FREE NATURE EXPLORATIONS DURING SCHOOL BREAK

(HUDSON VALLEY) - Spring vacation is looming. Need some diversions that will take your youngsters away from the TV or computer  and get them outdoors? Scenic Hudson comes to the rescue with exciting free events at four of our most popular parks.

All of the programs, led by Scenic Hudson's expert staff, will feature hands-on activities geared for children of all ages. The fun and engaging outings introduce youngsters to the beauty, fragility and history of the Hudson River Valley.

SCAVENGER HUNT
Madam Brett Park, Beacon (Dutchess County)
Tuesday, April 3
10 a.m.-noon
Using a map and compass, youngsters will search out stations where they'll learn fascinating facts about the park and Beacon's history.

STORIES IN THE PARK
Poets' Walk Park, Red Hook (Dutchess County)
Wednesday, April 4
10 a.m.-noon
Listen to absorbing children's stories in the park's open-air pavilion, then take a short stroll to an overlook with spectacular Hudson River views. This event is perfect for younger children.

SIGNS OF SPRING HIKE
Black Creek Preserve, Esopus (Ulster County)
Thursday, April 5
10 a.m.-noon
Explore the sights, sounds -- and even smells -- of spring while hiking through the forest, past vernal pools teeming with new life and along the Hudson River.

HISTORY MADE FUN
West Point Foundry Preserve, Cold Spring (Putnam County)
Friday, April 6
10 a.m.-noon
Following a tour of this site, once one of America's most important 19th-century iron-making foundries, youngsters can try their hands at being an archeologist.

HIKES ARE FREE, AND REGISTERING IN ADVANCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED
Those interested in attending can register at www.scenichudson.org/events or call Vickie Muller at 845 473 4440, ext. 270. Directions to all Scenic Hudson parks are available online at http://www.scenichudson.org/parks/index.html.

HIKES OFFER PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN VALLEYWIDE KIDS ART COMPETITION
This spring Scenic Hudson is celebrating all young artists in the Hudson Valley with a fun art competition called Art in the Park. It's free, open to anyone age 18 or younger and includes an event where the artists will display their entries and multiple winners will be announced. An online gallery at www.scenichudson.org allows artists to participate even if they can't attend the showcase event, and there will be People's Choice winners selected by online voting. Full contest details are available on our Web site.

Each of our April hikes will feature a work area with art supplies so interested children can create and submit their creations.