Upcoming events at the Paul Smith's College VIC

PAUL SMITHS, NY (07/06/2016)(readMedia)-- Thursday, July 7; Saturday, July 16; and Saturday, July 23 – Bird Walk

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.

Wednesday, July 13 – Wild Edible Walk

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.

Saturday, July 16; and Tuesday, July 26 – 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.

Thursday, July 21 – 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.

Sunday, July 24 – Yoga Retreat

This daylong yoga retreat by Earthshine Yoga will promote physical, mental and spiritual health. Yoga sessions, breath work, meditation and unstructured time in the natural environment will support your self-inquiry as you let go of the details of daily life and discover the peace and connectivity of your unencumbered being. The retreat includes an outdoor yoga practice in the morning and an afternoon practice; the location will depend on the weather. $95/person. A vegetarian lunch and snacks are provided.

Wednesdays-Sundays – 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, Saturdays and Sundays – Interpretive Canoe Paddles

Explore the Adirondacks by canoe! These two-hour trips provide a chance to explore the varied aquatic habitats at the VIC. 10 a.m.-12 p.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.

Daily – Native Species Butterfly House

Stop by 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.

Mondays and Wednesdays – 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. 9-10:15 a.m. 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.

Daily – Life on the Lakes Juried Art Show

Every summer, the Paul Smith's College VIC hosts a juried art show around the theme "Life on the Lakes." This year, the show will hang until Monday, Aug. 1. An artist reception will be held Sunday, July 10, from 3-5 p.m.

Daily – Feathers and Fibers Art Exhibit

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 during the first weekend in June. This year, the show will hang until Thursday, Sept. 1. Stop by between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to check out the display.

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.