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 (exception for Oct 2024) 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:

October 2024: Owl Prowl. Join Mr. Tim on this unique evening program to learn about all about owls -- their amazing adaptations and how to identify local species by sight and sound. Then, we'll take an evening walk to listen and look for owls! Participants should bring a light source like a flashlight and dress in sturdy, waterproof shoes (such as rain boots) and wear warm layers. Unlike most Jr Naturalist programs, this will take place at 7:30 pm.

Upcoming themes:

• November 2024: "Pod critters" - sustainable crafts with seeds and pods
• December 2024: Everything Evergreens - identify our local evergreens and learn why they are important to animals and people
• January 2025: Feathered Friends - all about birds and how to identify them
• 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

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.