Upcoming events at the Paul Smith's College VIC

PAUL SMITHS, NY (11/03/2014)(readMedia)-- Thursday, Nov. 6 – Armchair Lecture Series: Birds of Costa Rica

Eric Granger will give a talk on the "Birds of Costa Rica at 7 p.m." Step out of the cold and dream of the warm sun, blue waters and the tropical birds. $5/person, free for Friends of the VIC and volunteers.

Saturday, Nov. 8 – Fall Explorer Series: Habitats

Join Deb Paradis from 1-4 p.m. for the final session on exploring the outdoors in fall. The series is geared toward third- to fifth-graders and will involve an outdoor walk, games, activities and crafts. Space is limited to 10 children per group, so sign up now. $25/session, $20 for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration required by 5 p.m. the day before. Each student will need to have a completed registration form signed by a parent or guardian prior to the event, so please come a little early.

Tuesday, Nov. 11 – No-School Days at the VIC

Join Deb Paradis from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and learn about nature's winter preparation and survival. 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., Saturday, Nov. 8, by calling 518-327-6241. $35/person, $25 for Friends of the VIC. This is the first in a series of No-School Days programming at the VIC. Join us again from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4.

Friday, Nov. 14 – Autumn Owl Walk

Join naturalist Brian McAllister at 7:30 p.m. as he searches the trails for owls. Participants will listen for calling owls, learn about their call notes as well as their natural history. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp to help guide your way. We'll meet in the VIC parking lot. $10/person or $5 for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration required by 5 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 15 – Volunteer Training

Wish you could just get out of the cold and head to warmer weather for the winter? Join naturalist Brian McAllister from 1-3 p.m. for an information session on animal hibernation, and find out what the animals are doing in your own back yard to get ready for winter.

Thursday, Nov. 20 – Astronomy Night

We will be rolling out the 16" Celestron telescope at 7:30 p.m. for some late-fall stargazing. $10/person, $5 for Friends of the VIC.

Winter Trail Passes On Sale Now

VIC trail users must purchase a season pass or day pass during the winter, when the Paul Smith's College VIC becomes a cross-country ski center. We have over 25 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing. Trail-pass holders receive a 10 percent discount on cross-country-ski and snowshoe rentals from MAC'S at the VIC. For more information, call Brian McDonnell at 518-327-6241 or email bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.

Fall Hours

The VIC will be closed on Mondays until there is enough snow to ski. The visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the rest of the week. The trails are open dawn 'til dusk. We will be closed Saturday, Nov. 22, through Monday, Dec. 1 for the holidays. We'll reopening Tuesday, Dec. 2.

New Moon Art: What the Rocks Remember

This show features works by Sandy Hildreth & Karla Brieant. Their work is available for viewing and purchase until Friday, Nov. 21.

Adopt a Sugar Maple

Support the development of maple sugaring at the VIC by adopting a tree for $50. We'll do the tapping, and you'll invest in the education of an intern. You'll get a quart of maple syrup when it's ready. Adoption papers are available at the VIC front desk. Makes a great holiday gift! Note: Shipping not included.

For more information:

The Paul Smith's College VIC

8023 State Route 30

Paul Smiths, N.Y. 12970

www.pscvic.org

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 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.