Hudson Highlands Nature Center invites you to the
Ponies Up! Carousel Dinner

 Saturday, November 8, 2025
6pm
At The Carousel Pavilion
at Bear Mountain State Park

Event Co-chairs: Steve & Mandy Bywater, Susan Maloney, Lynn Peebles & Doug Land

Please join us on the Benefit Committee for Ponies Up! an evening celebrating the ongoing partnership between Guidecraft and the Hudson Highlands Nature Center, featuring Wearthy Founder, Educator, and Managing Director, Lukas Ritson.

HHNC’s partnership with Guidecraft, a company that designs and manufactures high-quality, educational toys and furniture for children, focusing on holistic learning environments and nature-inspired education, began in 2023 with the opening of the Warwick branch of our Young Naturalist preschool program. Under the leadership of Gary Bilzekian, they donated toys, furniture, and expertise that transformed two empty rooms into a warm and inviting space where children can learn, play, and grow. This year, Guidecraft commissioned Wearthy, an Australian firm that designs playgrounds inspired by nature to design an outdoor space in the style of Grasshopper Grove for our Warwick location – the plans for which will be unveiled at this year’s Ponies Up! fundraiser.

Join us for a special evening featuring a cocktail reception, delicious dinner, open bar and silent auction, all in the unique setting of the Carousel Pavilion at Bear Mountain State Park! Your attendance will provide vital support to help us connect children and families to the beauty and transformative power of nature, as well as the care of our amazing Animal Ambassadors.

  • Chipmunk Level: $250 per person

  • Raccoon Level: $500 per person

  • River Otter Level: $1,000.00 per person

  • Bobcat Level: $1,500.00 per person

  • Black Bear Level: $3,500 seating for two

  • Mountain Lion Level: $5000 seating for four

Coming soon:

the Ponies Up! Fundraiser online Silent Auction. Bidding is open to all, even if you can’t join us at the event!

For any questions or to pay by credit card over the phone, please contact Robert Lipkin at
845-534-5506 or rlipkin@hhnaurecenter.org

Proceeds from this important fundraiser will be used to support nature education experiences for children and families throughout the Hudson Valley.