Please note: these Community Events are not run by Wild Ones HGCNY
January 1, 2026
First Day Hike at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Thursday, January 1, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Start 2026 on the right foot! Join a naturalist-led First Day Hike and set your intention to spend more time outdoors this year. All ages welcome!
Free with Park admission ($5/vehicle). No registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/first-day-hike34889/
January 1, 2026
First Day Hike at the Great Swamp Conservancy
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Thursday, January 1, 2026
Where: Great Swamp Conservancy 8375 N. Main St., Canastota, NY
Description: Jump into the New Year with a First Day Hike! What better way to start the new year than enjoying nature with friends and family. Join Rusty, GSC Director as she leads a guided hike on the East Side Trail System. Wear boots and dress warm! Free to all!
Link: https://www.greatswampconservancy.org/events-1/2024/1/1/1st-day-hike-cj754
January 1, 2026
First Day Hike at Lime Hollow
When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, January 1, 2026
Where: Lime Hollow Nature Center, 338 McLean Road, Cortland, NY 13045
Description: Start the year off right with a fun guided hike along our trails. After the hike, enjoy a fire and some hot chocolate.
1st Day Hikes are moderately strenuous with some elevation gains and declines with a family friendly route option. Hikes last approximately 60 to 75 minutes depending on the group and trail conditions.
Fee: Pay what you feel comfortable paying.
Register: https://limehollownaturecenter-bloom.kindful.com/e/first-day-hike-jan-1st-10am-noon
January 1, 2026
First Day Hike at Rice Creek Field Station
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, January 1, 2026
Where: Rice Creek Field Station, 193 Thompson Road, Oswego, NY 13126
Description: Adults and families are invited to begin the new year with a healthy and fresh start at Rice Creek Field Station. Naturalist Tim McMonagle will host a First Day Hike at 11 a.m. on New Year’s Day, January 1, lasting approximately 1 hour and covering fairly gentle terrain. Snowshoes for adults and youth will be available free of charge to participants on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants will explore the winter landscape along one of Rice Creek’s trails, learning about the field station’s ecology and land history, and looking for signs of resident winter animals.
The First Day Hike will take place rain, snow, or shine, so please dress for the weather. Snow or hiking boots are best as trails can be seasonally wet, muddy, snowy, or slippery, depending on outdoor temperatures. The building will be open briefly before and after the hike for anyone who needs the bathroom facilities or water fountain.
Persons with disabilities needing accommodations to attend this event should contact Rice Creek staff at [email protected] two weeks in advance. Please note that Rice Creek’s trails are not accessible to people who use wheelchairs.
Participants should please note that children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
January 1, 2026
First Day Hike at Green Lakes State Park
When: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, January 1, 2026
Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Description: Join us January 1st from 12-3pm for a First Day Hike! Please enter the park via the Rt. 290 park entrance as the Rt.5 entrance (Golf Course side) is closed for the season. This event is free and open to the public. Visit our Environmental Education Center before or after your self guided walk/hike around the Green Lake Trail. The hike is 2 miles long and no registration is required.
January 1, 2026
First Day Hike at Montezuma Audubon Center
When: 1 p.m., Thursday, January 1, 2026
Where: Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 NY-89, Savannah, NY 13146
Description: Happy New Year! Start off your 2026 right with a birding excursion at the Montezuma Audubon Center. Join center staff on a leisurely ~ 1.5-mile easy hike (1.5 hours in duration) through forest habitat, grasslands, and marshes in this Important Bird Area that some birds call home through the snowfall. Wildlife observers of ALL levels welcome and encouraged. Binoculars will be provided for those that need them. Trail conditions may be slippery and wet weather depending. Pets on a leash are allowed on this hike.
We will meet at the MAC (2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146) and depart on our route from there. This event is free in partnership with the NYS DEC First Day Hikes event program. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please email [email protected] or call (315) 365-3588 with any questions. Registration is required. Please register by Tuesday, December 30th, 2025.
Register: https://act.audubon.org/a/2026-first-day-hike-at-the-montezuma-audubon-center
January 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2026
Designing Your Own Native Garden at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Fridays, January 2, 9, & 16, 2026 and 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Learn to design landscapes with native and naturalized plants during this 4-part series. The first three classes will focus on principles of native plant design, landscape design basics, and plant selection. During the final workshop, you’ll start planning your own garden design using the knowledge you’ve gained and with the help of Beaver Lake’s very own landscape designer.
Series Registration: $32/Member; $35/Nonmember
Registration fee does not include park admission fee ($5/vehicle)
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/designing-your-own-native-garden34890/
January 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 2026
On the Canals Snowshoeing (Morning) at Montezuma Audubon Center
When: 10 a.m., Saturdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 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 1/3/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing
- for 1/10/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-2
- for 1/17/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-4
- for 1/24/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-6
- for 1/31/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-8
January 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 2026
On the Canals Snowshoeing (Afternoon) at Montezuma Audubon Center
When: 1 p.m., Saturdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 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 1/3/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-1
- for 1/10/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-3
- for 1/17/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-5
- for 1/24/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-7
- for 1/31/26: https://act.audubon.org/a/canals-snowshoeing-9
January 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2026
Wednesday Walks at Green Lakes State Park
When: 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 7, 14, 21, & 28, 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.
January 8, 15, 22, & 29, 2026
Thursday Bird Walks at Green Lakes State Park
When: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 8, 15, 22, & 29, 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.
January 10, 2026
Backyard Birds at the Great Swamp Conservancy
When: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, January 10, 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!
January 10, 17, 24, & 31, 2026
Birdwatching for Science at Rice Creek Field Station
When: 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Saturday, January 10, 17, 24, & 31, 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.
January 10, 17, 24, & 31, 2026
Guided Nature Walk at Rice Creek Field Station
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 17, 24, & 31, 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.
January 13, 2026
Prickles in the Pines: Winter with Porcupines at Beaver Lake Nature Center
When: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Description: Have you ever wondered what porcupines do in the winter? Learn all about the prickly residents and their winter habits during an indoor talk. After the talk, we’ll take a short trek along the trails to look for signs of porcupine activity in their natural habitat.
Fee: $2 (members), $3 (non-members)
Registration fee does not include park admission fee ($5/vehicle)
Link: https://beaverlakenature.org/events/view/prickles-in-the-pines-winter-with-porcupines/
January 13, 2026
Native Plant Gardening: Gardening for Birds
When: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Where: In-person at CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850 or online via Zoom
Description: Gardening for Birds shares some of the interactions between birds and native plants and provides ideas for improving properties of all sizes for birds. Stephen lives with his wife Elissa on a 40-acre rural property at the edge of Ithaca where he tests techniques for improving gardens and landscapes for birds. This presentation is hybrid, you may attend in person or virtually and it will be recorded with materials sent to all who register.
Instructor’s bio: Stephen Kress is a visiting fellow of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and founder of Audubon’s Project Puffin. He has a lifelong interest in creating habitats for landbirds with a focus on native plants that benefit birds and pollinators. He received his undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Wildlife Management from Ohio State University and his Ph.D. in Environmental Education from Cornell. Among his many books on birding and backyard wildlife management, he is author of The Bird Garden.
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/macdl201xcr13o/
Link: https://ccetompkins.org/events/2026/01/13/native-plant-gardening-gardening-for-birds
January 17, 2026
Winter Tree ID at Green Lakes State Park
When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2025
Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Description: Are you interested in learning more about trees? Join an educator and learn all about the 3 B’s of winter tree identification.