Come Enjoy What is Happening at Five Rivers

Enjoy the weather as the season starts to warm 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.

Winter Fun - Snowshoe Rentals

Snowshoes are available to 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. We will not rent snowshoes after 3 p.m. Renters must be at least 16 years old and complete the rental agreement form available at the greeter desk. To minimize damage to the equipment, there must be at least six inches of snow on the ground.

Community Science: Winter Raptor Survey     

December through March

Five Rivers is seeking people with bird watching skills or the desire to learn and help discover winter feeding areas of endangered raptor species. Volunteers meet at Five Rivers once or twice a month 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 these threatened and endangered species. Call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 or e-mail us to register.

Saturday, February 8  

2 p.m.  Family Fun: Animal Tracks

What animals are enjoying the winter at Five Rivers? We can use animal tracks to find out! Join us to learn about animal signs, cast your own track to take home, and enjoy an outside walk searching for footprints. All ages are welcome. Please call to register by Wednesday, February 5.

Thursday, February 13     

7 p.m.  How to Do It: Gardening with Native Plants

Albany County Master Gardener Martie Teumim will discuss what constitutes a “native” plant and the benefits of using native plants in your garden. She will also speak about what plants are considered non-native and invasive in New York State. She will walk you through what to plant and how to gradually change your yard to native species, providing lists of native and invasive plants for you to take home.

Saturday, February 15     

9:30 a.m.  Community Science: Great Backyard Bird Count

This weekend, birders all across North America will tally birds in their yard or local parks for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Join us as we count the birds at our feeding station, then venture outdoors for a short field count. Complete information will be provided on how you, too, can help the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology track the mid-winter distribution and abundance of birds from your own yard.

2 p.m.  Family Fun: Squirrels for Kids    

Bring the whole family for a brief presentation, walk, craft project, and game that will teach us all about the squirrels in our area. Some squirrels are common in our backyards and some you may never have seen. Explore the winter world of these entertaining acrobats through the tracks, food piles and nests they leave behind. Create your own flying squirrel and see if it can fly as far as a real flying squirrel. This program is geared toward children ages 5–10. Please call to register by Wednesday, February 12, as space is limited.

Upcoming Winter Break Programming

Wednesday, February 19     

2 p.m.  Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve: The Power of Glaciers

Glacier Bay National Park has a dynamic glacial history. The area and its people have experienced and observed the tidewater glacier cycle of advance and retreat. Today, Glacier Bay is a place of scientific research where scientists conduct studies to understand how glaciers function and what their future may be. In this interactive lesson, a National Park Ranger will guide students through a history of glaciers in Glacier Bay. Students will create a model and engage in discussion with the Ranger. There will be time for questions. This program is designed for children in grades 5–8, but all are welcome.

Thursday, February 20     

10 a.m.  Family Fun: Animal Interviews

Have you ever wondered about the non-releasable animals we have living inside the center? In this indoor presentation, we will talk about the animals we have, what their life in the wild would be like, and what their life is like here. Live animals will be shown, but handling is not permitted. All ages welcome.

Friday, February 21     

2 p.m.  Family Fun: Winter Wildlife

Some animals migrate, some animals hibernate, but what about animals like the blue jays and grey squirrels we see all winter? Join us at Five Rivers to learn about animal adaptations that allow some critters to survive the chilliest time of year. After an indoor presentation, we will take a walk outside to look for signs of animals. All ages welcome.