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 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:

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.


Albany Nature Bus Programs

To see the complete Five Rivers Public Programs & Events Schedule, visit their website.

SPECIAL PROMOTION: Nature Bus riders can use the promo code "NATURE BUS" for 20% off all activities at
WildPlay Thacher!



Saturday, September 13
Thacher Park
Hawk Watch - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM


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, Buena Comida and Uncle Gino's Italian Ice food trucks and more! There's something for everyone from novice to experienced birder at this family-friendly event.

Saturday, September 13
Thacher Park
Printing Feathers - 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM & 2:00 - 3:30 PM


Join Thacher's artist in residence Diane Steele for a day of art! In honor of Hawk Watch, we'll use feathers to create expressive prints. Ideal for ages 8+ but open to all. No registration required for this free program.

Saturday, September 20
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Fall Festival - 10:00 AM  - 4 PM

Join the fun - interactive exhibits, live music, and hands on activities including nature crafts!

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.

Schenectady Nature Bus is on pause for the 2025 season.