June 16, 2023
Service begins Saturday, June 24 and will run throughout the summer season
SCHENECTADY, NY (June 16, 2023) ECOS: the Environmental Clearinghouse and Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (MHLC) have teamed up with the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) to bring a limited Nature Bus trolley service to Schenectady. During three weekends this summer, people can enjoy free bus service and free programming at natural spaces within Schenectady County.
The free service is modeled after the Albany Nature Bus, which launched in 2021 and has gained much attention for its efforts to increase public access to nature. The Schenectady Nature Bus will make stops at six popular outdoor destinations in and around the City of Schenectady with free programming at most sites each Saturday, including guided trail walks, a forest bathing session, and self-guided activities.
This service could not be possible without our location partners, including the Town of Niskayuna, Schenectady County Historical Society, Town of Colonie, The Nature Conservancy, Town of Glenville, and Village of Scotia.
A schedule of free programs and additional information about the service can be found on the Nature Bus website at www.mohawkhudson.org/nature-bus.
The Nature Bus trolley schedule with pick-up locations can be found at http://www.cdta.org.
2023 Schenectady Nature Bus Destinations:
Saturday, June 24th
River Road Park – Town of Niskayuna
Mabee Farm – Rotterdam Junction
Saturday, July 22nd
Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy’s Fox Preserve and Mohawk Hudson Bike Path - Town of Colonie
The Nature Conservancy’s Lisha Kill Natural Area – Town of Niskayuna
Saturday, August 26th
Collins Park – Village of Scotia
Sanders Preserve – Town of Glenville
“ECOS is excited to partner with CDTA and MHLC to bring the Nature Bus to Schenectady,” said ECOS President Josh Bennett. “This partnership allows more local residents to experience nature and promotes ECOS' mission of environmental education.”
“We are ecstatic to be able to expand the Nature Bus to a new county for more people to enjoy,” said CDTA CEO Carm Basile. “The overwhelming support and enthusiasm for the service in Albany has been wonderful to see, and we’re excited to see the same excitement in Schenectady. Providing accessibility and opportunity to our local communities remains a top priority. This will provide an experience for community members who may not have access to these beautiful, nature sites.”
MHLC Associate Director Sarah Walsh said, “We always dreamed that others would see the value in this service and help it grow to other communities. We are thrilled to partner with ECOS to bring the Nature Bus to Schenectady to celebrate the outdoors and the great places this county has to offer!”
Funding for this project was provided by The Schenectady Foundation, Stewart’s Shop, and the Schenectady County Incentive Program. To learn more about the Nature Bus route, including pick-up locations and drop off times, visit the CDTA website at http://www.cdta.org.
To learn more about programming at Nature Bus stops and to find a helpful list of FAQs, visit MHLC’s Nature Bus web page: www.mohawkhudson.org/nature-bus
Additional information about Nature Bus partner organizations:
ECOS provides environmental experiences and education for youth and adults to develop enjoyment and understanding of the natural world and foster action to preserve it. To learn more, visit www.ECOSNY.org.
The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (MHLC) is a nonprofit conservation organization conserving and stewarding the lands and waters of the Mohawk and Hudson River Valleys for the benefit of people and the environment. Since 1992, the Conservancy has protected more than 14,000 acres of land in Albany, Schenectady, and Montgomery counties. Our conservation work protects natural resources to ensure clean water, clean air, and working landscapes for farming and forestry for a healthier Capital Region for current residents and for future generations. To learn more, visit www.mohawkhudson.org.