The weather is (finally) warming up and there are some great programs taking place at Saratoga Spa State Park for the month of May, including the Learn to Swim registration coming up this weekend! Read on to find out more about these fun kid friendly programs and how to register. To stay in the loop on all of the goings on in the park, find them on facebook here.
Friday, May 9th, 10am: Spring Wildflower Walk
Enjoy a relaxing walk around the park while learning about the medicinal qualities, legends, and folklores surrounding the wildflowers that grow here. All ages welcome. Registration is required. Fee is $3 per person or $5 per family. Call 518-584-2000 Ext. 150 to register.
Saturday, May 10th, 3pm: Learn to Swim Registration
Join Spa Park’s two week swimming program. Fee is $45 per student. Please call (518) 584-2000 Ext. 116 for more information.
Sunday, May 11th, 9am -12pm: Native Plant Sale
Want to learn an easy way to help the environment? Join them at Saratoga Spa State Park on May 11th from 9am to 12pm to learn more about native plants! A variety of native flowering plants and shrubs will be provided by Fiddlehead Creek Nursery and Wild Things Rescue Nursery. Both nurseries are family owned and operated business’s that grow native plants for sustainable landscapes. They’ll discuss with you the benefits of planting native and ways that you can use native plants in your own backyard. They will also have a Mothers Day craft for the kids. The event will take place at the Spa Farmers Market outside the Lincoln Bath building in Saratoga Springs. Please call Andy Damon (518) 584-2000 Ext. 122 for more information.
Wednesday, May 14th, 7:30 pm: Full Moon Hike
Join them for an evening hike where you will observe the full moon and other wonders of the night sky, as well as listen to the nights sounds of the park. All ages welcome. Registration is required. Fee is $3 per person or $5 per family. Please call 518-584-2000 Ext. 150 to register.
Friday, May 16th, 10am: Endangered Species Day
Come learn about the Karner blue butterfly and other endangered, threatened and special concern species in the rare pitch-pine scrub oak ecosystem in Saratoga Spa State Park. You will take a walk on the trails while learning about the unique species of this ecosystem and then wrap up with an endangered species themed craft. All ages welcome. Registration is required. Fee is $3 per person or $5 per family. Please call 518-584-2000 Ext. 150 to register.
Monday, May 19th, 10am: Bluebird Trail Building
Help them install a bluebird box that will be part of their bluebird trail and learn more about the species. The goal of this project is to increase their bluebird population by providing them with suitable nesting sites. Bluebird box plans will be available if you would like to build your own bluebird trail. All ages welcome. Registration is required. Fee is $3 per person or $5 per family. Please call 518-584-2000 Ext. 150 to register.
Sunday, May 25th, 11a.m.-1p.m.: Fly fishing Clinic
Join fly fishing enthusiast Paul Sinicki for a beginner’s fly fishing clinic! Please call (518) 584-2000 Ext. 116 for more information.
Tuesday, May 27th, 10 a.m.: My Kingdom for a Shelter Class
Join them for an animal shelter building activity where you will learn about the numerous homes that animals create, and then build some using materials that you find in nature. All ages welcome. Registration is required. Fee is $3 per person or $5 per family. Please call 518-584-2000 Ext. 150 to register.
Wednesday, May 28th, 10:30a.m.: Exploring the Outdoors
Learn about the five senses and use them to explore the great outdoors! This class offers children ages 2-5 the opportunity to safely investigate the natural world through play and sensory awareness. Fee is $3 per child or $5 per family. Please call (518) 584-2000 Ext. 116 to register.
Thursday, May 29th, 3pm: Salamander Search
Join them for a hike along the Hemlock Trail where you will search for salamanders. You will learn about the different types of salamanders found in the Hemlock Trail, their lifecycles, and other interesting facts about these amphibians. All ages welcome. Registration is required. Fee is $3 per person or $5 per family. Please call 518-584-2000 Ext. 150 to register.