Ongoing Programs

January-March
2010 Biodiversity: Captured in Photographs Contest
The Landscape of Olana
Cornell Cooperative Extensions of Columbia and Greene Counties, along with Columbia-Greene Community College, are sponsoring the 2010 Biodiversity: Captured in Photographs Contest. The contest is open to both youth (grades 6 - 12) and adults from Columbia & Greene Counties. The deadline for entries is March 1, 2010. An awards reception will be held April 13 at CGCC; winning and other selected photographs will be on display at the college from April 9 until April 30, 2010. Olana is one of the recommended sites you can visit to seek out native flora and fauna for pictorial compositions! Our carriage roads (nature trails) on over 250 acres are open every day 8am-dusk free of charge from November-March. Come capture the landscape-and best of luck! *A copy of contest rules and an entry form are available by contacting Theresa Mayhew at: tcm5@cornell.edu.

January-March weather permitting
Impromptu Snowshoe Trek
Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex
Families
Free

It's that time of the year for winter fun and exercise in Olana's Picturesque landscape. Join Jenny Brinker, Columbia Land Conservancy's (CLC) Environmental Educator, on a snowshoe trek on carriage roads at Olana as well as at other sites in our area. To take advantage of the sporadic snow-fall in Columbia County, you can sign up to be on an email alert system to notify you when there will be a snowshoe trek. You can check your email and there is a message from CLC: "Come join us for snowshoeing". Simply reply to the email and meet at the designated site. There will be a limited number of snowshoes to lend and beginners are welcome. *For more information and to register for the email list, contact Jenny Brinker at (518)392-5252x210 or email jenny@clctrust.org.


FEBRUARY PROGRAMS

Friday, February 12 -Sunday, February 14
Presidents Day Weekend Tours: Lincoln, Church and the U.S. Civil War
Visitor Center
$9/adult; $8/ students and seniors, free for children under 12 and members of The Olana Partnership
When the U.S. Civil War broke out in 1861, all citizens were affected in some way and artist Frederic Edwin Church was no exception. Join us for themed tours that shed a little light on the influence of the Civil War on Church and his art. Call (518) 828-0135 for information.

Saturday, February 13, 11:30AM
Family Tour at Olana
Visitor Center
$9/adult; $8/ students and seniors, free for children under 12 and members of The Olana Partnership
Explore the house, its paintings and treasures from a child's perspective. Tours are geared for families with 6-12 year olds, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required by 4PM the preceding Friday. Call (518) 828-0135 for information.

Sunday, February 14, 1-4pm
Architecture for Kids
Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex
Ages 6-10 and their caregivers
Free
Children and caregivers are invited to come to Olana's farm complex to explore architecture. Inside the Wagon House Education Center you will find stations to experiment with unique architecture blocks and create your own structure by using multi media materials: sponges, paint, clay, toothpicks, gumdrops and soap!
Register by the preceding Friday by calling (518) 828-1872 x109.

Saturday, February 27, 11:30AM
Family Tour at Olana
Visitor Center
$9/adult; $8/ students and seniors, free for children under 12 and members of The Olana Partnership
Explore the house, its paintings and treasures from a child’s perspective. Tours are geared for families with 6-12 year olds, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required by 4PM the preceding Friday. Call (518)828-0135 for information.

Sunday, February 28, 3-4PM
Landscape Yoga
Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex
Adults
$10/class; $5 members of The Olana Partnership
Does your New Year's resolution include time for well-being? Nourish body and soul this winter in our education center that has radiant floor heating! This gentle yoga class will bring the inspiring picturesque landscape views inside, celebrating the spirituality of nature. Yoga instructor Ed Sisk from the Yoga With Ed studio in Hudson, NY will provide mats and modification tools, or you are welcome to bring your own. Space is limited.
Register by preceding Friday by calling(518) 828-1872 x109.