The Beat

Cornwall, NY – Celebrate Earth Day 2023 with the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum on Saturday, April 22!  This special day kicks off with “Hike the Highlands” at 9am, followed by the “Earth Day Celebration” from 11am-3pm.  This exciting event has something for people of all ages and interests and will take place at the Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center location: 120 Muser Drive in Cornwall, off Angola Road. …

The Wild Center Recognized for “Excellence in Design” by Museum Association of New York and Voted by USA TODAY Readers as Second Best Science Museum in the U.S.

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center will be awarded “Excellence in Design” for its “Climate Solutions” exhibition by the Museum Association of New York (MANY) at the 2023 annual conference in April. The Wild Center is also extending a “thank you” to fans who voted in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for “Best Science Museum,” which The Wild Center came in second place. 

“Tree Exploration Walk” on Saturday, February 18

Staatsburg, N.Y. (2/7/2023) — Despite them being all around us, what do we really know about the trees in our local environment? Kids can join Staatsburgh State Historic Site staff for a free, 45-minute guided landscape walk exploring some of the different types of trees found on the grounds of Staatsburgh, along the Hudson River. Staff will guide children ages 7-12 in exploring some of the benefits of various trees, from feeding local animals to beautifying our environment.

Cornwall, NY - Maple Sugaring Season is almost upon us in the Hudson Valley and the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum is ready with their Maple Sugar Tours! Learn how to identify and tap sugar maple trees, discover sugaring techniques used by Native Americans, pioneers, and modern-day farmers, and see an evaporator in action!…

Voting is open and encouraged until Feb. 13

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is honored to be nominated as "Best Science Museum" in USA TODAY's 2023 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Friends and fans of the museum are encouraged to support The Wild Center by voting online, now until Feb. 13.

CLICK HERE to download a map showing this property.

Albany, N.Y. – The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission recently acquired a 15.1 acre parcel of land to add to the 3,400 acre preserve. The Commission purchased the property from a landowner that indicated they were interested in selling late last year. This new addition adds to the 41 acres the Town of Colonie dedicated to the preserve in February 2022, making up an area of nearly 120 connected acres of protected land in western Colonie.

Events at 100 State Parks, Historic Sites, Wildlife Areas, Canal Trails and Public Lands on New Year's Day

12th Anniversary of Hikes Encourage New Yorkers to Spend January 1 Holiday Enjoying Nature

Governor Kathy Hochul today encouraged New Yorkers to spend time in the outdoors this holiday season and celebrate the New Year at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, canal trails, and public lands across the Empire State on January 1, 2023. The First Day Hikes program is offering 100 varied hike options for people across the state to enjoy. …

Niagara Falls, N.Y. -- With a soft opening already completed, "Your Niagara Falls Experience" has launched as a tourism information and showcase of everything Niagara Falls - from both sides of the border. The program, available on Facebook and YouTube, is hosted by Nico Santangelo, a Niagara University Graduate and professional in the field of Tourism and communications; and by Peter Green, a Canadian now living in New York State and a recognized Historian and Tour Guide operating on both sides of the border.

Freshwater Fishing License Requirement Waived for Residents and Non-Residents

Free Fishing Day is One of Many Ways New York State Recognizes and Assists Veterans and Active Duty Military in Connecting to the Outdoors

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State is honoring veterans with a statewide Free Fishing Day on Friday, November 11. Selected to coincide with Veterans Day, November 11 will mark the final Free Fishing Day of the year. Fishing is considered one of the most therapeutic outdoor activities, making it an ideal activity for veterans, those currently serving in the military, and all New Yorkers looking to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. 

Albany, NY – The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is seeking people who would like to volunteer at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. The public is welcome to visit with Pine Bush staff and current volunteers on Wednesday, November 2nd from 7-8 pm at the Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road, Albany NY. The evening offers an opportunity to learn about the ways to become involved.