Enjoy the Wonders of Winter at Five Rivers

Find your outdoor adventure at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, Albany County. Our grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except state holidays. Public restrooms are available at the Guided School Program building from 8 a.m. to sunset. For the safety of our visitors, volunteers, and staff:

• Masks must be worn by everyone when inside the visitor center and restrooms, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households. 

A complete list of our guided programs through March 2022 is posted on our program information webpage, along with a PDF you may view or download. Most of our programs have limited space and require registration. Note deadlines and call 518-475-0291 to register.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can accommodate you.

Programs are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Please dress for the weather. At this time, we cannot accommodate organized groups during our public programs. We are happy to make alternate arrangements for your organization. For further information or if you have questions, please call 518-475-0291.

Trail conditions can change rapidly this time of year. While we hope for consistent snow cover, please monitor the weather and be prepared for the possibility of ice. Call the visitor center at 518-475-0291 if you have questions.

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.

Friends of Five Rivers: Friends of Five Rivers is the year-round community support group for Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. Members receive a discount on select items at the Friends' store, complimentary snowshoe loans, and reduced fees for some programs. Membership levels and volunteer information are available at FriendsofFiveRivers.org.

Snowshoe Rentals: Snowshoes are available for rent from Friends of Five Rivers for $5 per pair; free for Friends members (must show a current membership 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 4:00 p.m. on the day of rental. No snowshoes will be rented after 3:00 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.

Saturday, January 22

10:00 a.m. - I Bird NY: Who Gives a Hoot?           

Who gives a hoot? Our local owls, that's who! Learn which owls live in our area and what they're doing right now. You'll be surprised to find out why February is a very important time for many of them. As a bonus, we'll learn to recognize owl calls, so next time you hear one, you'll know WHOOO is calling. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, January 19 to register. 

2:00 p.m. - Guided Walk: A Breath of Fresh Air 

Treat yourself! Chase away those winter blues by immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. Bring out the "sense of wonder" and delight we find by going outdoors. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, January 19 to register. 

Saturday, January 29

10:00 a.m. - How to Do It: Learn to Snowshoe 

Never tried snowshoeing before? Now is your chance! We'll go over the basics of how to put snowshoes on (and take them off), walk, and turn. We'll go outside to put our new skills to work on a short walk. Snowshoe rental fees are waived. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, January 26 to register. The outdoor portion of this program will be conducted on foot if there is insufficient snow.

Saturday, February 12

10:00 a.m. - Cottontail Rabbits!

Five Rivers is famous for its rabbits. They are here, there, and everywhere. Where are they coming from and where do they go? Are they common everywhere? Learn for yourself how they survive, and how many important roles they play in the environment. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, February 9 to register.

2:00 p.m. - How to Do It: Learn to Snowshoe 

Never tried snowshoeing before? Now is your chance! We'll go over the basics of how to put snowshoes on (and take them off), walk, and turn. We'll go outside to put our new skills to work on a short walk. Snowshoe rental fees are waived. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, February 9 to register. The outdoor portion of this program will be conducted on foot if there is insufficient snow.

4:00 p.m. - Five Rivers After Dark: Howl Prowl!

Take a walk with a Five Rivers staff member to look and listen for our resident coyotes. Since we humans are usually indoors after dark, we miss the best time to observe them. Winter provides a light, frosty background where they become easier to see. There is a good chance we might hear an owl as well. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, February 9 to register.

The School Seedling Program, a Free Program for Educators

Looking to meet Next Generation Science Standards in creative and engaging ways? Whether you’re a teacher, homeschool group, or a club leader, DEC's School Seedling Program from the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery is here to help! New York schools and youth organizations can apply to receive 30-50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with their students, offering young people an up-close opportunity to participate in conservation while learning about trees and their ecosystem functions! Each school or organization may receive one order per year. Apply online by March 31st. If you need assistance, contact the Saratoga Tree Nursery.

Looking for some tree planting inspiration? Arbor Day is just around the corner on 4/29 and a planting event is a great way to celebrate the many benefits trees provide us with!