Nature Bus
Connecting people to nature one stop at a time!
The 6th season of Nature Bus returns on Saturday, May 30.
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!
(Note: Schenectady Nature is not running in 2026.)
Albany Nature Bus Schedule & Locations
View 2026 CDTA Nature Bus Schedule
Green Beaver Route to Five Rivers:
May 30, June 13, 27; July 11, 25; August 8, 22; September 5, 19; and October 3
Yellow Warbler Route to Thacher Park:
June 6, 20; July 4, 18; August 1, 15, 29; September 12, 26; and October 10
2026 Partner Locations:
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.
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 - Free Programs
SATURDAY, JULY 11
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Explore Five Rivers at your own pace. Pick up a scavenger hunt activity list or a GOGO list at the visitor center before enjoying the trails.
SATURDAY, JULY 18
Thacher State Park Visitor Center
Summer Art Series: Painting Floral Wreaths in Watercolor
11:00am-12:00pm & 1:30pm-2:30pm
Have you always wanted to learn how to paint but don't know where to start? Join us for this introduction to basic painting techniques with artist in residence Diane Steele! We'll paint simple-yet-beautiful wildflower wreathes. All materials provided.
No registration required.
SATURDAY, JULY 18
Thacher State Park Visitor Center
Film Screening: The Extraordinary Caterpillar
1:30 pm-3:30 pm at the Visitor Center
Discover the dazzling world of caterpillars during a showing of The Extraordinary Caterpillar. Join Wild Ones and the Thacher Nature Center for this family-friendly event with a free showing of the movie along with kid-friendly crafts. Following the movie, join a nature educator for a guided bug exploration near the Visitor Center. All ages.Stop by the Welcome Table outside the Visitor Center to learn about our national bird: the Bald Eagle! See real eagle pellets, complete an eagle craft, and learn about this fierce bird's amazing conservation story.
No registration required.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Explore Five Rivers at your own pace. Pick up a scavenger hunt activity list or a GOGO list at the visitor center before enjoying the trails.
SATURDAY, August 1
Thacher State Park Visitor Center
Stop by the Welcome Table outside the Visitor Center to learn about our national bird: the Bald Eagle! See real eagle pellets, complete an eagle craft, and learn about this fierce bird's amazing conservation story.
No registration required.
SATURDAY, August 8
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
BUG Fest!
Summer is the ideal time to celebrate bugs, butterflies, beetles, and more with your friends at Five Rivers. There are so many to meet and greet in our gardens and fields. We’ll have a bug safari for kids, guided pollinator garden tours, a scavenger hunt, and bug crafts. Kids are encouraged to come in bug costume if they would like: Wear antennas, wings, or some extra legs… whatever feels like your inner bug. Join us to celebrate these little animals that make all life on earth possible!
No registration required.
Wild Play Thacher:
Special Promotion for Nature Bus Riders:
ALL SEASON LONG!
WildPlay Thacher is offering a special discount to Nature Bus riders. Use the promo code "NATURE BUS" for 20% off all activities at WildPlay Thacher!
This discount is available through October 10.
