DEC's Five Rivers Environmental Education Center to Hold 42nd Annual Fall Festival

Activities Promote State's 'Get Offline, Get Outside' Campaign

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the 42^nd annual Fall Festival at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are invited to enjoy a day of activities that celebrate nature, featuring interactive exhibits, live reptiles, musical entertainment, and nature-related games and crafts. The Fall Festival is co-hosted by Friends of Five Rivers, the not-for-profit community support organization of the DEC Environmental Education Center in Delmar.

"Five Rivers is proud to hold the 42^nd annual nature-focused Fall Festival at DEC's beautiful Delmar facility," said Gina Jack, Center Director. "The annual Fall Festival at Five Rivers makes for the perfect Saturday family outing with something to enjoy for all ages and abilities."

In addition to 25 interactive exhibits, the Fall Festival will feature a live reptile exhibit from Uncharted Wild. Bass casting, an insect safari, children's games, nature crafts, a pond activity, and a Vlomankill walk will be offered. There will also be a special children's story time at the end of the day. Food truck vendors will be on hand to offer a variety of selections to attendees, and musical groups will provide entertainment. Smokey Bear and Ollie the Otter, two fan favorites, are also scheduled to make special appearances throughout the day.

New this year to the Fall Festival is a nature book swap. Attendees are encouraged to bring a gently used, nature-related book to share at the book swap table.

The Fall Festival at Five Rivers aligns with Governor Hochul's "Get Offline, Get Outside" campaign, encouraging New York's kids and families to put down their phones and screens, take a break from social media, enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings, and put mental and physical health first. The campaign builds on the Governor's efforts to promote healthy living among New York's young people and families, including first-in-the-nation legislation to protect kids from addictive social media feeds and shield personal data from online platforms.

The Five Rivers Fall Festival will be held rain or shine with free parking and admission. Carpooling is encouraged. Five Rivers is located at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar. For a complete list of festival activities, visit the Friends of Five Rivers website.