A timely visit to Thorn Preserve can hopefully provide a real spectacle of Baltimore Checkerspots and the fragrance of blooming Milkweed in the air. Many other insects, wildflowers, and birds call the preserve’s large meadow home for the summer and will be encountered on this special outing geared to stimulate and encourage young naturalists. Please …

This is a unique stop on the JBNHS field trip schedule, suitable for the whole family to enjoy together and not to be missed. A location chock full of inspiration based on seasonal occurrence or nature’s sheer beauty will be decided closer to the outing. All forms of creativity and expression are encouraged by participants. …

Join JBNHS trustee Rogers in her “backyard” on a delightful BYOB event on the tidal backwaters of ecologically rich Tivoli Bays WMA. This is one of the most special places in our region and this quiet paddle is the best way to explore and have up close and unobtrusive encounters with more elusive marsh species …

A fun and unusual outing for our field trip schedule and what better way to celebrate National Moth Week. Enjoy Mathew’s extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject and see if you retained any identification skills from last year! Bring along a folding chair and snack and a head lamp may come handy too. Please …

Widespread wildflower introduction lining the parking lot and path to the Empire State Trail along with historical presence of a Juniper Hairstreak colony have made this new park a good spot to bfly in the summer. Steve Chorvas (schorvas@gmail.com ) will share in depth knowledge of butterfly life and identification.

Nice to have a little freedom on a butterfly walk and hopefully identify a location that may have freshly emerged butterflies or blooming wildflowers. Please contact Steve Chorvas (schorvas@gmail.com ) to register and receive instructions for where to meet.

The area between the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and Joppenbergh Mountain in Rosendale has moist shaded habitats which support a nice variety of ferns and other lime-loving plants. Join George Moxham and Lynn Bowdery for a leisurely walk exploring the diversity of ferns and whatever else is interesting. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, insect repellant …

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 6:00 P.M. August may be hot and humid, but “fall” migration is underway and the Esopus Meadows can often harbor large concentrations of waders like Great Egrets and if water chestnut harvesting provides landing pads, shorebirds not always easy to locate in county too. After a tough evening of scanning the river …

Please contact Steve Chorvas (schorvas@gmail.com or 845-246-5900) to register and learn meet up details. The property owner has graciously allowed naturalists to explore this open agricultural habitat that is good for less common (to our region) late season butterflies.