Night Hikes | First Friday of the month at 7pm
Hike our wooded trails under the big sky of our back fields or around our ponds. Find out who is awake and stirring under the moonlight. No need to bring a flashlight--you?ll be surprised how much you see without one! Please call ahead for availability.

Animal Feeding | Saturdays at noon
Check out our many animals! We feed our snakes, turtles, birds, fish and mammals. Our staff of animal specialists will be available to answer your questions. General admission fees apply.

Discovery Sundays | Second Sunday of the month at 1pm
Join us on the second Sunday of each month for a family-friendly program on a nature-themed topic.

Water Sustainability Panel | January 26, 6:30pm
The future of water resources is dependent on our understanding of the present and past. At a forum hosted by PRI and the History Center, local experts will discuss the history of watersheds and issues of water use and quality in Tompkins County. The event is scheduled for January 26 at 6:30 pm at the Cayuga Nature Center, 1420 Taughannock Blvd (Route 89), Ithaca. The panel will feature experts in the field, including Dr. Janet E. Hawkes, Dr. Dan Karig, Dr. Niamh O’Leary, Dr. Michael Smith, and Mr. Bill Foster. Dr. Hawkes is Co-Founder and Managing Director of HD 1 LLC, which advises on sustainable agriculture and environmental practices. Dr. Karig is an emeritus geologist from Cornell University with a research interest in watersheds and coordinates water monitoring in Six Mile Creek. Dr. O’Leary has been involved in watershed conservation, management, and anti-pollution efforts. Dr. Michael Smith is a Historian at Ithaca College with a joint appointment in the Environmental Studies and Sciences Department. Bill Foster is Program Manager for the Cayuga Lake Floating Classroom which increasingly focuses on sustainability in programming about Cayuga Lake and its watershed. The program is free and open to the general public. For more information, contact Paul Miller at the History Center, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 607.273.8284 Ext. 3.

Winter Camp | February 20-24, 8am-5:30pm
In the winter, you go inside and turn up the heat to stay warm, but what do the animals do? Learn all about how our animals survive in winter. Discover the amazing structure of snowflakes and creature your own by experimenting with crystals.  Visit with Museum of the Earth Staff to discover how glaciers formed the Finger Lakes. Participate in cool weather experiments and learn about Ice Age creatures. Investigate how trees survive the winter. Help tap trees for maple syrup and sample the product on pancakes!  After learning about how animals survive the winter, we’ll practice our own hibernation on Friday in our pajamas. Wear your favorite pajama pants and slippers! All of this and more in a fun-filled week of Winter Camp at the Nature Center!  Camp runs from 9am - 4pm with free before and after camp care from 8am - 5:30pm. Register online at cayuganaturecenter.org/camp or call 607.273.6260 x222. Medical history forms as well as vaccination records are also required.

Night Hike | February 3, 7pm
Hike our wooded trails under the big sky of our back fields or around our ponds. Find out who is awake and stirring under the moonlight. No need to bring a flashlight—you will be surprised how much you see without one!

Discovery Sunday | February 12, 1pm
Snow Shoe Demo Day with Eastern Mountain Sports. Come learn about snowshoes and enjoy a program about snow.

Winter Tea Temptations |February 19, 1pm
Warm your body and your soul in this workshop with herbalist Melanie Steverson Jarvis.  Learn about herbs that you can grow in your garden, their healthful benefits, and how to use them to make delicious teas all year round.  Sample teas and make your own to take home.  $3 for program fees.

Winter Break Recess Week | February 20-25
The Nature Center will be open all week long for your enjoyment! Monday-Sunday from 10am-4pm.
Nature Center admission is free all week for teachers with a VIT pass and for their guests with a Teacher's Pet pass.

Night Hike | March 2, 7pm
Hike our wooded trails under the big sky of our back fields or around our ponds. Find out who is awake and stirring under the moonlight. No need to bring a flashlight—you will be surprised how much you see without one!

Discovery Sunday | March 11, 1pm
Maple Past and Future. Learn some of the ways maple syrup has been made in the past and learn some of the threats to maple production today. Then join us two weeks later to taste the delicious product at Maple Festival, March 24-25.

School’s Out Day Camp | March 16, 8am-5:30pm
Ages 5 -13
Mmm mmm Maple! The sap is flowing!  Discover the sweet side of the forest as we sample syrup, sit by the fire, and see signs of early spring! Camp runs from 9am - 4pm  with free before and after camp care from 8am - 5:30pm. To register, visit cayuganaturecenter.org/camp or call 607.273.6260 x222. Medical history forms as well as vaccination records are also required.

Maple Festival | March 24-25
Taste the sweetness of maple at the Nature Center’s annual pancake breakfast from 9am-2pm. The Nature Center will be open all day with live music from 10am-4pm, crafts and games for kids, animal programs, craft vendors, maple syrup demonstrations, and a self-guided walk along the Sugarbush Trail. Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for children (12-3), 2 & under are free and $35 for a family of up to 5. Member admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and $25 for a family of up to 5. 

Night Hike | April 6
Hike our wooded trails under the big sky of our back fields or around our ponds. Find out who is awake and stirring under the moonlight. No need to bring a flashlight—you will be surprised how much you see without one!

Spring Camp | April 9-13, 8am-5:30pm
Spring into Life! Watch nature spring to life during a truly enriching week of outdoor fun and education. Campers will have the opportunity explore vernal pools, search for amphibians, plant flowers, and catch the Buzz of spring with our new Bee  Display! Camp runs from 9am - 4pm  with free before and after camp care from 8am - 5:30pm. To register, visit cayuganaturecenter.org/camp or call 607.273.6260 x222. Medical history forms as well as vaccination records are also required.

Discovery Sunday | April 22, 1pm
Help us start seeds for our butterfly garden, learn about host plants, and take seeds home to plant in your garden. 

Night Hike | May 4
Hike our wooded trails under the big sky of our back fields or around our ponds. Find out who is awake and stirring under the moonlight. No need to bring a flashlight—you will be surprised how much you see without one!

Discovery Sunday | May 13, 1pm
On Mothers’ Day, discover the good mothers of nature and how they care for their young.

School’s Out Day Camp | May 16, 8am-5:30pm
Ages 5 -13
Spring Fling! The Birds are chirping! The grass is green!  Start seeds for the garden, hike through the budding forest, and enjoy the splendor of spring. Camp runs from 9am - 4pm with free before and after camp care from 8am - 5:30pm. To register, visit cayuganaturecenter.org/camp or call 607.273.6260 x222. Medical history forms as well as vaccination records are also required.

Earth Day Celebration | April 28

Butterfly Garden Opening | June 10

Volunteer at Cayuga Nature Center
We're always looking for volunteers to help with grounds maintenance and events. Contact us today to see what you can do to help! Download an application here.

 

Rent Our Space
Have you ever booked an event with us? Cayuga Nature Center offers a wide variety of educational programs that can be geared to any age group from youngsters to elders! We also offer TEAM Challenge programs as well as rentals for numerous occassions! Contact us at 607-273-6260 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more information today!