Press

ALBANY – New York State Museum researchers and collection specialists will lead walks to explore the biology and geology of John Boyd Thacher Park on Saturday, June 13.

The “New York State Museum Goes to the Parks” daytime programs will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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 June 8 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,” and Chris Collins, a graduate student at the University at Albany studying the ecology of small mammals, will lead a one-mile walk. During the walk, they will check live traps and talk about the species that are caught. Limited to 15 people. Children may attend with parent.
• Morning Bird Walk ? 8–10 a.m. Dr. Jeremy Kirchman, the Museum’s curator of birds, will lead a walk along park trails (some with steps) and will help participants identify local breeding birds. There is a possibility of seeing ravens, hawks, and a variety of thrushes and warblers. Participants should bring binoculars. Limited to 15 people.
• Insect Walk ? 10 a.m. – noon. Museum entomologists Dr. Jason Cryan and Dr. Tim McCabe will lead this easy walk. Participants will discuss major morphological and behavioral adaptations that have contributed to the success of insects. Limited to 20 people. All ages welcomed. Collecting nets will be provided.
• Glacial Geology Walk in the Helderbergs ? 1–3 p.m. Dr. Andrew Kozlowski, a glacial geologist, will focus 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. Children age 12 and older may attend with parent.

• Fish and Crayfish Wade ? 1–3 p.m. Ichthyologist Dr. Robert Daniels will take his group from Thacher Park to nearby Thompson’s Lake to discuss the ecology and behavior of fish and crayfish in the lake. Participants will use seines and dipnets in shallow areas to capture and look at the fish, so they should wear shoes and clothes that can get wet. Limited to 20 people. Children age 12 and older may attend with parent.
• Bedrock Geology II: 30 Million Years of Seas and Life ? 3–5 p.m. Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten, sedimentary geologist, will explore the geology of more obscure parts of Thacher Park. Fossils, limestone, shale, volcanic ashes, and deformed rocks provide details about the park’s deep history. Limited to 20 people. Children age 12 and older may attend with parent.

The New York State Museum is a cultural program of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. 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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