to Homeopathy- If you’ve ever wished you knew how to support your family’s wellness in more natural, gentle ways, this class is for you. Come learn what homeopathy is, how it works, and how you can begin using it confidently at home. You’ll also discover trusted resources to help you care for your whole family and pets too!
A1,B3,C1 Tonie Cowen

Nature Symbols, Stories, and Healing: With the backdrop of Thunder Rocks, a sacred and spiritual area for the Seneca, Marvin, a Seneca Elder, will share the special relationships of people, animals and plants through stories.
A1,B1,C2 Marvin Jacobs

Nature-Themed Yoga: Start the day's activities with outdoor nature themed meditation and yoga. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat or towel. No experience needed.
A1,B1,C1 Teresa Corrigan

Not Your Usual Dam Nature Tour: A driving tour to visit the nature, history and impact of dams in Allegany State Park. We will travel to the Quaker area and work our way through the park to the Red House Dam. At each site we visit, expect a short to moderate walk.
A1,B1,C3 Brian Deck

Old Growth Forest Hike: Frank will lead an intrepid band of hearty explorers to an old growth stand in Allegany State Park. We will observe the characteristics of old growth forest as we go along. The reward for spending a time in such a unique area is well worth it for said band of hearty explorers.
A1,B1,C4 Frank Crombe

Orienteering for Beginners: This is an introduction to the map and compass sport that can be enjoyed by all ages and activity levels from walking to running. For this program we will remain at Camp Allegany. Maps will be provided and we have compasses to lend. We will describe the sport of orienteering, the maps that are used and how the compass is used with the map. Then each individual or family group can try a very short course on their own. A few controls will be placed for anyone who wants to try intermediate level controls. We'll regroup afterwards for any questions or feedback.
A1,B2,C3 Katy Carrier

The Outdoors Are for Everyone: It's true, the mountains, trees and animals do not care what you look like or what you can do, but that isn't always true about the people in the outdoors. Folks that don't fit a specific body size or have a disability can feel out of place and intimated to try things like hiking or traveling. Not seeing others that look like you in outdoor groups or spaces can feel exclusionary. Finding accessible options and properly fitting clothing and gear can be difficult, making some activities unnecessarily dangerous. This talk will discuss obstacles to true inclusion in the outdoor industry and how we can do better. Making the outdoors more welcoming to a larger range of people will greatly benefit us all. Open to anyone that wants to make the outdoors more welcoming.
A1,B1,C1 Andrea DiMaio

Outdoor Survival: Roy will share his years of experience discussing shelter, fire, water, food, compass, clothing, cordage, backpacking and first aid.
A1,B1,C2 Roy Stayer

Owl Prowl: Your leaders will imitate owl calls in an effort to lure in these secretive nocturnal raptors.
A1,B1,C2 Charles Rosenburg, Tom Kerr

Owl Things Considered: From great literature to current advertising, owls have played a fascinating role in our culture. Of the 19 species found in North America, this program will cover a brief history of owls and many digital photos of the 7 species found in WNY and CNY.
A1,B1,C1 Craig Braackk

Photographing Birds in Allegany State Park: We will see some of the best spots in Allegany State Park photographing birds. Teaching them how to use the environment the bird is in to compose the shot. Best camera settings in a given situation for capturing the image.
A2,B1,C2 Wade Aiken

Plants and Animals Need Each Other! Participants will explore the interdependence of plants and animals through a series of fun activities, demonstrations, and a nature walk. We will investigate habitats and food webs to identify how different species thrive in places like Allegany State Park and in your own backyards. Using game cards designed specifically for this program, adults and children alike will learn about plants and animals that live together and benefit from each other.
A1,B1,C1 Nicole Gerber and Dave Reilly

Pond Origami: Learn about some pond residents as you fold along with me. All ages are welcome to make their own paper pond! Fold origami models of a beetle, tadpole, frog and snake to live in your pond. Digital directions will be available to all participants.
A1,B1,C1 Judy Light

Red House Sawmill Tour: The Sawmill is near completion and will now be open for public tours on Sundays from 10am until 12 noon throughout mid spring until Columbus Day weekend. This endeavor took three grants, thousands of dollars in donations and nine years to be put online as one of the park’s latest and greatest attractions.
A1,B1,C1 Paul Crawford

The Salamander Walk: Explore the remarkable world of salamanders with us! On this walk you will get to learn all about the habitats, behaviors and species of salamanders that live in Allegany State Park! Plan on getting a little dirty and dress for the weather as we search for some of these amazing creatures!
A1,B1,C3 Chris Duckett, Charles Tuberdyke

Scavenger Hunt - Gratitude in Nature: Join Karen on a scavenger walk in nature. Different levels of exploration for families or individuals seeking a connection with our natural environment. Find something that makes you happy. Find something that you're thankful for in nature. A handout will guide you in your search in and around Camp Allegany.
A1,B1,C2 Karen Lalomio

Science Lake / Allegany School of Natural History / School in the Woods: We will be walking the Science Lake Trail # 22 around the lake learning about the lake history and exploring some of the Allegany School of Natural History (School in the Woods) ruins and its history.
A1,B1,C3 Randal Fabritius

Search for Wildflowers: During this 2 ½ hour program we will seek some of the less common plants and wildflowers of that require covering a little more ground. Of course, along the way we expect to stumble upon some unexpected plants and animals that may also frequent these particular communities.
A1,B2,C3 Mark VanDerwater

Seneca Cultural Tree Walk: While walking around Camp Allegany, Marvin, a Seneca Elder will identify the local trees which have cultural, medicinal, food, and utilitarian uses for the Seneca who lived on this land. He will use both the common names and those that the Seneca used.
A1,B1,C3 Marvin Jacobs

Seneca Nations of Indians Fish Hatchery/Eastern Hellbender Presentation: Split session located at the Seneca Nation Fish Hatchery. The Hatchery Manager will provide overview of fisheries program and information on the green facility. Seneca Nation staff will present on the Eastern Hellbender and provide information and have a live hellbender for a question and answer session.
A1,B1,C2 Andrew Howard/William Miller

Shades of Green: Learn about some wild plants that grow in your backyard, some that don’t, some that are edible and beneficial, and one or more of the invasives. We will partially follow a nearby stream. This will be more of a leisurely stroll than a hike.
A1,B1,C2 Nancy Jager

The Skeptical Naturalist: Moss will always point north. You can sex a deer by looking at its prints. Vultures have inner beauty. Nature is full of “facts” like these - we’ve heard them a hundred times—but are they true, mostly true, or just good stories? Join Bill and Steve—co-hosts of The Field Guides podcast—for a fun, rambling hike that pokes, prods, and laughs about common and uncommon bits of nature lore, as well as whatever crosses our path on the.
A1,B3,C2 The Field Guides

Splash Hike! Needing to escape the summer heat? Come with us and cool off in the woods as we make our way up a streambed identifying fish, crayfish, salamanders, and more. Bring water shoes and prepare to get wet. A fun activity for the whole family! Field trip attendance is limited to the first 30 people at the signpost. Be sure to wear appropriate water shoes.
A1,B1,C3 Giulianna Lalomio, Lon Myers

“Star Trek”- A Crepuscular Walk in the Woods: Join Brian as he leads a short walk from Camp Allegany to explore the night. This experiential and interactive walk will look at the night sky, learn about nighttime flora and fauna and check out some fluorescent minerals. White and brown dwarfs are topics and possibly the seven dwarfs.
A1,B1,C3 Brian Deck

Storytime with Make & Take: Come to our program to listen to a nature-themed story, make a simple craft and meet new friends! Perfect for kids to practice active listening skills and get creative!
A1,B2,C1 Maggie Myers

Sunday Morning Book Chat: Book Chat invites you to share your favorite books about nature that have touched your heart, taught you something new, and inspired your work with nature education and sustainability efforts, as well as for pure enjoyment. Our ANP Read book selection for 2026 is "Nature's Temples - A Natural History of Old-Growth Forests" by Joan Maloof. Come prepared to discuss Maloof's book and/or share your favorite nature books and why you recommend them to others. We will enjoy an informal conversation together with readers and nature lovers.
A1,B4,C1 Janet Forbes

Sustainable Gardening: This interactive talk for families and people of all ages is an overview of the methods for sustainable gardening and how to increase your soil health for optimal nutrition density.
A1,B1,C1 Jordan Stephens

Team Building Circles: Practice Leads to Mastery: Level up your team building facilitation skills! This session explores the art of selecting purposeful activities—ranging from energizers to complex strategic challenges—to meet specific group needs in real time. Participants will learn to push groups beyond "just playing a game" to drive real change through high-impact facilitation and reflection strategies.
A3,B4,C3 Jonathan Anderson

Trash Talk: A Fun Dive into Recycling and Circular Economy: Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed to empower participants with practical knowledge about recycling, reducing wasted food, and embracing circular economy principles. Through discussion, hands-on activities, and creative challenges, attendees will learn how to make sustainable choices in their daily lives. Participants will explore the importance of waste minimization and recycling, discover innovative ways to reduce food waste at home, and understand the benefits of a circular economy. By the end of the workshop, everyone will leave with actionable tips, resources, and a renewed commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. This workshop will be fun and informative for sustainability novices and seasoned eco-warriors alike!
A1,B3,C1 Frank Gardner

Trees and Shrubs of ASP - "Brush Hour:" This group of explorers will seek woody plants--mainly concentrating on those trees and shrubs native to Allegany State Park. Some others that have been naturalized will be investigated also. Their natural histories, characteristics, commercial, food and medicinal uses will be shared while walking.
A1,B1,C2 Frank Crombe

Turtles and Tortoises: Join us as we explore the amazing world of turtles! We will learn the differences and similarities between turtles and tortoises, special adaptations, natural history and much more! There will also be several different species of turtles and tortoises to meet throughout the program!
A1,B1,C1 Chris Duckett

Underwater Monsters of Science Lake: Participants will collect aquatic creatures from Science Lake with D-framed aquatic nets, then return them back to the water. Discussion will focus on the identifying characteristics and natural history of the organisms collected and observed alive.
A1,B1,C2 Wayne Gall

Vernal Pool Exploration: We will drive to a seasonal woodland pool and observe the unique community of amphibians, invertebrates, and other organisms that depend on these delicate and underappreciated wetlands.
A1,B2,C3 Mark VanDerwater

Water Quality and Harmful Algal Blooms: Let's take a look at the equipment required for monitoring the health of our lakes and waterways and have a discussion about the cause and effect of the naturally occurring bacteria that cause harmful algal blooms. Wear shoes that can get wet or plan to stay out of the water; a small amount of wading is encouraged.
A1,B1,C2 Emilie Nobles

Wetland Birding: Let's see how many different birds we can find in the wetland interpretative area on the Maintenance Road. The boardwalks and observation platforms there make for easy access and great birding.
A1,B1,C2 Frank Gardner

What Lurks in the Wetland: Wetlands are a unique habitat filled with dragons, toe biters, and water scorpions. Join naturalist, Mike Adriaansen, as we search for the mysterious creatures of the wetland.
A1,B3,C2 Michael Adriaansen

Wild Connections: Hike & Yoga: A short, inclusive, flat hike with pauses to include (optional) yoga poses and breathwork. Connecting with nature and moving towards peace in our bodies. What does being in the outdoors and yoga have in common? They both expose the interconnectedness of all things. They show us the true nature of ourselves. As we are in nature, we see the differences in each tree, each flower and we see the beauty in all. As we explore this truth that we find in the natural world, we can turn inwards and see the same in ourselves as we are also, nature. An invitation to explore this idea and turn it towards our relationship with our own bodies.
A1,B1,C2 Andrea DiMaio

Wildflowers Walk: Explore the area around the camp looking for wildflowers and how the features of the flowers can be used to identify the plant and determine other related wildflowers.
A1,B1,C2 Laura Dustin