Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, Albany County, is your gateway to the 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 other nearby locations. Call us at 518-475-0291.
Upcoming Programs are described below and on our online calendar. Please call us at 518-475-0291 if you have questions. Our spring calendar is attached to this email as a PDF.
Programs are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Outdoor programs may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Call to confirm. Organized groups should call ahead to ensure we can accommodate your group. If not, we are happy to make alternate arrangements. Call 518-475-0291 if you have questions.
We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to our programs. Call ahead to let us know your needs. We will be happy to learn how we can accommodate you.
Friends of Five Rivers: Friends of Five Rivers (FOFR) is the year-round citizens’ support group for the Center. Members receive a 20% discount on purchases at the FOFR bookstore, complimentary snowshoe loans, reduced fees for some programs, and a subscription to the newsletter River Ramblings. Membership levels and volunteer information are available at FriendsofFiveRivers.org or call 518-475-0295.
Help Five Rivers Monitor Monarchs
Wednesdays May 30 through October 12, 1:00 to 2:00 PM
Citizen Science: Monarch Larva Monitoring Project (MLMP)
Take part in ongoing research on monarch butterflies. For more than 15 years, data collected at Five Rivers has been contributed to this continent-wide citizen science project conducted through the University of Minnesota. The goal of the MLMP is to better understand how and why monarch populations vary, with a focus on their distribution and abundance during the breeding season in North America. Volunteers in the United States, Canada and Mexico aid in conserving monarchs and advance understanding of butterfly ecology and migration in general. Meet at the Nature’s Accessible Backyard Trail kiosk, at the south end of our parking lot. Learn more about the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project.
Thursday, April 5
2:00 PM Family Fun: Leave it to Beavers!
As winter fades away and spring arrives, come learn about the incredible New York State mammal - the beaver! We will talk about the special adaptations that beavers have in order to survive the winter and take a walk around our Beaver Pond to see if we can see signs of this wonderful animal.
Friday, April 6
10:00 AM Family Fun: The World of Worms
Why are worms so slimy? Why does the early bird get the worm? Join us to learn all about worms and the soil they help make. We will observe earthworms in different environments, take a short outdoor walk, and make our very own worm jars. We will provide some jars, but bring your own if possible.
Saturday, April 7
10:00 AM John Burroughs: The Man, The Legend
Join us for this indoor presentation on John Burroughs (April 3 1837 - March 29, 1921). He was born in the Catskills and was a naturalist and nature essayist, and was active in the U.S. conservation movement.
2:00 PM Watchable Wildlife: Early Emergers
Join us for a guided walk to look for the early emerging insects that are both frontline pollinators and an early food source for many animals here at Five Rivers.
Thursday, April 12
7:00 PM Watchable Wildlife: Woodcock Walk
We’ll begin indoors with a brief talk about the American Woodcock and its management at Five Rivers. Then we’ll stroll on the Service Road Loop through managed areas and feeding swales to watch and listen for woodcock. Bring binoculars and a flashlight and dress appropriately for the weather.
Saturday, April 14
10:00 AM Watchable Wildlife: Welcoming Back the Early Spring Migrants
While mid-May brings waves of returning warblers and other songbirds, “spring” migration begins much sooner. We will watch for birds that typically return at the end of March or the beginning of April to breed at Five Rivers (e.g., Wood Duck, Killdeer, American Kestrel, and Tree Swallow). We may also see birds who are passing through early because they still have miles to go before they breed (e.g., Palm Warblers or northern-breeding waterfowl). Bring binoculars if you have them. A limited supply will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
2:00 PM Do You Have a Question?
Did you find or see or hear something interesting at Five Rivers or home and want to know more about it? Ask a Naturalist! A Five Rivers educator will be on hand in the visitors center’s exhibit hall to answer, or help find answers to questions you may have. Bring pictures if you have them.
Saturday, April 21
10:00 AM Family Fun: Nature Journals for Kids
April 21 marks the 180th anniversary of the birth of John Muir, noted naturalist and author, and April 22 is Earth Day. We’ll celebrate both by reading a picture book about John Muir, going for a walk, and starting our own nature journal to take home, just as he did.
2:00 PM Guided Walk: Volmankill Trail and Fordham's Crossing
Join us as we explore this stunning ravine, following the path of the Vlomankill from the trailhead to where it flows into Heron Pond. Along the way, we’ll keep our eyes open for early wildflowers and other springtime treasures.
Saturday, April 28
10:00 AM I Bird NY: Audubon's Birds
Celebrate the birth of ornithologist and painter John James Audubon. His Birds of America is considered one of the finest ornithological works ever completed. It inspired an interest in birds that continues to this day. We’ll observe birds in the field and compare them to their images in Audubon’s paintings.
2:00 PM Guided Walk: Old Field Trail
Join us for a hike through the meandering wilds of the Old Field Trail, visiting forest, shrub, fields and pond habitats while enjoying the spring weather. Trail distance is about one mile. Trail may be muddy so please wear appropriate footwear.
I Bird NY Birders Series
Thursdays May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 7:30 AM
Citizen Science: Early Birders
Come celebrate the dawn chorus as we monitor the progression of spring bird migration. These outdoor surveys begin at 7:30 AM. Meet at the bird-viewing window in 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 cancelled. For more information, call 518-475-0291.
Saturday, May 5
10:00 AM I Love My Park Day
I Love My Park Day is an annual event that brings together thousands of volunteers to celebrate and enhance New York's parks, historic sites, and public lands. Five Rivers Environmental Education Center has 10 miles of trails used for passive recreation, environmental education, and wildlife viewing. Projects will include trail clean-up, light maintenance, tree planting and invasive species removal. All ages welcome.
Saturday, May 12
6:00 AM I Bird NY: Birds and Breakfast
Join members of the Hudson Mohawk Bird Club as they welcome the arrival of spring with an early morning bird walk. With the varied habitats at Five Rivers, you can expect to see and hear many resident and migrant species, including warblers, thrushes, vireos, and orioles, along with a few waterfowl and herons. A typical year results in about 70 species. The earliest party will meet in the parking lot at 6:00 AM. Additional groups will leave at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. You may join one of these groups or go out on your own, as we try to find as many species as possible. We’ll rally at the new Visitor Center at 10:30 AM for coffee, doughnuts, bagels, fresh fruit and a list compilation. The breakfast is free, but donations are welcomed!
2:00 PM I Bird NY: 100 Years of Protecting Birds
Is it OK to collect a blue jay feather? If another species starts a nest in my bluebird box can I remove it? This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The MBTA makes it illegal to “pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill,” or “sell” a migratory bird or any of its parts, including nests, eggs, and feathers. It has helped to save billions of birds. This presentation will examine the history of the MBTA, its implementation, and proposed changes under the current administration.
Saturday, May 19
10:00 AM Tick Talk with Todd Giombetti, MD FAAP
As warm weather arrives, it's time to think about protecting yourself and your family from tick-borne illnesses. Local pediatrician from Giombetti and Brady Pediatrics will share tips on how to prevent tick bites, spot signs of tick-borne illness, when to call your doctor, and what to expect with testing and treatment. There will also be time for Q&A with the doctor. After the talk, enjoy a self-guided walk on 445 acres of preserved fields, forests, and wetlands.
2:00 PM Watchable Wildlife: Wildlife Walk
This outdoor walk is suitable for people of all ages. Join us on Five Rivers trails to look and listen for signs of wildlife on this mile-long walk on relatively flat trails. We hope to encounter birds, turtles and mammals. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
Saturday, May 26
10:00 AM Creature Feature: Turtles of Five Rivers
In celebration of World Turtle Day (annually on May 23), come learn about the turtles of Five Rivers. After a brief introduction, we’ll head outside to the Beaver Pond to look for resident turtles and discover what they’re up to this time of year.
2:00 PM Guided Walk: Habitat Hike
World Biodiversity Day takes place on May 22 each year. At Five Rivers, we’ll mark the occasion by following trails crisscrossing a variety of habitats. Join us as we explore wetlands, fields and forests, enjoying the biodiversity of plants and animals they support.
Saturday, June 2
10:00 AM National Trails Day
Watchable Wildlife: Wild Turkey Trail
This two-mile hike takes visitors along the edge of Five Rivers’ largest field and into the forest. We’ll look for deer, bobolinks and eastern bluebirds along the way. Sturdy shoes recommended.
2:00 PM Watchable Wildlife: Walk the Service Loop
This 1.5-mile dirt road traverses forest, field, and wetlands. We’ll look for rabbits, waterfowl, warblers, and flowers as we explore. Bring your binoculars. There are a few pair available at the visitor center on a first come first serve basis.
Thursday, June 7
7:00 PM Citizen Science: Bat Count Training
Bats in New York State are suffering from White-nose Syndrome, which has caused the decline of many different species of bats. This area of the state was where this syndrome was discovered. Now the disease is in over half of US states and is still spreading. Five Rivers’ Jones barn is home to a colony of one of the bat species that was hardest hit by the syndrome. Join us for this indoor training and the first bat count of the season. Please call ahead to pre-register for this event. This event will be postponed in the event of weather that does not meet the survey protocol.
Saturday, June 9
10:00 AM Outdoor Day
Five Rivers will host DEC's second annual Outdoor Day with a celebration of family-friendly activities and presentations. The 445-acre site has long been a destination for area families who enjoy exploring the 10 miles of walking trails through forests, meadows, and wetlands. Five Rivers staff and volunteers have planned outdoor activities for visitors to try first-hand, such as hiking, bird watching, fishing, and pitching a tent. Five Rivers' Outdoor Day will emphasize connecting to nature through hands-on experiences. We encourage anyone interested to spend the day enjoying the outdoors and trying a new skill.
Saturday, June 16
10:00 AM Family Fun: Darting Dragonflies
Join us indoors to learn about these beautiful insects and how they maneuver through our wetlands. Crafts for the whole family will be included. Then we’ll go outside to explore our ponds as we search for nymphs and adult dragonflies. Wear rubber boots or old shoes that can get wet. No open-toed shoes please. Space is limited. Please call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, June 13 to register.
2:00 PM New York State Path through History: Five Rivers through the Years
From forest to farmland to game farm and now an environmental education center, our site has seen many changes over the years. Join us for a walk highlighting Five Rivers’ history, with special attention paid to the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Delmar Experimental Game Farm.
Wednesday, June 20
1:00 PM National Pollinator Week
Monarch Larva Monitoring Introduction
Monarch butterflies are declining at an alarming rate. These migrating pollinators face many perils on their trip to their wintering grounds in Mexico. Pesticides and other factors are also contributing to their decline. Come join DEC staff to learn more about this decline through an indoor presentation. Then join us outdoors to count these insects in support of the Citizen Science Monarch Larva Monitoring Program.
Thursday June 21
7:00 PM National Pollinator Week
Flowers of the Solstice
On the shortest night of the year, join us for a walking tour of the natural and cultural history of wildflowers. Many plants that immigrants introduced to the New World were valued not for their food or medicinal uses but because of their reputed supernatural powers. Come learn about the lore and magic of these flowers.
Friday June 22
7:30 PM National Pollinator Week
Watchable Wildlife: Bats for Kids
Not everyone loves bats, but did you know they provide very important functions. Bats around the world disperse seeds, catch insects and pollinate many plants that provide food we like to eat. Come and learn more about these amazing animals through a presentation, games and crafts. If weather permits, we will then head outside to count the bats as they emerge from Five Rivers’ very own bat barn.
Saturday, June 23
10:00 AM Family Fun: Fishing
Celebrate New York State’s annual free fishing weekend by joining us for a parent and child catch-and-release fishing clinic. Volunteers from the Albany County Conservation Alliance will share information about fishing equipment, techniques, regulations, consumption advisories and good places to fish. Bring gear if you've got it; we have a limited number of rods and reels available for loan. Parents and children must accompany each other. Please call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, June 21 to register.
10:00 AM National Pollinator Week
Bees and Bugs and Lots of Fun!
Did you know nature made your lunch? Come and engage in fun bee and insect crafts and games while learning about the important jobs they do as pollinators, including pollinating much of the food we eat. While you are at the Visitor Center, we will check out the honey bees in the observation hive.
Saturday, June 30
10:00 AM Watchable Wildlife: Bluebirds
Our New York State Bird, the eastern bluebird, is recovering, thanks to the bluebird nest box program. Learn more about this beautiful bird and its amazing recovery in this presentation on bluebirds and other nest box inhabitants. If weather permits we will then venture outside to look for eastern bluebirds and other nest box inhabitants on Five Rivers nest box trails.
2:00 PM Citizen Science: Turkeys
Turkeys have made an amazing recovery in New York State but recent surveys suggest that their populations have begun to decline. The reasons for this decline are not fully understood, so the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is conducting a Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey. We hope that this data will help us understand the reasons for the decline. Join us for this 45-minute indoor program to learn more about wild turkeys and how you can help participate in this survey.
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