Let's get outside, hike around and explore together, focusing on the natural world around us. We will learn all about the plants, animals and geology that surround us.

Please note:

  • All programs are 1 hour unless otherwise scheduled.

  • Recommended 1:10 chaperone to student ratio. Adults over this number will be charged regular admission.

Contact

For outdoor programs information, contact:
Nature Center Programs
607-273-6260 x227
[email protected]

Program Topics

A Walk in the Woods

Your class will join one of our naturalists for a fun and educational walk through the woods. The content will be based on our observations on our trails that day. From signs of wildlife to fantastic fungi to plants in bloom and wild edibles. Participants are encouraged to ask any and all questions about what they observe in the woods as well. With our interpretive skills and the ever changing wonders of the natural world, we guarantee that each walk in the woods is bound to be unique. Grades 1+

Awesome Aquatics

Be prepared to get your feet wet in this fun class. Students will use nets to collect and identify common organisms found in the stream and pond. Relationships to water quality, the food chain and adaptations for an aquatic environment will be stressed. Grades 1 — 5

Seasons Changing

Use your senses to see, hear, smell, touch, and taste how the seasons are changing. Seasonal themes include maple trees, blossoms, scents, apples, changing leaves, and tracking. Discover the wonders of the seasons on an interactive walk through the Nature Center woods. Grades Pre-K — 2

Survival Skills

Students will learn the rules for survival when stranded in the woods. They will build a shelter, craft cordage, and learn about fire-building tips and techniques. Grades 3+

Plant Power

Study the plant life of the Finger Lakes forests. Explore the forest for common understory plants and their historic uses, learn what gifts our native trees can provide, and discover their unique relationships to the surrounding wildlife. Grades 3+

Geology of the Finger Lakes

Learn about geology by exploring the Nature Center’s gorge and views of Cayuga Lake. Focusing on the mechanisms of glaciers, erosion, sedimentation, and the rock cycle, students will observe stream power at work and hike to interesting geological sites. Grades 3+

Birds of a Feather

Birds are everywhere, but what makes them a bird? We’ll look at structures of feathers, skulls, beaks and feet that can be indicators of their diet and behavior. Grades 3+

Amphibian Versus Reptile

Let’s take a look at 2 types of animals and see how and why they are confused quite often. We’ll display some specimens from our education collection and compare and contrast our observations. Grades 3+

Dendrochronology & the Science of Rings

Ever wonder how old a tree is? There are a few ways to estimate the age of a tree. We’ll practice by looking at tree “cookies” and talk about the layers within a piece of wood and their function. Each section is vital for a healthy tree. Let’s dive in and have a tree-mendous time! Grades 3+

Dentition & Diet

Most mammals are born without teeth and a first set grows in as they get older. Just like humans they have a set of young teeth, called deciduous teeth, and then permanent adult teeth. We’ll be looking at the functions, types and sizes of teeth by looking at a variety of mammal skulls to see what we can infer about their diet. Grades 3+

Brown Bear Basics

Did you know that bears don’t hibernate!? Let’s take a look at these native New York, brown bears. They’re mysterious and vital for healthy ecosystems. So let’s discuss behavior, diet and the importance of their poop! By looking at their skulls, claws and fur we can learn so much about black bears. Grades 3+