Coming Events
Genesee County Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Upcoming events 2021
For more information on, or to register for any park events listed below,
call 585-344-1122
or check out the park website - www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks
The following programs are scheduled and will comply with all safety requirements:
Upcoming events 2021
For more information on, or to register for any park events listed below,
call 585-344-1122
or check out the park website - www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks
The following programs are scheduled and will comply with all safety requirements:
Birding Walks
Saturdays March 6th, March 20th
April 10th, April 17th, and May 1st
7:00 am-10:00 am
Meet at Pavilion A. parking lot
Come enjoy a birding walk at New York State’s First County Forest! Birding
walk is led by a birding guide and takes you through meadow, forest and
wetland habitats to help you identify the birds by sound and sight. Perfect
for beginner and experienced birders. Walk is approximately 1 mile long
over easy terrain. This program is FREE.
Tree ID Hike
Saturday, March 27th 1:00 pm—3:00 pm
Add more to your daily landscape and learn your trees! Learn to recognize
types of trees by their bark, twigs, and branches. Find out what is special
about each species and how they are useful to humans and wildlife.
$5/person, $10/family.
Guided Dog Walks
Saturdays April 3rd, May 1st, June 12th, July 10th
10:00 am-11:00 am
Bring your best friend and join us for a guided dog walk at the park!
This guided walk is great for socialization and healthy exercise! Dogs
must be on a leash at all times. Current license or proof of rabies
vaccination required. Aggressive dogs will not be
allowed to participate. $5/dog, All proceeds benefit the
Genesee County Animal Shelter.
Amphibian Adventure
Saturday April 17th 7:30 pm–9:00 pm
Come get to know your small, slimy, singing neighbors and pest-
eating pals. Hear the chorus of spring and learn about amphibians,
search for them, and discover how to help them. We will head into
the wetlands and woodlands on a night hike to visit them in their
habitat! Dress for the weather, rain or shine! $5/person, $10/family.
Earth Day Night Hike
Friday April 23rd 7:30 pm–9:00 pm
Celebrate Earth Day with a night hike in through the forest! Take in
the beauty of nature at night and enjoy some outdoor exercise among
the habitats of nocturnal wildlife. $5/person, $10/family.
Earth Day Park Cleanup at DeWitt Recreation Area
Saturday April 24th 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Give back and help clean up DeWitt Recreation Area to keep the
habitat safe for wildlife. Make cool stuff from recycled materials,
enjoy outdoor games and take a guided nature hike! Discover what
you can do every day to make your world healthier. Scouts can earn
badge requirements and service hours! Program is FREE.
Pond Discovery
Saturday May 1st 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Dive into some wild creature encounters! Find this year’s young
amphibians and other tiny creatures and get to know them up close
and personal. Be prepared to get muddy and wet! You will be using a
net and sharing a bucket of water to catch animals and learning about
them from a Naturalist guide. $5/person, $10/family.
Yoga Hike
Saturday May 15th 10:00 am—11:30 am
Escape to the forest for a Naturalist-led hike and outdoor yoga. Hike
takes you through the forest, meadows and wetlands to enjoy yoga in
open areas among the trees and sounds of nature. Yoga presented
by Blue Pearl Yoga. $15/person.
Wild Turkeys
Saturday May 15th 1:00 pm—3:00 pm
Did you know that turkeys can swim? Join the National Wild Turkey
Federation and Women in the Outdoors to learn more cool facts and
find out how wild turkeys survive in the wild! Visit the forests and
fields to practice turkey calls. This program is FREE.
Owl Prowl
Saturday May 22nd 8:30 pm—10:00 pm
Explore the secret world of owls in the forest. Learn about their
fascinating abilities, listen for the sounds of nocturnal wildlife and visit
owl habitats. Anything can happen on an owl prowl! For ages 5 and
up. $5/person, $10/family.
Family Yoga Hike
At DeWitt Recreation Area
Saturday June 5th 10:00 am—11:00 am
Join us for a hike and outdoor yoga at DeWitt Recreation Area. Hike
takes you around the shores of DeWitt Lake to enjoy yoga under the
trees and beside lakeside meadows. For ages 3 and up.
Yoga presented by Blue Pearl Yoga. $10/adult, $5/child.
Kayaking at DeWitt Recreation Area
Saturday June 19th, July 10th, July 24th
Session 1: 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Session 2: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Seize the day with a guided kayak tour of DeWitt Lake! Explore the
lake by water and discover a new world. Meet at the boat launch at
DeWitt Recreation Area. No experience needed, lesson
provided! Kayak rentals with life vests are provided. Kayaks must be
piloted by age 12 and up. Guided tour fee is $15/person w/o rental,
$25/person w/ rental, $10 for children 12 and under.
Free Fishing Day & the Kendra Haacke Memorial Fishing Derby
at DeWitt Recreation Area
In partnership with the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club
Saturday June 26th 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Join the Genesee County Parks along with the Oakfield-Alabama Lions
Club and try out fishing! Perfect for beginners! Program meets at
Pavilion 2. Friendly guides will be on hand to assist you. No fishing
license required. This is part of NYSDEC’s Free Fishing Weekend!
Fishing gear provided or bring your own. Kids up to age 16 can join
the fun and get the chance to win a prize. This program is FREE!!
Nocturnal Fliers: Insects That Go Bump in the Night
Saturday July 10th 9:30 pm—11:30 pm
It’s a different world when the sun goes down! Dr. Wayne Gall will
attract night-flying insects to a white sheet with a mercury vapor
light. See these mysterious insects up close to identify them and
learn cool facts about their natural history! $5/person, $10/family.
Environmental Science Camp
Monday-Friday July 12th—16th 9:00 am-4:00 pm daily
Students entering 7th – 10th grade explore different topics of
Environmental Science with outdoor activities guided by
professionals. This week-long adventure includes wildlife surveys,
field and stream studies, outdoor recreation, a field trip, and more!
Camp materials, t-shirt, lunch and snacks provided.
Turtle Painting
Saturday July 17th 11:00 am–12:00 pm,
1:00 pm—2:00 pm, 2:30—3:30 pm
Come meet Ruby the Red-eared Slider. Learn all about her aquatic
turtle lifestyle and then watch her create a painting for you to take
home! 1 painting per person. $5/painting.
Honeybees
Saturday August 7th 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Discover the fascinating world of honeybees and see a live beehive in action! Beekeepers explain the lifecycle and different jobs of bees while sharing cool facts and their experiences in caring for these amazing creatures.
$5/person, $10/family.
Grandparent’s Day
Saturday September 11th 10:30 am—12:30 pm
Catching bugs in a meadow, playing outside, and walking in the woods – it’s all part of Grandparent’s Day at the Genesee County Park & Forest! Kids bring their grandparents to enjoy recycled crafts, scavenger hunts, catching critters in the pond, geocaching and more. Choose from the many different activities after you arrive.
Activity options include accessible indoor and outdoor activities
and a card making station.
$5/child, $5/parent, Grandparents FREE!
Watching Monarchs
Saturday September 11th 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Capture the last few days of summer with a visit to a butterfly meadow and a journey into their world! See how butterflies are tagged and released as part of a nation-wide Monarch Butterfly conservation project. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Kids explore the meadow with nets and bug catchers. $5/person, $10/family.
Orienteering
Saturday October 2nd
10:00 am—1:00 pm
Learn how to find your way without batteries or a cell phone signal - by using a map and compass! All materials provided, no experience needed! Orienteering is a family-friendly sport for all ages and ability levels. Presented by the Rochester Orienteering Club. Perfect for people who love the outdoors! This program is FREE!
Run for the ACORNS!!
Sunday October 3th 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Grab a friend and enjoy some great exercise and fun at Run for the ACORNS 5k/10k trail run and walk!! Surround yourself in the beauty of the forest on trails over hills and along Black Creek. All proceeds benefit the ACORNS, the non-profit organization that supports the Genesee County parks.
For more information visit our run website https://runfortheacorns.shutterfly.com/ or the Run page on this website, or call 585-344-1122!
Full Moon Owl Prowl
Saturday October 23rd 7:00pm-8:30pm
Explore the secret world of owls on a full moon night. Listen for nocturnal wildlife, hear full moon folklore and visit owl habitats. Anything can happen on an Owl Prowl! $5/person, $10/family.
Create-a-Critter
Saturday December 4th
1st Session: 10:30 am—12:30 pm
2nd Session: 1:30 pm—3:30 pm
Let your imagination run WILD! Meet in the activity room of the Interpretive Nature Center for an eclectic spread of craft materials gathered from nature. Hot glue and your creativity put it all together. Get away and enjoy some quiet time with loved ones, your creation makes the perfect gift! Make garlands and ornaments edible for
wildlife and trim the trees in the ACORNS Outdoor Learning Center! $5/person, $10/family.
***
Programs take place at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center, 11095 Bethany Center Rd, East Bethany,
NY 14054 unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required for all programs.
Pets are not allowed unless specified.
To register call (585) 344-1122. For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or
contact the Conservation Education Program Coordinator at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.
Masks must be worn on entry to the Interpretive Nature Center and whenever unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance.
Space is limited, pre-registration required! call 585-344-1122 to register
Participants and visitors are encouraged to wash their hands often with soap and water
for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
Birding Walks
Saturdays March 6th, March 20th
April 10th, April 17th, and May 1st
7:00 am-10:00 am
Meet at Pavilion A. parking lot
Come enjoy a birding walk at New York State’s First County Forest! Birding
walk is led by a birding guide and takes you through meadow, forest and
wetland habitats to help you identify the birds by sound and sight. Perfect
for beginner and experienced birders. Walk is approximately 1 mile long
over easy terrain. This program is FREE.
Tree ID Hike
Saturday, March 27th 1:00 pm—3:00 pm
Add more to your daily landscape and learn your trees! Learn to recognize
types of trees by their bark, twigs, and branches. Find out what is special
about each species and how they are useful to humans and wildlife.
$5/person, $10/family.
Guided Dog Walks
Saturdays April 3rd, May 1st, June 12th, July 10th
10:00 am-11:00 am
Bring your best friend and join us for a guided dog walk at the park!
This guided walk is great for socialization and healthy exercise! Dogs
must be on a leash at all times. Current license or proof of rabies
vaccination required. Aggressive dogs will not be
allowed to participate. $5/dog, All proceeds benefit the
Genesee County Animal Shelter.
Amphibian Adventure
Saturday April 17th 7:30 pm–9:00 pm
Come get to know your small, slimy, singing neighbors and pest-
eating pals. Hear the chorus of spring and learn about amphibians,
search for them, and discover how to help them. We will head into
the wetlands and woodlands on a night hike to visit them in their
habitat! Dress for the weather, rain or shine! $5/person, $10/family.
Earth Day Night Hike
Friday April 23rd 7:30 pm–9:00 pm
Celebrate Earth Day with a night hike in through the forest! Take in
the beauty of nature at night and enjoy some outdoor exercise among
the habitats of nocturnal wildlife. $5/person, $10/family.
Earth Day Park Cleanup at DeWitt Recreation Area
Saturday April 24th 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Give back and help clean up DeWitt Recreation Area to keep the
habitat safe for wildlife. Make cool stuff from recycled materials,
enjoy outdoor games and take a guided nature hike! Discover what
you can do every day to make your world healthier. Scouts can earn
badge requirements and service hours! Program is FREE.
Pond Discovery
Saturday May 1st 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Dive into some wild creature encounters! Find this year’s young
amphibians and other tiny creatures and get to know them up close
and personal. Be prepared to get muddy and wet! You will be using a
net and sharing a bucket of water to catch animals and learning about
them from a Naturalist guide. $5/person, $10/family.
Yoga Hike
Saturday May 15th 10:00 am—11:30 am
Escape to the forest for a Naturalist-led hike and outdoor yoga. Hike
takes you through the forest, meadows and wetlands to enjoy yoga in
open areas among the trees and sounds of nature. Yoga presented
by Blue Pearl Yoga. $15/person.
Wild Turkeys
Saturday May 15th 1:00 pm—3:00 pm
Did you know that turkeys can swim? Join the National Wild Turkey
Federation and Women in the Outdoors to learn more cool facts and
find out how wild turkeys survive in the wild! Visit the forests and
fields to practice turkey calls. This program is FREE.
Owl Prowl
Saturday May 22nd 8:30 pm—10:00 pm
Explore the secret world of owls in the forest. Learn about their
fascinating abilities, listen for the sounds of nocturnal wildlife and visit
owl habitats. Anything can happen on an owl prowl! For ages 5 and
up. $5/person, $10/family.
Family Yoga Hike
At DeWitt Recreation Area
Saturday June 5th 10:00 am—11:00 am
Join us for a hike and outdoor yoga at DeWitt Recreation Area. Hike
takes you around the shores of DeWitt Lake to enjoy yoga under the
trees and beside lakeside meadows. For ages 3 and up.
Yoga presented by Blue Pearl Yoga. $10/adult, $5/child.
Kayaking at DeWitt Recreation Area
Saturday June 19th, July 10th, July 24th
Session 1: 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Session 2: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Seize the day with a guided kayak tour of DeWitt Lake! Explore the
lake by water and discover a new world. Meet at the boat launch at
DeWitt Recreation Area. No experience needed, lesson
provided! Kayak rentals with life vests are provided. Kayaks must be
piloted by age 12 and up. Guided tour fee is $15/person w/o rental,
$25/person w/ rental, $10 for children 12 and under.
Free Fishing Day & the Kendra Haacke Memorial Fishing Derby
at DeWitt Recreation Area
In partnership with the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club
Saturday June 26th 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Join the Genesee County Parks along with the Oakfield-Alabama Lions
Club and try out fishing! Perfect for beginners! Program meets at
Pavilion 2. Friendly guides will be on hand to assist you. No fishing
license required. This is part of NYSDEC’s Free Fishing Weekend!
Fishing gear provided or bring your own. Kids up to age 16 can join
the fun and get the chance to win a prize. This program is FREE!!
Nocturnal Fliers: Insects That Go Bump in the Night
Saturday July 10th 9:30 pm—11:30 pm
It’s a different world when the sun goes down! Dr. Wayne Gall will
attract night-flying insects to a white sheet with a mercury vapor
light. See these mysterious insects up close to identify them and
learn cool facts about their natural history! $5/person, $10/family.
Environmental Science Camp
Monday-Friday July 12th—16th 9:00 am-4:00 pm daily
Students entering 7th – 10th grade explore different topics of
Environmental Science with outdoor activities guided by
professionals. This week-long adventure includes wildlife surveys,
field and stream studies, outdoor recreation, a field trip, and more!
Camp materials, t-shirt, lunch and snacks provided.
Turtle Painting
Saturday July 17th 11:00 am–12:00 pm,
1:00 pm—2:00 pm, 2:30—3:30 pm
Come meet Ruby the Red-eared Slider. Learn all about her aquatic
turtle lifestyle and then watch her create a painting for you to take
home! 1 painting per person. $5/painting.
Honeybees
Saturday August 7th 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Discover the fascinating world of honeybees and see a live beehive in action! Beekeepers explain the lifecycle and different jobs of bees while sharing cool facts and their experiences in caring for these amazing creatures.
$5/person, $10/family.
Grandparent’s Day
Saturday September 11th 10:30 am—12:30 pm
Catching bugs in a meadow, playing outside, and walking in the woods – it’s all part of Grandparent’s Day at the Genesee County Park & Forest! Kids bring their grandparents to enjoy recycled crafts, scavenger hunts, catching critters in the pond, geocaching and more. Choose from the many different activities after you arrive.
Activity options include accessible indoor and outdoor activities
and a card making station.
$5/child, $5/parent, Grandparents FREE!
Watching Monarchs
Saturday September 11th 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Capture the last few days of summer with a visit to a butterfly meadow and a journey into their world! See how butterflies are tagged and released as part of a nation-wide Monarch Butterfly conservation project. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Kids explore the meadow with nets and bug catchers. $5/person, $10/family.
Orienteering
Saturday October 2nd
10:00 am—1:00 pm
Learn how to find your way without batteries or a cell phone signal - by using a map and compass! All materials provided, no experience needed! Orienteering is a family-friendly sport for all ages and ability levels. Presented by the Rochester Orienteering Club. Perfect for people who love the outdoors! This program is FREE!
Run for the ACORNS!!
Sunday October 3th 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Grab a friend and enjoy some great exercise and fun at Run for the ACORNS 5k/10k trail run and walk!! Surround yourself in the beauty of the forest on trails over hills and along Black Creek. All proceeds benefit the ACORNS, the non-profit organization that supports the Genesee County parks.
For more information visit our run website https://runfortheacorns.shutterfly.com/ or the Run page on this website, or call 585-344-1122!
Full Moon Owl Prowl
Saturday October 23rd 7:00pm-8:30pm
Explore the secret world of owls on a full moon night. Listen for nocturnal wildlife, hear full moon folklore and visit owl habitats. Anything can happen on an Owl Prowl! $5/person, $10/family.
Create-a-Critter
Saturday December 4th
1st Session: 10:30 am—12:30 pm
2nd Session: 1:30 pm—3:30 pm
Let your imagination run WILD! Meet in the activity room of the Interpretive Nature Center for an eclectic spread of craft materials gathered from nature. Hot glue and your creativity put it all together. Get away and enjoy some quiet time with loved ones, your creation makes the perfect gift! Make garlands and ornaments edible for
wildlife and trim the trees in the ACORNS Outdoor Learning Center! $5/person, $10/family.
***
Programs take place at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center, 11095 Bethany Center Rd, East Bethany,
NY 14054 unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required for all programs.
Pets are not allowed unless specified.
To register call (585) 344-1122. For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or
contact the Conservation Education Program Coordinator at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.
Masks must be worn on entry to the Interpretive Nature Center and whenever unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance.
Space is limited, pre-registration required! call 585-344-1122 to register
Participants and visitors are encouraged to wash their hands often with soap and water
for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.