Science education, self-exploration, and so much more!
Discovery Series
Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center is partnering with the Lake George Land Conservancy to offer a new series of hikes in Bolton led by Up Yonda’s naturalists.
The 2024 Discovery Series’ themed hikes will start in February and run through October that are geared towards learners of all ages. Hikes vary in location and difficulty, but are generally easy/moderate and take 1.5 to 3 hours.
April 6 - Signs of Spring: Amphibians
In the springtime, pools of water from melting snow host all sorts of life. Explore with a Naturalist some of Godwin’s vernal pools to see what frogs and salamanders make these part of their life cycle. This hike is rated easy/moderate with several steeper sections.
May 18 - Adirondack Geology
Hike up the Pinnacle trail with a Naturalist and learn about the geology of the Adirondacks and the Lake George basin. You’ll find out what has happened in the geologic past to create the beautiful scenery we see from the lookout. The hike up the Pinnacle is rated moderate with mostly gradual inclines, and one ½ mile section of steeper, rocky terrain.
June 1 - National Trails Day: Intro to Hiking
The Adirondacks are a unique and special place that we can all work together to protect, celebrate National Trails Day by learning how you can be a steward of the land. Learn about best practices for outdoor recreation and the Leave No Trace Principles as you hike the Bradley’s Lookout trail at the Pinnacle Preserve.
July 13 - Beginner Birding
New York is home to more than 450 species of birds. While hiking up to the Godwin Preserve Overlook you will learn birding basics on how to identify birds. The overlook will provide great views of soaring raptors and nearby songbirds to test out your new identification skills. This hike is rated easy/moderate with several steeper sections.
August 24 - Recording Nature Observations: Found and Seek with iNaturalist
Be a Citizen Scientist when out on the trails and contribute to scientific research. While hiking along the trail to Bradley’s Lookout, you will learn how to use the apps iNaturalist and Seek to record your nature observations along the way.
September 14 - Beavers
Beavers are called ecosystem engineers for a reason! During a walk along the Yellow Trail at Amy’s Park, we’ll investigate beaver activity, a beaver pond and lodge. Participants will have the opportunity to use their observations to make a beaver dam model to see if it will hold back water as well as a beaver’s.
October 12 - Changing Trees
Join a Naturalist on a hike up Thomas Mountain observing how the local trees are changing before winter, and learn some Adirondack tree identification. This trail is considered moderately challenging with rewarding views of Lake George to the east and the southern Adirondacks to the west.
FREE.Registration is required at least 24 hours in advance with the Lake George Land Conservancy.
