On the first Saturday of each month, Rice Creek offers free, seasonal nature programs open to the public. October's program is part of our Junior Naturalist and Nature Discovery Series, open to everyone to attend.

October: Evening Bat Walk

Did you know that bats are the only mammal capable of true, powered flight? And flight is just the beginning of a bat's superpowers. Naturalist Tim McMonagle will lead an evening walk to look for bats, while also using a special device that detects bats' ultrasonic vocalizations and identifies them to species. Along the way, Tim will also provide information about bats, including their life history, amazing adaptations, and conservation needs.

Each participant should bring a head lamp or flashlight and sturdy walking shoes. Remember to dress for the weather and tick protection. An adult must accompany children under 17.

About the Junior Naturalist Series

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. 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.

Accessibility statement

We welcome people of all abilities to Rice Creek Field Station. Rice Creek's main building and parking areas are ADA accessible. The Purple Trail, scheduled to open in April 2026, is built to comply with U.S. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines. 

Although we strive to create inclusive programs, not all programs will be accessible to all individuals. Please reach out to us at rcfs@oswego.edu or (315) 312-6677 to inquire about accommodations. We would be happy to work with you.