Around 2500 BC, the site was a Late Archaic Period Indian encampment. In 1791, the Patroon granted 230 acres to the Radley family. In 1933, New York State purchased the Radley and Ackerman farms. From 1933 to 1936, it served as the base camp for Civilian Conservation Corp. S72 - Co. 270, which provided employment and housing for men who built the game farm. From 1933 to 1970, the Delmar Experimental Game Farm propagated game birds. In 1941, the Wildlife Research Center was founded. From 1948 to 1970, the Delmar Zoo operated, featuring New York's wildlife. In 1972, the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center opened.
