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
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.
SATURDAY, August 29
Thacher State Park Visitor Center
Kalkberg Fossil Hunting, 2 - 3:15 PM
Search for realfossils while enjoying amazing views from the Escarpment Trail! This family-friendly program travels .5 miles over easy terrain. Note: all fossils found must remain in the park.
No registration required.
SATURDAY, September 5
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Late Bloomers: September’s Wildflowers! 10 - 11:30 AM
We'll explore the diverse native gardens at Five Rivers to see what’s blooming in September and who might be visiting them for their late-season harvest of nectar and pollen.
Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, September 2.
SATURDAY, September 5
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Walk on the Wild Side, 2 - 3:30 PM
Stretch your legs with a nature walk along the Big Pine Trail. This lesser-known section of Five Rivers offers peaceful surroundings along the Vlomankill stream, tucked into the shade of the forest. We’ll listen for migrating warblers in the evergreens and look for hints of autumn’s color beginning on broad-leaf trees.
Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, September 2.
SATURDAY, September 12
Thacher State Park Overlook
Helderberg Hawk Watch, 10 AM - 3 PM
(Accessible program)
Thacher Park's Overlook is a prime spot for viewing a variety of fall-migrating raptors. Get up-close with live raptor demonstrations, plus enjoy crafts, face painting, accessible seated birding, Annabel's Pizza & Uncle Ginos Italian Ice food trucks and more! There's something for everyone from novice to experienced birder at this family-friendly event. Girl Scouts can earn a Hawk Watch fun patch to celebrate Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend.
NOTE: this event is at the Overlook, which is a .7 mile walk one-way from the Visitor Center.
No registration required.
SATURDAY, September 19
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
FALL FESTIVAL, 10 AM - 4 PM
Join the fun at Five Rivers' Fall Fest. It’s a family-oriented environmental celebration featuring hands-on outdoor educational activities, interactive exhibits, guided walks, and more. Enjoy opportunities to meet live animals and explore staffed exhibits from a wide range of local conservation partners. We’ll have live music from local bands, food truck vendors, children’s crafts and games, and the Friends of Five Rivers Gift Shop. Held rain or shine!
No registration required.
SATURDAY, September 26
Thacher State Park Visitor Center
Gelli Printing Fall Leaves, 11 AM -12 PM and 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Learn the basics of Gelli printing with resident artist Diane Steele! We'll use easy techniques to paint beautiful fall-inspired pictures. Free program with all materials provided.
Registration encouraged. Call 518-872-0800.
SATURDAY, September 26
Thacher State Park Visitor Center
Marine Touch Tank, 1 - 2 PM
Join educators from Via Aquarium to see and touch live sea creatures while learning about their biology, anatomy, and conservation needs. Children must be supervised by an adult.
No registration required
SATURDAY, October 10
Thacher State Park Visitor Center
Geology Walk with Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten
(call for meeting time and location)
What makes Thacher Park's rocks world-famous? New York State Sedimentary Geologist Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten will reveal the stories hidden in our rocks on a hike across the park. Hike usually lasts about 3 hours and traverses a variety of terrain both on and off trail. Call for information about time and route.
Registration required. Call 518-872-0800.
