Black Birders Week 2023

Early Morning Bird Walk with Outdoor Afro: Albany and Upstate NY

Black Birders Week is an annual event that highlights and increases the visibility of Black nature enthusiasts and birders. This year's theme, Flying Full Circle, focuses on “how Black birders share their joy of birds through a variety of means of expression, history and culture, and community science.” Join Outdoor Afro: Albany and Upstate NY and Five Rivers staff for an early morning bird walk to celebrate Black Birders Week and expand your birding skills. 

Meet at the visitor center at 7:00 AM and be prepared to head out on the trails. Binoculars are available on-site if needed and all are welcome to attend this inclusive event. 

Register by texting Benita at 518-209-4797, or call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291.

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a statewide educational listening tour for the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. Overwhelmingly approved by voters last fall, the Bond Act prioritizes investments in environmental justice, climate change mitigation, shoreline restoration, flood resilience, water quality, open space land conservation, recreational resources, and green jobs. See the Governor's press release for more information.

The tour will provide an opportunity for the public and potential funding applicants to learn more about the Bond Act, and for the community to weigh in on the draft criteria developed to identify potential projects.

The first in-person session will be held May 30 at 1 p.m. at the University at Buffalo Center for Tomorrow - North Campus, 125 Service Center Road, Buffalo. To register, visit https://www.ny.gov/bondact. Additional meetings will be announced soon for Central New York, the Adirondacks, Upper and Lower Hudson Valley, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Long Island. Two virtual sessions will also be held.

Please join us for one of our Day of Safety workshops in Syracuse and Capital Region (Glenville), during which attendees will rotate through three stations covering important safety topics. Stations will be outside as weather allows, so please come dressed appropriately. All stations are demonstrations; this workshop does not include hands-on practice. The workshop is the same in both locations and attendees should attend either one or the other.

The 3 stations will be road side safety, aerial lift safety, and chainsaw safety.

Register online: https://nysufc.org/releaf-workshop-ny

Come celebrate the dawn chorus as we monitor the progression of spring bird migration. These outdoor surveys begin at 7:30 AM. Meet outside the visitor center. After a brief introduction, we’ll head out on the trails. Beginners are always welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them. In case of inclement weather, these programs will be canceled.

Please join us for one of our Day of Safety workshops in Syracuse and Capital Region (Glenville), during which attendees will rotate through three stations covering important safety topics. Stations will be outside as weather allows, so please come dressed appropriately. All stations are demonstrations; this workshop does not include hands-on practice. The workshop is the same in both locations and attendees should attend either one or the other.

The 3 stations will be road side safety, aerial lift safety, and chainsaw safety.

Join us after school to get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and have fun outdoors. We’ll meet in front of the visitor center to head out on an adventure. Each week will have a different theme and will include time to explore. Come for as many sessions as you’d like, and dress for outdoor activity.

 For children in grades K–5 and their caregivers. 

Participate in a free Beginner's Fishing Clinic hosted by NYSDEC at Kissena Lake, Kissena Park in Queens, Queens County on Thursday, 6/1 from 5 - 7 PM. 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! No freshwater fishing license is required during the event, and all equipment and bait will be provided for free.

Space is limited (first come, first served). Email for more information and weather related updates. 

Location/Address: Kissena Park, 160-2 Oak Ave, Queens, NY 11365 (N. shore of Kissena Lake near comfort station)

Visit the Free Learn to Fish page for more information and other upcoming events near you.

This calming walk will focus on the forest’s sounds, smells, and sights to promote relaxation while easing anxiety and stress. For adults and children ages 12 and older. 

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Registration is required for ALL programs unless otherwise indicated; call 716-683-5959 to register. 
• If you call outside of normal business hours, you will receive a call confirming your registration or waitlist status. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY when leaving your name and phone number as our system does not have caller ID. Unless you receive a callback, you are not registered. 
• Registration is limited to two programs/month. If you want to sign up for additional programs, you will be added to the waitlist. 
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
• If you or a family member feels ill, is waiting for COVID test results or have COVID symptoms, please stay at home.
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.
  

Let’s take a break from our busy lives and take a meandering walk through the woods, using all our senses to enjoy the beauty and tranquility. Any weather creates a beautiful and tranquil scene in the woods! No registration required.

We welcome those who have any type of physical challenge to all our programs. If you call ahead to let us know your needs, we will be happy to learn how we can serve you.

PLEASE NOTE

• Registration is required for ALL programs unless otherwise indicated; call 716-683-5959 to register. 
• If you call outside of normal business hours, you will receive a call confirming your registration or waitlist status. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY when leaving your name and phone number as our system does not have caller ID. Unless you receive a callback, you are not registered. 
• Registration is limited to two programs/month. If you want to sign up for additional programs, you will be added to the waitlist. 
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
• If you or a family member feels ill, is waiting for COVID test results or have COVID symptoms, please stay at home.
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.