Spring Peepers are Calling at Five Rivers

A sure sign of spring, the chorus of spring peepers (PDF) can be heard across 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.

Wednesday, April 12

8:00 p.m. - I BIRD NY: Woodcock Walk

American Woodcocks are among the first of the spring migrants to arrive in our area. Five Rivers is a perfect place to observe and learn about these delightful and quirky birds. Come see them perform flight displays, followed by their show-stopping dance moves. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 to register by Monday, April 10.

Monday-Friday, April 10-14: Spring School Break Programs

10:00 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - Storytime

Join us for story time and meet one of our ambassador animals. Suitable for all ages. Meet Crane the box turtle on Monday, Argo the Barred Owl on Wednesday, and on Friday meet Crash and Slick, the pond turtles.

10:00 a.m., Tuesday and Thursday - Spring-inspired Crafts

Make a spring-inspired craft and take a guided walk on one of our trails. Suitable for all ages. 

2:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday - Spring Treasure Hunt

Try our spring treasure hunt, woodpecker-style! What's more fun than searching for woodpeckers as we hide and seek for treasures in nature's nooks and crannies? We'll use a map and pirate skills to see if "X" really does mark the spot. Suggested for ages 7 and up, younger siblings welcome.

Saturday, April 15

10:00 a.m. - Family Fun: Hop into Spring

From frogs to rabbits, we'll look for signs of hopping animals at Five Rivers on this nature walk for young children and families. Get ready to move, jump, wonder, and explore as spring emerges at Five Rivers. Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, April 12.

2:00 p.m. - Parenting Like a Blue Jay

Spring brings baby animals. Successful parenting of young comes in many styles, depending on the species. We'll explore the natural history of parenting in some of New York's wild animals, from blue jays to bobcats. Indoor program followed by a short walk. This program is geared toward older children (ages 8 and up) and adults, but attentive younger naturalists may attend. Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, April 12.

Photo courtesy of Scott Stoner.

Thursday, April 20

7:30 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.

Saturday, April 22: Earth Day!

10:00 a.m. - Earth Day, Every Day (drop-in activities)

There are so many ways we can live more simply while caring for the Earth. Stop by the visitor center this Earth Day and get your hands messy making recycled paper, native seed balls, or a recycled bottle composter. While you're here, check out our working worm composting bin and find new ways we can make it Earth Day every day. For all ages.

2:00 p.m. - Grow Your Garden from Seeds

Starting plants from seeds can be deeply satisfying, and it's not too late to get many types of plants started for spring planting. We'll review the basics of starting seeds under grow lights, including equipment needed and timelines for growing a variety of vegetables and flowers. Appropriate for adults and teens. Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, April 19. 

Wednesday, April 26 and Thursday, April 27

5:00-7:30 p.m. (both evenings) - Educator Workshop: Project WET

Project WET (Water Education Today) is a hands-on curriculum developed specifically for teachers by teachers and experts in the field to teach students about water. During the workshop, we'll participate in some of the activities and discuss how they can be used to build an understanding of water and its effect on our lives. Curriculum guides (400-plus pages) are provided free to participants. They contain interactive simulations and demonstrations that allow students to explore everything from physical properties of water and resource management to cultural connections. Registration is required. Participants must attend both evenings. Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 for more information, and to register by Friday, April 21.

Friends of Five Rivers Programs:

Member Appreciation Walks

Members of Friends of Five Rivers are invited to join a Friends naturalist for a one-hour guided nature walk free of charge. April is a wonderful time to head afield to discover all that is springing up. Walks are offered on April 11, 12, and 13 at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., and on April 21 at 6:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Visit Friends of Five Rivers website for further information or to register. 

Summer Nature Weeks (for children ages 2-8 and their caregivers)

Three one-week sessions introduce children and their caregivers to fun ways to explore the outdoors together, under the guidance of a Friends of Five Rivers educator. Registration is required. See Friends of Five Rivers website for detailed information, including dates, fees, and an online registration form. 

Summer Employment Opportunities

Would you like to work in New York State's beautiful Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves this summer?

2023 Summer Camps Program

We are actively recruiting Directors, Assistant Directors, Waterfront Directors, Cooks, Nurses, EMTs, Counselors, and Camp Aides for the 2023 Summer Camps Program. All positions offer competitive salaries, plus room and board for the summer. Employment at camps begins in mid-June and ends mid-August.

Locations of DEC Summer Camps:

• Camp Colby in Saranac Lake;
• Camp Pack Forest in Warrensburg; and
• Camp Rushford in Caneadea

DEC Summer Camps combine environmental education, hunter education, and outdoor recreation to create an adventurous experience for youth. Camp staff engage campers in ecological principles such as field, forest, aquatic, wildlife, and human impact and outdoor skills including backpacking, camping, and canoeing. Learn more about the employment opportunities and how you can apply to work at DEC Environmental Education Camps.

DEC Campgrounds and Day-use Areas

Be a part of a team that helps vacationers enjoy the great outdoors in the Catskill Forest Preserve and Adirondack Park. Positions available include Lifeguard, Maintenance, Security, Supervisor, and more! Some positions start as early as May, but varying start dates can be accommodated based on school and work schedules.

For more information on available positions or to apply for a position call 518-457-2500, e-mail campinfo@dec.ny.gov, or visit the Campground Seasonal Employment webpage on DEC's website.

Lifeguard Positions

Seasonal lifeguard positions are available at DEC campgrounds. The current hourly starting rate for New York State lifeguards is $20 an hour, and most DEC facilities offer free housing or site accommodations.

Candidates who qualify will be considered for employment. The qualifying procedure consists of two parts: a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) skills component; and a water skills evaluation. Candidates may attend the qualifying location most convenient to them and the results will be forwarded to their preferred work location. 

At the time of employment, all DEC lifeguards must:

• Be at least 15 years old;
• Possess a valid certification in Waterfront Skills, Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent;
• Successfully completed the New York State lifeguard qualifying procedure;
• Submitted a current New York State DEC medical form stating the candidate's physical ability to perform lifeguard duties;
• Meet the vision requirement of 20/70 uncorrected in both eyes and be correctable to the 20/40 standard. Candidates tested at a vision level below 20/40 in either one or both eyes must correct to a minimum of 20/40 with 20/20 preferred;
• Completed a personal interview with DEC; and
• Attended a DEC lifeguard orientation.

For more information, updates, or to pre-register, call 518-457-2500 ext. #1, e-mail Info.Lifeguard@dec.ny.gov, or visit the Lifeguard Positions webpage on DEC's website.

DEC State Land Kiosk Survey Underway

Posters like the one pictured are going up at area fishing access sites and state land trails to engage the public in sending us their opinions about trailhead kiosks. Simply scan the QR code on the poster and it will take you to the survey. 

By taking the survey, participants will be entered into the survey sweepstakes. Each month from January 2023 through January 2024, one lucky winner's name will be pulled randomly from survey responses received that month. The winner receives a free subscription to DEC's Conservationist magazine and a $50 gift card to a sporting goods store. 

Take our survey today!