Natural history, year-round
Enjoy spectacular views, discover native flora and fauna, and have fun year-round at the museum's Genesee Country Nature Center. Whether it's newly emerging spring flowers, songbirds nesting in summer, breathtaking fall foliage or the solitude of a snowy winter landscape, the natural setting provides the perfect backdrop for an exploration of natural history. Depending on the weather and conditions, you may walk, hike, ski or snowshoe on nearly five miles of marked themed trails. A trail map is available at the nature center building.

Located on 175 acres that encompass woodlands, meadows, old fields and fascinating geologic formations, the nature center provides visitors with ample opportunities to observe, learn about and marvel at western New York's natural history. Indoor exhibits highlight local plants, animals and geology, a viewing station provides opportunities to learn about birds and to hone your identification skills.

Special programs
Join us at the nature center throughout the year for an array of naturalist-led programs and classes offered for people of all ages. We'll even tailor a special program to your group's needs—just give us a call at least two weeks before your visit. Here's a sampling of what's available:

• Weekly nature-themed presentations—every Sunday at 2 p.m.
• Earth Camp: fun summer camps for kids from preschool through 7th graders
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• Special programs such as Sap, Syrup & Sugar, summer meteor camp-out, Creatures of the Night and Mission: Wolf.
• Letterbox Clues
• Groomed cross-country ski trails. Bring your own equipment, or rent at nature center for $10 for skis and $5 for snowshoes; are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call (585) 538-6822 ext. 262 for snow and trail conditions.
• Badge programs for Boy and Girl Scouts. Badge programs are 1½-2 hours long and involve some or all of the required activities for each badge. Some programs are subject to seasonal suitability. Reservations requested for all programs. Please call the nature center at (585) 538-6822 ext.262 for more information.

Brownie Girl Scouts: Animals, Eco-Explorer
Junior Girl Scouts: Earth Connections, Wildlife
Webelos: Forester, Naturalist

For your safety and to protect the fragile environment

• Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
• Stay on marked trails, and watch your step for slippery rocks and low-hanging branches
• Do not disturb or collect plants, animals, fossils or rocks
• No smoking allowed on trails or in nature center building
• Except for service animals, no pets allowed
• Trails are only open during regular nature center hours

Visiting A Nest

Adopt-A-Nest

You can help native birds rebound from natural and man-made environmental problems through the nature center's Adopt-a-Nest program. To date, some 500 birds have been born in more than 200 nest boxes managed by the museum's nature center and a core of dedicated volunteers. It's clearly a big job to maintain all of this avian housing, and the Adopt-A-Nest Program allows you to make contribution, starting at just $10. It also makes a great gift.

As thanks for your support, you'll have your name posted at the nature center, the opportunity to see your donation at work during a visit to an active nest box and a certificate of appreciation. Choose from the following options:

• $10 tree swallow, house wren or chickadee
• $25 Eastern bluebird or great crested flycatcher
• $35 American kestrel, mallard or wood duck
• $50 Eastern screech-owl or hooded merganser

Hours

Jan. 2- Oct. 31
10 a. m. -4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday

Bonus hour-July to Labor Day
Open until 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday

November-December
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday

Admission

Nature center admission is included with a regular museum day pass. Nature center only admission is as follows: