Fall has Arrived at Five Rivers 

Come see the changing landscape as the plants and animals enjoy the last of the warmth of the year at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, Albany County. Five Rivers is your place for exploring the sights and smells this season brings. Our grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Our visitor center is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except state holidays.

Reminder: 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.

Programs are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Outdoor programs may be canceled 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. You can also review our online calendar on our programs and events page. 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 percent 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.

Wednesday, September 19 and 26

1:00 p.m.  Citizen Science: Monarch Larva Monitoring Project (MLMP)

Join us for our weekly survey as part of 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. Go to www.mlmp.org to learn about the project.

Thursday, September 20 and 26

7:30 a.m. I BIRD NY: Citizen Science: Early Birders

Celebrate the dawn chorus as we monitor the progression of fall bird migration. These outdoor surveys begin at 7:30 a.m. 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 canceled. For more information, call 518-475-0291.

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Family Fun: Outdoors After School

Hey, kids! Are you tired of sitting at a desk all day? 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 22

10:00 a.m.  Citizen Science: Spotted Lanternfly

The northeast has a new alien invader, the spotted lanternfly. Come learn about this destructive critter and its life cycle to help you “spot” it while you are out and about. We will also go over the various signs that are indicators they have made their way into your community. While this critter has not yet been found in New York, early detection by local citizens is a great way to curb their spread and keep our trees and agricultural crops safe.

2:00 p.m. Bugs, Bugs, Bugs: A Window into True Bugs

The Western Conifer Seed Bug and the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug are two non-native species that seem to be on the rise in homes across New York. Join us in learning about these pesky bugs and other insects that inhabit your house this time of year and return in the spring.

Thursday, September 27

1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.  Talk 'n' Trek: Bee Curious

Are honeybees native?  How do they make honey?  What does the inside of a hive look like?  Join us in exploring these and other curious questions about honeybees (Apis mellifera) during Friends’ Fall 2018 session of Talk n’ Trek. Participants are asked to dress for the weather and bring along water and a snack. Please meet at Five Rivers’ Guided School Program Building.

Dates: Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., September 27, October 4, 9 (Tuesday), 18, and 25

Fee: $50 (Proceeds support the Guided School Program Scholarship Fund)

Registration: Contact Nancy Conway at gsp5rivers@outlook.com or 518.475.0297.

Saturday, September 29

10:00 a.m.  Watchable Wildlife: Birds for Beginners 

If you have always wanted to learn the basics of bird watching, come to this hour-and-a half talk and trek to discover a new and fascinating hobby. We will begin indoors to discover things you never knew about binoculars and bird books. We will then head out on Five Rivers’ relatively flat trails to learn how to identify common birds. Please bring binoculars if you have them, or we have a few we can loan.

2:00 p.m.  Watchable Wildlife: September Stroll 

This relaxed walk on the Old Field and Wild Turkey trails will feature a discussion on whatever signs of wildlife come our way. Birds, bugs, tracks, scat or reptiles may be among the animals and animal signs we discover. Enjoy the last glimpses of some of these creatures before they head south or underground to wait out the winter.

Monday, October 1

7:00 p.m. HMBC Speaker Series: Birding the Edges of the Amazon Basin

Join members of the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club for their monthly speaker series. This month’s program, is presented by Gregg Recer.