Important Update about Cayuga Nature Center - Summer Camp and Animal Ambassadors

January 21, 2025

We want to share some important updates about the Cayuga Nature Center. Unfortunately, we will not be running our summer camp in 2025. This difficult decision was made after careful consideration of our current staffing levels. While we were able to manage last year’s camp with our existing staff, it is no longer feasible to do so without compromising the high-quality experiences our campers and families have come to expect. 

In addition, we must also share that we will be rehoming the remaining live animals at the Nature Center. Last year, a generous gift from the Lilac Foundation allowed us to sustain a downsized collection and offer another year of animal education programs for field trips, campers, and visitors. However, despite our efforts to secure additional funding from other sources, we are unable to find a sustainable path forward for the program. Under the current conditions, we cannot continue the program at this time. 

We recognize the deep connections our community has with these programs and the impact this news will have. Please know these decisions were not made lightly, and we share in the sense of loss felt by our supporters, staff, and visitors. 

Looking ahead, the Cayuga Nature Center’s grounds and Treetops will remain open year-round from dawn to dusk, providing a place for the community to explore and connect with nature. Additionally, we plan to continue offering some outdoor public programming throughout the year. Check out website events page and social media for upcoming programs. 

Although most programs at the Cayuga Nature Center are on pause for now, we are actively exploring future possibilities for the building, with a focus on preserving its educational mission. 

Thank you for your understanding and continued support during this transition. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]