On the first Saturday of each month, Rice Creek offers free, seasonal nature programs open to the public. The 10 a.m. program is geared toward kids and their families as part of our Junior Naturalist series. The 1 p.m. program is open to everyone as part of our Nature Discovery Series.

August: Exploring Pond Life by Canoe and Kayak

Rice Pond is teeming with life: herons, beavers, ducks, muskrats, dragonflies, cattails and much more await participants who will be exploring the pond while afloat on canoes and kayaks. Join Rice Creek Naturalist Tim McMonagle 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).

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. Rice Creek's environmental educators 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" and receive a free patch!

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.