The ways of celebrating Mother’s Day have evolved. Flowers, chocolates, and special dinners are increasingly being replaced by new experiences. The Mother/Daughter Hike is the proposal that the Teatown Lake Reservation will offer on Sunday, May 10. The goal of the event, which will begin at 11 a.m., is to encourage participants to connect, explore, disconnect from daily routines, and create meaningful memories among mothers, daughters, and friends.

The day, dedicated to celebrating Mother’s Day, will promote direct contact with nature for more than an hour and a half. The hike will be led by environmental educator Elissa Schilmeister. The program is open to participants ages 8 and older and will cost $5 for members and $10 for non-members.
During the event, which will bring together mothers and daughters, participants will walk through selected trails at Teatown to enjoy the colorful landscapes of the spring season in the Hudson Valley. Registration is required, and interested participants must sign up through the designated link. Space is limited, and organizers recommend early registration.
Additionally, visitors are advised to wear appropriate clothing for extended outdoor physical activity and to bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and light snacks. The hike will be guided and will focus not only on physical activity but also on nature observation and participant engagement.
This type of programming is not new to the reservation, located approximately 10 miles from downtown Peekskill. The environmental organization maintains an extensive educational and recreational agenda that combines hiking, science, conservation, and family experiences. Many of these programs are led by Schilmeister, who has overseen initiatives related to environmental exploration, wildlife observation, themed hikes, and activities for girls interested in nature and science.
In 2024, for example, the reservation hosted events such as the National Adoption Month Hike, a family-oriented walk created to celebrate the diversity of families and promote inclusive spaces in nature. That same year, Teatown also held STEMinism: Celebrating Girls in Science, a program designed for girls and their caregivers, featuring activities focused on science, environmental exploration, and female leadership in STEM fields.
For more information about the Mother’s Day hike or upcoming events at the Teatown Lake Reservation, interested individuals may contact the organization website.

