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.

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

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 9
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
BUG FEST!
11 am - 2 pm
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‍Summer is the ideal time to celebrate bugs, butterflies, beetles, and more with your friends at Five Rivers. There are so many bugs to meet and greet in our gardens and fields. We’ll have a bug safari for kids, guided pollinator garden tours, scavenger hunt, and bug crafts. Kids are encouraged to come in bug costume if they would like: wear antennae, wings, or some extra legs… whatever feels like your inner bug! Join us to celebrate these little animals that make all life on earth possible!

Drop-in program: no registration required.

‍Saturday, August 30
Thacher Park
Harmony on the Hill
4 - 8 p.m.

Join us at the Visitor Center for live music by The Schramm Band, lawn games and more! No registration required.

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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