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 🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃
June 12, 2026
Mindful Botany Walk at Cornell Botanic Gardens
When: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, June 12, 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
June 13, 2026
Summer Tree ID Walk in Danby with CCE Tompkins
When: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 13, 2026
Where: a map of the meeting spot (in Danby) will be emailed out closer to the day
Description: Learn to distinguish one tree from the next and about forest ecology. This tour will teach how to identify tree species using leaves, bark, and seeds. The walk’s site has a diversity of tree species and a scenic overlook. The loop trail is 2 miles long with some steep sections, please wear appropriate footwear and bring water.
Instructor’s bio: Marvin Pritts was born in rural southwestern Pennsylvania where he spent many hours wandering through the Laurel Highlands identifying trees and collecting insects. He obtained a B.S. in Biology from Bucknell University in 1978, a M.S. in Biology (Plant Ecology) from the University of South Carolina in 1980, and a Ph.D. in horticulture at Michigan State University working with wild species of blueberries. Marvin came to Cornell in 1984 as the berry crop specialist but retained an interest in forest ecology. He co-authored a book on Smith Woods in 2017 and has been involved in its management for more than 20 years.
This program is in-person only, a map of the meeting spot (in Danby) will be emailed out closer to the day.
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/m1ldb3t612v62zf/
Link: https://ccetompkins.org/events/2026/06/13/summer-tree-id-walk
June 13, 2026
Bird Bingo at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 13, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Play a round of Bird Bingo (BIRDO) at the feeders in the wildlife viewing room here at Beaver Lake! Test your ID skills and learn about the birds that visit our feeders during the summer. Win a special prize if you can get BIRDO! Meet at the Visitor Center.
Free with park admission ($5/vehicle). No registration required.
June 14, 2026
Warblers in the Woods at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Sunday, June 14, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Join us for a naturalist-guided hike along the Deep Woods Trail to look and listen for some of the wonderful birds that call Beaver Lake’s forests home. Binoculars will be available to borrow.
Free with park admission ($5/vehicle). No registration required.
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/warblers-in-the-woods/
June 17, 2026
“Seeing the Forest for the Bees” with Kass Urban-Mead and NPSNJ
When: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Where: Online via Zoom
Description: In the historically forested northeastern US, up to 2/3 of our wild bee species use forested habitats for part of their life cycles. Join me for an adventure exploring how wild bees use the woods–from the leafy forest floor to deadwood to the “meadow in the sky” at the tippy top of the canopy! I will connect these to applied suggestions, and introduce “focal bees” whose life cycles rely on different characteristic elements of a healthy forest.
Kass’s doctoral work in the Cornell Entomology Department characterized pollen usage by wild bees active in early spring forests and forest canopies, and how the movement of bees between forests and orchards can support apple orchard pollination. At the Xerces Society, Kass is a Pollinator Conservation Biologist working to research, communicate, and provide trainings for land managers on the life cycles of forest bees — and the crucial but often-overlooked connections between pollinator conservation and forest health and ecological forest stewardship.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UfIZpb7oRR6srgnyOskP5Q#/registration
Link: https://npsnj.org/event/seeing-the-forest-for-the-bees-with-kass-urban-mead/
June 19, 2026
Traveling Turtles at Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center
When: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Friday, June 19, 2026
Where: Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center, 748 State Route 183, Williamstown, New York 13493
Description: Seldom seen during other times of the year, turtles are frequently found crossing roads during May and June. At this program, you’ll learn about the lives and preferred habitats of these ancient reptiles, discover what causes them to cross roads this time of year, and get tips on how to help a turtle safely get where it’s going. A special appearance by a painted turtle and a guided trek in search of basking turtles will conclude this program.
Traveling Turtles is open to people of all ages and will focus on turtles found across the state of New York. In addition, attendees may choose to take home free Norway spruce or red oak saplings, while supplies last. Editor’s note: Red oak is native to Central New York and provides high ecological value.
Fee: $4 per person and up to $12 per family. Advanced registration is encouraged, as space is limited.
Register: https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=TravelingTurtles_235
Link: https://thatscooperativeextension.org/events/2026/06/19/traveling-turtles
June 19, 2026
Scales, Scutes, and Croaks – Reptiles and Amphibians Day at Baltimore Woods!
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2026
Where: Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108
Description: Drop by the Interpretive Center on Friday, June 19th, to learn about the wonderful world of reptiles and amphibians. We’ll have crafts, games, guided activities, and more available throughout the day. Plus! Meet one of our exhibit turtles, treefrog, and toad up close! No registration required.
June 20, 2026
Family Bird Walk at Green Lakes State Park
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, June 20, 2026
Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Description: Join us for a family friendly bird walk! Discover the birds that call Green Lakes Home and participate in a bird scavenger hunt. Expect to walk .5 – 1 mile on flat surface. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have some. Meet at the Environmental Education Center.
The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Memorial Day Weekend (May 23rd) through Labor Day (September 7th) we charge $10 per vehicle and $35 per bus from 8am-7pm daily.
June 20, 2026
Old Growth Hike at Green Lakes State Park
When: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 20, 2026
Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Description: Join and educator for an adventurous hike through our Old Growth Forest. Expect to walk roughly 4 miles on moderate to difficult hilly and uneven terrain. Wear appropriate footwear and bring a water. Meet at the Environmental Education Center.
The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Memorial Day Weekend (May 23rd) through Labor Day (September 7th) we charge $10 per vehicle and $35 per bus from 8am-7pm daily.
June 22, 2026
Take a Lichen to It at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, June 22, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Ever wonder what that green-grayish, sometimes flakey-looking stuff is that you see on trees and rocks? It’s a lichen! Take a walk with a naturalist to learn about this interesting organism and see it in action.
Free with park admission ($5/vehicle). No registration required.
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/take-a-lichen-to-it/
June 23, 2026
DarkSky Community Partner Webinar: Supporting Pollinators through Nocturnal Preservation
When: 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Where: Online via Zoom
Description: Discover how protecting the night benefits our entire ecosystem! Join us for a 1-hour National Pollinator Week webinar to explore how artificial light impacts both nocturnal and daytime pollinators, disrupting vital sleep and nesting cycles.
We’ll cover global research from Butterfly Conservation, highlight local Pennsylvania efforts with DarkSky Advocates, and share practical steps to create dark-sky-friendly habitats.
A Q&A session will follow the presentations.
Register: https://darksky-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/kyx5DGCKQyKzHppFY0JtfQ#/registration
June 24, 2026
Tick Talk at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Feel empowered spending time outdoors by learning how to protect yourself and your family from ticks and Lyme disease. Elizabeth Balfour of CNY Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Alliance will answer all your tick-related questions. Session will take place indoors in the Visitor Center.
Free with park admission ($5/vehicle). No registration required.
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/tick-talk35938/
June 25, 2026
Bird Banding at the Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve with Finger Lakes Land Trust
When: 6:45 a.m., Thursday, June 25, 2026
Where: Lindsay Parsons Biodiversity Preserve, ~2500 Spencer Rd, NY 14883
From Ithaca, take Route 13 South to Route 34/96 South toward West Danby. After 8 miles, the parking area will be on the left, at the top of a hill. We will meet to the right of the parking lot towards the meadow, not the main trail.
Description: Visit a newly established bird banding station at the Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve to see birds in the hand and learn about their breeding habits. Watch research in action and enjoy close-up views of resident birds while biologists band, measure, and weigh them. The banding station is a short walk from the parking lot. Bring a lawn chair, drinking water, and binoculars if you have them.
Except in the case of extreme weather, walks go rain or shine. Please check our Facebook page or this web page for updates. Please no dogs. Please note that there are no bathroom facilities.
Free but pre-registration is required as space is limited.
Link: https://www.fllt.org/events/bird-banding-at-the-lindsay-parsons-biodiversity-preserve-3/
June 26, 2026
Birds and Blooms with Cornell Botanic Gardens and Cornell Lab of Ornithology
When: 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday, June 26, 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
June 26, 2026
Friday Evening Wildlife Walk at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, June 26, 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: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/friday-evening-wildlife-walks36832/
June 27, 2026
Talks & Treks: Snail Walk with Finger Lakes Land Trust
When: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2026
Where: Ellis Hollow Nature Preserve, 313 Ellis Hollow Creek Rd #183, Ithaca, NY 14850
From Ithaca, follow Ellis Hollow Road 2.5 miles past East Hill Shopping Plaza. Turn left on Genung Road, then right on Ellis Hollow Creek Road. Preserve entrance is located 0.2 miles past the intersection on the left side of the road.
Description: Come explore the fascinating world of land snails and slugs with malacologist and naturalist Marla Coppolino. This will be an appropriately slow walk to discover the secretive and hidden microhabitats of land snails and slugs. The humble snails are among the least-studied and most under-appreciated organisms, yet they serve as a cleanup crew for the ecosystem as well as vital food for many insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Bring a magnifier and some insect repellent, if you have them.
Also, learn more about snails in this Closer Look article by Marla Coppolino, in preparation for this event.
While this walk is not specifically designed for kids, families with children are welcome to attend.
Except in the case of extreme weather, walks go rain or shine. Please check this web page for updates.
Please no dogs.
Free but pre-registration is required as space is limited.
Link: https://www.fllt.org/events/talks-treks-snail-walk-10/
June 28, 2026
Carnivorous Plants at Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center
When: 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 28, 2026
Where: Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center, 748 State Route 183, Williamstown, New York 13493
Description: New York State is home to four different types of carnivorous plants. Join us for a fascinating look into the world of these incredible plants.
You’ll discover where they grow, what they eat, and how they spread. Then head out in the trails for a guided walk in search of these meat-eaters along the trails of the Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center.
Curiosity is required; all ages are welcome!
Fee: $4 per person and up to $12 per family. Advanced registration is encouraged, as space is limited.
Register: https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=CarnivorousPlants_235
Link: https://thatscooperativeextension.org/events/2026/06/28/carnivorous-plants
🔁🔁🔁 🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁 Weekly Events 🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁
Mondays
June 2026
Monday Bird Walks at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Mondays, June 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Join expert birder Joe Brin for a relaxed stroll in search of spring migrants and summer residents throughout Beaver Lake’s diverse habitats. Whether you’re an experienced birder or new to birding, these walks will be an enjoyable way to start your day. Binoculars are available to borrow.
Sessions are held Mondays and Tuesdays, April – June. Please only register for one session per week to allow others the opportunity to join.
Fee: $2 (members), $3 (non-members)
Registration fee does not include park admission fee ($5/vehicle)
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/monday-bird-walk35737/
Mondays
April 20, 2026 to October 26, 2026
no walk June 29, 2026
Tree “Buds” Weekly Tree Phenology Walks at Cayuga Nature Center
When: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays, April 20, 2026 to October 26, 2026, no walks June 29, 2026 and 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.
Tuesdays
June 2026
Tuesday Bird Walks at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Tuesdays, June 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Join expert birder Joe Brin for a relaxed stroll in search of spring migrants and summer residents throughout Beaver Lake’s diverse habitats. Whether you’re an experienced birder or new to birding, these walks will be an enjoyable way to start your day. Binoculars are available to borrow.
Sessions are held Mondays and Tuesdays, April – June. Please only register for one session per week to allow others the opportunity to join.
Fee: $2 (members), $3 (non-members)
Registration fee does not include park admission fee ($5/vehicle)
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/tuesday-bird-walk35738/
Wednesdays
June 3, 10, 17, 24
Naturalist’s Bumble at Baltimore Woods
When: 9 a.m., to 10 a.m., Wednesdays, June 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2026
Where: Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus, NY 13108
Description: “To see something new, take the path you walked yesterday.” Or not! There is so much to discover in the springtime forests and meadows at Baltimore Woods. Join one of our naturalists and other like-minded folk on a relaxing weekly “bumble” in search of whatever nature has to offer. From birds and flowers to insects and ferns, each excursion is sure to reveal something new to appreciate along our beautiful trails.
This program will occur weekly. Registration is not required.
More Details: This program is designed to be adaptable for accessibility needs. Our trails range in difficulty from wheel-chair accessible crushed stone paths to very difficult steep trails with loose soil, exposed roots, and steps. Please call ahead if you have concerns and we’ll be sure to choose a path that works for everyone in the group.
Link: https://baltimorewoods.org/events/category/publicprograms/
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
June 6, 13, 20, & 27, 2026
July 11, 18, & 25, 2026
August 8, 15, & 22, 2026
Guided Nature Walk at Rice Creek Field Station
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 13, 20, & 27, 2026, July 11, 18, & 25, 2026, and August 8, 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