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 the Junior Naturalist series for children and their families. The 1 p.m. program is open to everyone and geared at a general audience.

This May, we're welcoming spring by celebrating the flowers and foods of the forest. The spring landscape is filled with a bounty of new shoots and flowers — many of which are edible. During this programs, join Naturalist Linda Knowles to learn about wild foraging for edible and medicinal plants, including how to identify and prepare some commonly found plants, their health benefits and how to forage ethically. Participation is free. Remember to dress for the weather: rain boots are highly recommended due to seasonally wet trails.

• 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.

Free student transportation

Students are welcome at the 1 p.m. program geared toward a general audience. Since the Centro Green Route Bus does not run on Saturdays, Rice Creek offers a van shuttle during the fall and spring semesters. Please call 315.312.6677 between 9:15 and 10:15 am on Saturdays to request a pick up. Alternatively, book your ride in advance by emailing rcdesk@oswego.edu by 3 p.m. on the Thursday before the program. Please include your full name and phone number. 

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.