Upcoming events at the Paul Smith's College VIC

PAUL SMITHS, NY (07/14/2014)(readMedia)-- Tuesday, July 15 – Horses and Hand Tools on the Homestead

If you've ever considered using draft animals or hand tools like axes, crosscut saws and peaveys to work your woodlot, this workshop is for you! You will observe and participate in Brett McLeod's class from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. We'll cover draft breeds, harnessing, an overview of draft-powered implements, basic woodlot management, felling and bucking with axe and crosscut saw, and skidding with horses. Space is limited to 12 participants and preregistration is required. $50/person. Sponsored by the Adirondack Center for Working Landscapes.

Wednesday, July 16 – 5K Fun Run

We'll keep you on your toes every other Wednesday through October for just $5. Registration's at 6 p.m. and the race starts at 6:30 p.m. Other dates: July 30, Aug. 13 & 27, Sept. 10 & 24 and Oct. 8.

Sunday, July 16 – Mushroom Walk

Join mushroom expert Susan Hopkins for a casual walk in the woods from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. as she searches for mushrooms and fungi. We will identify and discuss poisonous and edible species and learn about the medicinal value, too. This walk will take at least two hours and be held rain or shine. Bring a lunch if you want to stay longer to use Hopkins' books and reference materials. $20/person, $15 for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration required.

Thursday, July 17 – Wild Edibles Walk

Identify wild edibles and learn about the historic medicinal uses for many of the plants common to the Adirondacks with "Truly Wild" instructor Pat Banker from Cornell Cooperative Extension Franklin County. 10 a.m.-noon. Walks will be informal and will happen rain or shine. $15/person for Friends of the VIC, $20 for nonmembers. Bring a lunch and join Banker for "wild everything recipe swapping" and peruse her collection of wild edible-plant ID books. Preregistration required by 5 p.m. the day before.

Friday, July 18 – Woodland Writers Workshop

Join other writers and poets of all levels who wish to practice using detailed observations and ecological imagery in their essays and poems. The workshop, which takes place from noon-5 p.m., will occur entirely in the field. Discover essays and poems as compelling forms of expression and share the journey of self-discovery and transformation. Exercises include finding "invisible doorways" through detailed description of natural objects, sensory use of field notes to capture the power or essence of natural processes, trail-side readings of select essayists and poets who exemplify the use of imagery and metaphor. The workshop will conclude with sharing of work, immediate feedback and a group reading. $25/person, limited to 12 people. Sponsored by the Adirondack Center for Working Landscapes.

Saturday, July 19 – Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk

Join Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister from 9-11 a.m. as he searches for summer birds. Observe as they set up nesting territory, sing and show off their mating display. $20/person, $15 for Friends of the VIC, free for Warblers. Preregistration required by 5 p.m. the day before.

Saturday, July 19 – Afield with Aldo Leopold

Aldo Leopold was a forester, wildlife biologist, teacher, writer, philosopher and one of the leading conservationists of the early 20th century. We're celebrating his life's work from noon-5 p.m. with a number of activates that teach participants about forest ecology, longbow-making, Dutch oven cookery and much more. This event is limited to 12 people. $50/person. Sponsored by the Adirondack Center for Working Landscapes. Participants are welcome to a viewing of the movie "Green Fire" at 5 p.m. Friday, July 18.

Sunday, July 20 – Mushroom Walk

Join mushroom expert Susan Hopkins for a casual walk in the woods from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. as she searches for mushrooms and fungi. We will identify and discuss poisonous and edible species and learn about the medicinal value, too. This walk will take at least two hours and be held rain or shine. Bring a lunch if you want to stay longer to use Hopkins' books and reference materials. $20/person, $15 for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration required.

Thursday, July 24 – Moth Night with Prof. Janet Mihuc

As part of National Moth Week, a global celebration of moths and biodiversity, we're hosting Moth Night at the Paul Smith's College VIC from 9-11 p.m. Prof. Janet Mihuc will lead the public through a field survey of moth collecting sites to observe and identify moth species. $20/person, $15 for Friends of the VIC.

Saturday, July 26 – Teddy Roosevelt Bird Walk

Join Adirondack Birding Center Director Brian McAllister from 9-11 a.m. as he searches for summer birds. Observe as they set up nesting territory, sing and show off their mating display. $20/person, $15 for Friends of the VIC, free for Warblers. Preregistration required by 5 p.m. the day before.

Sunday, July 27 – Wildflower Walk

Bask in the floral beauty of the Paul Smith's College VIC and learn more about flowering plants on a walk with a VIC Naturalist from 1-3 p.m. $15 for Friends of the VIC, $20 for nonmembers. Preregistration required by 5 p.m. the day before.

Sunday, July 27 – Volunteer Training: All about Moss

Come learn about the intricate and often secretive life of the moss that thrives in the Adirondack soil. 9 a.m.-noon. We'll also look at some close relatives of the moss plant, specifically the club-moss family.

Wednesday, July 30 – 5K Fun Run

We'll keep you on your toes every other Wednesday through October for just $5. Registration's at 6 p.m. and the race starts at 6:30 p.m. Other dates: Aug. 13 & 27, Sept. 10 & 24 and Oct. 8.

Thursday, July 31 – Volunteer Potluck Barbecue

VIC volunteers are invited to join us at this potluck. Please bring a dish to pass. We'll meet for hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. Dinner's at 6 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 1 – Shakespeare in the Park – "As you Like it"

This 60-minute outdoor adaptation of Shakespeare's classic comedy is a production of the Adirondack Lake Center for the Arts. Set in a 20th-century militaristic society, this accessible adaptation will appeal to audiences new to Macbeth as well as those already acquainted with this renowned tragedy. The performance will begin at 7 p.m., outdoors if the weather permits, in the auditorium if not. $3/person.

Daily – Interpretive Nature Walk

Join one of our interpretive naturalist and explore the flora, fauna and ecology of the Adirondack Park everyday from 1-2 p.m. Free for Friends of the VIC, $10 for nonmembers. Walks available until Labor Day.

Mondays and Wednesdays – Yoga on the Deck

Get out of the studio and into nature from 9-10:15 a.m. each Monday and Wednesday. Enhance your practice by experiencing a world of new sensations and become part of a boundless yoga experience. This class is open to all abilities. $15/class or prepay for up to six classes at a rate of $13 each, seven to 13 classes for $12 each or 14 to 20 classes for $10 each. For information and updates, email Jackie Foster at jackieyoga@roadrunner.com, call (518) 339-3008 or visit adirondackjackieyoga.com.

Tuesdays and Saturdays – Interpretive canoe paddle

Explore a variety of aquatic habitats at the VIC from 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and Saturdays until Labor Day. Participants view Heron Marsh and Barnum Brook and paddle through a bog to Barnum Pond. $15/person for Friends of the VIC, $20 for nonmembers. Inquire about our family discounts. Preregistration is required by 5 p.m. the previous day. We will offer trips at any time with prior arrangement.

Daily – New Moon Juried Art Show: Life on the Lakes

The Paul Smith's College VIC will host a juried art show until Friday, July 25. The theme of the show is life on the lakes.

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.