Please Note: These Community Events Are Not Run by Wild Ones HGCNY
🍃🍃🍃 One Time Events 🍃🍃🍃
February 6, 2026
Scat N’ Tracks Hike at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Winter is a great time to study signs of animals at the Nature Center! Equipped with track and scat guides, we will hit the trails to discover what animals have been around and if they left any clues for us to find.
Fee: $2 (members), $3 (non-members)
Registration fee does not include park admission fee ($5/vehicle)
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/scat-n-tracks-hike/
February 7, 2026
Beginner Bird Walk at Green Lakes State Park
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Thursday, February 7, 2026
Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Description: Join an educator for a family friendly bird walk. We will start inside the Environmental Education Center and see who is at our feeders and learn the basics to birding. We will then head out on a bird walk. Dress appropriately for the weather.
February 10, 2026
Native Plant Gardening: Winter Sowing
When: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Where: In-person at CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850 or online via Zoom
Description: Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the simple and effective method of winter sowing—an easy way to start native plants outdoors during the colder months. After a brief introduction about the benefits of winter sowing, participants will have an opportunity to plant several containers of seeds to bring home, using regionally appropriate native seeds. Each participant will leave with multiple planted jugs ready to place outside all winter and transplant in spring. Most materials are provided, but please bring your empty plastic jugs and salad containers so we have enough for everyone. The class will be available to watch online as well. Beginners are welcome!
Instructor’s bio: Chrys Gardener is a Master Gardener, avid gardener, and landscape designer. She specializes in designing gardens that include lots of native plants and are also deer-resistant and low-maintenance. A self-confessed seedaholic, Chrys starts thousands of seeds each spring for her own gardens and gardens she designs for others, and she is excited to share this easy technique with others who wish to fill their own gardens with lots of native plants.
Fee: This program is valued at $20, however, please pay what you are able. Paying more than $20 will help others attend the class.
Register: https://ccetompkins.wufoo.com/forms/myz27q61agoxtg/
Link: https://ccetompkins.org/events/2026/02/10/native-plant-gardening-winter-sowing
February 13, 2026
Great Backyard Bird Count at Green Lakes State Park
When: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 13, 2026
Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Description: Contribute to this Global Bird Count! We will start in the Env Ed Center by going over how to contribute to the Great Backyard Bird Count. Then we will do several 15-minute counts in different locations. Participants will drive from location to location. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars or borrow a pair from us. FREE.
Link: https://parks.ny.gov/visit/events/great-backyard-bird-count-6
February 14, 2026
Joy of Birding: The Fantastic Finches at Baltimore Woods
When: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026
Where: Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108
Description: The Fantastic Finches (Southern Highlands or Boylston area): You’ll get a chance to experience the Fantastic Finches with Matt, author of the recently released Stokes Guide to Finches of the United States and Canada. Some of these finches are common backyard feeder birds like the American Goldfinch and House Finches, but some species are more boreal and mysterious irrupting south to our area only every so often — these are species like the crossbills, Pine Grosbeak, Purple Finch, Redpoll, Pine Siskin, and Evening Grosbeak. These social-flocking birds have a lot to offer us, from their togetherness to the joy they can bring to us.
More Details: This program is designed for ages 18+. Space is limited. Online pre-registration is required.
Fee: $30
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/cCdqmnTS70WEF6TgyNY3jA2
Link: https://baltimorewoods.org/event/joy-of-birding-the-fantastic-finches/
February 14, 2026
Great Backyard Bird Count at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Join the global birding community by taking part in The Great Backyard Bird Count from February 13-16! Learn how this citizen science project helps researchers track bird migration and how you can contribute from your own backyard. Please bring a phone or device with internet access. Birders of all skill levels are welcome.
Free with park admission ($5/vehicle). No registration required.
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/great-backyard-bird-count34976/
February 17, 2026
Winter Wildlife Walk at Green Lakes State Park
When: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Description: Let’s get outside and learn more about winter animals found in our park! Along our walk we will look for signs of wildlife and if we are lucky, we may even see an animal or two. We will finish with an easy craft. Meet at the Environmental Education Center.
Link: https://parks.ny.gov/visit/events/winter-wildlife-walk
February 18, 2026
Bird Quest with CCE Oswego
When: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Where: Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center, 748 State Route 183, Williamstown, New York 13493
Description: This program is in the style of the Great Backyard Bird Count, a weekend focused on birding that happens globally every February. Birders of all skill levels spend at least fifteen minutes watching birds and report their data to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology through the online website eBird.org. This data is then used for research by scientists.
While not happening on the exact days of the Great Backyard Bird Count, Bird Quest seeks to promote the activity of birding. Participants will begin indoors, transitioning to a guided walk in the woods. Attendees will learn how to use binoculars, notice different clues to help identify a bird, and familiarize themselves with some common bird calls.
Afterwards, gear up and head outside to put this knowledge to work in a bird search. Look and listen, with the help of our educator, to create a record of what birds are nearby. Finish out the program by learning about the citizen science project your data will become a part of!
This program is open to all ages. We ask that you please wear boots that can handle the snow and dress appropriately for the weather. If there is enough snow, you’ll get to use the center’s snowshoes at no additional cost, or you can bring your own.
Advanced registration is encouraged, as space is limited.
Fee: $4 per person and up to $12 per family. Children three years old and under are free.
Register: https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=BirdQuest_235
Link: https://thatscooperativeextension.org/events/2026/02/18/bird-quest
February 20, 2026
Star Party: Planets and Winter Skies at Baltimore Woods
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, February 20, 2026
Where: Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108
Description: We will have Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune in good view, and one of our best chances to see Mercury, low in the west as the program starts. Plus, no moon means great views of the winter skies, with bright clusters and nebulae. Cultures across the world and throughout time are united in a fascination with the night sky. Humans have used stars to mark the passage of time, tell stories, build mythologies, and navigate across vast dark oceans. With powerful telescopes and a wealth of knowledge, Bob Piekiel is your tour guide to the stars and planets, revealing the secrets of the far away, inspiring us to think about how special our little green and blue ball in space is.
More Details: This program is recommended for ages 10 and up. Space is limited. Online pre-registration is required. Dress warmly, this program will be outdoors in our main parking lot that has a gravel surface. Backup date: 2/21/26
Free but registration is required.
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/Vqz1KqzcaEi_9SjbFtuuVQ2
Link: https://baltimorewoods.org/event/star-party-planets-and-winter-skies/
February 21, 2026
Backyard Birds at the Great Swamp Conservancy
When: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026
Where: Great Swamp Conservancy 8375 N. Main St., Canastota, NY
Description: Join birding enthusiasts at the GSC bird feeders in the heated office to observe the birds, learn ID tricks and all about the relationships birds have with each other! Free to attend! Feel free to bring your coffee and breakfast with you!
February 21, 2026
Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps Nature Excursion
When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026
Where: Long Branch Road Parking Lot, 392 Long Branch Rd, Syracuse, NY 13209
Description: Join the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps for a 2 hour, 1.5 mile walk along the Onondaga Lake West Shore Trail to explore newly restored habitats that attract birds, mammals and other wildlife during the winter months. National Audubon Society staff and volunteers will help participants identify Onondaga Lake’s winter songbirds, waterfowl, birds of prey and other wildlife, and learn about the importance of protecting the lake’s habitats. The walk will be on a flat trail that may be snow covered. Please bring your own binoculars.
Onondaga Lake is an Audubon Important Bird Area that provides habitat, food and water sources that many bird species depend upon for survival during the cold winter months. Some of the most abundant bird species that rely on Onondaga Lake are the Bald Eagle, Common Merganser, American Black Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Mallard, Redhead, and Ring-necked Duck. Call 315.365.3588 or email [email protected] with questions.
Space is limited and registration is required.
Fee: $10/adult; $8/child.
Register at: https://act.audubon.org/a/olcc-nature-excursion-saturday-february-21-10am
February 21, 2026
Animal Signs: Basics of Tracking at Baltimore Woods
When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026
Where: Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108
Description: Tracking uses the skills of observation and deduction to tell the story of life in the woods. In this program, we will learn how to identify and interpret signs of animals before we head outside. We will put our skills to the test as we follow trails to stumble across different animal tracks and leave some of our own. What are the animals up to? What stories do their tracks have to tell? Only one way to know – get out there!
More Details: This program is recommended for adults (age 15+). Space is limited. Online pre-registration is required. Dress in layers for the weather. This program will involve a hike with moderate hills, uneven terrain, and potentially snow and icy conditions. Snowshoes are available to use during the program.
Fee: $6 (members), $9 (non-members)
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/ZkE3jCebokqAXDAtcQpuAg2
Link: https://baltimorewoods.org/event/animal-signs-basics-of-tracking-2/
February 21, 2026
Animal Tracking on Snowshoes at Green Lakes State Park
When: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026
Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Description: Lets discover which animal inhabit our park during the wintertime! Learn ways to identify animal tracks in the snow. If weather permits and there is 6 inches or more of snow, we will be on snowshoes for this program. Meet at the Environmental Education and dress appropriately for the weather.
Link: https://parks.ny.gov/visit/events/animal-tracking-snowshoes
February 22, 2026
Land History Hike at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday, February 22, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: From farming and logging to hunting and conservation, Beaver Lake and the surrounding forests have served many purposes over the centuries. Join a naturalist for a short presentation on the nearly 700-acre area now known as Beaver Lake Nature Center. Afterward, venture onto the trails to discover signs of the land’s many previous inhabitants! This program is geared towards adults.
Fee: $2 (members), $3 (non-members)
Registration fee does not include park admission fee ($5/vehicle)
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/land-history-hike/
February 26, 2026
Feed Us with Trees: Humans as a Keystone Species
When: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, February 26, 2026
Where: Online via Zoom
Description: As a girl, Elspeth Hay learned that we humans are a blight on the natural world. Her lived experience confirmed this story time and again—until the day she learned that we humans can eat acorns. Suddenly, things began to shift. In her new book, Feed Us with Trees: Nuts and the Future of Food, Elspeth reveals the ancient relationship between humans, our keystone nut trees, and fire—and the ways we can work together again to revitalize our world.
Speaker’s bio: Elspeth Hay is the creator and host of the Local Food Report, a weekly feature that has aired on the Cape and Islands NPR station since 2008, and the author of the book Feed Us with Trees: Nuts and the Future of Food. Deeply immersed in her own local-food system, she writes and reports for print, radio, and online media with a focus on food, the environment, and the people, places, and ideas that feed us. You can learn more about her work at elspethhay.com.
This event is free, however, donations help us keep future programming costs low for our community. Thank you for your continued support!
Register: https://ccetompkins.wufoo.com/forms/mky39yh0hidu9x/
Link: https://ccetompkins.org/events/2026/02/26/feed-us-with-trees-humans-as-a-keystone-species
February 27, 2026
Moonlit Hike at Lime Hollow Nature Center
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, February 27, 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–1
February 28, 2026
Family Tree Hike at Green Lakes State Park
When: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026
Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Description: Join and educator on a hike through our Old Growth Forest. Learn more about this special preserved area and about the different types of trees found in the Old Growth. This hike is family oriented, and all ages are welcome. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring water. This hike will be about 3 – 4 miles on moderate to difficult terrain. Meet at the Environmental Education Center.
🔁🔁🔁 Weekly Events 🔁🔁🔁
Wednesdays
February 4, 11, 18, & 25, 2026
Wednesday Walks at Green Lakes State Park
When: 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 4, 11, 18, & 25, 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
February 4, 11, 18, & 25, 2026
Project Feederwatch Social Hour at Baltimore Woods
When: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, February 4, 11, 18, & 25, 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.
Link:
- for 2/4/26: https://baltimorewoods.org/event/project-feederwatch-social-hour-4/
- for 2/11/26: https://baltimorewoods.org/event/project-feederwatch-social-hour-5/
- for 2/18/26: https://baltimorewoods.org/event/project-feederwatch-social-hour-6/
- for 2/25/26: https://baltimorewoods.org/event/project-feederwatch-social-hour-7/
Thursdays
February 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2026
Thursday Backyard Birds at Green Lakes State Park
When: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 5, 12, 19, & 26, 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
February 7, 14, & 21, 2026
On the Canals Snowshoeing (Morning) at Montezuma Audubon Center
When: 10 a.m., Saturdays, February 7, 14, & 21, 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 2/7/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-10
- for 2/14/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-12
- for 2/21/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-14
Saturdays
February 7, 14, & 21, 2026
On the Canals Snowshoeing (Afternoon) at Montezuma Audubon Center
When: 1 p.m., Saturdays, February 7, 14, & 21, 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 2/7/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-11
- for 2/14/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-13
- for 2/21/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-15
Saturdays
February 21 & 28, 2026
Birdwatching for Science at Rice Creek Field Station
When: 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Saturday, February 21 & 28, 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.
Link:
Saturdays
February 21 & 28, 2026
Guided Nature Walk at Rice Creek Field Station
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, February 21 & 28, 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.
Links: