Enjoy the Outdoors at Five Rivers

Whether you take part in a guided program or explore the trails on your own, you're sure to enjoy 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 for state holidays. Public restrooms are available at the Guided School Program building from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

North Loop Trail Open - The North Loop Trail, closed since August, is now open though some sections remain muddy. Please use the newly-installed bog bridges to avoid walking in the mud in the worst sections. Expect mud if there has been recent heavy rain.

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.

Dogs and Other Pets: 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 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.

Saturday, December 2

10:00 a.m. — Calling All Scribblers!

Art and nature go together perfectly! We'll make nature journals using mostly recycled materials. To sharpen our senses, we'll play games and practice drawing what we see out on the trails. We will be indoors and outdoors for this program. For ages 7 and up, with an adult. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, November 29 to register.

2:00 p.m. — Jr Naturalist Snake Investigation

Curious about these misunderstood, slithering creatures? Meet Maisy the corn snake, a Five Rivers ambassador animal, and do some hands-on activities to find out what makes snakes such fascinating, important animals. We will be indoors and outdoors for this program. For ages 8 and up, with an adult. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, November 29 to register.

December 4-6

Visitor Center Closed; Trails Open

The visitor center will be closed Monday, December 4 through Wednesday, December 6 for staff training. Please enjoy the trails. Restrooms are available at the Guided School Program building, next door to the visitor center. 

Saturday, December 9

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — Teacher Workshop: Flying WILD

Are you looking to engage students in active learning during the depths of winter? Here's how: Flying WILD is an interdisciplinary workshop for teachers and educators that focuses on active demonstrations and stimulating investigations. Participants will receive a free Flying WILD Educator's Guide filled with activities correlated to New York State Learning Standards. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Tuesday, December 5 to register.

2:00 p.m. — How to Do It: Bird Watching

Take the I BIRD NY Birder's Challenge! Find 10 species of birds with the help of a Five Rivers naturalist and complete the Birder's Challenge. As a top destination on the New York State Birding Trail, Five Rivers is a great place to learn about birds and how to identify them. We'll spend time watching birds at the feeders and practice with our most common visitors.

Photo of Black-capped Chickadee courtesy of Scott Stoner.

Monday, December 11

10:00 a.m. — Mindfulness Monday

Slow down and engage with nature, experiencing it through all your senses during a guided walk inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing. The goal of this walk is to tune in to the present moment while immersing our senses in the sights and sounds of the forest. Appropriate for teens and adults. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 to register.

Tuesday, December 19

2:30 p.m. — Community Science Training: Winter Raptor Survey

The Winter Raptor Survey (WRS) is a bi-weekly survey conducted at Five Rivers during the winter as part of a northeastern U.S. community science project to monitor winter feeding areas of endangered raptor species. Volunteers meet at Five Rivers once or twice a month and spend an hour, centered around sunset, scanning for and recording raptor species on Five Rivers' grasslands. Participants do no have to attend every session but will need their own binoculars. Study dates are subject to change due to weather conditions. 

Join us on Tuesday, December 19, for a WRS training session from 2:30-3:30 p.m., followed by an outdoor survey from approximately 3:30-5:30 p.m. Tentative additional survey dates are January 9 and 23. Other dates will be announced as they are added.Registration is required. Call 518-475-0291 to register or for more information. Dress warmly!

Photo of Northern Harrier courtesy of Scott Stoner.

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!