Adirondack Rural Skills and Homesteading Festiveal (29 September 2012)

Upcoming Events at the Paul Smiths VIC
Spring - Fall 2014

Astronomy Night
Thursday, 20 November 2014

We will be rolling out the 16" Celestron telescope for some late-fall stargazing.  The program starts at 7:30 PM.  Cost: $10/person and $5 for Friends of the VIC.

Volunteer Training
Saturday, 15 November 2014

Wish you could just get out of the cold and head to warmer weather for the winter?  Join naturalist Brian McAllister from 1:00 to 3:00 PM for an information session on animal hibernation and find out what the animals are doing in our own back yard to get ready for winter.  Hope you can make it!

Autumn Owl Walk
Friday, 14 November 2014

Come walk in the woods at the VIC and see whooo’s calling.  Participants will learn owl natural history, call notes, and listen for calling owls.  Bring a flashlight or headlamp to help guide your way and please dress appropriately for being outdoors at night.  Cost: $10/person or $5 for Friends of the VIC.  The program starts at 7:30 PM.  Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day prior.

Children's Nature Programs:  No-School Days at the VIC
Tuesday, 11 November 2014

If you are in grades 3-5, join Deb at the VIC from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM to explore nature’s winter preparation and survival.  Please dress your child in clothing appropriate to spend 2-3 active hours outdoors.  Your child will need to bring a lunch and a snack for their day long adventure.  Preregister by 5pm, Saturday, November 8th by calling (518) 327-6241.  Cost $35/person or $25 for Friends of the VIC.  This is the first in a series of No School Days programming at the VIC. 

Fall VIC Explorer Series:  Habitats
Saturday, 8 November 2014

Come join Deb at the VIC from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for the last part of our six session series on exploring the outdoors in fall.  This is geared for children grades 3-5 and will involve an outdoor walk/hike, games, activities, and craft for a different theme each week. Space is limited so sign up now to make sure your son or daughter will be a part of the fun out at the VIC.   Group Limit: 10  Cost: $25 per session, $20 for Friends of the VIC.  Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before.

Armchair Lecture: Birds of Costa Rica
Thursday, 6 November 2014

Eric Granger will be in the VIC auditorium at 7:00 PM for a presentation on the “Birds of Costa Rica.”  As the days get colder, this will give us all  a chance to dream of the warm sun, blue waters, and the tropical birds found there. Cost: $5/person and free for Friends of the VIC and Volunteers.

Volunteer Annual Goose Chase
Thursday, 30 October 2014

VIC volunteers are taking a trip to Malone to watch the snow geese arrive.  The trip starts at 3:30 PM. We will have a group dinner afterwards at Mo’s Pub and Grill in Malone.  Please sign up with Deb by October 28th, so we know how many of our wonderful volunteers are along for the ride and we can hit the road. Email: dparadis@paulsmiths.edu or call 518-327-6241.

Astronomy Night
Tuesday, 28 October 2014

We will be rolling out the 16" Celestron telescope for some late-fall stargazing. The program begins at 7:30 PM. Cost: $10 per person. $5 for Friends of the VIC.  

Fall VIC Explorer Series: Predator and Prey
Saturday, 25 October 2014

Come join Deb at the VIC from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a six-session series on exploring the outdoors in fall.  This is geared for children grades 3-5 and will involve an outdoor walk/hike, games, activities, and craft. There will be a different theme each week. This session focuses on predator and prey.

Armchair Lecture Series: Fungi and Fiber
Thursday, 23 October 2014

Mycologist Susan Hopkins will be at the VIC for a presentation on her trip to Estonia for the 16th Annual Fungi and Fibre Symposium. The presentation will begin at 7:00 PM in the VIC auditorium.  Cost: $5/person and free for Friends of the VIC and VIC volunteers.

Owl Walk
Wednesday, 22 October 2014

Join naturalist Brian McAllister for a 7:00 PM walk to search the VIC trails for owls.  Participants will learn about the owls that make the Adirondack Mountains home. Meet in the VIC parking lot with a flashlight or headlamp to help guide your way.  Please dress appropriately for being outdoors at night.  Cost: $10/person or $5 for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration required by 5:00 PM.

Fall VIC Explorer Series: Colors and Camouflage
Saturday, 18 October 2014

Come join Deb at the VIC from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a six-session series on exploring the outdoors in fall.  This is geared for children grades 3-5 and will involve an outdoor walk/hike, games, activities, and craft. There will be a different theme each week. This session focuses on colors and camouflage.

Quilt Workshop: North Star Quilt Block
Saturday, 18 October 2014

In this workshop, participants will learn techniques for making the Flying Geese quilt pattern quickly and accurately and then use these units to piece the North Star quilt block. Construction of other quilt designs using Flying Geese will also be explored. Workshop hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The cost is $25.00. Preregistration is required. Call 518-327-6241.

Columbus Day Fall Foliage Ramble
Saturday, 11 October 2014

The VIC will host the grand finale of the 2014 Adirondack Trail Race Holiday Series on Saturday, 11 October 2014. 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.  Registration starts at 9:30 AM, and awards will follow after the end of the 15K race.

Hunter Safety Education Course
Wednesday, 8 October 2014

This course will be offered from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Paul Smiths VIC. The course will conclude on 9 October, with a 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM session at the Saranac Lake Fish & Game Club. Instructors: R. Hartmann (lead), M. Rothamel and R. Scollin. Registration for this course is now closed. For additional New York State hunter safety course offerings, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation.

5K Trail Fun Run
Wednesday, 8 October 2014

We’ll keep you on your toes and on the trails every other Wednesday when you participate in the VIC's Summer Fun Trail Run Series. The bark mulch trails and grassy service roads at the 3,000-acre VIC make ideal conditions for trail runners to get out and enjoy a run in the woods. Scenic vistas, opportunities to see wild life, and well-maintained trails are bonuses people have discovered at the VIC. Registration is at 5:30 PM; the race is at 6:00 PM.

Mushroom Walk
Sunday, 5 October 2014

Don't miss the last mushroom walk of the season. Join mushroom expert Susan Hopkins for a casual walk in the woods to look for 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 be held rain or shine. The walk begins at 10:00 AM. Bring a lunch if you want to stay longer to use books and reference materials provided by Susan for more study after the foray on the picnic tables under the pavilion. $15 per person for Friends of the VIC. $20 for nonmembers. Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before.

Fall VIC Explorer Series: Trees
Saturday, 4 October 2014

Come join Deb at the VIC from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a six-session series on exploring the outdoors in fall.  This is geared for children grades 3-5 and will involve an outdoor walk/hike, games, activities, and craft. There will be a different theme each week. This session focuses on trees.

Volunteer Training: Seasonal Changes at the VIC
Sunday, 28 September 2014

Why and how do the leaves change colors?  Where do the butterflies and moths go?  Where do the animals go?  VIC volunteers are invited to join us at 9:00 AM on Sunday, 28 September, to  go for a walk and talk with naturalist Brian McAllister to learn what happens out here at the VIC with all the plants and animals.

Adirondack Rural Skills and Homesteading Festival
Saturday, 27 September 2014

The Paul Smiths VIC is hosting a celebration of rural skills showcasing historical traditions, as well as modern tools and techniques for safe and practical rural living with a distinctly Adirondack flair. Exhibitions will include logging and farming with draft horses sponsored by the Paul Smith’s Draft Horse Club, and a demonstration of competitive lumberjack sports by the PSC Woodsmen’s Team. The festivities take place from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. $5/person or $10/carload. Free for the Paul Smith's College community.

Autumn Owl Walk
Friday, 26 September 2014

Join naturalist Brian McAllister for a 7:30 PM walk to search the VIC trails for owls.  Participants will learn about the owls that make the Adirondack Mountains home. Meet in the VIC parking lot with a flashlight or headlamp to help guide your way.  Please dress appropriately for being outdoors at night.  Cost: $10/person or $5 for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration required by 5:00 PM.

Volunteer Potluck
Thursday, 25 September

Volunteers of the VIC are welcome to this potluck. Bring a dish to pass. We will meet for hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6 p.m.  Get the scoop on coming events, engage in volunteer opportunities, and participate in volunteer training sessions.

5K Trail Fun Run
Wednesday, 24 September 2014

We’ll keep you on your toes and on the trails every other Wednesday when you participate in the VIC's Summer Fun Trail Run Series. The bark mulch trails and grassy service roads at the 3,000-acre VIC make ideal conditions for trail runners to get out and enjoy a run in the woods. Scenic vistas, opportunities to see wild life, and well-maintained trails are bonuses people have discovered at the VIC. Registration is at 5:30 PM; the race is at 6:00 PM.

New Moon Art Show: Designs in Nature
23 September - 22 October 2014

This show features works by printmaker Larry Poole and artist Noreen Sadue.  Their work is available for viewing and purchase during the VIC hours.

Fall VIC Explorer Series: Water
Saturday, 20 September 2014

Come join Deb at the VIC from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a six-session series on exploring the outdoors in fall.  This is geared for children grades 3-5 and will involve an outdoor walk/hike, games, activities, and craft for a different theme each week. This second session focuses on water.

Interpretive Nature Walk
Saturday, 20 September 2014

Explore the flora, fauna, and ecology of the natural world in the Adirondack Park on an interpretive walk led by a VIC naturalist. Admission is free for Friends of the VIC; $10 for non-members.

Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk
Saturday, 20 September 2014

Participants will continue the search for birds migrating through our area from Canada. Birders meet at the VIC building at 9:00 AM. $20/person. Free for Friends of the VIC Warblers; $15 for Friends of the VIC.   Please preregister by 5:00 PM the day before by calling the Paul Smith's College VIC at (518) 327-6241.

Fall VIC Explorer Series: Habitats
Saturday, 13 September 2014

Come join Deb at the VIC from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a six-session series on exploring the outdoors in fall.  This is geared for children grades 3-5 and will involve an outdoor walk/hike, games, activities, and craft for a different theme each week. The first session focuses on Adirondack habitats.

Interpretive Nature Walk
Saturday, 13 September 2014

Explore the flora, fauna, and ecology of the natural world in the Adirondack Park on an interpretive walk led by a VIC naturalist. Admission is free for Friends of the VIC; $10 for non-members.

Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk
Saturday, 13 September 2014

Join Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister to search for late summer/early fall birds as they migrate through the Adirondacks. Birders meet at the VIC building at 9:00 AM. $20/person. Free for Friends of the VIC Warblers; $15 for Friends of the VIC.   Please preregister by 5:00 PM the day before by calling the Paul Smith's College VIC at (518) 327-6241.

5K Trail Fun Run
Wednesday, 10 September 2014

We’ll keep you on your toes and on the trails every other Wednesday when you participate in the VIC's Summer Fun Trail Run Series. The bark mulch trails and grassy service roads at the 3,000-acre VIC make ideal conditions for trail runners to get out and enjoy a run in the woods.  Scenic vistas, opportunities to see wild life, and well-maintained trails are bonuses people have discovered at the VIC. Registration is at 5:30 PM; the race is at 6:00 PM.

Workshops: Where do All the Butterflies (and Moths) Go For the Winter?
4 & 6 September 2014

Join Sue Grimm Hanley in the PSC VIC’s Native Species Butterfly House from 1:00 to 3:00 PM to see exactly what our native Lepidoptera do to prepare for our spectacular winters!  Weather permitting we will also tag and release some Monarchs.  Cameras are welcome!  Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC and Free for Monarchs level Friends of the VIC. Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before. 

Volunteer Training: Late Summer Wildflowers
Sunday, 31 August 2014

Come learn what’s blooming around the VIC in the waning weeks of August. We’ll look at Goldenrod, Asters, and other flowers in the composite family. The program runs from 9:00 AM to noon.

Butterfly Tea
Saturday, 30 August 2014

Join the VIC Native Species Butterfly House staff and the Monarch Friends of the VIC from 2:00 to 4:00 PM for an open house and end of the season Monarch send off in style! We will feature a presentation on butterfly migration, collect milkweed seeds to send to Project Monarch Watch, and release some Monarchs on their way to Mexico.  Refreshments will be served.  Reservations appreciated.   

Volunteer Potluck Barbeque
Thursday, 28 August 2014

Volunteers of the VIC are welcome to this potluck. Bring a dish to pass. We will meet for hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 PM. Dinner is at 6:00 PM.

Butterfly Fun! Kids (Grade 3-5)
Thursday, 28 August 2014

Come join us at the VIC from 1:00 - 4:00 PM to spend some time with in the Native Species Butterfly House as summer starts to wind down.  We will be playing games, talking about the beautiful colors we see, completing a craft project and more. Group limited:  12   Cost: $25. $20 for Friends of the VIC.

New Moon Art Show: Pastels, Photographs, and Wood Art by Joyce Hanson and Ron Pederson
25 August - 22 September 2014

This show features a variety of intimate images, photographs, and pieces done in wood of local trees, fungi and scenes from local waterways and forests.  All are available for viewing and purchase during the VIC hours.

Woodland Writers Workshop
Friday, 22 August 2014

Discover how essays and poems are used as compelling forms of expressing our relationship to landscapes and people, and of sharing the journey and transformation through direct personal experience.  Exercises include: detailed description of natural objects, writing, the practice of taking field notes to capture the sensory power of ecological patterns and processes, trail-side reading of select essays and poems that exemplify the use of ecology to convey our relationship to land, and more writing. The workshop will be conducted entirely in the field and will conclude with sharing of work, immediate feedback, and a group reading.  Cost: $25 per person – 10% discount for Friends of the VIC. Group Size Limit: 12 people. Sponsored by the Adirondack Center for Working Landscapes.

Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk
Saturday, 23 August 2014

In late August and early September, many of the birds we see at the VIC are migrants stopping here on their way south. The birds tend to move in small mixed-species groups, apparently for protection against predators or to help find food.  They keep in contact through chipping calls.  Groups of migrating birds can often be located by listening for the chatter of Black-capped Chickadees,  who produce constant chip notes which help keep the small mixed flocks together. Bird species observed in late August along the VIC trails include Ruffed Grouse, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Swamp Sparrow, and Common Yellowthroat. Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC, Friends of the VIC Warblers – free. Pregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before. Call (518) 327-6241 to register.

Adirondack Plein Air Paints the VIC
Friday, 22 August

The Paul Smiths VIC is a featured location for the Adirondack Plein Air Festival, held this year from 21 - 24 August. Friday, 22 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.

Primitive Skills for Teens
Thursday, 12 August 2014

From 1:00 to 5:00 PM, the VIC will host an afternoon of learning primitive skills that will include learning how start a fire with flint and steel, make cordage out of natural materials, craft a walking stick, and experience a bow drill friction fire. Group limited to 12 teenagers.  Cost: $25 and $20 for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration required by 5PM the day before.

Plein Air Festival Workshop: "Paint the Adirondacks"
19 & 20 August 2014

Internationally acclaimed artist/instructor Gayle Levée will be hosting a workshop at the VIC on “Paint the Adirondacks.”  She will demonstrate and teach you the most important concepts of painting this challenging subject. With an emphasis on color, brushwork and composition, Levée will teach you how to understand the mountains and the way light plays on their forms.  The cost of this two-day workshop is $200 with a $50 deposit due two weeks in advance. To register go to:  http://saranaclakeartworks.com/pleinair/

Wild Edibles Walk
Thursday, 14 August 2014

Come to the VIC between 10:00 AM and noon to Identify wild edibles and learn about the historic medicinal uses for many of the plants common to the Adirondacks with “Truly Wild” instructor Pat Banker from Cornell Cooperative Extension Franklin County.  Walks will be informal and will happen rain or shine. $10 per person for Friends of the VIC; $20 for non-members. Bring a bagged lunch and join Pat for ”wild everything recipe swapping”  and peruse through her collection of wild edible plant ID books. Sponsored by the Adirondack Center for Working Landscapes.  Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before.

Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk
Saturday, 9 August 2014

During August, activity picks up in the woods, as fledglings come out and can be heard making begging calls to their parents. Bird species often seen on the VIC trails in early August include Great Blue Heron, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Cedar Waxwing. Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC, Friends of the VIC Warblers – free. Pregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before. Call (518) 327-6241 to register.

Quilt Workshop: Beginning Free Motion Quilting
Saturday, 2 August 2014

Learn how to do free motion quilting on your home sewing machine. In this class, you will learn the basics of free motion quilting, including thread, batting, and fabric selection. Choosing appropriate quilt designs for all-over, background, blocks, and borders will be discussed. The majority of class time will be spent sewing – learning and practicing traditional stipple quilting, as well as several popular stitch designs and fun alternatives. Each student will complete a sampler to showcase these stitching techniques, as well as a few smaller projects (kit provided). Workshop hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The cost is $25.00. Preregistration is required. Call 518-327-6241.

Shakespeare in the Park: "As You Like It"
Friday, 1 August 2014

This sixty-minute outdoor adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic comedy is a production of the Adirondack Lakes 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). Admission is free.

Volunteer Potluck Barbeque
Thursday, 31 July 2014

VIC volunteers are welcome to this potluck. Bring a dish to pass. We will meet for hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 PM. Dinner is at 6:00 PM.

Volunteer Training: All About Mosses
Sunday, 27 July 2014

Come to the VIC from 9:00 AM to noon to learn about the intricate and often secretive life of the mosses that thrive in these Adirondack soils. We'll also look at some close relatives of the moss plant, specifically the club moss family.

Wildflower Walk
Sunday, 27 July 2014

Bask in the floral beauty of the PSC VIC trails and learn more about flowering plants on a walk with a VIC Naturalist from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.  Cost:  $15 for Friends of the VIC, $20 for others.  Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before.

New Moon Art Show: Plein Air Art Invitational
26 July - 24 August

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, 22 August, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Light refreshments will be served. Free.  

Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk
Saturday, 26 July 2014

Late July provides an opportunity to develop listening skills. The woods are quieter than in the noisy courting period of May and early June, providing a chance to focus on individual birds. Bird species commonly seen and heard in late July include Winter Wren, Northern Flicker, Hermit Thrush, White-throated Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, and American Bittern. Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC, Friends of the VIC Warblers – free. Pregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before. Call (518) 327-6241 to register. Trip Report from the 26 July Bird Walk

Moth Night With Janet Mihuc
Thursday, 24 July 2014

As part of National Moth Week, a global celebration of moths and biodiversity, the VIC will host Moth Night. 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 $20; $15 for Friends of the VIC.

Afield with Aldo Leopold
Saturday, 19 July 2014

Aldo Leopold was a forester, wildlife biologist, teacher, writer, philosopher and one of the leading conservationists of the early 20th century.  His work continues to set the stage for our modern conservation movement and the notion of a Land Ethic and an ecological conscience.  Through his own experience, Leopold understood the need for humans to participate in the acts that reinforced our connection to land.  Thus, Aldo Leopold Day, which runs from noon to 5:00 PM, is devoted to a celebration of our connection to land as Aldo Leopold and his family and friends may have experienced it.  A number of activities, many of them hands-on, include “reading the landscape” (forest ecology), “cutting through time” (crosscutting and reading tree rings), a longbow-making demonstration, Dutch oven cookery, Leopold bench construction, nature hikes, trail-side readings, and more. Limited to 12 people; $50 per person. Sponsored by Adirondack Center for Working Landscapes. Participants are welcome to view the movie, Green Fire, on Friday evening at 5:00 PM.

Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk
Saturday, 19 July 2014

In late July, the birds are continuing to focus on rearing their young. Look for Ring-necked Ducks and American Black Ducks paddling on Heron Marsh with their ducklings. We might also see a Cedar Waxwing on her nest or a family of Merlins on Barnum Bog. Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC, Friends of the VIC Warblers – free. Pregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before. Call (518) 327-6241 to register. Trip Report from the 19 July Bird Walk

Woodland Writers Workshop
Friday, 18 July 2014

The Woodland Writers Workshop is for writers and poets of all levels who wish to practice using detailed observations and ecological imagery in their essays and poems.  The workshop runs from noon until 5:00 PM and will occur entirely in the field with an emphasis on fun.  The workshop is designed to help participants discover essays and poems as compelling forms of expression and to share the journey of self-discovery and transformation through this personal experience.  Exercises include: finding “invisible doorways” through detailed description of natural objects, sensory use of field notes to capture the power or essence of natural processes, trail-side readings of select essayists and poets who exemplify the use of imagery and metaphor, writing and more writing.  The workshop will conclude with sharing of work, immediate feedback, and a group reading.  $25 per person, limited to 12 people. Sponsored by the Adirondack Center for Working Landscapes.

Wild Edibles Walk
Thursday, 17 July 2014

Identify wild edibles and learn about the historic medicinal uses for many of the plants common to the Adirondacks with “Truly Wild” instructor Pat Banker from Cornell Cooperative Extension Franklin County.  These walks, which run from 10:00 AM to noon, are informal and will happen rain or shine. $15 per person for Friends of the VIC; $20 for non-members. Bring a bagged lunch and join Pat for ”wild everything recipe swapping”  and peruse through her collection of wild edible plant ID books.  Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before.

Horses and Hand Tools on the Homestead
Tuesday, 15 July 2014

If you’ve ever considered using draft animals or hand tools like axes, crosscut saws, and peaveys to work your woodlot, this workshop is for you! You will observe and participate in Brett McLeod’s class. This full day workshop (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) will cover draft breeds, harnessing, an overview of draft-powered implements, basic woodlot management, felling and bucking with axe and crosscut saw, and skidding with horses. Space is limited to 12 participants and preregistration is required; fee is $50. Sponsored by the Adirondack Center for Working Landscapes.

Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk
Saturday, 12 July 2014

Mid-July promises continued opportunities to observe family behavior. Many birds have fledged by this time, and parents are busy feeding them. The woods and the edges of Heron Marsh and Barnum Bog are full of families and juvenile birds, including warblers. Look for recently-fledged Black-throated Blue Warblers and families of Golden-crowned Kinglets. Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC, Friends of the VIC Warblers – free. Pregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before. Call (518) 327-6241 to register. Trip Report from the 12 July Bird Walk

Invasive Species Week at the VIC
6 July - 12 July 2014

Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute will host interpretive programs throughout the week, starting 6 July.  The Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) is a program of Paul Smith's College that conducts work broadly focused on conserving and protecting natural resources in the Adirondack region. Come into the VIC or call 518-327-6241 for details on AWI programs during Invasive Species Week.

Independence Day Star-Spangled Trail Marathon at the VIC
Sunday, 6 July 2014

Wear your red, white, and blue to celebrate the U.S.A. at Paul Smith’s College VIC! This trail run will take place on the network of wooded trails, different from the Jenkins Mountain scramble. All proceeds from the race will be used to support the VIC – a vital community resource for environmental education, recreation, and the arts. This event is part of the 2014 Adirondack Trail Race Series, hosted by the Paul Smith's College VIC and High Peaks Cyclery.

Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk
Saturday, 5 July 2014

Early July is a good time to observe a wide variety of birds nesting or feeding their young. We might see juvenile Red-winged Blackbirds and White-throated Sparrows being fed by their mother. We might also see some juvenile American Bitterns, still sporting white down on their heads. Listen for young Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers squawking for food in their nest cavities. Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC, Friends of the VIC Warblers – free. Pregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before. Call (518) 327-6241 to register. Trip Report from the 5 July Bird Walk

Wild Edibles Walk
Thursday, 3 July 2014

Identify wild edibles and learn about the historic medicinal uses for many of the plants common to the Adirondacks with “Truly Wild” instructor Pat Banker from Cornell Cooperative Extension Franklin County.  These walks are informal and will happen rain or shine. $15 per person for Friends of the VIC; $20 for non-members. Bring a bagged lunch and join Pat for ”wild everything recipe swapping”  and peruse through her collection of wild edible plant ID books.  Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before.

Adirondack ATBI Bioblitz at the Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb
Sunday, 29 June 2014

Join area scientists and naturalists at the Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM for the 2014 Bioblitz. The goals of the Bioblitz (hosted by the Adirondack All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory of Paul Smith’s College and SUNY ESF) will be to find and identify as many species of organisms as possible in one day! This event is open to the general public and families are welcome. You don’t need to be an expert naturalist. You just need to be willing to learn and have fun. Registration is free and starts at 8:30 AM. Workshops, demonstrations, and field trips are planned for 9:30 AM and 1:15 PM. Please contact Ezra Schwartzberg ezra@adkres.org for more information or visit http://adkres.org/2014-bioblitz/.

Wildflower Walk
Sunday, 29 June 2014

Bask in the floral beauty of the VIC trails and learn more about flowering plants on a wildflower walk with a VIC naturalist, starting at 1:00 PM. Late June is a particularly interesting time to study wildflowers. The orchids that flourish in the acidic habitat of Barnum Bog are coming into bloom. Many of the summer wildflowers that prefer a mixed conifer/hard wood habitat are also blooming around this time. The cost of the walk is $20 per person, $15 for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration is required by 5 PM on 28 June. List of early summer wildflowers

Interpretive Canoe Paddle
Saturday, 28 June 2014

This two-hour trip, which starts at 10:00 AM, provides a chance to explore the varied aquatic habitats at the VIC. Participants will view Heron Marsh and Barnum Brook and paddle through a bog to Barnum Pond. Participants will learn about the plants and animals that make these different Adirondack wetland habitats their home. Canoes, paddles, and personal flotation devices are provided.  The price is $20 per adult, $50 for immediate family. Friends of the VIC: $15 per adult. Preregistration is required.

Life on the Lakes Juried Art Show
27 June - 25 July 2014

The Paul Smith’s College VIC will host a Juried Art Show from 27 June through 25 July 2014. An artist reception will be held on 27 June from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  The theme of the show will be “Life on the Lakes.” The VIC has invited Shawn Halperin and Burdette Parks to select the items to be hung for the show.  They will award a “Best in Show,” “Best Photo,” “Best Painting,” and “Honorable Mention” prize. We will also award a “People’s Choice” Award from the “Life on the Lakes “show at the conclusion of the juried art show.   People visiting the VIC will purchase ballots and vote on their favorite artwork in the show. All proceeds will go toward developing arts programming at the VIC. The show is free and open to the public.

Volunteer Potluck Barbeque
Thursday, 26 June 2014

Volunteers of the VIC are welcome to this potluck. Bring a dish to pass. We will meet for hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 PM. Dinner is at 6:00 PM.

Yoga on the Deck
Mondays and Wednesdays, starting 23 June 2014

An outdoor yoga class adds a different dimension to one's practice. This class runs from 9:00 to 10:15 AM and is open to all abilities. Participants are asked to bring a mat and a large towel. Some mats and props will be available. There is a $15 drop-in fee. You can also prepay for up to six classes of more at a rate of $13 each, 7 to 13 classes at $12 each, or 14 to 20 classes at $10 each. Classes continuet through 3 September. For information and updates, contact: jackieyoga@roadrunner.com (518-339-3008) or visit adirondackjackieyoga.com.

Mushroom Walks
Selected Wednesdays and Sundays, starting 22 June 2014

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 be held rain or shine. All walks start at 10:00 AM. Bring a lunch if you want to stay longer to use books and reference materials provided by Susan for more study after the foray on the picnic tables under the pavilion. $10 per person for Friends of the VIC. $20 for nonmembers.

Volunteer Training: All About Ferns
Sunday, 22 June 2014

VIC volunteers are invited to join naturalist Brian McAllister from 9:00 AM to noon for a training session on Adirondack ferns. Ferns seen along the VIC trails include Cinnamon Ferns, Royal Ferns, Bracken, and several different species of Wood Fern. Sources of information on Adirondack Ferns

Interpretive Nature Walks
Daily, starting 21 June 2014 and continuing through Labor Day

During the summer of 2014, the VIC is offering a naturalist-led interpretive walk every 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.

Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk
Saturday, 21 June 2014

Continue the search for the many bird species that make the VIC their summer home with Brian McAllister of the Adirondack Birding Center. Birds seen or heard in late June at the VIC include American Black Ducks, Nashville Warblers, Palm Warblers. Eastern Phoebes, Ring-necked Ducks, Black-throated Blue Warblers, Black-throated Green Warblers, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC, Friends of the VIC Warblers – free. Please call (518) 327-6241 to register. Trip Report from the 21 June Bird Walk

Summer Fun Trail Runs
Every other Wednesday, starting 18 June 2014

We’ll keep you on your toes and on the trails every other Wednesday when you participate in the VIC's Summer Fun Trail Run Series. The bark mulch trails and grassy service roads at the 3,000-acre VIC make ideal conditions for trail runners to get out and enjoy a run in the woods.  These 5K trail runs start 18 June 2014 and end with the 8 October race. Courses will vary each week. Registration is at 6:00 PM; each run begins at 6:30 PM. The registration fee is $5 per person. Registration is free for Friends of the VIC Trail Blazers. There will be series awards. These events are part of the 2014 Adirondack Trail Race Series, hosted by the Paul Smith's College VIC and High Peaks Cyclery. On alternate Wednesdays, starting 25 June, there will be run trail runs/cycling at Mount Van Hoevenberg.

Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk
Saturday, 14 June 2014

Search for the VIC's summer resident birds with Brian McAllister of the Adirondack Birding Center. By this time, the birds are setting up nesting territory, singing, and showing off their mating display.  Birds commonly seen and hear in mid-June at the VIC include Common Yellowthroats, Blackburnian Warblers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Northern Flickers, Northern Parulas, Blue-headed Vireos, Red-eyed Vireos, and Ovenbirds. Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC, Friends of the VIC Warblers – free. Please call (518) 327-6241 to register. Trip Report from the 14 June Bird Walk

North Country Forest Landowners Bird-focused Forest Management Workshop
Saturday, 14 June 2014

This day-long workshop and woods walk is being sponsored by Audubon NY, The LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust, Paul Smith’s College, and the NYSDEC.  Learn how to maintain or encourage birds and other wildlife in your woods.  Arrive at 8:30 AM for registration and refreshments.  The workshop is from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM followed by a woods walk from noon to 2:30 PM.  A pizza lunch will be offered. Registration deadline is Monday, June 9, to Mike Burger:  mburger@audubon.org or 607-254-2441. Free admission.

Wild Edibles Walk
Thursday, 12 June 2014

Cornell Cooperative Extension Specialist Pat Banker will lead a tour of the PSC VIC from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, looking for wild edibles. Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC. Please call (518) 327-6241 to register.

Birds of a Feather Invitational Art Show and Sale: Reception
Saturday, 7 June 2014

To coincide with the 12th Annual Great Adirondack Birding Celebration, area artists have been invited to submit works of art that include or are about birds for an exhibit that will be at the Paul Smith's College VIC from 28 May to 26 June 2014. An artists reception will be held Saturday, 7 June 2014, from 6:00 - 7:00 PM.

Great Adirondack Birding Celebration
6-8 June 2014

The 12th annual Great Adirondack Birding Celebration -- the longest running boreal birding festival in the Northeast -- will be held 6-8 June 2014 at the VIC. The festival will feature field trips to boreal birding hot spots, informative lectures, workshops, a raffle, social hours and more. The keynote speaker is Noah Strycker, Associate Editor of Birding magazine. His topic is “Bird World,” an exploration of the parallels between bird and human behavior. Some of the boreal species that participants in the birding festival 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. More about Events and Activities at the 2014 Great Adirondack Birding Celebration

Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk
Saturday, 31 May 2014

Join Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister from 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM to search for, listen to, and see the many Adirondack bird species that make the Adirondack Mountains their home. Warning: you may be overwhelmed by the variety and plethora of birds seen this time of the year as breeding season is in full swing. Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC, Friends of the VIC Warblers – free. Please call (518) 327-6241 to register. Trip Report from the 31 May Bird Walk

Friends of the VIC and Volunteer Potluck
Thursday, 29 May 2014

Friends of the VIC and volunteers of the VIC are welcome to this potluck. Bring a dish to pass. We will meet for hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 PM. Dinner is at 6:00 PM.

Memorial Day No School Day: What's in the Mud?
Monday, 26 May 2014

Children aged 7-11 are invited to get their hands dirty at the Paul Smith’s College VIC to identify organisms in the mud and water this time of year and to learn what their presence indicates.  We will look through microscopes and magnifying lenses, create fun aquatic art, and play marsh games.  Come play and explore with VIC Naturalist, Michelle Berrus.  Cost: $35, $25 for Friends of the VIC.

Nature Walk: Visit to the Elders Grove
Sunday, 25 May 2014

Join VIC Naturalist Michelle Berrus from 1:00 to 3:00 PM to explore the Elders Grove, a twelve-acre stand of white pines over three centuries old. Howard Stone, a retired math professor, once measured White Pine #103 and found it to be the tallest tree on record in New York State.  This pristine, hard-to-find place, is located on Easy Street Hill, a short drive from the VIC. This program costs $20 per person or $15 for Friends of the VIC.

Jenkins Mountain Scramble
Saturday, 24 May 2014

Paul Smith’s College is hosting the fourth annual Paul Smiths Jenkins Mountain Scramble on Saturday, 24 May 2014. This trail run will take place on the network of wooded trails at the Paul Smith’s College VIC. All proceeds from the race will be used to support the VIC, a vital community resource for environmental education, recreation, and the arts.

Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk
Saturday, 24 May 2014

Join Brian McAllister, Naturalist and Adirondack Birding Center Director, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM as the search continues for singing and calling birds who make the Adirondacks their home. Some birds may be establishing territory; others are carrying nesting material, while still others may already be sitting on eggs, quiet and discrete. Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC, Friends of the VIC Warblers – free. Please call (518) 327-6241 to register. Trip Report from the 24 May Bird Walk

Wildflower Walk: Spring Ephemerals
Sunday, 18 May 2014

Have you noticed the explosion of springtime flowers happening before leafout? These flowering plants have sophisticated adaptations to take advantage of the full sun hitting the forest floor early in the growing season. Bask in the floral beauty and learn more on a walk with VIC Naturalist Michelle Berrus from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Cost: $20, $15 for Friends of the VIC. Spring Wildflower Walk Trip Report

Volunteer Training: Learn Adirondack Birds
Sunday, 18 May 2014

Join Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister from 9:00 AM to noon for a training session on Adirondack birds. Mid-May is a time when we will see more and more migrants arriving and claiming their territory. During this training, we will brush up on identifying birds and search for good looks and listens out in this special boreal habitat.

Adirondack Wetland Monitoring Program: Citizen Science Training Workshop: Birds and Plants
Saturday, 17 May 2014

Come to the VIC on 17 May for a training workshop which will provide the tools and information needed to participate in the new Adirondack wetland monitoring program. This workshop, which runs from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, will focus on birds and plants. We will begin with an overview of the wetland monitoring project and then proceed with hands-on instruction in field techniques used to record phenological data for wetland birds and plants. Trained participants will be able to enroll in the long-term monitoring program committed to improving our understanding of Adirondack wetlands and conserving these unique places for future generations.

Quilt Workshop: Flower Pounding -- A Springtime Art
Saturday, 17 May 2014

In this workshop, you will learn the simple and traditional technique of transferring flower and leaf pigment to paper or a prepared fabric surface using a hammer. You will experiment with fresh flowers, leaves and grasses on muslin and paper, then work on a final nature-inspired design. You may choose to further enhance your piece with embroidery thread, beading, or other forms of embellishment. Workshop hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The cost is $45.00. Preregistration is required. Call 518-327-6241.

Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk
17 May 2014

Join Brian McAllister of the Adirondack Birding Center at from 9 AM to 11:00 AM to search for late migrating VIC summer birds, who are setting up nesting territory, singing, and showing off their mating display. Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC, Friends of the VIC Warblers – free. Please call (518) 327-6241 to register. Trip Report from the 17 May Bird Walk

Songwriters Showcase
16 May 2014

The Paul Smith's College VIC will host an evening of songs with musicians Doug Irving, Ray Agnew, Gwen Tracy, and Keith Gorgas. The music starts at 7:00 PM. Admission is $10.00 per person. Seniors, students, Friends of the VIC, and children: $8.00.

Nature Walk: Barking up the Right Tree
10 May 2014

Can you identify Adirondack trees by their leaves? By their bark? Join VIC Naturalist Michelle Berrus from 10:00 AM to noon for a nature walk on the VIC trails to gain a new understanding of bark ecology and identification. Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC. Call (518) 327-6241 to register.

Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk
4 May 2014

Join Brian McAllister of the Adirondack Birding Center from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM to search for early migrant and VIC resident bird species. Cost: $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC, Friends of the VIC Warblers – free. Please call (518) 327-6241 to register.

New Moon Show: Adirondack Mountains and Waters
28 April - 27 May 2014

Photographer Rob Marrone and his son, artist Dan Marrone, will exhibit their works in the Great Room Art Gallery from 28 April through 27 May. The show will include scenic framed and mounted photos and some works of local lakes painted on birch bark. The exhibit will run from 28 April - 27 May. Free admission. Underwritten by Friends of the VIC. 

Birding Across the Adirondacks
Saturday, 26 April 2014

Join the Adirondack Birding Center on an all-day van trip exploring the different habitats that make up the six-million acre Adirondack Park. We will depart from the VIC in vans at 8:00 AM. Our stops will include a bog habitat, as well as agricultural fields near Lake Placid. We will then drop in elevation to the Lake Champlain valley to explore shoreline, open and scrub fields, wetlands, mixed woods, and second growth forests.  We expect to tally some 50 species in these different habitat types.  We will return to the VIC at about 4:00 PM. Bring a bag lunch and gear for an all-day trip: hat, binoculars, sunscreen, snack, water, and rain gear. The cost is $75 per person. There is a 25% discount for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration is required; please call 518-327-6241 to register.

SAM Fest Traditional Arts Activities and Workshops
Saturday, 26 April 2014

During the SAM Fest, there will be a series of workshops, activities, and displays, provided by TAUNY (Traditional Arts in Upstate New York) -- a nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing the folk culture and living traditions of New York's North Country. Activities include quilting workshops, wood working and rustic furniture displays, and demonstrations.

Science, Art, and Music Festival (SAM Fest)
Saturday, 26 April 2014

Paul Smith's College and TAUNY (Traditional Arts in Upstate New York) will hold a day-long festival celebrating Science, Art, and Music in the Mountains on 26 April from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The event features musical performances by North Country musicians, presentations on Adirondack climate-related topics, a panel on climate in the Adirondacks, traditional folk and visual arts, maple syrup and refreshments, and a showing of "Green Fire" -- an award-winning documentary on Aldo Leopold and the land ethnic he inspired.

Armchair Science Lecture Series: Birding in the Everglades
Thursday, 24 April 2014

The VIC's Armchair Science Lecture series continues with a presentation by Steve Huber on his experience birding in the Florida Everglades. A retired professor of physics and engineering and retired pianist, Stephen Huber founded Photowild 4 years ago and has been concentrating efforts on photographing birds and other wildlife. Now located in the Adirondack Mountains, Steve has been an avid birder since 2008, specializing in national parks, NWR’s, WMA’s, and remote areas. The lecture begins at 7:00 PM in the VIC auditorium. $5 per person. Free to season pass holders, Friends of the VIC, and Paul Smith's College students, faculty and staff. Underwritten by Friends of the VIC.

Volunteers and Friends of the VIC Potluck
Thursday, 24 April 2014

Friends of the VIC and volunteers of the VIC are welcome to the potluck.  Bring a dish to pass.  We will meet for hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 PM.  Dinner is at 6 PM.  Please RSVP.

Forest, Farm, & Fork: An Opportunity Symposium at the Paul Smith’s College VIC
Monday, 21 April 2014

Discover grant and loan opportunities for your North Country farm, business, organization, or community, available through the new 2014 Farm Bill.  Also learn about other private and New York State funding sources.  If you are involved in forestry, agriculture, food production, tourism, or community development, you should attend. You’ll hear from U.S. Rep. Bill Owens and other federal, state, and private official about how you can tap into these resources.  Be there from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM to get the most out of this opportunity.  RSVP by 14 April.  Partners include: Paul Smith’s College and Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Adirondack Wetland Monitoring Program: Citizen Science Training Workshop: Frogs and Toads
Saturday, 19 April 2014

Come to the VIC on 19 April for a training workshop which will provide the tools and information needed to participate in the new Adirondack wetland monitoring program. This workshop, which runs from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, will focus on frogs and toads. We will begin with an overview of the wetland monitoring project and then proceed with hands-on instruction in field techniques used to record phenological data for wetland frogs and toads. Trained participants will be able to enroll in the long-term monitoring program committed to improving our understanding of Adirondack wetlands and conserving these unique places for future generations.

Holy Shiitake Mushroom Workshop
Saturday, 19 April 2014

The Adirondack Mycology Club will present a shiitake cultivation workshop from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM . You will learn how to begin growing your own edible mushrooms. Bring your sack lunch. There is a $5 suggested donation. This program is free for PSC students, staff, and faculty. Take an inoculated log home for $10. Call (518) 327-6330 for more information.

No School Days: Spring Break
14-18 April 2014

Children 7 - 11 are invited to come to the VIC to learn and play during spring break. We will visit a variety of subjects related to the season, as plants and animals wake up and claim territory. We will listen to the sounds of the forest, find tracks in the mud, smell the spring flowers, touch tree bark, and create adventures together. Pre-registration is required for each day.  You can reserve now until 5 PM, 9 April by calling 518-327-6241, or emailing berrus@paulsmiths.edu. Minimum class size is 4. The fee is $35 per person, $25 for Friends of the VIC. 

Nori's Village Market Second Sunday Hosts the VIC
Sunday, 13 April 2014

On the Second Sunday of every month, Nori's Village Market in Saranac Lake supports local organizations by donating 10% of the sales for that day. On Sunday, 13 April, Nori's is hosting the Paul Smith's College VIC and will donate 10% of their sales from that day. Be sure and visit Nori's on that Sunday to show your support for the VIC and to purchase delicious food that is environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and (when available) locally produced. 

Natural History Training Session for VIC Volunteers and Friends of the VIC: Citizen Science Projects
Saturday, 12 April 2014

Citizen science is scientific research conducted, in whole or in part, by amateur or nonprofessional scientists, collecting data on the natural world. This Natural History Training Session – part of a series of training sessions for VIC volunteers and Friends of the VIC – will provide a chance to learn all about citizen science projects available to folks living in the Adirondacks.  We will look at bird, mammal, insect, wildflower, amphibian, and tree citizen science projects that you can use to track your own outdoor experiences and help scientists answer big questions, such as the impact of climate change on plants and animals.  This program is free to all volunteers and Friends of the VIC.

Make Natural Soap with Rose Bartiss
Sunday, 6 April 2014

Join Rose Bartiss at the VIC from 1:00 to 2:30 PM to learn how to make cold process soaps. how to alter color and scents of soap to create diverse products, and how to create soaps safely using lye. Participants will also learn about what's involved in raising goats to provide milk for goat milk soap. Those attending the class will take home information handouts and 2 cold process soaps.  This is a demonstration class.  Please wear long-sleeved shirts and closed-toed shoes to class.  The price is $35 per person.

New Moon Show: The SAMFest Exhibition: Art About the Land, the People, & the Climate
30 March - 27 April 2014

Regional artists Sandra Hildreth, Lee Ann Sporn, Meg Bernstein, Tim Fortune, Burdette Parks, and others will be exhibiting works of art that will complement the SAMFest activities of April 26. The exhibit will run from March 30 - April 27. Free admission. Underwritten by Friends of the VIC. 

 

Printable Monthly Program Schedules (PDF)

Past Events


Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.