Friends of Sterling Forest State Park announce calendar for January
TUXEDO — The Friends of Sterling Forest State Park have announced the calendar of events for January:
Lecture Series
The First Marked Nature Trail in the County here in Tuxedo
Sunday, Jan. 12, at 1 p.m.
Between 1925 and 1928 the American Museum of Natural History and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission operated a “museum camp” at the western entrance to Harriman State Park on what is now the intersection of Routes 17 and 17A.
Dr. Frank E. Lutz, the curator of entomology at the museum, and director of this station, believed that wildlife should be studied where it lived.
They established the first marked nature trail in the country. This presentation will describe the research and the trail.
Historical pictures will help us learn more about this work.
Torn Mountain
Sunday, Jan. 19, at 1 p.m.
The most majestic peak in the Ramapo Mountains is now almost completely protected by its inclusion in Harriman Park.
An important Indian site; its legendary scenic beauty was depicted by many artists. Those who hike to its summit are rewarded with wondrous views.
Join us as Ramapo River Watershed Keeper Geoff Welch presents a slide show of images and tells us about Torne Mountain.
Intro to Snowshoeing
Sunday, Jan. 26, at 1 p.m.
Snowshoeing is great for both casual recreational hiking and extended backcountry excursions. FSF member Linda Pallack will introduce you to the basics of snowshoeing and some of the trails in Sterling Forest State Park that are perfect for this sport.
No experience is necessary. Participants must bring their own equipment including snowshoes and hiking/winter boots and hiking poles if desired.
Rentals are available at http://www.rei.com/stores/storeloc.html#newjersey in Paramus (201-226-1560) or at http://www.ems.com/storeLocator/in Paramus (201-670-6464) and Nanuet (845-623-5282).
If there is no snow, we will still go for a walk.
The trails can be steep and rocky, so please wear sturdy hiking shoes. Our hikes will include stops along the way to interpret natural and historic features. Hunting is allowed in portions of Sterling Forest State Park, we suggest wearing hunter orange or bright colors other than white during the hunting season.
Registration is required for all programs. For more information or to register, call 845-351-5907.