Five Rivers: The place to be this fall!

 Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, Albany County, is the place to be, whether you're looking for quiet refection, nature study, or fresh air and exercise. Our grounds are open every day from sunrise to sunset. Our visitor center is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, except state holidays.

THANK YOU to everyone who made our Fall Festival on September 16 a success. We are grateful for the contributions of each volunteer and presenter. We also thank the many visitors who attended, explored and learned about the great things Five Rivers has to offer. We look forward to seeing you at next year's event!

REMINDER: Dogs and other pets are not permitted at Five Rivers. If you are looking for a natural area to walk with your pet, we are happy to recommend nearby locations where pets are welcome. Call us: 518-475-0291

UPCOMING PROGRAMS are described below. Our online calendar has information about programs through the end of December. Please call us at 518-475-0291 if you have questions.

Saturday, September 23, 10:00 AM -- Watchable Wildlife: THE FRUIT FORAGERS
In the fall, colorful berries and other fruit hang on the bushes and trees that line Five Rivers' trails. Join us on this outdoor guided walk to discover more about nature’s edible decorations and the animals that eat them. This informative stroll will be about one mile long and on relatively flat terrain. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Saturday, September 23, 1:00 to 3:00 PM -- Open House: ANIMALS of the FRONT ROOM
Have you ever wanted to know more about the live and mounted animals in the visitor center at Five Rivers? Do you wonder what Argo the owl’s favorite food is, or which birds visit the feeders and what makes them special? Join us to ask our staff questions about the critters in Five Rivers’ front room. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about the live animals on display.

Thursdays through September, 7:30 AM -- I Bird NY: EARLY BIRDERS
Celebrate the dawn chorus as we monitor the progression of fall bird migration. These outdoor surveys begin at 7:30 AM. Meet at the bird-viewing window inside the visitor center. After a brief introduction, we’ll head out on the trails. Beginners are always welcome. Binoculars are helpful but not necessary. In case of inclement weather, these programs will be canceled. For more information, call 518-475-0291.

Thursdays through October, 4:30 to 5:30 PM -- OUTDOORS AFTER SCHOOL
Join us after school to get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and have fun outdoors. Meet at the visitor center to begin our adventure. Each week will have a different theme and will include time to explore outdoors. Come for as many sessions as you’d like, and dress for outdoor activity. For children in grades K-5 and their caregivers.

Saturday, September 30, 10:00 AM -- Guided Walk: BEAVER TREE TRAIL
We’ll take a walk along the Beaver Tree Trail to see what the beavers are up to. We’ll watch for turtles, ducks and other critters that share this habitat as we check the status of the beavers’ dam and lodge.

Saturday, September 30, 2:00 PM -- Watchable Wildlife: MINI-BEASTS
They can be colorful, camouflaged, noisy or quiet. Some we love, and some we prefer to keep at a distance. What are they? Insects! We’ll sweep-net for these small critters and learn how they are adapted to survive, from finding food to avoiding predators, and how they prepare for the coming winter.

Friends of Five Rivers Adult Continuing Education Talk ‘n’ Trek:
HUNTING for NATURE...and perhaps a geocache or two!
Each week a vessel containing natural materials, such as furs, skulls or feathers, will be hidden for us to find using hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) units. Once found, we’ll investigate the item(s) using reference materials to determine who/what it belongs to and how it fits into Five Rivers’ ecosystem. GPS units will be provided. No previous experience is needed. Participants are asked to dress for the weather and bring along water and a snack. Please meet at Five Rivers’ Guided School Program Building.
Time & Dates: Wednesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 PM, September 27 and October 4, 11, 18 (rain date October 25)
Fee: $50 (Proceeds support the Friends of Five Rivers' Guided School Program Scholarship Fund)
Registration: Contact Nancy Conway at gsp5rivers@outlook.com or 518-475-0297