Nature Bus
Connecting people to nature one stop at a time!
The 6th season of Nature Bus returns on Saturday, May 30.
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!
Albany Nature Bus Schedule & Locations
View 2026 CDTA Nature Bus Schedule
Green Beaver Route to Five Rivers:
May 30, June 13, 27; July 11, 25; August 8, 22; September 5, 19; and October 3
Yellow Warbler Route to Thacher Park:
June 6, 20; July 4, 18; August 1, 15, 29; September 12, 26; and October 10
2026 Partner Locations:
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.
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 - Free Programs
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Six Mile Waterworks
FREE Fishing Day
Additional details coming soon!
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Nature Bus Welcome Table: Turtle Time
10:00–11:30 AM
Drop in and meet Crane, Five Rivers’ curious ambassador box turtle. Create some turtle-inspired art while you’re here. Find us at the activity table outside of the visitor center. For all ages. Coming from the City of Albany? Ride the Nature Bus (Rt. 872) today!
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Celebrating Black Birders Week:
Birding at Tivoli Lake Preserve & Five Rivers
10:30 AM to mid-afternoon
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 (CDTA Rt. 872) 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 beautiful Five Rivers as we continue 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.
Space is limited. Call 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, May 27.
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Pond Adventure
2:00–3:30 PM
We will use maps to navigate our way to a pond while enjoying the sights and sounds of spring. Once there, we will use nets and buckets to explore what lives in a pond habitat. All ages.
Space is limited.
Call 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, May 27.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
Thacher State Park
Program details coming soon!
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Get Outside & Get Together Day
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The outdoors is for everyone! Join us as we highlight ways to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Take a hike, try out birding, and more. We’ll have a special focus on making the outdoors accessible to all, whether with adaptive equipment or specialized facilities and programs.
