Please Note: These Community Events Are Not Run by Wild Ones HGCNY
🍃🍃🍃 One Time Events 🍃🍃🍃
January 24, 2026
Superpowers of Lichens with CCE Oswego
When: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, January 24, 2026
Where: Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center, 748 State Route 183, Williamstown, New York 13493
Description: Learn how lichens grow where other plants can’t and even survive freezing temperatures! After taking a magnified look at these organisms, we’ll search along our trails to see how many we can find.
Not classified as a plant, lichens are a combination of a fungi and an algae living so interdependently that they form a single being. Participants will begin indoors, learning different facts about lichens, including how they survive our harsh winters. There will also be tools on hand to take a magnified look at the intricate details of these symbiotic organisms.
Afterwards, attendees will gear up and head outside to discover lichens in their natural habitat, searching to discover how many different kinds can be found along the trails.
This program offers a unique opportunity to slow down and get up close to lichens. Often overlooked, they have a multitude of adaptations that allow them to live almost anywhere.
Advanced registration is encouraged, as space is limited.
Fee: $4 per person and up to $12 per family
Link: https://thatscooperativeextension.org/events/2026/01/24/superpowers-of-lichens
January 26, 2026
Life as a Winter Tree at Baltimore Woods
When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, January 26, 2026
Where: Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108
Description: Trees have interesting traits to help them survive the cold months. We will go on a walk to find the big and small features that assist these plants in dealing with the freezing temperatures and snow. Put on your winter jacket and come along to explore the fascinating world of arboreal winter life.
More Details: This program is designed for adults. This program will generally follow flat stone-dust trails and uneven grassy surfaces, which could be snow-covered or icy this time of year. Snowshoes will be provided, if necessary.
Fee: $6 (members), $9 (non-members)
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/Pv0HKylf7UO2oVgQ8Gp35g2
Link: https://baltimorewoods.org/event/life-as-a-winter-tree/
January 29, 2026
Owl Prowl with CCE Oswego
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, January 29, 2026
Where: Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center, 748 State Route 183, Williamstown, New York 13493
Description: During the middle to later months of winter, various species of owls are beginning their courtship. On nights with bright moonlight, the chances of hearing one of these owls calling is increased. Species heard locally can include great horned owls, barred owls, and eastern screech owls.
Begin inside and then venture outside for a guided expedition in the hope of hearing an owl. Test your owl knowledge, learn new facts about owl body features, and learn some of the unique characteristics of several owl species found within the state.
The prowl through the woods and wetlands will be illuminated by the light of a waxing gibbous moon, being full the following night. While there is no guarantee an owl will be heard, there is a history of them at this site. Both a barred owl and great horned owl have been heard vocalizing at the Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center very recently.
Fee: $4 per person and up to $12 per family
Register: https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=OwlProwl_235
Link: https://thatscooperativeextension.org/events/2026/01/29/owl-prowl
January 30, 2026
Moonlit Hike at Lime Hollow Nature Center
When: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday, January 30, 2026
Where: Lime Hollow Nature Center, 338 McLean Road, Cortland, New York 13045
Description: Celebrate in the moonlight with a brisk guided hike to admire the beauty of Lime Hollow trails. The transition from day to night can be an exciting time to tune our senses to nature. Moonlit hikes take place whether the sky is clear or overcast.
Additional Details: Moonlit Hikes are moderately strenuous with some elevation gains and declines. Hikes last approximately 60 to 75 minutes depending on the group and trail conditions. Hike is located at 338 McLean Road with additional parking close by.
Fee: $5 (General Registration), $10 (Generous Registration), or Free
Register: https://limehollownaturecenter-bloom.kindful.com/e/moonlit-hike-jan-30-530pm
January 30, 2026 to February 2, 2026
Cayuga Lake Basin Winter BioBlitz 2026
When: Friday, January 30, 2026 to Monday, February 2, 2026
Where: www.inaturalist.org/projects/winter-2026-east-finger-lakes-bioblitz
Description: Please join us from wherever you are in the Cayuga Lake basin! We are calling all nature observers to document the life around us using the iNaturalist app. This event is part of our series of seasonal bioblitzes, to help document the diversity of life in our region over time as the climate and other factors change.
You don’t need to be an expert to participate. Create an account on iNaturalist and add the app to your smart phone. Then photograph wild things, or record their sounds, and upload them. Or use a regular camera and upload photos later on your computer. If you don’t know what you’re seeing, no worries – the app will help identify the organisms you observe. And a community of other observers can help you refine the identification later as well.
Go to our Projects page on iNaturalist to register: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/winter-2026-east-finger-lakes-bioblitz
New to iNaturalist? Here are some tutorials: https://inaturalist.freshdesk.com/en/support/solutions/folders/151000547795
Do you have questions about participating in bioblitzes or about using iNaturalist? Please contact Ingrid Zabel at [email protected].
Link: https://www.priweb.org/science-education-programs-and-resources/bioblitz
January 31, 2026
Winter Discovery Hike at Dotson Park
(Part of the Cayuga Lake Basin Winter BioBlitz 2026)
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, January 31, 2026
Where: Dotson Park, Dotson Community Park, 1825 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Description: As part of the Winter BioBlitz weekend, Paleontological Research Institute (PRI) is partnering with the Danby Community and Park Association for a guided Winter Discovery Hike at Dotson Park in Danby, NY.
Bundle up and join us for a slow, observant walk as we look for signs of life that persist through the cold, tracks in the snow, hardy plants, winter birds, and more.
Along the way, participants will learn how to use iNaturalist to document observations and contribute to the Winter 2026 East Finger Lakes BioBlitz. This hike is a great opportunity for beginners and seasoned naturalists alike to experience winter ecology up close while contributing to real community science.
Download the iNaturalist app and join the Winter Bioblitz before the hike here www.inaturalist.org/projects/winter-2026-east-finger-lakes-bioblitz
Link: https://tockify.com/paleontological/detail/458/1769875200000
January 31, 2026
Owl Prowl at Baltimore Woods
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, January 31, 2026
Where: Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108
Description: On wintry nights, owls call among the trees and wander about the woods on silent wings. Join us to tune into your senses and experience the nighttime world of owls. We will go for a quiet walk through the forest, pausing in several spots to call for owls and learn about the adaptations that help them to survive at night.
More Details: This program is designed for adults. Space is limited. Online pre-registration is required. This program will include a walk on the Valley Trail loop, which is one of our most difficult trails with hilly terrain, natural surfaces, and roots. Snowshoes will be provided if necessary. Please bring a flashlight; extras are available if needed.
Fee: $6 (members), $9 (non-members)
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/KWLp5_Phrk637J-2-c21ug2
Link: https://baltimorewoods.org/event/owl-prowl-keepers-of-the-night/
🔁🔁🔁 Weekly Events 🔁🔁🔁
Wednesdays
January 14, 21, & 28, 2026
Wednesday Walks at Green Lakes State Park
When: 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 14, 21, & 28, 2026
Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Description: Join one of our educators for a leisurely walk either around Green Lake or The Old Erie Canal Towpath. Expect to walk about 2 miles. Dress appropriately for the weather. Meet at the Environmental Education Center. All ages are welcome for this program.
Wednesdays
January 14, 21, & 28, 2026
Project Feederwatch Social Hour at Baltimore Woods
When: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesdays, January 14, 21, 28, 2026
Where: Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108
Description: Watching the birds is a relaxing way to stay connected to nature in the winter. We will be looking for, identifying, and counting the birds that visit our feeders from the warmth of our indoor program room as part of the Lab of Ornithology’s Project: Feederwatch citizen science initiative. Join a naturalist and other bird-lovers for a casual afternoon of learning and connecting! Binoculars and field guides will be provided.
This program will occur every Wednesday from January 14 – April 8.
Pre-registration is not required.
More Details: This program will be held inside the program room in the Interpretive Center. The path from the parking lot to the building is paved. There are no stairs. Seating will be provided. This program is designed for adults.
Links:
Thursdays
January 15, 22, & 29, 2026
Bird Walks at Green Lakes State Park
When: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 15, 22, & 29, 2026
Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Description: Want to learn more about birds? Join us Thursdays for some beginner birding. We will start in the Environmental Education Center and check out our feeders. We will then head out on a bird walk. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. All ages are welcome for this program.
Saturdays
January 10, 17, 24, & 31, 2026
Birdwatching for Science at Rice Creek Field Station
When: 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Saturday, January 10, 17, 24, & 31, 2026
Where: Rice Creek Field Station, 193 Thompson Road, Oswego, NY 13126
Description: Have you always been interested in birdwatching, but don’t know where to begin? Or perhaps you are already familiar with local birds, and wish to channel your passion into science?
Whether you are just getting started, or are already experienced with birding, this program is a welcoming space to learn, enjoy, and contribute to science. Those unfamiliar with birds will learn tips on identifying common backyard birds. Those already experienced can count the birds they see for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s “Project Feederwatch” community science program — a bird monitoring program that has been operating throughout North America for almost 40 years. Data submitted to the program are used to study bird behavior and long-term trends in bird populations to inform conservation.
Visitors can expect to see 5 to 14 species of birds during their visit, depending on the weather and the length of time they watch. All birdwatching takes place from the comfort of the indoors. Photography is welcome.
This weekly program takes place on Saturdays (except the first of the month) from 9:30 to 10:45 am. Visitors are encouraged to stay for the Guided Nature Walk taking place these same Saturdays at 11 am.
Saturdays
January 10, 17, 24, & 31, 2026
Guided Nature Walk at Rice Creek Field Station
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 17, 24, & 31, 2026
Where: Rice Creek Field Station, 193 Thompson Road, Oswego, NY 13126
Description: Rice Creek’s naturalists will be your guides as you explore the forests, fields, wetlands, and waterways of Rice Creek Field Station, a 350-acre wildlife preserve dedicated to supporting research and education.
These free walks are open to the general public and suitable for all ages. Walks are 1 mile or less over gentle to moderate terrain on one of Rice Creek’s four trails, and approximately 1 hour in length. Adult- and youth-sized snowshoes (for ages 3+) are available in winter, trail conditions permitting. If snow is insufficient, we will go on a boot walk. Sturdy snow- or hiking boots should be worn in winter regardless.
During the walk, a naturalist will discuss the cultural and ecological history of Rice Creek from its early days as working farmland to today. Additionally, the naturalist will identify and interpret discoveries such as animal sightings, plant blooms, seasonal changes, and more. Participants are encouraged to keep their eyes open for discoveries and ask questions along the way. Photography, journaling, and sketching are all welcome activities during the walk.
Participants should come dressed for the weather and tick prevention. Boots are advisable as trails may be muddy, especially during late fall, winter, and spring. An adult must accompany children under 17 years of age. For questions, please reach out to the Rice Creek staff at [email protected] or 315.312.6677.
Saturdays
January 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 2026
On the Canals Snowshoeing (Morning) at Montezuma Audubon Center
When: 10 a.m., Saturdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 2026
Where: Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 NY-89, Savannah, NY 13146
Description: Snow Much Fun at Montezuma!!
When the snow starts to fall, the adventures begin at the Montezuma Audubon Center. Bundle up and join us for a family-friendly 1-mile snowshoe trek through marshes, grasslands, and forested trails. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious about winter wildlife, this inclusive outing is perfect for all ages (5+).
Along the way, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for winter birds like teh Northern Harrier, Dark-eyed Junco, and Red-tailed Hawk, and uncover the snowy secrets of mammals such as coyotes, opposum, and red foxes – all revealed by their tracks in the fresh snow!
We’ve got binoculars, bird guides, and snowshoes ready for you to borrow – or feel free to bring your own gear. And don’t worry if there is no snow! We’ll still hit the trails for a wintry walk. Just be sure to wear sturdy footwear.
Come explore the wonders of winter with us – it’s snow joke how much fun you’ll have!
Free! Register at:
- for 1/3/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing
- for 1/10/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-2
- for 1/17/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-4
- for 1/24/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-6
- for 1/31/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-8
Saturdays
January 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 2026
On the Canals Snowshoeing (Afternoon) at Montezuma Audubon Center
When: 1 p.m., Saturdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 2026
Where: Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 NY-89, Savannah, NY 13146
Description: Snow Much Fun at Montezuma!!
When the snow starts to fall, the adventures begin at the Montezuma Audubon Center. Bundle up and join us for a family-friendly 1-mile snowshoe trek through marshes, grasslands, and forested trails. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious about winter wildlife, this inclusive outing is perfect for all ages (5+).
Along the way, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for winter birds like teh Northern Harrier, Dark-eyed Junco, and Red-tailed Hawk, and uncover the snowy secrets of mammals such as coyotes, opposum, and red foxes – all revealed by their tracks in the fresh snow!
We’ve got binoculars, bird guides, and snowshoes ready for you to borrow – or feel free to bring your own gear. And don’t worry if there is no snow! We’ll still hit the trails for a wintry walk. Just be sure to wear sturdy footwear.
Come explore the wonders of winter with us – it’s snow joke how much fun you’ll have!
Free! Register:
- for 1/3/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-1
- for 1/10/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-3
- for 1/17/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-5
- for 1/24/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-7
- for 1/31/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-9