Upcoming Events
For information about any of our events, please email Info@FriendsofTSP.org or call 518-966-2730.
Our Calendar
May 4: “I Love My Park” Day – Join us Saturday morning, May 4th for this
statewide event celebrating New York's parks. We will tidy up some hiking trails, clear
brush and beautify the historic Copake Iron Works. We’ll finish with a picnic lunch and a
raffle! Register in advance to have a t-shirt waiting for you on May 4th. Click here to register.
May 11: “Backyard Fruit Simplified” –11 am and 2 pm, Lee Reich, “the PhD of Fruit,” will present “Backyard Fruit Simplified: Fruits you can Grow without Toxic Chemicals or Constant Work” at 11 am (tickets at fruittalk.eventbrite.com) and a grafting workshop at 2 pm (tickets at graftingworkshop.eventbrite.com); both events at the Church of St. John in the Wilderness, Copake Falls.
May 11:
June 1:
June 8: “Take a Walk on the Wild Side.” 1 pm. Botanist and Northeast wildflower authority Robert Naczi of the New York Botanical Garden leads a wildflower walk in Taconic State Park. Please register in advance. Email info@FriendsofTSP.org or call 518-966-2730.
July 25: Fifth Annual Meeting and Potluck Supper at the Copake Iron Works. 6 pm. Details to be announced.
August 17: Copake Falls Day, events throughout the day including "This Heirloom Life," a talk about gardening, food and the rural life by the Fabulous Beekman Boys. Lecture at 11am; join the Beekman Boys at 10 am for breakfast and book signing. Then continue to Margaret Roach’s garden and a plant sale by the legendary Broken Arrow Nursery.
September 22: Hidden Valley Hike with the Hudson Valley Ramble. Deep in Taconic State Park is a private estate, rarely open to the public. A strenuous hike to some of the Taconic Ridge’s loveliest viewpoints. details to be announced.
May 11: “Backyard Fruit Simplified” –11 am and 2 pm, Lee Reich, “the PhD of Fruit,” will present “Backyard Fruit Simplified: Fruits you can Grow without Toxic Chemicals or Constant Work” at 11 am (tickets at fruittalk.eventbrite.com) and a grafting workshop at 2 pm (tickets at graftingworkshop.eventbrite.com); both events at the Church of St. John in the Wilderness, Copake Falls.
May 11:
- 10 AM-4 PM, Open Garden Day, home of Margaret Roach, Copake Falls; plant sale by Broken Arrow Nursery.
- 11 AM: “Backyard Fruit Simplified: Fruits You
Can Grow Without Toxic Chemicals or Constant Work” with Lee Reich, “the PhD of
fruit,” at Church of St. John in the Wilderness, Copake Falls.Tickets on eventbrite.
- 2 PM: Hands-on grafting workshop at 2 PM. Tickets on eventbrite.
June 1:
- 10 AM-4 PM, open garden day, home of Margaret Roach, Copake Falls; plant sale by Broken Arrow Nursery.
- 11 AM and 2 PM: garden workshops with author-photographer Ken Druse (details to follow).
June 8: “Take a Walk on the Wild Side.” 1 pm. Botanist and Northeast wildflower authority Robert Naczi of the New York Botanical Garden leads a wildflower walk in Taconic State Park. Please register in advance. Email info@FriendsofTSP.org or call 518-966-2730.
July 25: Fifth Annual Meeting and Potluck Supper at the Copake Iron Works. 6 pm. Details to be announced.
August 17: Copake Falls Day, events throughout the day including "This Heirloom Life," a talk about gardening, food and the rural life by the Fabulous Beekman Boys. Lecture at 11am; join the Beekman Boys at 10 am for breakfast and book signing. Then continue to Margaret Roach’s garden and a plant sale by the legendary Broken Arrow Nursery.
September 22: Hidden Valley Hike with the Hudson Valley Ramble. Deep in Taconic State Park is a private estate, rarely open to the public. A strenuous hike to some of the Taconic Ridge’s loveliest viewpoints. details to be announced.
Past Events
April 20: "Biodiversity Without Borders: Earth Day Reflections on the Environment in Cuba," 2:00 PM at the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society; presented by Brian Boom, director of the Caribbean Biodiversity Program at the New York Botanical Garden. Brian, a member of our Board of Directors, will talk about the huge array of terrestrial and aquatic habitats on Cuba, the biggest and most biodiversity-rich island in the Caribbean.
Brian has traveled to Cuba more than twenty times since 1989. In his lecture, he will stress environmental challenges shared by the U.S. and Cuba and efforts to foster greater collaboration between the two countries on environmental issues of mutual concern. Please join us for this unique opportunity to explore an environment that has been off-limits to most of us. For a preview, see www.sciencediplomacy.org/article/2012/biodiversity-without-borders.
March 23: “Heirloom Gardening from Seed to Seed.” 2:00 pm Third Annual Welcome Spring Garden Lecture at the Copake Grange. Presented by Ken Greene of Hudson Valley Seed Library, with exhibits and advice by Turtle Tree Seeds and A Way to Garden, and gardening goodies from the Hillsdale General Store. Tickets at Eventbrite.com (http://seedtalk.eventbrite.com).
February 18th - "Snow or No" 1 pm. Snowshoeing if there is snow; hike if not. Campfire and hot cocoa. Email info@friendsoftsp.org or call 518-966-2730. Meet at the Park headquarters on Route 344 in Copake Falls.
Winter Walk - Sunday, December 9th, Noon to 5pm
We are pleased to be joining several Copake Falls organizations for the first ever Winter Walk in the Wilderness. There will be events throughout the historic hamlet all day long, starting with a Holiday Open House at the Ironworks.
Join us for some hot soup, a tour of the Ironworks and an inside peek at the historic blower house. Then continue to the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society for a holiday exhibit and the Church of St. John in the Wilderness for a handbell concert. Carolling throughout the hamlet begins at 4:30 at the Church.
Visit www.CopakeFallsDay.org for the full schedule and to learn more.
Join us for some hot soup, a tour of the Ironworks and an inside peek at the historic blower house. Then continue to the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society for a holiday exhibit and the Church of St. John in the Wilderness for a handbell concert. Carolling throughout the hamlet begins at 4:30 at the Church.
Visit www.CopakeFallsDay.org for the full schedule and to learn more.
HAVE A BLAST AT FURNACE FEST - Sunday, Nov. 11th, Noon to 2pm.
Join us at the historic Copake Iron Works in Copake Falls to celebrate the completion of our furnace cover project. Ribbon cutting promptly at noon. We'll serve hamburgers, hotdogs, and veggie burgers and will enjoy musical accompaniment from Copake musician Zach Nayer.
This is our opportunity to thank the community for its passionate support of this important project and to tell you about our future plans.
Call 518-329-3251 or email info@friendsoftsp.org for more details.
This is our opportunity to thank the community for its passionate support of this important project and to tell you about our future plans.
Call 518-329-3251 or email info@friendsoftsp.org for more details.
KEN DRUSE LECTURE: "Natural Companions: Inspired Plant Combinations" - Saturday, August 18th (Copake Falls Day) at 11:00 a.m. - Tickets at druselecture.eventbrite.com
Our good friend Margaret Roach hosts this benefit for Friends of Taconic State Park. Award-winning garden writer and photographer Ken Druse presents recipes for perfect plant pairings using diverse species. Unlike most advice on companion planting, this talk introduces heat- and cold-tolerant varieties that will thrive in our part of the world. The talk is organized by theme within topics including: seasons, color, fragrance, foliage, grasses, wetlands and ponds, edible flowers and much more.
Along with the garden photos, the presentation features unique botanical images created in collaboration with artist Ellen Hoverkamp using modern digital technology. Cuttings of plants and flowers (often grown in Ken’s Sussex County, NJ garden) were arranged on an oversized flatbed scanner. The results reveal the vivid characteristics of favorite plants with amazing color, depth and clarity.
Gardeners will discover an inspirational guide -- presented in Ken’s witty style and stunning presentation techniques.
Along with the garden photos, the presentation features unique botanical images created in collaboration with artist Ellen Hoverkamp using modern digital technology. Cuttings of plants and flowers (often grown in Ken’s Sussex County, NJ garden) were arranged on an oversized flatbed scanner. The results reveal the vivid characteristics of favorite plants with amazing color, depth and clarity.
Gardeners will discover an inspirational guide -- presented in Ken’s witty style and stunning presentation techniques.
Tickets
Lecture-only tickets are $20 at druselecture.eventbrite.com. You may also advance-purchase a signed copy of "Natural Companions" (cover price, $40) for an additional $30 over the ticket price, a $10 savings. Click here to buy tickets and/or the book.
Note: Ken will also be doing a plant-propagation workshop in Copake Falls at 1:30 PM, for a separate fee. Info on that here.
We are deeply grateful to Margaret Roach of A Way to Garden.Com for hosting this special event for our benefit.
Note: Ken will also be doing a plant-propagation workshop in Copake Falls at 1:30 PM, for a separate fee. Info on that here.
We are deeply grateful to Margaret Roach of A Way to Garden.Com for hosting this special event for our benefit.
3rd Annual Meeting - July 2011
We hope you will join us for our 4th annual meeting and potluck supper. This is always a festive gathering with good food and interesting presentations. This year's featured speaker is new board member Jim Mackin who serves as the president of the Roebling (NY/NJ) Chapter of the Society for Industrial Archeology. Jim will offer his experiences, including some interesting, lesser known, and under-appreciated items of nature, history and industry that made him a passionate "Friend.”
You will also have an opportunity to hear (and see!) a progress report on the furnace cover project.
RSVP by calling 518-966-2730 and please plan to bring a side dish or dessert and BYOB. We provide hot dogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers.
You will also have an opportunity to hear (and see!) a progress report on the furnace cover project.
RSVP by calling 518-966-2730 and please plan to bring a side dish or dessert and BYOB. We provide hot dogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers.
SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES, Sunday, April 29th at 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tree enthusiast (and brand new board member!) Jim Mackin, will lead a leisurely hike in the Park on April 29th at 1 p.m. Jim will help participants identify the trees that are common to the area and part of our rich local history of farming, railroading and iron manufacturing. Be prepared to learn some interesting tree trivia and help find the dying American elms and the rare American chestnuts.
Meet at 1 pm at the new Park office building on Route 344 across from the Depot Deli and next to Bash Bish Bicycle. Call 518-329-3993 for more information or email us.
Meet at 1 pm at the new Park office building on Route 344 across from the Depot Deli and next to Bash Bish Bicycle. Call 518-329-3993 for more information or email us.
Page Dickey, gardening legend and author, presents "Embroidered Ground" for our benefit on Saturday, March 17th at 3:30 p.m.
We are delighted to announce our 2nd Annual Welcome to Spring benefit event on Saturday, March 17th at 3:30 p.m. Our featured speaker will be legendary gardener and author Page Dickey who will present a narrated slide show of her magnificent gardens in Salem, New York and read from her book “Embroidered Ground.” Page will sign copies of her book at a wine and hors d’ouevres reception following her presentation.
This year's event will be held in the historic Grange Hall on Empire Road in Copake, New York. This warm and welcoming space is the ideal location to welcome spring while gaining inspiration for our own embroidered ground!
Tickets are available with optional book and/or reception and are available through eventbrite http://taconic.eventbrite.com. Proceeds will once again benefit our Copake Iron Works furnace cover project.
This year's event will be held in the historic Grange Hall on Empire Road in Copake, New York. This warm and welcoming space is the ideal location to welcome spring while gaining inspiration for our own embroidered ground!
Tickets are available with optional book and/or reception and are available through eventbrite http://taconic.eventbrite.com. Proceeds will once again benefit our Copake Iron Works furnace cover project.
Presidents' Day Ramble in the Park, Sunday, February 19th, 1pm to 3pm
Join us for a winter ramble in Taconic State Park. If mother nature sends us some snow, this will be a snowshoeing event; with or without snow, we’ll end with a campfire, hot chocolate and snacks.
The park has several pairs of snow shoes to loan at no charge, so even if you don’t own your own, you can still try your hand (foot) at this fun winter activity. This month's hike is definitely family friendly and as always, four legged hikers are welcome!
We will meet at the new park headquarters on Route 344 in Copake Falls. Call 518-329-3993 for more information.
The park has several pairs of snow shoes to loan at no charge, so even if you don’t own your own, you can still try your hand (foot) at this fun winter activity. This month's hike is definitely family friendly and as always, four legged hikers are welcome!
We will meet at the new park headquarters on Route 344 in Copake Falls. Call 518-329-3993 for more information.
Have a BLAST at Furnace Fest!
Saturday, November 5th, noon to 2pm - Please join us at the historic Copake Iron Works on Valley View Road in Copake Falls to celebrate the groundbreaking on our furnace cover project. We'll have hotdogs, hamburgers, raffles, music, more. This is our chance to thank YOU for making our dream a reality.
For more information, email us at info@friendsoftsp.org or call 518-966-2730.
For more information, email us at info@friendsoftsp.org or call 518-966-2730.
Margaret Roach hosts a benefit for us, Saturday, August 20th in Copake Falls.
Margaret Roach/A Way to Garden.
Our dear friend Margaret Roach is hosting another benefit event in support of Friends of Taconic State Park. On Saturday, August 20th, Margaret will present “Nonstop Plants: The 365-Day Garden.” This hugely popular slide show and lecture will cover Margaret's four-season gardening philosophy, her favorite plants, and a history of her garden. The lecture begins at 8:30 am and will be held at the Church of St. John in the Wilderness.
Tickets must be purchased in advance through Eventbrite. To register follow this link. Your $20 donation includes a $5 coupon redeemable toward a signed copy of Margaret's recent book, “And I Shall Have Some Peace There." Seating is limited; we urge you to buy tickets soon.
Margaret says, "Proceeds from tickets and book sales will benefit Friends of Taconic State Park, an important charitable group within my community and one close to my heart, since my garden is surrounded by parkland on three sides."
Tickets must be purchased in advance through Eventbrite. To register follow this link. Your $20 donation includes a $5 coupon redeemable toward a signed copy of Margaret's recent book, “And I Shall Have Some Peace There." Seating is limited; we urge you to buy tickets soon.
Margaret says, "Proceeds from tickets and book sales will benefit Friends of Taconic State Park, an important charitable group within my community and one close to my heart, since my garden is surrounded by parkland on three sides."
Sunset Hikes with Jane
October 15th at 5 p.m. - Join us for a Sunset Hike to Bash Bish Falls and Overlook. Meet at the lower parking lot to Bash Bish Falls. We'll proceed up the trail to the upper parking lot and on up to the overlook. Although we fully expect to make the round trip with adequate daylight, we do suggest bringing a flashlight for the very end of the hike. There are a few steep sections to this hike but overall it is fairly easy. Bring water!
October 22nd at 3 p.m. - We'll meet at the new park office building on Route 344 and hike up to Sunset Rock for a late autumn sunset. This is a longer hike with several steep, rocky sections. Definitely in the strenuous category but well worth the effort! As always, bring a water bottle!
October 22nd at 3 p.m. - We'll meet at the new park office building on Route 344 and hike up to Sunset Rock for a late autumn sunset. This is a longer hike with several steep, rocky sections. Definitely in the strenuous category but well worth the effort! As always, bring a water bottle!
3rd Annual Meeting and Potluck Supper, Thursday, July 28th
Please join Friends of Taconic State Park for our 3rd Annual Meeting and Potluck Supper on Thursday, July 28th beginning at 5:45 p.m. We will begin the evening with the dedication of the park's new visitor's center and continue on to the Copake Iron Works site for dinner. We are delighted to announce that Rose Harvey, the newly appointed New York State Parks Commissioner, will join us as our honored guest and featured speaker.
Guests are asked to bring a salad, side dish or dessert. Hotdogs, hamburgers and beverages will be provided compliments the Board of Directors of Friends of Taconic State Park. All are welcome; only dues paid members may vote during the brief business portion of the meeting.
Please let us know you're coming by emailing us or by calling 518-966-2730. The event schedule is:
5:45 pm - Parking and potluck drop off at Copake Iron Works site
6:00 pm – Dedication of new visitor's center on Route 344, across from the Depot Deli, adjacent to Bash Bish Bicycle.
6:30 pm – Potluck Supper at Copake Iron Works historic site.
Guests are asked to bring a salad, side dish or dessert. Hotdogs, hamburgers and beverages will be provided compliments the Board of Directors of Friends of Taconic State Park. All are welcome; only dues paid members may vote during the brief business portion of the meeting.
Please let us know you're coming by emailing us or by calling 518-966-2730. The event schedule is:
5:45 pm - Parking and potluck drop off at Copake Iron Works site
6:00 pm – Dedication of new visitor's center on Route 344, across from the Depot Deli, adjacent to Bash Bish Bicycle.
6:30 pm – Potluck Supper at Copake Iron Works historic site.
Hike the South Taconic Trail in 3 Parts with Friends of Taconic State Park
Join
Friends of Taconic State Park and veteran hiker Jane Peck for the third and last of three hikes across the South Taconic Trail. You'll enjoy unbelievable views and challenging terrains. We expect each hike to take about three to four hours so bring lunch and water of course! Hikers meet at the Park headquarters on Route 344 in Copake Falls. People under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For information call 518-966-2730 or email info@friendsoftsp.org. Bring lunch, water and bug spray.
Sunday, July 17th, 10 am – 3rd Section of South Taconic Trail from the lower parking lot at Bash Bish Falls to NYS Route 23, just north of Catamount. This hike will be moderate to strenuous with several very steep grades. We will hike approximately 6.0 miles with an elevation gain of 1,625’
Call us at 518-966-2730 to register or email us. We will meet at the Park headquarters on Route 344 in Copake Falls. Because these are not round trip hikes, we will be organizing carpools to and from our starting points.
Sunday, July 17th, 10 am – 3rd Section of South Taconic Trail from the lower parking lot at Bash Bish Falls to NYS Route 23, just north of Catamount. This hike will be moderate to strenuous with several very steep grades. We will hike approximately 6.0 miles with an elevation gain of 1,625’
Call us at 518-966-2730 to register or email us. We will meet at the Park headquarters on Route 344 in Copake Falls. Because these are not round trip hikes, we will be organizing carpools to and from our starting points.
Hike to Sunset Rock - Saturday, November 13th at 11am
Saturday, November 13th, 11 a.m. Meet at the Taconic State Park registration booth in Copake Falls (Route 344 opposite the Depot Deli and just past Bash Bish Bicycle). Bring your lunch if you wish to picnic at Sunset Rock. This is a vigorous walk with some steep, rocky terrain. About a 2 1/2 hr round trip hike. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. The view at the summit is well worth the effort!
New York State Museum Iron Symposium
Saturday, October 16th - Fred Sutherland, doctoral candidate in Industrial Archaeology and Heritage Management at Michigan Technological University will present "From Forest, to Company Town, and Back Again: Survey and History of the Copake Iron Works" at the New York State Museum The event is free. For more info click on "Contact Us."
A Special Gathering
Saturday, October 23rd, 1 p.m. - Winthrop Aldrich, New York State Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation will be our guest speaker at the Copake Iron Works with a tour and reception to follow. Commissioner Aldrich will discuss the historical significance and importance of the Iron Works site. RSVP's requested - 518-966-2730 or contact us via email.
