Rice Creek Rambles will take place at 11 a.m. June 14, 21 and 28; July 12, 19 and 26; and Aug. 2 and 9. The free guided walks will pique curiosity about the natural world, showing visitors what creatures are around, what those creatures eat and where they live. Hikers should come dressed for the weather, and call 312-6677 the morning of each walk to check trail conditions. Program size does not accommodate groups, and an adult needs to accompany children.

     Visitors may tour the new main building at Rice Creek from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Set among nearly 400 forever-wild acres off Thompson Road, about a mile south of the main SUNY Oswego campus, Rice Creek showcases its commitment to the natural world, utilizing such features as solar power, a state-of-the-art heating-cooling system, green construction materials and rain gardens to demonstrate conservation in practice. Rice Creek's four trails are open during daylight hours.

     Registration deadline is June 5 for children attending Exploring Nature from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, July 7 to 11 and/or July 14 to 18. Participants explore and investigate life around Rice Creek while discovering nature firsthand through nature walks, activities and games.

     The deadline to register is July 5 for youths in grades 9 through 12 wishing to attend Conservation Field Studies from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Aug. 12 to 14. The education program is designed to investigate the interdependence of Rice Creek's ecosystems through field studies and projects. Participants will examine the importance of stewardship through habitat study, animal habits and real-life applications.

     Limited parking is available near the headquarters, with more parking at the main gate. For more information, visit www.oswego.edu/ricecreek or call 315-312-6677. For an interactive map featuring Rice Creek's trails and other features, visit www.oswego.edu/ricecreekmap.