Press

ALBANY – New York State Museum researchers and collection specialists will lead walks to explore the biology and geology of John Boyd Thacher and Thompson’s Lake state parks on Saturday, July 12.

The “New York State Museum Goes to the Parks” daytime programs will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by an “Insects at Night” program that will begin at sunset. All activities are free and open to the public, with age limitations for some programs. There is a $6 parking fee charged at the park. Participants must provide their own transportation and register by July 7 by calling 518-473-7154 or emailing psteinba@mail.nysed.gov. Directions and the day’s schedule will be sent with confirmation.

The program schedule is:

• Mammal Walk ? 8–10 a.m. Dr. Roland Kays, the Museum’s curator of mammals and author of “Mammals of North America,” leads a one-mile walk to check live traps and learn about mammal species that are caught. Limited to 15 people. Children may attend with an adult.

• Morning Bird Walk ? 8–10 a.m. Dr. Jeremy Kirchman, the Museum’s curator of birds, guides a slow walk on easy park trails to identify local birds and set up mist nets to catch and band some birds. Participants should bring their own binoculars. Limited to 15 people, ages 12 and up.

• Insect Walk ? 10 a.m.– noon. Museum Entomologists Dr. Jason Cryan and Dr. Tim McCabe lead an easy walk to discuss major morphological and behavioral adaptations of insects. Limited to 20 people, all ages welcomed. Collecting nets will be provided.

• Bedrock Geology I: Ancient Coasts ? 10 a.m–noon. Sedimentary Geologist Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten leads a moderate-level hike along Indian Ladder Trail to explore rocks and fossils from ancient coastal environments. Limited to 20 people, ages 8 and up with an adult.

• Glacial Walk in the Helderbergs ? 1–3 p.m. Glacial Geologist Dr. Andrew Kozlowski guides a walk that focuses on landforms and deposits within the park, and the broader influence of glaciation on the Capital Region, as observed from scenic overlooks. Limited to 20 people, ages 12 and up.

• Fish and Crayfish Wade ? 1–3 p.m. Thompson’s Lake State Park. Ichthyologist Dr. Robert Daniels leads a group to capture, look at, and discuss the ecology and behavior of fish and crayfish found in Thompson’s Lake. Seines and dipnets will be provided. Participants should wear shoes and clothing that can get wet. Limited to 20 people. Children may attend with an adult.

• Bedrock Geology II: 30 Million Years of Seas and Life ? 3–5 p.m. Sedimentary Geologist Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten leads this exploration of Thacher Park’s geological past. Limited to 20 people, ages 12 and up with an adult.

• Insects at Night ? Sunset (rain or shine). Emma Treadwell Nature Center, Thacher Park. Dr. Tim McCabe and Dr. Jason Cryan explore nocturnal insect activity and diversity through the use of special light traps that bring night-flying insects to the scientists. Participants should bring a flashlight. There is a $6 parking fee.

The New York State Museum is a cultural program of the New York State Education Department. Located on Madison Avenue in Albany, it is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free. Further information can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

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