Earth Fest at Ashokan: A Rainy Day Full of Community
Earth Fest this year didn’t arrive with blue skies and sunshine—but it didn’t need to.
On a gray, rainy afternoon in April, more than 100 people showed up at the Ashokan Center ready to celebrate the Earth together. Boots, jackets, and umbrellas in hand, families and friends gathered indoors, filling the space with warmth, curiosity, and connection.
Rain or shine, Earth Fest is about community—and this year was no exception.
Inside, the day unfolded with the same energy and intention as always. Guests moved between hands-on activities, workshops, and conversations with local organizations, learning about the natural world and how to care for it. Puppet-making invited creativity. Native plant and eco-focused activities sparked curiosity. Everywhere you looked, people were engaged—making, learning, and connecting.
Throughout the afternoon, music and storytelling carried through the space. Story Laurie brought stories and songs to life, while Jay Ungar and Molly Mason filled the room with the kind of music that has long been part of Ashokan’s heart.
One of the highlights of the day was the live birds of prey presentation by Ravensbeard Wildlife Center—an experience that brought guests face-to-face with incredible birds and deepened the connection to the natural world we’re all working to protect.
We’re especially grateful to the many organizations and community partners who joined us and helped make the day so meaningful, including Frost Valley YMCA, Catskill Center, Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County, Middle Way School, High Meadow School, Ulster County Department of Health, Hudson Valley Rapid Transit, New Yorkers for Clean Power, and Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha.
And of course, a big thank you to the vendors and teams who kept everyone nourished and energized throughout the day, including Samosa Shack and Phoenicia Diner, along with our incredible Ashokan kitchen and education staff.
What stood out most wasn’t just the programming—it was the people. The willingness to show up despite the weather. To spend time together. To learn, explore, and celebrate the Earth in whatever way the day allowed.
That’s what makes this community so special.
We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year.
In the meantime, there’s more to explore this spring. Join us on May 31 for our Spring Explorations: Mushroom Ecology Hikes with Luke Sarrantonio of Mycophilic, where we’ll take a closer look at the fascinating world of fungi across the Ashokan landscape.
Until then, thank you for being part of Earth Fest—and for being part of this community.