The days do shorten. This year it feels like the fall season has already arrived. But the official change of season takes place Sunday during the Autumn Equinox, which occurs at 4:44 p.m. The Harvest Moon, or full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, has risen evening’s over the Ramapo Mountains.

The change of season is here and will be celebrated in Sloatsburg Sunday, September 22, at Harmony Hall, beginning at 2 p.m. and will include free refreshments and an afternoon of activities on the Great Lawn. Harmony Hall Curator Geoff Welch said the afternoon’s program will consist of music, walking and plant education, featuring Rockland Forager Paul Tappenden, all set up outside as Harmony Hall is currently undergoing interior renovations.

Grant Jardine will lead a guided hike up to the Liberty Rock overview. People going on the hike should sign the Hudson River Ramble release form.

Paul Tappenden, who knows his local plants, will lead a nature walk around the grounds and discuss wild edible and medicinal plants. Tappenden wrote an interesting article available at the Suburban Forager that takes a look at local invasive plants, including those wineberry bushes with the thorny red shoots that reach for the sky then sink down into the ground, rooting another shoot — their one saving grace, a sweet summer berry.

Autumn Equinox participants can join Welch at 3 p.m. for a brief gallery talk/walk at the Sloatsburg Public LIbrary, where his current Highlands Beauty Photography is showing in the community room.

The live outdoor music will commence at approximately 4 p.m.

In case of rain, the musical portion of Sunday’s program will take place at the Sloatsburg Library.

Photos courtesy of Geoff Welch.