Sterling Forest Conservation Day offers activities for all ages and interests! Sep 30th event includes hikes, bicycle tours, nature walks, history talks, and the chance to climb Sterling Forest Fire Tower.

This year's event features a variety of exciting and educational activities for people of all ages and interests. So far, the day's activities include:



o two 15-mile bike tours of Sterling Forest (morning and afternoon), register at 9 AM and 1 PM



o a 6-7 mile, moderately strenuous hike on Sterling Ridge Trail



o various nature walks and hikes, led by naturalists, throughout the day



o a special children's hike



o a history hike focusing on the region's iron industry, with Doc Bayne, Sterling Forest naturalist



One highlight of the day will be the opportunity to climb Sterling Forest Fire Tower, the only actively staffed fire tower in New York State. The 60-foot tower offers magnificent views of the New York and New Jersey Highlands.



More activities are planned and shall be announced when the arrangements are completed.



People will also have the chance to interact with the Visitors Center's popular three-dimensional map of Sterling Forest State Park. History buffs can view "The Sterling Forest Story" in the mini-auditorium and inspect the models of an iron mine from the historic Iron Plantation.



Everyone is encouraged to wear bright-colored clothing and comfortable hiking shoes.



The day's events are free of charge but donations would, of course, be welcome and appreciated. For more information, please call Tom Thompson at 201-848-1080 or Rodger Friedman at 845-351-2510.



The nonprofit Sterling Forest Partnership continues to take the lead in efforts to protect and preserve the land in and around Sterling Forest State Park from any threats of development.