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Taconic Outdoor Education Center
75 Mountain Laurel Lane
Cold Spring, NY 10524
(845) 265-3773
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Located in the beautiful Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, the Taconic Outdoor Education Center is a unique facility offering a wide range of programs and activities to suit a variety of group needs.

The property includes ten miles of trails for interpretive study, hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, long distance running, and horseback riding; a lakefront for aquatic study, swimming, canoeing, fishing, ice skating and ice fishing; a primitive Camp Area with privy and water; and heated cabins, each accommodating ten people.

Programs are adaptable for all age groups, from elementary students to senior citizens. Any group of individuals who wants to learn something new and exciting will find what they are looking for here.

A small sampling of programs offered includes Sensory Awareness: activities that stimulate full sensory exploration of the environment; Geology: teaches the effects of glaciation and how to interpret the past geological history of the region; Aquatic Ecology: a study of ponds, streams, and wetlands, including watershed, water cycle, conservation and communities; Outdoor Skills: basic techniques that are useful in outdoor living situations; Astronomy (evening program for over-nighters): explores the constellations, stars, planets, and galaxies; if the night is clear, telescope and binoculars are used.

Many other great programs are available, and their application will be worked out between the school teacher or group leader and the Center's educators. Many of these subjects are available in formats ranging from 90 minutes to 5 days, and just about anywhere in between. Resident (overnight) Program participants will be the only group using the Center, and the ratio of instructors to students is 1:12.

A Center specialty is Project Adventure, an outdoor group problem-solving activity that stresses initiative, challenge, and trust. Groups of individuals face tougher and tougher physical challenges that emphasize the importance of cooperation and mutual support.

Beginning as a collection of individuals, participants complete the course as a tightly knit group, with strengthened friendships and confidence in self and others. Groups can have from 20 to 125 participants. Outreach Programs are also available.

Call or write for complete details on all the great programs.

Hours: Programs are offered 7 days a week, from 9am through the afternoon, with morning or afternoon available, as well as multiple day programs with evening activities.

Groups:

Very reasonable per-student costs vary widely depending on program, from one-day programs to a multi-day Residential Program. Call for details.

Group Reservations: At least 8 to 12 weeks in advance.

Lunch: Picnic grounds. Meals also served cafeteria, buffet, or family style by advance reservation.

Handicapped Access: Partial

Directions: I-87 North to I-287 East. Stay right for exit 1. Turn left onto Rt. 119 East. Turn left at light onto Rt. 9A North. Proceed north into Rt. 9. Proceed north on Rt. 9 to Cold Spring and turn right onto Rt. 301. Follow 301 to Dennytown Rd. on right. Take next right onto Indian Brook Rd. and follow signs to Center. 90 minutes from the George Washington Bridge.