Rosendale Earthfest returns to Rec Center
Years ago, screenwriter, producer and director Joss Whedon was asked why he writes strong female characters. He replied, “Because you’re still asking me that question.” Sometimes I wonder if people feel that way about environmentally themed events: We think progress is being made, but we still have a ways to go.
The Rosendale Earthfest takes place this Sunday, June 9 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. outdoors at the Rosendale Recreation Complex. This year’s theme is “Making Connections,” such as the much-anticipated opening of the Rosendale trestle over the Rondout later this month, which could eventually connect the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail all the way from Gardiner to Kingston. In addition to a variety of exhibits and demonstrations of Earth-friendly practices such as the Tool Share Network, the Repair Café and lacto-fermentation, highlights for kids include a performance by the giant puppets of Bread & Puppet’s Hallelujah by the Redwing Blackbird Theatre with live music, a stream walk, a petting zoo, an encounter with a Eurasian Eagle Owl, nature crafts and more.
The Rosendale Farmers’ Market will be open in the parking lot until 2 p.m. with some of its own children’s activities, and a playground is located on-site. Admission to the Rosendale Earthfest is free, but donations are welcomed. The Rosendale Earthfest takes place outside at the Rosendale Recreation Center, located at 1055 Route 32 in Rosendale. For more information, call (845) 658-8967 or e-mail earthfestexpo@gmail.com.
Amazing animals
Calling all critter-lovers! Here are three events for an up-close-and-personal look at furry, shelled and fish friends.
Two by Two Zoo at Kingston Library
For the chance to see a young kangaroo, a lemur, a chinchilla, a hedgehog, a coatimundi, a large rabbit and a variety of fascinating reptiles, head over to the Kingston Library’s Super Saturday program: “Two by Two Zoo.” This educational traveling zoo focuses on informing the public about endangered animals. And it’s also a chance to find out what in the world a coatimundi is. Two by Two Zoo takes place on Saturday, June 8 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and is a free program geared for ages 5 years and up.
The Kingston Library is located at 55 Franklin Street in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 331-0507 or visit www.kingstonlibrary.org. To learn more about the presenters, visit www.twobytwozoo.com.
Snapping Turtle Walk at Boscobel
As some of you already know, Boscobel House and Gardens are a beautiful spot, and I am delighted that they’re only 46 minutes from New Paltz. Observing nature is lovely in all kinds of settings, but it’s extra-nice at Boscobel.
This Saturday, June 8 from 7:30 to 9 a.m., join in on the Snapping Turtle Walk. After a presentation by experts from the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, you can explore the grounds to see female turtles lay their eggs. This is a wonderful chance to see snapping turtles in action without nervously trying to help them cross a road. Admission costs $12 per person and includes light refreshments, and kids 6 and under get in free.
Boscobel is located at 1601 Route 9D in Garrison, which is just minutes away from the Stonecrop Gardens in Cold Spring, in case you want to visit while you’re in the area. For more information about the Snapping Turtle Walk, call (845) 265-3638 or visit www.boscobel.org. To learn more about nearby Stonecrop Gardens, visit www.stonecrop.org.
Kenneth Wilson State Park hosts Family Fun & Fish Day
Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong sing, “We gone fishin’ instead of just a-wishin’.” If you’ve been meaning to get out but are doing more wishin’ than fishin’, check out the second annual Family Fun & Fish Day at Kenneth Wilson State Park. This event takes place on Saturday, June 8 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Youth and adults can learn the sport of fishing and how to identify fish as well as get an overview of aquatic ecology, and a barbecue and crafts will take place under the pavilion at 12 noon.
All fishing supplies will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own as well, and no fishing license is necessary. This event is free but there is a fee to enter the park for same-day registrants. Kenneth Wilson State Park is located at 859 Wittenberg Road in Mount Tremper. For more information or to register, call (845) 688-3047, extension 3, e-mail bwg37@cornell.edu or visit online at www.ashokanstreams.org.