The Green Route bus at Oswego State added a Saturday schedule to their usual weekday run in order to introduce students to a new program at Rice Creek Field Station.

Located one mile from the Oswego State Campus, the Rice Creek Field Station implemented a new trail walk program aimed at family-friendly exploration of the 300 acres filled with forests, fields and ponds.

Assistant Director Diann Jackson said it is important to see this part of Oswego for its nature, science and conservation elements.

“We wanted to have a way of reaching out to the public and members of the college to invite them to come and experience this facility and its resources,” Jackson said.

Each Saturday, a “Rice Creek Ramble” takes place.  Trail guides, known as naturalists, take individuals or groups on hikes through four trails: red, orange, blue and green.  Each trail is a different length with a different view of the creek.

Participants are able to decide which trail they would like to go on.  The naturalist can also decide which trail would be appropriate depending on if there are young children or if they see that participants are up for more of an adventure. 

With trail conditions depending on the weather for the past few weeks, continuing walks each Saturday was a difficult task for the Rice Creek staff. 

“We never know from one Saturday to the next if the conditions will be right,” Jackson said.

This issue, however, has not stopped the staff from creating new ways to continue this program for the community.  They have been able to use snowshoes out on tours, further encouraging residents to experience Oswego winters.

Trail guide naturalist Tim McMonagle said there is legacy and heritage to Rice Creek and that humans need the plants, animals and all of the species there to survive.

“One of the best ways to realize how valuable you are is if you get a chance to experience this,” McMonagle said.

On the Feb. 11 tour, McMonagle warned participants of two things; ice and poison ivy. Frozen ground left icy trail conditions, but with the right boots and patience, residents persisted.  He was able to teach adventurers about the history of invasive species, the innovative craftsmanship of the beavers and the way the man-made pond was created in the ‘60s. 

Because of the snowy ground, animal tracks covered the middle of the trail. McMonagle said this is the best indication that animal activity is taking place.

“You might not be able to see the animals, but you know something’s out there by the footprints, there’s evidence here,” McMonagle said.

The animal activity is one of Rice Creek Field Station’s proudest achievements. In their office facilities, they hold displays containing preserved animals that call Rice Creek home, including snowy owls, wood ducks, wild ferrets and more.  The staff believes that the fields and forest land will attract all individuals who seek knowledge about wildlife and their habitats.

Oswego State junior Alex Masterson attended the Feb. 11 walk, where he said he was able to explore a part of Oswego he would have never known existed without the program.

“I think this program was a lot of fun, I was able to see things I have never seen before like a beaver dam,” Masterson said. “I would definitely go more times throughout the year for different experiences with each season.”

Masterson also credited the Green Route bus for its shuttle to and from the facilities, which made for easier travel. Masterson said he hopes more students and community members will use this service to attend the Ramble programs each Saturday.

“More people need to know about this program, it gives college students something to do outside of campus,” Masterson said.

This program runs every Saturday at 11 a.m. throughout the year.  The trail is open to dogs on leashes and is family-friendly.

The emphasis on teaching students and community members about nature and the Oswego environment was evident throughout this program, and the Rice Creek staff hopes that with warmer weather and getting their word out there, more people will be able to soak in the beauty of Oswego.

McMonagle urges residents to take that adventure.

“Come and walk out here, if not here, other places, get close enough to understand why it’s valuable,” McMonagle said.