Capital Region Native Plant Society

Join us at Joralemon Memorial Park (Town of Coeymans) as we look for ephemeral spring wildflowers in bloom. The parking area (red pin shown below on Location map; also the orange area on the trail map) is located along the south side of Starr Road ~0.3 mile north of its intersection with Fares Road (or ~750’ south of the entrance road into the park) – use the directions available from Google Maps by clicking on the “parking area” link above. We’ll gather in the parking area before crossing Starr Road to enter the park. We'll begin by strolling north on the blue trail, then pick up the red trail to continue on before wandering around near The Ledges depicted on the trail map. We’ll then return to the parking area via the red and blue trails. Trail surface is a dirt path with many scattered puddles – please wear proper footwear.

We’re hoping to find some ephemeral spring wildflowers and other blooming beauties along our route.

Weather cancellation: This event will be cancelled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers), or
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth).

PLEASE NOTE: To attend, you must RSVP to reserve your spot as this event will be limited to 22 participants.

You don’t want to miss this hike! In addition to seeing beautiful native wildflowers up close in bloom, you’ll also enjoy the spectacular view of the surrounding landscape from High Point within Thacher State Park.

Take Route 146 to Altamont. Squiggle up the mountain on Rt 156. Turn LEFT onto Old Stage Road (after Lewis Rd). Go up the steep hill that turns right then left. Go to the Long Path parking area, which is ~<1 mile south of NY Route 156. We’ll meet at the trailhead just beyond the parking area. View the trail map for this hike. We will make our way to High Point via Long Path (LP on the map) and then return to the parking area via High Point Road (HP on the map; ~2.25 miles round trip). Trail surface is a dirt path with occasional exposed tree roots and rocks. Please wear proper footwear.

We’re hoping to find some spring ephemeral wildflowers and other blooming beauties along our route.

Weather cancellation: This event will be cancelled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers), or
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth).

PLEASE NOTE: To attend, you must (1) RSVP to reserve your spot (as this event will be limited to 16 participants) AND (2) send an email request to david.behm.curiousbynature@gmail.com for directions as to where we will meet. My reply will also include a trail map for this unique outing.

We’ll explore a small portion of a bog located on the Rensselaer Plateau (Town of Grafton). Before heading out onto a bog, please be sure to become acquainted with “myth vs. fact” about them. Come along for a fun outing to search for and identify plants in this unique type of wetland.

For those joining me, I recommend rubber knee boots or waterproof boots as we will be walking on water-soaked sphagnum moss and other mat-like bog vegetation. It is unlikely that we will be walking through any standing water, but most, if not all of your steps, will likely result in wet shoes because your feet will sink into the wet spongy vegetation beneath you.

Weather cancellation: This event will be cancelled if any of the following is occurring or is forecast for this destination at that time:

• thunderstorms (or any other severe weather),
• moderate or heavy rainfall (i.e., more than drizzle/mist or intermittent showers), or
• gusty or sustained winds (i.e., treetops are noticeably swaying back and forth).