Friends of the Chemung River Watershed

CANCELED!! FCRW Paddles - Tag's in Big Flats Paddle
2022-07-23 09:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Senator William T. Smith Boat Launch, 43C8+HW Big Flats, New York, Big Flats, NY, 14814, United States
**Due to a lack of rain and low river levels, we have had to cancel this event. We will offer people a refund, or get them signed up for a subsequent paddle. Our apologies. Let’s hope it rains!**
July 23rd from 9am-1:30pm – Conhocton Street Boat Launch to Senator William T. Smith/Minier’s Field (6-mile Fitness Paddle). Range of paddle times will be from 10am-12:30pm, and end at Tag’s in Big Flats.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

CANCELED - FCRW Paddles - Aniello's Pizzeria Paddle
2022-07-30 09:00 - 12:30 | Conhocton Street River Access, 10 Conhocton Street, Corning, NY, 14830, United States
**Due to low water levels in the river, tomorrow’s FCRW Paddles – Aniello’s Pizzeria Paddle event has been canceled. We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause. All participants were notified, and given the option of rescheduling or getting a refund.**
July 30th from 9am-12:30pm – Kinsella to Conhocton Street Boat Launch (Meet on the river side of the levee at the corner of Conhocton and Beach Street in Corning by the World Kitchen Plant) (4-mile Float Paddle). Range of paddle times will be from 10am-11:30am/12:00pm (time sensitive to water levels), and end at Aniello’s Pizzeria in Corning.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

CANCELED!! FCRW Paddles - Los Panchos Paddle
2022-08-06 09:00 - 14:00 | Grove Street Boat Launch, 36 Grove Street, Elmira, NY, 14905, United States
*Canceled due to low water levels*
August 6th from 9am-2pm – Bottcher’s Landing to Grove (9-mile Fitness Paddle). Range of paddle times will be from 10am-1pm, and end at Los Panchos Restaurant in Elmira.
Click HERE for Tickets.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

Riverside Watercolor Painting Workshop at Bottcher's Landing
2022-08-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Bottcher’s Landing Boat Lauch, 51 Old River Road, Corning, NY, 14830, United States
Riverside Watercolor Painting Workshop will be a plein air painting workshop featuring local artist and instructor – Bridget Bossart van Otterloo.
This outdoor painting program will be held at the Bottcher’s Landing Boat Launch in the Town of Big Flats. The workshop will take place in the shaded area under the pavilion, or participants can bring their own camping chairs and move around the property. This class is limited to the first 10 people who sign up, and is HALF PRICED this year ($25M/$35NM) due to the generosity of an anonymous donor.
Get Tickets HERE.
Participants will be supplied with a variety of high-quality brushes, 140lb. cold-press watercolor paper, Wisner & Newton watercolor paints, palates, drawing boards, and filtered water from the river. Students will also receive instruction from a locally renowned artist and instructor – Bridget Bossart van Otterloo, and the artist will demonstrate different watercolor painting techniques for landscape painting.
This program will have a Member and Non-member rate. To become a member, please make a donation here. DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE to reduce plastic waste. We will provide tables, snacks, refreshments, and all of the necessary art supplies.

NEW DATE (and free drink)!! Science Cafe Speaker Series - Finger Lakes House
2022-08-16 17:30 - 18:30 | Finger Lakes House, 389-391 West Water Street, Elmira, 14901
An informal speaker series where participants can listen to experts on topics of science, engage in conversations, and enjoy a beverage.
FCRW is partnering with Community College, Elmira College, and local businesses to provide an informal speaker series with regional science experts. Tickets are $10, plus the costs of your beverages and food (attendees will receive a FREE 12oz beer or soda). – Get your tickets for August 16th HERE. The topics will vary, but will focus on science and the environment. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from speakers, ask questions, engage in respectful discussions, all while enjoying a beverage and snacks offered by the venue.
Locations will rotate throughout the Chemung River Watershed, and speakers will rotate throughout the series run. The goal of this program is to provide a venue for lively and respectful discussions around science topics of today, and help to educate our community on how we can support the advancement of science and environmental conservation.
The August 16th program will be at the Finger Lakes House on Water Street in Elmira. The featured speaker will be Jim Pfiffer, Founder and FCRW Historian. The topic for this event will be “How removing wolves from Yellowstone Park and then reintroducing them, changed the course of the river.”

CANCELED!! FCRW Paddles - Iron Flamingo Barrel House Paddle
2022-08-20 09:00 - 12:30 | Conhocton Street River Access, 10 Conhocton Street, Corning, NY, 14830, United States
**Due to Low River Levels…we are again having to cancel this program. Pray for Rain!**
August 20th from 9am-12:30pm – Kinsella to Conhocton Street Boat Launch (Meet on the river side of the levee at the corner of Conhocton and Beach Street in Corning by the World Kitchen Plant) (4-mile Float Paddle). Range of paddle times will be from 10am-11:30am/12:00pm (time sensitive to water levels), and end at Iron Flamingo Barrel House in Corning.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

CANCELED!! FCRW Paddles - Diversion Brewing Paddle Part II
2022-09-03 09:00 - 15:30 | White Wagon Boat Launch, 153 White Wagon Road, Waverly, NY, 14892, United States
*Canceled due to low river levels.*
Sept. 3rd from 9am-3:30pm – Toll Bridge to White Wagon (10-mile Float Paddle). Range of paddle times will be from 10am-2:30pm, and end at Diversion Brewery in Chemung.
**The Flying Cow food truck will be at Diversion from 3:00-8:00pm, and music will be by Andy G Fagan from 4:30-7:30pm**
Click HERE for Tickets.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

FCRW Paddles - Moonlight Paddle
2022-09-09 21:00 - 23:00 | Grove Street Boat Launch, 36 Grove Street, Elmira, NY, 14905, United States
Sept. 9th from 9pm-11pm – FCRW & EMO will be hosting a moonlight paddle under the (almost) FULL MOON at the Grove Street Boat Launch. Participants will be paddling AROUND the Grove Street Launch (this is not a distance paddle), for safety reasons and due to low water levels. We will have guides and safety people on the water to provide a safe experience and help you get in and out of your boat. There will also be glow sticks on the boats, tiki torches, and headlamps. Plus the full moon will be VERY BRIGHT. Snacks will be provided, as well as fun activities to enjoy the moonlight on the water.
Click HERE for Tickets.
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Extra Snacks (if wanted)
Water
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

River Connections Family Program with the Corning Museum of Glass
2022-09-11 13:30 - 15:00 | Corning Museum of Glass, 1 Museum Way, Corning, NY, 14830, United States
FCRW is partnering with the Corning Museum of Glass (CMOG), artist Shannah Warwick, and Flood Mitigation Specialist Janet Thigpen for a free family program at CMOG. This program will explore the connections between the arts and the Chemung River! Visit the exhibition “Reused Restored Rethought: Glass After the 1972 Chemung River Flood” at CMOG, learn about the river today from our organization, and interact with a demonstration of how land use and weather conditions affect river flooding with a local flood mitigation specialist. Artist Shannah Warwick will also introduce her fiber arts project “Fascinations by the River” and demonstrate her technique, and you can take an art kit home to make a special project!
This program is FREE and open-to-the-public, and will happen in the CMOG Auditorium (located on site in the Museum). Reservations are recommended. Please contact edu@cmog.org or 607-438-5429 to reserve your spot!

Science Cafe Speaker Series - Downtown Grind
2022-09-13 17:30 - 18:30 | Downtown Grind, 109 North Main Street, Elmira, NY, 14901, United States
An informal speaker series where participants can listen to experts on topics of science, engage in conversations, and enjoy a beverage.
FCRW is partnering with Corning Community College, Elmira College, and local businesses to provide an informal speaker series with regional science experts. Tickets are $10, plus the costs of your beverages and food (attendees will receive a FREE small coffee or tea drink of your choice). Get your tickets for September 13th HERE. The topics will vary, but will focus on science and the environment. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from speakers, ask questions, engage in respectful discussions, all while enjoying a beverage and snacks offered by the venue.
Locations will rotate throughout the Chemung River Watershed, and speakers will rotate throughout the series run. The goal of this program is to provide a venue for lively and respectful discussions around science topics of today, and help to educate our community on how we can support the advancement of science and environmental conservation.
The September 13th program will be at the Downtown Grind café on Main Street in Elmira. The featured speaker will be Trevor Browning, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at Elmira College. The topic for this event will be “From your lawn to the Chemung River to the Chesapeake Bay: What goes on the ground ends up in the rivers and ocean.”

Chemung County Landfill FREE Open House
2022-09-15 12:00 - 15:00 | Chemung County Landfill, 1488 County Road 60, Elmira, NY, 14901, United States
Have you ever been curious about what happens to your trash after you throw it away? Do you ever wonder how all that garbage is managed so your community isn’t knee deep in trash? Are you interested in looking behind the scenes at local waste management operations, and see what a “Dirty Job” really looks like?
Join FCRW and our business sponsors Casella, operators of the Chemung County Landfill, for a FREE tour of the facility to learn what appropriate waste management is all about. This event will include a general guided facility tour, information on ground water management (which is important to our rivers and streams), gas monitoring and management, and their work towards conservation on their land buffers (specifically their active beehives).
Tour attendees will also enjoy a catered lunch and great prizes. For any questions, please call Casella at (607) 529-3204, or you can contact the Friends of the Chemung River Watershed. As an environmental stewardship nonprofit, we partner with Casella due to their successful track record of responsibly managing waste in our county. They keep our river clean while handling a necessary community service, and let’s face it… a “Dirty Job”!
There is no registration required, just show up and hop on our tour bus to enjoy the event. We hope to see you there!

FCRW Paddles - Season Closing Paddle & Outdoor Rec Flea Market/Kayak Swap (after the paddle)
2022-09-17 09:00 - 17:00 | Grove Street Boat Launch, 36 Grove Street, Elmira, NY, 14905, United States
September 17th from 9am-3pm – Bottcher’s Landing to Grove (9-mile Float Paddle). Range of paddle times will be from 10am-2pm, and end at Grove Street Boat Launch with a Food Truck & Outdoor Recreation Flea Market/Kayak Swap.
The Outdoor Recreation Flea Market/Kayak Swap will begin at 2pm and end at 5pm at the Grove Street Boat Launch in Elmira, and we will also have Los Panchos Food Truck and Cold Rush Italian Ice for food vendors. This will be the season closing event for the FCRW Paddle program.
We will have the following outdoor recreation gear vendors selling inventory at this event:

Endless Mountain Outfitters
Elmira Community Cycle
Swarthout’s Bait and Tackle Shop
Hesselson’s (Information Table Only)

Additionally, we will be accepting donations for FCRW paddles at this event. For everyone who donates to FCRW at this event, you will receive a free hula-hoop from our demonstrating artist – Filomena Jack with Hoop Happy! Filomena Jack is a teaching artist, muralist, personal development coach, and dog mom. She owns more hula hoops than most other folks, and will happily share them with you. More at FilomenaJackStudio.com
We welcome the community to come to this event to sell/swap their outdoor recreation gear!
Click HERE for Tickets to Kayak. (No tickets required to attend the Outdoor Rec Flea Market/Kayak Swap.)
WHAT TO PACK:

Proper water shoes (not flip flops)
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

Kayak Rentals and BYOBoat Shuttles are available. More information is provided once you go through registration and purchase your tickets. All participants will be shuttled between parking site and launch sites. All abilities are welcome, life jackets and equipment will be provided, as these are guided tours! For more information, please contact us.
(FCRW Paddle program is a partnership between Friends of the Chemung River Watershed and Endless Mountain Outfitters.)

River Guardians: 2023 Call to Action
2023-01-01 | NY
Calling all River Guardians! Please contact us so we can make sure you have everything you need for a successful cleanup in 2023! Contact director@chemungriverfriends.org. There’s a reason why Chemung River has some of the cleanest water in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed! It’s because of volunteers like you that our children and grandchildren will enjoy a safe, clean water trail.
Friends of the Chemung River Watershed
111 N. Main Street, Ste. 15
Elmira, NY 14905
607-846-2242
director@chemungriverfriends.org

Full Moon Bike Ride
2023-04-08 20:00 - 22:00, 2023-05-05 21:00 - 22:30 | Elmira Community Cycle, 200 W. 5th Street, Elmira, NY, 14901, United States
Meet in front of Elmira Community Cycle at 8pm. Casual pace, all welcome. Lights are required and helmets are encouraged (we have both available for purchase).
Elmira Community Cycle is a volunteer-run, educational bike workspace. We use bicycles to build solidarity and improve the quality of life for our city and greater community.
Elmira Community Cycle
200 W. 5th Street
Elmira, NY 14901
ElmiraBikes@gmail.com
607-735-2168
Facebook | Website

Clean Up: First Heritage Federal Credit Union Employees
2023-04-13 10:00 - 12:00 | NY
The First Heritage Federal Credit Union is sending their volunteers out to the riverside to help clean our community clean! To volunteer for this event, please be an employee of the First Heritage Federal Credit Union in Corning, NY, and contact your volunteer coordinator, Christy Parsons. If you have signed up for this event and need more information, please contact your volunteer coordinator. FCRW will be providing supplies and guides.

Homeschool Program: Earth Science Investigators
2023-04-17 13:00 - 14:30 | NY
This is the 1st of 6 learning opportunities for home schooled children in our area, presented in partnership with Unbound Field Trips. Pre-registration is required.
Please sign up here or by e-mailing director@chemungriverfriends.org.
If the weather is good, we will meet in the Corning Wegmans parking lot by the River Levee. Children will receive their notepad and pencil as they become Earth Science Investigators. We will have binoculars to share. As we travel the banks of the Chemung River, investigators will observe wildlife activity, writing down what they see in their journals. If we are very lucky, we might even get to see an eagle! Parents are encouraged to use their phones to take pictures of any wildlife their child encounters, so we can share with the group when we discuss our findings. We’ll discuss the geology and paleontology of our area, and if we’re lucky, we’ll even see some real Devonian fossils in the rocks we find!
If it rains, we will meet at the Corning Library and talk about all the wonderful creatures we see by the river and what roles they play in the food chain. We will split into groups and write down all the critters we’ve seen in the past, and draw some pictures of our favorite ones. We’ll discuss the geology and paleontology of our area, and view some rocks that have fossils in them–you can find these rocks all over our region!
We will have a snack break while we discuss our findings. Did you find many birds? Bugs? Reptiles? Why do you think some people found more than others? Do you think the time of day we’re doing our exploring has an effect on our investigation outcomes? You can visit the river at other times of day or year, and record your observations in your notebook. You’ll find that what you see is very dependent on when you visit.
Now let’s play a little wildlife game! We’re going to play a game to find out about how the food chain works, and what happens when any one member of our food chain is missing! If we have time, we’ll play Frogs and Fish.
Please wear hiking shoes that can get dirty (no open-toed shoes or sandals), a hat, high socks to cover ankles for bugs, sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle.
Suggested donation is $6 per child and spots are limited. This program is geared towards ages 6 – 10.
All parents will have to fill out a liability waiver form prior to children participating in FCRW activities. The liability waiver is available here.

Clean-Up: River Guardians of Bethany Lutheran Church (Elmira)
2023-04-22 10:00 - 12:00 | NY
The Bethany Lutheran Church has teamed up with other Presbyterian churches and is sending their volunteers out to the riverside to help clean our community clean! To volunteer for this event, please contact your volunteer coordinator, Coleen Jacobson. If you have signed up for this event and need more information, please contact your volunteer coordinator or director@chemungriverfriends.org. FCRW will be providing supplies and guides.

Homeschool Program: Flora & Fauna Hike
2023-04-24 13:00 - 14:30 | NY
This is the 2nd of 6 learning opportunities for homeschooled children in our area, presented in partnership with Unbound Field Trips. Pre-registration is required.
Please sign up here or by e-mailing director@chemungriverfriends.org.
If the weather is good, we will meet at Pirozzolo Park in Elmira, NY. Our knowledgeable guide will teach our group about all the wonderful flora and fauna on our trails as we walk the riverside trail, picking up litter along the way. We’ll stop for a snack halfway through this program.
If it rains, we will meet at Tanglewood for a modified educational program.
Please wear hiking shoes that can get dirty (no open-toed shoes or sandals), a hat, high socks to cover ankles for bugs, sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle.
Suggested donation is $6 per child and spots are limited. This program is geared towards ages 6 – 10.
All parents will have to fill out a liability waiver form prior to children participating in FCRW activities. The liability waiver is available here.

Homeschool Program: Terrarium & Geocaching
2023-05-01 13:00 - 14:30 | NY
This is the 3rd of 6 learning opportunities for homeschooled children in our area, presented in partnership with Unbound Field Trips. Pre-registration is required.
Please sign up here or by e-mailing director@chemungriverfriends.org.
Join us at Pirozzolo Park in Elmira, where we’ll be making a terrarium, finding critters to put in it, and seeing how our critters use their environment to their advantage. We’ll put together our own Geocache to hide on the trail, and go hunting for other geocaches!
Please wear hiking shoes that can get dirty (no open-toed shoes or sandals), a hat, high socks to cover ankles for bugs, sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle.
Suggested donation is $6 per child and spots are limited. This program is geared towards ages 6 – 10.
All parents will have to fill out a liability waiver form prior to children participating in FCRW activities. The liability waiver is available here.

Clean Up: Southern Tier Custom Fabricators
2023-05-06 10:00 - 12:00 | NY
The Southern Tier Custom Fabricators are sending their volunteers out to the riverside to help clean our community clean! To volunteer for this event, please be an employee of the Southern Tier Custom Fabricators in Elmira, NY, and contact your volunteer coordinator, Amy Hand. If you have signed up for this event and need more information, please contact your volunteer coordinator. FCRW will be providing supplies and guides.

Homeschool Program: Trees are Important!
2023-05-08 13:00 - 14:30 | NY
This is the 4th of 6 learning opportunities for homeschooled children in our area, presented in partnership with Unbound Field Trips. Pre-registration is required.
Please sign up here or by e-mailing director@chemungriverfriends.org.
Join us in Corning for this educational program. We’ll do a science experiment to learn about how trees “breathe” and why leaves change color. After our lesson, we’ll discuss how we can use nature and our five senses to better our health by engaging in mindfulness.
Please wear hiking shoes that can get dirty (no open-toed shoes or sandals), a hat, high socks to cover ankles for bugs, sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle.
Suggested donation is $6 per child and spots are limited. This program is geared towards ages 6 – 10.
All parents will have to fill out a liability waiver form prior to children participating in FCRW activities. The liability waiver is available here.

Homeschool Program: Macroinvertebrates, Major Fun!
2023-05-15 13:00 - 14:30 | NY
This is the 5th of 6 learning opportunities for homeschooled children in our area, presented in partnership with Unbound Field Trips. Pre-registration is required. Please sign up here or by e-mailing director@chemungriverfriends.org.
Join us at Pirozzolo Park in Elmira for this educational program. We’ll do a science experiment to learn about how trees “breathe” and why leaves change color. After our lesson, we’ll discuss how we can use nature and our five senses to better our health by engaging in mindfulness.
Please bring water shoes, a small towel, a hat, shorts, sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle. Participants should be comfortable being in shallow water, which may be cold and will definitely be wet. Children who don’t wish to go in the water will still get to see and touch the critters we find, though!
Suggested donation is $6 per child and spots are limited. This program is geared towards ages 6 – 10.
All parents will have to fill out a liability waiver form prior to children participating in FCRW activities. The liability waiver is available here.

Workshop: Introduction Fly Fishing (Multi-Day Program)
2023-05-18 18:00 - 19:30 | NY
This program is designed for adults who may have fished but not with a fly rod. We will cover the basic equipment and knowledge you will need to begin fly fishing. You will learn:
1. How to assemble, care for, and cast with a fly rod.
2. Basic knots and tools you will need to be a fly fisher.
3. Basic strategies for fly fishing including how to fish for trout, bass, and other game fish that inhabit our local waters.
Equipment, including fly rods, will be provided for the class, which will take place at the Botcher’s Landing boat launch located in Big Flats just off the South Corning Road by the bridge over the Chemung River. The program will take place from 6:00PM to 7:30PM on Thursday nights: May 18, May 25, and June 1, 2023. The first two nights will be instructional, the third class will be held at a local body of water, if water and weather conditions permit.
The class will be taught by Jim Emmick, FCRW board member and avid fly fisherman. The cost for the three session workshop will be $50, and tickets must be purchased by May 16, 2023 (6pm).
The program will be limited to the first six people who sign up.
Participants should dress casually. The first two nights will be held on dry ground at Bottcher’s. You will need a valid New York State fishing license for the third session, and hip boots or waders if you own them.
Purchase tickets: EventBrite

Nature Strollers: Birds
2023-05-19 10:00 - 11:00 | NY
This free program is geared towards families and caregivers with younger children. Our nature guide, provided by Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum, will lead you and your child(ren) on a fun, themed nature stroll. These walks are stroller-friendly and a snack and drink is provided for our little river friends at the half-way point. All walks take less than an hour. This is a wonderful way to network with other young families and learn about our environment. No registration is required.
This program meets from 10am – 11am at Sperr Park [map]. Our guide will talk about environmental issues as the walk progresses. Each walk includes binoculars, snacks, water and a visit by a live or stuffed animal native to the area.
The walks are led by the knowledgeable staff of Tanglewood Nature Center, and are funded and organized by the Chemung River Friends.
Please wear sneakers, hiking boots, or comfortable shoes (no flip flops). Bring sun screen and insect repellent. The walks are on dirt and paved trails and grassy levees and meadows. The walks are rain-or-shine events and are only cancelled for lightning storms.

May 19th- Birds
June 9th- Insects & Spiders
June 23rd- Mammals
July 7th- Reptiles & Amphibians
July 28th- Colors & Shapes in Nature
August 11th- Animal Babies
September 8th- Fall Scavenger Hunt
October 13th- Creepy Animals and Plants
November 3rd-Plants & Trees
December 1st- Getting Ready for Winter

Homeschool Program: Kayak & River Safety
2023-05-22 13:00 - 14:30 | NY
This is the 6th of 6 learning opportunities for homeschooled children in our area, presented in partnership with Unbound Field Trips. Pre-registration is required. Please sign up here or by e-mailing director@chemungriverfriends.org.
Join us at Grove Street Boat Launch in Elmira for a river safety discussion, a life jacket fitting, and a paddle lesson from our kayak instructor. Students will be out on the river, staying near the boat launch, and parents and caregivers are encouraged to join them in the kayak during this lesson.
Please bring water shoes, a small towel, a hat, shorts, sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle. Participants should be comfortable being in shallow water, which may be cold and will definitely be wet. Children who don’t wish to go in the water will still get to see and touch the critters we find, though!
Suggested donation is $6 per child and spots are limited. This program is geared towards ages 6 – 10.
All parents will have to fill out a liability waiver form prior to children participating in FCRW activities. The liability waiver is available here.

Nature Strollers: Insects & Spiders
2023-06-09 10:00 - 11:00 | NY

Beginner Paddle Class: Learn to Kayak with Confidence
2023-06-17 13:00 - 15:00 | NY
Pre-registration is required. Please sign up here or by e-mailing director@chemungriverfriends.org.
Come join us for beginner kayak paddle lessons from 1:00pm – 3:00pm at Grove Street Boat Launch. Seneca Lake Kayak will be teaching you how easy, safe, and fun it can be to paddle on the river. Instructions will be provided within sight of the boat launch and life jackets (provided or you can bring your own) are mandatory. You may bring your own craft or you may rent one from the outfitter.
Children may participate if a tandem kayak is used (may be rented from the outfitter) and the responsible adult is with the child at all times.
Meet at the concrete boat launch in the parking area at the Grove Street Boat Launch.
We have three ticket options available, depending on your needs:

Registration Only (Bring Your Own Kayak) – $15.00
Registration & Single Kayak Rental – $25.00
Registration for 2 People & Tandem Kayak Rental – $40.00

Please bring water shoes, a small towel, a hat, shorts, sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle.
All parents will have to fill out a liability waiver form prior to participating in FCRW activities. The liability waiver is available here.

Nature Strollers: Mammals
2023-06-23 10:00 - 11:00 | NY

Workshop: Riverside Watercolor Painting
2023-06-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Bottcher’s Landing Boat Lauch, 51 Old River Road, Corning, NY, 14830, United States
Riverside Watercolor Painting Workshop will be a plein air painting workshop featuring local artist and instructor – Bridget Bossart van Otterloo.
This outdoor painting program will be held at the Bottcher’s Landing Boat Launch in the Town of Big Flats. The workshop will take place in the shaded area under the pavilion, or participants can bring their own camping chairs and move around the property. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required.
Get tickets here.
Participants will be supplied with a variety of high-quality brushes, 140lb. cold-press watercolor paper, Wisner & Newton watercolor paints, palates, drawing boards, and filtered water from the river. Students will also receive instruction from a locally renowned artist and instructor – Bridget Bossart van Otterloo, and the artist will demonstrate different watercolor painting techniques for landscape painting.
Please bring a water bottle to reduce plastic waste. We will provide tables, snacks, refreshments, and all of the necessary art supplies.
