Upcoming events at the Paul Smith's College VIC

PAUL SMITHS, NY (06/13/2016)(readMedia)-- Until Saturday, July 2 – Birds of a Feather Invitational Art Show

Each year, a group of regional artists are invited to submit bird-themed artwork for an art exhibit timed to coincide with the Great Adirondack Birding Festival, which is held at the VIC during the first weekend in June. Stop by between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to check out the display.

Thursdays, June 16, 23 & 30 and Saturday, June 25 – Birding at the VIC

Join guides John and Pat Thaxton from 9-11 a.m. on a walk in search of summer birds as they set up nesting territory, sing and show off their mating displays. $20/session, $15 for Friends of the VIC. Free for Warblers. Call 518-327-6241 to register at least three days before.

Saturday, June 18 – Opening of Butterfly House

Stop by between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and check out butterflies and moths in all stages of development. View native butterflies up close and learn about the life stages and migratory patterns of these colorful insects. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, June 18, 19, 22, 25, 26, 29 – Guided Canoe Paddle

Explore the Adirondacks by canoe! These two-hour trips provide a chance to explore the varied aquatic habitats at the VIC. 10 a.m. Learn more about the plants and animals that make their home in Adirondack wetlands. Canoes, paddles and personal flotation devices are provided. $20/person, $15 for Friends of the VIC. Call 518-327-6241 by 5 p.m. the day before to preregister.

Wednesdays-Sundays, beginning June 18 – Guided Nature Walks

Join us on a guided walk at 1 p.m. and learn about nature in the Adirondack Park. Free for Friends of the VIC. $10 for nonmembers.

Wednesdays, June 22 and 29 – Wild Edible Walks

Take a walk with Pat Banker of Cornell Cooperative Extension Franklin County and learn to identify wild edibles. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Explore the history, culinary uses and historic medicinal uses of several plant species in the Adirondacks. $20/person, $15 for Friends of the VIC. Call 518-327-6241 to register by 5 p.m. the day before the walk.

Thursday, June 23 – Volunteer Potluck

Get the scoop on upcoming events and activities. Sign up for volunteer opportunities and organize training sessions. Bring a dish to pass and a place setting. We will meet for hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6 p.m.

Saturday, June 25 – Mushroom Walk

Join mushroom expert Susan Hopkins at 10 a.m. as she searches for mushrooms and fungi. We will discuss and identify poisonous and edible species and point out some of medicinal value too. Bring a lunch if you want to stay longer to use Hopkins' books and reference materials for further study. $20/person, $15 for Friends of the VIC.

Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning June 27 – Yoga on the Deck

Enjoy the relaxing, strength-building benefits of yoga in a serene outdoor setting. Participate in Sun Salutations while actually reaching for the sun. Enjoy a stunning playlist courtesy of the birds and the breeze. Feel rooted while holding tree pose in the forest. Instructor Jackie Foster is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. This class is open to all abilities. Bring a mat and a large towel. Some mats and props will be available. $15 drop-in fee; five-class pass: $60; ten-class pass: $100.

About Paul Smith's College

At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. We are the only four-year 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, visit paulsmiths.edu.