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Region 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.