Fall Colors Tour at Thacher Park. 10 a.m. Join us as we learn the different trees and why they behave the way they do. Meet at the Pear Orchard parking lot. Pre-register for this program by calling the park office at 518-872-1237. The park entrance fee is $6 per vehicle.

Inauguration of the newly-appointed New York State Author and State Poet. Friday, Sept. 28, 7:30 pm in the Campus Center Ballroom on the UAlbany Uptown Campus, 1400 Washington Ave.

Voorheesville Farmer’s Market on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 68 Maple Ave. from 3:30 - 6:30 pm features  New Scotland Historical Society, Decorative Painters.

Meeting to develop a proposed historic preservation law for the Town of New Scotland and Village of Voorheesville. The meeting will be on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 7:00 pm at the Wyman Osterhout Community Center 7, The Old Rd, Voorheesville, NY 12186.  This meeting is sponsored by the New Scotland Historical Association (NSHA).

Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County offers a five-week Strengthening Families Program for youth in grades 4 – 6 and their parents/caregivers.  When: The series begins on Wednesday, Sept. 26 and runs for five weeks (9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24) from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Where: Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST), 94 Delaware Ave., Albany. Registration: Advanced Registration is required by contacting Maria at 518.765.3559 or

On Sunday, Sept. 23, at 2 pm: ‘Bushes, Berries & Birds’ at Thacher Nature Center. Autumn is a wonderful time of year to go outside and enjoy the gorgeous days and fall color. It’s also a great time of year to explore our local shrubs and learn who’s who and what’s what. We’ll identify some beneficial native shrubs, figure out which invasive plants to remove from our yards, and how to benefit birds and other wildlife. We’ll also keep our eyes open for migrating bird species. Dress for the outdoors and bring binoculars and/or a notebook. Call 518-872-0800 to register.

Learn to Kayak at Thompson’s Lake at 10 am. Join us for a beginner’s kayak course at Thompson’s Lake! Learn the basics of kayaking with emphasis on effective paddling strokes and safe practices. This introductory course is ideal for first time and beginner kayakers. Sturdy shoes/sandals are preferred. Program is appropriate for adults and children age 12 years and older. Space is very limited, preregister by calling 518-872-0800. Parking fee is $7, kayaks are provided for participants.

The Empire State Aerosciences Museum at 250 Rudy Chase Dr. Glenville, NY will open its doors free of charge on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 10 am to 4 pm as part of Smithsonian magazine’s fourteenth annual “Museum Day Live,” a National celebration of boundless curiosity in which participating museums emulate the free admission policy at the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington DC-based museums..

‘Vultures: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly’ at Thacher Visitor Center. 1 p.m. Turkey Vultures fill an important ecological niche, and exhibit some truly amazing, albeit peculiar, adaptations! Their habit of eating rotting carcasses has earned them a rather grisly reputation in the hearts of many. Join us to learn more about turkey vulture biology, and discover why the world is better off with these misunderstood birds of prey! This program is appropriate for adults and children age 8 and older. Please call 518-872-0800 to register. Park entrance fee is $6 per vehicle.