What Are the Animals up to at Five Rivers

Winter is coming to Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, Albany County. Our grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the visitor center is currently closed. Restrooms are available at the Guided School Program building from 8 a.m. to sunset.

For the safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• All guided programs are limited to no more than 15 participants, and all participants must register prior to the program. Note registration deadlines, and call 518-475-0291 to register.
• Roving naturalist programs may host one family/household group at a time. No registration is required for roving programs. Simply drop in for a few minutes.
• Social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.

Remember to *Play Smart *Play Safe *Play Local.

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.

Five Rivers Thankful Campaign 2020    

At Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, we are thankful for all the people who have visited this year, especially during these unusual times. You’ve enjoyed the trails and have been respectful of the land and of each other. It’s part of what makes Five Rivers a special place. We invite you to share what you are thankful for at Five Rivers. Drop us a line via pencil and paper outside the visitor center, tag us on Facebook (@NYSDEC and @FriendsofFiveRivers), Instagram (@nysdec and @FriendsofFiveRivers), or Twitter (@NYSDEC), or shoot us an email at 5rivers@dec.ny.gov and FriendsFiveRivers@outlook.com with the subject “Thankful”. Snow is on its way…

Saturday, December 5   

4:00 p.m. Citizen Science/I Bird NY: Owl Prowl  

Join center staff as we survey for owls at Five Rivers. We will visit likely owl roosts, and listen for evening activity. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, December 2 to register.

Saturday, December 12    

10 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Guided Walk: Almost-Winter Walk  

We are almost at the shortest day of the year. Nature might seem quieter this time of year, but there is plenty of activity. Let's look for the latest nature news and explore some of the remarkable ways our wild neighbors have adapted to this time of the year. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, December 9 to register.