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 are partnering once again 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!

The Albany Nature Bus runs through October 5, 2024! Click below for the PDF schedules from CDTA.

Green Beaver Route to Five Rivers (Dates: 5/25, 6/8, 6/22, 7/6, 7/20, 8/3, 8/17, 8/31, 9/14, 9/28)
‍
Yellow Warbler Route to Thacher Park (Dates: 6/1, 6/15, 6/29, 7/13, 7/27, 8/10, 8/14, 9/7, 9/21, 10/5)

Your feeback is needed... take the Albany Nature Bus Survey!
‍‍

Schenectady Nature Bus

‍ECOS: the Environmental Clearinghouse and MHLC have teamed up with the CDTA to bring a limited Nature Bus trolley service to Schenectady! During three weekends this summer, enjoy free bus service and free programming at natural spaces within Schenectady County.

Schenectady Nature Bus 2024 service starts on Saturday, July 6 and runs every Saturday through September 7.
‍

CLICK HERE FOR SCHENECTADY NATURE BUS

Partner Programs - Albany

‍
SEPTEMBER

Saturday, September 7
Thacher Park
Marine Invertebrate Touch Tank. from 12 - 1 p.m.
Meet at the Thacher Visitor Center. Join educators from the Via Aquarium at this table where you can see an touch live sea creatures while learning about their ecology, anatomy, and conservation. No registration required

Saturday, September 7
Thacher Park
Fossil Hunting, from 1 - 2 p.m.
‍Search for real fossils while enjoying amazing views from the Escarpment Trail! This family-friendly program travels 0.5 miles over easy terrain. Note: Fossils may not be removed from the park. No registration required.
‍
Saturday, September 14
,Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Fall Festival, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Join us for the 42nd annual Fall Festival! Enjoy exhibitors, nature activities, food vendors, live music, and more!

Saturday, September 21
Thacher Park
Hawks Overhead! 12:30 - 4 p.m.
Thacher Park is a prime spot for viewing a variety of fall-migrating raptors. Drop by the Hawk Watch table to borrow a pair of binoculars and view these birds of prey. No registration required.

Saturday, September 21
Thacher Park
Watercolors: Getting Your Feet Wet, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Meet at the Thacher Nature Center, Ages 15+. ($20 fee)
Join artisit Diane Steele in this introduction to watercolor techniques and painting. All supplies will be provided. $20.00 per person cash due upon arrival. Please bring a lunch. We will break for lunch at noon. Registration is required. Call 518-872-0800.
‍
Saturday, September 28
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Family Fun: Pond Investigation, at 2 p.m.
There are so many animals hiding in the pond. What will we find? With some nets and careful looking we’ll see some of Five Rivers’ fascinating animals. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, Sept. 25.

OCTOBER

Saturday, October 5
‍Thacher Park
Fall Foliage Walk, 1 - 2 p.m.
‍Enjoy the fall colors and incredible views of the Hudson Valley on this guided hike. No registration required.

Saturday, October 5
‍Thacher Park
Spin to Win at the Thacher Visitor Center, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Spin the wheel and win a prize!

‍
‍

Albany Nature Bus Sponsors & Donors

Special thanks to the organizations who provide funding in 2024 to ensure this service is free including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Communication, Education and Engagement, Saratoga Capital District Regional State Parks Commission – The Centennial Access for All Campaign, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, and the Albany Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club.