Come learn to identify the trees and leaves of Minnewaska State Park Preserve with Sarah LaLumiere, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps member. Sarah will lead you around the beautiful forests and vistas of the Beacon Hill trail loop. On this approximately two mile hike, Sarah will explain the best methods for identifying trees, using their autumn leaves. Discover whether any of Minnewaska's leaves have begun to turn color, and identify any tree species that display this remarkable ecological phenomenon. Then, learn how to distinguish seemingly identical leaf pairs and master the identification of locally common trees. Finally, explore the phenology of leaf-turn and leaf-fall, and learn about the incredibly precise timing of these events and why they occur. This family program is recommended for all ages, but may be of special interest to children over the age of seven years old. All 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 Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.
Registration: Required