RED HOUSE — Connect with nature this November before the Thanksgiving rush with our family-friendly programs.

Kicking off the month of programs on Nov. 3, learn the basics of watercolor painting with an instructor-led class at 3 p.m. in the Red House Administration Lobby.

The following day, the Beaver Moon will be the feature of a Nov. 4 evening walk that leaves from the Red House Administration Building at 6 p.m. This full moon is also the biggest and closest supermoon of the year, orbiting closer to Earth than any other full moon in 2025.

Programs continue on Nov. 5, when the public can learn about the butterflies of Allegany State Park. Park educator and butterfly enthusiast Tom LeBlanc will guide participants through the local butterflies and the research conducted within the park. The presentation will take place at 1 p.m. at the Camp Allegany Classroom.

Then on Nov. 6, learn survival techniques with the presentation “I Will Survive.” It was supposed to be a “quick” hike, but losing track of time, darkness and weather becomes a fight for survival. In this program, attendees will learn techniques their ancestors used to survive, along with a few modern ones. Be prepared to be outside and meet at 1 p.m. at the Camp Allegany Recreation Hall.

The week of programs concludes Nov. 7 with the presentation “The Silent Hunters – Bobcats and Fishers” at 1 p.m. at the Recreation Hall at Camp Allegany. An inconspicuous brush pile, a hollow log or a low rock shelf — in these areas, for the rabbit and other prey species, they are the first items on the menu.  Learn about the complicated simplicity of predator/prey relationships, and the amazing adaptations the bobcat and fisher must make them the perfect hunters and, more importantly, the silent hunters.

The month of programs will wrap up on Nov. 22 with two planned presentations.

First, the NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program will take place at 1 p.m. at the Camp Allegany Classroom, in partnership with the Citizens Preparedness Corps. With severe weather events becoming more frequent and more extreme, it is more important than ever that New Yorkers are prepared for disasters.

The NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program teaches residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to normal conditions. This training course will provide an introduction to responding to a natural or manmade disaster.

Participants will be advised on how to properly prepare for any disaster, including developing a family emergency plan and stocking up on emergency supplies. Each family that attends will receive one preparedness kit. Registration is required to attend the event. To register, visit www.prepare.ny.gov

Also on Nov. 22, take part in a cooking over the coals experience, enjoy the food and hear stories at 5:30 p.m. at the Camp Allegany Fire Pit with guest presenter Michelle Miller. Cooking over coals is something the Seneca people have done for hundreds of years — and still do to this day.

Miller has lived on the Seneca Allegany Territory since 1996. While Seneca was not her first or even third language, it has now become her heritage language, and the culture and history of the Senecas have now become a part of her, as well as her children, who are from the territory. While Nation names may differ among the Iroquois, the Longhouse Way of Life does not change, so knowledge learned here can be shared throughout.

For more information on Allegany State Park or any other state parks, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 1-518-474-0456.