Winter 2011- 2012 Programs
For more information on our programs, please contact Lisa Hoyt at (518) 658-2055 or e-mail dykenpond@fairpoint.net.
December
11: Annual Yule Log Celebration: Search for the traditional yule log followed by outdoor fire, kids activities and holiday crafts. Free 1 pm—4pm
January
29: Guided Snow shoe: For all abilities. Rentals available. Best to call ahead and reserve rentals. 1 – 3 pm. Call ahead for snow conditions. Free.
February
4: Wildlife Tracking Full Day Intensive with Alcott Smith. Back by popular demand, track native animals through the day. Pre-registration required. Space limited and fills quickly. $30; $25 members.
5: Wildlife Tracking Half Day with Alcott Smith Spend 3 hours in the field. Your choice or choose both sessions: Morning: 9 -12 or Afternoon 1 – 4 Pre-registration required. Space limited and fills quickly. $20; $15 members
7: Full Snow Moon Trek: Call ahead for snow conditions. Ski or snowshoe by the light of the moon. For the adult intermediate skier or snowshoer. Snow shoe rentals available with advanced reservation. Free 7 pm
February 20: School Vacation Family Tracking with Dan Yacobellis. Dan
is our residenant local tracker. Dan has started researching and
monitoring movements of our local native animals and is very
knowledgable on our local ecosystems. Dan brings not only the
science of tracking, but also a native american skill set to the art
of tracking. This day is open to adults as well as kids ages 8 and
older. A day with Dan will teach you to use your own observations and
intuition to understand how to identify tracks and understand the
movements of animals. This program is for beginners and more
experienced trackers. Space is limited and fills quickly. 9:30 – 12
noon. Pre-registration required by contacting Lisa Hoyt at
dykenpond@fairpoint.net . Fee: $15 per person; second child in a
family; $10. or $12 members
February 26: Family Tracking with Dan Yacobellis: Same description as
Feb. 20 program.
March 8: Full Snow Moon Trek: Call ahead for snow conditions. Ski or snowshoe by the light of the moon. For the adult intermediate skier or snowshoer. Snow shoe rentals available with advanced reservation. Free 7 pm
Wildlife Tracking is a wonderful way to engage with nature in the winter. It’s challenging, inspiring and gives a purpose to getting on those snowshoes or skiis. Have the winter blues? Try Tracking!
Participants need to know their own limitations and dress accordingly for a day in the field. Detailed supply list and recommended attire will be mailed upon registration for Alcott Smith programs. Have questions? Contact the Center at (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@fairpoint.net
Alcott Smith: A retired New Hampshire veterinarian, Alcott brings you the forest from the perspective of its inhabitants. He revels in sharing his passion with others and excels in his ability to bring to life the relationship between our wild fauna and its habitat. From sets of tracks will emerge entire stories in the life of the animals who traveled, foraged, hunted and interacted with one another. Participants return to his programs each year just to hear more of his entertaining stories.
Dan Yacobellis: Dan Yacobellis began his journey into the world of indigenous culture and living skills over 17 years ago. Living with the Lakota people in South Dakota, Dan was introduced to crafts such as, brain tanning hides, hunting practices, bead and porcupine quillwork, tool and weapon construction and many more aspects of their ancient Native lifeways. This ignited a fire in him to learn more about the natural world that shaped these and the many other indigenous cultures around the world.
Since 1994 Dan has been studying the ancient art of animal tracking both in formal educational settings and on his own. In 1998, Dan began working with groups of children from the Albany Free School on the 240 acre parcel of land held by the school in Grafton NY. From simply spending the day immersed in the forest setting to more structured activities like fire making and maple syruping, they created experiences of connection with nature that many of these inner city kids would not likely have had.
