Events at the Paul Smiths VIC:
Spring through Fall 2013
Printable November Program Schedule
Winter Birds of the Adirondacks
Saturday, 14 December
Join us from 9:30 AM to noon to learn about birds that spend their winters in the Adirondacks. Bring binoculars and your favorite birding field guide. $10/person, $5 for Friends of the VIC.
Volunteer Potluck
Tuesday, 10 December
VIC volunteers meet at 5 PM for a potluck supper and a preview of upcoming events and activities. VIC volunteers provide visitor information, perform stewardship projects and participate in citizen science projects. Those interested in volunteering are welcome. Bring a place setting and dish to share. RSVP Karen Potts by emailing kpotts@paulsmiths.edu, or by calling 518-327-6241.
High Tunnel School
Monday, 9 December
Learn how to build and get the most out of your high-tunnel green house with Cornell Cooperative Extension. The program runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Speakers include Amy Ivy, specialist with the Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture program and Judson Reid, specialist with the Cornell Vegetable program. $25/person. Lunch and resource material included. Please register by 1 December by calling (518) 561-7450. For more information, email Amy Ivy at adi@cornell.edu.
Winter Wonders Art Show
7 December 2013 - 29 January 2014
Artists Nancy Brossard, Sandra Hildreth, and Edith Urban and photographers Mark Kurtz, Eleanor Sweeney, and Karla Brieant are exhibiting their work at the Paul Smith's College VIC from 7 December 2013 through 29 January 2014. Free admission. Underwritten by Friends of the VIC.
Astronomy Night at the VIC
Wednesday, 20 November
We're rolling out the 16" Celestron telescope for some late-fall stargazing. The program begins at 7:30 PM. $10/person. Free for Friends of the VIC.
VIC Natural History Training: Project Feeder Watch
Saturday, 16 November
Learn local bird identification and help the VIC count birds at the VIC feeders on Fridays and Saturdays mornings. Interested volunteers are invited to a training session on 16 November, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Project Feeder Watch is operated by Cornell's Laboratory of Ornithology. The VIC's involvement in the program is underwritten by Friends of the VIC.
Songwriters Showcase
Friday, 15 November
The Paul Smith's College VIC will host an evening of songs with musicians Doug Irving, Ray Agnew, Celia Evans, and Jamie Savage. Admission is $10.00 per person. Seniors, students, Friends of the VIC, and children: $8.00. Call (518) 327-6241 or stop by the VIC to reserve your tickets today.
Owl Prowl
Thursday, 14 November
Join Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister at 7:30 PM for a night owl prowl. $10 for adults. $5 for Friends of the VIC. Free for PSC students. Preregistration appreciated. Call the VIC at (518) 327-6241 for more information or email bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.
No-School Days at the VIC: Preparing for Winter
Monday, 11 November
Children aged 7 - 11 are invited to join VIC ecologist/naturalist Michelle Berrus from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM to explore nature’s winter preparation and survival. Please dress appropriately for indoor and outdoor play and bring a lunch and snack. Preregister by 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 by calling (518) 327-6241. $35/person, $25 for Friends of the VIC
Canoe-Building Demonstration
5 November - 15 November
Paul Smith's College alumnus Bill Sommerfeld will demonstrate the art of ultra-light skin-on-form canoe building at the VIC. Stop by the exhibit space from 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM to watch daily progress.
New Moon Art Show
3 November-1 December
Artists Edith Urban and Matt Paul are exhibiting their work in the Paul Smiths VIC Great Room from 3 November through 1 December 2013. Free underwritten by Friends of the VIC.
Quilt Workshop: Build a Log Cabin Quilt
Saturday, 26 October
Karen LiVecchi will lead a quilting workshop on 26 October. Learn how to construct the traditional Log Cabin block and use it to create a table runner or wall hanging, or add blocks for a larger quilt.
Volunteer Potluck
Tuesday, 22 October
VIC Volunteers will meet at 5:00 PM for a potluck dinner and a preview of upcoming events and activities. VIC volunteers provide visitor information, perform stewardship projects, and participate in citizen science projects. Volunteers come together on a monthly basis to socialize and talk about upcoming events and projects with the VIC staff. Folks interested in volunteering are welcome to attend. Bring a place setting and dish to share.
Owl Prowl
18 &
30 October
Join Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister at 7:30 PM for a night owl prowl. $10 for adults. $5 for Friends of the VIC. Free for PSC students. Preregistration appreciated. Call the VIC at (518) 327-6241 for more information or email bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.
Adirondack Loon Celebration
Sunday, 13 October
BRI's Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation and the Paul Smith's College VIC are teaming up to present a family-friendly celebration of the Common Loon -- the iconic symbol of the Adirondack Mountains. The day will feature activities for both adults and kids, as well as a fund raiser for both BRI’s Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation and the Paul Smiths VIC. This is an opportunity to learn about loon natural history, conservation concerns affecting their populations, and ongoing loon research and conservation efforts in the Adirondack Park. The drawing for the Loon Quilt Raffle will be held during a reception at the end of the day. Free admission. Donations accepted.
All About Owls
Saturday, 12 October
To celebrate Owl Month, the Paul Smith’s College VIC, Adirondack Raptors, and the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge are teaming up to provide a day-long program on owls. Activities start with a presentation on Saw-whet Owl banding at 10:00 AM. The goal of the event is to educate people about owls and their place in the various Adirondack habitats and to foster compassion, tolerance, and understanding of wildlife.
Columbus Day Weekend Fall Foliage Ramble
Saturday, 12 October
This is the VIC Trail Run Series Grand Finale. Come join us at the Paul Smith's College VIC to run and race on some of the most beautiful trails in the Adirondacks during the peak of fall foliage. The Fall Foliage Ramble will feature a 5 kilometer and 15 kilometer race on some of the most colorful trails one can imagine! Starting at 10 am, racers will run on rolling hills as they pass by beautiful Adirondack scenery. Registration starts at 9:30 AM, and awards will follow after the end of the 15 kilometer race. Cider, doughnuts, apple pie, and pumpkin muffins will greet racers at the finish line. Winners will be awarded a hand-crafted trophy and a container of syrup from the Paul Smith's College sugar bush. Come join us all for a fun time during the peak of the Adirondack fall foliage season! The entry fee is $25. Free for Friends of the VIC Trail Blazers; $20 for Friends of the VIC
TuckerTaters on sale
Daily while they last
Steve and Tom Tucker of Tucker's Farm in Gabriels have teamed up with the VIC staff to offer their famous local potatoes for sale at the VIC! All proceeds will benefit VIC nordic ski programs. The VIC will have ten pound bags of Adirondack Red, Gabriels White and Heritage Blue potatoes. 10 pound bags are $8.00.
New Moon Art Show: Brush with the Past
4 October - 2 November
Artist Matt Burnett, photographer Ed Murphy, and artist Melissa Burnett are exhibiting their work at the Paul Smith's College VIC from 4 October through 2 November. An opening reception will be held on 4 October, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
Future Generations Graduate School Presentations
Wednesday, 2 October
Two students from the Future Generations Graduate School in West Virginia -- Sabina Carlson Robbilard (Haiti) and
Shondell France (Guyana) -- will make presentations
on their community development projects on Wednesday, 2 October from 10:00 AM to noon.
Owl Month at the VIC
October 2013
October is Owl Month at the Paul Smiths VIC. Events during the month feature live owl presentations, evening Owl Prowls, a day-long program on owls, and opportunities for the public to participate in the Northern Saw-whet Owl Banding Program.
The
Adirondack Rural Skills and Homesteading Festival
Saturday, 28 September
This celebration of rural skills will showcase the talents of
a bygone era with a distinctly Adirondack flair. Exhibitions will
include logging and farming with draft horses sponsored by the Paul
Smith's College Draft Horse Club and a demonstration of competitive
lumberjack sports by the Paul
Smith's College Woodsmen's Team. Workshops will appeal to
a wide range of interests and include topics such as local and
seasonal cooking, cider making, cheese making, pack basket construction,
renewable energy, fall gardening, heating with firewood and primitive
skills. The festivities take place from 10 AM to 4 PM. $5/person
or $10/carload. PSC community free.
Northern Saw-whet Owl Banding Program
27 September - 2 November
The Northern Saw-whet Owl Banding Program begins 27 September and runs through 3 November 2013. The project is one of the research programs run by Adirondack Raptors, a privately owned business that monitors and studies the local raptor populations.
Artist at Work Studio Tour
27-29 September
The Artist at Work Studio Tour, hosted by Saranac Lake Art Works, occurs the last weekend of September - at the peak of the fall colors. The Paul Smiths VIC has been designated as an Artists Rendezvous Site for the tour. The VIC will serve as a gathering space for artists to exhibit their work for the studio tour. Free.
Strengthening the APA: An Adirondack Explorer Conference
26 September
This one-day conference, organized by the Adirondack Explorer, is from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The cost is $25 per participant. For the conference schedule, click here.
An Evening with Jim Zumbo
17 September
Jim Zumbo, a former editor of Outdoor Life magazine and star of the TV show Jim Zumbo Outdoors, will give a talk at 7 PM at the Paul Smith’s College VIC Tuesday, 17 September. Zumbo spent 15 years as a forester and wildlife biologist before his 30-year career with Outdoor Life magazine. He’s written 25 books on hunting and fishing and has published thousands of articles and photographs in a variety of other magazines. The cost is $5 per person.
Volunteer BBQ
17 September
VIC Volunteers will meet at 5:00 PM for a barbecue and a preview of upcoming events and activities. VIC volunteers provide visitor information, perform stewardship projects, and participate in citizen science projects. Volunteers come together on a monthly basis to socialize and talk about upcoming events and projects with the VIC staff. Folks interested in volunteering are welcome to attend. Hamburgers and hot dogs provided. Bring a place setting and salad or dessert to share.
Fall Nature Walks
7, 14, 21, 28 September and 19 October
During the fall of 2013, the VIC is offering a naturalist-led interpretive walk every Saturday afternoon. Participants meet in the VIC building at 1:00 PM for an hour-long walk exploring different aspects of nature in the Adirondack Park. Free for Friends of the VIC. $10 for nonmembers.
New Moon Art Show: A Sense of Place
5 September - 3 October
Artist Diane Leifheit and photographer Jon Chodat will exhibit their works at the Paul Smiths VIC from 5 September through 3 October 2013. Diane Leifheit creates fine art pastel paintings of the Adirondack rural wilderness. Photographer Jon Chodat's photographs display an acute level of observation; from a hummingbird hovering within the flashy red of a monarda flower to the stillness of the Great Blue Heron waiting for dinner in the reflected gold of an autumn river.
Artist Reception for Plein Air Art Invitational
Friday, 16 August
The opening reception for the Plein Air Art Invitational will be held on Friday, 16 August from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Light refreshments will be served; and the Peoples’ Choice award from the Life on the Lakes Juried Art Show will be presented.
Adirondack Plein Air Paints the VIC
Friday, 16 August
The Paul Smiths VIC is a featured location for the Adirondack Plein Air Festival, held this year from 15-18 August. Friday, 16 August is "Paint the VIC" day, when artists will take advantage of the natural settings on various VIC trails: mountains, old growth forest, bogs, streams, marsh, beaver lodges, and Adirondack lean-tos. Spectators are welcome throughout the day. Free.
Plein Air Art Invitational
7 August - 4 September
The Paul Smith’s College VIC hosts an invitational art show featuring paintings by area artists who have painted on location, on the VIC property. An opening reception will be held on Friday, 16 August, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Light refreshments will be served. Free. Underwritten by Friends of the VIC.
Volunteer BBQ
Sunday, 4 August
VIC Volunteers will meet at 5:00 PM for a barbecue and a preview of upcoming events and activities. VIC volunteers provide visitor information, perform stewardship projects, and participate in citizen science projects. Volunteers come together on a monthly basis to socialize and talk about upcoming events and projects with the VIC staff. Folks interested in volunteering are welcome to attend. Hamburgers and hot dogs provided. Bring a place setting and salad or dessert to share.
Shakespeare in the Adirondack Park - Macbeth
Sunday, 4 August
This sixty-minute outdoor adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic thriller is a production of the Adirondack Lake Center for the Arts. Six performers play all the roles, blending inventive physicality, evocative design and original text to create this mesmerizing and chilling tale of greed and ambition. Set in a 20th-century militaristic society, this accessible adaptation will appeal to audiences new to Macbeth as well as those already acquainted with this renowned tragedy. The performance will begin at 7:00 PM and take place outdoors, weather permitting (inside, in the auditorium, if not). Free.
20th Anniversary Butterfly House Celebration
Saturday, 27 July
This summer marks the 20th birthday of the Butterfly House, which first opened in July 1993. To honor the event, the Paul Smiths VIC is throwing a party! In addition to the regular Saturday offerings at the VIC, there will be special events to mark the occasion, including a family-friendly drumming workshop, face-painting, a scavenger hunt, and butterfly games. Free - underwritten by Friends of the VIC.
Weekend Run Through the Woods
Saturday, 27 July
There are 5K and 10K courses. This run starts at 10:00 AM. It is part of the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Butterfly House . $25 per person. Free for Friends of the VIC Trail Blazers; $20 for Friends of the VIC.
Little Bobcats Program
Wednesdays, beginning 24 July
This program, which is for pre-K children ages 4-6, runs from 9:00 AM to noon. Children must be accompanied by a parent or grandparent. The first session -- 24 July -- is Summer Sensory Exploration Day! Each consecutive Wednesday through August will have a different theme.
Moth Day
Tuesday, 23 July
As part of National Moth Week, the VIC will host an indoor moth display of the live moths which were captured the night before. Biologist Dr. Janet Mihuc will be available from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM to answer questions at the moth table. Participants are invited to help release the live moths. Free - underwritten by Friends of the VIC.
Junior Naturalist Program
Mondays, beginning 22 July
This program begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. It is designed for children ages 7-11. The first session -- Monday, 22 July -- will be an Animal Detectives Day. This program, with different themes, will continue on Mondays through August.
Moth Night at the VIC
Monday, 22 July
As part of National Moth Week, a global celebration of moths and biodiversity, the VIC will host a naturalist-led crepuscular/evening walk along Heron Marsh from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This is an interesting time to be in the field, because daytime animals are moving between daytime feeding grounds and their nighttime/sleeping grounds. Nocturnal animals are awakening and beginning to search for food. The cost is $10.
From 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM, biologist Dr. Janet Mihuc will lead the public through a field survey of moth collecting sites, to observe and identify moth species collected through the use of black lights and sugar baiting of trees. Many species will be seen on white sheets at the collecting sites. The cost is $10. The cost for both events is $15, $25 per family. There is a 25% discount for Friends of the VIC.
Adirondack Loon Census
Saturday, 20 July
The Adirondack Birding Center (which is based at the VIC) will assist in this annual census of loons on lakes in and around the Adirondack Park by putting volunteers on ponds in our area. The number of adult loons, chicks, and immature loons observed in a one-hour period (from 8-9 AM) are recorded. This project is a collaborative effort between Biodiversity Research Institute's Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation and the Wildlife Conservation Society's Adirondack Program. Census volunteers sign up to monitor a lake from 8:00 to 9:00 AM on census day. There is a reporting form to fill out to let WCS know how many adult loons, chicks and immature loons the volunteers observe. For more information, visit the WCA website or the BRI website or call Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister: 518-327-6241.
Historic Motion Pictures of Saranac Lake's Past
Friday, 19 July
Award-winning producer and director Jim Griebsch will show Historic Films of Saranac Lake's Past -- a compilation of films and images that have rarely been seen by the general public. The program begins at 7:00 PM and includes updated and recently digitized footage from the Kollecker film collection, as well as newly discovered footage. The films are from the Kollecker film collection in the Saranac Lake Free Library's Adirondack Room. The program is free and open to all, but a donation in any amount would be appreciated for the continued restoration of the film collection.
Life on the Lakes Juried Art Show
9 July - 5 August
The Paul Smith’s College VIC will host a Juried Art Show from 9 July through 5 August 2013. An artist reception will be held on 12 July from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The theme of the show will be “Life on the Lakes.” Free - underwritten byFriends of the VIC. During this time, VIC visitors can purchase a ticket to vote for the People's Choice Award, which will be announced at the Plein Air Art Invitational reception on 16 August.
Invasive Species Awareness Week
8 July – 13 July
The VIC will host representatives from the Adirondack Watershed Institute Watershed Steward Program and the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program during the week. On 10, 12, and 13 July, an Adirondack Watershed Institute intern will be present during the daily Interpretive Walk, to provide information on how the VIC functions as a healthy ecosystem and to make visitors more aware of the threat and spread of a variety of plants and animals in the Adirondacks. Stewards will also be on hand most of the week to answer questions about how people can get involved to recognize invasive plants and assist in curbing the spread of unwanted plants and animals.
Wildflower Walk
Saturday, 6 July
On 6 July, botanist Daun Reuter will lead a walk along the Boreal Life Trail to examine the orchids and other wildflowers that make the Adirondacks their home. The walk begins at 10 AM and will last about two hours. $10 for Friends of the VIC. $20 for nonmembers.
Mushroom Walks with Susan Hopkins
Selected Sundays and Wednesdays, beginning 26 June
Join mushroom expert Susan Hopkins for a casual walk in the woods to look at all mushrooms and fungi. We will discuss and identify poisonous and edible species and point out some of medicinal value too. This walk will take at least 2-2 ½ hours and will be held rain or shine. Bring a lunch if you want to stay longer to use books and reference materials provided by Susan for further study. $10 for Friends of the VIC. $20 for nonmembers.
Maple Camp
26-29 June 2013
This four-day workshop is for anyone who wishes to become a maple producer or those with some experience, but who want to expand their production, products, marketing, and profitability through focused and hands-on intensive training.
Interpretive
Canoe Paddles
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, beginning 25 June
These two-hour trips provide a chance to explore the varied aquatic habitats at the VIC. Participants view Heron Marsh and Barnum Brook and paddle through a bog to Barnum Pond. Paddles are offered twice a day (at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM) every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday starting 25 June. The price is $20 per adult, $50 for the immediate family. Friends of the VIC receive a 25% discount. Preregistration is required. Please preregister by 5:00 PM the previous day by calling the VIC at (518) 327-6241.
Yoga on the Deck
Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning 24 June
Get out of the studio and into nature. Enhance your practice by experiencing a world of new sensations and become part of a boundless yoga experience. This class is open to all abilities. Prepay for three classes of more at a rate of $13 each. All 16 classes for $160 ($10 per class). Classes start at 9:00 AM. For information and updates, contact: jacquelinefoster@roadrunner.com (518-339-3008) or visit adirondackjackieyoga.com.
Quilt Workshop: Small and Miniature Quilts
22-23 June 2013
In this two-day workshop, participants will learn to sew at least one small quilt and one miniature quilt from start to finish, as well as complete other quilt tops. Paper-piecing and other skills will be covered. The workshop instructor is Karen LiVecchi. The cost is $145. Preregistration is required. Call 518-327-6241 or email bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.
Farmers'
Market
Fridays, starting 21 June
The Paul Smith's Farmers' Market features fresh vegetables and berries in season, breads and other baked goods, herbs, jams and jellies and plants. The market is part of the Adirondack Farmers' Market Cooperative. The market is open every Friday throughout the summer from 2:00 - 5:30 PM.
Naturalist-Led Interpretive Walks
Daily starting Friday, 21 June
During the summer of 2013, the VIC is offering a naturalist-led interpretive walk every day at 1 PM. Participants meet in the VIC building at 1:00 PM for an hour-long walk exploring different aspects of nature in the Adirondack Park. Free for Friends of the VIC. $10 for nonmembers. Through Labor Day.
5K Trail Runs
Every other Wednesday, starting 19 June
The Paul Smith's College VIC will host a 5K trail run every other Wednesday, starting 19 June and ending 25 September. Runners get a chance to check out the VIC trails and meet other trail enthusiasts. Registration starts at 6 PM. The runs start at 6:30 PM. Trail run dates: 19 June: 3, 17, and 31 July; 14 and 28 August; 11 and 25 September; 9 October. There is a $5 per person entry fee.
Volunteer BBQ
Tuesday, 18 June
VIC Volunteers will meet at 5:00 PM for a barbecue and a preview of upcoming events and activities. Hamburgers and hot dogs provided. Bring a salad or dessert to share.
Butterfly House Opens
15 June
The Paul Smiths VIC Native Species Butterfly House will open this year on 15 June. Visitors can view native butterflies up close and learn about the life stages and migratory patterns of these colorful insects. Butterfly House volunteers are available to point out the species of butterflies in the house that day, provide information on the insect's life cycle, and identify specific plants that are favored by each species. Inside the Butterfly House, there are nectar plants for food and host plants for egg-laying and caterpillar feeding. There are also touch boxes and information handouts on butterflies and moths. Outside the Butterfly House is a garden designed to attract butterflies. Free.
New Moon Art Show: Wild and True
8 June - 7 July
The Paul Smiths VIC will host a New Moon Art Show featuring artist Ella Davidson and nature photographer Karla Brieant. The show hangs from 8 June through 7 July. Free.
Great Adirondack Birding Celebration
31 May - 2 June
The Paul Smiths VIC will host the 11th annual Great Adirondack Birding Celebration, scheduled for 31 May - 2 June 2013. The event will feature field trips to boreal birding hot spots, informative lectures, workshops, a raffle, social hours and more. Some of the boreal species that participants in the Great Adirondack Birding Celebration hope to find include the Black-backed Woodpecker, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, Spruce Grouse, Bicknell's Thrush and a variety of migrating warblers.
Birds of Prey Demonstrations
Saturdays in summer, beginning Saturday, 25 May
The Paul Smith’s College VIC and Adirondack Raptors invites you to spend Saturday afternoons immersed in the lives of birds of prey. Mark Manske of Adirondack Raptors will have live birds on hand from 1:00 to 3:00 PM to describe the amazing lives of hawks and owls of our region. Free.
Jenkins
Mountain Scramble
Saturday, 25 May
Paul Smith's College is hosting the Third Annual Paul Smiths Jenkins Mountain Scramble on Saturday, 25 May. The trail run will take place on the network of wooded trails at the Paul Smith's College VIC. There are two runs: A 13.1-mile strenuous half-marathon with 2,364 feet of elevation gain that includes a climb to the summit of Jenkins Mountain, and a shorter run of about 6 miles that does not include the Jenkins Mountain climb.
Both races are wilderness trail runs--there will be no support during the race, and all participants are on their own from start to finish. Runners need to carry their own water, food and other supplies. The half-marathon starts at 9:00 AM. and the 10k starts at 10:30 AM. Please visit www.paulsmiths.edu/jenkins for more information and on line registry.
All proceeds from the race will be used to support the VIC.
New Moon Art Show: Bird Art Invitational
17 May - 7 June
The Paul Smiths VIC will host a New Moon Art Show featuring regional artists who have been invited to submit works of art that include or are about birds. The show hangs from 17 May through 7 June. An artist's reception will be held on 17 May from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Free.
Volunteer Potluck
Friday, 17 May
From 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Brian McDonnell will discuss the formation of the PSC VIC Friends Group and upcoming summer programs. Karen Potts will be seeking volunteers to make desserts for the reception for the 11th Great Adirondack Birding Celebration to be held the weekend of May 31st. Contact Karen Potts for more information or if you can help with the GABC dessert reception but are unable to attend the meeting on May 17.
Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walks
4, 8, 18, & 22 May; 8, 15, & 29 June; 6, 18, 20, & 27 July; and 7, 11, 14, & 18 September
Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister is leading a series of bird walks at the Paul Smiths VIC. Participants
are challenged to see and hear many of the bird species identified
by a young Teddy Roosevelt in his research while visiting Paul
Smiths in the 1870s. Birders meet at the VIC building at 9:00 AM. $10/person. Please preregister by 5:00 PM the previous day by calling the Paul Smith's College VIC at (518) 327-6241.
Natural History Day Camp for Adults
29 April – 3 May
This program consists of five days of exploring a variety of outdoor topics with scientists, naturalists, and VIC staff. Topics will include: birds, wildflowers, reptiles, amphibians, mushrooms, mammals, fish, astronomy, and more. The week will be organized in half-day field sessions. Meals and accommodations on your own; information is available on request. The cost of the full five-day program is $250 per person. Half-day field sessions are $50 per person per session. Advanced registration is required; and space is limited. For more information, please contact Brian McAllister at bmcallister@paulsmiths.edu or 518-327-6241.
Birdathon
Saturday, 27 April
On April 27th, the Paul Smith's College VIC is hosting a birdathon fund raiser to help raise money for members the Paul Smith's College student chapter of the Wildlife Society to attend the Wildlife Conference in Milwaukee. Birders check in between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM to receive a checklist. Entrance fee: $5.
Emerging Patterns Presentation
Tuesday, 23
April
Craig Malewski’s Emerging Patterns Group Capstone Class will provide a presentation at 7:00 PM, exploring how students connect art and nature with research projects at the VIC.
Astronomy Presentation: Comet Ison
Monday, 22
April
Aileen O’Donaghue will make a presentation on the Comet Ison at 7:00 PM. The lecture will be followed by a look at the spring sky.
Holy Shitake Mushroom Cultivation Workshop
21 April
The Adirondack Mycology Club will present a drop-in workshop from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Topics include: tree species and spawn to use, log cultivation and sawdust inoculation method, tools, supplies, and vendors, and growing guides. Participants should bring a sack lunch and stop by between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The workshop is free to PSC students, staff, and faculty. $5 suggested donation for community members. Take an inoculated log home for an additional $5. Call 518-327-6330 for more information.
Astronomy Club Field Night
Friday, 18 April
Join Paul Smith’s College students at 7:00 PM to explore the stars through the Michael Adler Celestron Telescope. Clear sky required. Call 327 6241, if in doubt.
Arm Chair Traveler Lecture: New Zealand
Thursday, 11 April
Paul Smith’s College students will present a lecture at 7:00 PM highlighting their experiences in New Zealand. $5 for general public, free to VIC season pass holders and the PSC community.
New Moon Art Show
10 April - 17 May
The Paul Smiths VIC will host a New Moon Art Show featuring Maria DeAngelo and Carol Murtagh. The show hangs from 10 April through 17 May. An artist's reception will be held on 19 April from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Bird Box Workshop: Wood Duck Boxes
Sunday, 7 April
This workshop runs from 10:00 AM to noon and will be hosted by the Paul Smith’s College Wildlife Society and the Paul Smith's College Fish and Game Club. Participants will learn about Wood Ducks and assist in the construction of bird boxes that will be installed on VIC property later this spring. Free for PSC faculty and students, $5 for general public. RSVP by calling the VIC at 518-327–6241.
Bird Box Workshop: Saw-whet Owl Boxes
Saturday, 6
April
This workshop runs from 10:00 AM to noon and will be hosted by the Paul Smith’s College Wildlife Society and the Paul Smith's College Fish and Game Club. Participants will learn about Northern Saw-whet Owls and assist in the construction of bird boxes that will be installed on VIC property later this spring. Free for PSC faculty and students, $5 for general public. RSVP by calling the VIC at 518-327–6241.
Water Color Field Sketch Techniques Demonstration
Saturday, 6 April
This discussion and demonstration will introduce participants to the fundamentals of sketching nature and enhancing the drawing with touches of watercolor. The instructor will demonstrate the use of different drawing materials for a variety of desired effects, then have everyone give it a try using materials that will be provided. The demonstration takes place from 10:00 AM to noon. The cost is $12. Preregistration is required. Please register by 2 April. Call 518-327-6241 or email bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.
Quilt Workshop: Simple Watercolor Quilts
5-7 April 2013
In this three-day workshop, participants will learn to create a floral quilt inspired by watercolor techniques, using a simple method of blending and contrast with just three coordinating fabrics. The cost is $145. Preregistration is required. Please register by 2 April. Call 518-327-6241 or email bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.
Beginner Maple Workshop
Saturday, 23 March
Paul Smith’s College students will be on hand to lead “Learn the art of maple sugaring” workshops. Participants will learn about backyard tapping, collection and boiling. The program runs from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Contact: Brian McDonnell at 518.327.6241 or bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.
Arm Chair Traveler Lecture: Canoe Racing on the Yukon River
Thursday, 21 March
Join Brian McDonnell, Kerry Newell, Celia Evans and friends at 7:00 PM. Come hear tales of several adventures from 460 and 1000 mile races from Whitehorse to Dawson City in the Yukon Territory of Canada, and from Whitehorse to the Haul Road above Fairbanks Alaska. There will be music, pictures, maps, and tall tales.