On the first Saturday of each month, Rice Creek offers free, seasonal nature programs open to the public.

Who is loving the wet spring weather? Frogs and toads, of course. Rice Creek is home to many species of these amphibians, from the tiny but loud spring peeper to the massive bullfrog. Join Rice Creek Naturalist Tim McMonagle on an evening program and walk to learn about the hopping amphibians that call Rice Creek home. While walking, participants will listen to the evening amphibian chorus and look for frogs and tadpoles. Participation is free. Remember to dress for the weather: rain boots are highly recommended due to seasonally wet trails.

• 8–9:30 p.m.: joint Junior Naturalist and Nature Discovery program, open to everyone

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.

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.