Learn the ways of a Citizen Scientist and find out what makes a stream stay alive and thrive. 

A stream bank assessment of most of the Wappinger Creek has just started under at the initiation of Mayor Matt Alexander of the Village of Wappingers Falls. This is a part of the Village’s waterfront revitalization program. The purpose is to study the causes of sedimentation and pollution and to improve the health of the creek and lake.

Spend a relaxing couple of hours paddling the creek, investigating and observing the native plants, shrubs, wildlife and surrounding topographic features along the banks of the stream. You will also learn to identify invasive species as you search them out.

Get hands-on experience with real-world scientific field work. You will be trained in how to conduct a stream bank assessment by a Marist College student working under the supervision of a professor in the Environmental Studies program. Once you feel confident, you may choose to complete your own assessment of you favorite place along the creek. Or just tag along helping out if you prefer.

If you would like to come out just to see what we’re doing, contact Scott Williams, Village of Wappingers Falls, at 845-297-8773 x9 or swilliams@wappingersfallsny.gov or Russ Faller, Mid-Hudson Adirondack Mtn. Club (MH-ADK), at 845-297-5126 or russoutdoors@yahoo.com. Tell them you heard about this from MH-ADK.

A fun-filled day for you and your whole family, whether you’re paddlers or have never paddled before. Bring the kids, grandchildren, spouse, partner and friends. Don’t let the name fool you. It’s not just kayaks. There will be canoes and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) for you to try. The emphasis will be on education, demonstrations, lessons and tours for beginner paddlers and those who have never paddled before.

If you’re an experienced paddler, there will be activities for you, as well. So bring your own boat and gear. A $10 donation to the non-profit Forsyth Nature Center gets you in. Members of the Mid-Hudson Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) get in free! Bring your membership card.

Our Mid-Hudson Chapter-ADK has a big presence at this festival. We always need volunteers. You need not be a paddler to be of help. Contact Russ Faller at 845-297-5126 (before 9:30 PM) or OutdoorsRuss@gmail.com if you want to help at this event. You will not be asked to help for more than a couple of hours. So you’ll still be able to have fun.

Click here for the Schedule of Events.

Click on the cover image below to access and download a PDF copy of the Summer Newsletter.

Paddle Outing Cancelled Owing to “Unhealthy” Water

Mid Hudson ADK paddle leader Don Urmston has cancelled the May 7 outing planned for the Wallkill River owing to warnings from the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation that the water quality is unhealthy.

Don writes: “The Wallkill has been declared unfit for recreational activities due to high levels of toxic algae and dangerous bacteria which are being fed by raw sewage being released into the river.  I would advise all paddlers to avoid this river this season.”

You can sign up for water alerts from DEC by visiting this page on their website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/101187.html

Can we get there from here?

That’s one possible caption for this photo, taken on the Mid Week Hikers January 21 outing in Harriman State Park. The sparkling, crisp day brought out 18 hikers for the 6-mile circuit hike up Long Mountain  and along Turkey and Queensboro Lakes.

Another caption,suggested by co-leader Ginny Fauci: “Are we there yet?”

And from co-leader Lalita Malik: “Where is that shortcut?”

Have a caption suggestion? Leave it as a comment to this post.

Photo courtesy Georgette Weir

Mid Hudson ADKers and guests got 2016 off to a healthy, congenial start with outings on the first days.

January 1, Annual Walk and Lunch with Leader Sue Mackson

Grey but dry and reasonably for New Year’s Day. We followed the flat farm trail and curved around to return via field, woods, and sleeping vegetable beds.  The walkers spread out with the conversational groups changing throughout.  About twelve gathered round the Mackson table for soup.  Get together was enhanced contributions of chocolates, pannetone, fudge, cookies and efforts at singing. Nice way to start the year.

January 2, Cold but Sunny along Hudson River at Mills-Norrie State Park; Leader, Georgette Weir