African Americans have had a critical role in the history of the U.S. military and the national theme for Black History Month is “African Americans in Times of War.” Albany County will launch its annual celebration of Black History Month on Friday, February 2 at 10 a.m. with a panel of male veterans who will talk about their experiences as African American soldiers. Cahill Room, 112 State Street.

Citizen Science: FrogWatch Training Session on Thursday. February 1 from 6::30 pm – 8:30 pm. It may be hard to believe right now, but soon the spring chorus will fill your ears. Spring peepers first, followed by wood frogs and maybe even some spadefoot toads! For over 15 years, citizen scientists have been reporting data on calling frogs and toads to Frog Watch, a citizen science program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

"Wait Till It Gets Dark” Night Walk at Thacher Nature Center. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join guest naturalist George Steele on a walk exploring the nature of the night. Call 518-872-0800 to register.

Groggy Groundhogs on Saturday, February 3, 2018, 11:00 am–12:30 pm.  Did Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow on February 2nd? Whether you call them groundhogs or woodchucks, join us to learn more about these common mammals. We will also discuss the origins of Groundhog Day and make our own predictions about how long winter will last! We will start inside and then continue outside for a 0.9-mile hike. If there is snow on the ground, we will snowshoe approximately one-half mile. Snowshoes will be provided to program participants. All ages.

Marsha Mortimore, an expert in Schenectady’s black history, will discuss Early African American Schenectadians, including the county’s early African American heritage,  the beginnings of the African American Church in Schenectady, and notable early black Schenectadians. 11 am at 32 Washington Ave;  $5, free for members.

Brooks BBQ. from 2 - 5 p.m. or until sold out. Lynnwood Reformed Church 3714 Carman Rd, Guilderland. Drive-thru only. Chicken/Rib Dinners $11/$13. Chicken/Ribs a la carte $6/$9

Thompson’s Lake State Campground will host its annual Ice Fishing Contest.  Registration hours are 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Fishing and fish measurement will take place from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration fee is $10 per person.

“The Women of the Schuyler Mansion”. The February program presented at 2 p.m. by the New Scotland Historical Association. The “Schuyler Sisters” have been causing quite a stir in the Broadway musical, Hamilton. Michelle Mavigliano, Schuyler Mansion Educator, will present an in-depth look at the history of the Schuyler women, their daily lives, and the impact they had in shaping their family’s history. Join us at the Wyman Osterhout Community Center, 7 Old New Salem Rd., Voorheesville (New Salem) 12186.  The museum opens at 1:30. Program is free and open to the public.

“The Ongoing Exploration of McFails Cave” at Thacher Visitor Center. 2 p.m. McFails Cave in Schoharie County is the longest known cave in the northeast United States, with over seven miles of mapped passage.  Known in the 1940s as one of the lesser caves of Schoharie County, its continuing exploration is a case study in the extremes to which cavers will go to discover new passage. Call 518-872-0800 for more information.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County and the Capital Area Agriculture & Horticulture Program (CAAHP) announce an upcoming class, Part-Time Farmer Tax School, offered on January 30, 2018, from 5:30 to 9:00 PM at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County, 24 Martin Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186.