Snow is Here at Five Rivers

Enjoy the snow, winter sun and beautiful views at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 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 community support group for the Center. Members receive a discount on select items at the FOFR store, 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.

Snowshoes are available for rent from the Friends of Five Rivers (FOFR) for $5 per pair; free for FOFR members (must show a current member card or be on the current members list). Rental fees apply during guided programs, except for “learn to…” programs. Snowshoes may only be used on site and must be returned by 4 p.m. on the day of rental. No snowshoes will be rented after 3 p.m. Renters must be at least 16 years old and complete the rental agreement form available at the greeters desk. To minimize damage to the equipment, there must be at least six inches of snow on the ground.

Thursday, February 7  

4:16 p.m.  Citizen Science: Winter Raptor Survey

People with bird watching skills or a desire to learn are needed to help discover winter feeding areas of endangered raptor species. Volunteers meet at Five Rivers every other week and spend an hour, centered around sunset, scanning for and recording raptor species on Five Rivers’ grasslands. Participants do not have to attend every session but will need their own binoculars. Study dates are subject to change due to weather conditions. Pre-registration is required. Please help us save threatened and endangered species. Call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 or email 5Rivers@dec.ny.gov to register.

6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Making Local Conservation Happen

Join us in learning about conservation success stories from area landowners and partners while warming up with hot apples cider and local food samples. At 8:15 PM, after the indoor discussion, there will be an optional guided walk as we listen for owls and other creatures of the night. Organized by the Town of Bethlehem.

Saturday, February 16 

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Educator Workshop: Getting Little Feet WET

Developed specifically for teachers working with young children (ages 3–6), and in coordination with early childhood experts and educators, Getting Little Feet Wet is Project WET’s early childhood curriculum. The book, provided to workshop participants for free, contains 11 interactive, hands-on activities for young learners to explore different aspects of water—from water properties to water sounds. During the workshop we’ll try out some of the activities and discuss how they can be used to build understanding about water in our lives. Space is limited; call to register by Wednesday, February 13. This workshop may be canceled if there is insufficient registration.

Tuesday, February 19 

10 a.m.  Family Fun: Cardboard Carpentry

Cardboard is an incredibly useful material that can be used to build some pretty cool things. Join our center staff to learn about building your own things out of cardboard and help us build a cardboard playhouse for the center! Space is limited; call to register by Saturday, February 16.

7:30 p.m.  Outdoor Fun: Moonlit Guided Walk  

Experience Five Rivers’ trails by moonlight. Dress for the weather and meet at the visitor center for this winter adventure. Space is limited call to register by noon, Tuesday, February 19. This program will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.