The free, family-friendly hike is scheduled at 11 a.m. each of the following Saturdays: April 7, 14 and 21; May 5, 12 and 19; June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; July 7, 14, 21 and 28; and Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Hikers will search for signs of spring and beat the summer heat in the shady woods and wetlands around Rice Creek's 400 acres of mixed terrain off Thompson Road, about a mile south of State Route 104 near SUNY Oswego.

Those planning to attend the walks are asked to call 315-312-6677 on the morning of each one to check trail conditions.

Rice Creek Story Hour, geared to elementary-age children, will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 28, according to Dr. Diann C. Jackson, administrator of programs.

Since program size is limited to all of these events, Rice Creek is not able to accommodate groups. An adult must accompany children under age 17.

Rice Creek has opened registrations for Exploring Nature, a long-running and popular summer program designed to encourage youngsters' curiosity and concern about their world. Registration deadline is June 1 for the July 9 to 13 week and/or the July 16 to 20 week for children ages 5 to 14 as of the start of the program. Visit oswego.edu/exploringnature for registration forms and scholarship applications.

Rice Creek's trails are free and open to the public during daylight hours. The state-of-the-art biological field station is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. most Saturdays. It is closed May 26 and 28 and July 4.

For more information, visit oswego.edu/rice-creek.