Free education programs at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

GANSEVOORT, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Due to a lack of snow, the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park has canceled winter rentals this week. Instead, visitors can participate in a variety of outdoor education programs suitable for all ages.

While the activities are free, registration is still required. Programs this week include:

• Tuesday, February 20
  • Animal Tracking with the Saratoga Springs Public Library – 1 to 2 p.m.
    • Come hunt for wild tracks and learn about the animals that created them! This program is suitable for ages 5 and up. To register, contact the Saratoga Springs Public Library at (518) 584-7860 ext. 303.

• Wednesday, February 21
  • Campfire Chat – Maple Sugaring! – 10 to 11 a.m.
    • Interested in learning how maple sap is turned into syrup? Wilton Wildlife educators will discuss the sugaring process around a campfire.
  • Capital Region PRISM Winter Pest Training Webinar Part 1 – 6:30 to 8 p.m.
    • Hop on ZOOM and learn about the winter pests that can be found in the forest. Attendees of the first part of the program will get priority in attending the in-person part of the training on Thursday.
    • Registration is separate for each day. To register, email [email protected], visit the website at wiltonpreserve.org, or call the office at 518-450-0321.

• Thursday, February 22
  • Winter Animal Adaptations/Tracking – 10 to 11 a.m.
    • Curious about how animals survive during the winter in upstate New York? Join an educator on a walk and learn about how animals stay warm, camouflage themselves, and satisfy their appetite.
  • Family Owl Prowl with the Saratoga Springs Public Library – 5 to 6 p.m.
    • Search for owls on this fun nighttime hike and learn about what makes them successful predators. Attendees can take home an owl pellet to dissect to discover what owls eat and identify the bones of their prey.
    • This program is suitable for ages 5 and up. To register, contact the Saratoga Springs Public Library at (518) 584-7860 ext. 303.

• Friday, February 23
  • Winter Tree Identification – 10 to 11 a.m.
    • Although the trees are still bare, there are ways to discern different species. Join a wildlife educator and learn simple ways to determine tree species in the preserve.
  • Family Owl Prowl with the Saratoga Springs Public Library– 5 to 6 p.m.
    • Search for owls on this fun nighttime hike and learn about what makes them successful predators. Attendees can take home an owl pellet to dissect to discover what owls eat and identify the bones of their prey.
    • This program is suitable for ages 5 and up. To register, contact the Saratoga Springs Public Library at (518) 584-7860 ext. 303.

• Saturday, February 24
  • Capital Region PRISM Winter Pest Training In-Person Training Part 2 – 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    • The second part of the webinar will be held in person. Attendees will learn about the winter pests that can be found in the forest.
    • Registration is separate for each day. To register, email [email protected], visit the website at wiltonpreserve.org, or call the office at 518-450-0321.
  • Moonlight Hike – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
    • A fun opportunity to explore the preserve at night time and learn about wildlife adaptations. The program is suitable for all ages.