The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 4 is inviting the public to take part in “Wildlife Day” on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The event will be held at the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Albany County.
Wildlife Day is designed to encourage participation in wildlife conservation service projects and educational workshops throughout New York. It celebrates the state’s varied wildlife and habitats. The event is organized with Parks and Trails New York and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation as part of the Love Our New York Lands Stewardship Days Campaign. This campaign promotes year-round stewardship by offering themed events that highlight outdoor recreation opportunities across the state.
Registration for Wildlife Day is open, and residents are encouraged to join local cleanups, enhancement activities, or educational sessions.
The schedule at Five Rivers includes several programs:
– From 10 a.m. to noon, Joellen Lampman from Cornell Cooperative Extension will lead “Tick Talk,” an indoor presentation about protecting oneself from ticks while enjoying outdoor activities. Registration is not required.
– At 12:30 p.m., DEC Wildlife Biologist Sophia Brown will present “Lunchtime Learning—Living Responsibly with Wildlife.” She will discuss ways to coexist with common wildlife such as black bears, coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons. Attendees can bring their own lunch for this session; registration is not required.
– From 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a hands-on habitat improvement activity along Nature’s Accessible Backyard Trail at Five Rivers. Participants may help mulch gardens or remove invasive plants. Space for this activity is limited; online registration is available through Parks and Trails NY.
For those traveling from Albany, CDTA’s Nature Bus (Route 8722) provides transportation to Five Rivers on October 4—the last day of service for the season.
“Ticks may be encountered any time of year, but don’t let that stop you from spending time outdoors. Joellen Lampman from Cornell Cooperative Extension will share her expertise on the best ways to protect yourself and your family from ticks, whether in the woods or in your own yard. Indoor presentation followed by questions and answers. Registration is not required.”
“Meet DEC Wildlife Biologist Sophia Brown who will share insights about living responsibly with wildlife and the best practices for preventing and addressing common nuisance wildlife concerns. She will discuss the biology and behavior of black bears, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, and other common New York wildlife. Bring your own lunch to enjoy during the presentation. Registration is not required.”
“Join DEC and participants working in and around the gardens along Nature’s Accessible Backyard Trail to improve habitat for wildlife at Five Rivers. Activities may include mulching the gardens, removing invasive plants, and more. Please bring garden gloves and wear sturdy close-toed shoes or boots. Bring your own refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat. All ages welcome! Space is limited.”
