Learn Basic Winter Skills. All ages are invited to join David Muska of Ondatra Adventures from 10 am to 1 pm for an introduction to the fundamentals of tracking and the stories animals leave behind. As a licensed NYS Wilderness Guide and Wilderness Skills Instructor, David works with youth and adults in the world of 'primitive' skills and 'nature connection' through Troy-based Ondatra Adventures. The class will begin indoors and move outside to the trails.

English Country Dance. Called and taught by Dan Seppeler. Live Music by Barb Seppeler and Laurie Williams. Time: 2 - 5 p.m. Dance 1:30 p.m. Intro workshop. Channing Hall at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 405 Washington Avenue, Albany NY 12206. Admission: $12, $10 members.

Monday, January 1, at 11:00 a.m.: “First Day” Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Park. Ring in the New Year with a winter walk in the park. We’ll leave from the Visitor Center and walk for about an hour, taking in views from the escarpment along the way. Dress in layers and wear warm winter boots. Bring your own snowshoes or rent a pair at the park. Register and reserve snowshoes by calling 518-872-0800. In case of extreme weather, call the park office at 518-872-1237 to confirm conditions.

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) invites New Yorkers to celebrate the New Year exploring the outdoors at one of the 75 hikes being held at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas and trails across the Empire State.  The guided hikes are being hosted by New York State Parks and the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as part of the seventh annual First Day Hikes program taking place throughout the nation on January 1, 2018. Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar; 9-11 am; 518.475.0291.

Saturday, December 30, at 2:00 p.m.: Hike to Historic Knox School #5 at Thacher Nature Center. Ever wonder what it was like to attend school in the early 1900’s? Take a walk back in time to visit a historic one-room schoolhouse.  Learn about life in a rural school, who was in attendance, and how the teacher managed to teach all grade levels in one room!  Afterwards, warm up around the campfire and enjoy hot cocoa and toasted marshmallows. Walk is less than one-half mile in length. Program is appropriate for adults and children. Please call 518-872-0800 to register.

Hike to High Point at Thacher Park, Saturday, Dec. 16, at 10:00 a.m.  Join us for a hike to the escarpment on the Fred Schroeder Memorial Trail. We’ll walk through forests and fields and stop at the cliff to take in the views. The 3-mile loop trail is mostly level with a couple of moderately steep slopes. Call 518-872-0800 to register.

Busy Beavers at Thacher Park, Saturday, December 9, at 3:30 p.m.  Late fall is when beavers really get busy! They are building up their lodge and storing food for the long winter ahead. Learn about these industrious animals and their adaptations for life in icy waters. A short indoor presentation will be followed by an easy walk to a small, well-established beaver pond. There, we will quietly observe for about 20 minutes in hopes of viewing a beaver in action. This program is appropriate for adults and school-aged children.

Albany Pine Bush Preserve will host its first Night at the Discovery Center 4 to 7 p.m. at 195 New Karner Road in Albany. Visitors are invited to stop by the Discovery Center after normal business hours to play games, go on a guided hike and discover on this night, the exhibits come to life.

Explore Geology in the Higher Elevations of Thacher Park on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Join geologist Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten for a hike through the higher parts of Thacher Park. We’ll explore the landscape, different types of rocks and fossils, springs where water flows out of the rocks, caves, rock faults, and more, to learn the ancient to recent history of the park. This hike will often be off trail in sometimes rugged terrain. Wear hiking boots, bring water and a snack. Meet at Beaver Dam Road. Call 518-872-0800 to register.

Northland Toy Club Collectable Toy Show on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Admission is $3.00, Children under 12 free with an adult. For information please contact the Northland Toy club at phone # 518-966-5239 or 518-461-0035 or email