Event Calendar

We offer seasonal programs to the general public usually conducted in the field at locations throughout Western New York.

Pre-registration is required for events.

We utilize a free payment processor called Zeffy for taking registration. Do not feel obligated to “donate to Zeffy” when asked during registration.

Public Programs

Twilight Hike

Saturday, August 22, 2026
6:00pm-8:30pm
Waste Management Nature Preserve, Chaffee

Come join Earth Spirit Staff for a FREE summer evening hike at Waste Management’s Nature Preserve in Chaffee. This hike will take you on a journey throughout the preserve to experience the various sights and sounds you can encounter during twilight hours. During this program, we will be collecting data as part of an ongoing wildlife survey of the preserve.

Old Growth Forest Walk

Saturday, August 29, 2026
10:00am-12:30pm
College Lodge Forest, Brocton

Join Earth Spirit staff on this FREE guided summer walk at College Lodge Forest in Brocton. This event is sponsored by Outside Chronicles and is geared towards those participating in the 2026 WNY Summer Hiking Challenge. We will follow the path according to the challenge’s specifics, dive into the ecology of this incredible location, and share with you the many reasons why old-growth forests are so essential.

College Lodge Forest is protected by the Western New York Land Conservancy not-for-profit land trust and is a part of the WNY Wildway. This 173 acre preserve has moderately difficult trails and traverses low ridges. This is a great time of the year to get outside and explore!

Wetlands & Forest Walk

Saturday, September 12, 2026
10:00am-12:30pm
Floating Fen Preserve, Brocton

Come along with Earth Spirit staff on this FREE guided adventure at Floating Fen Preserve in Brocton. This event is sponsored by Outside Chronicles and is geared towards those participating in the 2026 WNY Summer Hiking Challenge. We will follow the path according to the challenge’s specifics and discuss the wetland ecology of this awe-inspiring, diverse place.

Floating Fen Preserve is protected by the Western New York Land Conservancy not-for-profit land trust and is a part of the WNY Wildway. This 225 acre preserve has moderately difficult trails and traverses low ridges. This is a great time to get outside and explore during the last few weeks of summer.

Wilderness First Aid Training (16hr) + AHA BLS Course

Friday-Sunday, September 18, 2026
6:00pm-9:00pm
Don Miller Park, North Tonawanda

This Wilderness First Aid (WFA) + American Heart Association BLS (CPR) course is designed for an individual or small group that travels beyond pavement and into the outdoors.

The course consists of ~16 hours of in-person training and hands-on practice scenarios and ~3 hours of CPR training. The training will be taking place over the course of three days.

Friday, September 18: 6:00pm-9:00pm

Saturday, September 19: 8:00am-6:00pm

Sunday, September 20: 9:00am-3:00pm

WFA covers the most critical aspects of providing safety and first-aid in a wilderness setting. Adhering to the wisdom of the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) and their guidelines, you will receive both theoretical and practical, up-to-date training. The resulting certification is valid for 3 years. Must be 18 or older.

American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support training, which includes CPR certification, will also be a component of this course. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for 2 years

Member’s Picnic 2026

Saturday, September 26, 2026
10:00am-2:00pm
Taylor Rd. Park, Hamburg

As a thank you to our members, we’re hosting a Member’s Picnic! We will be running themed hikes throughout the day, fishing will be available at the pond, and we will be providing hot dogs & hamburgers with a salad for lunch!We will also be presenting our annual highlights, financial reports, and chatting about our plans for the upcoming year. This event is vegan and vegetarian friendly. Please make sure you let us know your dietary restrictions when registering!

All current Earth Spirit members are free, but still need to pre-register! If you’re a member and would like to bring a non-member friend or family member, you can bring one free guest this year! All additional non-member guests (besides your free plus one) will be $10/per adult ($5/per child), or you can encourage them to become a member prior to the event!