The Woolly Bears Are on the Move at Five Rivers

How many can you find on your walk around the grounds 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.

Now through November 29

Art Exhibit: Brew the Roost    

What’s the connection between Capital Region birds and the coffee in your cup? Explore this question with Brew the Roost, a series of interactive quilts that highlight the seasonal migration of birds and the importance of shade-grown coffee in maintaining biodiversity in coffee-growing regions. Quilts will be updated every two weeks as the fall migration progresses. This family-friendly art exhibit, created by local artist Katherine Lynn Bierman, will be on view in the visitor center through Thanksgiving. 

Saturday, November 16

10 a.m.  Family Fun: River Otter Ramble

Does Five Rivers have river otters? Yes, indeed. Come discover the story behind the most charismatic of weasels. We’ll start with an indoor talk, and then head outside to see some of their ideal habitat.

2 p.m. Family Fun: Trash to Treasure

America Recycles Day and New York Recycles Day occur annually on November 15. We’ll mark the occasion by taking everyday trash—cereal boxes, milk cartons, and the like—and “upcycling” it into something new.

Saturday, November 23   

2 p.m.  Guided Hike: Vlomankill Trail   

Before the hectic time of year begins, take a break, slow down, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world all around you. The Vlomankill Trail is lovely in the fall as it guides you along the stream and through the forest. Several animals have been spotted along this peaceful stretch of Five Rivers. What will we see or hear today?

Upcoming Outdoor Programs for Preschoolers and their Caregivers -   
Pre-Registration Required

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Friends of Five Rivers: Family Fun Programs  

The Friends of Five Rivers is offering programs at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center for preschoolers (ages 2–4). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults and children will explore the natural world together for 90 minutes each week during each multi-week session. Each visit features a storybook on a nature topic, followed by an outdoor activity suggested by the book.

Early Winter Session: December

For complete information, including dates, fees, and how to register, go to the Friends of Five Rivers' website.