On the first Saturday of each month, Rice Creek offers free, seasonal nature programs open to the public. The 10:30 a.m. program is offered through our Junior Naturalist series for children and their families. 1 p.m. program is open to everyone and geared at a general audience.

This February, join naturalist Tim McMonagle for a program and walk 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 of use, and the animals that use "snowshoes" too. Then participants will 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, the event will feature a boot walk.

• 10–11:30 a.m.: Junior Naturalist series program, designed for children and their families
• 1–2:30 p.m.: Nature Discovery series program, geared toward a general audience and open to all

Individuals seeking accommodations to attend this event should reach out to Rice Creek staff at rcfs@oswego.edu at least one week before the program start date. Any other questions can be directed to this same email address.

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.