Button Bay State Park

See and hear the birds that rise with the sun on this walk through Button Bay's former farm fields. Be prepared for wet trail conditions. Meets at the Loop 1 Bathhouse, 45 minutes.

In its original range, the invasive shrub buckthorn has been used in ink-making for thousands of years. Drop between noon and 1 p.m. by to watch buckthorn paint be made—and try painting with it yourself! Meets at the Nature Center.

As soon as the sun goes down, an incredibly diverse group of insects fill the night with color: The Moths! Emeralds, loopers, underwings, darts, owlets, and more will visit our light station as dusk turns to night. With guest interpreter Larry Clarfeld. Visit the Loop 2 Bathhouse to see which moths the station attracts. Interpreters will be present periodically throughout the evening. Light station starts at 9 p.m. and runs through at least 11 p.m.

Take a sample of Lake Champlain, pluck microorganisms from the water, see them under a microscope—and learn first-hand about Champlain’s water quality! Ages 6 and up. 30 minutes, meets at the Nature Center.

Drop by the Nature Center any time this hour to taste food made with the invasive species garlic mustard as you learn how this species came to the New World—and what we can do about it!

See Button Bay’s newest beaver dam on this guided walk along the shore of Lake Champlain. 30 minutes, meets at the Loop 2 Lake Access. Be prepared for mud and bushwhacking!

Travel back to Button Mould Bay as we learn to make thread or fabric buttons using the wooden “button moulds” that British colonists named our “button” rocks after. 30 minutes. Ages 7 and up, meets at the Nature Center.

The Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak in the early hours of August 11th and 12th with us seeing a meteor burn into the atmosphere every minute! For a broad view of the rural night sky, join us on the rim of Button Bay's natural amphitheater as we spend an hour watching the shower. Cushions and light warm refreshments will be provided. This event will be cancelled if skies are expected to be cloudy--check with the Nature Center or the Contact Station the day before the event for confirmation.

[Please note that this event has been shifted back one day from the 12th and the 13th to the 11th and the 12th. -- Edited 8/2/204.]

Come celebrate Smokey Bear's 80th birthday with the staff at Button Bay State Park! Enjoy treats fit for a bear (and for humans), firefighting games, Smokey trivia--and meet Smokey Bear himself! Meets at the Loop 1 basketball court.

Learn how to identify the invasive species garlic mustard, help us control its spread in the Park, and taste garlic mustard pizza! Counts as a Junior Ranger park service activity. One half-hour, ages 4 and up, meets in Day Use. Will not be held in the rain.