Saturday, Aug. 30
Things that Crawl and Things That Are Small
Croton Point Nature Center
1 p.m.
We will explore forest logs and grassy meadows to identify the “little things.” Hand lenses provided. All ages welcome.

Sunday, Aug. 31
Fall Migration Bird Walk
Marshlands Conservancy
8 a.m.
The same birds that came in May are already heading south for the winter.  Bring binoculars and enjoy the cool morning air.

Butterflies in our Garden
Lenoir Preserve
11 a.m.
Join us for a walk through the Beverley E. Smith Butterfly Garden. Families and beginners welcome.

Peach Season Tour of Merestead
Merestead Estate, Mt. Kisco
1 p.m.
Take a walk up to the fruit orchards to see the peaches, then return to the main dwelling for a brief tour and to sample some peach treats in the kitchen. 12 participants maximum. By reservation only. Call 666-4258.

September

Monday, Sept. 1
Labor Day Antiques Fair
Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission $7; rain or shine.

Wednesday, Sept. 3
Senior Women’s Golf Championship
Dunwoodie Golf Course
Pre-registration and fee required. Call (914) 231-3490. Rain date: Wednesday, Sept. 10.  

Hudson River Audubon Meeting
Lenoir Preserve
7 p.m.
All welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, Sept. 5
Hudson River Ferry Sloop Meeting
Croton Point Nature Center
6 p.m.
Share the beauty of the river with a non-profit environmental sailing organization that inspires people to appreciate and protect one of our country’s greatest resources. Meet at the nature center. 

Saturday, Sept. 6
Nuts and Berries: Fruits with a Plan
Cranberry Lake Preserve
1 p.m.
Each autumn the woods of the park become a nuts and berries smorgasbord for birds migrating south and for mammals fattening up for the winter. Learn to recognize some of the common menu items and why plants make some of their fruit delicious and others poisonous. 

Fairy House Rules!
Croton Point Nature Center
1 p.m.
Nature is the best way to show that everyone can be an artist, and a wonderful way to express one’s creativity is by creation of fairy houses. Come decorate the point with these miniature wonders. Meet at the nature center. 

Naturalist’s Choice Hike
Trailside Nature Museum
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River
1 p.m.
School may have started, but it is still officially summer, so let’s take to the trails once more! This hike will be led by one of the museum’s naturalists who will select the theme and the trail. Round trip is approximately 2-3 miles. 

Sunday, Sept. 7
Bicycle Sunday
Bronx River Parkway
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
The Bronx River Parkway opens to all bicyclists, skaters, scooters, walkers and joggers.  No motorized vehicles. From Westchester County Center in White Plains to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.

State of the Salt Marsh
Marshlands Conservancy
2 p.m. 
Come see the condition of the largest remaining salt marsh in Westchester, learn about the plants, animals and abiotic features that make it up, and see firsthand the changes that regularly occur in this coastal habitat. 

Monday, Sept. 8
James Marotta Senior Men’s Championship
Maple Moor Golf Course
Pre-registration and fee required. Call (914) 995-9200. Rain date: Monday, Sept. 15. 

Wednesday, Sept. 10
Pool Party and Barbecue for Seniors
Saxon Woods Pool
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Pool party, barbecue, music and entertainment for seniors and their young grandchildren.  Suggested lunch contribution $3 for seniors and $4 for children.  Mail to: Dept. of Senior Programs and Services, 9 South First Avenue, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550. Rain date is Thursday, Sept. 11. 

Saturday, Sept. 13
Fall Migration Bird Walk
Read Sanctuary
8 a.m. 
As the photoperiod declines, the birds are cued into beginning their long treks southward. Catch a glimpse of some of these birds as they stop here to fuel up for the arduous journey. Binoculars provided. 

Yoga at Cranberry Lake
Cranberry Lake Preserve
9:30 a.m. 
Join certified Kripalu Yoga instructor Franklin Shire for this special event which will combine love of nature and the practice of yoga, amidst the serenity and beauty of Cranberry Lake. Bring your own mat and prepare for a relaxed walk to a scenic spot where the event will take place. Beginners welcome. For information call (914) 428-1005. 

Fall Scavenger Hunt
Lenoir Preserve
1 p.m.
Children will embark on an adventure through Lenoir Preserve in search of nature-related items. 

Searching for Sea Glass
Croton Point Nature Center
1 p.m. 
Come join the nature center staff as we explore the Hudson River shoreline for sea glass. We’ll discover how they form, their color variations and how common/uncommon they might be. Program includes shoreline exploration followed by the creation of a personal sea glass pendant. All ages are welcome. This is part of the Ninth Annual Hudson River Ramble.  

Bird Feeder Workshop
Trailside Nature Museum
1 p.m. 
Learn about backyard birds while helping to feed our feathered friends. Come make a wooden bird feeder to hang in your yard. 

Sunday, Sept. 14
Bicycle Sunday
Bronx River Parkway
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
The Bronx River Parkway opens to all bicyclists, skaters, scooters, walkers and joggers.  No motorized vehicles. From Westchester County Center in White Plains to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. 

MALFA Archaeology Open House
Croton Point Nature Center
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
An afternoon of archaeological adventures with your local archaeological organization.  Meet at the nature center. 

Wonders of the Meadow
Marshlands Conservancy
2 p.m.
The meadow is in full flower and there should be lots of butterflies and other amazing insects to see in the oldest continuously maintained meadow in New York. 

Early Fall Walking Tour
Lasdon Park Arboretum and Veterans Memorial
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. 
Enjoy a fall walk through the perennial gardens with Lasdon’s horticulturist as you discover the wonderful perennials in bloom that can bring beautiful color to your own garden.

Thursday, Sept. 18
John Paonessa Memorial Pro-am Golf Tournament
Mohansic Golf Course
Pre-registration and fee required. Call (914) 862-5283. Rain date: Thursday, Sept. 25.

Saturday, Sept. 20
Fall Warbler Migration Exploration
Croton Point Nature Center
8 a.m. – 10 a.m. 
Part of the ninth annual Hudson River Valley Ramble.  Join the Croton Point Park naturalist as we hear, seek out and identify these “confusing fall creatures.” Please bring binoculars and dress for weather. Meet at the nature center. 

22nd Annual International Coastal Cleanup
Read Sanctuary– 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Marshlands Conservancy – 10 a.m.  (Please arrive promptly)
Croton Nature Center – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This is a worldwide event involving 76 countries and thousands of volunteers to help clean up our shorelines of trash. Debris cleaned up will be weighed and classified, and the recorded information will be sent to Ocean Conservancy. Gloves, data sheets and garbage bags will be provided. 

Morning Mushrooms
Cranberry Lake Preserve
9:30 a.m.
We’ll search the park for all things fungal. We won’t be collecting for our kitchens but it’s still a great way to learn about what’s edible and what’s poisonous. Beginners are welcome. Bring along a lunch and stay for a picnic afterwards. Co-sponsored by the Connecticut –Westchester Mycological Association.

Hawk Watch
Lenoir Preserve
10 a.m.
Join us as we look for hawks on the Hudson. Beginners welcome. Please bring binoculars.  Co-sponsored by Hudson River Audubon Society.

Hike Around Lenoir Preserve
Lenoir Preserve
11 a.m. 
Join the staff for a hike around the preserve.  

My Forest
Trailside Nature Museum
1 p.m. 
Some of the world’s coolest animals can be found right in our own backyards! Our forest animals are equipped with skills to survive both the hottest and coldest days. This live animal program shows us why our forest is so important to us and our wildlife. Ideal for children grades 3-4, though everyone is welcome. Presented by Anthony Cogswell. 

Starway to Heaven
Trailside Nature Museum
7 p.m.
Join the Westchester Amateur Astronomers in the Meadow parking lot for star gazing through telescopes. Weather permitting. Cloud date is Sept. 27. 

Sunday, Sept. 21
Bird Walk
Marshlands Conservancy
9:30 a.m.
Join Megan Aitchison for a look at birds that are migrating and birds that are residents. There may be some good waves of hawks depending on the winds. Bring binoculars.

Bicycle Sunday
Bronx River Parkway
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Bronx River Parkway opens to all bicyclists, skaters, scooters, walkers and joggers.  No motorized vehicles. From Westchester County Center in White Plains to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.

Art Show Opening: A Walk in the Woods
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
3 p.m. –  5 p.m.
Paintings by Belle Manes on view daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 31.

Wednesday, Sept. 24
Hudson River Audubon Society Meeting
Lenoir Preserve
7 p.m.
“Endangered Species” – Join wildlife educator Anthony Cogswell for a program about the earth’s flora and fauna and the danger of its disappearance, never to be enjoyed by future generations. Why is it so important to protect our world and the life on it? Let’s explore the answers to that question. Find out what you can do to help, and meet live animals. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. 

Saturday, Sept. 27
2008 Start Heart Walk
Kensico Dam Plaza
7:30 a.m.
A fun-filled day of activities that includes a health and fitness expo, a Kids Zone for our younger Heart Walkers, food, music and all-out fun. For more information visit http://www.westchesterheartwalk.org/ or call Autumn Kindelspire at (914) 640-3273.

Hawk Watch
Lenoir Preserve
10 a.m.
Join us as we look for hawks on the Hudson. Beginners welcome. Please bring binoculars. Co-sponsored by Hudson River Audubon Society. 

Seining at Croton Point Park
Croton Point Nature Center
1 p.m. 
The program is part of the ninth annual Hudson River Valley Ramble. Put on your rubber boots, old sneakers and ratty clothes as we wade in the water with a long net to identify creatures near the shoreline. We catch, identify and release them. Meet at the nature center. 

Geological Jewelry
Cranberry Lake Preserve
1 p.m. 
Make a beautiful necklace and learn about rocks and minerals while you do it.  We’ll hike up to the quarry that supplied the Kensico Dam with its stone and look for fragments of feldspar and quartz that were left behind. When you’ve found your perfect piece, you’ll have a chance to turn it into beautiful jewelry. Call (914) 428-1005 to pre-register. 

The Honey Harvest
Trailside Nature Museum
1 p.m. 
Join beekeeper Ralph Szur to learn about that golden nectar, honey. Come prepared to taste samples from his hive and other honey varieties. Ralph will help you to understand the delicate relationship between our food supply and his favorite hobby – keeping bees and gathering honey. 

Exploring the Forest Floor
Lenoir Preserve
2 p.m. 
The forest floor is a habitat that is teeming with life. Learn as we look for some of the inhabitants of the forest floor while hiking through Lenoir Preserve. Co-sponsored by the Hudson River Audubon Society. 

Sunday, Sept. 28
Bicycle Sunday
Bronx River Parkway
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Bronx River Parkway opens to all bicyclists, skaters, scooters, walkers and joggers. No motorized vehicles. From Westchester County Center in White Plains to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. 

Car and Truck Show
Playland Park
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
Admission $5. Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 5 

Wildflowers of Marshlands
Marshlands Conservancy
2 p.m. 
Take this opportunity to examine the details of common wildflowers that make identifying them a joy and a puzzle. You will learn a whole new way of seeing under the guidance of Megan Aitchison. 

The Synoptic Shrub Border
Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. 
Come and discover the amazing variety of shrubs that can beautify your home landscape. Join Lasdon’s horticulturist on a walk through the Lasdon Memorial synoptic shrub border which includes shrubs with botanical names from A to Z.

*Part of Be Fit Westchester, a county-wide effort to get people to eat smarter and play harder every day.

All programs are sponsored by Westchester County Parks and are free and open to everyone unless otherwise noted. Subscribe to the Parks E-Club to get weekly updates about Westchester County Parks programs and events.