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!
(Note: Schenectady Nature is not running in 2026.)
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, JUNE 6
Thacher State Park Visitor Center
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Nature Bus Welcome Table: Meet a Reptile
Stop by the Welcome Table to meet some of our ambassador reptiles and learn about the adaptations that help them to survive in the wild!
No registration required.
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.
Wild Play Thacher:
Special Promotion for Nature Bus Riders:
WildPlay Thacher is offering a special discount to Nature Bus riders. Use the promo code "NATURE BUS" for 20% off all activities at WildPlay Thacher!
This discount is available through October 10.
