Friday, September 24, 2010

Capturing the great outdoors…

Come to the NYSDEC Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar on Saturday, September 25 for an open house to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., bring the whole family to enjoy a variety of activities that highlight local hunting, fishing and outdoor recreational opportunities. Learn about fishing and stream ecology, fly-tying and casting, and enjoy a fish petting zoo, too!

This year’s event will also feature the 2010 Tug Hill Plein Air Paint Out, presented by the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust (THTLT). Taken from the French expression, “en plein air,” meaning “in the fresh air,” artists from across the region will spend the day painting outdoors at the hatchery on county Route 22 and at the Salmon River Falls Unique Area on Falls Road.

Visitors are welcome to meet and greet the artists and view their work. At the end of the day, the artists will bring their work to the fish hatchery auditorium for a live auction to benefit the THTLT. A cider and dessert preview reception will be held at 4:30 p.m. and the bidding starts at 5:30 p.m.

Premier artists include Debe Abbott, Jeanne Dupre and Robert McNamara, among many others. The following images appear courtesy of the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust, Debe Abbott and Jeanne Dupre.

Debe Abbott


Jeanne Dupre

The Paint Out is the signature event of the THTLT and highlights the natural beauty and scenic diversity of the great outdoors. It began two years ago and has been hosted by the Trenton Falls Gorge Trails and Constable Hall in Constableville. Founded in 1990, the THTLT focuses on increasing awareness and appreciation of the Tug Hill region as well as helping to retain its forests, farms and lands.

Admission is free for the fish hatchery open house and to visit with and observe the artists. Tickets for the art auction are $10 per person and can be reserved by calling the THTLT at 315/779-2239. They will also be available at the fish hatchery during the open house. Pick up your tickets at the THTLT tent or at the door of the auction.

For more information about the THTLT and the 2010 Tug Hill Plein Air Paint Out, visit http://www.tughilltomorrowlandtrust.org/. For more fall fun in Oswego County, go to http://www.visitoswegocounty.com/.

Cheers,
Kelly