A wolf studies a stuffed pumpkin. The animals are given pumpkins as part of an enrichment program throughout the day. (Submitted photo)

SMYRNA - The Wolf Mountain Nature Center announces their 17th annual “Honoring the Spirit of the Wolf” fall festival on Sunday, October 8th from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Located at 562 Hopkins-Crandall Road in the rolling hills of Smyrna, NY, the center is a great destination to see the fall foliage from their 2,000 ft. elevation.

The animals will receive stuffed pumpkins as an enrichment program throughout the day. Festival attendees can also enjoy The Sled Dogs of Smokey Hill, NYSDEC Police K9 demonstrations, Cornell Raptor program, displays from Friends of Rogers Environmental Center, comedic magic by Jim Okey, and live music from The Four Corners String Band. Food vendors on-site include Kandi’s Kitchen, Stewart’s Shops, and Rock & Roll Kettle Corn. The Wolf Den gift shop will be open all day. Admission is $10 (cash only) with kids 5 and under free.

The 70+ acre park is a preserve for various sub-species of fifteen Gray Wolves, of which four are puppies. Other species represented are Eastern Coyotes, Arctic Fox, and Gray Fox. Wolf Mountain Nature Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit run by dedicated volunteers, and, though regulated and licensed by both the USDA and DEC, it receives no government funding. The Center relies on monies raised through admissions, gift shop proceeds, animal sponsorships, and donations in order to continue their mission of caring for the animals and to continue to provide educational opportunities to the public.

The Center’s regular hours to the public are Sundays, 12-4 p.m. with extended hours during the summer. Additional events and special activities are offered throughout the year and include guided tours, wolf communication programs, summer camping, photography programs, nature trails, and more.

To learn more about Wolf Mountain visit their website www.TheWolfMountainNatureCenter.org, Facebook page at Wolf Mountain Nature Center, or @wolfmountainny on Instagram.

- Information from Wolf Mountain Nature Center