Please join the Friends of Dyken Pond Outdoor Explorers at meetup.com to get notifications for last minute program additions
2026 Fall Programs
You must preregister 24 hours in advance for every program by contacting us at dykenpond@gmail.com or (518) 658-2055. All programs are held entirely outdoors on our 600 acre property.
September
Tuesday Treks: Tuesday, September 1: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Let's get together to enjoy nature and the outdoors, learn a little bit about this beautiful planet we call home, develop or practice outdoor skills and become healthy through exercise and being outside! Join us on a moderately paced 3 mile hike every Tuesday in September to explore the wilds of the Dyken Pond Center. Learn the trail system one at a time with a knowledgeable guide. Each week we'll discover new ground and nature. Hikes will be cancelled in bad weather. Preregistration required at meetup.com by searching for "Friends of Dyken Pond Center". Free. This program is for adults and older teens. Also meeting 9/8, 9/15, 9/22 and 9/29.
October
Fall Foliage Hike: Saturday, October 3: 10am - 11:30am
Take a short hike exploring the forest of the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center to get to know the trees and leaves of the Rensselaer Plateau. Learn about how and why different tree leaves change colors for the fall months. Peak color changes are expected around this time. Preregistration required. All ages. Free.
Volunteer Day/Winter Preparation: Saturday, October 24: 9am -12pm
Help the Center get ready for the colder winter months. Help collecting, cutting and stacking firewood as well as preparing the site, buildings and improving trails for winter are all needed this time of year. We'll provide lunch for all volunteering. Please preregister at 518-658-2055 or dykenpond@gmail.com by Wednesday, October 21 so we can plan enough food for everyone.
Owl Pellet Dissection and Halloween Dress up: Saturday, October 24: 1pm - 2pm
Learn about these fascinating night hunters and dissect a real owl pellet to find out what they eat. Come dressed up in your favorite Halloween costume to add to the spookiness. Costumes are not required (but they are lots of fun!). Owl pellets provided by The Friends of Dyken Pond Center. Preregistration is required. All ages. Free.
Tuesday Treks: Tuesday, October 6: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Let's get together to enjoy nature and the outdoors, learn a little bit about this beautiful planet we call home, develop or practice outdoor skills and become healthy through exercise and being outside! Join us on a moderately paced 3 mile hike every Tuesday in Octoberber to explore the wilds of the Dyken Pond Center. Learn the trail system one at a time with a knowledgeable guide. Each week we'll discover new ground and nature. Hikes will be cancelled in bad weather. Preregistration required at meetup.com by searching for "Friends of Dyken Pond Center". Free. This program is for adults and older teens. Also meeting 10/13, 10/20 and 10/27..
Annual Meeting and Dinner: Thursday, October 15: 6pm
Guest Speaker:Alene OnionNYDEC Research Scientist, Division of Water will present How Is Dyken Pond Doing?This presentation will center around the Dyken Pond Waterbody Assessment Report, whichcovers all parameters of the lakes evaluated data.6:00 pm Dinner by Paolo Lombardi’s7:00 pm Board Meeting and 2026 report on Friends’ activities and accomplishments.Conduct vote for Board of Directors members.7:30 pm Presentation by Alene OnionBuffet Dinner: $45 per personMenu: Garden Salad, Mini Meatballs, Chicken Marsala, Pasta Primavera, Sauteed Broccoli,Bread and Butter, Cake, Coffee, Tea and Water.Reservations are required and must be made by Sunday, October 11.Click the link https://dykenpond.org/?page_id=5244 to make reservations on dykenpond.org.Payment can be completed via PayPal or credit card.Dinner is open to all, so please invite your friends, too, as Dyken Pond celebrates 53 years ofenvironmental education, outdoor recreation and youth development.
