Get Outside and Play at Five Rivers

Snow comes and goes, but Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, Albany County, is always your place for playing in the wintry outdoors. Our grounds are open daily, from sunrise to sunset. Our visitor center is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, except state holidays.

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 they are welcome. Call us at 518-475-0291.

Upcoming Programs are described below. You can also review our online calendar or print the PDF of our schedule through the end of March. Both are on our programs and events page. Call 518-475-0291 if you have questions.

Winter Fun: Snowshoe Rentals

Snowshoes are available for rent from the Friends of Five Rivers for $5 per pair; free for Friends members on current member list or with current member card. Rental fees apply during all guided programs, except “learn to” programs. Snowshoes may only be used on site and must be returned by 4:00 PM on the day of rental. No rentals after 3:00 PM. Renters must be at least 16 years old and leave their driver's license or non-driver photo ID at the reception desk. To minimize equipment damage, snow-depth must be at least six inches.

Saturday, January 27

2:00 PM - How To Do It: Winter Tree Identification
To identify a tree, we often look to their leaves for clues to their identification. But what about when there are no leaves? If you look closely, you can find all the information you need to confidently name the tree. We will use the Winter Tree Finder as our guide. Bring one, borrow one, or buy one at the Visitor Center.

Tuesday, January 30

Citizen Science: Winter Raptor Survey (every other Tuesday through March)
People with bird watching skills or a desire to learn are needed to help discover winter feeding areas of endangered raptor species. Volunteers will meet at Five Rivers Center every other week and spend an hour, centered around sunset, to scan for and record raptor species on Five Rivers’ grasslands. You do not have to attend every session but will need your own binoculars. Help us save threatened and endangered species. Study dates are subject to change due to inclement weather. Registration is required. Call 518-475-0291 or email 5Rivers@dec.ny.gov to register.

7:30 PM - OUTDOOR FUN: Moonlit Snowshoe  We’ll explore Five Rivers’ trails at a relaxed pace, enjoying the moonlit snowy scene. Arrive by 7:15 if you need to borrow snowshoes or to quickly review snowshoeing techniques. Snowshoe rental is $5 per pair; free for Friends members. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Saturday, January 27 to register. This program will be canceled if snow depth is insufficient. Call to confirm conditions.

Saturday, February 3

10:00 AM - Groundhog Day: The History, The Celebration, The Rodent
The history of Groundhog Day goes back thousands of years and was created from many cultures. Join us for this indoor presentation and outdoor walk to learn about this fascinating history, as well as how this unofficial holiday is celebrated throughout North America today. We will also delve into the natural history of this unassuming rodent.

2:00 PM - Family Fun: Groundhog Day for Kids
Join us indoors to learn more about the legendary groundhog through interactive games, activities and crafts. Then, if weather permits, we will venture outside for an easy stroll to look for signs of this amazing rodent and its relatives. This program is most suitable for children ages 6-10. Please call the Center at 518-475-0291 by February 1 to register.