Printer-friendlyRegion Eight Nature Centers
Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung Counties
Many of New York's Finger Lakes are included in this region, as is the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, a 7,000-acre refuge for migrating and nesting waterfowl.
DEC encourages visitors to call ahead to confirm directions, hours of operation and user fee information.
Blue Cut Nature Center
Wayne County Parks
7210 Route 31 West
Lyons, N.Y. 14489
315-946-5830
Blue Cut Nature Center Website
Wayne County
Program Description: Located on 40 acres of open land with marsh and pond, mixed hardwoods and red pine plantation, Blue Cut Nature Center offers trail has three self-guided trails. There is a small teaching shelter, picnic tables and restroom facilities.
Hours: Grounds open dawn to dusk.
Fees: None
Buildings: Restrooms
Wheelchair access: No
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public
Picnic Area: Yes
Cumming Nature Center
6472 Gulick Road
Naples, NY 14512
585-374-6160
Fax: 585-374-5910
Cumming Nature Center Website
Ontario County
Program Description: A division of the Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC), Cumming is an environmental education center that interprets the relationship between humans and natural environments. Trail themes include ecology, natural history, Haudenosaunee culture, European pioneer settlement, and past, present, and future land use. Annual special events include Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing in winter, Maple Sugaring Weekends in spring, Frost Town Artisans Faire in summer, and Timber Sports Competition in the fall.
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Trails close at 4:30PM; Center closed mid-November until 26 December
Fees: RMSC members free; Adults: $4, Seniors & College Students with ID: $3, K-Grade 12: $1.50, and Pre K and under: Free
Buildings: Visitors Center with restrooms, gift shop, snack bar, exhibit gallery, library, theater, and wildlife viewing area.
Wheelchair access: Restrooms and building accessible
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public
Picnic Area: Yes; fires prohibited
Genesee County Park and Forest Interpretive Nature Center
11095 Bethany Center Road
E. Bethany, NY 14054
585-344-1122
Fax: 585-343-6611
Genesee County Park Nature Center Website
Genesee County
Program Description: Located within the "Oldest County Forest" in New York State which has 431 acres of forested rolling hills including the headwaters of Black Creek, 5 small ponds, 4 acre wetland, 17 miles of trails, toboggan hills and various natural habitats of New York. The Nature Center provides indoor and outdoor environmental education and natural history interpretation for school groups, scouts, community organizations and the public through walks and talks. Grade levels include pre-K through 12th. Each program is designed to meet NYS learning standards or individual needs and include hands-on student discovery for investigation of the environment . Annual special events include Earth Day Celebration in the Spring and snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter.
Hours: Park Hours - October 1 - April 30: 9:00AM - 5:00PM and May 1 - September 30: 9:00AM - 9:00PM
Nature Center Hours - Saturday and Sunday: 12:00PM - 4:00PM year round; and Thursday & Friday: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Fees: No Entrance Fees, Pavilion Reservation Fees, Small fee for school and scout programs - Call for details
Buildings: Nature Center with classrooms, restroom, habitat dioramas, taxidermy, live bee hive and interactive displays. Park has many open pavilions in the summer and two enclosed for the winter, restrooms (summer only) port-johns (winter)
Wheelchair access: Yes
Visitor Focus: General Public, Schools, Groups, Families
Picnic Area: Multiple pavilions with grills. No open fires or pits, carry-in carry-out park
Genesee Country Nature Center
PO Box 310 Flint Hill Rd
Mumford, NY 14511
585-538-6822 ext.262
Fax: 585-538-6927
Genesee County Nature Center Website
Monroe County
Program Description: The Nature Center provides outdoor education and natural history interpretation for school groups, scout groups, and the public through walks and talks both in a classroom setting and on the four and a half miles of trails.
Hours May 1 - Oct 31: Tues - Fri: 10:00AM - 4:00PM, Sat - Sun: 10:00AM - 5:00PM;
Nov 1 - Dec 31: Sat & Sun ONLY 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Jan 2 - Apr 30:
Thurs - Fri: 10:00AM - 4:00PM, Sat - Sun: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Fees: Adults: $3; Seniors: $2.50; Youth 4-16 years: $2; Members of GC Village & Museum and children under 3: Free
Buildings: Nature center
Wheelchair access: Yes
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public, Groups
Picnic Area: Yes
Hansen Nature Center and Tinker Nature Park
1525 Calkins Rd
P.O. Box 999
Henrietta, NY 14467
585-359-7044
Fax: 585-359-7045
Hansen Nature Center Website
Monroe County
Program Description: 68 acres with fields, woodlands, marsh and pond. 2 trails for hiking and a special needs trail. Special events and nature presentations open to the public. School and scout programs by appointment.
Hours: Park is open sunrise to sunset. Hansen Nature Center is open Tuesday - Saturday from 9:00AM - 3:30PM Closed Sunday & Monday.
Fees: Charge for school and scout programs
Buildings: Nature Center Building with classrooms, restrooms, library, gift shop and natural history displays. 2 open-air pavilions for cold picnics on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wheelchair access: Yes
Visitor Focus: General public, schools and scouts
Picnic Area: Several areas with picnic tables. No fires. Carry-in, carry-out park.
Helmer Nature Center
154 Pine Grove Ave
Rochester, NY 14617
585-336-3035
Fax: 585-336-3193
Helmer Nature Center Website
Monroe County
Program Description: Throughout the year, the nature center provides programs for students of all grade levels, pre-K through grade 12. Each program is designed for the curriculum needs of the students and uses individual student discovery for investigation of the environment.
Hours: Trails open for individuals and families dawn-dusk; staff hours Mon-Fri: 8:00AM - 3:30AM, Sat & Sun by appointment; all groups must have reservations
Fees: No admission for trails; program fees vary by program type
Buildings: Resource room; Long House classroom; Sugaring pavilion
Wheelchair access: Yes
Visitor Focus: Schools, groups, and general public
Picnic Area: No
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1101 Casey Road
Basom, NY 14013
585-948-5445
Fax: 585-948-9538
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Website
Genesee and Orleans Counties
Program Description: The refuge consists of 10,818 acres of marshes, swamps, woods and meadows, migratory waterfowl and other migratory water birds. The headquarters building houses several stationary exhibits. Slide programs or films are shown in the auditorium to groups with advanced reservations. Trails are open on a self-guided basis and guided by appointment. The area is available as an "outdoor lab" for school groups with prior approval.
Hours: Guided program: By reservation. Refuge building open Monday through Friday, 7:30AM - 4:00PM; weekends 9:00AM - 5:00PM (March through May). Self-guided visits: Trails open all year, dawn to dusk.
Fees: None
Buildings: Indoor exhibits and auditorium; restrooms
Wheelchair access: Building and one trail
Visitor Focus: General Public, Schools
Picnic Area: No
Lamberton Conservatory
Monroe County Parks- Highland Botanical Park
180 Reservoir Ave
Rochester, NY 14620-2729
585-753-7270
Fax: 585-256-5880
Lamberton Conservatory Website
Monroe County
Program Description: Conservatory complex located in historic Olmstead designed Park. Including Visitors Center, Courtyard Garden, Seasonal Display House, and Four Botanical Theme Glass Houses (Epiphytes, Tropical Forest, Desert, and Economic Plants). All interpreted with plant name signage. Docents (volunteers) available to answer questions. Tours available.
Hours: Sun-Sat: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Fees: Youth (0-5) - Free
Youth (6-18)/Seniors (62 and up)- $1.00 per visit
Adult (19-61)- $2.00 per visit
Buildings: Range of five connected greenhouses, center courtyard, visitors center, restrooms
Wheelchair access: Facility completely accessible
Visitor Focus: General public and groups
Picnic Area: Yes in Courtyard. Tables and benches provided inside for sitting and throughout the park for picnicking
Mendon Ponds Nature Center
Monroe County Parks
3914 Clover Street
Honeoye Falls, NY 14472-3780
585-334-3780
Mendon Ponds Nature Center Website
Monroe County
Program Description:Mendon Ponds Park, a Registered National Natural Landmark noted for its glacial features, consists of 2,500 acres with 30 miles of trails for hiking, walking, or cross- country skiing. A small trailside museum describing the natural history of Mendon Ponds is located on site.
Hours: Guided programs: By appointment Wednesday to Sunday, year-round.
Building: open 12:00PM - 4:00PM, Thursday-Sunday.
Park and grounds: open 6:00AM -11:00PM year-round.
Fees: For guided tours. Call for information.
Buildings: Interpretive center, restrooms
Wheelchair access: One trail, buildings and restrooms
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public
Picnic Area: Yes
Montezuma Audubon Center
PO Box 187
2295 State Route 89
Savannah, NY 13146
315-365-3588 or 315-365-3580
Montezuma Audubon Center Website
Friends of Montezuma Audubon Website
Wayne County
Program Description: The Center offers a diversity of programs which highlight the critically important habitats found in the area. Program themes focus on wetlands ecology, migration, habitat restoration and improvement. Programs are available to school, home school and scout groups. The Center also hosts family and public programs. The Montezuma Audubon Center holds an annual Wildlife Festival the first Saturday in May which celebrates the natural and cultural history of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Snowshoes are available for rent and the public is welcome to hike, snowshoe and cross country ski the trails.
Hours of Operation: All Year: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00AM- 4:00PM; Spring, Summer, and Fall: Open Sundays 12:00PM- 4:00PM
Fees: Free to visit building and hike trails. Charge for programs and calls in advance are requested for large groups.
Buildings: 5,200-square foot facility houses a classroom, public restrooms, auditorium, offices, a kitchen, nature store and exhibit hall.
Handicap Accessible: The building and some trails are handicap accessible.
Visitor Focus: Exhibits and trails focus on wetland diversity, habitat enhancement and migration.
Picnic Area: Picnic Tables (no cover)
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
3395 Routes 5 & 20 East
Seneca Falls, N.Y. 13148
315-568-5987
Fax: 315-568-8835
Friends of Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Website
Seneca County
Program Description: Established in 1937, the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for migrating and nesting waterfowl. The 8,000-acre refuge consists of open marsh and swamp woodland, with small areas of upland woods and fields. Refuge facilities consist of a visitor center with exhibits, wildlife drive, two observation towers and nature trail. School and environmental education groups are encouraged to make reservations for programs by contacting the Outdoor Recreation Planner. Teacher workshops are also available.
Hours: Guided programs: Call ahead for schedule. Grounds: Open seven days per week, sunrise to sunset.
Fees: None
Buildings: Interpretive center, restrooms
Wheelchair access: Trails and buildings accessible.
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public
Picnic Area: Yes
Spencer Crest Nature Center, Inc.
Box 22
Corning, NY 14870
607-962-9012
Spencer Crest Nature Center Website
Steuben County
Program Description: Spencer Crest Nature Center, adjacent to the Corning Community College campus, is a 250-acre nature preserve offering programs to increase awareness, understanding and the responsible use of the environment with over eight miles of trails. The trails are used for hiking, cross-country skiing and running, snowshoeing and sledding as well as Amelia Pond is used for ice skating, ice fishing and summer fishing. The trails are open year-round dawn till dusk and the interpretive displays and the rental space in the building is available Monday-Saturday 9:00AM - 3:00PM. The building can be also rented outside of normal hours for special occasions, such as weddings, etc.
Hours: Guided programs: Group tours by appointment. Grounds: Open year-round, dawn to dusk. Building open Monday through Saturday, 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Fees: None; donations accepted.
Buildings: Interpretive center, restrooms
Wheelchair access: Building is accessible; limited access on trails
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public
Picnic Area: Yes
Tanglewood Nature Center And Museum
443 Coleman Ave.
Elmira, NY 14903
607-732-6060
Fax: 607-732-6210
Tanglewood Nature Center Website
Chemung County
Program Description: Nine miles of scenic trails in the Finger Lakes area that begin at the nature center allow you to experience the natural beauty of the Chemung Valley first-hand. We offer hiking year-round and winter activities including cross-country skiing and snowshoe rentals. Our 12,000 square-foot building features a museum with 43 species of live animals, interactive exhibits and a comfortable library for bird-watching and reading. Our building also offers two meeting rooms for corporate meetings and events, retreats, wedding receptions and even birthday parties!
Tanglewood serves over 8,000 children in the Southern Tier of NY and the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania. We offer programs that include live animal presentations, outdoor experiences and hands-on activities. Our programs include school field trips, scouting groups, spring and summer camps and weekend activities for children.
Hours: Trails: open daily, sunrise to sunset. Museum: Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Fees: Entry and trail use are free. Some fees for school or guided presentations. Call for user fee information.
Buildings: Interpretive center, restrooms
Wheelchair access: All facilities accessible
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public, Group Tours
Picnic Area: Yes, at Tanglewood Forest Site
Twin Cedars Environmental Area
NYSDEC
6274 E Avon-Lima Rd
Avon, NY 14414
585-226-2466
Fax: 585-226-5332
Twin Cedars Environmental Area Website
Livingston County
Program Description: Seasonal displays available, programs on request.
Hours: 8:30AM - 4:30PM, Monday through Friday; Grounds (including 20 acre pond) - always open
Fees: None
Buildings: A-frame mini nature center
Wheelchair access: A portion of grounds yes, building limited
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public, and Community Groups
Picnic Area: A few tables and lawn (no formal picnic area)
YMCA Camp Arrowhead Outdoor Education Center
20 Arrowhead Road
Pittsford, NY 14534
585-383-4590
Fax: 585-383-4598
YMCA Camp Arrowhead Website
Chemung County
Program Description: YMCA Camp Arrowhead Outdoor Education Center offers a wide variety of hands-on, interactive environmental education programs for students of all ages. The programs are designed with the following objectives in mind: to explore environmental principles in a dynamic, natural setting; to create and foster an awareness among students of healthy stewardship principles; to gain knowledge and awareness of their natural world and their role in it; to challenge students in a cooperative learning environment. Programs of study include: Hands-on Nature Study, Animal Tracks and characteristics, Interpretative Nature Hikes, Orienteering and Survival Skills, Pioneer History and Skills, Snow shoeing, Indoor and Outdoor Programs, Customized Curriculum-based Programs.
Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM. All others by program or appointment
Fees: Call for fee information.
Buildings: Restrooms, Interpretive Center
Wheelchair access: Several areas including a handicap accessible Alpine Climbing Tower
Visitor Focus: Schools, General Public, Group Tours
Picnic Area: Several including playground and sand box areas.
