UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS:
Biodiversity & The Modern Mass Extinction
Monday, June 5th, 2023 at 5:30pm
Dr. Walter Jahn will give an overview of how the modern mass extinction–among the worst 3 in the past 500 million years–is affecting biodiversity on earth. The event can be attended in person at the Middletown Campus of Orange County Community College in the Rowley Center room 017 or on zoom at the following link:
Click here for map to SUNY Orange
Fungi & Their Diverse Interactions with Other Living Things
Monday, June 12th, 2023 at 5:30pm
Click here for map to SUNY Orange
Kids Bird Identification with the Mamakating Library
Saturday, June 17th, 2023 at 11:00am
Click here for map to the Mamakating Library
RECENT PRESENTATIONS:
Climate Change: The Ever Worsening Threat
Monday, May 22, 2023 at 5:30pm
Dr. Walter Jahn will present an overview of climate change and the diverse ways it is affecting us. The event can be attended in person at the Middletown Campus of Orange County Community College in Rowley room 017 or on zoom at the following link:
Click here for map to SUNY Orange
The Evolution of Birds
Monday, May 8, 2023 at 5:30pm
Join Dr. Walter Jahn as he discusses the evolution of birds. Participants may join in person at the SUNY Orange Middletown campus, Rowley Center Room 017, or via Zoom.
Click here for map to SUNY Orange
Freshwater Food Chains
Monday, May 1, 2023 at 5:30pm
Join biologist Dr. Walter Jahn as he discusses Orange County freshwater food chains, from local fish to aquatic invertebrates. Participants may join in person at the SUNY Orange Middletown campus, Rowley Center Room 017, or via Zoom.
Earth Day Celebration at Wisner Library
Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 11-2pm
Join us outside on the River Birch Patio for a library-wide event with live music, crafts, educational information, and food trucks. This is a celebration for all ages: kids, teens, and adults are welcome and will find something interesting and entertaining!
In person at Wisner Library, Warwick NY
Click here for more information.
Native Gardening for Pollinators
Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 11-12:30pm
Birds, butterflies and other pollinators are attracted to colorful gardens but they actually need native plants for their nutrition and to feed their young. Pam Golben will show how you can attract birds and bees and butterflies to your yard with a beautiful healthy native garden and other easy steps to support them.
In person at Wisner Library, Warwick NY
Presented by Pam Golben
Nature Journal
Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 11-1pm
Keeping a nature journal is a wonderful way to deepen your experience of nature and sharpen your artistic skills. Jim Van Gelder will cover materials and techniques and then put them to practice on a variety of plant and animal subjects.
In person at Wisner Library, Warwick NY
Presented by Jim Van Gelder
Spring Migrating Birds
Monday, April 17, 2023 at 5:30pm
From warblers to waterfowl, a look at the diverse birds returning to Orange County.
In person at Rowley Center Rm 017, SUNY Orange, Middletown NY, or join via Zoom.
Presented by Dr. Walter Jahn
Native Plants and Landscapes
Saturday, March 4, 2023, 11am
In-person event hosted by the Moffat Library in Washingtonville
Join gardener Pam Golben to learn garden design using native plants. Discover their importance, showy substitutes, and sustainable design concepts
Presented by Pam Golben
Bird ID for Beginners
Saturday, March 4, 2023, 11am
In-person event hosted by the Newburgh Library
Do you enjoy watching birds and want to work on your identification skills? We will discuss some of the keys to bird ID: looking at size and shape, colors and patterns, habitat, behaviors and sounds. This is a multimedia program that will introduce the birds local to our area. It will help you become more confident at identifying the birds you see every day.
Presented by Jim Van Gelder
Winter Bird ID
Saturday, February 25 2023, 1pm
Online event hosted by Moffat Library in Washingtonville
Come learn about the birds local to our area in the winter months as well as information about how to become involved in a few of the winter citizen science bird counts. Presented by James Van Gelder of the Orange County Audubon Society.
Presented by Jim Van Gelder
Winter Wildlife
Monday, February 13 2023, 5:30pm
Join biologist Dr. Walter Jahn as he discusses which wildlife are active in Orange County in the winter.
Presented by Walter Jahn
Colors in Nature
Wednesday, February 8 2023, 6:30pm
Online event hosted by Moffat Library in Washingtonville
Have you ever wondered why some birds are more colorful than others? Why is our planet green? How do living things produce and exhibit different colors? And why would any animal want to stand out anyway? Learn why our natural world is in color! Join this virtual presentation with biologist Professor Dr. Walter Jahn of the Orange County Audubon Society for a colorful presentation!
Presented by Walter Jahn
POP-UP PRESENTATION –>
Aquatic Invertebrates: Diversity and Food Chains
Thursday 10/27; 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Live at SUNY Orange/OCCC, Rowley Bldg 110
and also on Zoom.
SUNY Orange Biology Professor and OCAS board member Walter Jahn will give a presentation on aquatic invertebrates and their unique ecology. Free to attend via either method.
Presented by Walter Jahn
POP-UP PRESENTATION –>
PLANTS OF ORANGE COUNTY:
HISTORY, ECOLOGY, FUN FACTS
Tuesday 10/11; 5-6:30 PM
Live at SUNY Orange/OCCC, Rowley Bldg 112
and also on Zoom.
SUNY Orange Biology Professor and OCAS board member Walter Jahn will give a presentation on the plants of Orange County. Free to attend via either method.
Presented by Walter Jahn
Zoom meeting id: 947 4559 4776
Bird ID for Adults
Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 1:30 PM
Hosted at Pine Bush Area Public Library
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 of the Orange County Audubon Society will cover the basics of bird identification along with suggestions for equipment and good local birding spots.
Presented by Jim Van Gelder
Bird ID for Adults
Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 12pm
Hosted at Newburgh Free Library
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 of the Orange County Audubon Society will cover the basics of bird identification along with suggestions for equipment and good local birding spots.
Presented by Jim Van Gelder
Check back soon for registration info
Spring Migration
Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 6pm
Hosted by the Albert Wisner Public Library
Most of us can name at least a few birds that migrate during the spring, but did you know there are many other migratory wildlife in the Hudson Valley? Learn about local insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish and mammals that experience seasonal migration. You may be surprised!
Presented by Pam Golben
Migratory Birds
Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11am
Hosted by Moffatt Library Washingtonville
Join this virtual presentation with photographer and ornithologist Bill Fiero about the birds coming back to us. Bill is an experienced birder and presenter with great photos! He is currently participating in the Breeding Bird Atlas III.
Presented by Bill Fiero
Winter Bird Identification
Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 11am
Hosted by Port Jervis Free Library
Chilly days don’t drive all the birds away! Join this virtual presentation about the birds local to our area during the winter months. OCAS photographer and co-field trip leader, Diane Tuttle will help you prepare to get involved in citizen science bird counts by learning
Presented by Diane Tuttle
Native Plants Are for the Birds
Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 7pm
Hosted by Greenwood Lake Library
Join this virtual presentation that discusses the ways in which native plants are beneficial to our local ecology and wildlife, as well as ways we can adopt these plants in our own yards. Carolyn Summers runs the Flying Trillium Gardens and Preserve in Sullivan County.
Presented by Carolyn Summers
*When registering, you will be asked to enter your library card #. If you do not have a library card, just enter any random 14 digit number to register. Library card is NOT required.)
Winter Bird Identification
Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 2pm
Hosted by Woodbury Public Library
Chilly days don’t drive all the birds away! Learn about birds local to our area in the winter months and how to get involved in citizen science bird counts.
Presented by James Van Gelder
After his presentation, enjoy crafting bird gliders and bird wind chimes. Children 4th Grade and up and their parents/guardians are welcome.
Registration is REQUIRED (Max 20 family groups)
PREVIOUS EVENTS:
David Sibley Presentation
Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 7 pm
Online event, Hosted by Saw Mill River Audubon Society
This is a special Zoom presentation by David Sibley, the internationally renown author and illustrator of the Sibley Guides and other books about birds and nature. This program is sponsored by several Westchester public libraries and promoted with our neighboring Audubon chapters across the Hudson river, including the Saw Mill
River Audubon. Registration information will be available both here and in the Fall 2021 issue of the Orange Owl.
Birds and You – Virtual Family Program
Monday, July 12, 2021, 6:30pm
Online event, Hosted by the Newburgh Free Library
Register here
A family program for children grades 2-5 and parents. Learn how we can help birds in our backyard by providing food, water, and shelter – and how to identify the different types of birds you’ll typically see in this area.
Plant Natives! Gardening for Birds
Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 6:30pm
Online event, hosted by the Newburgh Free Library
Register here
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
Beginner Bird Identification
Tuesday, May 25, 2021, 6:00pm
Online event, hosted by the Albert Wisner Public Library.
Register here
Do you enjoy watching birds and want to work on your identification skills? We will discuss some of the keys to bird ID: looking at size and shape, colors and patterns, habitat, behaviors and sounds. This is a multimedia program that will introduce you to the birds local to our area and will help you become more confident at identifying the birds you see every day.
Bird Photography
Thursday, May 6, 2021, 6:30pm
Online event, hosted by the Moffat Library of Washingtonville.
Register here
If you enjoy nature and like taking photographs this is the program for you! This program is for new nature photographers who want to learn to take better photos. We will look at many beautiful photos and discuss composition, lighting, background and preparation. Presented by Diane Tuttle
Backyard Birds
Tuesday, April 27, 2021, 6:00pm
Online event, hosted by the Albert Wisner Public Library.
Register Here
Join us for a multi-media bird presentation. Interesting bird facts, key identificaiton features, and bird calls will be presented for the common birds you may see in your backyards and neighborhoods.
Behind the Scenes at eBird
Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 7:00pm
Online event, co-hosted by OCAS, Sawmill River Audubon, Bronx River Sound Shore Audubon
Register here
Regional eBird reviewers Sean Camillieri and Kyle Bardwell will give us a peak behind the curtain at eBird to show us what happens AFTER we send in an eBird bird sighting checklist. How can we use eBird to keep track of the birds we see? Register above for Zoom link and emailed reminders of this event.
Northern Cardinal Research with Brooke Goodman
Monday, April 12, 2021, 7:00pm
Online event, hosted by OCAS
Register here
Former OCAS intern Brooke Goodman will discusses her undergraduate research at SUNY Oswego which has included collecting and analyzing Northern Cardinal song to determine if Urban cardinals sing more frequently than Rural cardinals. Brooke will also talk about her work locating and banding nestling cardinals.
Bird Friendly Backyard
Saturday, April 10, 2021, 11:00am
Online event, hosted by the Moffat Library of Washingtonville.
Register here
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. Presented by Melissa Peterson.
Supporting Butterflies and Birds in Your Garden
Wednesday, March 31, 2021, 6:00pm
Online Event, Hosted by the Goshen Public Library
Registration here
Pollinator and bird populations are in jeopardy yet both are critical to the healthy functioning of our ecosystem. Learn more about Monarch butterflies, pollinators, and birds and how we can help support them with pollinator and bird-friendly landscaping practices. Presented by Melissa Peterson.
Native Plant Chat
Monday, March 22, 2021, 7:00pm
Online event, hosted by OCAS.
Register here
An informal program on Zoom discussing native plants for the garden. Melissa Peterson and Pam Golben will
offer advice about growing your own native plants from seed, tips for growing natives, and how to select
appropriate plants for your specific conditions. Bring your questions!
Bird Friendly Backyard
Thursday, March 18, 2021, 6:00pm
Online event, hosted by the Albert Wisner Public Library.
Register here
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. Presented by Melissa Peterson.
Beginner Bird Identification
Wednesday, March 3, 2021, 6:15pm
Online event, hosted by the Newburgh Free Library.
Register here
Do you enjoy watching birds and want to work on your identification skills? We will discuss some of the keys to bird ID: looking at size and shape, colors and patterns, habitat, behaviors and sounds. This is a multimedia program that will introduce you to the birds local to our area and will help you become more confident at identifying the birds you see every day.
Raptors for Rookies
Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 6:30PM
Online event, hosted by the Chester Public Library
To Register call: (845) 469-4252
Over twenty species of raptors may be spotted in our area including various kinds of eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Saw Mill River Audubon Executive Director Anne Swaim will present a multimedia program with some of the best raptor images from local photographers, video clips and more. Find out when and where raptors may be seen and how they are doing in the mixed rural and suburban landscapes of the Lower Hudson Valley.
A Year of Photographing Birds at Liberty Loop
Thursday, February 18, 2021, 7:00pm
Online event
Register here
Join Diane Tuttle for an informal program discussing her year of photographing the diversity of birds found at Liberty Loop in the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. Diane will be sharing many beautiful photos and will discuss a few tips for capturing the best photographs.
Groundhogs and Groundhog’s Day
Tuesday, February 2, 2021, 6:30pm
Online event, hosted by the Moffat Library of Washingtonville
Register here or call 845-496-5483
Its Groundhog Day! Join us and learn some really cool facts about these chunky members of the squirrel family. Discover why we celebrate Groundhog’s Day and how groundhogs became the prognosticators of Spring! Presented by Pam Golben.
Photographing the Snow Geese Migration
Thursday, January 21, 2021, 6:00pm
Online event, hosted by the Albert Wisner Public Library
Register here
Each year hundreds of thousands of Greater snow geese migrate along the Atlantic Flyway on their way to the Canadian Arctic to breed.
Join award-winning photographer, Joanna Lentini for a talk about one of the few bird species that are thriving in this changing climate, as well as some techniques to photograph this wild spectacle.
If you can’t make it to the talk, Joanna is leading a workshop at the end of Feruary to photograph the migration. You can get involved
Winter Bird Identification
Thursday, January 14, 2021, 6:30pm
Online event, hosted by the Port Jervis Free Library
Register here
or call 845-856-7313 x 4
Breeding Bird Atlas Photos
Wednesday, December 2, 2020, 7:00pm
Online event
Email us to rsvp
Bill Fiero will share photos of local birds taken during his Breeding Bird Atlas surveys in 2020. We always enjoy seeing Bill’s beautiful photos and hearing his stories. Don’t miss this program!
Woodpeckers – Virtual Program
Tuesday, November 10, 2020, 6:00PM
Online event, hosted by the Albert Wisner Public Library
Register here
Handsome and well dressed, woodpeckers are a favorite of many. Learn to identify 7 woodpecker species common to the Hudson Valley by sight and sound. We will also cover diet, nesting, anatomy, and why woodpeckers are able to hammer on trees without injuring themselves. Learn the difference between drumming, feeding and excavating behaviors and ways to deter woodpeckers if they’ve chosen your house for these activities. Presented by Pam Golben.
Hawk Migration Zoom Chat
Thursday, October 29, 2020, 7:00pm
Online event
Email us to rsvp
Join OCAS for a Zoom Chat about the fall hawk migration. We will look at hawk photos, talk about the Mt Peter Hawk Watch, and talk about identifying hawks. Bring your questions! This will be informal, fun, and interactive.
Raptors for Rookies – Virtual Program
Thursday, October 15, 2020, 6:00PM
Online event, hosted by the Albert Wisner Public Library
Register here
Over twenty species of raptors may be spotted in our area including various kinds of eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Saw Mill River Audubon Executive Director Anne Swaim will present a multimedia program with some of the best raptor images from local photographers, video clips and more. Find out when and where raptors may be seen and how they are doing in the mixed rural and suburban landscapes of the Lower Hudson Valley.
Backyard Birds and You – Virtual Family Program
Wednesday, October 14, 2020, 6:30pm
Online event, Hosted by the Florida Public Library
Register here
A family program for children grades 2-5 and parents. Learn how we can help birds in our backyard by providing food, water, and shelter – and how to identify the different types of birds you’ll typically see in this area. Presented by Melissa Peterson. As an added bonus, a small supply of “build it yourself birdhouses” will be available for pick up at the library…while supplies last. Registration is required for this family program.
Virtual Field Trip – Zoom
Wednesday, September 30, 2020, 7:00pm
Online event
Email us to rsvp
Join us for a virtual field trip to OCAS’s 6 1/2 Station Sanctuary. We will view photos of birds currently seen at the sanctuary and discuss fall migration sightings. This is a great way to prepare for a your own birding adventures. Bring your questions! This will be informal, fun, and interactive. Led by Rich Van Tieghem
Birds and Climate Change – Virtual Program
Wednesday, September 23, 2020, 6:30PM
Online event, hosted by the Goshen Public Library
Register here
Global Warming poses an existential threat to two-thirds of North American bird species – but there is still time to protect them. This program discusses factors effecting bird populations and what we can do as citizens to help birds and fight Climate Change if we act now. Presented by Melissa Peterson.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Virtual Program
Monday, September 14, 2020, 6:30pm
Online event, hosted by the Chester Public Library
call (845) 469-4252 to register
Learn more about the ruby-throated humminbird – ID, natural history, diet, migration, and the plants that attract these beautiful birds. Presented by Pam Golben
Zoom Chat – Bird Photography
Thursday, August 27, 2020, 7:00pm
Do you like taking photos of birds? Would you like to take better photos of birds? Join Diane Tuttle for this informal and fun chat. Email us to rsvp. We will send you a Zoom invitation before the chat. Please let us know ahead of time if you would like to share a few photos.
Birding Beyond the Backyard – Virtual Program
Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 7:00-8:30pm
Online event, hosted by the Newburgh Free Library
Register here
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 of the Orange County Audubon Society will cover the basics of bird identification along with suggestions for equipment and good local birding spots.
Zoom Chat – Birding in Orange County
Thursday, July 30, 2020, 7:00pm
Do you have questions about birding in Orange County? Want to talk birds and share some of your best photos or recent birding brags with other birders? This will be an informal and fun chat led by Jim Van Gelder. Email us to rsvp. We will send you a Zoom invitation before the chat. Let us know ahead of time if you would like to share a few photos.
Supporting Butterflies and Birds in Your Garden – Virtual Program
Thursday, July 23, 2020, 7:00-8:00pm
Online Event, Hosted by Tuxedo Park Library
Register here
Online Event. Pollinator and bird populations are in jeopardy yet both are critical to the healthy functioning of our ecosystem. Learn more about Monarch butterflies, pollinators, and birds and how we can help support them with pollinator and bird-friendly landscaping practices. Presented by Melissa Peterson, Orange County Audubon Society. Hosted by the Tuxedo Park Library. Registration required. Visit the Tuxedo Park Library website calendar to sign up.
Spring Frog Identification
Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 7:00-8:00pm
via ZOOM, hosted by the Albert Wisner Public Library
Registration required
Birds and Climate Change
Saturday, February 29, 2020, 1:00-2:00pm
Chester Public Library
1784 Kings Hwy, Chester, NY 10918
Click here for directions
call (845) 469-4252 to register
Global Warming poses an existential threat to two-thirds of North American bird species – but there is still time to protect them. This program discusses factors effecting bird populations and what we can do as citizens to help birds and fight Climate Change if we act now. Presented by Melissa Peterson / Jody Susler.
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
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!
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
This half day session will focus on our area. The goal is to “Get climate smart!” by learning about local effects of climate change, local, county and state responses and what you can do. Don’t be discouraged and overwhelmed; get encouraged and inspired to take action.
Registration is $12/person. REGISTER HERE
Schedule:
8:30am-9:00am Registration & Refreshments
9:00am-10:30am First Session: Local Effects to Expect & County Responses
10:30am-11:00am Break, Displays, Refreshments
11:00am-12:15pm Second Session: State and Community Responses
12:15pm Concluding Remarks & Next Steps
* Children’s Environmental Activities for Grades 4th-8th will be held at the same time as the Boot Camp. For more information and for children’s registration, contact office@sawmillriveraudubon.org
Speakers include Dr. Chandu Visweswariah, CEO, Utopus Insights and former IBM energy and environmental science Research Fellow; NY State Senator Peter Harckham and Westchester County Director Peter McCartt ,who will speak to their respective levels of government; and Midge Iorio, Executive Director, Bedford 2020, Sara Goddard, Rye City Councilmember and Founder, Rye Sustainability Committee, Lindsay Audin, Chair, Croton Sustainability Committee, to participate in the local government/community action round table.
Co-sponsored by Federated Conservationist
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. Following the screening, Walter Jahn, PhD, Professor of Biology, will lead a discussion and Q & A.
Sponsored by Orange County Audubon Society, SUNY Orange Sustainability, and SUNY Orange Cultural Affairs
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
Meet the Artist Reception: John C. Yrizzary “A Life’s Work”
Saturday, October 12, 2019, 2:00-4:00pm
Albert Wisner Public Library
1 McFarland Drive, Warwick, NY 10990
Click here for directions
Meet the Artist Reception. John is displaying key pieces of his work that represent his artistic development from undergrad at Yale School of Fine Arts to his current status as an acclaimed wildlife illustrator. John’s art will be on display for the month of October in the library’s lower gallery. Hosted by the Albert Wisner Public Library. This event is open to the public with advance registration at the library 845-986-1047.
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 Valerie Peckham, Audubon Pennsylvania Field Organizer. Valerie 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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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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.
Wed, Dec 5, 2018 at 6:30-7:45pm
Newburgh Free Library
124 Grand St, Newburgh, New York 12550
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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.
Wed, Nov 7 at 6:30-7:45pm
Tuxedo Park Library
227 Route 17, Tuxedo Park, New York 10987
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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.
Wed, Oct 3 at 6:30pm – 7:45pm
Albert Wisner Public Library
1 McFarland Dr, Warwick, New York 10990
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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.