Botanical drawing class — Mohonk Preserve, 3197 Route 44/55, Gardiner. 1-4 p.m. June 22. Botanical artist and author Wendy Hollender will lead a program using seasonal materials to improve your botanical drawing skills and practice new techniques. Beginners welcome. Ages 12 and up are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This is an outdoor program. Reservations are required; call 845-255-0919 for reservations and meeting location. All materials will be provided. $25 per-person for Mohonk Preserve members; non-members $35. Payment is required at the time of registration. If a program is cancelled, a full refund will be issued. www.mohonkpreserve.org

Singles and Sociables outing at Black Rock Forest — Mohonk Preserve, 3197 Route 44/55, Gardiner. June 22. A strenuous nine-mile hike for adults. No reservations required. New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact leader Gary Curasi at 845-534-2886) prior to the hike for information. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets. www.mohonkpreserve.org

Hudson River Getaway Kayak Tour with The River Connection — The River Connection Boathouse (6 Dock St., Hyde Park, NY), River Connection, 9 W Market St, Hyde Park. 4-6 p.m. June 22, A quick trip after work or on the weekend. The Getaway tour is a great way to unwind and meet other paddlers. Getaway guided kayak tours will depart from the River Connection Boathouse located at the Hyde Park Landing Marina. 845-229-0595.

Wildlife sketch — Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center174 Angola Road, Cornwall. 10 a.m. June 22, Sketch in a field journal. For adults and children ages 5 and up. Admission $7 for adults and $5 for children or $5 for member adults and $3 for member children. $1 additional materials fee. For information, visit the museum’s website at hhhnaturemuseum.org or call 845-534-5506, Ext. 204.

Nature museum seeks volunteers — Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center174 Angola Road, Cornwall. June 23. The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum is looking for responsible teens ages 15 and older to volunteer as Counselors-in-Training at the museum’s popular Summer Science Nature Camp. The Museum’s Summer Camp, for children from ages four through twelve takes place from June 23 until August 22. The beautiful setting, small group size, and experienced Hudson Highlands Nature Museum staff create a winning combination. Teenagers will gain volunteer community service hours, work with children of all ages, assist counselors, enjoy the outdoors and field trips (depending on week) and learn about science and nature. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Volunteer for one or two weeks at the Outdoor Discovery Center, on Muser Drive, across from 174 Angola Road, Cornwall. Interested teens from previous summers or teens new to the program should contact Volunteer Counselor-in-Training Coordinator Carl Heitmuller at cheitmuller@hhnm.org or download an application at hhnaturemuseum.org

Beacon Waterfront Evening Paddle — Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park, 8 Long Dock Road, Beacon. 6 p.m. June 24. A four- to six-mile paddle for experienced paddlers at an easy pace. Contact leader Dave Webber at webberd1@yahoo.com or 845-452-7238. Launch at 6 p.m. from Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park. Personal flotation device required. Participants must have a kayak 13.5 foot or longer with two bulkheads.

Bob Babb Memorial Walk — Mohonk Preserve, 3197 Route 44/55, Gardiner. 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25. A strenuous seven-mile hike for adults of all ages and levels of ability. Hikes will start at 9:30am at the trailhead parking lot listed and end between noon and 1 p.m. Meet at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve Awosting Lower Parking Lot at 9:30 a.m. or at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center at 9:10 a.m. and carpool. Parking is $8 per car. Be prepared with appropriate gear for the conditions and type of hike. In case of inclement weather, call hike coordinator June Finer at 845-255-7247 between 7:30-8 a.m. www.mohonkpreserve.org

Preschoolers in the park — Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Route 44/55, New Paltz. 10:30 a.m.-noon June 25. Bring your preschoolers and join volunteer naturalist and parent, Jamie McGinnis, for a morning of fun, exploring Lake Minnewaska. Your children will take a short walk to the Lake Minnewaska Swimming Area and search for fish and salamanders along its edges. Adults and children are encouraged to bring swimwear and a towel to splash around in the swim area afterwards. Feel free to bring a lunch and join Jamie and others for a picnic lunch after the outing. Meet at the kiosk in the Wildmere Parking Area, located near Lake Minnewaska. Parking is $8 per car. Pre-registration is required; call 845-255-0752.

Seek birds at Val-Kill — Val-Kill: Eleanor Roosevelt Historic Sitel, 56 Valkill Park RoadRoute 9G, Hyde Park. 8 a.m. June 25. A Waterman Bird Club field trip. Meet in parking lot off Route 9G (just north or Creek Road). Call Adrienn at 845-264-2015. www.watermanbirdclub.org

Library summer reading program — Red Hook Public Library, 7444 S Broadway, Red Hook. 6:30 p.m. June 27. The library will kick off its summer reading program at the Red Hook Firehouse with various animal visitors. The scientific study of zoology will be brought to life with live animal ambassadors during this interactive, educational and entertaining program. Attendees will have a chance to meet a variety of animals from around the world, representing numerous habitats and classifications. This program is free and open to the public. 845-758-3241.

Beacon Institute/Clarkson University presents CEIE Walk n Talk Series; History Walk of Denning’s Point with Karen Gell — Beacon Institute | Clarkson University CEIE, 199 Dennings Ave, Beacon. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. June 28. Based on historian Jim Heron’s popular book, “Denning’s Point, A Hudson River History,” this educational and enlightening walk will reveal a brilliant history which includes Alexander Hamilton and George Washington, on the very grounds where founding principals were created, Denning’s Point. 845 765-2721.

Butterfly weekend — Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, 174 Angola Road, Cornwall. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 28-29, Join environmental educators Pam Golben, Alicia Ocana and Sasha Boucher for a weekend of discovering the beauty of butterflies. At 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. there will be a slide show presentation about common local butterflies. At 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. take a guided butterfly walk through the Outdoor Discovery Center fields. Feed the butterflies in the butterfly tent (one ticket with each paid admission, children must be accompanied by an adult) and there will be crafts for kids. Admission to Grasshopper Grove: Nature Play Area included in admission. Come visit the museum’s gift shop where butterfly items will be available for purchase. Prepaid registration is not required: $8 for adults and $6 for children age 3 and up or $6 for member adults and $4 for member children 3 and up. For more information visit www.hhnaturemuseum.org or call 845-534-5506, Ext. 204.

Hike Wonder Lake — Wonder Lake, Patterson. June 28. A seven-plus-mile hike of the Highland Trail, the Orchard Hill Trail, the Yellow Trail and the Red Trail with the mid-Hudson chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. There are opportunities to shorten the hike for those that don?t want to go the full distance. Meet at the Wonder Lake parking lot on Ludingtonville Road in Holmes. Email leader Tom Buckley at TrailHikerTom@gmail.com for directions and meeting time. www.midhudsonadk.org

Juneberries — Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Route 44/55, New Paltz. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 28. Have you ever heard of a juneberry? Or a shadbush? Saskatoon? Serviceberry? There is at least one species native to every Canadian province and continental state within the U.S. Meet and celebrate the juneberry with Park Preserve educator, Nick Martin, on our way to Millbrook Mountain via a combination of carriage roads and one challenging footpath. On this approximately five-mile hike participants will discuss the cultural and nutritious significance of this tree and learn how to identify it, too.Participants must come prepared with appropriate footwear and enough food and water for this hike. Pre-registration is required; call 845-255-0752.

Singles and Sociables hike to Taconic RIdge — Taconic Ridge. June 28. A strenuous nine-mile hike for adults. No reservations required. New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact leader Tonda Highley at 845-255-9933 for informatio. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets. www.mohonkpresrve.org

West Point Foundry Preserve — West Point Foundry Preserve, Cold Spring. 10 a.m. June 28. A leisurely 1 to 1.5 hour walk with the mid-Hudson chapter of the Adirondack Club on one of the newest Scenic Hudson sites. Meet at Dutchess Mall behind McDonald’s at 10 a.m. or at the preserve at 10:15 a.m. Contact leaders Ellen Zelig and Bill Beehler at 845-473-5557 to confirm. www.midhudsonadk.org

Butterfly searches for kids — Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Route 44/55, New Paltz. 10 a.m to 11:30 p.m. June 29. Bring your family to the Nature Center to learn all about butterflies and what makes them so unique. Participants will search for evidence of their activity, including eggs, caterpillars, leaf chewing and actual butterflies. This program is recommended for children ages 6-10 accompanied by a parent or guardian. Siblings of any age are welcome; however, younger siblings may need parental assistance. Parking is $8 per car. Pre-registration is required; call 845-255-0752.

Kayak Demo Day at The River Connection Boathouse — Boathouse (6 Dock St., Hyde Park, NY), River Connection, 9 W Market St, Hyde Park. 3-5 p.m. June 29, Try out the latest model kayaks from PH, Valley, Venture and North Shore along with Paddles by Werner, Lendal and Saltwood in our own private harbor setting. A perfect way to get your feet wet with kayaking and to try a variety of styles of craft under the supervision and instruction of our American Canoe Association certified Instructors. 845-229-0595.

Castle Rock Unique Area and Arnold’s Flight hike — Castle Rock Unique Area and Arden Point, Garrison. 10 a.m. June 29. A four-mile moderate hike with the mid-Hudson chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Hike to the top of Sugarloaf Hill for at views of the Hudson and West Point and look for one of the few outcrops of native cactus in the state. Then take the path down to the River where Benedict Arnold took flight headed down the river towards the British. Call leader John Ragusa at 917-692-1159. Heavy rain cancels. www.midhudsonadk.org

Dog Days of Summer hike — Mohonk Preserve, 3197 Route 44/55, Gardiner. 10 a.m. to noon June 29. Join Mohonk Preserve Ranger Andrew Bajardi and bring your favorite furry friend along for a moderate four-mile romp through the fields and forests. All well-behaved dogs on short leashes welcome. Be sure to bring plenty of water for yourself and your pet. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Mohonk Preserve Spring Farm Trailhead. This is a free program. Call 845-255-0919. www.mohonkpreserve.org

Fishkill Creek Clean-out and paddle — Fishkill Creek, Fishkill. June 29. Help build our water trail on the Fishkill Creek with the mid-Hudson chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Paddle the creek while clearing it for canoes and kayaks. Bring lunch, water, work gloves, plastic garbage bags and tools, e.g. loppers, axes, saws, come-alongs, rope, pry bars. Contact leader for meeting time and place. Leader: Russ Faller 845-297-5126 (before 9:30 p.m.) or russoutdoors@yahoo.com

Singles and Sociables hike at Burroughs Sanctuary — John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary, West Park. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 29. A moderate seven-mile hike for adults. No reservations required. Meet at Route 9W/299 Park and Ride. New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact leader John Connolly at 845-691-6521 prior to the hike for information. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets. This is a free program. www.mohonkpreserve.org

ONGOING

Art in the Wild: Naturally Inspired Trailside Creations — Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, 174 Angola Road, Cornwall. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays to Aug. 31. An outdoor art exhibit curated by Daniel Mack. Free. For more information visit hhnaturemuseum.org or call 845-534-5506, Ext. 204.

Grasshopper Grove: Gateway to Nature Play — Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, 174 Angola Road, Cornwall. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through mid-November. Nature play area. Admission $3 or free for museum members. For more information visit hhnaturemuseum.org or call 845-534-5506, Ext. 204.

Meet Rescued Farm Animals — Catskill Animal Sanctuary, 316 Old Stage Road, Saugerties. 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through fall. Take a tour, learn the site’s history and mission, meet some of the 300-plus rescued farm animals and hear rescue stories. 845-336-8447.

Early Morning Birders — Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Route 44/55, New Paltz. 8 a.m. Tuesdays to Oct. 28. Outings led by birding volunteers and park naturalists. Meet at the Minnewaska main entrance and come prepared with binoculars. Outing destinations will be determined the day of the program. Call 845-255-0752.

Don’t miss My Valley hike at Mohonk

The Poughkeepsie Journal and the Mohonk Preserve are co-hosting a free moderate-to-strenuous, three-mile hike with an optional rock scramble along the Shawangunk Ridge from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 26. The event will take hikers to the summit of Bonticou Crag, a stark-white rock formation nearly 1,200 feet above sea level with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

The hike will be led by educators from the Preserve, as well as the environmental news staff at the Poughkeepsie Journal. Meet Environmental Reporter John Ferro and Dugan Radwin, editor of the weekly My Valley section.To register, visit www.mohonkpreserve.org/events/my-valley-hike-bonticou-crag.

For other information, call 845-255-0919