Guided Nature Walk at Rice Creek

Rice Creek's naturalists will be your guides as you explore the forests, fields, wetlands, and waterways of Rice Creek Field Station, a 350-acre wildlife preserve dedicated to supporting research and education.

These free walks are open to the general public and suitable for all ages. Walks are 1 mile or less over gentle to moderate terrain on one of Rice Creek's four trails, and approximately 1 hour in length. Accessible options are possible: please see below.

Adult- and youth-sized snowshoes (for ages 3+) are available in winter, trail conditions permitting. If snow is insufficient, we will go on a boot walk. Sturdy snow- or hiking boots should be worn in winter regardless.

Program details

During the walk, a naturalist will discuss the cultural and ecological history of Rice Creek from its early days as working farmland to today. Additionally, the naturalist will identify and interpret discoveries such as animal sightings, plant blooms, seasonal changes, and more. Participants are encouraged to keep their eyes open for discoveries and ask questions along the way. Photography, journaling, and sketching are all welcome activities during the walk.

The topic, duration, and terrain level can all be customized to the group's needs and interests. Families with young children are encouraged to join -- our naturalists, current and retired school teachers, are skilled at engaging and inspiring young people in nature.

What to wear & FAQs

Participants should come dressed for the weather and tick prevention. Boots are advisable as trails may be muddy, especially during late fall, winter, and spring. An adult must accompany children under 17 years of age. For questions, please reach out to the Rice Creek staff at [email protected] or 315.312.6677.

Free student transportation

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. Please note that transportation is not available on the following Saturdays as our van is unavailable: Nov 7.

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, which opened on April 30, 2026, is built to comply with U.S. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines, making it accessible to many people who use wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, and other mobility devices. To request a guided nature walk on the Purple Trail, please let us know by calling (315) 312-6677 or emailing [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance of the program. Please note: the Purple Trail is not maintained to accessibility standards in winter.