5 Eco-Friendly Fall Activities in Upstate New York

If
you’re looking for something fun and eco-friendly to do this fall, we’ve got
you covered! New York State is filled with interesting,
ecological activities. We’ve put together a list of 5 activities that are sure
to get you out of the house, and enjoying the outdoors
before the snowy season arrives. Continue
reading  to learn more.

Visit Rogers Environmental Education Center

Tucked
away in Sherburne, NY, the Rogers Environmental
Education Center is the perfect place to spend time with family and learn more
about the great outdoors. Known for their highly informative child-educational
programs, this center has been around for over 50 years and is still spreading
environmental awareness to this day. The center offers
various programs, including “Nature’s Nursery” for ages 2-5 involving activities
and socialization to teach about wildlife.
When the weather starts to get colder, throw on your snowshoes or skis and hit
the trails. After a nice brisk hike in their 600 acres, you can warm up with a
visit to their Visitor’s Center, which houses a plethora of interactive
displays including a live honeybee hive, wildlife themed games, and taxidermy
animals from across New York State.

Volunteer at a Local Animal Shelter

Volunteering
at your local animal shelter is not only a great way to give back to your
community but can also be great for your mental, physical, and emotional health.

Studies
have shown that spending time with animals can help to reduce stress, anxiety,
and feelings of loneliness. It can also help to boost your mood and lower your blood pressure.  Volunteering at your local shelter also
provides amazing benefits to the animals who live there. By volunteering, you
are helping prepare these animals for their eventual fur-ever homes. Due to
varying resources, support, and history, many animals that live in shelters
will have varying degrees of human interaction. Socialization is a huge part of
the preparation stage. It helps them with trust, which can help to bring them
out of their shells. That growth goes a long way when it comes to adoptability.

Before
heading over to your local shelter, be sure to check whether or not there is a
pre-approval process. You might also consider calling ahead to ask if they need
any supplies. It is not uncommon for shelters to need items such as canned
animal food, paper towels, fabric towels, bleach, toys, treats, collars,
leashes, and beds.

Check out the Storm King Art Center

Are
you looking for a place where you can reconnect with nature? First established
in 1960, the Storm King Art Center located in New Windsor, NY is a must-see.
Founder, Ralph E. Ogden had a vision to make this place a destination of
limitless discovery. Today, the Storm King Art Center has over 500 acres of
land and around 115 collections, exhibitions, and commissioned pieces designed
to inspire all who visit.

Although
their onsite tram is temporarily closed, they have opened the park up to
driving tours. Taking the art center in at
your own pace, you can  find a place to
stop, get out of your car and wander around the rolling meadows, hills, wooded
areas, and paved paths. After your exploration, you can visit the onsite
Outdoor Cafe for a bite to eat. Pro-tip: Purchase your lunch items ahead of
time and then find the perfect spot for an outdoor picnic. If you’re looking
for a faster paced experience, bike rentals are available at an additional cost. Be sure to visit the Storm
King Art Center website before planning your trip.

Clean-Up your Local Park

Helping
clean up your local park is the perfect activity if you’re looking to spend
some time outdoors while also helping the environment. Before heading over to
the park, you’ll want to make sure you are dressed appropriately for the
weather with proper clothing and sun protection. A few other things you may
want to bring along with you include trash bags, pokers, gloves, water, and a
vehicle to help you transport and dispose of collected trash. Consider
reaching out to your local municipality, county, or conservation groups to see if they have
any plans for the area, like planting trees or sprucing up the
landscaping. Be on the lookout for sharp objects or anything that may cause you
harm.

Ride the Rails

Rail-biking
is one of the most innovative ways to experience nature. Using specialized bikes, you can view the beauty
that is Upstate New York, like never before. At specific rail-biking locations,
you can choose to rent a two or four-passenger bike depending on the size of
your party. The best part is that it’s great for all ages! The bikes were
designed so that you only need one person pedaling to move forward, allowing
everyone else to just sit back and enjoy the sites. You can find railway
explorations throughout various parts of New York State, including the
Adirondacks and Catskills. Be sure to check out your desired location’s website
before planning your trip as you will likely need to call ahead and reserve a
bike.

For
more outdoor and family-friendly fall excursion ideas, click the link below.