Join Dylan Medici, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Stewardship Assistant, for a guided, three-mile hike around Lake Maratanza. Along the way, we’ll stop at Sam’s Point to view the Wallkill Valley, and observe the effects of the forest fire that occurred here in 2016. While here, we will discuss the role of fire in the natural lifecycle of forests and also the ways in which humans have harnessed fire as a tool to manage forests for their benefit. One such benefit is creating a higher yield of berries from the native blueberry and huckleberry bushes found on the Ridge. For the berry pickers who lived and worked here through the 1960s, this was an important tool. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Due to COVID protocols, the total number of participants for this program is limited to twelve individuals. All participants must wear face coverings or keep a minimum six-foot distance away from others who are not part of your immediate household. Meet at the Sam’s Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam’s Point at 845-647-7989.