Saratoga Springs State Park events planned

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » The following events are planned at Saratoga Springs State Park in March beginning this weekend with free Mineral Springs tours.

The remaining tours are scheduled for Saturday (11 a.m.) and Sunday, March 11 (2 p.m.).

Participants will join a docent on a guided mineral springs tour to learn about the history, geology and lore surrounding park waters. No registration necessary. This is a free event. Use the park’s southern Route 50 entrance. Take second left onto Geyser Loop Road to reach the Creekside Classroom.

The following other events are scheduled this month:

• Saturday, March 10 (1 p.m.) Sled Dogs in the Classroom. Participants will learn about the role the sled dog has played in history, followed by a meet and greet with live sled dogs. Musher Vic DiSanto will illustrate the story of the sled dog, from the Inuit creation myth to the Iditarod, with stories and pictures. Participants will be given an opportunity to meet and pet members of the sled dog team. This program is free. Registration is required.

• Sunday, March 11 (10 a.m.) Fly Tying 101. Fly fisherman Paul Sinicki will teach the basics of fly tying. Equipment will be provided or participants may bring their own. No registration necessary. Meet at the Creekside Classroom, rain or shine. This class is appropriate for ages 10 and up. Donations to the Capital District Fly Fishers will be accepted. Use the southern Route 50 entrance to enter the park. Take the second left onto Geyser Loop Road to reach the classroom.

• Sunday, March 11 (11 a.m.) Snowshoe Hike. Take a short snowshoe hike to search for tracks and other signs of wildlife in the park! No registration necessary. This is a free event. Use the southern Route 50 entrance to enter the park. Take the second left onto Geyser Loop Road to reach the classroom.

• Thursday, March 15 (11 a.m.) Preschool Naturalists is a nature class designed for children ages 3 to 5. This hour-long program will focus on using all five senses to explore a certain aspect of the outdoor world. Class has a nature-related story and craft. Fee is $3 per person or $5 per family. Registration is required.

• Friday, March 16 (11 a.m.) Hug A Tree and Survive. Through video and demonstrations, the Hug a Tree and Survive program teaches children how to survive in the woods if they become lost. Each child receives a survival pack with their own safety whistle. After the program kids take a short snowshoe hike to practice survival skills. This program is appropriate for children ages 6-12 and costs $5 per student. Registration is required.

Mineral Springs tours are also planned for Friday, March

16 (2 p.m.), Saturday, March 17 (11 a.m.) and Sunday, March 18 (2 p.m.). Use the park’s southern Route 50 entrance. Take second left onto Geyser Loop Road to reach the classroom.

Also that weekend, snowshoe hikes are planned for Saturday, March 17 (2 p.m.) and Sunday, March 18 (11 a.m.) Take a short snowshoe hike to search for tracks and other signs of wildlife in the park. No registration necessary. This is a free event. Use the southern Route 50 entrance to enter the park. Take second left onto Geyser Loop Road to reach the classroom.

• Tuesday, March 20 (3:30 p.m.) Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park monthly meeting at Creekside Classroom to discuss this year’s projects. Take second left onto Geyser Loop Road to reach the classroom.

Mineral Springs tours are also planned for Friday, March 23 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.), Saturday, March 24 (11 a.m.) and Sunday, March 25 (2 p.m.). Use the park’s southern Route 50 entrance. Take second left onto Geyser Loop Road to reach the classroom.

Also that weekend, snowshoe hikes are planned for Saturday, March 24 (2 p.m.) and Sunday, March 25 (11 a.m.) Take a short snowshoe hike to search for tracks and other signs of wildlife in the park. No registration necessary. This is a free event. Use the southern Route 50 entrance to enter the park. Take second left onto Geyser Loop Road to reach the classroom.

• Wednesday, March 28 (6:30 p.m.) Frog Watch. Learn different frog calls before walking through the wetlands in search of the amphibians. Bring a flashlight and dress for wet ground. Icy conditions will cancel the event. Registration is required. Fee is $3 per person or $5 per family.

Mineral Springs tours are also planned for Friday, March 30 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and Saturday, March 31 (11 a.m.). Use the park’s southern Route 50 entrance. Take second left onto Geyser Loop Road to reach the classroom.

Also that weekend, a snowshoe hike is planned for Saturday, March 31 (2 p.m.). Take a short snowshoe hike to search for tracks and other signs of wildlife in the park. No registration necessary. This is a free event. Use the southern Route 50 entrance to enter the park. Take second left onto Geyser Loop Road to reach the classroom

For events required registration and for more information, call (518) 584-2000, extension 116.