“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.”
– William Shakespeare
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
Forsyth Nature Center in Kingston presents Green Friday
This week, you can say TGI-Green-Friday by wrapping up your week at Green Friday at the Forsyth Nature Center. On Friday, April 24 from 4 to 7 p.m., displays and demonstrations include electric and hybrid cars, composting, rain harvesting, solar energy and children’s activities. This event is free and open to the public.
The Forsyth Nature Center is located at 157 Lucas Avenue in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 481-7339 or visit www.facebook.com/forsythnaturecenter.
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
Draft Horse Spring Plow at Saunderskill Farm in Accord
Whether you live here or are just visiting, the Hudson Valley Draft Horse Spring Plow is a terrific example of the unique historic charm of our area. On Saturday, from April 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saunderskill Farm is where you can see horse demonstrations, hear live music, participate in kids’ activities and more. Saunderskill Farm is located at 5100 Route 209 in Accord. For more information, call (845) 626-2676 or visit https://saunderskill.com.
Spring Trail Cleanup at Burroughs Nature Sanctuary in West Park
Local naturalist John Burroughs wrote, “What is the best thing for a stream? It is to keep moving. If it stops, it stagnates. So the best thing for a man is that which keeps the currents going: the physical, the moral and the intellectual currents. Hence the secret of happiness is – something to do; some congenial work.”
Inspired? Be a part of the Spring Trail Cleanup event at the John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary. On Saturday, April 25 at 9 a.m., meet at the Slabsides gateway with water and work gloves, a lunch if you plan to work into the afternoon, as well as clippers and a metal rake if you have them. Early birds can attend an 8 a.m. nature walk at the Nature Sanctuary before the work begins; just let the guide know that you’re coming by e-mailing mattcorsaro@yahoo.com. Slabsides is located at 261 Floyd Ackert Road in West Park. For more information, visit www.johnburroughsassociation.org.
Fossil, the Dinosaur Detective puppet show at SUNY-Dutchess
When you see a puppet show about dinosaurs while classical music plays, you know that Fossil, the Dinosaur Detective is involved! On Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m. at SUNY-Dutchess, families with children ages 4 to 12 will enjoy Jim West’s Dinosaurs production as he constructs dinosaur puppets, shares facts about dinosaurs and tells stories, all while classical music plays in the background. This show is free and open to the public and takes place in the James & Betty Hall Theatre.
SUNY-Dutchess is located at 53 Pendell Road in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 431-8000 or visit https://sunydutchess.edu. To learn more about the performer, visit www.jimwestpuppets.com.
Animal Experiences Wildlife Show at Unison in New Paltz
One hour. Eight animals. Critters that your family can get close to, some of which they can even pet! In? Order your tickets now for the Animal Experiences Wildlife Show at the Unison Arts & Learning Center, taking place this Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets at the door cost $14 for adults, $7 for children 12 and under, and are cheaper by $2 if you order them in advance.
Unison is located at 68 Mountain Rest Road in New Paltz. For tickets or more information, call (845) 255-1559 or visit https://unisonarts.org. To learn more about the animals, visit www.happytalesanimalsanctuary.org.
Earth Day activities at Bear Mountain in Highland Falls
Celebrate Earth Day by making treats for bears, then watching them eat them! This Saturday, June 25 at 10:30 a.m., come to the Trailside Museums & Zoo to make goodies for the bears and other Earth Day activities, enjoy nature-related displays and take home a native tree seedling!
The Trailside Museums & Zoo are located at Bear Mountain State Park. Parking costs $8, and admission to the zoo carries a suggested donation of $1. Bear Mountain State Park is located at 55 Hessian Drive in Highland Falls. For more information, call (845) 786-2701, extension 293, or visit www.trailsidezoo.org.
Spanish spelling bee at Vassar
A Spanish spelling bee? ¿Porqué no? (Why not?) If you’re a student between fourth and eighth grades and a resident of Dutchess, Columbia, Orange or Ulster County, you can be a part of it. This Saturday, April 25 at 10 a.m., Vassar College hosts its second annual Spanish Spelling Bee in the Aula Auditorium.
Vassar College is located at 124 Raymond Avenue in Poughkeepsie. For more information, call (845) 437-7000 or visit www.vassar.edu.
Join the family! 
