Region Nine Nature Centers
Niagara, Erie, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties
Region Nine includes the counties of Niagara, Erie, Wyoming, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Allegany. Varied opportunities to learn about nature abound in the region, which includes a major flyway for migratory birds and a butterfly garden.
DEC encourages visitors to call ahead to confirm directions, hours of operation and/or user fee information.
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Environmental Education Center
NYSDEC
93 Honorine Drive
Depew, NY 14043
716-683-5959
Fax: 716-686-0210
Reinstein Woods's website
Erie County
Program Description: Reinstein Woods is a unique 292-acre complex of wetlands and old growth forest in the heart of suburban Cheektowaga. Spectacular beech, maple, and cherry trees abound in a forest that is interspersed with 19 ponds, wetlands and wet meadows. While walking through several miles of trails you may catch a glimpse of the beaver, muskrat, turkeys, white-tailed deer or waterfowl that make their home in the preserve. The Environmental Education Center holds offices, a library, classrooms, meeting room, nature viewing area and exhibit space. Other features include an herb garden and a boardwalk leading to an overlook of Lily Pond. The Preserve is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Environmental educators provide age-appropriate outdoor education programs for school children and guided tours for other organizations. Special programs such as bird watching, wildflower walks and owl prowls are offered monthly. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing tours are offered during winter.
Hours:
Environmental Education Center:
Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Self-guided Interpretive Trails:
Regular Hours: Monday through Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Extended Hours (May 1 - August 31): Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Public guided tours offered every Saturday at 10:00 AM
Closed state holidays
Fees: No
Buildings: Comfort Station and Environmental Education Center.
Wheelchair access: Boardwalk overlooking the lily pond and buildings are wheelchair accessible
Visitor Focus: General public, school groups, scout troops, other private groups
Picnic Area: None, however, picnic shelters can be reserved in nearby Stiglmeier Park
Beaver Island State Park Nature Center
Niagara Region Park Interpretive Office
PO Box 1132
Niagara Falls, NY 14303-0132
716-278-1728
Fax: 716-278-1739
Beaver Island Nature Center Website
Beaver Island State Park Website
Niagara County
Program Description: Beaver Island State Park is located along the Niagara River. The Niagara River has been classified as a nationally significant bird migration area. Every spring miles of wetland trails turn into a beautiful combination of bird songs and wildflower blossoms. Migrating Tundra Swans annually visit the park shoreline in search of food, and local Niagara River Islands are home to the area's most incredible Great Blue Heron rookery.
A trained State Parks naturalist is available to answer questions, present nature programs, provide children's activities, or lead nature walks. The nature center includes displays about the natural world, live animals, wildlife gardens, and interactive exhibits, and special guest presentations. Program topics include birds, insects, wetlands, pond life, mammals, wildflowers, local geology, fishing, endangered species, and nature study. Special guest presentations from local organizations occur regularly throughout the summer. Beaver Island State Park patrons can also enjoy biking, golf, hiking, fishing, disc golf, sledding, cross-country skiing, and a sand-covered beach on the shore of the Niagara River.
Our goal is to reveal the wonders of the natural world to people through fun, interactive activities and events. Visitors can get a close look at local wildlife and spectacular opportunities for bird watching, wildlife photography, and nature study.
Hours: July 1 - Labor Day: Wed - Sun: 12:00PM - 5:00PM
Programs during nature center hours can be arranged any time but advanced registration is requested.
Fees: Nature Center: No; Park admission fee: Yes
Buildings: Interpretive center and restrooms
Wheelchair access: Yes
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public, groups, Scouts
Picnic Area: Yes
Beaver Meadow Nature Center
Buffalo Audubon Society
1610 Welch Road
North Java, NY 14113-9713
585-457-3228
Fax: 585-457-1378
Beaver Meadow Nature Center Website
Wyoming County
Program Description: Operated by the Buffalo Audubon Society, the Beaver Meadow Audubon Center offers indoor and outdoor programs for all ages, covering a wide range of topics. Visitors can take part in traditional nature programs, such as tree, wildflower, and bird ID classes, or experience more unique programs, such as our wilderness survival class, Native American lore sessions, or programs focusing on edible plants. Winter experiences include snowshoe programs (snowshoes available for rent), animal tracking workshops, Maple Sugaring programs, and winter birding.
Programs can be scheduled for any community or private group in advance. Public programs are offered throughout the year, including monthly Full Moon Walks, Free Family Programs every Sunday at 3:00PM, and seasonal nature festivals. Overnight and outreach programs are also available. An Astronomical Observatory is also on site, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the night sky.
Visitors to the Center can also experience the Beaver Meadow preserve on their own. Eight miles of trails explore various habitats(upland forest and meadow, kettle ponds, and a 40-acre active beaver pond colony). Two self-guided interpretive booklets (available at the Visitor Center) provide a ecological and historical narrative. Self-guided activities are also available for children, as part of the Center's Junior Naturalist program.
Hours: Interpretive building: Tues-Sat 10:00AM-5:00PM, Sun 1:00PM - 5:00PM, Closed Mondays and major holidays.
Trails are always open
Observatory: Open 1st & 3rd Saturday evenings beginning at dusk: April - October.
Fees: Donation suggested for admission. Fees apply for some programs
Buildings: The Visitor Center contains the nature gift shop, interpretive displays, live animal displays, bird feeder viewing area, beaver pond observation deck, nature art gallery, nature research library, restrooms, and a discovery room for children. The Astronomical Observatory houses a variety of telescopes and astronomy equipment. The Sugar Shanty is in operation during maple sugaring season. The Beaver Pond photo blind and picnic shelters are also on-site.
Wheelchair access: Visitor Center, Jenny Glen boardwalk, and Old Homestead Trail
Visitor Focus: Schools, general public, all community and private groups
Picnic Area: Yes
Fort Niagara State Park Nature Center
Niagara Region Park Interpretive Office
PO Box 1132
Niagara Falls, NY 14303-0132
716-278-1728
Fax: 716-278-1739
Fort Niagara State Park Nature Center Website
Niagara County
Program Description: Fort Niagara State Park is situated where the Niagara River ends it 36-mile journey at Lake Ontario. The Niagara River Corridor has been designated as a globally significant IBA (Important Bird Area). Thousands of birds pass through here during their annual migrations. Red-headed Woodpeckers make use of old orchard trees, Bald Eagles search for food on the river, and waterfowl delight in the resources of Lake Ontario. The park's terrain is relatively flat with a mixed landscape of woods and field. Here you'll find such species as White-tailed Deer, Woodchuck, and Coyote.
A State Parks naturalist is available to answer questions, present nature programs, provide children's activities, or lead nature walks. The nature center includes displays highlighting the natural world, live animals, Great Lakes ecology, wildflowers, interactive exhibits, and more. Program topics include birds, insects, trees, wetlands, mammals, aquatic studies, endangered species, local geology, and general nature study. Fort Niagara State Park patrons can also enjoy a measured walking course, soccer, historic tours, swimming pools, biking, a lighthouse, fishing, sledding, cross-country skiing, and more. A few minutes down the road campers can enjoy the beauty of Four-Mile Creek State Campground.
Our goal is to reveal the wonders of the natural world through fun, interactive events and activities. Visitors can get a close look at local wildlife and enjoy spectacular opportunities for bird watching, wildlife photography, and nature study.
Hours: July 1 - Labor Day: Wed - Sun: 12:00PM - 5:00PM
Programs during nature center hours can be arranged any time but advanced registration is requested.
Fees: Nate Center: No; Park admission fee: Yes
Buildings: Interpretive center
Wheelchair access: No
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public, groups, Scouts
Picnic Area: Yes
Jamestown Audubon Nature Center
1600 Riverside Road
Jamestown, NY 14701
716-569-2345
Fax: 716-569-2765
Jamestown Audubon Nature Center Website
Chautauqua County
Program Description: The nature center is a 600-acre wildlife preserve in a lowland of mixed forest, field, pond, and swamp. There are five miles of trails, including a 1600 ft wheelchair accessible trail ending at an observation tower at the main pond. Other features include an amphitheater, photographic blinds, an herb and butterfly garden. The interpretive building, completely wheelchair accessible, includes prints by Roger Tory Peterson, exhibits, a library and bookstore. Extensive youth programs include Saturday programs for children and adults, school tours, summer nature day camp, visits to school classrooms, rural preschool program, and after-school nature clubs at school sites.
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10:00AM - 4:30PM; Sunday: 1:00PM - 4:30PM
Fees: For programs only. Call for information.
Buildings: Interpretive center, restrooms
Wheelchair access: Yes
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public, Scouts
Picnic Area: Yes
Pfeiffer Nature Center
14 South Main St.
P.O. Box 802
Portville, NY 14770
716-933-0187
Pfeiffer Nature Center Website
Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties
Program Description: Environmental and interpretive education is a significant aspect of the mission of the Pfeiffer Nature Center. The Center presents nature-oriented programs to members and the general public; organizes workshops, youth day camps, and, provides field trip opportunities for school and community groups. The PNC also sponsors artistic and musical events throughout the year. See the Calendar of Events on our website for details.
Hours: Trails are open 7 days a week year-around
Memorial Day to Labor Day: at the Lillibridge property: Naturalist and/or Interpretive Trail Guides are available for questions, guided tours and programs: Thursday- Sunday, 9:00AM - 4:00PM or by prior arrangement.
Fees: Donations are appreciated.
Buildings: Chestnut Cabin is designated as a historic building; call for details.
Wheelchair access: Trails are all natural ground cover with differing levels of ease for walking.
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public, Scouts
Picnic Area: Yes
Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History
311 Curtis Street
Jamestown, NY 14701
716-668-2473 or 800-758-6841
Fax: 716-655-3794
Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History Website
Chautauqua County
Program Description: Natural History Museum: Enjoy Wildlife art and photography exhibitions or view the collection of this century's great naturalist, Dr Roger Tory Peterson.
Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday: 10:00AM - 4:0PM; Sunday: 1:00PM - 5:00PM
Fees: Adults: $3; Children: $2; Members: Free
Buildings: 27 Wooded Acre setting with natural history library and Nature Store
Wheelchair access: Yes
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public
Picnic Area: Yes, small area
Tifft Nature Preserve
Buffalo Museum of Science
1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard
Buffalo, NY 14203
Preserve: 716-825-6397
Fax: 716-824-6718
Tifft Nature Preserve Website
Erie County
Program Description: The Tifft Nature Preserve includes a diversity of habitats including cattail marsh, lakes, ponds, meadows, old fields and cottonwood/willow forest. Located along a migratory flyway, over 250 species of birds have been sighted at Tifft. A 1992 floral survey resulted in the identification of over 300 species of vascular plants. Environmental educators conduct environmental education programs for pre-scheduled school classes, civic groups, and other organizations. Nature programs for children, adults and families include bird study, nature photography, wildflowers, marsh and pond study among others.
Hours: Guided program: free nature walks Sunday at 2:00PM, year-round or by reservation. Trails open sunrise to sunset. Visitor Center open Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00AM - 4:00PM, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
Fees: For guided group tours, class and some special programs.
Buildings: Interpretive center, restrooms
Wheelchair access: Yes
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public
Picnic Area: Yes
