Shawangunk Nature Preserve - Deep Ecology Learning Center and Preserve located in the Adirondack Foothills of central New York

2008 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

All workshops are from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays unless otherwise indicated. Workshops are free except for a materials fee when requested.

April 12, 10:30am-12pm
LIFE ORGANIZATION WORKSHOP
Led by a counselor. We will share options on how to manage one's life including money, material goods, and human energy. This is a workshop that will help motivate you to get your life in solid order in spite of hard economic times. (No fee.) Call 315.825.7405 to attend.

April 19, 10:30am-12pm
EARTH DAY TOUR OF SHAWANGUNK PRESERVE
See what we've done with scrap-wood to create well insulated, solar powered buildings still in use after 30 years, how food is stored in a root-cellar, chores done without running water, You will see what needs to be done in early Spring to get started toward a low-income, earthy, simpler, do-it-yourself life, from gardening to tool organization. (No fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

April 26, 10:30am-12pm
SHARING OUR WORLD WITH WILDLIFE
We do have many encounters with wildlife wherever we live and need to know how to safely enjoy and share our environment with them. A Wildlife Rehabilitator will help lead the workshop and give us some practical tips on helping injured wildlife. Share your experiences, too! Already a Cub Scout Troop plans to attend. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

April 26, 9am-4pm
ZEN MEDITATION at RED PINE with REIHO ELLEN MEYERS
Whether you have experience or are just curious and would like an introduction, come for all or part of this quiet time in the serenity of The Shawangunk Nature Preserve's "Red Pine Retreat Center." Call Ellen Meyers at 315.896.4748

April 30, 2pm (Wednesday)
HARP & HARMONY PERFORMANCE AT MVCC
MVCC sponsors regular performances and has invited Harp & Harmony to perform and show our slide presentation on the Preserve. Call them at 315.731.5722 for information about attending.

May 3, 10:30am-12pm
BIKE HIKE
Enjoy some fresh air on this leisurely 4 1/2 mile tour around the Shawangunk Valley on minimally traveled roads. Ride through peaceful meadow lands with some gentle hills and a lovely view of the Adirondacks. Call to reserve a Preserve bike or bring your own. (No Fee) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

May 3, 10:30am-12pm
BEAD WEAVING on a LOOM
Learn how to create and design jewelry by weaving with beads using techniques used historically by many cultures, including Native American, Japanese and Ukrainian. This "beaded fabric" was also turned into beautiful beaded bags and lampshades during Victorian times. We'll show you how it's done on a simple loom and you may hand-weave & design a little medallion to take home. Materials Fee ($3) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

May 10, 10:30am-12pm
OPENING OF RENOVATED BLACK CREEK TRAIL
Boy Scout Aaron Farley of Cold Brook has made this his Eagle Scout project. With the help of his troop and family, new bridges were constructed & installed to cross over ravines plus other improvements to navigate this beautiful trail. With Turner Lumber Co. in Barneveld and donations from others, including our Congressman, this is worth coming to see. (No Fee) 315.826.7405 to attend.

May 17, 10:30am-12pm
DOING AN OLD FASHIONED LAUNDRY
We offer a “Diploma of Laundry” to those who complete this mini-course. It’s surprisingly easy, effective and easier on fabrics. We’ll use a 1919 hand-operated washing machine (for agitation) & wringer (for the spin cycle) and take you through all the steps from heating water to air drying. (We save a lot of money doing laundry this way!) (No Fee) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

May 24, 10:30am-12pm
RUSTIC GARDEN TRELLIS WORKSHOP
An ever popular workshop here, using local branches and twigs with a few hand tools even inexperienced carpenters can have a fun, creative time making a rustic Adirondack style garden trellis to be enjoyed throughout the year. Bring a hammer, pruning (bow) saw, hand pruners and your choice of bug repellent or appropriate clothing to work outside. (We may work inside or in an open shelter if needed.) Materials Fee $10. Please register ahead: 315.826.7405.

May 31, 10:30am-12pm
MACHINE PRESERVATION
The Presentor has vehicles and machinery still in good use after 23 years. Come learn how to take better care of your equipment - vehicles which can save heaps of money. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

June 7, 10:30am-12pm
WILD EDIBLE PLANTS
It's amazing how many wild edible plants we are able to find within a very small area, here. Our guide knows exactly what may or may not be edible and safe. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

June 14, 8:30am-10am
BIRD & NATURE WALK with MATT PERRY
Celebrate Father's Day by bonding with your Dad in the wilds of the Adirondacks with a harmless hunt for the wild song birds who live in and visit the lower Adirondacks at this time. Our expert ornithologist, Matt Perry of Spring Farm Cares will be our guide to help us identify the calls and find the many species who are here, now. He knows what many of the calls mean as well as other interesting bits about bird life. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

June 21, 10:30am-12pm
KIDS NATURAL SCAVENGER HUNT
A very popular workshop, this little game will help you and your children open your ears, eyes and other senses to the treasures a wild environment offers. It's especially fun for adults with children. You're sure to see hear or smell something you've never noticed before and learn to notice the subtle differences between ferns, mosses, leaves, etc as you search for the "treasures." Bring a notebook and pen or pencil to record your discoveries. All participants will get to make a balsam bag to take home. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

June 28th, 10:30am-12pm
ORGANIC GARDENING
Good soil is primary and can be difficult to achieve in some locations (like the Adirondacks). We'll show you some working compost bins and how they are managed to facilitate bountiful crops in our organic garden. (No fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

July 5, 10:30am-12pm
INTRO TO ULTRALITE FLYING
Ever wanted to fly? This informational workshop will inspire you to seriously consider one of the many options available now for personal flight by an average person. You'll get to inspect a powered parachute built from a kit and net-work with others who are also passionate about powered flight. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

July 12, 10:30-12pm
WILLOW BASKET BASE
During the next 3 weeks you may make a full basket sequentially, or just make a lovely natural willow basket “base” that can be used as a trivet. In this class you may make your trivet or basket base round or oval while learning special basketry techniques evolved over hundreds of years. Materials Fee $10. Call at least 4 days ahead to allow the materials to soak. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

July 12, 10:30am-12pm
EMERGENCY PREPARATION
Are you prepared for an emergency; snowstorm, tornado, etc.? A few items will alow you at least two weeks of convenient, low-cost comfortable survival in case you ever need it. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

July 14, 7:30pm (Monday)
HARP & HARMONY AT UTICA MONDAY NITE
Come to the Stanley Theater to hear Harp & Harmony for the Classical Music segment of the popular Utica Monday Nite cultural series in downtown Utica. It's free.

July 19, 10:30am-12pm
WILLOW BASKET SIDES
If you made a base the previous week you’re ready to insert stakes and learn how to “upset”, “wale” and “rand”, terms specific to basketry. Top it off with a border and you have a completed basket. Depending on the size you’ve chosen to make, Materials Fee will range from $15 and up. Call 315.826.7405 at least 4 days ahead for reservations and determine what size basket you may do.

July 19, 10:30am-12pm
HOLISTIC HEALTH HABITS
Preventing illness is vital to a long life. Come learn about exercise, sleep, diet and day to day habits to stay healthy and curtail hefty medical bills. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

July 26, 10:30am-12pm
WILLOW BASKET HANDLES
If you’ve completed a basket and would like to add a handle or handles, we’ll show you how using a technique called “roaping” which increases the strength and durability of willow handles. Materials Fee $7. Call 315.826.7405 at least 3 days ahead.

July 26, 10:30am-12pm
FIREWOOD – FINDING, CUTTING, PROCESSING
This workshop will put to rest the idea that softwood is not good for burning. We’ll share safe ways you can provide your own fuel and help cut your heating bills. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

August 2, 10:30am-12pm
HARVESTING, USING, PRESERVING & STORING HERBS
Harvesting and drying Mint for a years supply of healthy, delicious tea will be our hands-on project. There are special techniques to maximize nutritional value and flavor. Parsley, basil, celery leaves & other garden favorites are also candidates for this technique. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

August 9, 10:30am-12pm
HARP & HARMONY PICNIC CONCERT AT RED PINE
Bring your own picnic and relax for an hour on a carpet of moss with the sounds of the wind in the pines and live acoustic music from Harp & Harmony including Native American Flute, Harp, Guitar, Harmonica, Viola, Banjo & Percussion. (No Fee) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

August 23, 10:30am-12pm
RUSTIC FURNITURE MAKING
Make a Chair or Small Table. Bring a powered up portable drill, several 1/8” or 9/64” drill bits, a Phillips head screwdriver, hammer and pruning saw for this fun carpentry project. You'll attach legs and braces out of branches and twigs to a sturdy tabletop to make a table that will be completely artistic and unique in the Adirondack mountain tradition, or try to fashion a small chair or stool. Please wear appropriate work clothes, eye protection and your choice of bug protection. Materials Fee $15. Please register in advance. Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

August 30, 10:30am-12pm
LOW COST FOOD PRESERVATION
From drying to root-cellars and canning. Learn how to help your food budget by storing your garden harvest safely without the big dependence on energy use required by freezers; how to store crispy fresh carrots, apples, onions, potatoes, cabbages, etc in a root cellar, can tomatoes and apple sauce, dry wild or home-grown apples and keep nuts & grains fresh & safe for emergencies & daily use. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

September 6, 10:30am-12pm
RECYCLING WOOL
Learn how to re-cycle woolen garments & blankets to give them a new life by making colorful, thick rugs to warm your home in temperature and color. This workshop will introduce you to the special techniques involved in this amazing, old-fashioned re-cycling project that’s great for cold winter evenings in front of the fire or TV. Call 315.826.7405 to attend. Bring an old wool garment and sissors or use our materials for a $5 materials fee.

September 6, 10:30am-12pm
MEDITATION
Globally there are many forms of meditation. Come learn about these and one promoted by SNP that nurtures well-being toward oneself and all. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

September 13, 10:30am-12pm
COMPASS READING
What good is a compass if you don't know how to use it? Now you can get hands-on tips on how to get correct bearings from a map, then put it into practice. We'll set a goal and find out how to get there through the woods, with a knowledgeable guide. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

September 20, 10:30am-12pm
BEGINNERS BASKETRY
For kids and adults. Creativity is the focus on making these colorful & useful woven baskets on wooden bases. Choose your own colors and materials as you learn the basic weaving techniques of basketry. Materials Fee $10. Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

September 20, 10:30am-12pm
SELF DEFENSE
There are three levels of self defense: avoidance, psychological, physical. Everyone should learn how to protect themselves and their children. This will be an introduction. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

September 27, 10:30am-12pm
FOLIAGE WALK on BLACK CREEK TRAIL
Our fall colors are usually nearing peak at this time so consider taking a walk through the colorful Adirondack woods along the amber colored Black Creek. It's not a difficult walk and may be as long or short as you like. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

October 2, 10:30am-12pm
BIKE HIKE
This popular 4 ½ bike trail gives you a spectacular view of the Adirondack Mountains and at no better time of year. With little to no traffic to distract you, it's one of the safest places to bike, feel the autumn breezes and listen to nature. Bring your own bike or call to reserve a Preserve bike. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

October 2, 10:30am-12pm
TREE LIFE
Can you tell the difference between a balsam, spruce, hemlock, white pine, red pine? You'll learn how in this workshop as well as some “in the field” experience on how trees reproduce, how we tell their age, what their seeds look like, why dead trees are valuable to life as well as live trees and much more about the evergreens and deciduous (leafy) trees in our forest. Participants will be able to take home a nice little baby evergreen tree to plant. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

October 18, 10:30am-12pm
NEEDLE TATTING
Although this very old craft is traditionally done with a little Tatting Shuttle, the same delicate embellishments for linens and clothing can be done with a special Tatting Needle which some find easier to use. Tatting “laces” may be put on collars, sleeves, towels, tablecloths and used to make little motifs to sew on. We’ll show you the basic knots and make a little flower for your first project. Materials Fee $3. Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

October 25, 10:30am-12pm
HALLOWEEN CRAFTS
Make a broom out of branches & twigs the way our ancestors did and a cute Harvest Doll to decorate your house out of Indian or Field Corn. Materials Fee $7. Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

October 25, 10:30am-12pm
WRITING MEMOIRS
Your Presentor believes everyone should try to leave a memoir for family and friends. Come and find a simple way to do this. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

November 1, 10:30am-12pm
DECORATIVE FABRIC PAINTING using STENCILS
Decorate your own tote bag or bring a your own t-shirt to decorate with a beautifully painted flower or butterfly. You’ll learn how to do subtle shading with a double-loaded paintbrush using special paint that will hold-up thru the wash. You’ll be proud to show this to your friends! Materials Fee $7. Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

November 8, 10:30am-12pm
KNITTING [1] with YARN, RIBBON or PLASTIC BAGS
If you’re new to knitting, here’s where to learn how, starting this week and coming back next week for refresh and review. If you’re experienced, you’ll be interested in how to knit with new materials such as knitting ribbons in lovely colors, or converting plastic shopping bags into sturdy bags or rugs. Materials Fee depends on what you want to bring for yourself. Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

November 15, 10:30am-12pm
KNITTING [2] with FELTING
Reviewing what we learned last week and if you worked on a wool garment during the week (or a hot pad as a sampler), you’ll learn how to “felt” the wool to make a sturdier, denser fabric useful for making hats and bags. (No Fee.) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

November 22, 10:30am-12pm
NO SEWING QUILTED WALL HANGING
Bring your own pattern & fabrics or choose among ours. We’ll show you how to make a beautiful wall hanging using fabric that requires no sewing. It’s surprisingly easy! (Materials Fee $5) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

November 29, 10:30am-12pm
ETHICAL EATING
What is ethical eating and why is it good for us personally as well as socially and environmentally? We'll discuss this complex issue as we put together a wholesome vegetarian dish using frozen tofu and share it for lunch. (Materials Fee $2) Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

December 6, 10:30am-12pm
BALSAM WREATH MAKING
This is our annual favorite workshop using fresh, fragrant balsam from the Shawangunk Preserve woven into a natural willow wreath. If available, we'll complete this all natural winter decoration with local red-pine cones and wild, high-bush cranberries. They stay fresh looking all winter and often provide a bird nesting site if left out in the Spring. Materials Fee $8. Please register ahead. Call 315.826.7405 to attend.

December 13, 10:30am-12pm
BALSAM WREATH MAKING (Again!)
Here is a second chance to attend our annual favorite workshop using fresh, fragrant balsam from the Shawangunk Preserve woven into a natural willow wreath. If available, we'll complete this all natural winter decoration with local red-pine cones and wild, high-bush cranberries. They stay fresh looking all winter and often provide a bird nesting site if left out in the Spring. Materials Fee $8. Please register ahead. Call 315.826.7405 to attend.