Rockefeller State Park Preserve

10/22/2026

Family Birding Workshop♿
Saturday, October 24
9 AM - 10:30 AM

A family friendly wildlife walk!

Bring the whole family and discover the fascinating world of birds! Join park educator Joe Zarzhevsky for a beginner friendly bird walk as we explore local trails in search of resident and migratory birds. Along the way, we’ll learn how to use binoculars, identify birds by sight and sound, and uncover the unique behaviors that make each species special.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or have never picked up a pair of binoculars before, this program is a fun way for all ages to connect with nature and sharpen their observation skills.

Recommended Age: 5+

Cost: $4 per child, adults/guardians Free
Please register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-family-birding-tickets-1999542495430?aff=oddtdtcreator
Max: 25 Participants (Register per child)

Parking: $6

10/21/2026

Hike with Mike: Swan Lake from Lakeside to Hilltop
Saturday, October 31
9 AM - 12 PM

Enjoy a Hike with Mike through the preserve!

Before enjoying the region's Halloween activities, enjoy Swan Lake's late fall colors from lakeside and the surrounding hills. Join us as we circumnavigate the lake on this 3-hour, 4-5 mile hike, and experience the Preserve in its fall splendour.

The hike will leave promptly at 9:00 from the Visitor Center courtyard.

Make sure you have water with you

Max: 20 people.

Cost: FREE. Registration required.
Please register: https://ow.ly/BW4S50ZSpCf

Parking: $6 per vehicle.

Photo courtesy of Charles J. Favata

10/20/2026

JANUARY 24th, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Join Rockland County’s Art in Public Places in the gallery to explore the wonderful world of public art. Let your imagination run wild as you create your own unique drawings & 3D work of art!

REGISTER TODAY: https://signup.com/go/mHRjniP

** ONE REGISTRATION PER CHILD **

- Free class
- All materials provided
- Ages 7 - 12
- Space limited
- Registration required
- No walk-ins

The Art Gallery at the Rockefeller Park Preserve
125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville, NY

Email: [email protected]
Lisa D'Amico PhD, Rockefeller Gallery Curator

- About Rockland County Art in Public Places:
Rockland County Art in Public Places supports the acquisition and installation of unique works of art in public spaces throughout Rockland County through the county’s Percent for Art Law. Established in 1986, it is the first program of its kind in New York State, outside of New York City.

10/19/2026

Spooky Story Time and Nature Walk (Children's Program)
Saturday, October 31
9:30 AM - 11 AM

Enjoy a morning with the family at the park!

Join Park Educator Joe for a not-too-spooky morning of stories, exploration, and creativity this Halloween! We’ll begin inside the gallery with a Halloween themed story time featuring some of the season’s fascinating and sometimes misunderstood wildlife. Afterwards, we’ll head outside for a short family friendly nature walk to search for signs of fall and learn about the creatures who come out at night while we are trick-or-treating! Finally, we’ll wrap back indoors with a simple seasonal project.

Costumes are encouraged for anyone who would like to dress up!

Recommended Age: 2+

Cost: $4 per child, Parents/Guardians Free
Please register: https://ow.ly/6L0g50ZSpRP

Max: 25 Participants (register per child)

Parking: $6 per vehicle.

10/19/2026

Writing in Nature
Wed October 21, 10:00 am

Foster your creativity by journaling in a serene natural landscape with writing instructor Nicole Butterfield!

Do you enjoy writing and spending time in nature? Come join educator Nicole Butterfield on an easy to moderate day hike through some of the most inspiring parts of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve. As we move along the trail, you will hear seasonal readings by a wide range of writers who transform the way we see the natural world. You will also have the opportunity to lend your own voice to the long tradition of writing in and about nature.

Prior to the event, you will receive a few brief instructions to ensure you get the most out of your experience. Everyone is encouraged to bring and share any writing done in advance, but sharing your work is entirely optional. We look forward to seeing you there!

Max: 15 people.

Cost: $4.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/writing-in-nature-tickets-2002062745566?aff=oddtdtcreator

Parking: $6 per vehicle.

Photo courtesy of Martha Bierut.

10/18/2026

10/18/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warblers are here in Rockefeller State Park Preserve in the Spring, Summer and early Fall. Some remain here into late Fall. They can be found throughout the park in the woodlands and in open areas. They are one of our most commonly seen warblers. As their name describes them, they have a yellow patch on their rump. They also have small yellow patches in front of their wings. The males are black, gray, white and yellow. The females have duller brown and gray coloring.
Yellow-rumped Warblers eat many different types of insects, such as caterpillars, beetles and spiders as well as flying insects. Although not members of the flycatcher family, they can catch flying insects mid-air. They also eat various types of berries which allows them to stay north later into the fall than many other warblers. Both parents feed the nestlings. Mainly the males continue feeding the young after they fledge.
From guest blogger and master bird photographer Bill Golden.
Thanks Bill!
Questions or comments?
send to [email protected]