Quirky, but true:  Did you know you can make your own paper using the following: blender, fabric softener sheets, screening, toilet paper and paper destined for your recycle bin? Please join this paper making extravaganza at 6:30 during the Education Workshop prior to the General Meeting.

Nature Deficient Disorder children or grandchildren in our chapter? Not a chance! We realize that if we want a generation who cares about the environment in 2026, we better get them involved in outdoor activities now. Research has shown that children who are involved in hiking, camping and Earth education are generally more concerned  citizens interested in protecting our environment. There are very easy props you can make-n-take with you on outdoor adventures with kids. If you are a teacher, parent, grandparent or scout leader this Education Workshop will be perfect for you. Some props are so simple, you’ll want to go home and make them with/for the future generation of Earth keepers.

This workshop will compare footwear from different companies and have some samples to touch. What makes a "cross-training" shoe different from a "sneaker" or a "hiking boot" different from an "approach boot"? What part of the shoe is the cheapest component? Have you seen the new BOA technology?

Learn everything you want to know about hiking poles at this interactive workshop put on by our resident expert

Join Ed Kasperek, NYS licensed guide, at the October education session to learn about the gear you'll need to travel safely and efficiently when the white stuff hits.

Ken from Schickluna Bike Shop on Hertel Avenue in Buffalo, will be speaking about bike safety, maintenance and repair. Never heard of this bike shop? It's a well-regarded, long established full-service smaller shop, meaning service is personalized. Bring your questions!

You read/hear about people being "enablers" all the time, as if it's always a bad thing. Join us as Keith Foss, professional photographer and owner of Chislue PhotoTechnique, discusses photographic theory and how to improve your pictures. Hopefully, he'll enable you to take the quality of photos you've been wanting to take! Bring your questions about exposure, composition, or those tough shots you haven't been able to figure out.

Eddy turns, ferrying, strainers, back paddling, draws, pries, up stream vee, down stream vee, hay stacks...Do those words mean anything to you? If not, or if they simply frighten you, you should definitely attend this workshop on moving water (neither still lake nor wild white water) hazards and the paddling techniques used to safely and easily negotiate these creeks. Will apply to canoes & kayaks, solo or tandem.

This month’s education program will feature three chapter members who are now Adirondack 46ers. Late in the evening they will share the "oohs and ahhs" of that experience during our main program. At the education workshop we’ll probe the logistics of such an undertaking. How do you get the best maps? Where is a good place to stay near Mount Marcy? Is it better to backpack, or day hike? How do you get in shape for High Peak hiking? What’s the best food to eat on the trail? We’ll ask our 46ers all these questions and more.

No, but these are just a few of the terms you’ll want to understand when you’re in the market for snow shoes or xc skis. Join us Tuesday, 1/8/08 as Ethan Johnson clues us in on how to shop and be fitted for these items. Ethan is co-owner of Campus Wheelworks, a locally owned and operated business that’s been on Elmwood Ave in Buffalo for many, many years. He’ll have snowshoes and skis with him, and will be ready to answer your questions. So, save some of your holiday gift cash, learn from an expert, and then keep the local economy going with your informed purchases! Remember, there’s still plenty of winter left to enjoy…

Well, yes, for a well-deserved bath and bed, but for many days east and west of that trail-side motel, we really can walk for days on the Finger Lakes Trail without seeing another human, carrying our little world with us...

A Trip Leader Workshop will involve a roundtable discussion with Richard Schraven, Cheryl Peluso, Ron Dorr, the Leibels, Alice Drobot and Jerry Sultz. The essential points of planning, describing, executing and reporting an outing trip will be stressed. For all Fall Outing Trip Leaders as well as chapter trip leaders, we will have a session on "building a first aid kit". The components of a trip leader’s first aid kit will be available for each leader and potential leader to build their own first aid kit. The Workshop preceeds the General Meeting at 6:30pm.

Dennis Seekins will speak on moving water canoeing and kayaking. He will discuss techniques such as eddy turns, back paddling, ferrying, draws, pries, braces, and more. This will enable paddlers to handle creeks like Oak Orchard. There will be short trips scheduled in early summer for some practice of these techniques. Dennis will also talk on general safety for both canoe and kayak. Join us at our Education Workshop Tuesday, March 13, 2007 from 6:30-7:15 pm on the Third Floor of the Amherst Community Church.

Gerry Rising will speak on Birdwatching. Birdwatching enhances any outdoor experience, is a source of entertainment, and will increase your appreciation of nature. Birdwatchers have historically been rated as the leading group in their understanding of nature. Gerry has been a birdwatcher for almost 70 years. He is a retired University at Buffalo Professor who has written over 800 weekly "Nature Watch" columns for The Buffalo News.

There was no Education Workshop in December due to the Holiday Potluck and Party

Nick Pionessa, manager of the Oak Orchard Fly Shop in Williamsvile, will teach us about fly fishing; what, how, and where we fly fish in Western New York. Nick will show us gear, demonstrate and discuss the techniques for success at the sport.

Ed Kasparek will cover the proper gear to wear and use for the upcoming winter outdoor sports.