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 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.

August 2025: Exploring Pond Life Afloat

Rice Pond is teeming with life: herons, beavers, ducks, muskrats, dragonflies, cattails and much more await Jr Naturalists, who will be exploring the pond while afloat on canoes and kayaks/ Join Mr. Tim for a paddle of the pond as we explore the abundance of life in the water and surrounding marshes and forests. Space is limited, so registration is required for this program (via this link).

Upcoming themes:

• July 2025: No program this month
• August 2025: Afloat on the Pond: Exploring Pond Life from Canoe & Kayak
• September 2025: Fall Foraging: Edible Plants
• October 2025: Bats! - Evening program
• November 2025: Pod Critters: Sustainable Animal Creations
• December 2025: Owl Prowl - Evening program

Past themes:

• December 2024: Exploring Evergreens
• January 2025: Feathered Friends
• February 2025: Exploring Snowshoes
• March 2025: Marvelous Maple
• April 2025: Busy Beavers
• May 2025: Spring Foragers: Exploring Edible Plants
• June 2025: Frog & Toad Fiesta
• July 2025: Summer break! No program this month.

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.