Outdoor Fun for Everyone!

Get outdoors at 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 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

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. Service animals helping their companion are welcome. (Note that emotional support animals are not service animals.)

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 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. No snowshoes will be rented 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. "Learn to snowshoe" programs are scheduled for January 21 and February 4 and 18.

Winter Birdseed Sale

Friends of Five Rivers is offering a winter birdseed sale. Order online, or print the order form from the website and mail in your order. The deadline for all orders is Friday, January 20. Orders will be available for pickup on Friday, February 3 from 3-5 p.m., and on Saturday, February 4 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. We are unable to store birdseed for later pickup. Please call Friends of Five Rivers at 518-475-0295 if you have any questions.

Community Science Opportunity: Winter Raptor Survey

The Winter Raptor Survey is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Five Rivers and the wildlife that live here while helping biologists save these inspiring birds. Outdoor surveys occur every other week (weather permitting) throughout the winter. They start 30 minutes before sunset and end 30 minutes after. Volunteers meet at the visitor center and walk in teams to monitoring sites at Five Rivers. Volunteers do not need experience or to make a winter-long commitment. Study dates are subject to last-minute changes due to weather conditions. Tentative survey dates are January 24, February 7 and 21, and March 7 and 21.

Pre-registration is required. Call 518-475-0291 or email Five Rivers for more information or to register. Dress warmly!

Saturday, January 21

10:00 a.m., repeated at 2:00 p.m. - How to Do It: Learn to Snowshoe

Learn the basics of snowshoeing: how to put snowshoes on (and take them off), walk, and turn. Then we'll go outside and put our new skills to work on a short walk. Snowshoe rental fees are waived for this program. Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, January 18 to register. The trail walk will be conducted without snowshoes if there is insufficient snow.

Saturday, January 28

10:00 a.m. - Calling All Trail Detectives

Wondering who made that line of tracks in your backyard last night? Let's untangle the mystery together! We'll follow tracks, investigate scat, and use our senses to explore mini mysteries on the trail. For ages 7 and up with an adult. Younger siblings are welcome. Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, January 25 to register.

Saturday, February 4

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

Learn the basics of snowshoeing: how to put snowshoes on (and take them off), walk, and turn. Then we'll go outside and put our new skills to work on a short walk. Snowshoe rental fees are waived for this program. Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, February 1 to register. The trail walk will be conducted without snowshoes if there is insufficient snow.

4:00 p.m. - Family Fun/I BIRD NY: Meet Argo, then Take an Owl Prowl!

First meet Argo, our barred owl. Learn about some of the many adaptations that allow owls to live in our area. Then take a walk outside to find out which owls are active. You might be surprised to discover that February is a very active time for many of them. We'll also learn to recognize owl calls, so next time you hear one you'll know WHOOO is calling! Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, February 1 to register.

Friends of Five Rivers Programs:

Talk and Trek (for adults)

Adults are invited to join Friends of Five Rivers educators for a short series of outdoor lessons exploring natural history. Three programs are offered this winter: Growths Called Galls, Exploring Winter, and Tree ID by Buds and Scars. Registration is required. See Friends of Five Rivers website for detailed information and an online registration form. 

Maple Sugaring at Home (for all ages)

Learn how to make maple syrup at home in time for the sap run. Spend an hour with a Friends naturalist learning how to identify a maple tree, tap a spile, and collect sap. View one method for evaporating sap to syrup at home and ask questions before leaving with a spile and a smile. Pre-registration is required. Visit Friends of Five Rivers website for more information or to register.

Snow Snake (for all ages)

Space is available for the snow snake programs on February 21. Learn what a snow snake is, and begin the process of making one of your own. Bring your finished snow snake back on race day (February 23) and try it out against other snow snakes. Registration is required. Learn more and register on the Friends of Five Rivers website.

Friends of Five Rivers Annual Meeting

Friends of Five Rivers' annual membership meeting will be held on Saturday, February 11 from 3-5 p.m. in person at the visitor center at Five Rivers Environmental Education Centre. A Zoom option is available.

An opening reception with light fare will be followed by a short business meeting. The highlight of the meeting will be guest speaker Mark King. Mr. King has been the Executive Director of the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy since 2013. A life-long resident of the Capital District, he is passionate about sharing an appreciation for the natural beauty of the area by helping to conserve our open spaces. 

All are welcome to attend this meeting. Friends' members in good standing will be allowed to vote on business matters (new Board members and Bylaw amendments). Registration is requested. Please register online.

Share Your Thoughts About the Nature Bus

Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy and CDTA have created an online survey to gather input about the Nature Bus, a free service that provides transportation from Albany to a variety of natural areas, including Five Rivers, on Saturdays during the summer. Please access the survey and share your thoughts.