January-March
2010 Biodiversity: Captured in Photographs Contest
The Landscape of Olana
Cornell Cooperative Extensions of Columbia and Greene Counties, along with Columbia-Greene Community College, are sponsoring the 2010 Biodiversity: Captured in Photographs Contest. The contest is open to both youth (grades 6 - 12) and adults from Columbia & Greene Counties. The deadline for entries is March 1, 2010. An awards reception will be held April 13 at CGCC; winning and other selected photographs will be on display at the college from April 9 until April 30, 2010. Olana is one of the recommended sites you can visit to seek out native flora and fauna for pictorial compositions! Our carriage roads (nature trails) on over 250 acres are open every day 8am-dusk free of charge from November-March. Come capture the landscape-and best of luck! *A copy of contest rules and an entry form are available by contacting Theresa Mayhew at: tcm5@cornell.edu.

January-March weather permitting
Impromptu Snowshoe Trek
Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex
Families
Free


It’s that time of the year for winter fun and exercise in Olana's Picturesque landscape. Join Jenny Brinker, Columbia Land Conservancy's (CLC) Environmental Educator, on a snowshoe trek on carriage roads at Olana as well as at other sites in our area. To take advantage of the sporadic snow-fall in Columbia County, you can sign up to be on an email alert system to notify you when there will be a snowshoe trek. You can check your email and there is a message from CLC: "Come join us for snowshoeing". Simply reply to the email and meet at the designated site. There will be a limited number of snowshoes to lend and beginners are welcome. *For more information and to register for the email list, contact Jenny Brinker at 518.392.5252x210 or email jenny@clctrust.org.


JANUARY PROGRAMS

Saturday, January 09,11:30AM
Family Tour at Olana
Visitor Center
Families
$9/adult; $8/ students and seniors, free for children under 12 and members of The Olana Partnership

Explore the house, its paintings and treasures from a child's perspective. Tours are geared for families with 6-12 year olds, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required by 4PM the preceding Friday. Call (518) 828-0135 for information.

Sunday, January 17, 1-4PM
River of Dreams: Teacher Professional Development Workshop
Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex
Educators of all kinds
Free

Calling all Hudson Valley teachers: attend this opportunity to participate in a fun professional development workshop focusing on teaching local history at the most picturesque of places. Join Hudson Talbott for an in-depth presentation of his new book "River Of Dreams-The Story Of The Hudson River". Local teachers who are already using the book in their classrooms will provide you with easy tips to incorporate it into your curriculum. Brainstorm with other professionals in your field and be a part of history. Learn how to use the book and its powerful message to educate your students about our unique landscape in hopes they grow up to preserve it. Light refreshments will be served; signed books and cds will be available. Space is limited. Register by preceding Friday: codonnell@olana.org; (518)828-1872x110.

Saturday, January 23, 11:30AM
Family Tour at Olana
Visitor Center
Families
$9/adult; $8/ students and seniors, free for children under 12 and members of The Olana Partnership

Explore the house, its paintings and treasures from a child's perspective. Tours are geared for families with 6-12 year olds, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required by 4PM the preceding Friday. Call (518) 828-0135 for information.

Sunday, January 31, 3-4PM
Landscape Yoga
Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex
Adults
$10/class; $5 members of The Olana Partnership

Does your New Year's resolution include time for well-being? Nourish body and soul this winter in our education center that has radiant floor heating! This gentle yoga class will bring the inspiring picturesque landscape views inside, celebrating the spirituality of nature. Yoga instructor Ed Sisk from the Yoga With Ed studio in Hudson, NY will provide mats and modification tools, or you are welcome to bring your own. Space is limited. Register by preceding Friday: codonnell@olana.org; (518).828.1872x110.