December 2025: Owl Prowl

Join Rice Creek's Mr. Tim for an evening Owl Prowl! We will start off inside, learning about owls and their unique adaptations, before hitting the trails to search for owls by sight and sound. Participants should wear boots and appropriate clothing as winter trails can be muddy and icy. Each participant should also bring a light source, such as a flashlight or headlamp. 

About the Junior Naturalist Program Series

Budding junior naturalists and their families are invited for monthly themed programs at Rice Creek Field Station, involving nature walks and related activities. Rice Creek's environmental educators 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 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. Attendees should dress to be comfortable for about 1.5 hours spent both indoors and outdoors. Rain or other waterproof boots are highly encouraged in late fall, winter, and spring due to variable and muddy trail conditions.

Upcoming & Past Themes

Upcoming themes:

• January 2026: Sustainable Art - Pod critter Workshop
• February 2026: Exploring Snowshoes - Animal Adaptation and Human Invention
• March 2026: Marvelous Maple - Tapping and tasting
• April 2026: Busy Beavers
• May 2026: Wildflowers and Edible Plants
• June 2026: Frog & Toad Fiesta - Evening Program

Past themes:

• August 2025: Afloat on the Pond: Exploring Pond Life from Canoe & Kayak
• September 2025: Fall Foragers (canceled)
• October 2025: Evening Bat Walk
• November 2025: Canceled due to power outage

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.