It's Always a Beautiful Day at Five Rivers

Come and experience Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, Albany County. Take part in a guided program, or explore the trails on your own. 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 for state holidays. Public restrooms are available at the Guided School Program building from 8 a.m. to sunset. 

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenges 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. Mobility aids are available upon request. Call 518-475-0291 for details.

We have limited ability to accommodate organized groups during 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.

Please dress for the weather. 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.

Fisher Trail Now Open

It's official: the new Fisher Trail is open for visitors to enjoy! The trail runs from a small parking area on Fisher Boulevard to the Wild Turkey Trail. From there you can connect to the other trails at Five Rivers. Additional parking is available at the end of Mason Lane.

A firm stone dust surface and gentle grade ensure accessibility to visitors with mobility disabilities for almost a half-mile of the trail's length, from the Fisher Boulevard trailhead to the viewing platform overlooking the Phillipinkill. 

Planning to walk the Fisher Trail? Here are some trail distances that might be helpful to know:

• Fisher Blvd to viewing platform nr. Mason Lane = 0.47 mi (accessible portion of trail)
• Fisher Blvd to Wild Turkey Trail = 0.66 mi
• Fisher Blvd to visitor center via Wild Turkey Trail = 1.5 mi

Please note that, like the other trails at Five Rivers, pets and bicycles are not permitted on the Fisher Trail.  

It's a Beautiful Day! (multi-day series for pre-schoolers)

Friends of Five Rivers invites families with young children (ages 2-5) to register for Beautiful Day programs. Families gather from 10:00-11:30 a.m. once a week for the reading of a nature-themed story, then take part in theme-related activities. Take-home projects are included. Detailed information, including fees and how to register, is on Friends of Five Rivers' website. Space is available for November (3-day series), December (3-day series) and January/February (4-day series).

Thursdays, October 27 and November 3

4:30-5:30 p.m. - Outdoors After School

Join us after school to get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and have fun outdoors. We'll meet in front of the visitor center to head out for an adventure. Each week will have a different theme and will include time to explore. Come for as many sessions as you'd like, and dress for outdoor activity. For children in grades K-5 and their caregivers. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by the Monday prior to register.

Saturday, October 29

10:00 a.m. - Family Fun: Not-so-scary Animals

Snakes, spiders, and owls; whooo's your favorite? Join an educator for some sensational stories about why these animals are super, not scary! We'll also meet one of Five Rivers' ambassador animals up close.

2:00 p.m. - Family Fun: Halloween Nature Crafts

Make your own Halloween decorations, inspired by New York State's cool and creepy critters. We'll use some imagination and what nature provides to fashion bats, owls, and spider webs.

Saturday, November 5

10:00 a.m. - Family Fun: Featured Creatures

We have lots of wildlife at Five Rivers, and in the visitor center, we have some featured creatures. We provide food for them and clean their enclosures to make sure they are healthy. Join one of our dedicated naturalists to learn more about the animal-care process and the special considerations we make for these once wild animals. Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, November 2 to register.

Tuesday, November 8

7:00 p.m. - Full Moon Ramble

Take a break from Election Day news coverage and enjoy a moonlit guided walk at Five Rivers. Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 by Monday, November 7 to register or for more information. In the even of poor weather, this program will be canceled. 

Thursday, November 10

8:00 a.m. - I BIRD NY: Early Morning Bird Walk

Join us as we monitor the birds at Five Rivers. This outdoor survey begins at 8:00 a.m. Meet outside the visitor center. After a brief introduction, we'll head out on the trails. Beginners are welcome.

Learn about the newest addition to our bird feeding area (pictured here). Bring binoculars if you have them. We have a few to loan. In case of inclement weather, the program will be canceled. For more information, call 518-475-0291.