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, MAY 24

Thacher Park
Live Birds of Prey, from 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
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‍Stop by the Visitor Center where wildlife rehabilitators will introduce you to live birds of prey. Binoculars will be available for visitors to borrow. No registration required.

‍SATURDAY, MAY 31

Six Mile Waterworks
Learn to Fish Clinic, from 10 AM - 3 PM

Learn how to fish at this FREE sport fishing clinic led by NYSDEC Bureau of Fisheries, Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, City of ALbany, and the Albany County Parks and Recreation Department.

In addition to casting a rod and catching fish, participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics, aquatic ecology, and more! All equipment and bait is provided. No prior experience needed. An event for all ages!
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*During this event no freshwater fishing licence is required.
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SATURDAY, MAY 31

Tivoli Lake Preserve and Five Rivers
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, May 28.

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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