Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - A Greater Sense of Place - Getting Kids Outdoors and Engaged

Catskill Middle Schoolers finding a "Greater Sense of Place" at North Lake during schoolwide outings to make them more aware of what the region has to offer. A Greater Sense of Place is a program where the entire student body visits different area locations for a day to get outdoors or experience culture, art, and sports experiences. These kids fished and hiked at North Lake on a chilly morning, proudly showing the results of their efforts. 

The Greater Sense of Place (GSOP) program began at the Catskill Middle School in the early 1980s. It was created by Barry Hopkins, Wayne Fisher, and Carl Carrozza with the goal of engaging students in cultural, artistic, and outdoor activities. They were inspired by the Hudson River School of Art founders Thomas Cole and his student Frederik Church, who spent significant time immersed in the natural surroundings of the Catskills and Hudson Valley. The program has evolved over the years, but current coordinator and Catskill Middle School social studies teacher, Dave Taylor, whose been coordinating GSOP since 2018, keeps the unique program close to its roots. He strives to reinforce its original goal of providing a unique experience for students that helps connect them to the outdoors and their local and broader community. 

On the Friday before Columbus Day Weekend, 270 Students, (the entire Middle School), went on nine Field Trips to the Thomas Cole House, Olana Historic Site, North Lake (fishing & hiking and mountain biking), Kaaterskill Falls, Albany Indoor Rock Gym, Samascott Orchards/ Corn maze, kayaking, and the Kiwanis Ice Rink.

Throughout the history of the program, community volunteers and donations have played a significant role, whether community members volunteer to lead workshops and share their talents or through generous donations to help enhance the program.  

Some of the activities focus on local culture and history and include workshops at Olana and Thomas Cole historic sites, art instruction and pottery making. While others offer more of an outdoor experience including hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and fishing, both on the Catskill Creek and in the nearby Mountains. Experiences such as ice skating, rock climbing, and exploring a corn maze allow students to try activities locally that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in. The underlying goal of the day is to create positive memories and connections to their surroundings and what their local community has to offer. Hopefully instilling, “A Greater Sense of Place.” 

 My colleague and I coordinate Outdoor Education and Outreach at Dick’s House of Sports in Latham, and make a small contribution to the Greater Sense of Place Program by teaching Catskill Middle Schoolers how to fish at North Lake each year. This year was no exception. With the assistance of local Environmental Conservation Officer, (ECO) Darren Milliron, and a dedicated staff member from the middle school, we helped about 90 kids get introduced, or re-introduced to freshwater fishing. Suffice it to say, a good time was had by all even though the fish were not cooperating too well this year. Well, better luck next year! 

Happy hunting, fishing, and trapping until next time! 

News and Notes

Earlton Fish & Game Club to Hold Opening Day Hunter's Breakfast 

The Earlton Fish & Game Club is once again hosting its Opening Day Hunter's Breakfast on Saturday, November 15th, 2025 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at their clubhouse at 56 Potic Creek Road, in Earlton. The breakfast, available for a free-will offering, includes cooked to order-pancakes, sausage, eggs, bacon and more! All donations will be appreciated. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. All are welcome, no need to be a hunter to come! For more info call 518-694-8323 or email Info@EarltonGunClub.com.

Electronic “E”- Tags

New this year, you may tag and report your take electronically. If you use paper tags, you must report the harvest of wild turkeys, deer, and bear within 48 hours rather than 7 days as has been the case in past years. Check DECs website www.dec.ny.gov for further information and requirements.