2025 Evening "Big Tent" Programs


​To be announced in October

Classes, Walks, and Fieldtrips


​Program Proposals for 2025 will be accepted starting in October 

View our 2024 program descriptions below
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. Indoor PowerPoint presentation for adults only. 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. Dressing appropriately for the weather is important. Please bring a lunch as this program will likely last 5 to 6 hours. It is not necessary to commit to the entire time, but have transportation available should you decide to leave the trip early. 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. Participants should be in good health and have good mobility for walking on unstable substrates. Expect wet and mucky conditions and bring bug repellent as some years (not all) mosquitoes can be annoying. Recommended attire: long pants, long sleeves, hat, closed-toe footwear that can get wet such as old sneakers. Bring lunch & water. This program extends from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, including 45-minute drive outside the park. Departs from Camp Allegany. Driving instructions will be provided. ​Steven Daniel & Wayne Gall
Amphibians and Reptiles of Allegany State Park: Join us on a walk around Camp Allegany to find local amphibians and reptiles and learn about their biology. Program attendance is limited to the first 30 people at the signpost. Twan Leenders
Back From The Dead - Unveiling an enigmatic new species from Western New York: In April 2023, two off-duty staff members unearthed the remains of a mysterious and previously undescribed echinoderm while digging for trilobites at Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Reserve in Hamburg, NY. The discovery rocked the scientific community – pun intended, as this particular line of primitive animals was thought to have gone extinct nearly 30 million years earlier. Revival of this ‘Lazarus taxon,’ which originated during the Cambrian explosion when most major animal groups first appeared, sheds new light on our planet’s history of life. The new species is currently under study at the Smithsonian Institution by experts who are eager to establish its proper place in the animal kingdom. This talk will feature real examples of fossils from New York State and will also touch on the geology of Allegany State Park. ​Phil Stokes
Bad Boy Plants & The Insects That Love Them: The natural world is build 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. Kathleen Contrino
Beehunter Hike: The Beehunter Trail is a fan favorite in the WNY Hiking Challenge. This will be a moderate hike for some and strenuous for others. We will explore the full loop traveling about 6.0 miles and gaining about 1,000' elevation. The hike will take about 3-4 hours. We will hike through hardwood forests and cross several creeks stopping to identify trees and plants along the way. Meet at the Beehunter Trailhead across from the Red House bathhouse. ​Mike Radomski
Bees, Butterflies & Beneficials: Join Tamara and Shannon in the Butterfly Meadow to learn about our important pollinators. We plan to bring magnifying glasses to search for monarch eggs. We will have information on native plants, pollinators (including native bees and honeybees) and beneficial insects to share, along with beekeeping equipment to answer questions about those interested in honeybees. Tamara Bacho & Shannon Rinow
Beginner to Intermediate Birding: This walk is intended for beginner to intermediate birders. We will be walking on road or paved sidewalks. The pace is leisurely with time for observation and education in varied habitat. Bring binoculars and bird books if you have them. This early evening bird walk will meet at the Osgood Trailhead at the beginning of the McIntosh Cabin Trail. Jay Wopperer
Beginning Birding: An Introductory experience. We will concentrate on birdwatching basics like how to use a guide book, binoculars and some easy bird identification. Easy walk. Suitable for all ages. Young children with an adult. Please bring your own binoculars. Garner Light
Bike Tour Around Red House Lake: We will be bicycling around Red House Lake. We will be discussing flora, fauna, history, geology, and hydrology, and pointing out interesting things and points of interest along the way. Participants will be responsible for bringing their bicycle, their own safety equipment, including helmet, first aid kit, any necessary medications, as well as snacks, WATER, bug spray, sunscreen, etc. Depending on peoples abilities, we will take some possible side trips on the road, up the hills into the surrounding points of interest near the lake. This is an open participation program where participants are included to add their own personal knowledge and experiences to the trip. We will be making frequent stops along the way. Prepare for all possible weather/bugs as well as flat tires, etc. This is usually a very fun program and fills up on the later tour time. If you are interested in doing this, the first time slot is usually less crowded. See program guide for meeting location or ask at registration. Brian Deck
Bioindicators and Their Impact On Our Environment: What is a bioindicator and how do they affect the natural world around us? Bioindicators are species or organisms whose status in an ecosystem is used to analyze the health of the ecosystem. These species can be a host of different organisms, including fish, mammals, single celled organisms, plants, and famously amphibians and birds. In this display, we will explore common species found right in our own area that help biologists understand the health of our local ecosystem, and the effect that we humans have on our environment. You will explore fascinating creatures such as the muskrat, cattail, frogs and insects that help scientists indicate changes in the environment. Jonathan Hoag
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. Thomas LeBlanc
Birding for EveryBODY: All levels of birding experience are welcome and all types of access equipment are welcome. The length of our outing will depend on the participants and will be slow paced with plenty of time to ID the birds. Marcia OBara
Birds & Buds-Step by Step Artwork: Dad and daughter duo Charles and Erin will guide Pilgrims through the entire artistic process from sketch to final painting. Pilgrims 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. Pilgrims will leave with knowledge about principles of design, media techniques, and a ready-to-display work of art. Materials provided on a first-come first-served basis. Relaxed pace, all abilities welcome. Charles & Erin Ruffino
The Bluebird of Happiness: Learn about our NY State bird; its habitat, diet and behaviors. Learn how to build and monitor a nestbox and ways to help the bluebird survive. You will see photos and a display of nests and eggs of native birds. You will see how easy it is to build a nestbox! Building plans and instructions for mounting will be available. 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. Glenn Wahl
Born to Fly, Precocial Birth in Pterosaurs: A small fragment of two fused pterosaur eggs was recovered from an Early Cretaceous Cloverly Formation site in central Montana. From the appearance of the relatively intact embroyonic skull it looks like a miniature adult pterosaur. Through a PowerPoint presentation, we will become scientists and explore the wonders that this fossil egg unlocks about this fascinating pterosaur. Bill Parsons
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! Angela Driscoll
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. Bring water, binoculars and camera. A hiking stick could be helpful. Steven Daniel
Bova Road Birding: Walk up the Bova Road from Camp Allegany and observe birds in the various habitats along the way, with a focus on birding by ear. Frank Gardner
Breeding Bird Atlasing: The Third New York Breeding Bird Atlas is in its final year of documenting breeding bird behaviors across NY state. This walk will target finishing an atlas priority block in the state park, what that means, and how it can be accomplished. We will be teaching tips and tricks to finding and documenting breeding bird behaviors in eBird, as well as some more advanced behavioral clues to help focus in on birds that are possibly nesting or feeding young. Jared Feura
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 trail. Binoculars are available to borrow. Tom Kerr
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. Conrad Baker
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. Wayne Gall & Steven Daniel
Busy Beavers: Learn all about the official mammal of New York State while visiting an active beaver colony. Meet at the signpost outside of the Big Tent. Shhort drive to location. 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. Peter Corrigan
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. Boots or water shoes are recommended but not necessary. Adele Wellman
Early Morning Birding: Sunrise birding at the Red House wetland area. Binoculars will be provided as needed. Tom Kerr
Early Summer Sky Tour: We will concentrate on looking at deep sky objects. We have no major planets in this year's early summer sky this year, so as it gets darker we will look at star clusters and nebula. We will have two telescopes ready to share and as the night gets darker those faint fuzzies will emerge for us to see with detail, and maybe a little sparkle. Cloudy skies will necessitate cancelling this program. David Wymer
An Ecologist's Day in the Forest: Learn what a NY Natural Heritage Program ecologist looks for in a forest. We will walk a mile through a few different forest types and learn how to observe. You will help identify plants, record information, look at soils and landscape to evaluate the type and condition in one forest plot. This requires standing in one location for a time while collecting data; patience needed so best for adults and inquisitive kids. Julie Lundgren
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. Adele Wellman
Essential Knots Workshop: This hands-on workshop is designed to teach students the basic knots used in backpacking, camping and everyday life. We will demonstrate how to tie each knot and how to use each knot in common backpacking situations. Students will learn 12-15 knots; everything from a simple overhand knot to a trucker's hitch. We will also show you how to tie your shoes and store your cordage. Ropes and materials will be provided. Mike Radomski
Explore the WNY Land Conservancy's Allegany Wildlands Preserve: Explore the newly protected Allegany Wildlands Preserve with the Land Conservancy Stewardship Director Josh Balisteri and Director of Development and Communications Andrew Gaerte. The Janet Gallogly Allegany Wildlands is a nearly 200-acre nature preserve overlooking the Allegheny Reservoir. Join us on a nature walk and explore this incredibly biodiverse landscape as we talk about the unique tree communities (American chestnuts!), birds, and wildlife that call it home. We'll also discuss the sustainable trail design techniques used to build the new trail system and the land conservancy's philosophy on balancing public access and conservation values. The preserve is located 26 minutes from Camp Allegany on W bank Perimeter Road. Traversing the trail system does require some steeper uphill sections. Josh Balisteri & Andrew Gaerte
Family Folk Concert: Join us under the "Big Tent" on Saturday at 5:30pm 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 Turino
Fauna of the High Ridges: The highest elevation sections of Allegany State Park represent a different faunal zone that is unique inside the park and within the region. The steep terrain lends itself well to great birding, and the higher reaches of the park harbor bird species that are often found breeding at more northern latitudes. The ridge lines also harbor a salamander species, Wehrle’s salamander, which has a very limited range in New York State. Join Twan on a walk along the ridge line by the Stone Tower looking at birds, insects, and other local fauna and flora, as we search for Wehrle’s salamander. Meet at the Stone Tower on the Stone Tower Rd off ASP 1. Twan Leenders
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! Marcus Rosten
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 after the presentation. Kevin Gallineau
5-Mile Nature Hike: We will enjoy the quiet beauty of Allegany's Eastwood Meadows trail on this moderate hike. The pace will be leisurely as we observe and enjoy the wildflowers, birds and mammals found in this lush, quiet location of the park. Bring water and maybe a light snack. Teresa & Peter Corrigan
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 "more-than-human" world. We'll gather along the way to share what we're noticing as we "bathe" in the forest atmosphere. Jennifer Fendya
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. Laura Dustin
General Nature Hike: We will look at everything, with an emphasis on plants and birds but will certainly not ignore insects or any other cool animals that come our way. Knowing the name of an organism is just the start. We'll also discuss ecology and how various flora and fauna interact with one another. Jim McCormac
Geology of the Region: A family oriented program with hands-on demonstrations where we will learn about the geologic history of the local region and get our hands dirty digging around for some wonderful examples of geologic time. ​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. Bring a hand lens or magnifying glass if you have one. Steven Daniel
Hands-On Fern Basics: Flabbergasted by ferns? Enjoy a table-top, hands-on, fun activity exploring the parts of a fern. A great introduction to the basic botanical parts commonly referred to when using a fern identification key. Program uses Fern Finder by Anne C. Hallowell. Suitable for adults and children. Susan Avery
Hands-On Trees Basics: Do tree parts trip you up? Join us for a table-top, hands on, fun activity to help you identify parts of trees and their leaves commonly referred to when using a tree identification key. The program is based on Tree Finder by May Theilgaard Watts. Great for beginners, adults, and kids who want to know the basic botanical terms to be successful using tree keys. Susan Avery
History of Allegany State Park: Take a trip back in time as we will mainly focus on the early days of Allegany State Park. We will spend a great majority of time in the first 7,150 acres where the Park was first born. 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. The program will conclude with a timeline from start to present. This field trip will be a combination of driving and walking. Andy Maliki
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. Jeffrey Victor
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. 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. As drive time from Camp Allegany is roughly three-quarters of an hour and participants can expect approximately four hours total time for this activity. You are encouraged to bring drinking water. A lunch is also a good idea. 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. ​Mark Carra
Lost in the Wild: How to prepare a survival bag. We will cover what items to include in your survival bag in case you are lost in the wild. We will also look at an expanded version which is a truck crate which will contain everything you need to survive for up to a month in the wilderness. We will also discuss important survival skills such as making a shelter, building a fire and creating drinkable water. Meghan Gardner​
Mushroom Walk: Walk around, look for mushrooms, and share what we know about them. Walk around and look for mushrooms that are fluorescent with filtered UV light. Please bring your filtered (just UV) light or more to share with others. If you don’t have one and have a red light, that is helpful to be able to join the search party. Also, it is highly recommended to wear UV-C protective glasses in case there is dew. Garrett Taylor
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. Dee Kysor & George Crafts
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. Meet at Site 35 off ASP 2 at Thunder Rocks. 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. Teresa Corrigan
​Night Walk: Explore nature from dusk to darkness. We will do a bit of everything-- stars, planets, owls, frogs, and fluorescent minerals. ​Lon Myers
NY Natural Heritage Activity Table: Informal, come and go. Ask an ecologist about plants and animals and big trees in the park. Learn what NY Natural Heritage Program is and what kind of information we record and map. See how to "read the landscape" from orthophotos. Take a tree quiz or learn how to identify a tree. Do the insect matching game or have fun with amphibian coloring pages. Julie Lundgren
Observing Your Outdoor Experience: This program is for children 4 to 12 years of age. Parents will enjoy the time as well. We will first read Lisa Musall's book I Saw Leaves Last Night. Then we will talk about observation of the leaves and the use of imagination to match the movement to another movement. Then the kids will take time to draw leaves and what they imagine. Example from book: I saw leaves dancing in the street last night. Can you imagine leaves dancing to your favorite song? Next we will read Lisa's book A Walk in the Woods. After listening to the story we will walk over to the stream and see what we can find. Lisa Musall
Old Growth Forest Hike: 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. The walk will be considered strenuous due to the steep incline in hiking to and climbing up out of the area. Otherwise, the hike is relatively short. Eastwood Meadow Trail ASP 1. 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. We'll regroup afterwards for any questions or feedback. 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. Andrea DiMaio
Owl Prowl: Your leader will imitate owl calls in an effort to lure in these secretive nocturnal raptors. Meet at the Big Tent for a brief introduction to owl calling; participants will then drive to the owl prowl location(s). Feel free to bring a small flashlight and/or binoculars (but neither is necessary). Charles Rosenburg
Painting Nature in Acrylics: Participants will select their subject of interest from teacher-supplied photos of areas within Allegany State Park and its surrounding areas. Working in small groups (6 adult students per class) within a 2 hour time frame, the leader will guide the students in planning, beginning, and successfully completing a beautiful painting. Acrylic paints, brushes, palettes, and small canvasses will be provided for class use by the instructor. This class will focus on representing the subject while developing each individual's own impressionistic style. Patricia Masso-Welch
Playful Photography: Bring your camera or cell phone and take some unexpected pictures. You will be challenged to take unique angles or frame a specific type of shot. You will be challenged to look up and down and all around. Look at nature creatively as you try to complete each goal. We will share the different ways that our pictures meet each challenge. Heather Rutherford
Primitive Skills 101 - Fire and Shelter: Fire and shelter are the basic building blocks of human survival. In this family-friendly program, you will learn how to build a debris hut and create a friction fire with a bowdrill. Students will put their survival skills to the test and develop an entirely new respect for lighters. Siegrid Tuttle
Quaking Mats, Muck and Mire: The Magic and Mystery of Bogs: Peatlands (bogs and fens) are among the rarest, and most poorly known/visited, ecological communities in western New York. In this PowerPoint program, Wayne will describe the differences between bogs and fens, and how peatlands form. Most of his armchair-tour will focus on the unique assemblage of plants found in our local bogs and fens--peat mosses, heaths, carnivorous plants, and orchids, among others--plus a few insects, and even an amphibian and reptile or two. Wayne Gall
Pop-Up Mud Kitchen Play: Join us in our pop-up outdoor play area that includes pots, pans, utensils, and of course, mud. A mud kitchen is a great way to engage children in imaginative and exploratory play. Mud kitchens can be an important tool for children’s sensory play and learning, providing an excellent addition to a child’s play and learning environment with opportunities for sensory play, imaginative play, science and nature exploration, risk-taking and independence. Come dressed for outdoor play. Megan Mills Hoffman
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. The tour, conducted by Friends President Paul Crawford, will last approximately forty five minutes. ​Paul Crawford
Return of the Ghosts: Once again we are eager to share some of our favorite ghost tales and spooky songs with you. If you heard us last year, never fear, all the stories will be new! Dee Kysor & George Crafts
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! Chris Duckett
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. Randal Fabritius
Science Lake Pond Creatures: Get in the water with your net and look for aquatic insects, amphibians and other aquatic creatures in Science Lake. Tom Kerr
Seneca Culture Tree Walk: While walking around Camp Allegany, Marvin 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. 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. Both presentations will be held outside the ASP at the Seneca Nation Fish Hatchery off Hatchery Road, Red House. 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. For all ages. Nancy Jager
The Skeptical Naturalist: Have you heard the claims that some people are immune to poison ivy or that you can remove a tick with a match? Are monarch caterpillars really poisonous? Are snipes really a thing? We all have bits of nature lore that we love sharing, but how many of these claims hold up to scrutiny? Join Bill, Daniel and Steve, co-hosts of The Field Guides podcast, for a lighthearted hike looking at some seriously interesting claims about the natural world and whatever else they find along the trail. 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! Giulianna Lalomio
Splash Hike! Come prepared to get wet. Beavers, crayfish, salamanders, water.... Did we mention you will get wet? Bring water shoes. A fun family activity! We will bushwhack through woods and tall grass and walk up a streambed. Lon Myers/Giulianna Lalomio
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! Short walk and seated tent program. Maggie Myers
Sunday Morning Book Chat: We have chosen Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer for our ANP book chat selection this year. BYOB your coffee, cookies will be provided. If you have an other book you are excited to share-bring that too. Format similar to a book club with hopes of a lively exchange of ideas. Linda Smolarek
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. There will be no need to carpool and the hike will be easy walking. Frank Crombe
Underwater Monsters of Science Lake: Participants will collect aquatic creatures from Red House Brook immediately upstream of Camp Allegany 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. Wayne Gall
The Very Iffy Prospect of Beehunting: The beehunter’s skill in locating wild honey bee colonies, once passed down through the generations, is now a lost art, or at best a totally gratuitous folly about as promising as a snipe hunt. But there’s the magic! Come learn all about honey bees and “bee-lining” as we try to lure willing suspects to a bait box to see if they will show us where they live. Meet at the Butterfly Meadow’s Pavilion as we pay homage to the spirit of Red House’s legendary “hermit beehunter”. Cautious attendees can participate vicariously from the safety and comfort of the Pavilion, where a table-top show-and-tell presentation will be conducted rain or shine. Craig Thompson
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. 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. Frank Gardner
What About a Forest School: For families with young children who are entranced with the idea of a year round forest school experience, as well as outdoor enthusiasts who relish outdoor learning opportunities with all ages. Learn about support and training available with the Eastern Regional Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFRANS). Discuss the benefits of inquiry based learning environments. Explore and discuss the differences between real world and class- room learning. Themes to explore include: free play, open inquiry, school readiness, self-led learning, developing a sense of self, self-confidence, self-esteem, and fostering the capacity for being self-initiating learners. Megan Mills Hoffman
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 do 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. 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. Laura Dustin
WNY Wildway: As landscape fragmentation isolates wildlife on small islands of habitat without the ability to migrate, forage, or breed, species are unable to survive in a changing climate. Come and learn how the Western New York Land Conservancy is leading a landscape-scale conservation initiative to create a network of protected cores and corridors from the Allegheny Plateau of Appalachia to the Great Lakes and beyond, called the WNY Wildway. With its connection to the larger Eastern Wildway, the WNY Wildway will allow plants and animals to safely roam across the land as they once did, to expand their ranges in order to ensure their survival as the climate changes, and allow wildlife that have disappeared from our region to return home. Marcus Rosten
Woodland Origami: Nature Nuts of all ages welcome! Amaze your friends with your origami skill! Learn about and fold paper models of four common woodland animals that live in Allegany State Park. Step-by-step directions will be available digitally to all participants. Judy Light