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

‍
‍Connecting people to nature one stop at a time!
‍
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:
‍
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.
‍‍

Albany Nature Bus Programs

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

‍
SATURDAY, JULY 5:

Thacher Park Visitor Center
Meet a Reptile
Sat., July 5, from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 - 2:00 PM
‍
Meet at the Thacher Visitor Center. Join us for a 45-minute presentation to learn about the amazing world of reptiles! Meet our turtles, lizards, and snakes up close and learn about the adaptations that make them special. You can take the Nature Bus to this program! No registration required.
‍

‍SATURDAY, JULY 12

Five Rivers and Tivoli Lake Preserve
Saturday, July 12, from 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.
‍
Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, July 9.

‍
SATURDAY, JULY 19:

Thacher Park Visitor Center
Archery for Beginners
Sat., July 19, from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
‍
Try your hand at archery! Bow instructors will teach you how to safely handle a bow and arrow, and how to aim to hit your target. Best for ages 8 and up. No registration required.
‍
Thacher Park Visitor Center
Fish Quilling
Sat., July 19, from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Quilling is an art form using strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs. Join artist Diane Steele for this hands-on quilling craft celebrating aquatic habitats. No registration required.
‍

‍SATURDAY, JULY 26

Five Rivers and Tivoli Lake Preserve
Pondering Ponds
Saturday, July 26, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Did you know that there are 16 ponds at Five Rivers, and each one was built by human hands? This morning we’ll go on a walk to find many of these ponds, from the tiny “frog pond” on the accessible trail to Beaver Pond, the largest of them all. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, July 23.

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.
‍
‍Schenectady Nature Bus is on pause for the 2025 season.
‍

‍