Participants Help with Stewardship Projects and Attend Educational Demonstrations to Celebrate New York Wildlife

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 4 invites the public to join in  'Wildlife Day' on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Albany County. 

Wildlife Day provides a perfect opportunity to participate in wildlife conservation service projects and educational workshops across the state, celebrating New York's diverse wildlife and habitats. The event, hosted in partnership with Parks and Trails New York, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, is part of the Love Our New York Lands Stewardship Days Campaign - an effort to encourage year-round stewardship and highlight the State’s outdoor recreation assets by offering a series of themed stewardship days throughout the year.  

Participant registration is currently open for Wildlife Day. New Yorkers are encouraged to join their community in a cleanup, enhancement, or educational event near them.   

DEC Region 4 is hosting the following opportunity for the public to participate in: 

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center 

Date: Oct. 4, 2025 

Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Contact: Five Rivers, (518) 475-0291 

Programming schedule:  

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Tick Talk 

Ticks may be encountered any time of year, but don’t let that stop you from spending time outdoors. Joellen Lampman from Cornell Cooperative Extension will share her expertise on the best ways to protect yourself and your family from ticks, whether in the woods or in your own yard. Indoor presentation followed by questions and answers. Registration is not required. 

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunchtime Learning—Living Responsibly with Wildlife 

Meet DEC Wildlife Biologist Sophia Brown who will share insights about living responsibly with wildlife and the best practices for preventing and addressing common nuisance wildlife concerns. She will discuss the biology and behavior of black bears, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, and other common New York wildlife. Bring your own lunch to enjoy during the presentation. Registration is not required. 

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Hands-On Habitat 

Join DEC and participants working in and around the gardens along Nature's Accessible Backyard Trail to improve habitat for wildlife at Five Rivers. Activities may include mulching the gardens, removing invasive plants, and more. Please bring garden gloves and wear sturdy close-toed shoes or boots. Bring your own refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat. All ages welcome! Space is limited. Register online at Parks and Trails NY. 

Coming from the City of Albany Ride the CDTA Nature Bus (Rt. 8722). October 4 is the final day of service for the 2025 Nature Bus season.