Upcoming events at the Paul Smith's College VIC

PAUL SMITHS, NY (03/04/2015)(readMedia)-- Thursday, March 5 – Armchair Lecture Series: Antarctica-Life on the Totten Glacier System

Glenn Clark, a science teacher at Parishville-Hopkinton Central School, traveled to Antarctica as a participant in the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States PolarTREC program. He'll give a talk on the adventure at 7 p.m. Free to season-pass holders and Friends of the VIC, $5 for all others.

Friday, March 6 – Bunny Boot Ball

Kick up your feet for a thumping good time at the VIC from 7-11 p.m. We'll be skiing, dancing, enjoying live music by Vinyl Arcade and much more. Wear your big winter bunny boots, but bring your dancing shoes and join us for a night of music and dance. $15/person, $25/couple.

Saturday, March 7 – Snowshoe with a Naturalist

Learn about the natural wonders of winter from 10 a.m.-noon. Topics include animal tracking, winter birding and winter survival. Snowshoes are required, and rentals are available. $10 for Friends of the VIC and season-pass holders, $20 for all others. Preregister by 5 p.m. Friday, March 6.

Sunday, March 8 – Sunday Ski and Music Series

Join the Rustic Riders from 1-3 p.m. for some music and outdoor fun. During the ski season, we will have a variety of talented local musicians playing in our great room each Sunday. Stop in to enjoy the music before or after your snowshoe or ski. Free with any ski pass.

Saturday, March 14 – Birding Trip to the St. Lawrence Valley

Take a trip to the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding agricultural fields. Transportation provided. $60/person, 25 percent discount for Friends of the VIC. Preregister by 5 p.m. Thursday, March 12. 518-327-6241.

Saturday, March 14 – IBU World Championship Biathlon

Watch our hometown competitors at 11:30 a.m. on the big screen in the VIC auditorium as they compete across the globe in Kontiolahti, Finland, in the men's 4 X 7.5KM relay competition.

Saturday, March 14 – Wildlife Signs and Tracks

This snowshoe walk will teach kids to look for signs of local wildlife. 1-3 p.m. Snowshoes required. Rentals available. $20/person, $40/family, 25 percent discount for Friends of the VIC and season-pass holders. Preregister by 5 p.m. Friday, March 13.

Saturday, March 14 – X Marks the Spot

Friends of the VIC will receive a mailed invitation and a map to the secret location of this party on the VIC trails. We'll have a bonfire, hot dogs, marshmallows and much more. Look for your map in the mail and bring friends along to the party.

Sunday, March 15 – IBU World Championship Biathlon

Watch our hometown competitors at 11:15 a.m. on the big screen in the VIC auditorium as they compete across the globe in Kontiolahti, Finland, in the men's 15K mass-start competition.

Sunday, March 15 – Sunday Ski and Music Series

Join The Ceilidhl Band from 1-3 p.m. for some music and outdoor fun on St. Patrick's Day. During the ski season, we will have a variety of talented local musicians playing in our great room each Sunday. Stop in to enjoy the music before or after your snowshoe or ski. Free with any ski pass.

Saturday-Sunday, March 21 & 22 – Maple weekend

The VIC is joining the Northeastern New York maple producers' region-wide event. Tour our interpretive sugarbush, visit the sugarhouse and try some maple confections and baked goods. Learn about maple sugaring and sign up for our community maple project. Support maple sugaring at the VIC by adopting a maple tree or buying a jug of Paul Smith's maple syrup. Sap to Syrup Workshops take place from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 21. $20/person.

Saturday, March 21 – Wetland Detectives Training Workshop I

This training workshop, which takes place from 2-5 p.m., prepares you to take part in a new wetland-monitoring program in the Adirondack Park. Trained participants will be eligible to enroll in a long-term monitoring program committed to conserving Adirondack wetlands. The second workshop on Saturday, May 30, will put your observational skills to use in a guided, outdoor visit to a wetland site. To register, call Kristin Pasquino at 518-582-2000, ext. 12 or email kpasquin@esf.edu. No experience necessary. Visit esf.edu/aic/citizenscience.htm for more information.

Sunday, March 22 – Volunteer Brunch and Training

VIC volunteers and staff will gather from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. to talk about volunteer opportunities. New volunteers are welcome. Please bring a dish to pass and a place setting.

March 22 – Sunday Ski and Music Series

Join Sunday's Kitchen from 1-3 p.m. for some music and outdoor fun. During the ski season, we will have a variety of talented local musicians playing in our great room each Sunday. Stop in to enjoy the music before or after your snowshoe or ski. Free with any ski pass.

Tuesday-Friday, March 24-27 – No School Days

Learn about nature's winter preparation and survival from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This program is geared toward third- to fifth-graders. Please dress for a two- to three-hour outdoor session and pack a lunch. Preregister by 5 p.m. Friday, March 20, 518-327-6241. $35/person, $25 for Friends of the VIC.

Wednesday, March 25 – Owl Prowl

Join us at 7 p.m. for a winter owl prowl. Bring snowshoes, headlamps or flashlights and warm winter clothing. $10/person, $5 for Friends of the VIC. Preregister by 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 24. (518) 327-6241. Snowshoe rentals available.

Saturday-Sunday, March 28-29 – Maple weekend

The VIC is joining the Northeastern New York maple producers' region-wide event. Tour our interpretive sugarbush, visit the sugarhouse and try some maple confections. Learn about maple sugaring and sign up for our community maple project. Support maple sugaring at the VIC by adopting a maple tree or buying a jug of Paul Smith's maple syrup. Sap to Syrup Workshops take place from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 28. $20/person.

March 29 – Maple Sap 5K Run

The race starts at 10 a.m. Participants run, or walk, to the VIC sugarbush and collect a quart of sap, then return to process it in the sugarhouse. Everybody takes home some "sweet stuff." $20 for Friends of the VIC and season-pass holders, $25 for all others.

Tuesday-Thursday, March 31-April 2 – No School Days at the VIC

Learn about nature's winter preparation and survival from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This program is geared toward third- to fifth-graders. Please dress for a two- to three-hour outdoor session and pack a lunch. Preregister by 5 p.m. Friday, March 27, 518-327-6241. $35/person, $25 for Friends of the VIC.

The Paul Smith's College VIC is located at 8023 State Route 30, Paul Smiths NY 12970.

ABOUT PAUL SMITH'S COLLEGE

At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. Paul Smith's, which was founded in 1946, is the only bachelor's degree-granting institution of higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs – in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences – draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information: www.paulsmiths.edu.