Budding junior naturalists and their families are invited for monthly themed programs at Rice Creek Field Station, involving nature walks and related activities. Environmental educators, current/retired K-12 teachers, will be your guides to exploring the change of seasons, animals and plants, habitats and natural communities of Rice Creek Field Station, a 350-acre natural area and wildlife preserve operated by SUNY Oswego.

Programs typically take place on the first Saturday of each month at 10 am and last around 1.5 hours. Once children attend 5 programs, they will be inducted as a "Rice Creek Junior Naturalist."

Participation is free for children and their families, and all are welcome. Please note that children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Children should dress to be comfortable for about 1.5 hours spent both indoors and outdoors. Rain boots are highly encouraged in late fall, winter, and spring due to variable and muddy trail conditions.

Monthly themes:

February 2025: Exploring Snowshoes. Snowshoes are essential for both humans and animals navigating the outdoors in winter. This program will cover snowshoes -- including types and their history, and the animals that use 'snowshoes,' too. Then, we'll take a winter walk on snowshoes, looking for tracks and other signs of winter animals. A limited number of child- and youth-sized snowshoes are available to borrow, free of charge. Plenty of adult-sized snowshoes are available to borrow, also free of charge. Please wear sturdy boots (snow boots or hiking boots) for snowshoeing. If snow cover is insufficient for snowshoeing, we will go on a boot walk.

Upcoming themes:

• February 2025: Exploring Snowshoes (& the animals that use 'snowshoes,' too!)
• March 2025: Marvelous Maple - tap a tree and try sap and syrup while learning all about maple

Past themes:

• April 2024: Woodpecker Wander
• May 2024: May Flowers
• June 2024: Pondering Pond Life
• July 2024: The Ways and Whys of Butterflies
• August 2024: Frog Fiesta
• September 2024: Leaf Printing
• October 2024: Owl Prowl
• November 2024: Pod Critters: Sustainable Art
• December 2024: Exploring Evergreens
• January 2025: Feathered Friends

For more information on Rice Creek Field Station, please visit oswego.edu/rice-creek. Program questions can be directed to rcfs@oswego.edu or 315.312.6677.