Playful graphic art of blue bus driving away from Albany skyline towards nature scene, cute yellow and purple butterflies, multi shaded green grasses, and a teal colored stream.

Nature Bus

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‍Connecting people to nature one stop at a time!
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Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy and CDTA have partnered to connect Albany City residents to nature. This free bus service brings you to popular outdoor locations where you can enjoy free programming on most weekends. Take a guided walk, try out bird identification, or simply get to know nature... there’s so much to do!

2025 service runs Saturday, May 24 through Saturday, October 4.

CDTA BUS SCHEDULES:
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Yellow Warbler Route: May 24, June 7, 21, July 5, 19, August 2, 16, 30, and September 13, 27

Green Beaver Route: May 31, June 14, 28, July 12, 26, August 9, 23, September 6, 20, October 4

NYSDEC’s Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Visitor center with interactive exhibits, guided nature programs, 10 miles of trails, no dogs.

‍Albany Pine Bush Preserve’s Six Mile Waterworks
‍Fishing docks, picnic tables and grills, a playground, bathrooms, and trails.

John Boyd Thacher State Park
Waterfalls, trails, and impressive views of the Hudson Valley near the interactive Visitor Center.

‍Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm
‍1.3-mile trail; kiosks with map at both entrances. Leashed dogs welcome. Do not disturb animals.

Fisher Trail at Five Rivers (in partnership with MHLC)
‍Accessible trail, connects to Five Rivers’ larger trail system, no dogs.

Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail
9.8-mile paved, shared-use path (non-motorized) from Albany’s South End to Voorheesville.
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Albany Nature Bus Programs

To see the complete Five Rivers Public Programs & Events Schedule, visit their website.

‍SATURDAY, JUNE 14:

‍Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Get Outside and Get Together Day
Sat., June 14, from 10 AM - 2 PM
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The annual Get Outdoors & Get Together Day aims to bring people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for fun, healthful activities as part of the Governor's initiative to Get Offline, Get Outside, and to ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands. Participants will discover new skills and enjoy a range of outdoor recreation activities!
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SATURDAY, JUNE 21:

Thacher Park Visitor Center
Sat., June 21, from 11 AM - 2 PM
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Happy Summer Solstice! Stop by the Visitor Center to create a masterpiece using Sun Print paper and different items found in nature. No registration required.
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‍SATURDAY, JULY 12

Five Rivers and Tivoli Lake Preserve
10:30 AM to mid-afternoon
Celebrating Black Birders Week: Birding at Tivoli Lake Preserve and Five Rivers

‍Enjoy a short walk to look at birds at Tivoli Lake Preserve in Albany, then travel to Five Rivers for free on the Nature Bus for more birding. Meet in the parking area on Livingston Avenue near Judson Street in Albany to begin. Pack a picnic lunch to eat at Five Rivers as wecontinue our bird walk. We’ll ride the Nature Bus back to Albany when we are finished. Bring binoculars if you have them. A limited supply will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Led by Five Rivers staff and community members.
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Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, July 9.

Albany Nature Bus Sponsors & Donors

Special thanks to the organizations who provide funding in 2025 to ensure this service is free including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Communication, Education and Engagement, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, Fenimore Asset Management, the Natural Heritage Trust courtesy of the Saratoga Capital District Regional State Parks Commission’s Access for All Campaign, and Fenimore Asset Management.

Schenectady Nature Bus

ECOS: the Environmental Clearinghouse and MHLC teamed up with the CDTA to bring Nature Bus service to Schenectady. Thank you to our donors and volunteers for your involvement in 2023 and 2024.
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‍Schenectady Nature Bus is on pause for the 2025 season.
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