Winter is an excellent time to explore our local parks. Let's bundle up and see what wonders we find. We will meet at the trailhead to the beaver pond and explore from there. Use the form below to sign up.

CANCELLED

Let’s get outside on the Friday after Thanksgiving instead of shopping or vegging in front of screens! Join OCCA Assistant Director, Shelby MacLeish for a hike at the Table Rock Trails in Oneonta. Use the form below to sign up.

Earth and Me: a lunch series exploring our connections to the Earth continues this fall at the Freight Wheel Cafe in Hartwick.

Join Theresa Pullis the co-owner of Dream Weaver Farm in Richfield Springs for a talk and discussion on farming in Otsego County. Dream Weaver is a family farm which raises vegetables, chickens, lamb and beef. They offer online ordering and operate a farmstand. Read more about the farm on the website: Home | Dream Weaver Farm

The Freight Wheel Cafe, 3097 Co Hwy 11 Hartwick, NY on Saturday November, 16 at 1pm -230pm.

Lunch followed by talk, questions, sharing and discussion. Quiche and drink are gifts of OCCA. RSVP using the form below.

Fisheries biologist Dr. Chip Cotton (SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Oneonta's Biological Field Station) will discuss ongoing efforts to catalog and update the biological inventory of fish species that inhabit the lake.  He will discuss how the lake's fish community has changed over the last half century, as well as some of the factors driving those changes.  Cotton will provide practical tips for anglers to help identify closely related and confusing species.  Lastly, Cotton will discuss some of the local research and monitoring efforts conducted by fisheries biologists at SUNY Cobleskill and the Biological Field Station.

The program will be held at the Clark Sports Center in the community room at 7 pm. Use the form below to sign up.

Join us for a hike to Mud Lake in Robert V. Riddell State Park! The Mud Lake trail is a 5+ mile out and back trail in the southern portion of the park. The trail has a significant elevation change to the top and passes through several forest types, a waterfall, and Mud Lake, a naturally occurring floating sphagnum bog with carnivorous pitcher plants.  

Please contact Amy Wyant at 607-375-7139 or director@occainfo.org with any questions! 

CANCELLED

The skies of autumn provide us with a nice assortment of stars and constellations to view. Additionally rising on the eastern horizon. The Summer Triangle asterism will still be visible too. We plan a tour of some well known constellations and stars and discuss the myths and stories for which many are named. We will also view the Milky Way which will be high overhead on this date. And then we will attempt to locate the most distant object the human eye can see without the aid of telescopes. The Andromeda Galaxy (M31), located 2.5 million light years from Earth, ought to be in prime viewing position for us on this evening.

No need to bring binoculars or telescopes, this is “Naked Eye Astronomy”. Do bring a comfortable lawn chair, warm clothes maybe even a blanket and gloves. 

We will meet inside the workshop at Mohican Farm at 7:00 for a brief overview of what we hope to see and answer any questions. We then head outside and let our eyes acclimate for a glorious evening of star gazing.

After the program, which should last 45min. - an hour, we will return inside for hot chocolate.

Stargazing is best with 100% clear and dark skies. The program will be postponed until November 2nd if Jim Hill deems the skies and weather unfavorable on the 1st

Enjoy the 2ish mile loop at Basswood Pond State Forest in Burlington with Program Director, Jeff O’Handley. Trail volunteers have been hard at work keeping the trails open and clear for our enjoyment. We’ll traverse mixed deciduous forest, spruce plantations, a regenerating clearcut and more! Meet at the small parking area on Basswood Road.

Journey from the sun to Pluto and back in a little over an hour! Bill Ralston guides us on a thousand-yard walk which models our solar system at a scale that is both relatable and awe-inspiring. Common objects such as bowling balls, peppercorns, and walnuts are used to represent the sun and planets—our feet are the rockets that will get us there.

Meet at the Otsego Land Trust’s Compton Bridge Conservation Area, 184 County Highway 11C, Cooperstown. Our walk will be along the railroad tracks. Dress to be outside.

We are thinking of this hike as a choose your own adventure kinda day because Tom has picked a route that can be as long or as short as you want. Participants can easily get back to their car at many points during their hike if they are excited about a shorter day or stick with Tom all day for a six mile loop. Meet at the back parking lot (near the playground) and begin to ramble from there through the beautiful trail system at Gilbert Lake State Forest. The group will stop for lunch. Sign up below

Cancelled due to weather

OCCA’s popular mushroom walks are back! Join us for an enlightening expedition led by local forager, Shane Gardner, as we explore the lush forests at College Camp in Oneonta.

During this immersive two-hour session, Shane Gardner will guide participants through the fundamentals of mushroom foraging, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for mycology. The walk will cover various aspects of mushroom hunting, including:

1. Foraging Basics: Learn the essential principles of responsible and sustainable foraging practices. Discover the do's and don'ts of mushroom hunting, including proper equipment, clothing, and safety measures.

2. Mushroom Identification: Gain insights into the key features used to identify different mushroom species. Shane will demonstrate how to examine cap shape, gill structure, stem characteristics, and other crucial identifiers.

3. Tree Species Recognition: Understand the symbiotic relationships between mushrooms and trees. Learn to identify various tree species and their associated fungi, enhancing your ability to locate specific mushroom varieties.

POSTPONED

Thank you for being an OCCA member! Let us treat you to a day at Gilbert Lake State Park as a show of appreciation! We will offer short hikes around the lake, fun children's activities, and lots of free and delicious food for everyone.

Trails may be muddy so bring shoes you are okay with getting dirty. This is a free day available to OCCA members only!

Not a member? Not a problem. Purchase an annual membership today, and you can come along!

Come out and explore the Parslow Road Conservation Area for a fall hike on the school conference day in October. We will explore the varied ecosystems, tromp over the boardwalks, and catch some fall colors (if the leaves haven't already fallen).

Stroll through the Clark Tower Trails with OCCA educator Shelby MacLeish. We will enjoy a guided walk to observe nature's changes during fall while enjoying the crisp autumn air. Hope to see you there.

Fall Foliage Paddle from Portlandville Launch 

Join us at Portlandville Launch for a paddle towards Crumhorn Launch! We have a limited number of kayaks and quite a few canoes available, so please let us know when you register if you will need one. This is an improved-accessibility launch and we are happy to assist anyone who needs a hand getting out on the water! 

Location: Portlandville Fishing Access Site, Portlandville, NY 13834 

Please contact Amy Wyant at 607-375-7139 or director@occainfo.org with any questions! 

OCCA’s popular mushroom walks are back! Join us for an enlightening expedition led by local forager, Shane Gardner, as we explore the lush forests along the Butternut Creek in Morris.

During this immersive two-hour session, Shane Gardner will guide participants through the fundamentals of mushroom foraging, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for mycology. The walk will cover various aspects of mushroom hunting, including:

1. Foraging Basics: Learn the essential principles of responsible and sustainable foraging practices. Discover the do's and don'ts of mushroom hunting, including proper equipment, clothing, and safety measures.

2. Mushroom Identification: Gain insights into the key features used to identify different mushroom species. Shane will demonstrate how to examine cap shape, gill structure, stem characteristics, and other crucial identifiers.

3. Tree Species Recognition: Understand the symbiotic relationships between mushrooms and trees. Learn to identify various tree species and their associated fungi, enhancing your ability to locate specific mushroom varieties.

In conjunction with the OCCA Be Informed Lecture on September 11, we will sponsor a visit to the Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 9:30 a.m. This time period coincides with the peak movement of Broad-winged Hawks, a species that can travel in flocks of up to a hundred birds under the right conditions.

Trip participants can carpool from the Price Chopper parking lot in Emmons for the 15 minute drive to the hawk watch. The lookout is a 10 minute uphill walk through a field from parking. An accessible toilet is available at the site. An extra layer of clothing is suggested, along with binoculars if possible. Participants who want to go directly to the site can find directions to the Audubon Sanctuary at www.doas.us/research/franklin-mountain-hawkwatch/. For information on the trip, contact Andy Mason, (607) 267-8491, AndyMason@earthling.net.

Andy Mason is co-president of the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Soc. and a founder of the Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch. He is past chair of the Audubon Council of NY State, and past president of the NY State Ornithological Assoc. He has been an active birder for over 35 years, participated in the NY State Breeding Bird Atlases, and has lead bird workshops for the Appalachian Mountain Club.

🍁🍂 Fall in love with nature all over again! 🍂🍁

Join OCCA’s Assistant Director, Shelby MacLeish for a magical autumn hike at the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Sanctuary. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of fall, spot wildlife preparing for winter, and learn about the fascinating changes happening in our local ecosystems.

🥾 2-hour family-friendly hike 🌿 Explore forests, meadows, and wetlands 🦉 Learn about bird migration and animal hibernation.

Don't miss this chance to connect with nature and celebrate the beauty of fall. Register now!

Registration Full-Check back soon for more walks later in the fall.

Exciting news for nature enthusiasts and culinary adventurers! OCCA’s popular mushroom walks are making a comeback, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of fungi. Join us for an enlightening expedition led by local forager, Shane Gardner, as we explore the lush forests just outside of Cooperstown.

During this immersive two-hour session, Shane Gardner will guide participants through the fundamentals of mushroom foraging, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for mycology. The walk will cover various aspects of mushroom hunting, including:

1. Foraging Basics: Learn the essential principles of responsible and sustainable foraging practices. Discover the do's and don'ts of mushroom hunting, including proper equipment, clothing, and safety measures.

2. Mushroom Identification: Gain insights into the key features used to identify different mushroom species. Shane will demonstrate how to examine cap shape, gill structure, stem characteristics, and other crucial identifiers.

3. Tree Species Recognition: Understand the symbiotic relationships between mushrooms and trees. Learn to identify various tree species and their associated fungi, enhancing your ability to locate specific mushroom varieties.

Use the form below to sign up. Exact location will be sent out to registered participants.

Vroman’s Nose Hike  

 Vroman’s Nose is a short drive from Oneonta and a quick, relatively steep hike with an amazing view as a payoff. We will hike up and have iced tea on the slab, then take it easy on the way down. If you need a ride we will help coordinate!  

 Location: Vroman's Nose Hiking Trail, 264 Mill Valley Rd, Middleburgh, NY 12122 

 Please contact Will Kuss at 607-375-7280 or water@occainfo.org with any questions! 

Registration Full!

Join SUNY Oneonta Professor of Geology, Les Hasbargen to explore the rocks, caves, waterfalls and fossilized plants along Otsquago Creek by the Owen D. Young Nature Trail and examine the interesting interactions between the rocks and waters of the gorge. 

****DUE TO WEATHER, THIS PROGRAM IS CANCELLED (9/7/24)****

Learn how to ID common aquatic and riparian invasive plants and how they threaten the Susquehanna Watershed while enjoying an easy paddle down the river. We’ll start at the Crumhorn Fishing Access Site in Maryland, NY, and end at the Portlandville Fishing Access site.

This is a calm stretch of river friendly to new and experienced paddlers alike. We’ll see aquatic and terrestrial species alike, including curly leaf pondweed, water chestnut, Japanese knotweed, and more.

Bring water, a snack (or lunch!) and dress to be on the river for 2+ hours.

Sign up through the CRISP website: Events — CRISP (catskillinvasives.com)

Cancelled

Embrace the opportunity to connect with nature as we embark on a journey around the Parslow Road Conservation area on Friday, August 23. Take the time to unwind and discover the natural surroundings. Our focus will be on recognizing local flora and fauna as we explore the various habitats.

Join OCCA and our friends at the Catskill Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on July 24 for our third annual iSPY Invasive Species Paddle down the Susquehanna River.  Learn how to ID common aquatic and riparian invasive plants and how they threaten the Susquehanna Watershed while enjoying an easy paddle down the river. We’ll start at the Crumhorn Fishing Access Site in Maryland, NY, and end at the Portlandville Fishing Access site. This is a calm stretch of river friendly to new and experienced paddlers alike. We’ll see aquatic and terrestrial species alike, including curly leaf pondweed, water chestnut, Japanese knotweed, and more. Bring water, a snack (or lunch!) and dress to be on the river for 2+ hours. NOTE: Registration for this program is through CRISP. Visit iSPY Invasive Species Paddle — CRISP (catskillinvasives.com) to sign up.

canceled due to dry conditions

Walk leader, Margret Grebowicz lives locally and aims to broaden your understanding of mushrooms and inspire you to learn more.  In late July we will be hunting for all the goodies the forest has to offer. The group will meet at the highest point of Vibbard Road, Cooperstown.   Participants should dress for a walk through the woods and make sure to wear shoes that can get wet and muddy. If you want to bring mushrooms home, bring a bag along and knife for cutting. Sign up using the form below.