Events and Exhibits

Date/Time                 Event

Saturday Strolls Through Four Seasons (winter – spring – summer – autumn)

April 22 @ 1pm:  Spring Wildflower Walk #1 @ Shenantaha Creek Park

In celebration of Earth Day, we’ll be looking for spring ephemeral wildflowers, which are those native species that will emerge and bloom before the trees leaf out.  In addition to scenic views of Ballston Creek (AKA Shenantaha, which is the Iroquois word for “deer water”) from portions of this trail atop the streamside bluff, we may encounter these native blooming beauties during our outing:  Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), Carolina Spring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana), Early Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum giganteum), Leatherwood (Dirca palustris), Round-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica americana), Sharp-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba), and Wake Robin (Trillium erectum).

Shenantaha Creek Park is located on the east side of Eastline Road, approximately 1/2 mile south of Route 67, in the Town of Malta.  The trailhead area is located approximately 1/3 mile east of (and down the hill from) the park entrance off Eastline Road.  We’ll meet in the park’s large parking lot that abuts the Zim Smith Trail.  We’ll then walk along a woodland path that generally follows along the top of the cliff overlooking Ballston Creek; trail surface is a dirt path with occasional exposed tree roots and rocks.  Please wear proper footwear.

Learn more about the following species from past or forthcoming posts that are part of my weekly series entitled "What Wildflower Begins Blooming This Week?":

• Bloodroot (post published 4/10/2021)
• Blue Cohosh and Early Blue Cohosh (to be published on 4/15/2023)
• Carolina Spring Beauty (post published 4/9/2022)
• Leatherwood (to be published on 4/23/2023)
• Sharp-lobed Hepatica (post published 4/3/2021)

Weather cancelation:  This event will be canceled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers),
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth),
• snow, freezing rain or sleet, or
• air temperature <32°

May 13 @ 1pm: Spring Wildflower Walk #2 @ Swatling Falls Nature Trails

In addition to scenic views of the waterfall from the woodland along McDonald Creek, we may encounter these native blooming beauties during our outing:  Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), Early Meadow Rue (Thalictrum dioicum), Fringed Polygala (Polygaloides paucifolia), Hawthorn (Crataegus sp.), Pale Early Violet (Viola affinis), and Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum).

Swatling Falls Nature Trails is part of a 28-acre public open space area within the Swatling Falls residential development located in the Town of Halfmoon.  We’ll meet at the trailhead parking lot located off Swatling Drive.  We’ll then walk the Meadow Trail and the Falls View Trail (~0.75 mile roundtrip).  Each trail has a steep hill (to ascend and descend) and is either a gravel driveway or a dirt path – please wear proper footwear.

Learn more about the following species from past or forthcoming posts that are part of my weekly series entitled "What Wildflower Begins Blooming This Week?":

• Early Meadow Rue (post published 5/7/2022)
• Fringed Polygala (to be published on 5/3/2023)

Weather cancelation:  This event will be canceled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers), or
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth).

May 20 @ 1pm:  Spring Wildflower Walk #3 @ Mohawk Hudson Bike-Hike Trail

NOTE:  Limit = 10 participants  If you wish to attend, you must register to reserve your spot for this event.  Each person doing so will receive a reply confirming their registration as a participant. 

We may encounter these native blooming beauties during our stroll through this woodland:  Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), Clustered Snakeroot (Sanicula odorata), Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Spring Avens (Geum vernum), Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza claytonii), White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda), and Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum).

We’ll meet at the very small parking area at the Alexander Street trailhead entrance in the City of Cohoes (which only offers 2-3 spaces; you may also park along Alexander Street).  We’ll then walk north ~1 mile to the High Street overpass and back along this asphalt path (~2 miles roundtrip) – please wear proper footwear if you intend to step off the trail to view plants up close.

Learn more about Chokecherry in my post (to be published on 5/13/2023) that is part of my weekly series entitled "What Wildflower Begins Blooming This Week?"

Weather cancelation:  This event will be canceled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers), or
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth).

June 10 @ 1pm: Spring Wildflower Walk #4 @ Community Connector Trail

NOTE:  Limit = 10 participants  If you wish to attend, you must register to reserve your spot for this event.  Each person doing so will receive a reply confirming their registration as a participant. 

In addition to scenic views of Wager’s Pond and the Mohawk River, we may encounter these native blooming beauties during our outing:  Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis), Carrion Flower (Smilax herbacea), Eastern Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium atlanticum), False Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum racemosum), Lance-leaved Figwort (Scrophularia lanceolata), Large Blue Flag (Iris versicolor), Maple-leaved Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium), Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago), Philadelphia Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus), Rattlesnake Weed (Hieracium venosum), Smooth Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum var. lucidum), Stout Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), and Swamp Rose (Rosa palustris).

We’ll meet at the parking lot adjoining Clute’s Dry Dock and walk eastward to the I-87 twin bridges and back (~1.75 mile roundtrip).  Trail surface is crushed stone – please wear proper footwear if you intend to step off the trail to view plants up close.

Learn more about the following species from past or forthcoming posts that are part of my weekly series entitled "What Wildflower Begins Blooming This Week?":

• Lance-leaved Figwort (to be published on 6/3/2023)
• Large Blue Flag (post published 6/11/2022)
• Nannyberry (post published 5/23/2021)
• Philadelphia Fleabane (to be published 5/27/2023)

Weather cancelation:  This event will be canceled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers), or
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth).

June 24 @ 1pm:  Summer Wildflower Walk #1 @ Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve

We may encounter these native blooming beauties during our stroll through riparian forest and along an historic towpath:  Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis), Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), Enchanter’s Nightshade (Circaea canadensis), Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata), Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), Swamp Candles (Lysimachia terrestris), Swamp Smartweed (Persicaria amphibia), Tall Meadow Rue (Thalictrum pubescens), Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana), and White Avens (Geum canadense).

Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve is located along the Mohawk River in the Town of Clifton Park at the intersection of Riverview and Van Vranken roads.  A parking lot adjoins the trailhead at that intersection, adjacent to the Whipple Bridge entrance into the preserve; we’ll meet at the kiosk next to the parking lot.  We’ll then begin walking the Bird Watching Trail to Forts Ferry Loop and then continue along Bird Watching Trail back to the parking lot (~2.5 mile roundtrip).  Trail surface is either crushed stone or a dirt path with occasional holes and many exposed tree roots – please wear proper footwear.

Learn more about the following species from past or forthcoming posts that are part of my weekly series entitled "What Wildflower Begins Blooming This Week?":

• Common Elderberry (post published 6/13/2020)
• Common Milkweed (to be published on 6/24/2023)
• Enchanter’s Nightshade (post published 6/27/2020)
• Foxglove Beardtongue (post published 6/12/2021)
• Fringed Loosestrife (post published 6/25/2022)

Weather cancelation:  This event will be canceled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers), or
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth).

July 8 @ 1pm:  Summer Wildflower Walk #2 @ Bauer Environmental Park

NOTE:  If you wish to attend, you must register.  Limit = 10 participants

We may encounter these native blooming beauties during our outing through this woodland:  American Basswood (Tilia americana var. americana), Canada Lily (Lilium canadense), Mad-dog Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), and Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens).

Bauer Environmental Park is located between Sand Creek Road and Sunset Boulevard in the Town of Colonie.  There are two small parking lots adjoining this park; we’ll meet at the lot located at the trailhead entrance off Sand Creek Road.  Trail surface varies along the route (~0.5-mile roundtrip) – asphalt, crushed stone, or boardwalk.  If you intend to step off the trail to view plants up close, please wear proper footwear.

Learn more about the following species from past or forthcoming posts that are part of my weekly series entitled "What Wildflower Begins Blooming This Week?":

• American Basswood (post published 7/4/2020)
• Canada Lily (post published 7/10/2021)
• Mad-dog Skullcap (post published 7/3/2021)

Weather cancelation:  This event will be canceled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers), or
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth).

July 22 @ 1pm:  Summer Wildflower Walk #3 @ Historic Champlain Canalway Trail

We may encounter these native blooming beauties during our outing along this historic towpath:  Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Common Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Lopseed (Phryma leptostachya), Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans), and Woodland Sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus).

We’ll park along both sides of Division Street near where it intersects this trail in the Village of Waterford.  We’ll head north along the trail and continue to Old Champlain Canal Lock 5 before reversing course for our return (~2 miles roundtrip).  Trail surface is crushed stone.  If you intend to step off the trail to view plants up close, please wear proper footwear.

Learn more about Common Arrowhead in my post (to be published 7/15/2023) that is part of my weekly series entitled "What Wildflower Begins Blooming This Week?"

Weather cancelation:  This event will be canceled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers), or
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth).

July 29 @ 1pm:  Summer Wildflower Walk #4 @ North Woods Nature Preserve

We may encounter these native blooming beauties during our outing through this scenic woodland:  Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Downy Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera pubescens), Indian Tobacco (Lobelia inflata), Spikenard (Aralia racemosa), Striped Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata), and Virgin’s Bower (Clematis virginiana).

We’ll meet at trailhead along Shadow Wood Way (between 38 and 40 Shadow Wood Way; parking is available along this street) in the Town of Clifton Park.  We’ll walk the blue trail around the reservoir and then back via the eastern portion of the yellow trail (~2 miles roundtrip).  Trail surface is a dirt path with frequent exposed tree roots – please wear proper footwear.

Learn more about the following species from past or forthcoming posts that are part of my weekly series entitled "What Wildflower Begins Blooming This Week?":

• Downy Rattlesnake Plantain (post published 7/18/2020)
• Striped Wintergreen (post published 7/17/2021)
• Virgin’s Bower (post published 7/25/2020)

Weather cancelation:  This event will be canceled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers), or
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth).

August 12 @ 1pm:  Summer Wildflower Walk #5 @ Hayes Nature Park

NOTE:  If you wish to attend, you must register.  Limit = 10 participants

We may encounter these native blooming beauties during our outing through this woodland:  Dwarf St. Johnswort (Hypericum mutilum), Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata), Round-headed Bush Clover (Lespedeza capitata), Spotted St. Johnswort (Hypericum punctatum), Virgin’s Bower (Clematis virginiana), Wild Bean (Apios americana), and Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis).

Hayes Nature Park is located along Moe Road near Thoroughbred Way and Liberty Way in the Town of Clifton Park, approximately one mile north of Crescent Road.  We’ll meet at the trailhead parking lot.  We’ll then walk along the perimeter trail and return to the parking lot. Trail surface is crushed stone and a few short boardwalks (~1 mile roundtrip).  If you intend to step off the trail to view plants up close, please wear proper footwear.

Learn more about the following species from past or forthcoming posts that are part of my weekly series entitled "What Wildflower Begins Blooming This Week?":

• Virgin’s Bower (post published 7/25/2020)
• Wild Bean (to be published on 7/22/2023)

Weather cancelation:  This event will be canceled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers), or
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth).

August 19 @ 1pm:  Summer Wildflower Walk #6 @ Veterans Bike Path

We may encounter these native blooming beauties during our outing along this former trolley corridor overlooking adjoining woodland:  Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Great Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica), Purple-stemmed Aster (Symphyotrichum puniceum), Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea), and Tall Blue Lettuce (Lactuca biennis).

After parking at either of the two parking lots along Outlet Road (smaller lot at trailhead for only 2-4 cars; larger lot located about 250 yards east of trailhead on the north side of Outlet Road), we’ll meet at the north end of this trail along Outlet Road and then walk south ~1 mile to a small bridge and back (~2 mile roundtrip).  Trail surface is asphalt.  If you intend to step off the trail to view plants up close, please wear proper footwear.

Learn more about the following species from past or forthcoming posts that are part of my weekly series entitled "What Wildflower Begins Blooming This Week?":

• Buttonbush (post published 8/7/2021)
• Great Lobelia (post published 8/1/2020)
• Tall Blue Lettuce (post published 8/13/2022)

Weather cancelation:  This event will be canceled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers), or
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth).

September 9 @ 1pm:  Summer Wildflower Walk #7 @ Stillwater Multi-Use Trail

We may encounter these native blooming beauties during our outing along this former trolley corridor overlooking adjoining woodland:  Blue-stemmed Goldenrod (Solidago caesia), Flat-topped Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia), New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), Nodding Bur Marigold (Bidens cernua), Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve), and Turtlehead (Chelone glabra).

The Stillwater Multi-Use Trail is located in the Town of Stillwater.  We’ll meet at the trail access located just south of the Village of Stillwater off Railroad Avenue, near its intersection with Towpath Road.  A parking lot is available at this location.  Trail surface is asphalt along our ~2-mile roundtrip route.  If you intend to step off the trail to view plants up close, please wear proper footwear.

Learn more about the following species from past or forthcoming posts that are part of my weekly series entitled "What Wildflower Begins Blooming This Week?":

• Blue-stemmed Goldenrod (post published 8/22/2020)
• Flat-topped Goldenrod (post published 8/28/2021)
• New England Aster (post published 9/5/2020)
• Nodding Bur Marigold (post published 9/3/2022)
• Turtlehead (post published 9/4/2021)

Weather cancelation:  This event will be canceled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers), or
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth).

October 7 @ 1pm:  Autumn Wildflower & Fall Colors Walk @ Veterans Memorial Park

During this outing as we stroll through the Mooney Carrese Forest, we will be observing the last of our native wildflowers to bloom, Common Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), as well as a vibrant palette of fall colors of forbs now on display.

Veterans Memorial Park is located at 697 MacElroy Road in the Town of Clifton Park.  A parking lot adjoins the trailhead area, which is located across from the baseball field.  We’ll meet at the trailhead parking lot adjoining the picnic table gazebo.  We’ll walk the Yellow Trail to Mooney Carrese Forest and back (~2 miles roundtrip).  Trail surface is a dirt path with exposed tree roots, a few short boardwalks, and some muddy spots – please wear proper footwear.

Learn more about Common Witch-hazel in my post (published 10/3/2020) that is part of my weekly series entitled "What Wildflower Begins Blooming This Week?"

Weather cancelation:  This event will be canceled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• snow, freezing rain or sleet,
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers), or
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth).

The Town of Clifton Park compiled its 2015 calendar from a selection of winning photos submitted to two photo contests conducted during 2014.  The "Open Space and Nature Day Photo Contest" sought entries from residents and visitors with the goal of encouraging them to enjoy the outdoors.  The second contest, "Art in Everyday Life," sought entries that represented the artist's interpretation of this theme in photographic images.

One of my entries, entitled "Vischer Ferry Sunset," was selected for the December photo of this calendar as a result of it being selected a first place winner in the "Landscapes" category of the Open Space and Nature Day Photo Contest.

All entries were photographed at any of eight nature preserves or parks located in the town.  The Open Space and Nature Day was hosted by the Town Board and its Open Space, Trails & Riverfront Advisory Committee on May 17, 2014.

View the 2015 calendar.  Read more about it.

On December 1, 2014, the Town Board recognized the winning entries and the associated artists at the beginning of its regular board meeting with a slide presentation of the calendar's photographs.

A two-month exhibit at the former Local.Art.Works gallery in the Jonesville Store in Clifton Park included several of my wildflower and seasonal landscape photos.   

 

  

 

 

This winter landscape (St. Regis Mountain, part of the Adirondacks), was previously on display as part of the New York State Museum exhibit, entitled "Wish You Were Here!" That exhibition featured photographs submitted from the public-at-large from across New York to illustrate the types of scenes one would expect to see on a postcard that you'd send "back home" to visually capture something memorable from your trip. The exhibit was simultaneous with "Not Just Another Pretty Place: The Landscape of New York."