September 2021 Events at Rockfeller

September 2021 Events

Rockefeller is a designated State Park Preserve. A Park Preserve is a protected area of importance for flora, fauna, or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for purposes of conservation while also allowing for passive recreation such as walking, jogging, photography or wildlife viewing. Come to Rockefeller to walk our trails/carriage roads, enjoy our magnificent trees, plants, and wildflowers - and maybe get lucky and catch a glimpse of some of our animal residents including deer, fox, coyote, racoon, lots of birds (we are a recognized Audubon site), turtles, squirrels, chipmunks, trout, skunks, snakes, rabbits, and maybe even bobcats! Please leave the picnic and park games at home. Thank you for your cooperation. We follow NY State Guidelines for COVID at all events. Please register for all events through Eventbrite unless otherwise noted.

Click Here to Register on Eventbrite

September 4 | 11 am – 12 pm | Go Nuts for Walnuts! Join our nut expert, Jerry Henkin, on an edible adventure as you learn about the nut-producing trees in the Preserve. There will be samples for you to taste as you learn about the black walnut and a handful of others. The group will meet in the Visitor’s Center courtyard and venture a short distance to hug a couple of our beloved black walnut trees and learn more about them. In the event of rain, the program will be canceled and a full refund will be issued. If you have a nut allergy, please do not attend.  Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees. Maximum: 20 people.

September 4, 11, 18, 25 | 9:30 – 10:30 am | Yoga at Rockwood Relieve stress and connect with nature during our outdoor yoga sessions at Rockwood Hall. Flow through moving meditation with instructor, Shivani Singh, and start your weekend on a positive note. Classes are appropriate for all levels of experience, ages 18+. In the event of rain, the class will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued. You will be notified via email the day before.  Please bring a yoga mat and water and arrive 10-15 minutes early. Cost: $9 per class + Eventbrite fees. Maximum: 20 people.  PLEASE NOTE: CLASSES ARE AT ROCKWOOD HALL, DO NOT GO TO THE MAIN PARK ENTRANCE!

September 7 | 9 am – 2 pm | Restore the Ruins!   Inspired by “National Trails Day”, this stewardship event is an opportunity for the public to contribute to preserving natural and historic landmarks for future generations to enjoy. The group will meet at the Rockwood Hall parking lot at 9 am; however, you may come and go as you please. You will find the group at the Rockwood Hall foundation pulling vines and tending to the vegetation to help revive this beautiful landmark. From the parking lot, cross the street and walk up the hill, stay to your right as you pass the kiosk. If the parking lot is full, you may park in the Phelps parking garage free of charge. Please bring plenty of water and a lunch if you plan on staying all day. Cost: FREE! Please register via Eventbrite so we know how many people to expect. PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS AT ROCKWOOD HALL, DO NOT GO TO THE MAIN PARK ENTRANCE!

September 9 | 10 – 11:30 am | What’s Attacking All the Beech Trees?! If you’ve wondered why many of the Beech trees in the Preserve have shriveled and discolored leaves, here’s your answer: nematodes! These tiny parasitic worms are infecting the Beech trees and causing damage that could eventually lead to an untimely death. Join our plant expert, Devyani Mishra, on a short walk to see infected Beech trees and learn what the Preserve and the Department of Environmental Conservation are doing to solve this issue. Return to the Visitor’s Center to observe the nematodes under a microscope and get a close-up view of these pests. Meet at the Visitor’s Center and bring water to drink. Leashed dogs welcome. In the event of rain, the program will be canceled; you will be notified via email at least 2 hours before. Cost: FREE! Please register via Eventbrite. Maximum: 20 people.  PLEASE NOTE: If you reserve tickets and cannot make it, please cancel your reservation through Eventbrite so the tickets may be made available to others who are wait-listed. Thank you!

September 10 | 9 – 11 pm | Stargazing in the Preserve Join members of the Rockland Astronomy Club for an evening of stargazing at the Preserve. You’ll have the chance to view the night sky through a telescope and maybe even catch a glimpse of one of our planetary neighbors. Meet at the Visitor’s Center courtyard, followed by a short walk on the Overlook trail to our viewing location. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and water to drink. IMPORTANT: We leave promptly at scheduled times. This event takes place after the park has officially closed. Latecomers will not be allowed to enter the park after the group has departed. Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees. Maximum: 20 people. Rain date: September 17.

September 11 & 17 | 8 – 10 am | Birdwatching with the Saw Mill River Audubon Society Get to know our feathered residents! Join experts from the Saw Mill River Audubon Society on a bird walk around the Preserve. Great for all levels of birding experience, beginners welcome! We typically go rain or shine except if very low temperatures, heavy precipitation or high winds are forecasted and/or if travel is not advised. If so, you will receive a cancellation email two hours before the scheduled walk. Bring water to drink, and binoculars if you have them.   SUBJECT TO NY STATE COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS: Completed vaccinations are required to attend. Bring a mask in case of close contact with other visitors.  Cost: FREE Maximum: 20 people. Please register for this event at: https://www.sawmillriveraudubon.org/register-trips/

September 13 | 2 – 4:30 pm | Bird Photography Workshop Learn the best techniques for photographing birds in their natural habitat. Join wildlife photographer Bill Golden for a bird photography workshop beginning with an instructional overview, followed by a walk through the Preserve to put your newfound skills to the test. Learn what settings are most effective in photographing birds and other wildlife including how to photograph birds in flight. Meet in the Visitor’s Center courtyard and bring your camera and water to drink. In the event of heavy rain, the workshop will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued. You will be notified via email at least 2 hours before. Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees. Maximum: 20 people.

September 19 | 12 – 2 pm | History of Rockwood Hall: Hudson River Valley Ramble! Join our historian, David Teich, on an adventure into the past as we explore Rockwood Hall and its rich history through stories of the land and the people who called it home. Once the estate of William Rockefeller, this site boasts scenic views overlooking the Hudson, lush forests, and remnants of 19th century luxuries. Gather at the Rockwood Hall parking lot on Kendal Way at the end of route 117, just after the intersection of Phelps and Regeneron. Leashed dogs are welcome. In the event of heavy rain, the tour will be canceled and a full refund will be issued. You will be notified via email at least 2 hours in advance. Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees. Maximum: 40 people. PLEASE NOTE: THIS HIKE IS AT ROCKWOOD HALL, DO NOT GO TO THE MAIN PARK ENTRANCE!

September 20 | 7 – 9 pm | Full Moon Hike “Harvest Moon”: Hudson River Valley Ramble!  >>Tickets available on September 1st, 2021 at 10:00 am ET<<  Every month we give hikers an opportunity to experience the Preserve after dark in our "Full Moon Hike" series.  Join us for this very popular and special event!  Please bring water, a flashlight or headlamp, and dress according to weather conditions. Leashed dogs are welcome. Meet at the Visitor’s Center courtyard. In case of bad weather, the event may be canceled; please watch for notices from Eventbrite.  IMPORTANT: We leave promptly at scheduled times. This is a night hike, after the park has officially closed. Latecomers will not be allowed to enter the park after the group has departed.   Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees. Maximum: 40 people.   PLEASE NOTE: If you reserve tickets and cannot make it, we ask that you cancel your reservation through Eventbrite so the tickets may be made available to others who are wait-listed. Thank you for your cooperation.

September 22 | 9 – 11 am | Wildflower Walk Celebrate the change of seasons on the autumnal equinox with our wildflower expert, Patty Butter. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Preserve and learn about the identification of autumn wildflowers and how you can contribute as a citizen scientist to increase our knowledge of the ecology of the Preserve. Dress for a moderate hike with sun protection and bring plenty of water. Bring a camera or cell phone to take pictures and add the iNaturalist app to your phone. Recommended text: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb. In the event of rain, the walk will be rescheduled for September 29; you will be notified via email the day before. Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees. Maximum: 12 Participants.

September 23 | 9 – 10:30 am | Tree Identification Hike Come join Flora Steward, Devyani Mishra, on a walk through the Preserve to learn more about trees and other plants in the area and how to identify them. Meet at the Visitor’s Center courtyard and bring water to drink. The hike will be short with frequent stops for discussion. In the event of heavy rain, the hike will be canceled and a full refund will be issued. You will be notified via email the day before.  Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees. Maximum: 15 people.

September 23 | 6 – 7:30 pm | Sunset Hike: Hudson River Valley Ramble! Come join us for a sunset hike at Rockwood Hall for what we hope will be a spectacular view over the Hudson and the Tappan Zee Bridge. Please dress according to weather conditions and bring water. We will gather at the main kiosk at the top of the hill and will leave ON TIME. The parking lot is right below Phelps Hospital, off Route 117. The path that leads to the park is across the street from the parking lot. Leashed dogs are welcome. In case of bad weather, the event may be canceled (including overcast skies when we know there will be no visible sunset). Please watch for notices from Eventbrite. Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees. Maximum: 40 people. PLEASE NOTE: THIS HIKE IS AT ROCKWOOD HALL, DO NOT GO TO THE MAIN PARK ENTRANCE!

September 25 | 9 am – 12 pm | Hike with Mike: Hudson River Valley Ramble! Enjoy a hike guided by our historian, Michael Miernik, and learn about the river, brooks, and other water features within the Preserve. Witness the cascades of the Pocantico River and learn about the Old Croton Aqueduct and other historical facts along the way. The walk will start and end at the Visitor’s Center courtyard. Leashed dogs welcome. Make sure to bring water with you. The hike will continue in light rain; however, in the event of heavy rain, the hike will be canceled and a full refund will be issued. You will be notified via email the day before. Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees. Maximum: 25 people.