January 2, 2023 — Lake Placid, NY — Starting this Friday, January 6, the Adirondack Mountain Club’s (ADK’s) Cascade Welcome Center will be hosting free weekend nature and recreation programs throughout the winter season. Led by ADK naturalists, each program is open to all ages and aims to connect locals and visitors to the natural wonders of the Adirondacks.

Snowshoe rentals can be provided free of charge for all programs. Participants should come prepared with warm layers to spend at least an hour outside in subfreezing temperatures. Details about each program are listed below.

Fridays, 7 to 8:30 p.m. – Winter Stargazing Hikes or Lectures 

On clear Friday nights, ADK naturalists will lead snowshoeing trips on Cascade Welcome Center’s trails to observe stars, constellations, and the moon, and to discuss how humans have used stars for navigation over the centuries. If it is cloudy out, naturalists will lead a guided nighttime snowshoeing trip, where participants will test their senses through games and activities to show how we, like the creatures of the night, have special adaptations that help us survive the unique challenges of winter and the dark.

If the weather is unsafe, ADK staff will lead an hour-long indoor lecture focusing on a variety of topics ranging from fauna and flora to geology.

Saturdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Recording Nature: The Art of Journaling  

Make discoveries with an ADK naturalist and develop a skill that will deepen your connection with nature: journaling. While snowshoeing through Cascade Welcome Center’s trails, participants will practice using provided nature journals to see examples of how journaling can bring them closer to nature and improve their naturalist skills. This is a great program for anyone interested in a new skill or hobby, or those looking for a fun nature walk.

Sundays, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Guided Birding Walks 

If you’ve ever been curious about all the chirps and chips you hear in the forests, join ADK for a winter birding snowshoe walk on Sunday mornings! Not all birds migrate south for the winter and now is the perfect time to learn about (and observe!) the hardy species that spend the winter in the Adirondacks. 

These trips are for all ages and abilities, whether you’ve been birding for years or if it’s your first time. Trips will start with a short introduction at the Center and then head out on the trails. Binoculars can be provided for use during the program.

To learn more about programs at Cascade Welcome Center, contact our staff at cascade@adk.org or (518) 837-5047.

About ADK:

Based out of the Adirondack Park in New York State, ADK is a leader in providing outdoor education, promoting responsible recreation, and organizing stewardship experiences. Since 1922, the organization has worked to increase access to the backcountry by building trails, conserving natural areas, and developing a stewardship community that supports the ethical and safe use of New York’s outdoor spaces. A member, donor, and volunteer-supported organization, ADK reaches across New York through its 27 chapters to inspire people to enjoy the outdoors ethically.