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Friends of Five Rivers

supporting environmental education & land preservation

Friends of Five Rivers

supporting environmental education & land preservation
Friends of Five Rivers Pond by Lorraine Pena Boyd

Friends of Five Rivers

supporting environmental education & land preservation
World of Pond

Friends of Five Rivers

supporting environmental education & land preservation
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WHO WE ARE.
WHAT WE DO.


Friends of Five Rivers is the non-profit support organization of Five Rivers Environmental Education Center located in Delmar, NY, working in partnership with the NYS Department of Environmental Education (DEC).

The Guided School Program (GSP) is the cornerstone program of Friends of Five Rivers, offering science-based outdoor lessons for Pre-K through High School. Friends also offers family and adult programming.

Friends of Five Rivers is not state funded but rather membership-driven and relies on tax- deductible donations, sponsorships, and grants to operate.

Of course, however, as with any small non-profit, our volunteers are the heart and soul of how we get things done.
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OUR MISSION.
OUR VISION.


The mission of Friends of Five Rivers is to support environmental education and land  preservation at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, as well as to enhance the experience  of visitors to Five Rivers and to promote the interests of the Center. 

Our vision is to cultivate and inspire lifelong environmental stewards who appreciate the  interconnectedness of nature in our lives and the world around us. 

Fifth Grade Teacher feedback for GSP Pond Lesson

They (the students) were so interested and truly enjoyed (the guide’s) enthusiasm…My students were engaged at all times. The (instructor) was wonderful with the kids. The students enjoyed catching species and figuring out what they caught. We will use the sheets as we create our own ecocolumns, but nothing will match what they did today.

Karin Martin

The membership form and check are in the mail. We love Five Rivers and walk there often. We’re glad to support the Friends.

Elaine Granato

Thank you so much for the membership walk I went on with you last week.  I really enjoyed our conversation and I learned a lot more about the plants and animals at Five Rivers.  As always, I look forward to my next trip there and all I will discover.

Anonymous Members

We enjoy Five Rivers and appreciate the work you do to maintain the facility in the community.

Ann Perry

I have lived in Bethlehem for most of my life and remember the Delmar Game Farm as a little kid. I’ve enjoyed the property for decades.  Thank you for everything. Five Rivers is a treasure.

Mary Applegate

Having more time to spend there watching the seasons change has been one of my greatest pleasures during this difficult time.

Christine Irvine

A big thank you to Nancy Payne for a fabulous tour today! Her knowledge and enthusiasm was expansive and awesome! Stacie and I both really enjoyed the walk and the information she presented to us. Five Rivers Environmental Center is such a gift to us all!  Thank you so much!

Rebecca Koch

We’re grateful to be able to support your important work, and we so value the programming that you offer!

Cherise (Mrs. Anadio) and Class of Poestenkill Elementary Grade 1

Miss Nancy,

Thank you so much for a great experience yesterday!  The kids learned so much!  It was wonderful to see them so engaged. We appreciate your expertise and patience for our young students. With appreciation!

Julie Adams, Montessori-Woodland Hills Teacher

Getting to walk into the stream.  They are kids!  It was great to have the procedure and purpose outlined.  The children enjoyed it.

Lincoln Elementary (Animal Signs)

Everything about the lesson was wonderful.  Our children soaked up all the information and more.  Miss Nancy was a wealth of knowledge and the kids loved her.  Thank you!

Sara, teacher with Woodland Hill

Jaimy did an amazing job.  The children were so excited, and she gently redirected them when needed.  They loved it!

St. Gregory School Teacher feedback for Marvelous Maples March 2022 program

The hands-on activities were a big hit… tapping the book, drilling the hole, and of course tasting the maple water and syrup.  Thank you, Nancy, for a wonderful tour of Five Rivers!  We all loved it.

Tri-Village Nursery School Teacher feedback for Marvelous Maples March 2022 program

What Nancy presented was perfect! For my young class (many 3 years old), they were able to enjoy this field trip with all their senses: touch especially, taste (sap & syrup), smell, sight, and hearing.

Fifth Grade Teacher feedback for Fall 2019 GSP Pond Lesson

They (the students) were so interested and truly enjoyed (the guide’s) enthusiasm…My students were engaged at all times. The (instructor) was wonderful with the kids. The students enjoyed catching species and figuring out what they caught. We will use the sheets as we create our own ecocolumns, but nothing will match what they did today.

Vincent C, age 4

Five Rivers is my favorite place in the world

Catherine Markey

I am writing to convey my family’s immense appreciation for the Beautiful Day program. I cannot sing my praises of this program loud enough. It has been a gift through the last two-years, and I often think how different the world would be if every morning we all started the day by letting the sun find our faces, stretching our arms out wide and exclaiming “it is a beautiful day!” then wrapping ourselves in a hug. For now, I will continue to treasure the opportunity this program has given my children – and me – to slow down and appreciate the world around us.

Emily Shoop

Thanks again for another wonderful week of summer family program! John loved his first week and JoAnna has enjoyed the week as usual! Thanks for all your patience and wonderful activities that meet the needs and questions of so many ages. We can’t wait for next year!

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    Friends of Five Rivers Giving Opportunities



    Support Our 2024 Year-End Appeal

    We are so lucky to be New Yorkers sharing in the sweetness this state has to offer by way of our state tree, the sugar maple.

    Many of us know of this glorious tree, but perhaps do not know how to safely tap into its potential sweetness.  Five Rivers Environmental Education Center offers many experiences for you to learn.

    Do you love nature?


    Join our diverse team of volunteers and make a meaningful impact at Friends of Five Rivers! Whether you’re passionate about education, hospitality, event support, administration, or governance, there’s a rewarding role waiting for you.

    Wildlife Data Observation Collection

    Many people enjoy observing wildlife. At Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, there are opportunities for volunteers to join community science programs that allow members of the public to take part in collecting important data while spending time outdoors.