Community Calendar

Take inspiration from myth, literature, and your own imagination to create works of art. In the heart of Baltimore Woods, we will sculpt tree spirits using our hands, natural clay, and other found materials. Bring your sense of whimsy and creativity to reveal the hidden faces of the trees!

More details: This program is designed for ages 5 and up. Space is limited. Online pre-registration is required. This program will follow the Valley Trail. This is one of our most difficult trails having narrow and steep sections with steps, roots, and loose soil. Resting benches are available. Our total route will be about 1 mile.

Come see the annual Festival of Fire - a collaboration between the SUNY Oswego Department of Technology and the Department of Art and Design.

There will be two main events presented: a ceramic Pit-Firing and an Iron-Pour.

Pit-firing is the oldest form of firing pottery and ceramics. Unfired clay pots and sculptures are placed into a pit in the ground. Then, a bonfire is created over it and sustained throughout the day. The fire vitrifies the ceramics and creates interesting and unpredictable surface decoration.

For the Iron-Pour, recycled scrap iron is heated to almost 3,000 degrees until it is liquefied. Then, the liquid iron is poured into molds to create new and original sculptures and designs. Scratch plates, a means to easily create iron plaques, will be available for anyone to have their own idea cast in iron.

Additionally, the SUNY Oswego Office of Sustainability will present a maple-sugar activity.

The campus community is invited to come, watch, make something, and get a sweet treat. This event is free and open to all. This event is located in the Tyler Hall Pit, adjacent to Tyler Hall on SUNY Oswego's campus.

Do you consider yourself an ultimate hiker and a lover of the outdoors? Baltimore Woods is hosting “Trails Ultimate,” a guided hike through the preserve’s seven miles of trails. We’ll be taking in the changing world around us while touching on how outdoor recreation strengthens our mental and physical health. Join us at Baltimore Woods for a full day of hiking with others who enjoy pairing exercise with nature exploration!

More details: This program is designed for all young adults and adults. Space is limited. Online pre-registration is required. This program will follow moderate, difficult, and most difficult trails at Baltimore Woods. Moderate trails are made of packed crushed stone, and difficult trails have packed stone or dirt surfaces with steepness and roots. Most difficult trails have natural surfaces like mud, grass, or dirt; they have steeper grades, narrow stretches, roots, steps, and rocks.

Log rolling brings us the joy of discovery. We will be going on adventures around the leaf litter and fallen logs to look for as many different creatures as we can find. Join us to explore the world of millipedes, slugs, salamanders, and more – all living under our feet.

More details: This program is designed for adults. Space is limited. Online pre-registration is required. This program will follow difficult trails with narrow sections, steps, roots, and loose soil. The surfaces may be muddy. Our total route will be about 1 mile.

Experience nature in a unique way on a guided Forest Therapy Walk throughout Baltimore Woods! Forest Therapy, also known as “forest bathing,” stems from a Japanese practice known as Shinrin Yoku. Led by June Leo-Randazzo, a Certified ANFT Forest Therapy Guide, this program invites participants to immerse themselves in nature and open their senses to the surroundings of the forest.

Registration for this program closes at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22.

More details: This walk is designed for adults. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. You will be notified ahead of the program on where to park and meet on the day of the walk. The walk will take place rain or shine. In case cancellation is necessary due to dangerous conditions, you will be notified by email the morning of the walk. Dress for the weather; this program will be entirely outdoors. Insect repellent and a hat are recommended.

Kickoff to our End-of-Year Giving Campaign on November 14, after-hours show
featuring Matt Venuti’s AmeriCosmos Show Fundraiser

Experience something truly amazing at the Sterling Nature Center! Join us for an extraordinary evening as Matt Venuti takes the stage with his critically acclaimed AmeriCosmos performance: a live, multi-instrumental musical journey that accompanies breathtaking nature footage captured by Matt throughout the US…with the addition of awe-inspiring views of Earth from above and a fantastic voyage through Deep Space…. courtesy of NASA and the Webb Telescope! Matt recently completed a four-month tour, circumnavigating the country and performing in 55 venues. Check out Matt’s website at www.mattvenuti.com and learn more about the man and his performances.

Savor the evening with a relaxed cocktail hour and cash bar serving wine, beer, and cider along with light refreshments, then settle in for an immersive show that inspires awe, connection, and wonder.

Your ticket supports the Center’s End-of-Year Giving Campaign, helping us protect wildlife, care for the trails, and keep the Nature Center a place where our community can learn, explore, and feel at home in nature.

You can use the QR code on the flyer or go to https://www.thefriendsofthesterlingnaturecenter.com/ to buy tickets