Park News and Updates

Fall Weekend Archery

Registration for the next round of our popular weekend archery classes will open September 2nd at 9am. Sessions begin on Saturday, September 13th and will take place at Bowdoin Park’s archery range, located near Pavilion 4. The program consists of five classes, held on Saturdays, with various time slots to accommodate more students. The sessions, each an hour long, are designed for children ages 8 and up, and adults with any level of archery experience. Space is limited, so be sure to register early at www.DutchessNY.gov/ParksEducation. Read the press release.

Free Survival Lecture Series in September

Dutchess County Parks, in partnership with Mountain Scout Survival School, will host a FREE Survival Lecture Series in September, covering topics such as Wilderness Survival, Urban Emergency Preparedness and Navigation for all ages.

Each lecture will be held from 7-8:30pm in the Community Center Auditorium at Bowdoin Park. Registration is not required.

Wilderness Survival Big Picture – Wednesday, Sep. 10th

Discuss the major and minor subjects of primitive bushcraft and wilderness survival vs. wilderness living, including topics such as:

• Shelter - its many variations.
• Water – location & purification.
• Fire - the preparations and the variety of methods of lighting it.
• Food - three different categories. 
• Tracking – it’s a science & so important.
• Awareness - no matter the skill at hand, you must always remain aware.
• Movement - every single movement matters in the wilderness.
• Knife skills - choosing the right knife and how to use it safely.

Urban Emergency Preparedness – Wednesday, Sep. 17th

Intended for the 70% of Americans who reside in and around cities and urban environments.  Usually, when presented with an emergency and/or disaster, we are faced with the question “should I stay, or should I go?”  This presentation covers the following 5 essential topics:

1. Communications – options and protocols
2. Varieties and types of emergency bags/kits
3. Paths of Travel and Rendezvous Points
4. Available Resources
5. Safety and Security

Native Navigation – Wednesday, Sep. 24th

Focuses on the ability to move through the landscape without the use of a map or compass. Learn to observe the natural environment and recognize the paths within it, including topics such as:

• Understanding the difference between knowing direction and finding direction.
• How to move through new environments and see the subtle signs of direction throughout the landscape.
• Understanding the signs that can lead you to and from resources.
• The approximately 20 different directional indicators that are found on trees.
• How to prevent getting lost.

New Accessible Playground Now Open Near Pavilion 2!

There is a brand-new playground to add to summer fun bucket lists! Our brand-new, universally accessible playground at Bowdoin Park, located near Pavilion 2 and the soccer field area, is now open daily during regular park hours. Watch a video of the celebration online. Read the press release online.

If you have any questions about our naturalist programs, please contact 845-298-4602 or email parknaturalist@dutchessny.gov