Events and Important Dates

Family Field Trips

Enhance your family’s scientific learning this winter by scheduling a Family Fieldtrip to Five Rivers! Meet a Friends naturalist to head afield for one of four offerings: Animal Tracking, Snowman Birdfeeders, Snowshoeing, and Sap to Syrup. (Sap to Syrup is offered in March only and runs at additional times. See Registration Form for details.)
Who: Families or friend groups (maximum 8 participants Friends naturalist)
* 2 adults required on every fieldtrip
What: Nature field trip; visit www.FriendsofFiveRivers.org for topics and outing descriptions
When: 10:00–11:30 AM or 1:30–3:00 PM on Mondays (begins January 4)
Where: In person at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Fee: $10 for members/$15 for non-members
Questions: Contact Nancy at gsp5rivers@outlook.com for further information
Registration: www.FriendsofFiveRivers.org

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

  Guided School Program

Actively engage your entire class in the discovery process through hands-on experiences and minds-on investigation at Five Rivers. Our classroom is the great outdoors! During January and February, learn about animal adaptations and winter survival as we explore animal tracks and scat in a variety of habitats. In March, join us for a one-hour Marvelous Maples lesson where you will learn the sappy secret of syrup! For additional program details, visit the Friends website at www.FriendsOfFiveRivers.org.
Who: Schools/home schools (maximum daily participants: 30 students with 6 school chaperones, divided into 10-student, 2-chaperon groups.)

Animal Adaptations 10:00 AM–12:00 PM on Mondays (January 4, 11, 25; February 1, 8)
Where: In person at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Fee: $50 per group of 10 students with 2 school chaperones
Registration: www.FriendsofFiveRivers.org, go to School Programs tab

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Family Field Trips

Enhance your family’s scientific learning this winter by scheduling a Family Fieldtrip to Five Rivers! Meet a Friends naturalist to head afield for one of four offerings: Animal Tracking, Snowman Birdfeeders, Snowshoeing, and Sap to Syrup. (Sap to Syrup is offered in March only and runs at additional times. See Registration Form for details.)
Who: Families or friend groups (maximum 8 participants Friends naturalist)
* 2 adults required on every fieldtrip
What: Nature field trip; visit www.FriendsofFiveRivers.org for topics and outing descriptions
When: 10:00–11:30 AM or 1:30–3:00 PM on Mondays (begins January 4)
Where: In person at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Fee: $10 for members/$15 for non-members
Questions: Contact Nancy at gsp5rivers@outlook.com for further information
Registration: www.FriendsofFiveRivers.org

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.  

Families with young children (pre-school) will accompany naturalists on interactive, themed discovery walks around Five Rivers. Activity pages will be sent home each week to create an expanding journal. Pre-registration is required. Contact Nancy Payne by email at nancy.payne@dec.ny.gov for further information or visit FriendsofFiveRivers.org to register.
Who: Preschool-aged children and parents or adult caregivers; older siblings welcome!
Maximum Group Size: 2 families / naturalist
When: 10:30–11:30 AM or 12:30–1:30 PM on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for four weeks.
Where: In person at Five Rivers
Fee: $15 for members; $20 for non-members – fee includes materials

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking public input on the development of a draft Recreation Management Plan (RMP) for the Three Lakes Tract Conservation Easement, a privately-owned conservation easement encompassing approximately 3,350 acres in the town of Webb, Herkimer County. DEC is encouraging the public to share comments until Jan. 13, 2021.

Members of the public are encouraged to provide DEC with suggestions and comments relating to development of the Three Lakes Tract RMP. Comments should be submitted by Jan. 13, 2021, to:

Matthew Nowak, Environmental Program Specialist

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

7327 State Route 812

Lowville, New York 13367

email: r6.ump@dec.ny.gov

Information relating to the Three Lakes Tract Conservation Easement is available on the DEC website. The tract is shown on the "Independence River Wild Forest Map East."

Families with young children (pre-school) will accompany naturalists on interactive, themed discovery walks around Five Rivers. Activity pages will be sent home each week to create an expanding journal. Pre-registration is required. Contact Nancy Payne by email at nancy.payne@dec.ny.gov for further information or visit FriendsofFiveRivers.org to register.
Who: Preschool-aged children and parents or adult caregivers; older siblings welcome!
Maximum Group Size: 2 families / naturalist
When: 10:30–11:30 AM or 12:30–1:30 PM on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for four weeks.
Where: In person at Five Rivers
Fee: $15 for members; $20 for non-members – fee includes materials

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.

Winter Tree Buds and Scars

Winter offers an unobscured view of tree buds and scars, two identifying features of trees. Each week we will head out to investigate a tree or two lining our path. Could they be the same ones lining your street? Join us to find out!
Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy walking shoes/boots, and pack a snack. If needed, snowshoes will be provided. Meet at Five Rivers’ Guided School Program Building.
Contact Nancy Conway by email at gsp5rivers@outlook.com or visit FriendsofFiveRivers.org to register.
For: Adults (6 maximum participants)
Where: In person at Five Rivers
Fee: $35 for members; $55 for non-members

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.

Thursday, January 7 and 14, 9:00 AM
Guided Walk: PANDEMIC PERAMBULATING
Stuck indoors with the pandemic getting you down? Get up and get out! Join us for an easy-paced walk to get some fresh air and enjoy a little socially distant company. Dress for the weather. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by the Monday prior to register. In the event of severe weather, these programs may be canceled.

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.

Exploring Winter Life and Activity

Winter is a wonderful time to explore the lives of insects, birds, mammals, trees, and weeds. With Donald W. Stokes’ A Guide to Nature in Winter as our escort, let’s head outdoors to discover life under, in, and above the snow. Each week, participants will prepare for our walk by reading a general information section, usually two to three pages. When we head afield, we will hunt for examples of the subject matter and delve into its unique characteristics, history, and identification.
Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy walking shoes/boots, and pack a snack. If needed, snowshoes will be provided. Meet at Five Rivers’ Guided School Program Building.
Contact Nancy Conway by email at gsp5rivers@outlook.com or visit FriendsofFiveRivers.org to register.
For: Adults (6 maximum participants)
Where: In person at Five Rivers
Fee: $35 for members; $55 for non-members

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.

Calling all young adventurers and adult partners! Head afield with a Friends naturalist in Week 1 to learn basic map and compass skills needed to find an undisclosed location and hidden object. Repeat the process in Weeks 2 and 3 until you feel comfortable with your newfound skills. On Weeks 4 and 5, head off on your own to find the final two pieces to the puzzle.
For: Elementary-aged children and adult partners
Where: In person at Five Rivers
Fee: members $35, non-members $55
(fee includes materials)
Contact Nancy Conway by email at gsp5rivers@outlook.com or visit FriendsofFiveRivers.org to register.

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.

How to Do It: Learn to Snowshoe
Never tried snowshoeing before? Here is your chance to go over the basics of how to put snowshoes on (and take them off), walk, and turn. We'll be outside for the entire program putting your new skills to work. Snowshoe rental fees are waived. This program will be conducted on foot if there is insufficient snow. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, January 13, to register.

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.

Enjoy a short walk to search for birds foraging on the trail following an outdoor demonstration on winter bird-feeding tips.

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

• Pre-registration is required for ALL programs; call 716-683-5959 to register for an in-person program. For virtual programs, please register online at www.reinsteinwoods.org/events.
• You must pre-register by phone; 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 for popular programs is limited to 3 people per party.
• All participants are required to wear a mask; social distancing of 6 feet or more will be practiced whenever possible. 
• In case of poor weather, programs may be cancelled.
• We cannot accommodate organized youth/civic groups at these programs. Please call to make other arrangements.

Family Fun: What's That?
Ever wondered what that long line in the snow was or why there is a pile of seeds in one spot? Come explore the under-the-snow world of field mice and meadow voles at Five Rivers. We will search out their long-spanning highways and look for tracks of activity on this easy one-mile trek around the property. Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, January 13, to register.

For the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers, and in compliance with guidance from New York State, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing practices must be followed. Masks must be worn throughout guided programs, while at a roving program, and on the trails whenever a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained between individuals or households.