Nature walks, stories, tours to highlight fall at Rice Creek Field Station

Autumn at SUNY Oswego's Rice Creek Field Station will bring nature education programming in the form of Rice Creek Rambles, Story Hours for children and plenty of opportunities to tour the updated headquarters.

Family-friendly, naturalist-led walks -- for decades known as Rice Creek Rambles -- are scheduled at 11 a.m. on numerous Saturdays this fall: Sept. 16, 23 and 30; Oct. 14, 21 and 28; Nov. 11, 18 and 25; and Dec. 9. Those planning to attend are asked to call 315-312-6677 on the morning of the hike to check trail conditions.

Story Hours will share tales of animals' wild ways, and how humans relate to the natural world, according to Diann C. Jackson, administrator of nature education programs at the field station. They will take place at 11 a.m. on these four Saturdays: Sept. 9, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2. These programs are designed for elementary aged children though all are welcome. SUNY Oswego's Rice Creek Field Station offers Story Hour in support of SUNY's partnership with the Read Aloud 15 Minutes national initiative.

Since program size is limited for Rambles and Story Hours, Rice Creek is not able to accommodate groups for these free Saturday programs. An adult needs to accompany children.

Building hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. most weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. most Saturdays. The facility will be closed Sept. 2 and 4; Nov. 23; and Dec. 16, 23, 25 and 30. Trails are open daylight hours.

Rice Creek will welcome SUNY Oswego alumni, families and friends to Homecoming 2017 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. The field station will greet Family and Friends Weekend visitors the same hours Oct. 20 and 21.

Located on nearly 400 acres of mixed terrain, Rice Creek Field Station has served as a living, working laboratory and educational facility for more than 50 years. For more information, visit oswego.edu/rice-creek or call 315-312-6677.