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Dutchess County Parks’ Spring Naturalist Programming Returns
Registration to open Wednesday, March 22nd

Published: 3/13/2023

Poughkeepsie…  Dutchess County Parks has a wide array of programming planned for residents of all ages this spring season. From weekend archery, youth park palette art sessions and eaglet nature programs to new, two-day immersive experiences, there is something for everyone looking to explore the outdoors in fun and unique ways. Program registration opens Wednesday, March 22nd at www.DutchessNY.gov/ParksEducation.

Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil said, “With the weather warming up, we are excited for the return of our popular naturalist programming, offering fun and educational opportunities to try new things outside at our beautiful Bowdoin Park.”

Spring Naturalist Program Schedule

Weekend Public Archery sessions will begin Saturday, April 8 at Bowdoin Park. The archery program consists of five classes, held on Saturdays, with various time slots offered. The sessions, each an hour long, are designed for children ages 8 and up, and adults with any level of archery experience. Basic hands-on archery skills are taught, as well as bow and arrow safety. Cost is $60 per person and includes all five classes and equipment.  Limit: 20 participants per time slot.

  • Saturday, April 8
  • Saturday, April 22
  • Saturday, May 6
  • Saturday, May 20
  • Saturday, June 3

Time Slots

  • 8:30-9:30am
  • 10-11 a.m.
  • 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • 2-3 p.m.
  • 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Park Palette Art Series for ages 10-18 will be held at Bowdoin Park from 5-6:15pm in Pavilion 5. These classes take students through a step-by-step process to create nature-themed paintings. Students can choose one workshop or take all three. Cost is $12 (includes all supplies).  Limit: 12 participants per session.

  • Wednesday, April 26 - Colorful Mountain Landscape
  • Wednesday, May 10 -The Northern Lights
  • Wednesday, June 14 – The Red Fox

Eaglet Nature Program is for youth ages 5 to 7, along with their parents or caregivers, at Bowdoin Park’s Nature Education Center. Through interactive exploration and play, children will have the opportunity to take a closer look at the unique natural habitats, with each week focusing on a different topic with a craft being made at the end of the class.  All classes will be offered 4:00-4:45pm. Registration is $5 per child. Limit: 12 participants.

  • Tuesday, May 9 - Mammals
  • Tuesday, May 23 - Nature Awareness
  • Tuesday, June 6 – Pond Study

New this year, Spring Break Days will be two, two-day immersive experiences for youth ages 9-11 who have not previously attended a summer camp with Dutchess County Parks. Registration for this teaser of the popular, longer summer sessions also opens March 22nd. To learn more about these programs, read the release online.

Other spring programming, including group weekday Archery, Junior Survival, Scout Programs and School Field Trips are available by appointment and reservations can be made by calling 845-298-4602.

For registration and programming information, visit DutchessNY.gov/Parks.