UPCOMING:
Autumn Bird Identification
Wednesday, September 18, 2019, 6:30-7:45PM
Albert Wisner Public Library
1 McFarland Drive, Warwick, NY 10990
click here for directions
The fall migration is here, bringing a host of common and uncommon birds. This program will cover the basics of bird identification and local birding hotspots. This program is good preparation for the Winding Waters Trail field trip in the Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge on September 21. (See Field Trips) Presented by Jim Van Gelder and co-sponsored by the Albert Wisner Public Library. Click here to register.
Film Screening: Paris to Pittsburgh
Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 7:00pm
Chappaqua Performing Arts Center
480 Bedford Rd, Chappaqua, NY, 10514
Click here for directions
From coastal cities to America’s heartland, Paris to Pittsburgh celebrates how Americans are demanding and developing real solutions in the face of climate change. And as the weather grows more deadly and destructive, they aren’t waiting on Washington to act.
This special free film screening will be followed by a panel discussion about climate change effects in our area and local solutions underway.
REGISTER HERE for the film screening.
Sponsored by Federated Conservationists of Westchester County, Films on Purpose, and area Audubon chapters: Bedford Audubon, Bronx River Sound Shore Audubon, Central Westchester Audubon, Hudson River Audubon, Orange County Audubon and Saw Mill River Audubon with hosting support from the Town of New Castle and the Chappaqua Library and grant support from Audubon New York.
SAVE THE DATE for companion event the Audubon Climate Change Boot Camp on the morning of Saturday, October 26. Come learn more about local climate change effects, what is being done locally, and what steps you can take to make a difference.
REGISTER HERE for the Boot Camp
OPEN MEETING:
Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 6:30pm
First Presbyterian Church
33 Park Place, Goshen, NY 10924
Click here for directions
All OCAS & National Audubon Members, Friends, Neighbors, and Interested Public are welcome.
Please join us: Come meet more OCAS members, be more involved in OCAS, and learn how you can contribute to protecting the birds we love and the habitat we share. RSVP here
Special Presentation: The Delaware River Watershed
Before the meeting portion of the evening, we will hear from Elizabeth Brown, Director of the Pennsylvania Audubon’s Delaware River Watershed Program. Elizabeth will explain how the public can help preserve and protect the Delaware River Basin, a key water source for over 15 million people. Over 13,000 square miles of land including parts of Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Delaware counties contribute to this system. A healthy watershed means a significant positive effect on the region’s wildlife, water quality, flood control, and opportunities for recreation.
Film Screening: Paris to Pittsburgh
Friday, October 25, 2019, 7:15pm
Harriman Hall (HA111) Film Theater
SUNY Orange Campus
8 East Conkling Ave., Middletown, NY 10940
Click here for directions
Join OCAS and SUNY Orange for a special free film screening of this National Geographic documentary. From coastal cities to America’s heartland, Paris to Pittsburgh celebrates how Americans are demanding and developing real solutions in the face of climate change. And as the weather grows more deadly and destructive, they aren’t waiting on Washington to act.
Sponsored by Orange County Audubon Society, SUNY Orange Sustainability, and SUNY Orange Cultural Affairs
Discussion will follow moderated by SUNY Orange Prof. Walter Jahn
To learn more about local climate change effects, what is being done regionally, and what steps you can take to make a difference register for the Audubon Climate Change Boot Camp on Saturday, October 26 CLICK HERE
Special Event: Climate Change Boot Camp
Saturday, October 26, 2019, 8:30am-12:30pm
Westchester County Center
198 Central Ave, White Plains, NY 10606
Click here for directions
Get up to speed about climate change effects in the lower Hudson Valley and local, regional and state responses. Children’s environmental activities for grades 4-8 will also be offered. For more information or to register for the children’s activities during the Climate Change Boot Camp, email office@sawmillriveraudubon.org
Registration is $12/person. REGISTER HERE
Co-sponsored by Federated Conservationist
Tales of a Wildlife Rehabilitator
Tuesday, November 5, 2019, 6:00pm
Middletown Thrall Library
11 Depot St., Middletown, NY 10940
Click here for directions
Wildlife encounters are becoming more frequent in suburban neighborhoods. Do you know what to do (or not do) if you find a fledgling bird, a painted turtle with a cracked shell, or a fawn resting in your flower bed? Learn appropriate responses to many common wildlife situations. A Naturalist and NYS Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator with over 20 years of experience, Pam Golben will be sharing some of her personal photos and experiences with us. Bring your wildlife questions with you!
Winter Bird Identification
Wednesday, December 4, 2019, 6:30-7:45pm
Goshen Public Library
366 Main St., Goshen, NY 10924
Click here for directions
Come learn about the birds local to our area in the winter months and where to look for them. We will also discuss how to become involved in various citizen science bird counts. Register at www.goshenpubliclibrary.org or click here
PREVIOUS EVENTS:
The Birds and The Seeds: Boosting Biodiversity with Native Plants
Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Albert Wisner Public Library
1 McFarland Drive, Warwick, NY 10990
Click for directions
In this interactive and engaging workshop, participants will learn about seed saving, increasing biodiversity through native planting and walk away with seed bombs that you make yourself! If you’re interested in growing plants, playing in the dirt and learning about easy ways to make birds come to your yard, then this program is for you! Presented by Kelly Collins, Hopeful Roots LLC, Register by phone at 986-1047 ext 3 or click here to register
Plant Natives! Gardening for Birds
Monday, June 3, 2019 at 6:30-7:30pm
Chester Public Library
1784 Kings Hwy, Chester, New York 10918
Click here for Directions
Why are native plants so important to the survival of birds and pollinators? This multimedia program featuring images and sounds of local backyard bird species will explain why we should use more native plants in our landscaping and how to design and plant gardens that benefit people and wildlife. Presented by Melissa Peterson, Register by phone 469-4252
How to Be a Bird Friendly Neighbor
Wed, May 1, 2019 at 6:30-7:30pm
Florida Public Library
4 Cohen Cir, Florida, New York 10921
Click here for Directions
What are the best ways to attract and benefit birds? This multimedia program featuring images, sounds and video of local backyard bird species will help us all become more Bird Friendly at home. Discover the best choices for bird feeders and seed, native plants, water features and bird houses to improve backyard bird habitat.
Birding Beyond the Backyard
Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Chester Public Library
1784 Kings Hwy, Chester, New York 10918
Click for directions
Do sparrows confuse you? Trouble telling Downy from Hairy? A program for those who enjoy watching birds and want to know more about them. Presenter Jim Van Gelder will cover basics of bird identification along with suggestions for equipment and good local birding spots.
Birding Beyond the Backyard
Wed, April 3, 2019 at 6:30-7:45pm
Midletown Thrall Library
11-19 Depot St., Middletown, NY 10940
Click here for Directions
Do sparrows confuse you? Trouble telling Downy from Hairy? This program is for those who enjoy watching birds and want to know more about them. Presented by Jim Van Gelder, seasoned birder and OCAS Field Trip Committee chair, will cover basics of bird identification along with suggestions for equipment and good local birding spots.
A Traveling Journey: Birding in Madagascar
Wed., Mar. 13, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Moffat Library
6 West Main St., Washingtonville, NY
Click for directions
Have you seen any couas, vangas, lemurs or baobab forests around here lately? Lee Hunter, Mearns Bird Club member and sociologist, will bring all the unique birds, animals, and habitats of Madagascar right to us when he shares photos from his recent birding trip to this beautiful island off the southeastern coast of Africa.
Bird Houses and More: How to Be a Bird Friendly Neighbor
Thurs, March 7, 2019 at 6:30-7:45pm
Albert Wisner Public Library
1 McFarland Drive, Warwick, New York 10990
Click here for Directions
What are the best ways to attract and benefit birds? This multimedia program featuring images, sounds and video of local backyard bird species will help us all become more Bird Friendly at home. Discover the best choices for bird feeders and seed, native plants, water features and bird houses to improve backyard bird habitat. Our speaker is Anne Swaim, Executive Director, Saw Mill River Audubon.
A Traveling Journey: Birding in Beautiful Scotland
Wed., Feb. 6, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Albert Wisner Public Library, Warwick NY
Click for directions
Lifelong birder Bill Fiero will share his photo show of the fantastic birds he photographed in Scotland. He is lover of travel, photography and the world of birds.
Winter Bird Identification
Wed, Dec 5, 2018 at 6:30-7:45pm
Newburgh Free Library
124 Grand St, Newburgh, New York 12550
Click here for Directions
Come learn about the birds local to our area in the winter months as well as information about how to become involved in the various citizen science bird counts.
The Annual Christmas Bird Count
Wed, Nov 7 at 6:30-7:45pm
Tuxedo Park Library
227 Route 17, Tuxedo Park, New York 10987
Click here for Directions
Join Michael Bochnik, President of the Hudson River Audubon Society, to learn about the Annual Christmas Bird Count, a census of birds in the area, which has been taking place for 91 years. In addition to the history, participation and purpose of the Christmas Bird Count, Michael will discuss how to be involved in other ongoing citizen science projects.
Turtle Conservation: Easy Things You Can Do to Help
Wed, Oct 3 at 6:30pm – 7:45pm
Albert Wisner Public Library
1 McFarland Dr, Warwick, New York 10990
Click here for Directions
Come meet Patricia Johnson from the Center for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and learn the 12 different species of turtle we have in New York and why it is important to preserve our remaining populations. Also learn what a wildlife rehabilitator does and how that contributes to conservation, as well as simple steps everyone can take to preserve these majestic animals. Special guest appearances by the Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation’s educational Turtles.
Orange County Audubon Society presentations are held the first Wednesday of the month, September through June at libraries throughout Orange County.