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      Training

      Educational Presentation

      Guided Hike

      Kids and Families

      Volunteer Opportunity

      Nature Exploration

      Older Adult Program

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Flyer Event Detail
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Spring Pond Exploration
 
Guided Hike

Spring Pond Exploration

Saturday, May 9, 2026

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Location: Red Jacket Natural Habitat Park - Parking Lot

Join Park Ranger Roy at Red Jacket Habitat Park to learn about some of the varieties of organisms that live and visit the water’s edge. Spring is a busy reproductive time for many species of plants, animals and other categories of living things. We will use some simple tools to look at small creatures in the water. · Meeting Location: Red Jacket Natural Habitat Park

· Duration: Approximately 2 hours

· Distance: Less than ½ mile

· Elevation: Minimal

· Surface Description: Walkways, river’s edge and pond edge

· Equipment Needed: Proper footwear, dress for the weather. If you have an aquarium net, magnifying glass or other devices to observe in the water bring them

· Other: There are no facilities at this park. Dogs are welcome on a leash

Register for Spring Pond Exploration

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Senior Hiking Club
 
Guided Hike

5/13 Senior Hiking Club

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

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Location: Sergeant Mark A. Rademacher Memorial Park/Hunters Creek - Meeting Location: Parking Lot

Join us as we partner with Erie County Department for the Aging for their Senior Hiking Club. The Hiking Club is a wonderful opportunity for seniors to stay active and enjoy the beauty of nature in the company of like-minded individuals.

Summary: Join the Environmental Specialist Wendy and a Ranger on a dual hike where you can pick either the moderate or the high-level difficulty! Wendy will lead the moderate group on a shortened version of an intense hike lead by the park ranger. You can decide as you hike to either turn around with Wendy or continue on with the ranger. 

  • Meeting Location: Hunters Creek Park – TBD 
  • Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours OR 3 hours 
  • Distance: Approximately 2 miles OR 6 miles 
  • Elevation: moderate to steep elevation change  
  • Difficulty: Moderate or High 
  • Surface Description: Dirt trail with some rocky areas, area may be muddy 
  • Equipment Needed: Proper footwear (boots). Layers and walking sticks recommended. Water and snacks. 
  • Cancellation Policy: This event is rain or shine. However, if there is 50% chance of thunderstorm or greater the tour will be canceled, and registrants will be notified. 

Register for 5/13 Senior Hiking Club

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Star Gazing Event at Chestnut Ridge Park May 16 2026
 
Nature Exploration

Stargazing Night at The Ridge

Saturday, May 16, 2026

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Location: Chestnut Ridge - Chestnut Ridge Park - Casino

Join us as we admire the view from Chestnut Ridge with the Buffalo Astronomical Association
Science Fair, Presentations, Stargazing, House of Munch food truck

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Ranger Meet and Greet w/ S’mores!
 
Kids and Families

Ranger Meet and Greet w/ S’mores!

Friday, May 22, 2026

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Location: Sprague Brook - Meeting Location: Upper camping loop between loops A and B

Come hangout with Ranger Austin at Sprague Brook Park and learn about the Ranger Program! Bring your camping or ecological questions and pick the brain of your Erie County Park Ranger - Roast marshmallows, talk about your favorite outdoor activities, parks, trails, and more. This is a meet and greet style event so come and go as you please! No registration is required.

· Meeting Location: Upper camping loop between loops A and B 

· Duration: 1.5 hours

· Distance: Stationary event

· Elevation: None

· Surface Description: Stationary event on a grassy area

· Equipment Needed: A good marshmallow roasting stick

· Other: Dog friendly, stroller and wheelchair accessible

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Friday Field Days Volunteers helping with habitat restoration
 
Volunteer Opportunity

6/5 Friday Field Days

Friday, June 5, 2026

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Location: Red Jacket Natural Habitat Park - Parking Lot

Friday Field Days engage volunteers in habitat management and park stewardship projects. Park Staff will teach you about the task and provide tools
 
Volunteers Needed: 20 
Task: Invasive Species Pull - Thistle, Teasel, Dames Rocket
Notes: All tools will be provided however we recommend you wear long pants and sleeves to prevent scratches.
 
Rain Date June 11th

Register for 6/5 Friday Field Days

 
Special Event

Trails Day

Saturday, June 6, 2026

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Location: Sprague Brook - Sprague Brook Casino

Join us as we collaborate with 42 North Brewing to celebrate Trails Day! 
Come enjoy live music by PA Line, food trucks (Fat Bob's & Maine Bite), and outdoor vendors.

 
Nature Exploration

NFTA Parks Adventure Bus to Sprague Brook Park

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Location: Sprague Brook - Shelter 2 is reserved for seating, shade, and restroom use

Erie County Parks is once again partnering with NFTA to offer the FREE Parks Adventure Bus! The bus will take patrons from the main station downtown to Erie County, DEC and NYS Parks throughout the summer. 
There will be a Birding Workshop at 12:30pm. 

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Senior Hiking Club
 
Guided Hike

6/24 Senior Hiking Club

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

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Location: Como Lake - Meeting Location: Casino Parking Lot

Join us as we partner with Erie County Senior Services for their Senior Hiking Club. The Hiking Club is a wonderful opportunity for seniors to stay active and enjoy the beauty of nature in the company of like-minded individuals.

Summary: Join the Environmental Specialist Wendy on a leisurely walk through the park to the light house! We will cross over three bridges over Cayuga Creek as we walk and look for birds, butterflies, and turtles. This park is a great place to be on a hot summer day. 

  • Duration: Approximately 2 hours 
  • Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles 
  • Elevation: Little to no elevation change 
  • Difficulty: Low 
  • Surface Description: Natural trail with some uneven surfaces 
  • Equipment Needed: Proper footwear and sunscreen. 
  • Cancelation Policy: This event is rain or shine. However, if there is 50% chance of thunderstorm or greater the tour will be canceled, and registrants will be notified. 
  • Other: Restrooms will be available before and after the program. Dogs are welcome on a leash. This program is not stroller or wheelchair accessible. 

Register for 6/24 Senior Hiking Club

 
Nature Exploration

NFTA Parks Adventure Bus to Chestnut Ridge Park

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Location: Chestnut Ridge - Casino is available for seating, shade, and restroom use

Erie County Parks is once again partnering with NFTA to offer the FREE Parks Adventure Bus! The bus will take patrons from the main station downtown to Erie County, DEC and NYS Parks throughout the summer. 
 
 
There will be an optional guided Eternal Flame Hike at 10:30am. 
- Duration: 1 – 1.5 hrs
- Elevation: Approximately 200 feet of elevation change; steep in areas
- Distance: 1.12 miles
- Surface Description: Mud/dirt/roots/water; this trail is very wooded and a portion of the hike will be within the creek
- Equipment Needed: Sturdy waterproof shoes (or shoes you won’t mind getting wet) & drinking water. No flip flops, Crocs, or heeled shoes.
- This event and area is dog friendly (on a leash); this hike is not stroller or wheelchair accessible

2026 Erie County Amateur Golf Championship

Saturday, July 11, 2026Sunday, July 12, 2026

Location: Elma Meadows Park - Elma Meadows Golf Course

Register today for the 2026 Erie County Amateur Golf Championship!

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Friday Field Days Volunteers helping with habitat restoration
 
Volunteer Opportunity

7/17 Friday Field Days

Friday, July 17, 2026

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Location: - TBD

Friday Field Days engage volunteers in habitat management and park stewardship projects. Park Staff will teach you about the task and provide tools
 
Volunteers Needed: 15 
Task: Newly planted tree care such as watering, weeding, replacement staking
Notes: The location will be determined by June 17th and the event updated. It will depend on the site most in need

Register for 7/17 Friday Field Days

 
Nature Exploration

NFTA Parks Adventure Bus to Emery Park

Saturday, July 25, 2026

Location: Emery Park - Shelter 2 is reserved for seating, shade, and restroom use

Erie County Parks is once again partnering with NFTA to offer the FREE Parks Adventure Bus! The bus will take patrons from the main station downtown to Erie County, DEC and NYS Parks throughout the summer. 
 
There will be Disc Golf Demonstrations by Buffalo Niagara Disc Golf at 11am and 12pm!

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Senior Hiking Club
 
Guided Hike

8/5 Senior Hiking Club

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

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Location: Sprague Brook - Meeting Location: Cross Country Ski Trail Parking Lot

Join us as we partner with Erie County Senior Services for their Senior Hiking Club. The Hiking Club is a wonderful opportunity for seniors to stay active and enjoy the beauty of nature in the company of like-minded individuals.

Summary: Join the Environmental Specialist Wendy on a summer hike of the cross country ski trail! On this hike we will explore the forests at the park and also the adjacent forestry lot. This park is a great place to be on a hot summer day. 

  • Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours 
  • Distance: Approximately 3 miles 
  • Elevation: Moderate elevation change 
  • Difficulty: Moderate 
  • Surface Description: Natural trail with some uneven surfaces 
  • Equipment Needed: Proper footwear and sunscreen. 
  • Cancelation Policy: This event is rain or shine. However, if there is 50% chance of thunderstorm or greater the tour will be canceled, and registrants will be notified. 
  • Other: Restrooms will be available before and after the program. Dogs are welcome on a leash. This program is not stroller or wheelchair accessible. 

Register for 8/5 Senior Hiking Club

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Friday Field Days Volunteers helping with habitat restoration
 
Volunteer Opportunity

8/7 Friday Field Days

Friday, August 7, 2026

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Location: Thomas F. Higgins Natural Habitat Park - Parking Lot

Friday Field Days engage volunteers in habitat management and park stewardship projects. Park Staff will teach you about the task and provide tools
 
Volunteers Needed: 20
Task: Invasive Species Seedhead clipping - Teasel and Thistle
Notes: All tools will be provided however we recommend you wear long pants and sleeves to prevent scratches.
 
Rain Date Aug. 14th

Register for 8/7 Friday Field Days

 
Nature Exploration

NFTA Parks Adventure Bus to Akron Falls Park

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Location: Akron Falls - Shelter 6 is reserved for seating, shade, and restroom use

Erie County Parks is once again partnering with NFTA to offer the FREE Parks Adventure Bus! The bus will take patrons from the main station downtown to Erie County, DEC and NYS Parks throughout the summer. 
There will be a guided hike at 12:30pm.

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Friday Field Days Volunteers helping with habitat restoration
 
Volunteer Opportunity

9/11 Friday Field Days

Friday, September 11, 2026

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Location: Seneca Bluffs Natural Habitat Park - Parking Lot

Friday Field Days engage volunteers in habitat management and park stewardship projects. Park Staff will teach you about the task and provide tools
 
Volunteers Needed: 20 
Task: Native Perennial plug planting
Notes: All tools will be provided
 
Rain Date Sept. 18th

Register for 9/11 Friday Field Days

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Senior Hiking Club
 
Guided Hike

9/16 Senior Hiking Club

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

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Location: Franklin Gulf - Meeting Location: Larkin Road Parking Lot

Join us as we partner with Erie County Senior Services for their Senior Hiking Club. The Hiking Club is a wonderful opportunity for seniors to stay active and enjoy the beauty of nature in the company of like-minded individuals.

Summary: Join the Environmental Specialist Wendy on the orange loop trail through this conservation park’s forest! We will hike along a creek, up and down ravines, while listening to the sounds of the forests and breathing in the clean hemlock scented air.  

  • Duration: Approximately 3 hours 
  • Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles 
  • Elevation: Steep elevation change 
  • Difficulty: High 
  • Surface Description: Natural trail with some uneven surfaces, some creek bed crossings 
  • Equipment Needed: Proper footwear and water. Walking sticks recommended. 
  • Cancelation Policy: This event is rain or shine. However, if there is 50% chance of thunderstorm or greater the tour will be canceled, and registrants will be notified. 
  • Other: No restrooms will be available before and after the program. Dogs are welcome on a leash. This program is not stroller or wheelchair accessible. 

Register for 9/16 Senior Hiking Club

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Friday Field Days Volunteers helping with habitat restoration
 
Volunteer Opportunity

10/2 Friday Field Days

Friday, October 2, 2026

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Location: - TBD

Friday Field Days engage volunteers in habitat management and park stewardship projects. Park Staff will teach you about the task and provide tools
 
Volunteers Needed: 15
Task: Native Tree Planting
Notes: The location will be determined by September 2nd and the event updated.  It will depend on the site most in need and the nursery stock available.
 
 

Register for 10/2 Friday Field Days

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Senior Hiking Club
 
Guided Hike

10/28 Senior Hiking Club

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

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Location: Wendt Park - Meeting Location: Main Parking Lot

Join us as we partner with Erie County Senior Services for their Senior Hiking Club. The Hiking Club is a wonderful opportunity for seniors to stay active and enjoy the beauty of nature in the company of like-minded individuals.

Summary: Join a park ranger on a fall stroll along the beach and boardwalk at Wendt Beach Park! Enjoy the fall orange colors contracting with the rich blue of Lake Erie water. Perhaps see some spooky nature sightings on our final Senior Hike of 2026. 

  • Duration: Approximately 1-1.5 hours 
  • Distance: Approximately 1-1.5 miles 
  • Elevation: Minimal elevation change 
  • Difficulty: Low 
  • Surface Description: Sandy Beach and trail 
  • Equipment Needed: Proper footwear; sturdy shoes (dress for the weather; the beach can be much colder than the surrounding area) 
  • Cancelation Policy: This event is rain or shine. However, if there is 50% chance of thunderstorm or greater the tour will be canceled, and registrants will be notified. 
  • Other: No restrooms will be available before and after the program. Dogs are NOT allowed on the beach. This program is not stroller or wheelchair accessible. 

Register for 10/28 Senior Hiking Club