Photo courtesy of Laurence Gill
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Rockefeller is a designated State Park Preserve. A Park Preserve is a protected area of importance for flora, fauna, or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for purposes of conservation while also allowing for passive recreation such as walking, jogging, photography or wildlife viewing. Come to Rockefeller to walk our trails/carriage roads, enjoy our magnificent trees, plants, and wildflowers – and maybe get lucky and catch a glimpse of some of our animal residents including deer, fox, coyote, racoon, lots of birds (we are a recognized Audubon site), turtles, squirrels, chipmunks, trout, skunks, snakes, rabbits, and maybe even bobcats!
Please leave the picnic and park games at home. Thank you for your cooperation.
We follow NY State Guidelines for COVID at all events.
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Reptile & Amphibian Walk
May 1 from 10 – 11:30 am
Join our naturalist, Joshua DiPaola, on a reptile and amphibian walk around the Swan Lake area. Learn more about the unique evolution of reptiles and amphibians as you observe them in their natural habitats. Get a close-up look at some turtle shells and taxidermy and learn more about how we monitor the turtle populations at the Preserve.
Meet in the Visitor’s Center courtyard and bring binoculars if you have them.
Suitable for all ages. Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees.
Photo courtesy of Carl Zucker
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Fly Fishing Workshop Series
May 1, 15, 22 and 29 from 10 am – 12 pm
Learn the basics of fly fishing and leave with the skills and confidence to get out on the water in this four-part workshop series led by fly fishing expert, Len Savanella.
Sessions 1 and 2 will cover the vocabulary and history of fly fishing, gear, casting, and fly tying. Sessions 3 and 4 will cover ecology and best practices and will take place in the stream so you can put your newfound skills to the test!
Equipment will be provided but if you have your own, please bring it.
Cost: $25 for the whole series + Eventbrite fees. Space is limited.
Photo courtesy of Clark Fendrich
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Twilight Hike with Mike: Sounds of the Forest
May 3 from 7:30 – 9 pm
Enjoy the sunset and twilight hours with a small group led by Mike Miernik. Walk quietly and tune into your senses to get a feel for the nuances of the nocturnal forest. Listen for coyote howls, spring peepers, woodcocks, gray tree frogs, and white-throated sparrows making their evening calls.
Meet in the Visitor’s Center courtyard. Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees.
Photo courtesy of Katie Wildey
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Wildflower Walk
May 6 from 9 – 11 am
Join wildflower expert, Patty Butter, for a leisurely walk and learn about the identification of spring ephemeral wildflowers. Contribute as a citizen scientist to increase our knowledge of the ecology of the Preserve by logging your observations in the iNaturalist app.
Bring a camera or cell phone to take pictures and add the iNaturalist app to your phone before attending. Recommended text: Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb.
Meet in the Visitor’s Center courtyard.
Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees.
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I Love My Park Day: Rockwood Cleanup
May 7 from 9 am – 2 pm
Join the Friends of Rockefeller State Park Preserve and RiverKeeper for this annual celebration and cleanup of New York State’s parks! Give back to your beloved park by helping us remove invasives along the Rockwood Hall Lower Trail.
Free t-shirts for participants will be available first come, first served at check-in. Appropriate for all ages. Gardening tools will be provided, but if you have your own, please bring them.
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Birdwatching with the Saw Mill River Audubon Society
May 8 and 25 from 7 – 9 am
Get to know our feathered residents! Join experts from the Saw Mill River Audubon Society on a bird walk around the Preserve. Great for all levels of birding experience, beginners welcome!
Completed vaccination required.
Bring a mask in case of close contact with other visitors.
Cost: FREE. Max: 25 people. Ages 8+
Photo courtesy of Todd Cameron
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Stargazing in the Preserve
May 9 from 8:30 – 10 pm
Tickets available on April 18 at 10:00 am
Peer into the cosmos with Vinny Coulehan of the Rockland Astronomy Club. View the night sky through a telescope and catch a glimpse of our planetary neighbors.
Meet in the Visitor’s Center courtyard, followed by a short walk on the Overlook trail to our viewing location. Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees.
Photo courtesy of Vinny Coulehan
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Peony Celebration
May 12 from 6 – 9 pm
The peony is considered Japan’s “most noble of flowers”. Following the tragedy on September 11th, a town in Shimane Prefecture, Japan wanted to express a gesture of healing and solidarity towards the United States. They sent the Rockefeller State Park Preserve a gift of 500 peonies.
Join the Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve for a community based cocktail and buffet celebration and see the breathtaking Japanese peony garden in bloom! A fundraiser for the Friends and ongoing projects in the Preserve, the evening features a fine art exhibit and a flower show presented by local gardening clubs. Floral arrangements will be available to bid on in a silent auction.
The celebration will be held under a tent in the Visitor’s Center courtyard. See the link below for ticket prices and more information.
Photo courtesy of Laurence Gill
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Art Gallery Exhibition Premiere:
“A Profusion of Peonies and Posies”
May 12 – July 31
As the peonies blossom in the courtyard, so shall the gallery blossom with the opening of the exhibition, “A Profusion of Peonies and Posies” featuring art by Rosanne Cerbo, Sue Barrasi, Anne Bell, and Radu Serban.
The exhibit is curated by Audrey Leeds and will be on display from May 12 to July 31. Its opening corresponds with the Peony Celebration hosted by the Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve.
The gallery is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm daily, free of charge.
Featured work by Radu Serban, Glorious Peony Blossom, oil on canvas (40×32)
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History of Rockwood Hall
May 14 from 10 am – 12 pm
Join Historian, David Teich, on an adventure into the past as we explore the Rockwood Hall area and its rich history dating back to prehistoric times. Former estate of William Rockefeller, this site boasts scenic views overlooking the Hudson, lush forests, and remnants of 19th century luxuries.
Leashed dogs are welcome. The tour is about 2 miles roundtrip.
Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees.
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Full Moon Hike: “Flower Moon”
May 15 from 7 – 9 pm
Tickets available on April 18 at 10:00 am
Experience the Preserve after dark! Join us for a 4-mile hike on carriage roads lit by moonlight. We walk at a brisk pace, some hiking experience is recommended.
Meet in the Visitor’s Center courtyard. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees.
Photo courtesy of RangerSu
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Living Comfortably: Postural Therapy (VIRTUAL)
May 17 from 6 – 7 pm
Celebrate spring with movement! Join a session with Postural Therapist, Joey Zimet, and learn exercises to improve posture and function. The class will incorporate unique standing, sitting, and floor exercises. These methods are well-studied and based upon neuroscience, biomechanics, the myofascial system, and other variables. Treat yourself to some maintenance and self-care!
This event is virtual; you will receive a link to join via Zoom. You do not need to be on camera to participate.
Cost: FREE, registration required.
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Garden Symposium at Pocantico
May 26 from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
The Garden Symposium will examine the preservation of two extraordinary open spaces: Rockefeller State Park Preserve and Greenacre Park.
Peter Iskenderian, park manager at the Preserve, and Kim Fendrich, environmental educator and event coordinator, will discuss the immersive work of maintaining and protecting the Preserve’s historic carriage road system, battling the invasive species that threaten forests, creating inclusive and accessible public programming, and the dedication needed to protect this special place for generations to come.
Gail Caulkins, president of Greenacre Foundation, and Lois Crimmins, executive director, will discuss Midtown Manhattan’s Greenacre Park and their work on the Fight for Light campaign, which advocates citywide to mandate sunlight preservation in urban development.
The event will take place in the Carriage Room at Pocantico. Coffee and pastries will be served upon arrival and a boxed lunch will be provided following the first presentation. Weather permitting, an optional garden walk will conclude the Symposium. Proof of vaccination required.
Photo courtesy of Laurence Gill
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Sunset Hike at Rockwood Hall
May 26 from 7:30 – 9 pm
Come join us for a 3-mile sunset hike at Rockwood Hall for what we hope will be a spectacular view over the Hudson and the Tappan Zee Bridge. Please dress according to weather conditions and bring water. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees.
Photo courtesy of RangerSu
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Hike with Mike: “Know Your Limits” Part 1
May 28 from 9 – 11 am
Get to know your pace and preferred distance in this series of three hikes, taking place over three months and guided by Mike Miernik.
Part one is an easy walk covering about 2-3 miles, and is suitable for families with strollers. This is a great opportunity for individuals who have been hesitant about going out on their own; we’ll talk about maps, reading the landscape, and trail courtesy. Future excursions will be hikes that move more briskly, take more time, and cover more distance.
Meet in the Visitor’s Center courtyard. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees.
Photo courtesy of Kim Fendrich
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Save the Bees with DIY Bee “Hotels”
May 29 from 1 – 2:30 pm
Join flora steward, Devyani Mishra, to create bee hotels you can hang in your pollinator garden at home!
Many native bee species create nests in cavities and are threatened by habitat loss and pesticide use. These simple ornaments repurpose household items and invasive species to make your garden a pollinator safe haven. Let’s do what we can to save the bees in celebration of World Bee Day! (May 20)
Appropriate for all ages, parent or guardian must be present.
Meet in the Visitor’s Center courtyard.
Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees.
Photo courtesy of Carl Zucker
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Sound Healing
May 29 from 5 – 6 pm
Tickets available on April 25 at 10:00 am
Join Kendra Valentine of Blackbird Healing for a therapeutic and restorative sound healing experience. Envelop yourself in the sounds of crystal singing bowls, chimes, and a variety of soothing instruments as you allow your mind to drift from an active state to a relaxed and meditative state.
The event will take place in the Art Gallery at the Visitor’s Center.
Ages 10+. No pets please. Cost: $5 + Eventbrite fees.
Please note: sound healing is not a substitute for medical treatment or diagnosis
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Tree Identification Walk
May 30 from 9:30 – 11 am
Join Flora Steward, Devyani Mishra, on a leisurely stroll through the Preserve to learn more about trees and other plants in the area and how to identify them. The hike will be short with frequent stops for discussion. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Meet in the Visitor’s Center courtyard.
Cost: $3 + Eventbrite fees.
Photo courtesy of Kim Castaldo
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Interested in Supporting the Preserve?
We keep our ticket prices low to make our programs inclusive and accessible. Public programs and environmental conservation efforts at the Preserve are funded by the Natural Heritage Trust, which is supported by donations from people like you!
Please consider donating to support our mission. (Be sure to select Rockefeller State Park Preserve from the drop down menu in the link below, to ensure we receive your gift.)
We thank you sincerely!
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