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 6, 2026
Rain Date: June 7, 2026
Bird Banding at the Seneca Meadows Education Center
When: 7:45 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026; rain date: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Sunday, June 7, 2026
Where: Seneca Meadows Education Center, 1977 NYS Route 414, Waterloo, NY 13165
Description: Please join us at the annual bird-banding event at Seneca Meadows. Andrea Patterson from Braddock Bay will educate all attendees about bird banding, why we do it, and what we can learn from it. This will be the 9th year in a row we have hosted Andrea. (The first was in 2018). In past years, guests have had the opportunity to see several birds up close and as long as the birds and weather cooperate, we anticipate the same this year. Guests might be able to release birds! This is a free event, and we are meeting at the Seneca Meadows Education Center (1977 NYS Route 414 in Waterloo, NY 13165) at 7:45 AM. Then we will drive to the Seneca Meadows Wetland Preserve (1712 Black Brook Road in Seneca Falls, NY 13148), where nets will be set up to catch the birds. This is open to all individuals, families, groups, people with disabilities, and those folks from under-served communities. Registration is required for planning purposes by filling out the right-hand side of this form. For more information and/or questions, please email to [email protected] or call (315) 539-5089 and leave a detailed message. Note: The only facility on site is a port-o-potty.
Note: All birds will be released unharmed.
Register: https://act.audubon.org/a/bbsmwp6626-1
June 6, 2026
Evening Frog Foray at Rice Creek Field Station
When: 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026
Where: Rice Creek Field Station, 193 Thompson Road, Oswego, NY 13126
Description: On the first Saturday of each month, Rice Creek offers free, seasonal nature programs open to the public.
Who is loving the wet spring weather? Frogs and toads, of course. Rice Creek is home to many species of these amphibians, from the tiny but loud spring peeper to the massive bullfrog. Join Rice Creek Naturalist Tim McMonagle on an evening program and walk to learn about the hopping amphibians that call Rice Creek home. While walking, participants will listen to the evening amphibian chorus and look for frogs and tadpoles. Participation is free. Remember to dress for the weather: rain boots are highly recommended due to seasonally wet trails.
Individuals seeking accommodations to attend this event should reach out to Rice Creek staff at [email protected] at least one week before the program start date. Any other questions can be directed to this same email address.
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 24, 2026
Tick Talk at Beaver Lake
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 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/
🔁🔁🔁 🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁 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)
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)
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. (April-October) or 9:30 a.m. (November-March), Saturdays
Where: Sapsucker Woods, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Description: Join us every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. (April-October) or 9:30 a.m. (November-March) for a walk around Sapsucker Woods looking and listening for birds. Walks last about 1½-2 hours and are targeted for beginners, though all levels are welcome. Meet by the Lab of Ornithology visitor center entrance. No registration necessary. Binoculars are available for loan, though you should bring your own if you have them.
The Visitor Center does not open until 10am, around when the walk ends. There is a porta-potty in the parking lot.
Walks are led by Cayuga Bird Club volunteer docents, and take place in any weather, though they may be cancelled (possibly last minute) if winter driving conditions are hazardous: check the Calendar for cancellations.
For more information contact Suan Yong at [email protected].
If you expect to attend with a group of 8 or more, please let us know so we can plan to have more walk leaders.
Link: https://sites.google.com/site/cbc14850/beginner-bird-walks
Saturdays
June 6, 13, 20, & 27, 2026
July 11, 18, & 25, 2026
August 8, 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. (April-October) or 9:30 a.m. (November-March), Sundays
Where: Sapsucker Woods, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Description: Join us every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. (April-October) or 9:30 a.m. (November-March) for a walk around Sapsucker Woods looking and listening for birds. Walks last about 1½-2 hours and are targeted for beginners, though all levels are welcome. Meet by the Lab of Ornithology visitor center entrance. No registration necessary. Binoculars are available for loan, though you should bring your own if you have them.
The Visitor Center does not open until 10am, around when the walk ends. There is a porta-potty in the parking lot.
Walks are led by Cayuga Bird Club volunteer docents, and take place in any weather, though they may be cancelled (possibly last minute) if winter driving conditions are hazardous: check the Calendar for cancellations.
For more information contact Suan Yong at [email protected].
If you expect to attend with a group of 8 or more, please let us know so we can plan to have more walk leaders.
Link: https://sites.google.com/site/cbc14850/beginner-bird-walks