Friends of Five Rivers

Last week, our two Friends of Five Rivers Naturalist interns who have been with us since the start of the year, gave their required project presentations to a small attentive audience of staff and volunteers before their six-month term with us came to an end.

Kerriann Schor shared her research on river otters, which are one of New York’s greatest conservation success stories. “My presentation explored their incredible adaptions, their conservation comeback in New York, and why they’re considered indicators of healthy waterways,” said Kerriann, adding, “Their success story is a great reminder of how important it is to protect our watersheds and the wildlife that depend on them.”

Caleb Jura taught us about bioactive terrariums and how they provide a semi-self-sustaining ecosystem for ambassador animals and pets. “These terrariums provide a multitude of benefits for the animal as well as some relief for the keeper as there are less maintenance tasks and upkeep required,” explained Caleb. In fact, our Five Rivers ambassador corn snake, Maisey, will soon reside in the new bioactive terrarium that Caleb set up in the visitor center as part of his final project. This new exhibit is coming together nicely with the hopes of moving Maisey in by mid-summer once the plants have settled.

We wish Kerriann and Caleb well in their careers as we welcome two new Naturalist interns to finish out the year at Five Rivers.

To learn more about the internship programs at Five Rivers, visit our website: https://friendsoffiverivers.org/about/

*** LET'S WELCOME OUR NEW FRIENDS OF FIVE RIVERS STAFF MEMBER ***

We are pleased to introduce Erin Donahue, our new full-time Advancement Officer, to the Friends of Five Rivers team. Erin not only brings a strong and proven background in nonprofit development and fundraising, she also has a childhood connection to Five Rivers.

“One of my earliest memories is of my mother carefully inspecting a milkweed plant along a trail at Five Rivers. I remember the awe of discovering two monarch caterpillars feasting on its leaves. She taught me to be patient, respectful, and curious in nature. Five Rivers has long been a special place for my family and for so many others in the Capital Region and beyond. I am honored to join Friends of Five Rivers and excited to help cultivate stewardship, community connection, and a love of nature for future generations.”

During Erin's first week on the job, she jumped right in by participating in the Albany Medical Center Employee Wellness Fair (as seen in the above photo) where Friends of Five Rivers had an informational table.

To learn more about Erin, please visit our website "About" page: https://friendsoffiverivers.org/about/

This Advancement Officer position was made possible through a two-year Parks and Trails New York Partnership Grant awarded to Friends of Five Rivers, helping us build the resources and support necessary to advance our mission and expand our impact.

Save the Date!

Join us tomorrow from 10 am to 2 pm for some outdoor fun at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. Exhibitors, activities for all, food trailer, and more!

Free Parking - Free Admission

Rain or shine!