Preregistration required by May 16^th

The endangered Karner blue butterfly has two broods every summer. Its adult life span is very short and only lasts for a few days. The best time to see the butterfly is in late May/early June and early July. When the Karner blue butterfly has emerged, WWPP will be notifying the public on our website (www.wiltonpreserve.org). The butterflies may or may not be out due to changes in the weather. We will be looking for butterflies in the first brood that are looking for nectar and mates in the open pine/oak savannah.

Preregistration Required: Call Rich Speidel at (518) 623-2587

May is the best month to hear and see migratory birds in our area. This will be a leisurely morning walk along the trails and the varied habitats of the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. Please bring binoculars. This program is offered through the Adirondack Mountain Club. Group size is limited to 15.

Spring Vacation Week ProgramThursday, April 12th Field Ecology WalkTime: 1-2 pmPlace: Camp Saratoga NorthPreregistration required by April 11th: Call (518) 450-0321 or email shabanah@wiltonpreserve.orgCome to camp, and enjoy a guided hike through the fields and forests of Camp Saratoga. Learn about the unique animals, grasses and wildflowers and their adaptations to our dry sandplains habitat. Come discover the diverse creatures throughout these open areas of nature. Meet us at the kiosk by Parking Lot #1 on Scout Road at Camp Saratoga for this hour-long walk.

Time: 11am-2pm

Place: Saratoga Spa State Park

We will be joining in on the fun of the annual fish stocking morning at the Spa State Park.  Visit our table at Geyser Picnic Area to participate in children’s crafts, learn about the other local environmental organizations and don’t forget to bring a bucket with you to get a fish to drop into Geyser Creek! Come make, talk and learn at the Spa State Park’s annual fish release.

Time: 1-2 pm

Place: Neilmann

Preregistration required by April 9^th: Call (518) 450-0321 or email shabanah@wiltonpreserve.org

Wetland communities are very fragile and delicate ecosystems. Come listen for spring peepers and wood frogs and explore the wetlands at the Neilmann parcel of Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park!  We will be meeting us at the Neilmann parking lot on Ruggles Road just south of King Road for an hour-long exploration.

Time: 1-2pm

Place: Old Gick

Preregistration required by April 6^th: Call (518) 450-0321 or email shabanah@wiltonpreserve.org

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park has been involved with various conservation efforts within the Saratoga Sandplains and the surrounding forest. Come join us on a fun walk through the Oak/Pine Savannah and learn the importance of this early successional habitat. We will also be looking at the forest community and understanding the characteristics that help maintain a thick understory habitat.  The walk will leave from the parking lot on Route 50 which is just under four miles past Wilton Mall and will take place on the Old Gick Farm trail.

Preregistration required by March 19th: call (518) 450-0321 or email shabanah@wiltonpreserve.org.

Join us in celebration of spring as we walk the trails at the Fox parcel on Route 50. During this walk we will investigate some of the first signs of spring that we see in nature from budding trees to melting vernal pools. This program is open to the public ages 5 and up.

Preregistration required by March 16th: call (518) 450-0321 or email shabanah@wiltonpreserve.org.

In celebration of National Wildlife Week, join us at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park to discover nature and explore the wilderness. Children will take a walk at our Camp Saratoga parcel in search of wildlife inspiration. Along the way, participants will collect items in nature to create their very own wildlife creature collage. This program is open to the public ages 5 and up.

If there is a “freak” spring snow storm with a significant accumulation, we will groom it until April 1st. Then the equipment goes into storage until December.

We expect to continue the tradition of winter ski and snowshoe events next year, and we hope to see you on the trails during the summer months. Don’t forget we have lots of trails at various locations in the area for your enjoyment.

There is always a need for volunteer labor to maintain the trails during the summer months. This can take the form of group workdays on weekends, or a few hours a week at your convenience if and when you can spare the time. Please contact us at info@wiltonpreserve.org or by calling (518) 450-0321