Lifelong Learners to Commune wiith Nature

RFH 2010, News

Tue, Jun 28, 2011

Fred von Mechow will lead a five-session Lifelong Learning program on area nature trails beginning July 14.

For more than 20 years the program coordinator for Rogers Environmental Center, von Mechow is an avid birder and an expert on local habitats. His July program is open to the first 20 registrants through the Lifelong Learning program at 228-6623, or via email at LLP@colgate.edu .

The five sessions include:

Tuesday, July 12, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
The Natural World in Central New York: The varied ecosystems in Central New York bless us with great diversity in the natural
world. This program will introduce plants and animals we may expect to see on our field trips. We'll also describe each field trip with regard to length, terrain and physical attributes. This session will be held indoors.

Thursday, July 14, 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Chenango Canal Towpath: The Towpath between Woodman Pond and Leland Pond has a wetland ecosystem which includes Fiddler's Green Bog. There are unusual plants and this canal stretch is one of the best local birding areas. The Chenango Canal is an important
historic structure with some remarkable engineering, some of which is still visible and working today! This walk will be approximately two miles, all flat.

Tuesday, July 19, 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Colgate University Trails: Colgate's trail system traverses the extensive woodland on the hill above the campus and contains typical northern hardwood forest species. We'll concentrate on trees, wildflowers, nonflowering plants, and invasive species. This walk will be approximately one mile and is somewhat hilly.

Thursday, July 21, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Brookfield State Forest: We'll explore only a fraction of the Brookfield State Forest, but will get a nice overview of New York State DEC managed lands, including timber production and recreational use. Additionally, Brookfield has a beautiful glacially deposited esker and
historic evidence of human habitation. We'll learn to read the landscape and recognize clues to explain what we see. One special spot we'll visit may be where the Loomis Gang hid stolen horses. We'll stop at two separate locations and walk about one half mile at each, mostly flat, but with some uneven terrain and a couple of short steep spots.

Tuesday, July 26, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Paddle Ninemile Swamp (limited to first 10 registrants): South-flowing Sangerfield River meanders through Ninemile Swamp and is the perfect spot for a leisurely paddle, enjoying the plants and birds. We'll be about four miles south of the infamous Loomis gang's hideout, and can share stories about their activities. No paddling experience is necessary, the water is flat and slow moving. Participants must be able to sit on the floor and get back up in order to use a kayak. Canoes will also be available.

Courses are free to LLP members. Non members may sample LLP programs by enrolling in a single session for $5.