This year, for “Open Space Day” the Town of Clifton Park Open Space, Trails & Riverfront Committee and Historic Preservation Commission are co-hosting a menu of activities over the course of a whole week, to encourage exploration of the Town’s great natural areas, focusing in on the Erie Canal era of Vischer Ferry — its historic hamlet and what is now the Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve over a week-long period!
Saturday, MAY 6: To warm up everyone in the ‘get outside‘ mode, Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. is a “Learn-to-Fish-Day” at Barney Road Park and pond, One Barney Road, with professional fisheries staff from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. No experience necessary! Fishing poles will be available to borrow for the event! All ages are welcome and encouraged!
Later that same day, on Saturday, May 6, at 1:30 p.m. until about 3:30 p.m., all are invited to join Dave Behm, naturalist, for a guided “Wildflower Ramble” at the Whipple Bridge Entrance of the Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve to look for blooms on plants, shrubs and trees.
Thursday, MAY 11: On Thursday, May 11, at 6 p.m., please join local Girl Scouts and Town officials for a Turtle Signage Unveiling along Van Vranken Road at its southern intersection with Riverview Road. Girl Scouts have been working with our Highway Department for driver awareness of key turtle crossing locations in Clifton Park, including near the Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve, as well as by the Stony Creek Reservoir along Englemore Road. On May 11, the signage near the Vischer Ferry Preserve will be on view. Join us in celebrating this project completion.
Friday, MAY 12: The new “Low Bridge: the Erie Canal in Saratoga County” exhibit will open to the public in the evening on Friday, May 12, at Historic Grooms Tavern. From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. the exhibit will be open and there will be a reception hosted by the Friends of Historic Grooms Tavern. At 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Town Historian John Scherer will deliver a talk about the topic. This exhibit and event is also supported by the Town of Clifton Park Historic Preservation Commission.
Saturday, MAY 13: All Day Activities to Celebrate the Erie Canal History and Nature at Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve
@ Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve:
- 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Guided Hike to New Towpath Community Connector Trail’s Pedestrian Bridge. Join Town Staff for a long, walk out to where the Towpath Trail has reconnected Clifton Park to the Town of Halfmoon!
- 10 a.m. to Noon: Register and Participate in an Orienteering Course set up and sponsored by the Empire Orienteering Club. (Course closes at 1:30 p.m.)
- 10:30 a.m.: Turtle Project Presentation by local Girl Scouts!
- 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: After the Turtle Talk, please join Kelsi Clark, volunteer environmental educator, for a Guided Family Hike using the Town’s Nature Passport!
- 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Learn about Geo-Caching for Families with Peter Lanoie
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Join Town Historian John Scherer for a Guided History Hike of the Erie Canal Towpath
@ Vischer Ferry General Store:
- 10 a.m. to Noon: Meet up with Town Historian John Scherer for an Historic Vischer Ferry Hamlet Guided Walk
- 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Enjoy Canal-Era Music at the General Store.
- 12:30 p.m.: Open Space Award Celebration with Town Officials.
- Refreshments and food available for sale throughout the day.
@ Historic Grooms Tavern, intersection of Grooms Road and Sugar Hill Road:
- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Stop by and visit the new “Low Bridge: The Erie Canal in Saratoga County” exhibit. Hosted by the Historic Preservation Commission and the Friends of Historic Grooms Tavern.
@ Riverview Orchards:
- All Day: Refreshments for sale & Apple Blossom Festival.
For more information call (518) 371-6054.