2020 Calendar of Classes
January 11, 2020: Animal Track & Sign
Huyck Preserve & Biological Station,
Rensselaerville, NY
February 1, 2020: Wildlife Tracking 101
North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, VT
March 7, 2020: Intermediate Wildlife Tracking
North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, VT
March 28, 2020: Wildlife Track & Sign
Mosher Marsh Preserve, Amsterdam, NY
June 13, 2020: Wilderness Way-Finding Challenge
(Youth Program)
Scoharie Creek Preserve, Town of Charleston, NY
June 14, 2020: Wilderness Crafts (Family Program)
Van Dyke Preserve, Town of Bethlehem, NY
August 1, 2020: Mushrooms of Holt Preserve
Holt Preserve, New Scotland, NY
August 2, 2020: Edible & Medicinal Plants
Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy Private Easement, New Scotland, NY
Nov 7, 2020: Understanding & Interpreting the Landscape
Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy private easement, Glenville, NY
In our modern world we often forget the abundance nature provides. Join Dave Muska of Ondatra Adventures for a family friendly workshop in Wilderness Crafts at the Van Dyke Preserve in Delmar, NY. In this class you will make a small melon basket from local and wild-harvested vines, learn the art of making cordage from natural fibers, and how to make stone necklaces. Be prepared to hear some stories, learn natural history, and have fun with your family outdoors!
When: Saturday, May 13th 2017
10am-1pm
Where: MHLC Van Dyke Preserve, Delmar, NY
Cost: FREE
Wildlife Tracking
Tracking is the art of reading the landscape and interpreting the stories that it holds. It is a dynamic and living tapestry of tales encompassing all that moves across the earth.
In this class, you’ll be introduced to basic tracking skills and concepts such as clear print identification, track patterns, as well as techniques to develop your skill in tracking.
This is a great class for photographers, hunters, or anyone who wishes to deepen their outdoor experience.
All skill levels are welcome!
* Please plan to be outdoors for the duration of this class.(3 Hours). We will be walking and standing still thoughout the class. Please DRESS ACCORDINGLY.
Our fields and forests have a ‘news service’ signaling to all who are aware. Birds report everything that is happening, from the news of a passing predator to signaling the arrival of a 'quiet' human walking up the trail, still minutes away.
Bird language is an effective, fun, and exciting tool for observing the relationships of the natural world.
I have on many occasions been led on adventures to find great horned owls, coyote, and much more due to my understanding of bird language and interpretaion.
Join us in this interactive workshop in which you will be given the tools to develop this amazing awareness and skill. Your experience outdoors will never be the same.
This class does not require any prior knowledge of bird species or their calls and is open to all levels of interest and skill.
Photo: Marcy Herrick
AFS Members: $145
Non-Members: $155
Art of Friction Fire
In this class you will learn time-tested techniques to starting fire with friction. Yes, you can do that! We will cover the local species of plants that provide the greatest success along with the fundamental components of friction kits, how they work and why they sometimes don't.
You will leave this class with a new appreciation for the gift of fire along with the tools and knowledge to create fire on your own. Subjects covered will include tinder bundle collection and construction, strap drill (2 person), bow drill (1 person) and hand drill. All participants will build their own friction kits to take home.
