Discover the tiny creatures that reveal the secrets of our streams—snacks, crafts, and fun for the whole family!

Join us for The Secret World of Streams: Exploring Aquatic Insects on Saturday, August 23rd from 10 AM- 12 PM at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds in Grahamsville, NY.

This event, led by biologist Frank Beres (NYC DEP) and co-hosted by the Rondout Neversink Stream Program and Town of Neversink Parks & Rec, invites kids and adults alike to explore freshwater science through hands-on stations focused on aquatic macroinvertebrates— tiny critters that play a big role in stream ecosystems. Participants will use real sampling tools to search for and identify fascinating species like mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, learning how these organisms act as natural indicators of water quality.

Throughout the event, we'll explore the importance of stream habitats, how aquatic creatures fit into the food chain, and the presence of rare and sensitive species. Discussions and activities will highlight how this knowledge supports the goals of the Rondout Neversink Stream Program (RNSP) and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in protecting and enhancing our local watersheds.
In addition to scientific exploration, families can enjoy free snacks and get creative with stream-themed crafts, making this a perfect blend of education and fun for all ages. Whether you're a budding biologist or just curious about your local environment, this event offers a memorable way to connect with nature and your community.

This event is free and registration is encouraged. Participants may be asked to sign a waiver before entering the stream. We encourage attendees to wear clothing and footwear suitable for stream environments, such as water shoes or quick-drying apparel.

PLEASE NOTE: In the event of inclement weather, the event will take place on Sunday, August 24th from 10 AM- 12PM . Registered participants will be notified of event changes.

Frank Beres, Biologist- NYC Department of Environmental Protection

Frank Beres is a biologist from Port Ewen, New York and a water quality scientist for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection in the Catskill Watershed. His expertise is in the identification of aquatic insects and their roles as bioindicators of habitat quality. Frank believes that appreciation for nature and biodiversity is inherent in everyone and is passionate about fostering such instincts through photos, outreach, and education.

Join the Rondout Neversink Stream Program (RNSP) for a guided walk exploring the fascinating world of riparian plant life along our local waterways on Friday, August 1st from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Frost Valley Visitor Center in Claryville, NY. This walk will be led by Richard Mandelbaum, a clinical herbalist and educator with over 40 years of experience in botany and herbal medicine, based in the Southern Catskills. Richard brings a unique perspective that blends scientific understanding with traditional plant knowledge, offering insights into both the ecological functions and cultural uses of native plants.

As we walk along the stream, participants will learn to identify key native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and more that grow in riparian zones and discover their ecological roles in the watershed. The walk will also touch on the cultural and medicinal uses of some of these plants, offering a holistic view of the relationships between people, plants, and healthy waterways.

This event is ideal for nature enthusiasts, landowners, educators, herbalists, and anyone interested in the intersection of ecology, restoration, and plant wisdom. No prior botanical experience is necessary—just curiosity and a good pair of walking shoes! 

This event is free and registration is encouraged. We encourage participants to arrive a few minutes early to allow for visitor check-in at Frost Valley. Please bring photo ID to check in. 

PLEASE NOTE: In the event of inclement weather, the walk will take place on Thursday, August 7th from 5:30-7:30 PM. 

The Rondout Neversink Stream Program is offering a guided winter tree identification workshop. Join us for Dormant Discoveries: A Winter Guide to Twig and Bark ID on Saturday, January 11th from 10-12pm at the Denning Rd. Trailhead in Claryville, NY. Registration is required,  the registration deadline is January 6th.

Registration: https://forms.gle/aNTWpnbZ1P5JNAEp6

Join CFA’s Education Arborist Zane Lawyer to learn how to identify dormant trees by their unique twigs, buds, and bark. Participants will learn how to think about identifying trees in the winter, traits and features to look for, and how to ‘key out’ a twig using an example of a dichotomous key.’

The event will feature a leisurely walk through the forest. Participants should dress warmly in layers and wear sturdy, insulated boots suitable for snow or icy conditions. Bring water, snacks, and any additional winter gear, such as hats, gloves, and traction aids like microspikes, as needed.

This event is free and limited to 18 participants. Priority will be given to residents living within the Rondout Reservoir and Neversink Reservoir watersheds.

Not sure if you live within the watershed boundaries? Contact RNSP at info@rondoutneversink.org and we’ll let you know!

Catskill Forest Association

The Catskill Forest Association (CFA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote forest stewardship by providing education and forestry services to forest landowners, timber harvesters, foresters, and the general public in the Catskill region.

Zane Lawyer

Zane is an ISA Certified Arborist and leads CFA’s Legacy Tree Planting and Forest Saver Programs. In addition to leading some of CFA’s workshops and events, his articles on forest health and arboriculture appear in CFA’s Quarterly Newsletter.

Mycelial Streams is an event celebrating the ecology and community of the Rondout and Neversink Watersheds.  Trees, once thought to be independent organisms competing with each other for survival of the fittest, are now understood to be linked through a complex network of fungal mycelium through which they communicate and share resources.  This event will explore the often-overlooked relationships between the members of our watershed’s ecological community, and share regenerative tools and skills that we can use to partner with nature and create a more resilient and abundant landscape that benefits human and non-human inhabitants.

Registration: https://forms.gle/Re3ic2khKWwQrPPj7

Session 1: The Land Professional (12:00-2:30 PM) 

This session will concentrate on managing hazard trees in riparian areas. The target audience includes Department of Public Works/Highway Departments, Land Managers, and other Soil and Water District employees. Connor Smith, arborist from Davey Tree Co., will deliver a presentation on assessing tree health and making management decisions. Mark Krawaczyk will discuss coppice agroforestry techniques, and Brenden Wagner will address RNSP methods for assessing and managing hazard trees. 

Session 2: The Gourmand (3:00-5:00 PM) 

This session will demonstrate mushroom inoculation and educate attendees about native edible riparian foods and foraging ethics. This session will be tailored to all watershed residents with an interest in edible and medicinal foods.

Session 3: The Community (5:00-7:00 PM)

This session is intended for all! It will feature the premiere of the latest Rondout Neversink Stream Program overview video and the Ladleton project video, a discussion on land assessment through the lens of the scale of permanence, and an overview of RNSP programs along with an ecology talk.

Light refreshments will be provided. For questions regarding the event, email info@rondoutneversink.org.