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May Schedule

Sat., May 10. Brooklyn Botanic Garden. 1A3(C)(H).

See efforts to preserve plant biodiversity close to home. We'll check out the native flora garden, home composting exhibit, rock garden, Steinhardt Conservatory, and more. Option to purchase lunch at the café (bagged lunches must be eaten elsewhere) and take a guided tour at 1 p.m. Take the 2 or 3 subway to Eastern Pkwy. Turn right as you exit the turnstile. Meet outside, in front of the subway entrance at 11 a.m. L Ingrid Strauch . (Use button above to register. Deposits, if any, must be mailed separately.)

Sat., May 17. John Burroughs' Nature Sanctuary – Spring Slabsides Day: Esopus, NY, with a walk of the Sanctuary (1B2) and hike of Shaupeneak Ridge (2C5). (C)(H).

Hear noontime naturalist and literary talks at the Slabsides home of John Burroughs', followed by a guided tour of the cabin that is offered but twice a year by the John Burroughs Association. Afterwards walk along the nature sanctuary trails or hike Shaupeneak Ridge (maintained by Scenic Hudson). No public transportation. For directions (just past New Paltz) see http://research.amnh.org/burroughs. For details and to be counted amongst the AMC contingent contact L Skip Doyle at . AL Bonnie Mairs . (Use button above to register. Deposits, if any, must be mailed separately.)

Sat., May 17. MillionTreesNYC – Plan a Tree in NYC.

Our AMC chapter is working with the Parks Department and the NY Restoration Project to preserve and expand the urban forest. Planting sites are available throughout New York City. Lend a hand to directly offset your carbon footprint. Contact L John Kolp 212-400-8230 . (Use button above to register. Deposits, if any, must be mailed separately.)

June Schedule

Sat.-Sun., Jun. 14-15. Clearwater Festival. (C).

The Clearwater festival is a celebration of our Hudson River, its conservation, and its recreation. As part of a day of music, food, entertainment, and scores of vendor booths, be sure to visit the AMC booth. Transportation: GCT to Croton-Hudson station. For more information, event fee, and Clearwater membership, see www.Clearwater.org.

Fri.-Sun., Jun. 20-21. Fire Island – Conservation & Hiking Nature Weekend. 1A3 (C)(H).

Enjoy the first weekend of summer at the beach. After a Fri. night dinner and welcome, a representative of the Fire Island Wilderness Committee will offer a presentation about the Fire Island National Seashore. On Sat. we will hike to the Sunken Forest for a guided nature tour given by the National Park Service. On Sun., hike to the Fire Island Lighthouse for a guided historical tour. The weekend will conclude with the Annual Clam Toss Championship. The west bunk room will be a green zone: only natural light (prepare your bed during the day), quiet (sleep on your side if a snorer), and aerosol-free. For more information contact L Skip Doyle . (Use button above to register. Deposits, if any, must be mailed separately.)

July Schedule

TBA

Please check the printed schedule until this web page is updated.

August Schedule

Fri.-Sun., Aug. 1-3. Nature and ReCreation Weekend at the Mt St Alphonsus Retreat House in Esopus, NY. (C,H,B,C&K)

Mt. St. Alphonsus is our home base for a variety of athletic nature activities sponsored by Ls of the Hiking, Biking, and Canoe&Kayak Committees. Guest Speakers on Sat. night shall be the authors Carol and David White who will present a slide show of hiking in the Catskills in all seasons. $180 per person includes lodging (ppdo), meals, and presentation. See the Summer Schedule for complete details of the Minnewaska/Mohonk and Esopus activities that weekend. Contact L Skip Doyle to reserve a room with meals, and for a complete weekend schedule. (Use button above to register. Deposits, if any, must be mailed separately.)

Sun., Aug. 3. Hudson River: Esopus Lighthouse Tour and Esopus Island Paddle - Conservation and Canoe&Kayak.

Meet at Mt St Alphonsus and paddle 2 miles up the Hudson River to Esopus Meadows Lighthouse. Next a private, guided tour by the EML Commission. Afterwards, we paddle across the river for a picnic on the grounds of the Mills Mansion. Then paddle 2 miles down the river to explore Esopus Island. Finally, paddle back across the river returning to MSA. Kayak rentals available, but previous kayaking experience required. Mild tidal current. Waves one foot; two feet with boat wake; choppy if windy. If sufficient interest among participants with their own boats, the L will offer the option of camping overnight on Esopus Island. Tour size is limited with preference to those at the Esopus Nature and ReCreation Weekend; reservations are required. L Kurt Navratil For details and reservations contact AL Skip Doyle . (Use button above to register. Deposits, if any, must be mailed separately.)

Sun., Aug. 17. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. 1A4(C)(H).

Grab your binoculars for a walk through one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the northeastern US. Mid-Aug. is prime time to observe the migration of southerly bound shorebirds. Bring sun protection. While the trail is flat, long sleeves, pants, and sturdy shoes are recommended for ticks and mud. Take the Rockaway A train (not the Lefferts Boulevard A train) to Broad Channel, and meet at the station at 11 a.m. L Ingrid Strauch . (Use button above to register. Deposits, if any, must be mailed separately.)

September Schedule

TBA

Please check the printed schedule until this web page is updated.