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Rail Trail Discovery Series

The Adirondack Rail Trail set against a backdrop of tress and water with the words Rail Trail Discovery Series, learn, observe and connect with nature along the Adirondack Rail Trail. Thursdays from July 16 to August 13.

Join North Country Community College this summer for our new Rail Trail Discovery Series — a free lineup of guided nature walks along the Adirondack Rail Trail! Whether you're an avid naturalist or simply curious about the world around you, these walks offer a fun and engaging way to learn more about the Adirondacks.

Summer 2026 Program Schedule:

July 16, noon
The Art of Nature Journaling
Led by Elaine Taylor, North Country Community College Associate Professor of Art.
Participants will learn techniques for observing and documenting nature through sketching and writing. Attendees should bring their own journal and pencils.
July 23,
9 a.m.
Learning to Identify Mosses
Led by Ray Curran of the Adirondack Botanical Society.
Discover the fascinating world of mosses and learn how to recognize common species found throughout the Adirondacks.
July 30,
9 a.m.
Birds of the Rail Trail
Led by Brian McAllister, North Country Community College Adjunct Instructor of Science.
Participants will explore bird habitats along the trail and learn identification techniques. Bringing binoculars is encouraged.
August 6,
9 a.m.
Using iNaturalist for Citizen Science
Led by Mindy Fredenburg, North Country Community College Assistant Professor of Science.
Learn how to use the iNaturalist smartphone app to identify plants and animals while contributing valuable observations to scientific research. Participants should bring a smartphone.
August 13,
9 a.m.
Identifying Invasive Species
Led by Shaun Kittle of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program
Participants will learn how to recognize invasive plants and understand their impact on local ecosystems.
 
Program Details:
  • Time: Each event will last between 1 and 2 hours
  • Meet at the Sparks Athletic Complex, 112 Dorchester Rd., Saranac Lake, NY 12983
  • All events will be held rain or shine
  • Free
  • Open to the public!

For more information, contact Mindy Fredenburg, Assistant Professor, Academic Coordinator, North Country Community College Environmental Science Program, at mfredenburg@nccc.edu