Fire Tower Opens for the Season
April 9th & 10th, 10:00am-3:00pmClimb an authentic fire tower without having to climb a mountain! Get a treetop view of Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. Also visit the re-created Fire Ranger’s Cabin and learn about the life of a fire tower monitor. Access is from Parking Lot #3 on Scout Road. Open the second weekend of every month April-October.
Spring Astronomy Party
Friday April 15th, 7:30pmJoin the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park and our friends from Adirondack Skywatchers and the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers, Inc. as we study the night sky in all of its beauty. We will be focusing on the Moon and Jupiter! There will be telescopes available for gazing and will also be learning some of the constellations in our night sky. Pre-registration is required by April 14th.
Student Earth Day Essay Contest
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park invites students to participate in an essay contest in honor of the 46th annual Earth Day on April 22nd, 2016. The theme for Earth Day 2016 is Trees for the Earth. There are three categories: high school, middle school, and elementary school. High School entries must be no longer than 650 words. Middle School entries must be no longer than 500 words. Elementary School entries must include a minimum of 10 sentences and accompanying illustrations are also encouraged. The contest winner from each of the categories will receive a $50 cash prize. Winners will be announced on Earth Day, Friday, April 22nd.Students should write an essay describing how trees play a role in their own lives. The essay can also describe a time when they felt connected to nature through trees. Other suggestions are to reflect on what the world would be like without trees, how trees and nature affect people’s daily lives, a personal experience with trees or nature, and anything else that relates to the theme!The deadline for entries is Monday, April 18th, 2016. Submissions may be mailed to Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park at 80 Scout Road Gansevoort, NY 12831 or emailed to info@wiltonpreserve.org by the deadline. Please include the student’s name, grade level and school that they attend, address, email, and phone contact information with the submission.The theme of Trees for the Earth was selected by the National Earth Day organization to focus on the integral role that trees play in ecosystems around the world and how they are threatened by deforestation, invasive species, climate change, and many other factors. These threats can harm us by lessening the the many benefits that trees provide us. Trees help combat climate change by absorbing excess and harmful CO2 from our atmosphere. In fact, in a single year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the same amount of CO2 produced by driving the average car 26,000 miles. Trees help us breathe clean air by absorbing odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filtering particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. Trees help communities by achieving long-term economic and environmental sustainability and providing food, energy, and income.For more information, please call the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org.
FrogWatch USA Volunteer Training Sessions
On Wednesdays March 9th and 16th Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be holding training sessions for people who are interested in becoming FrogWatch USA™ Volunteers. FrogWatch USA™ is a frog and toad volunteer monitoring program with over ten years of data collection on record. It is a great opportunity for volunteers get involved in their community to collect and report information about wetlands and frog and toad populations in the United States and to be a part of a nationwide program where participants learn and practice science and develop a closer relationship with the natural environment. Frogs and toads are important - and are in trouble!Frogs and toads are both predators in prey in aquatic and terrestrial food webs. They directly benefit humans by eating insects that can be pests and transmit diseases and are sensitive to changes in their environment and are indicators of problems that can affect human health.Many previously abundant populations have experienced dramatic population declines - in the United States and around the world. It is essential that we understand the scope, scale, and cause of these declines. Anyone can volunteer and you do not have to be a frog or toad expert to make an important contribution. All you need an interest in learning about frogs and toads, the commitment to learn and identify their distinct calls, and the ability to make several evening visits to a local wetland.The training sessions will take place starting at 6:00 pm and run until 9:00 pm at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Office at 80 Scout Road in Gansevoort. Registration is required so that there as there are materials for the registrants. For more information or to register for the program, please call the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org. If you are unable to attend the training but would still like to participate please call or email for information on doing a self-training program.
February Vacation Programs: Sign Up Now!
Looking for something to do during Winter Vacation? Check out our “naturally” fun programs!Animal TrackingMonday February 15th 11-12:30 pmBring your child outside for an afternoon of outdoor exploration! Participants will meet in the Crawshaw Story Room to receive animal footprint identification cards and snowshoes, courtesy of Wilton Wildlife. We will walk to Congress Park, put on our snowshoes, and look for animal tracks. This program is limited to 20 families, or when the snowshoes run out, so register early! Pre-registration is required. Call the Library at (518) 584-7860 option 3. Children must be accompanied by a parent or a caregiver.Natural Picture FramesTuesday February 16th, 1-2:00 pmJoin us at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park for a great nature craft that will be cherished for years. We will use twigs, pine cones and other materials found in nature to create our picture frames. This program is for children ages 5 and up. Pre- registration required by February 15th. Skull ScienceWednesday February 17th 1-2:00 pmUsing real animal skulls, participants will discover how different animals have adapted to survive in their habitats. We will be examining animal artifacts, including skulls and furs during this interactive lesson. Best for children ages 8 and up. Pre- registration required by February 16th.Owl ProwlWednesday February 17th at 6:00 pmIn collaboration with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, we will be going out on an early evening “hunt” for local owls. First, we will learn about what owls are found in our area with an indoor presentation. Then we will head outdoors to listen and look for wild owls! Group size is limited and is for ages 5 and up. Pre-registration is required by February 16th by calling the Library at (518) 584-7860 option 3. This program will be offered again on February 23 and March 4.Winter Scavenger HuntThursday February 18th 1-2:00 pmBring your child out to Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park for an afternoon of outdoor exploration. Children will learn to use their senses to explore the outdoors during winter by working to complete a nature scavenger hunt. The program is designed for children 5 and older. Snowshoes will be available for rental 30 minutes before the program: free for members, $3 for nonmembers. If there is no snow, the program will take place without snowshoes. Pre- registration required by February 17th.
Weekend Events Cancelled - No Winterfest
More cancellations:There will be no Winterfest on Sunday and we will not be renting snowshoes and cross country skis on Saturday and Sunday either.We will be tabling at Chowderfest on Saturday so come and visit us at Ben and Jerry's downtown!!Let's hope for some winter weather soon!!!
Nature in Winter Walk - January 30
Nature in Winter Walk at Camp Saratoga On Saturday, January 30th, at 1:00 pm Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be hosting a winter exploration nature walk at Camp Saratoga North on Scout Road in Gansevoort. This hour-long walk over gentle terrain will explore the flora and fauna of the preserve and park. Together we will learn the basics of winter tree identification and animal tracking. Participants will learn about adaptations that plants and animals have that help them survive the winter. We will even look for signs of animals in winter including animal tracks in the snow. The trails are icy and we suggest wearing microspikes/ crampons/ yaktrax and/or bringing hiking poles. There will be snowshoes available for rental prior to the program at Parking Lot 1 at Camp Saratoga. The rentals are free for members or $3/pair for non-members.Preregistration is required at least one business day in advance of the actual event. For more information, please call the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org. For up-to-date trail conditions or program information, please visit the Preserve & Park’s website at www.wiltonpreserve.org The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is a non-profit organization that conserves ecological systems and natural settings while providing opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation.
Weekend Events Cancelled
Saturday's Full Moon Ski and Snowshoe: Cancelled
For those of you who have been out and using the trails at the Preserve & Park, you know that the conditions have really deteriorated. The rain and subsequent freeze over the weekend didn't help at all! The dusting of snow that we got overnight into Monday has only hidden the icy spots. The trails are bare in spots, icy in other spots, and have very thin coverage in between.With the lack of any significant snow in the forecast between now and Saturday we have made a difficult decision.We are cancelling this Saturday's Full Moon Ski and Snowshoe.If we get some better conditions this winter, we are hoping to reschedule.While we are disappointed in the weather this winter, we have scheduled lots of other great, upcoming events including our Winterfest with a bonfire, cocoa, and s'mores. Check out all of our other programs in the Calendar section of the website.
Trail Conditions 1/15/2016
The trails have patchy ice with a thin cover of snow.The forecast for the weekend is for some sleet and snow overnight into Saturday, with accumulations of less than two inches before transitioning to rain in the morning.Please use caution as there may be ice under the new snow!!
Cancelled! Snowshoe and Cross Country Rentals NOT Open this Weekend
Well the weather is doing its best to mess with us this winter! We will try again next week. In spite of it all, we will have regular weekend rental hours starting the weekend of January 16th.Rentals will be available from the cabin next to Parking Lot#1 on Scout Road.Hours are from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. $5.00 per pair or free for Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park members.If you are interested in rentals during the week, please call the office at 450-032
Annual Full Moon Ski and Snowshoe: Saturday, January 23rd
Full Moon Ski and SnowshoeSaturday January 23rd, 6-9 pmJoin us at the popular and highly anticipated Annual Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road.This year we will be able to watch the full moon rise over Camp Saratoga to help light the event!!Luminaries will glow along 2.5 miles of groomed trails. Along the way you will find fields and forests, warming bonfires and plenty of hot chocolate. The terrain is suitable for all levels and ages and includes a smaller 1 mile loop. Participants can drop-in anytime during the evening, no registration is needed.Snowshoes and cross-country skis will be available on a first-come first-serve basis in the I.P Winter Lodge off of Parking lot #2. The rental free is $5/ person for non-members. Parking will be directed by WWPP.This event is weather permitting.Call 450-0321 for more information.We are still looking for volunteers for the event, please call if you are interested in helping out!
Trail Conditions 1/2/2016
Annual Photography Show: Winners Announced
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park hosted its fourth annual Photography Show and Contest on Tuesday, December 8th at the Preserve & Park Office at 80 Scout Road. The Show’s rules require that all of the entries must have been taken place at the Preserve & Park.This year had the largest number of entries to-date and almost fifty images were selected and are on display. This year’s Best In Show was awarded to Shari Crocker for her image “Field of Lupine.” Carolina Wierzbowski won for Best featuring the endangered Karner blue butterfly for her photograph, “Karner.” Jeff Lawson’s shot “Ski Slope” won for Best featuring Recreation. Howard Lester’s charming shot of a mother and daughter at the pond won for Best featuring Education with “Wilton Wildlife Festival.” This year’s winner for Best Animal Shot was Eric Avery for “Eastern Towhee.” Kolby Himelrick won again this year in the Best under-13 category for his picture “I Think We Should Dock Here.” Best Nature in Winter with was won by Bernie Fabry with “The Little Tree that Could,” while Best Nature In Autumn was won by Ron Harrower for “Wilton Wildlife.” Best featuring Conservation was a stunning image “Frosted Elfin on Blue” taken by Wayne Jones.The selected photographs will be on display through April 1, 2016 at the office located at 80 Scout Road in Gansevoort during office hours.
Trail Update: Old Gick Farm Closed
NYS DEC has contracted to have sinkholes repaired in the Karner blue butterfly habitat.This work involves heavy equipment. For safety reasons the trails will be closed until the work is done.The work is expected to be completed mid-January.
December 8th: Annual Meeting, Holiday Gathering, and Photo Show
Tuesday December 8th Annual Meeting at 6:00pmHoliday Gathering and Photography Show Opening at 7:00 pmCelebrate the holiday season with Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park! Learn about all of the accomplishments of the past year and what is planned in the coming year. The Annual Meeting will begin at 6:00 pm.Following the Annual Meeting will be our annual Holiday Reception and Photography Show Opening at 7:00 pm. All are welcome for both events but it is not required to sit at the annual meeting in order to attend the photo show.Food and libations will be provided at the Holiday Gathering and all are welcome!
Photography Show - Seeking Submissions
The deadline is fast approaching for our annual photography show. Details can be found on the flyer below. Click on it for an enlarged version.
Wild About Blue A Huge Success!
Over 150 people attended Wild About Blue on Sunday, October 18th. It was our biggest fundraiser to date and grossed almost $30,000!We were proud to honor Jane Adams Wait with the 2015 Metamorphosis Award for her work in founding the Yaddo Garden Association.
We couldn't have done it without all of our donors, both the Honorary Committee and for the Silent Auction. If you see any of these wonderful people or go to these businesses, let them know that you appreciate their support of Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.
Honorary Committee
Visionary
Adirondack Trust Company
Anonymous (2)
Frank & Delores Parillo
Prime at Saratoga National Golf Club
The D.A. Collins Companies
Steward
Anchor QEA
Linda Baker
Gail & Russell Danforth
Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co
Stewart’s Shops
Lucy R. Waletzky, M.D.
Wilton Rotary
Woodlawn Commons
Guardian
Drs. Chris & Leisa Brockett
Drs. Jean & John Buhac, Nicole Buhac
Becky Christner & Carter White
Larry Gordon & Patricia Watkins
Peg McCanty & Mike Geppner
Linda & Richard Hovious
Anthony & Rachel Krackeler
Redbud Development, Inc.
Bob Rice, Debbie Rice, Hailey Houde
The Nature Conservancy – Eastern New York Chapter
Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop
Protector
Florence Andresen & William F. Baumann; Anonymous (2); Kerstin Beeg, Thomas Beeg;
Jennifer Benaman & Andrew Roginski; Bert & Bailey Bloom;
Clark W. Brink – McDonald’s of Saratoga;
Charlie & Kathy DiSanto; Rick Fenton & Hollyday Hammond
Nancy & Greg Ferguson; Ben Ford & Jean Dugan; Steve & Dorothy Harran;
Barbara Hefter; George Hodgson; The Kilduff & O’Connor Family; Joanne & Tom Klepetar;
John & Sue Lant; Joel & Maxine Lindig Lautenberg;
Mike and Mary Los; Heather & Tim Mabee; Kim Marsella & Blue Neils;
Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Leeds/Saratoga
Kathy Mattes & Andy Marsh; Mary Pat Meaney & Joseph W. Zarzynski;
Matthew Miczek & Ann Marie Przywara; John E. Munter; John & Lee Nelson;
Bill & Eleanor O’Donnell; Charles Pickett/Kathleen Rehl; John & Kimberly Pilkington;
Mike & Katilyn Prutsman; Mr. & Mrs. David Putman; Ryan Riper & Debra Riper;
Saratoga City Center/Mark E. Baker; Caroline Stem & Bill Sprengnether;
Steven & Rene Streicher; Congressman Paul D. Tonko; Trustco Bank;
Pat Tuz & Jon Weilbaker; Mr. & Mrs. Charles V. Wait Sr.; Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Walsh;
Wendy Whittmore & Paul Hicks; Anne & Ethan Winter ; Witt Construction, Inc.
Assemblywoman Caroline Woerner; Dr. Larry Zinn
Thank You to Our Silent Auction Donors
9 Miles East; Alpine Ski and Sports; Bay Optical; Brian Teague Photography;
Caffe Lena; Candle Collective; Cantina;
Cardinal Direction Landscape Architecture; D’Andrea’s Wine and Liquor Imports;
Gail Holstein Danforth; Dion Snowshoes;
Diane Dodd; Druthers; DZ Restaurants; East Side Wine and Spirits;
Endangered Chocolate Company; G. Willikers; Gaffney’s; Gideon Putnam;
Gore Mountain; Healthy Living Market and Café; Heather Mabee;
Home Made Theater; Impressions of Saratoga; Jeff Olson;
Jones and 50 Wine and Spirits; Lapland Lake Ski Center; Longfellow’s;
Nancy Miller Designs; Next Door Kitchen and Bar; Northshire Book Store;
Olde Bryan Inn; Parkside Eatery; Prohibition Pig; Purdy’s Discount Wine and Liquor;
Putnam Market; Rustic Charm; Saratoga Arms; Saratoga National at Prime;
Saratoga Performing Arts Center;
Smiles for Life Dental Care – Dr. Marc Johnson; Saratoga Winery;
Saratoga Zymurgist; Serendipity Arts Studio;
Simplee Wines and Spirits; Spa City Bicycles; Stella and Dot;
The Candy Co. of Saratoga Springs; The Egg; The Georgian Resort;
The Wild Center; The Wishing Well; Thirsty Owl Outlet & Wine Garden:
Tina Facteau; Wild Birds Unlimited
Join Us at Wild About Blue October 18
Our annual fall fundraiser is coming up soon. Please join us and help to support our programs and efforts in conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation. Click on the images below for more details about the event - we hope to see you there!
Another beautiful fall weekend: Sept 26 and 27
Go for a walk or visit the fire tower!(1) Saturday at 11:00 at Camp Saratoga we will be having a Monarch Butterfly walk. The walk lasts about an hour over gently rolling terrain. We will be looking for the butterflies that are in the midst of their southern migration. Call 450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org to register.(2) Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm the Historic Cornell Hill Fire Tire will be open. You can climb the tower to get a bird's eye view of the surrounding area and visit the re-created fire ranger's cabin.Come and visit!!