Rondout Neversink Stream Program

04/02/2026

Celebrate the arrival of spring in the Catskills with a guided birdwatching walk 🐦🌿

Join the Rondout Neversink Stream Program and the Sullivan County Audubon Society for a relaxed morning exploring the Flying Trillium Gardens & Preserve. As warmer weather returns, riparian areas, forests, and fields fill with birdsong as migratory species arrive, and resident birds become more active- making this one of the best times of year to observe a wide variety of birds.

The walk will be led by Russ Scheirer, a local resident and experienced birder, SCAS Conservation Chair, and RNSP Nursery Technician. As we explore, we will share tips on identifying birds by sight and sound.

This event is free and open to birders of all experience levels. Registration is required, and the registration deadline is Monday, April 27. The event address will be shared with participants in advance.

Register here: https://forms.gle/Mdaq9r1KYtLAr6mp8

📅 Saturday, May 2
🕘 9:00-11:00 A.M.
📍 Flying Trillium Gardens and Preserve, Neversink NY

Please bring binoculars if you have them, sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, bug spray/sunscreen, and water.

01/12/2026

2025 was a year of getting things done for the RNSP team. From planting trees to stabilizing roadsides, our team focused on practical, hands-on work to improve stream health, strengthen habitat, and care for the land across the Neversink and Rondout basins.

We’re proud of what was accomplished and excited to keep the momentum going in the year ahead! Thank you to our partners, staff, and community for being part of this work. 🌱

08/13/2025

🌿Thank You for Joining Us! 🌳

A huge thank you to everyone who came out for the Botanical Borders Riparian Plant Walk in partnership with the Frost Valley YMCA Natural Resources team and led by the ever-knowledgeable Richard Mandelbaum.

We had a wonderful time exploring the streamside, learning to identify native plants, and discovering their ecological and cultural significance. The curiosity, great questions, and shared enthusiasm made the day even more special.

📸 Check out some of our highlights !
Feel free to tag yourself and share your favorite moments — we’d love to see the walk through your eyes too!

07/21/2025

We've rescheduled!

Get ready for a day of science, nature, and fun for the whole family! Join biologist Frank Beres (NYC DEP) to explore the incredible world of aquatic insects—tiny creatures like mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies that tell us about the health of our streams.

🔍 Hands-on discovery stations for participants to collect and ID real aquatic insects
🌿 Learn how these insects fit into the food chain and indicate water quality
🎨 Stream-themed crafts to spark creativity
🥨 Free snacks for all attendees

The Secret World of Streams: Exploring Aquatic Insects is co-hosted by the Rondout Neversink Stream Program and Town of Neversink Parks & Rec. This free event is a great way to connect with nature, science, and your local community!

All ages welcome – registration encouraged! To learn more about this event and register, visit: https://forms.gle/Cgz8uBYd4QHMZNKB8

07/10/2025

Join the Rondout Neversink Stream Program for a guided walk through the riparian zone with clinical herbalist and botanical educator Richard Mandelbaum. As we follow the streambank, we’ll explore the native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers that play a vital role in protecting our waterways, supporting wildlife, and telling the ecological and cultural story of the land. No prior botanical experience is necessary—just curiosity and a good pair of walking shoes!

The event is free and registration is encouraged. Learn more and register by visiting our website: https://www.rondoutneversink.org/events/2025/7/10/botanical-borders-riparian-plant-walk

📅 Friday, August 1st
🕒 5:30-7:30 PM
📍 Frost Valley YMCA, Claryville NY
☔ Rain date: Thurs, August 7th

12/06/2024

The Rondout Neversink Stream Program is offering a guided winter tree identification workshop in conjunction with the Catskill Forest Association (CFA). Join us for Dormant Discoveries: A Winter Guide to Twig and Bark ID on Saturday, January 11th from 10-12pm at the Denning Rd. Trailhead in Claryville, NY.

Registration is required, contact [email protected] to join this event or register using this link: https://forms.gle/aNTWpnbZ1P5JNAEp6

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Join CFA's Education Arborist Zane Lawyer to learn how to identify dormant trees by their unique twigs, buds, and bark.

Participants will:
🌲 Identify species specific traits and features visible in the winter
🔎 Learn how to 'key out' a twig using an example of a dichotomous key

The event will feature a leisurely walk through the forest. Participants should dress warmly in layers and wear sturdy, insulated boots suitable for snow or icy conditions. Bring water, snacks, and any additional winter gear,
such as hats, gloves, and traction aids like microspikes, as needed.

This event is free and limited to 18 participants. Priority will be given to residents living within the Rondout Reservoir and Neversink Reservoir watersheds.

Not sure if you live within the watershed boundaries? Contact RNSP at [email protected] and we'll let you know!

Date: Saturday, January 11th, 2025 Time: 10 AM -12 PM Address: Denning Rd. Trailhead, Claryville, NY ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Rondout Neversink Stream Program is offering a guided winter tree identification works...

11/20/2024

Recently, RNSP had the amazing opportunity to join Dr. Michael Kudish and NYC DEP Wetland Scientist, Frank Parisio on an expedition into Bog #428 in the Rondout watershed to collect peat samples using an Eijkelkamp peat sampler. These samples will be examined for fossils and will be sent to a lab for carbon dating to learn more about the age of the peatland and the history of the forest.

Along the way, we also got to see a few rare species in the Catskills:

Slides 5 & 6: Tamarack and Black Spruce (Picea mariana): Boreal tree species that are commonly found in acidic forested peatlands.

Slide 7: Sphagnum: A keystone species in peat bogs that create low nutrient and acidic conditions.

Slides 8 & 9: Purple Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea): A carnivorous plant primarily found in sphagnum bogs.

For insights into the history of Catskill forests, take a look at The Catskill Forest: A History by Dr. Michael Kudish.