Take a Break at Five Rivers

Wisk away the winter doldrums 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. A "Learn to snowshoe" program is scheduled for February 18.

Saturday, February 18

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 15 to register. The trail walk will be conducted without snowshoes if there is insufficient snow.

2:00 p.m. - I BIRD NY: The Galapagos, The Amazon, and Five Rivers

Do you know where birds that raise their young at Five Rivers live during the winter? We know many migrate south in the fall but to where? Where do they come from in the spring? Learn about these beautiful summer residents and their winter homes, and the fantastic migrations they take to get there. You will leave with a whole new appreciation for our birdlife and our connection with other parts of the world!

Thursday, February 23 and Thursday, March 23

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

Join us as we monitor the birds at Five Rivers. Meet outside the visitor center. After a brief introduction, we'll head out on the trails. Beginners are welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them. We have a few to loan. In case of inclement weather, this program will be canceled. For more information, please call 518-475-0291.

Saturdays, March 11, 18, and 25

1:30-3:30 p.m. - Maple Sugaring Open House Programs

Join us as we explore the sweeter side of Five Rivers! Drop in between 1:30-3:30 p.m. for an introduction to maple sugaring, from tap and sap to syrup. You'll get to twirl a brace and bit, pound a spile, inspect the sap flow, and enjoy the aroma of sap boiling in our evaporator. A local maple producer will be on site to answer questions and offer a variety of maple products for sale. Organized groups (such as Scout troops), please call 518-475-0291. 

Community Science Opportunities

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 February 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! 

Bluebird Nest Box Monitoring

Volunteers help us monitor the breeding success of the bluebirds at Five Rivers. We welcome new and experienced volunteers each year. Regular monitoring takes place on Wednesday mornings from March through August. Dress for outdoor activity, including long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy footwear.

Wednesday, March 1, 9:00-10:00 a.m. - Join us for an orientation session for new volunteers to review the natural history of the Eastern Bluebird and other cavity-nesting species, as well as why and how we monitor bluebird nest boxes. Returning volunteers are encouraged to attend and share their expertise and love of community science with new volunteers.

Wednesday, March 1, 10:00 a.m. - The first day of monitoring will be March 1, immediately following the new volunteer orientation. Thereafter, monitoring will take place each Wednesday morning. We start earlier in the day as the weather gets warmer.

Registration is required. Please call 518-475-0291 or email Five Rivers for more information or 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. Registration is required. See Friends of Five Rivers website for detailed information and an online registration form. 

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.

Share Your Thoughts About the Nature Bus

Did you ride the Nature Bus from the City of Albany to natural areas in Albany County in 2022? You can help Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, and partners plan for the 2023 Nature Bus by completing a short online survey by February 28. Tell us whether you used this free service, what you liked about it, and how it could be improved.