Please note: these Community Events are not run by Wild Ones HGCNY
February 2, 2026
A Community Approach to Climate Change at Baltimore Woods
When: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday, February 2, 2026
Where: Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108
Description: We can be a part of community-based solutions to ensure a more climate resilient future. Dive into a discussion of the realities of climate change on the global and local level and community-based initiatives. Come learn what your community is doing to combat climate change and be a part of the solution!
More Details: This program is designed for adults and teens age 15+. Space is limited. Online pre-registration is required. This program will take place inside the Interpretive Center.
Fee: $6 (members), $9 (non-members)
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/B8dHyXHnt0ikFeghDzK8Bw2
Link: https://baltimorewoods.org/event/a-community-approach-to-climate-change/
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.
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.
February 6, 2026
Scat N’ Tracks Hike at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 5 p.m. to 6 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: Gardening for Birds
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 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 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
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/winter-wildlife-walk
February 22, 2026
Land History Hike at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday, 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 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.