Please Note: These Community Events Are Not Run by Wild Ones HGCNY
Below Are Two Types of Community Events: Upcoming Events and Weekly Events.
🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃 Upcoming Events 🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃
July 31, 2026 (Group A)
August 1, 2026 (Group B)
Invasive Species Workshops at Woodchuck Hill with the Central NY Land Trust
When: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2026 (Group A) or 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026 (Group B)
Where: Woodchuck Hill Field & Forest Preserve, 7213 Woodchuck Hill Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Description: Join us for a fun, hands-on afternoon learning about invasive plants and how to help restore local ecosystems! We’ll kick things off with an interactive presentation covering what invasive species are, why they matter, how to identify common invaders, and the benefits of native plants. There will be trivia, games, and plenty of discussion.
We will also be taking you outside for a guided walk at our Woodchuck Hill Field & Forest Preserve, to show you how to spot invasive and native plants in the field while learning proper ID and removal techniques.
The afternoon will wrap up with a final trivia challenge with prizes! Whether you’re new to invasive species or looking to build your skills, you’ll leave with practical knowledge, empowering you to make a real impact on your local environment!
While not required to attend, a $5 per person donation is suggested.
***The same class is being held each day, so please only attend one session.***
Register:
August 1, 2026
Nocturnal Animals Night Hike at Green Lakes State Park
When: 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday, August 1, 2026
Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Description: Are you a night owl? Stay out late to learn about some of the animals that wake up when the sun goes down. Use your sense to explore the world as they do. Wear bug spray and dress in layers. Meet at the Reserve Shelter Baseball Field.
Program is free, park admission is $10.
Link: https://parks.ny.gov/visit/events/nocturnal-animals-night-hike
August 2, 2026
Green Lakes History Hike at Green Lakes State Park
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunday, August 2, 2026
Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Description: Take a leisurely walk around the beach area and up to the Tulip Hill picnic area to hear about how Green Lakes became the park it is today. Learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps building the park in the 1930s. This hike is between 1-2 miles. Meet at the Environmental Education Center (1st west beach parking area).
Program is free, park admission is $10.
Link: https://parks.ny.gov/visit/events/green-lakes-history-hike
August 4, 2026
Pitfall Traps for Bugs at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: A pitfall trap is a cup partially buried in the ground that is used to collect little critters that are active on the forest floor. As a group, we’ll carefully uncover the traps and try to identify the invertebrates inside of them. Everyone will get a bingo board of potential pitfall findings to see if we can find enough bugs to make BINGO!
Free with Park admission ($5/vehicle). No registration required.
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/pitfall-traps-for-bugs/
August 4, 2026
Explore the Vidler Educational Campus at Baltimore Woods
When: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Where: Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108
Description: Baltimore Woods recently grew by 70 acres. This new property hosts beautiful forests, stunning wetlands, and a lot of amazing wildlife; an amazing part of an outdoor classroom. This property will be an educational campus, and only open to the public through guided programs. This tour will be your first chance to experience the newest addition to Baltimore Woods and the learning opportunities it presents for all ages. The Vidler Campus has steep hills and primitive trails which we hope to climb if the group is interested.
More Details: This program is designed for adults. Space is limited. Online pre-registration is required. The Vidler Educational Campus has natural surfaced trails, steep hills, wet areas, and exposed stones and roots. Wear sturdy shoes and insect repellent, and bring water.
Fee: $6 (members), $9 (non-members)
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/SSpiTyRlbEijz33Z18GL7g2
Link: https://baltimorewoods.org/event/explore-the-vidler-educational-campus/
August 7, 2026
Birding by Boat at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Friday, August 7, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Let’s paddle the still morning waters of Beaver Lake by kayak as we listen and look for birds! Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet and bring plenty of bug spray and sunscreen! Binoculars will be available to borrow. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for filling out waivers.
Solo Kayaks Only:
- Solo Kayak: Can hold up to 280lbs
- One person per kayak
- Must be at least 10 years old
Registration (per session): $12/Member; $13/Nonmember; kayak rental included
Registration fee does not include park admission fee ($5/vehicle)
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/birding-by-boat36859/
August 7, 2026
August 21, 2026
Friday Evening Wildlife Walk at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2026 & August 21, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Like people, wildlife becomes more active on cool summer evenings. We’ll stroll the meadows, forests, and lakeside in search of wildlife such as owl, deer, fox, and osprey.
Free with Park admission ($5/vehicle). No registration required.
Link:
August 8, 2026
Herp Walk with Friends of Clark Reservation State Park
When: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, August 8, 2026 (rain date August 9, 2026)
Where: Friends of Clark Reservation State Park, c/o Regional Office, 6105 E. Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville, NY 13078
Description: Join Naturalist Aspen for an easy walk along the Mildred Faust and Dry Lake Trails in search of reptiles and amphibians! Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water. (NOTE: Hike is limited to 20 people)
Free but Registration Required: https://www.friendsofclarkreservation.org/events/herp-walk-herptiles-reptiles-and-amphibians/form
$5 vehicle park entrance fee from Memorial day to Labor Day
Link: https://www.friendsofclarkreservation.org/events/herp-walk-herptiles-reptiles-and-amphibians
August 8, 2026
Sunset Canoe Tour at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, August 8, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Join us for a naturalist-guided tour after hours. Sunset on Beaver Lake is a special time as many animals such as herons, ospreys, and even beavers are active. Canoes are limited to 560 pounds maximum of 4 people per canoe.
Canoe information:
- One canoe can hold up to 560lbs
- Maximum of 4 people per canoe
- Minimum of 2 people per canoe; no solo sign-ups
Registration: $18/Member; $20/Nonmember; Cost is per canoe NOT per person.
Registration fee does not include park admission fee ($5/vehicle)
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/sunset-canoe-tour36863/
August 12, 2026
Mindful Birding at Sapsucker Woods
When: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Where: Sapsucker Woods, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Description: Join us for a peaceful mid-day break for Mindful Birding at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Weather permitting, we will sit outside on the shore of Sapsucker Woods Pond. We will provide binoculars and seating. Feel free to stop by for a little while or attend for the full hour.
We’ll begin with a brief sensory warm-up to help connect with the natural world, spend quiet time observing the pond and its birdlife, and conclude with a reflection exercise.
Mindful Birding blends traditional birdwatching with mindfulness practices to help participants slow down, tune in, and deepen their appreciation for both birds and the present moment.
This session is designed to:
- Promote overall well-being and calm
- Improve observation and listening skills
- Foster a more intentional understanding of birdlife
No prior birding or mindfulness experience is necessary.
Accessibility:
This is a stationary birding session, intentionally designed for birders with mobility considerations. We will provide folding chairs and benches.
Disability Access Information
Our parking lot has six van accessible spaces with no-curb access to paved areas. A wheelchair-accessible porta-potty is available in the parking lot and a wheelchair accessible, all-gender/family restroom and water fountain are available in the Visitor Center. We also have two wheelchairs available for your use on site. TCAT route 31 services the Lab of Ornithology. Contact Gadabout at (607) 273-1878 for paratransit options. Bike racks are located in our parking lot area.
Free and open to the public. All are welcome. No registration required.
Contact E-Mail: [email protected]
Contact Name: Sarah K Wagner
Link: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/event/mindful-birding-at-sapsucker-woods-3/2026-08-12/
August 14, 2026
Birds and Blooms with Cornell Botanic Gardens and Cornell Lab of Ornithology
When: 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday, August 14, 2026
Where: Cornell Lab of Ornithology Visitor Center, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Description: Join guides from Cornell Botanic Gardens and Cornell Lab of Ornithology for combined bird and plant walks this season. We’ll alternate between tours of Sapsucker Woods and the F.R. Newman Arboretum in search of birds and to learn about trees and other plants that provide biodiverse habitat. A limited number of binoculars are available to borrow.
Fee: $14 general admission per tour; free for Cornell Botanic Gardens Access Pass holders.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required for each individual tour date.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birds-and-blooms-sapsucker-woods-tickets-1984780890071
Link: https://events.cornell.edu/event/birds_and_blooms_2026
August 17, 2026
Reptile Ramble at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, August 17, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Join us for a hike to try to spot some of the reptiles that live here at Beaver Lake. Along the way we’ll discuss some of the critters we hope to see.
Free with park admission ($5/vehicle). No registration required.
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/reptile-ramble36849/
August 18, 2026
The Fish of Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, August 17, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Have you ever wondered what fish species live in Beaver Lake? During this indoor presentation, we’ll discuss over 15 different species that reside in the lake. Please remember and respect that fishing is prohibited at Beaver Lake.
Free with park admission ($5/vehicle). No registration required.
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/the-fish-of-beaver-lake/
August 22, 2026
Great Swamp Conservancy Example
The Hidden World of Snails at the Great Swamp Conservancy
When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, August 22, 2026
Where: Great Swamp Conservancy 8375 N. Main St., Canastota, NY, 13032
Description: Come explore the fascinating world of land snails and slugs with an educational walk and presentation led by Marla Coppolino, a malacologist. We will learn how land snails play a vital role in the ecosystem. After this program, you will have a knowledge and respect for snails.
$10 per person, please register in advance by calling the Great Swamp Conservancy, (315) 697-2950 or via email at [email protected]
Link: https://www.greatswampconservancy.org/events-1/2026/8/22/the-hidden-world-of-snails
August 22, 2026
Night Buggin’ at the Woods at Baltimore Woods
When: 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, August 22, 2026
Where: Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108
Description: When the summer sun sets, a whole community of nighttime invertebrates emerges and brings the night to life. We’ll attract a variety of insects using special lights and white sheets to get a close-up view of their patterns, colors, and adaptations. A short walk through the woods will reveal even more wonders. Come experience the wild diversity of insect life on a summer evening with us as we search for critters like moths, dobsonflies, and beetles!
More Details: This program will include a walk on the Backyard Wildlife Trail, Harrison Loop, and Faust Garden, which are moderate trails with packed crushed stone and less than 8% slope. Please bring a small flashlight. This program is designed for all ages. Space is limited. Online pre-registration is required.
Fee: $6 (members), $9 (non-members)
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/MUIabcbJLUyiPMP65o_7nA2
Link: https://baltimorewoods.org/event/night-buggin-at-the-woods-3/
August 28, 2026
Mindful Botany Walk at Cornell Botanic Gardens
When: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, August 28, 2026
Where: Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center, 124 Comstock Knoll Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Description: Join Cornell Botanic Gardens staff to observe the beauty and drama of nature unfolding on monthly nature walks. While exploring various paths and gardens each month, we will practice mindfulness by dedicating our attention to the present moment and fully observing and appreciating the amazing plant transformations that take place throughout the year. Walks will be held rain or shine.
Fee: Free; donations welcome. Pre-registration is not required.
Link: https://events.cornell.edu/event/mindful-botany-walk-2026
August 30, 2026
Native Plant Garden Tour with CCE Tompkins County
When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, August 30, 2026
Where: Starts at CCE‑Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850‑3555
Description: Sponsored by Tompkins Pollinator Pathways and CCE Tompkins Master Gardeners’ Native Plant committee, a mix of public and private gardens in the downtown northside and Fall Creek areas will be open for viewing. Come see how native plants are being incorporated into gardens that serve both aesthetic and environmental interests. Our urban environments – from parks or natural lands to small spaces like backyards and flower boxes, can all be a part of a pollinator pathway.
Come meet the gardeners and their gardens, get inspired to grow more native plants, start thinking more about gardening with a purpose and creating gardens that not only surround us with beauty but also help support our native insects and birds.
The tour will be held rain or shine. It starts at the Cooperative Extension office and the entire route is just over 2 miles so you can walk, bike, or drive. No registration required.
This event is free, however, donations help us keep future programming costs low for our community. Thank you for your continued support! Donation link
On August 30th you may pick up a map at Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tompkins County, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca
Link: https://ccetompkins.org/events/2026/08/30/native-plant-garden-tour-1
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Mondays
to October 26, 2026
no walk August 17, 2026
Tree “Buds” Weekly Tree Phenology Walks at Cayuga Nature Center
When: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays to October 26, 2026, no walk August 17, 2026
Where: Cayuga Nature Center, 1420 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY 14850
Description: Be our tree “buds” and join our weekly citizen science walk to observe and collect data on seasonal changes in trees.
Rain or shine, we will monitor when buds break, leaves emerge, flowers bloom, fruits ripen, and when leaves change color and fall. We send the data to the USA National Phenology Network, which makes it available to researchers who are trying to understand the mechanisms behind seasonal changes and how they are influenced by a changing climate.
You’ll learn how to make these types of observations, and how to do this at home or in your neighborhood.
This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend. We’ll meet in front of the Cayuga Nature Center lodge at the beginning of the program.
Link: https://www.priweb.org/ Scroll down to What’s New and click Open Full Calendar to see these events.
Fridays & Saturdays
On the Canals Summer Kayaking Adventure with Montezuma Audubon Center
When:
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Fridays, August 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2026
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays, August 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2026
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 2026
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 2026
Where: Rivers Crossing Campground and Marina, 508 NY-89, Savannah, NY 13146
Description: Join Montezuma Audubon Center for a 1.5-mile leisurely paddle along the Erie Canal through the Montezuma Wetlands Complex to explore the birds, other wildlife, and their unique habitats. The surrounding forests and wetlands are teeming with birds like Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, and Double-crested Cormorant. The summer months are a great time to experience these birds as they care for their young and prepare for the autumn migration. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles, binoculars, and bird guides are all provided.
We have expanded our equipment library so more participants of varying ability levels can join us, including tandem and single kayaks. These modified boats provide outriggers, paddle posts, and adaptive seat accessories. Outriggers (floats attached to the sides of the kayak) enhance stability, great to steady paddlers who have trouble with balance. They make entry/exit safer and reduce the risk of tipping. The paddle posts allow for one-arm control of the kayak and provide support to completely remove the weight of the paddle from the paddler’s arms when using both arms. Our adaptive seats add extra lumbar and side wing support for stabilizing the trunk of the paddler and extra comfort while paddling. We also have a transfer bench to provide a flat, smooth transfer surface for seated transfers.
These are free, family-friendly excursions that are perfect for ages 13 and older. We launch from Rivers Crossing Campground and Marina, 508 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13145. Parking is on the grass in front of the launch and boat rack. Multiple bathrooms and a shower are available on site if necessary.
If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know how we can better assist you by reaching out to our Inclusion Point of Contact, Cassidy Attanasio, at [email protected].
We want to thank the New York State Canal Corporation and the Erie Canal Boat Company, Inc., for their support in providing these adventures.
Register: https://www.audubon.org/events?title=kayaking&view_type=row&location=Montezuma+Audubon+Center
Saturdays
Beginner Bird Walks at Sapsucker Woods
When: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Saturdays
Where: Sapsucker Woods, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Description: Join us every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:30 am at the front entrance of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We will walk the trails of Sapsucker Woods looking and listening for birds. These 90-minute walks are targeted toward beginners, but all levels are welcome. Binoculars are available for loan. Please dress for the weather. Walks are led by Cayuga Bird Club volunteers.
Our parking lot has six van accessible spaces with no-curb access to paved areas. The trails throughout Sapsucker Woods are all mostly flat and mulched, with short sections of wooden boardwalk, and some exposed roots. Boardwalks have a slight incline leading to and from the main walkway. There are several benches are found along the 0.75 mile Wilson Trail. A wheelchair-accessible porta-potty is available in the parking lot and a wheelchair accessible, all-gender/family restroom and water fountain are available in the Visitor Center after 10 a.m. We also have two wheelchairs available for your use on site.
If you are attending with a group of 8 or more, please let us know so that we can recruit more walk leaders. Contact Suan Yong.
Link: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/visit/events/#calendar
Saturdays
August 8, 15, 22, & 29, 2026
Guided Nature Walk at Rice Creek Field Station
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, August 8, 15, 22, & 29, 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.
Accessible options are possible. Rice Creek’s main building and parking areas are ADA accessible. The Purple Trail, which opened on April 30, 2026, is built to comply with U.S. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines, making it accessible to many people who use wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, and other mobility devices. To request a guided nature walk on the Purple Trail, please let us know by calling (315) 312-6677 or emailing [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance of the program. Please note: the Purple Trail is not maintained to accessibility standards in winter.
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.
Sundays
Beginner Bird Walks at Sapsucker Woods
When: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Sundays
Where: Sapsucker Woods, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Description: Join us every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:30 am at the front entrance of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We will walk the trails of Sapsucker Woods looking and listening for birds. These 90-minute walks are targeted toward beginners, but all levels are welcome. Binoculars are available for loan. Please dress for the weather. Walks are led by Cayuga Bird Club volunteers.
Our parking lot has six van accessible spaces with no-curb access to paved areas. The trails throughout Sapsucker Woods are all mostly flat and mulched, with short sections of wooden boardwalk, and some exposed roots. Boardwalks have a slight incline leading to and from the main walkway. There are several benches are found along the 0.75 mile Wilson Trail. A wheelchair-accessible porta-potty is available in the parking lot and a wheelchair accessible, all-gender/family restroom and water fountain are available in the Visitor Center after 10 a.m. We also have two wheelchairs available for your use on site.
If you are attending with a group of 8 or more, please let us know so that we can recruit more walk leaders. Contact Suan Yong.
Link: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/visit/events/#calendar