To learn something new, take the path that you took yesterday.
– John Burroughs
Family Tree ID Spree at Sloan Gorge Preserve in Woodstock
The Lorax may speak for the trees, but do we even know their names? Why does it matter anyway whether we can identify different types of trees? Well, to me, it makes my world a little more personal. Just as knowing the names of my neighbors makes my road feel less anonymous and more connected, a given tree transforms from being a vague part of local foliage to being noticed and even appreciated on its own merits.
This Saturday, June 15 at 11 a.m., Woodstock Land Conservancy invites you to bring the family for a “Family Tree ID Spree” at the Sloan Gorge Preserve. Not only does this sound like an interesting activity, but the experts leading the event also include Almanac Weekly columnist and astronomer Bob Berman, who also happens to be a tree enthusiast. Family Tree ID Spree is free and open to the public, and participants are advised to wear footwear appropriate for rocky trails.
The Sloan Gorge Preserve is located at Stoll Road, just off West Saugerties/Woodstock Road. For more information, call (845) 679-6480 or visit ulsterpub.staging.wpenginelandconservancy.org.
“Beneficial Garden Visitors” workshop at Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum
If you’ve been meaning to get over to the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, this Saturday’s hands-on workshop is an extra incentive. “Beneficial Garden Visitors: Critters above and below Ground” engages children in an exploration of compost with microscopes and magnifying glasses; discoveries about garden friends such as toads and frogs; and construction of toad houses. This workshop takes place on Saturday, June 15 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and is included with museum admission.
The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum is located at 75 North Water Street in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 471-0589 or visit www.mhcm.org.
Dragonfly & damselfly workshop at Olana
Our family spent some time at the Black Creek Preserve in Esopus recently, checking out the stream life, and we came across lots of cool nymphs, including dragonfly and damselfly. Now our family is curious to learn about the adult form of these insects, and we’re in luck. On Thursday, June 20 at 10 a.m., the Olana State Historic Site presents “21st-Century Damsels and Dragons,” a workshop that includes learning about these creatures and catching them for inclusion in the New York State Dragonfly and Damselfly Survey. Preregistration is requested for this event, and the cost is $5 per person.
Olana is located at 5720 Route 9G in Hudson. For more information or to register, call (518) 828-1872, extension 109, or visit www.olana.org.
Join the family! 
