Rail Trail Discovery Series
Join ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ this summer for our new Rail Trail Discovery Series — a free lineup of guided nature walks along the Adirondack Rail Trail! Whether you're an avid naturalist or simply curious about the world around you, these walks offer a fun and engaging way to learn more about the Adirondacks.
Summer 2026 Program Schedule:
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July 16, noon
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The Art of Nature Journaling
Led by Elaine Taylor, ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Associate Professor of Art.
Participants will learn techniques for observing and documenting nature through sketching and writing. Attendees should bring their own journal and pencils. |
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July 23,
9 a.m.
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Learning to Identify Mosses
Led by Ray Curran of the Adirondack Botanical Society.
Discover the fascinating world of mosses and learn how to recognize common species found throughout the Adirondacks. |
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July 30,
9 a.m.
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Birds of the Rail Trail
Led by Brian McAllister, ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Adjunct Instructor of Science.
Participants will explore bird habitats along the trail and learn identification techniques. Bringing binoculars is encouraged. |
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August 6,
9 a.m.
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Using iNaturalist for Citizen Science
Led by Mindy Fredenburg, ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Assistant Professor of Science.Learn how to use the iNaturalist smartphone app to identify plants and animals while contributing valuable observations to scientific research. Participants should bring a smartphone. |
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August 13,
9 a.m.
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Identifying Invasive Species
Led by Shaun Kittle of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program
Participants will learn how to recognize invasive plants and understand their impact on local ecosystems. |
Program Details:
- Time: Each event will last between 1 and 2 hours
- Meet at the Sparks Athletic Complex, 112 Dorchester Rd., Saranac Lake, NY 12983
- All events will be held rain or shine
- Free
- Open to the public!
For more information, contact Mindy Fredenburg, Assistant Professor, Academic Coordinator, ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Environmental Science Program, at mfredenburg@nccc.edu