The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Region 4 Office, is hosting ‘Get Outdoors & Get Together Day’ on June 14 at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Albany County, and North-South Lake Campground and Day Use Area, Greene County. 

Get Outdoors & Get Together Day brings people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for fun, healthful activities as part of Governor Kathy Hochul's efforts to broaden the diversity of users and ensure inclusivity of access to public lands. This year’s statewide event is hosted by DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, in partnership with the Office of the Chief Disability Officer, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Veterans' Services, the Office of Mental Health, and the Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs. Full details, including schedules, can be found on DEC's website. 

DEC Region 4 is offering the following free opportunities for the public: 

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center

Delmar, Albany County 

Date: June 14, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Location: 56 Game Farm Rd, Delmar, NY 12054 

Contact: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, (518) 475-0291 

Free activities include:

• Nature-inspired crafts, games and activities: Nature trivia, trail detectives activity, Leave No Trace^TM scavenger hunt, origami animals and more;
• Bird migration game and binocular challenge;
• Inflatable archery range (activity is limited to ages 8+);
• Hiking safety with the DEC Forest Rangers;
• Accessible outdoor recreation equipment demonstrations;
• Friends of Five Rivers gift shop;
• Tick prevention 101;
• Hiking the Adirondacks information table;
• NYS Department of Veterans’ Services Mobile Outreach Van; and,
• Organizations with Information/Activity Tables: DEC; OPWDD, OMH, NYS Justice Center and TRAID (Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities), Department of Veterans’ Services, Adirondack Mountain Club, Audubon Society of the Capital Region, Bethlehem Public Library, Cornell Integrated Pest Management, Center for Disability Services, Friends of Five Rivers, Girl Scouts of Northeastern NY, Mohawk Hudson Land 

Guided programs (meet in front of the Visitor Center):

• 11 m.: A Bird Walk for Everyone – Nature’s Accessible Backyard Trail
• 1 m.: A Bird Walk for Everyone – Nature’s Accessible Backyard Trail 

General information table:

• Grab some Adventure NY gear (while it lasts!);
• Pick up a passport – get 10 stamps to earn a prize!; and,
• Try out a mobility device – available for use at Five Rivers. 

Visitor Center:

• Explore the exhibits; and,
• Visit the Ambassador Animals: Argo, Crash, Slick and Crane. 

Accessible features at this site: Visitor center with interpretive exhibits, classrooms, and restrooms, hiking trail, wildlife viewing platform, and picnic pavilion. 

Transportation to this event: The CDTA Nature Bus is offering free transportation to Five Rivers on its Route 872 Beaver Line. The bus makes several local stops from Albany to the Five Rivers and is free to the public.

North-South Lake Campground and Day Use Area

Haines Falls, Greene County 

Date: June 14, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Location: County Route 18, Haines Falls, NY 12436

Contact: Jessie Swinehart, jessie.swinehart@dec.ny.gov 

Free activities include:

• Fishing with adaptive equipment available; and,
• Archery (activity is limited to ages 8+, adaptive equipment available). 

Accessible features at this site: Fishing/wildlife viewing platform, picnic pavilions, beach access route, and restrooms. All activities at this location are ADA accessible and offer adaptive equipment for those who need it. 

All events will be held rain or shine. Equipment will be provided for archery and fishing activities. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own snacks, water, and sunblock. Participants are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands all year by practicing Leave No Trace™ principles and by recreating safely and sustainably and hiking in suitable conditions based on weather and experience level. 

Visit DEC’s website for more information on Get Outdoors & Get Together Day.