Events

@ Van Wyck Village Homestead Musem

Self-guided bike tours of Olde Fishkill. Cycle the “high road!” passing by historic sites within the Village and Town of Fishkill and Beacon. View 8, 15 or 25 sites depending on the tour loop you choose. Ride along significant routes from the Revolutionary War era, view the site of the Fishkill encampment and supply depot, and visit the home of one of America's first female entrepreneurs. Self-guided. No fee. All Ramble Weekends. Three tours accomodate all skill levels: Family 0.6 mi. Easy (flat); Medium 4 mi. (one hill). Extended 24 mi. (several hills, one challenging). Maps are available at the Van Wyck Homestead Museum, 24/7, in the display case.

@ Innisfree Garden, Millbrook, NY

Explore the extraordinary array of native plants at Innisfree with George Petty, a life-long naturalist who has led many wildflower and bird walks for the New Jersey Audubon Society. He is a Life Member of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, and former Chair of their Publications Committee. George is Professor Emeritus of English at Montclair State University, a published poet, and author of Hiking the New Jersey Highlands: Wilderness in Your Backyard.

@ The Environmental Cooperative at the Vassar Barns; Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve

Please join the Environmental Cooperative for a walking tour of the Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve. This tour will feature The Ellen Swallows Richard Historical Trail, The Drumlin Trail, The Phenology Trail, or the Beaver Trail, depending on weather and trail conditions. After, join us for refreshments and enjoy a short tour of the renovated Vassar Barn, home to the Environmental Cooperative and available for use as community multipurpose space.

@ Norrie Point Paddlesport Center

A tour of the Hudson River from Norrie Point and visiting nearby spots like Esopus Island, Bard Rock and Black Creek Preserve. Perfect for beginners, this trip includes use of a sea kayak and all gear. Experienced guides will help participants improve their paddling skills. Wildlife, scenic vistas and historic sites along the paddle route will be featured.

@ Bannerman's Island, Hudson River - Boat leaves Beacon Dock

Legends Tour and Horror Film Nights on Bannerman's Island. Tour Bannerman's Island and see a great classic film on the island. "Dracula" will be featured on September 8th and "Bride of Frankenstein" on September 15th! Boat leaves Beacon Dock at 7:00pm on both nights, returns by 10:30pm.

@ The Manor House at Stony Kill Farm

Stony Kill Foundation introduces our latest Storywalk® featuring children’s author Brian Russo’s Yoga Bunny. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. The purpose of this activity is to get kids moving outdoors and install a love of reading. Yoga instructor Kathy Martin will guide you along the perennial gardens reading about Yoga Bunnies adventures with her friends while she teaches yoga poses illustrated throughout the book. Bring a towel or a yoga mat if you like or try your poses on the grass.

@ Van Wyck Homestead Museum

The Van Wyck Homestead was built in 1732, and enlarged to its present size in 1757. It is one of the oldest homes in Dutchess County. During the American Revolution the home was used as an Officers Headquarters for the Fishkill Supply Depot soldiers' encampment (Oct. 1776 - Oct. 1783). Dozens of notable Revolutionary War heroes visited the Homestead - including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and Marquis de Lafayette to name a few. For more information about this historic homestead please visit: www.FishkillHistoricalSociety.org

@ Bannerman's Island on the Hudson River

Attendees will sample Hudson Valley Farm Fresh Delights during a five-course dinner! Live Music!

@ Wilderstein Historic Site

Hudson Valley Victoriana at its best. Home of Margaret (Daisy) Suckley, cousin and confidante of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Queen Ann style mansion with 1888 interiors, grounds designed by Calvert Vaux, walking trails and spectacular Hudson River views.

@ Mount Gulian Historic Site

On Sunday, September 10, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Mount Gulian Historic Site, Beacon, N.Y., will host a special event open to the public celebrating the 100th anniversary of women in New York State winning the right to vote. The event is for the entire family and will feature presentations by famous suffragists Lucretia Mott and Alice Paul, both expertly portrayed by actresses from the American Historical Theatre of Philadelphia. Lucretia Mott (1793-1880) was a leading voice of the abolitionist and feminist movements of her time. Born in Nantucket, MA, she was raised in a Quaker family. As a teenager she attended the Nine Partners School in Millbrook, predecessor to the Oakwood Friends School in Poughkeepsie. She helped organized the first Women’s Rights Convention at Seneca Falls in 1848, and outlined her feminist philosophy in her Discourse on Women (1850), in which she argued for equal economic opportunity and full voting rights for women. After the abolition of slavery at the end of the Civil War, Lucretia Mott remained a close friend of suffragist Susan B. Anthony, and a key figure in the women’s suffrage movement until her death in 1880. Alice Paul (1885-1977) also grew up with a Quaker background. Blunt speaking, no-nonsense Paul graduated from Swarthmore College, went to law school and received a Master of Legal Letters and a Doctorate of Civil Law from American University. Inspired by Britain’s Christabel Pankhurst to speak out for women’s right to vote, she joined the successful fight for suffrage in Great Britain. Paul returned home to work with the National American Woman Suffrage Association and founded the National Woman’s Party. She campaigned against President Wilson’s refusal to support woman suffrage, went on hunger strikes, and was jailed while fighting to secure the 19th Amendment. When that passed in 1920, Alice Paul wrote and worked for an Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), helping to introduce the bill in 1923. The ERA has been introduced in Congress in every session since 1982, but has yet to become law. Rounding out the event will be a presentation by Dr. Sally Dwyer-McNulty, professor of history at Marist College, who will talk about the suffragist goals and achievements in an historical context and the fight for women’s rights today. An opportunity to talk to the suffragists will be available during intermission when complimentary light refreshments will be served. Pre-Registration is strongly recommended. Please call Mount Gulian at 845-831-8172 or email us at info@mountgulian.org. Admission at the door is $12 adults; $10 seniors; $8 ages 12 - 18; $4 ages 6 – 11. Free for children under 6, and for all Mount Gulian members. Funding for this event was graciously provided by Arts Mid-Hudson and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.

@ Grinnell Public Library District

Starting at the historic 1887 shingle style Grinnell Public Library District with Village of Wappingers Falls Historian Brenda Von Burg. View the library's collection of 19th century Wappingers Falls landscapes by local artist Clinton Clapp and ornithological exhibit of Hudson Valley birds. Continue with Wappingers Falls historian Mary Schmalz to the Mesier Homestead for exhibit about the village at the turn of the century with histories by Trustee Eileen Stickle. After the talk, Greenway Trail guide, Wilredo Chaluisant will lead a walk to the Greenway Trail. Pick up trail maps and Ramble info at the library all month! Visit www.grinnell-library.org for hours and additional information. From Rt. 9, take E. Main St. West, past Mesier Park to corner of E. Main and Spring Streets. Info in Spanish can be requested.

@ MetroNorth RR AT Station Stop

The hike starts at the Appalachian Trail Boardwalk, west of the MetroNorth RR AT station stop, which is just south of Native Landscapes, 991 Rt 22. We will hike west (southbound,) across the 1600' boardwalk which was finished in 2012. It spans the Great Swamp, New York State's third largest freshwater wetlands. A bridge at the end takes you over the Swamp River and you'll head up through a forested hillside. At the top of Corbin hill, the path opens onto farmlands and follows along the perimeter of one of the fields in production. Heading off the hill, you will arrive at the Dover Oak on West Dover Road in Pawling. This magnificent landmark is over 300 years old, and with a 20' circumference, it is the largest tree on the 2180 mile footpath from Georgia to Maine. For more information: harlemvalleyat@gmail.com On Instagram: @harlemvalleyatcommunity

@ Bard College, Montgomery Place Campus

Come take a historic house tour of Montgomery Place, a 380-acre estate adjacent to the main Bard College Campus. Montgomery Place overlooks the Hudson River and is a designated National Historic Landmark set amid rolling lawns, woodlands, and gardens. Learn about the renowned architects, landscape designers and horticulturists who worked to create an elegant and inspiring country estate. The property was owned and lived in by members of the Livingston family from 1802 through 1986.

@ Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

Hone your observation skills while reflecting in the woods where Eleanor Roosevelt regularly walked. Participants will learn writing and drawing exercises while exploring the 1 mile loop trail, Eleanor's Walk. They will also receive additional activity ideas and decorate the cover of their journal to take home. Exploration will include reading some of Eleanor's writings and considering the question, "Where do human rights begin?" This program is designed for youth ages 9-12 and their families, but life-long learners of all ages are welcome! Meet at the Visitor Center and bring water, comfortable walking shoes, and bug spray. Journal supplies will be provided.

@ Northern Dutchess County

The annual tour will wind through Northern Dutchess towns to some of the region's most historic barns and properties. The tour will culminate with a reception beginning at 4:30 p.m. and offers attendees a rare opportunity to visit some extraordinary sites. A mapped program will outline the self-guided route. Docents will guide people through each site, offering the history and background of barns and other site amenities. All proceeds benefit Winnakee Land Trust, a non-profit organization that protects open space and farmland in northern Dutchess County.

@ LaGrange, NY

Enjoy a walk in a serene woodland setting on a beautiful nature trail that winds along the banks of the Wappinger Creek under a canopy of sycamore, oak, maple and other trees. Park at trail entrance marked by a split rail fence and a sign "Wappinger Creek Greenway Trail."

@ Bannerman's Island, Hudson River - Boat leaves Beacon Dock

This infamous radio play, first broadcast from New York's Mercury Theatre in 1938, had many terrified listeners convinced that an actual alien invasion of Earth was taking place. Originally directed and narrated by Orson Welles, this play made the world tremble. Now you can experience the original script with live actors as they present the frightening tale of an extraterrestrial take-over!

@ Main Campus Parking Area

On Sunday, September 17 at 10 a.m. join Cary Institute forest ecologist Dr. Charles Canham for an interpretive 2-mile walk along the Wappinger Creek Trail. While exploring our forests, fields, and wetlands, Dr. Canham will discuss how land use has transformed Hudson Valley landscapes. Discover how current forest composition is a reflection of past farming practices, and how the future forest will be influenced by climate change, pests and pathogens, and air pollution. Wear hiking shoes and bring water. The walk will begin at the main campus parking area, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Rt. 44) in Millbrook, N.Y. Long pants and hiking shoes are recommended. Register at http://www.caryinstitute.org/events. *Please note this walk was rescheduled from the September 24th date. The walk is beginning at the main campus, which is different from the walk last year.

@ Bannerman's Island, Hudson River - Boats leave Newburgh and Beacon Docks

Family friendly outdoor concert on Bannerman's Island featuring professional Irish and Bluegrass musician, Diane Diachishin. Boats leave both Beacon and Newburgh docks on Sundays. Concert will run from 11:30am - 2:30pm.

@ Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

During this ninety minute one mile hike a ranger will chronicle 200 hundred years of landscape history at the Vanderbilt's Hyde Park country place. Learn about earlier estate owners, the Vanderbilt's care of the property and the National Park Service's ongoing plans for the very important American landscape. For the last half hour volunteers from the Frederick W Vanderbilt Garden Association will be conducting a walking tour of the formal gardens.

@ Millbrook, Clinton Corners & Stanfordville

Three exceptional private gardens in the rolling fields and forests of Dutchess County's hunt country will be open to the public from 10am-4pm. Garden descriptions and directions can be found on the Garden Conservancy's website, www.opendaysprogram.org, and will be available the day of the tour at Innisfree Garden, Millbrook, NY, which will be open from 9:30am-5pm.

@ Woodland Trail

Bring your family to the Woodland Trail to participate in a Nature Photo Scavenger Hunt! While walking the trail and enjoying the scenery, capture special memories to take home and cherish! Come with matching bandana or even a team color and post a scavenger hunt picture to our Facebook or Instagram page, Stony Kill Foundation, using #hvrambleSKF. Finish your day with a picnic lunch while enjoying the historic landmark of Stony Kill Farm! Download our scavenger hunt list at stonykill.org or pick one up at our trail head. A prize will be awarded for the most creative family photo that will be posted on our website.

@ Millbrook

Take a behind the scenes look at the innovative ways water is used for aesthetic and ecological effect at Innisfree.

@ Bard College. Montgomery Place Campus

Join Professor Bruce Robertson for a pre-concert Wildlife and Ecology walk on the grounds of Montgomery Place. At 2 PM meet at the Montgomery Place mansion house for a nature themed chamber music concert with selections fro composers John Cage, John Luther Adams, and Toru Takemitsu performed by Bard College conservatory students. Reception to follow concert.

@ Norrie Point Environmental Center

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Research Reserve invites the public to celebrate National Estuaries Day at an interactive “Science on the River” open house at Norrie Point Environmental Center in Staatsburg, N. Y. Help take a sediment core from the cove and discover what it can teach us. Canoe a tidal marsh of the Hudson (weather and space permitting). Help fish the waters around Norrie Point to find out who lives there. See how the types of organisms living in a stream indicate its health. Learn what “SAV” means and why it’s important to the river. Also, many games and activities are planned especially for our youngest visitors. This program is free and most exhibit areas are wheelchair accessible. There’s something for everyone at “Science on the River”!

@ Innisfree Garden, Millbrook, NY

Let your imagination guide you through Innisfree Garden, a space of wonder and inspiration for visitors of all ages. Begin your exploration by listening to award-winning storyteller, Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi, share original and traditional tales about the marvels of nature and its enchantments. Afterwards, stroll through the garden on a scavenger hunt with clues from the stories and a map to help you discover nature's treasures at Innisfree.

@ Peach Hill Park

Participants will take a walking tour our orchard. During the tour you will pick apples and help press them into apple cider at the end of the trip.

@ Staatsburgh State Historic Site (Mills Mansion)

In 1895, Staatsburgh's landscape architect designed glorious grounds that showcased the good life in the Gilded Age, while using landscape elements to hide the turn-of-the-century technology and labor that made the estate run. Enjoy a leisurely guided stroll through the grounds as we explore what you see...and what you don't see.

@ Carnwath Farms

The walk will begin at the Carriage House with a brief talk on Reginald Rives who had horses and carriages there at the turn of the last century. The group will then walk down the old carriage road, and to the home of Dick Lahey who will give a barn tour of his collection of 19th Century Hudson Valley carriages and sleighs. Returns to Carriage House

@ Beacon, NY

Arts Mid-Hudson Folk Arts Program presents One River, Many Streams Folk Festival, an annual celebration of folk and traditional arts in the Mid-Hudson Valley will present some of the region’s cultural riches as part of the Spirit of Beacon festivities. photo credit Lori Adams

@ Bard College. Montgomery Place Campus

Enjoy a guided outdoor tour through the grounds of historic Montgomery Place which is now part of the Bard College campus. Take in spectacular views of the Tivoli South Bay, Hudson River, and Catskill Mountains as you walk along the woodland trails in the ravine of the Sawkill Creek and the meadow paths of the mansion’s West Lawn. Historical highlights include cascading waterfalls & the hydropower station along the creek, the exterior of the mansion, the allée of the Arboretum through the East Lawn, the Coach House, and the Rough and Formal Gardens. Park and meet at the Visitor’s Center. Difficulty: Easy to moderate

@ Roosevelt Farm Lane Rt. 9 Side

Farm lane is a trail that follows the internal road through Franklin Roosevelt's tree plantations connecting the "big house" Springwood to the cottage at Val-Kill. This guided hike celebrates Public Land Day and will explore a few of the President's tree plantations and discuss tenant farmer Moses Smith who continued to operate a farm on much of the acreage even after the President purchased it. It begins at the Farm Lane trailhead and continues to the parking lot on Rt. 9G opposite the entrance to Val-Kill. Participants may return to Rt. 9 or make arrangements to be picked up on Rt. 9G

@ Carnwath Farms

View an ice boat, Hudson River sloop and other boats, and lectures on recreation on the Hudson. Additional displays by local fishermen and the Wappinger Greenway Committee at the Sports Museum. Saturdays: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Sundays: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. More info at www.carnwathfarms.webs.com Hike the trail: 1.5 mile trail open all weekends, great view of the Hudson and surrounding mountains.

@ Dutch's Spirits at Harvest Homestead Farm

Visit Dutch Schultz underground complex of bunkers and tunnels used during Prohibition. In addition, tour parts of the 400 acre farm, including a pool, and other buildings not normally shown on regular tours.