Annual Outing
Saturday, September 26, 2026
SUNY ESF Ranger School | Wanakena, NY
Join Northern New York Audubon for our Annual Outing at the SUNY ESF Ranger School in Wanakena! Spend the morning learning about local birds, bird banding, and ongoing bird research while exploring the beautiful Ranger School campus.
Come early and stay for the full morning, or stop by for the activities that interest you.
Schedule of Events:
7:00–9:00 AM – Bird Banding Demonstration
Join SUNY ESF graduate students for a bird banding demonstration at a nearby research station. Meet at the pavilion at 7:00 AM for the walk to the banding station. Participants may also arrive at the pavilion at 8:00 AM to be guided to the station.
9:00–10:00 AM – Bird Walk
Explore the campus roads and trails while looking and listening for local bird species. Meet at the pavilion.
10:00–11:00 AM – NNYA Updates & Social Time
Gather in the pavilion for updates from Northern New York Audubon and time to connect with fellow birders.
11:00–11:30 AM – Bird Research Presentation
Hear from a SUNY ESF graduate student about bird research taking place on campus. The presentation will be held in the Main Classroom of the main building. Follow signs from the pavilion.
Afterward, participants are welcome to enjoy a bagged lunch overlooking the river and explore the campus trails.
Registration: This event is free and open to the public. For questions, contact Vanessa Rojas at vgrojas@esf.edu.
Meeting Location: SUNY ESF Ranger School, 257 Ranger School Rd., Wanakena, NY 13695. We will meet at the pavilion directly across the ball field from the parking lot.
For GPS navigation, search for Parking Cathedral Rock Firetower in Google Maps to be directed to the campus parking area.
When traveling on Ranger School Road, take the left fork onto Old Nursery Lane just before entering the main campus. Stay left as you travel uphill, away from the main building, and follow signs for parking. If you miss the fork, Ranger School Road loops around the main building and will also bring you back toward the parking area.
What to Bring: Binoculars, a bagged lunch, snacks, water, and clothing appropriate for the weather. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow.
Please Note: Restrooms are available. There is no cell service on campus or in Wanakena, and there are no nearby food options, so please plan accordingly.