There are many plants growing wild in the north country that have medicinal and healing properties. Some plants speed the repair of damaged tissue, some soothe the nerves and others improve circulation, fight infections and nourish the immune system. Using wild plants in medicine has a long history, both in traditional and present day medicine. Come spend a few hours learning how to identify, prepare and use these valuable local resources. You will learn the medicinal properties of several wild plants and learn how to make herbal teas, poultices and maybe even tinctures!

Join the Nature Up North Team to learn about local fish and how to cast! No previous experience required! Fishing poles will be provided but feel free to bring your own gear. You may also want to bring sunscreen, water, and a camera (to post pictures of your catch on natureupnorth.org). You should be prepared to get a little wet. Shorts and close-toed sandals or old sneakers are ideal for wading in the water.

Participants over the age of 16 are required to have a fishing license. Please RSVP as we have a limited number of fishing poles.

Want to make an awesome card out of natural paints made from ingredients found around the home and yard? Come on down to the Potsdam Farmers' Market and check out our table! Using stamps made from leaves, bark, stones and other plant materials you can create beautiful works of art made entirely from natural materials.

Ever wonder what creatures live beneath the rocks of freshwater streams? If so, the Nature Up North Team invites you on a wet and wild adventure in the Cold Brook to search for some creeping and crawling macroinvertebrates! All sampling supplies will be provided and no previous experience is necessary. However, you will want to bring some bug spray, water, and a camera (so you can post your macroinvertebrate sightings on natureupnorth.org).

Come enjoy an evening on the trail with Nature Up North! With only our headlamps and the moonlight to guide us, we will hike the one mile trail of medium to steep grade to the fire tower on top of Mt. Azure where we will enjoy the dazzling constellations of the night sky. Make sure to wear hiking boots or sneakers and bring a backpack with bug spray, water (about 1 liter), a raincoat, a fleece, and a headlamp. No hiking experience is needed. All are welcome on this unique nocturnal experience!

How do animals live through freezing North Country winters? Kids will learn about the strategies local mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians use to survive the winter, including adaptation, hibernation, and migration. We will play an animal snow tracking game and create a winter craft. Let's make the most of winter by learning how local animals spend theirs!

This event will be held at the Clarkson Bookstore in Potsdam. We may spend some time outside, so dress for the weather!

Join Nature Up North for a hike up Mount Arab, one of the most scenic easily-accessed peaks in the Adirondacks. We will enjoy the fall colors and expansive views from the fire tower at the summit. This 2 mile round trip is scenic but moderately strenuous, with some steep sections and a rocky, root covered trail. Along the way we may identify some trees and talk about other natural features we see. Pack water, a snack, and an extra layer, as it gets windy on top!

Join the Laurentian Chapter of ADK and Nature Up North for a pirate-themed adventure! A little known band of Pirates from the Caribbean lost their gold along the Red Sandstone trail. Learn the legend and look for their treasure. This 3 mile walk on mostly level ground includes a hot dog and marshmallow cook out at midway point along the trail (all food provided). Along the way we'll learn about frogs, beavers, hydropower, the history of the region and much, much, more...

LIMITED TO 24 participants. Contact Blair Madore to reserve your spot.

Nature Up North is excited to announce that legendary Adirondack storyteller and folk singer Bill Smith will be joining us for the final installment in this year's summer campfire series!

Join us at Watchmeister Field Station for a community campfire featuring music by Reverend Mike Catanzaro. Rev. Mike is a singer and acoustic guitar player who has been performing in the North Country for 15 years both as a solo artist and with the Hazel Pearl Band. His repertoire ranges from rock to folk to country; from subtle to humorous to raucous. For this Nature Up North Event Rev. Mike will adding some campfire songs to the mix for an enjoyable evening for all ages.