Photos: 5 Rivers new visitor center
5 Rivers, located in Bethlehem and New Scotland, unveiled a brand new visitor center.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
The new $8.9 million visitors’ building at Five Rivers Environmental Center, in the towns of Bethlehem and New Scotland, opened last Thursday. Green building materials were used as well as wood harvested from onsite trees. The center has a solar photovoltaic system, a geothermal heating-and-cooling system, operable windows and roof vents, low-flow toilets, LED lighting, and rainwater collection and gray-water system. It was funded by NY Works and the State’s Environmental Protection Fund.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Center of attention: Live wildlife is on display at the new Five Rivers center. The building replaces the old visitors’ center, which was originally a cafeteria at the Albany State Office Building Campus. Joined together by an outdoor classroom, the new center is adjacent to the Wendy Repass Suozzo Guided School Program building.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Many visitors enjoy the new Five Rivers center on Wednesday. It offers hands-on exhibits and displays that use the senses of sight, sound, smell and touch, appropriate to people with special needs. An electric scooter is available for use on accessible trails as is a brand new “freedom chair” that is specifically designed for trail use.