Welcome to our Events Page
Here's a look at some of the activities Friends of Shawangunk Grasslands has provided or co-hosted.
Events for the general public are typically announced on our Facebook page . Those that are for "members only" participation are sent by email invitation.
We hope you'll join us for future activities!
October 28, 2022
Bat Roosting Boxes
In the spirit of Halloween and Bat Week, eight lucky kids celebrated with us at the Grasslands by building bat roosting boxes. This free event was co-hosted by USFWS and the Friends of SGNWR and was loads of fun for all! Everyone did a "spooktacular" job building their make-and-take bat roosting boxes.
Special thanks goes to USFWS Administrative Specialist Scott Lenhart and FoSGNWR Board Volunteer John Ward (they had every bit as great a time as the kids they helped build the boxes!) and Seekamp Lumber Co. in Pine Bush, who not only cut the lumber for the boxes to our specifications but individually wrapped each kit for the kids.
A Sample of Our Past Events and Activities
June 2018
American Kestrel Banding Sessions with Raptor Biologist Zach Smith
All Friends of SGNWR were invited to participate in American Kestrel banding sessions that Raptor Biologist Zach Smith conducted at the Refuge. This opportunity was not available to the general public as the number of participants was limited by USFWS. We were delighted to invite our FoSGNWR members as well as the New York State Young Birders Club. Along with quite a few Young Birders, it was wonderful to see so many of our Friends enjoying this exciting and informative event. A memorable time was had by all!
May 20 and October 22, 2017
Raptor Day with Annie Mardiney of Wild Mountain Birds
Friends of Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge co-hosted two Raptor Days with Annie Mardiney of Wild Mountain Birds.
Wild Mountain Birds does wild bird rescue, rehabilitation and education programs and is based in the New York's Hudson Valley.
April 22, 2017
Earth Day Cleanup at the Grasslands.
An Earth Day to help clean up the Shawangunk Grasslands! Fresh Spring air and exercise is good for the soul and it's a great way to show our appreciation for the Planet. Garbage needs to be removed before new life returns for the growing season. We will be walking the outer perimeter roadways collecting trash in bags for pickup.
Items for the event:
- Footwear suitable for mud, water and walking
- Gloves - Sunscreen - Water to keep hydrated
- Tick repellent
- Bright clothing for roadside safety
April 2, 2017
Cleaning out the nest boxes, checking for any needed repairs, and taking inventory of current nesting box locations. These practices are vital in keeping a healthy living space for nesting birds.
Suggested items for these tasks:
- Gloves
- Paint scraper
- Plastic bags to carry wood shavings
- Flat headed screw driver
- Duct tape
- Mild soap (ex. Ivory Snow )
- Rubber mallet or hammer