Fyke Field Trips
Please register with the leader to facilitate planning and to enable last-minute communication about any changes or cancellation on account of the weather. Beginners are welcome.
Mid-July 2023
Our Tom Burr Memorial Butterfly Walk at the Celery Farm
Date to be determined and will be announced on our email list, Facebook page, and this webpage. Our annual Celery Farm Butterfly Walk is held in memory of Tom Burr, the late Fyke member, naturalist, photographer, and friend. Meet at the end of Green Way at 10:30 a.m. for a 90-minute stroll. Dress for bright sun. Bring water and sunscreen. Rain cancels this walk.
July 24, Monday, 7:45 PM (Rain Date July 25, Tuesday)
A Moths & Movie Monday
Monday, July 24, is Allendale's 11th anniversary Moth Night. The John Fell House, the Fyke Nature Association and Lee Memorial Library are celebrating at the historic home on Franklin Turnpike. Elena Tartaglia, a biology professor at Bergen Community College and a National Moth Week founder, will do a short talk at 7:45 p.m. and supply the moth lights.
We will also show "Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-out Attack" outside on the library's outdoor movie projector and movie screen to see if any real-live moths are attracted to the cinematic Mothra. We might even try to serve s'mores (but not s'moths) if everyone behaves. Bring your own water and non-aerosol mosquito spray. Ends at 10ish p.m. To register, email Jim Wright at celeryfarm@gmail.com.
The Fell House is at 475 Franklin Turnpike, caddy-corner across from the Celery Farm.
This program is brought to you thanks to a generous grant from the Winifred M. and George P. Pitkin Foundation.
September 1 - November 15, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Mt. Peter Hawk Watch
Mount Peter would welcome new counters/leaders this fall. If you are all interested, consider becoming part of our hawk watch family and contact Judy Cinquina. Fyke members can also help with the count or just keep a lonely hawk watcher company. Best time to visit is between September 11 and 21 for "kettles" of Broad-winged Hawks climbing thermals up to the clouds. Mid to late October the Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks flap and glide past the lookout following the migrant songbirds, and the end of October through November 15, the big guys come through—Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks. Bald Eagles, Osprey, Peregrines, Northern Harriers, and Osprey are possible any time. And don't forget the homemade ice cream available at the Creamery below the lookout. The watch begins September 1, 2023, and continues daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until November 15. Contact Judy Cinquina to volunteer or for more information.
Directions: click here to open Google Maps. The lookout is located on the top of 17A, between Greenwood Lake and Warwick, NY, and is marked by a pair of microwave towers. To reach the lookout, take Route 17 through Tuxedo to 17A and turn left. Follow 17A up the mountain and into Greenwood Lake. Keep right when you reach the lake and follow 17A up the second mountain. When you reach the top, you will see a sign for Bellvale Farms Creamery (excellent homemade ice cream) ahead. Turn right at the ice cream shop onto Kain Road and turn right again up the pot- holed dirt road to the lot or park down below.
September 2, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Rain date September 3, Sunday)
Mt. Peter Clean-Up
Our annual Clean-Up is scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, September 3. We pick up garbage, cut back trails and clear site lines that obscure incoming hawks using hand tools. We can always use volunteers. Contact Judy Cinquina to volunteer or for more information.
Self-Directed Exploration Open to Fyke Members
North Harpersfield Property
George Rand and Pamela Ryder invite Fyke members to visit 135 acres of forest, field, stream, and pond in upstate NY. Please download and print this document,which contains essential information you must read before your visit, including directions, contact numbers, waiver, lodging, and area attractions. You will also want to download and print this map of the property and this release and waiver document.