Also see The Nature of Rochester and join the
Nature of
Rochester Discussion.
If your organization offers non-destructive nature activities and is not
listed below, request a free exchange link.
Unless otherwise listed all telephone
numbers are in the 585 area code.
If you contact one of the listed organizations, let them know that you
saw their information on this Web Site.
- Adirondack Mountain Club, Genesee
Valley Chapter. 987-1717. "The Adirondack Mountain Club is a
non-profit organization that, through its various chapters, operates
exclusively for conservation, recreation and educational purposes. The
Genesee Valley Chapter is active in the scheduling of outings for hiking,
backpacking, X-C skiing, snow shoeing, kayaking and canoeing. The
difficulties of these trips range from easy for the beginner to
challenging for the expert. Through our conservation committee we keep
current (and often take active stands) on such issues as acid rain, state
land acquisition and use and local park planning." Click here to jump to
the ADK National Web Site.
- Audubon Society. P. O.
Box 886, Adams Basin, NY 14410-0886.
- Baltimore Woods. (See
Centers for Nature Education, Inc.(CNE))
- Beaver Meadow Audubon
Center 457-3228. 1610 Welch Rd., North Java, NY 14113. Contact:
Dave Junkin, Director.
- Bergen Swamp Society
548-7304. Email:
BSPS@rochester.rr.com. P.O. Box 460, Bergen, NY 14416-460. "The Bergen
Swamp Preservation Society (BSPS) is chartered by the New York State Board
of Regents to protect fragile wetlands and to provide educational and
research opportunities.
BSPS owns and protects more than 3000 acres of unique wetlands in 5
locations in upstate New York. Two BSPS properties, Bergen Swamp and
Zurich Bog, are designated by the National Park Service as National
Natural History Landmarks.
Information about the Society, the conducted tours, and maps showing the
location of the Society properties are available by writing to The Bergen
Swamp Preservation Society."
- Braddock Bay Bird Observatory.
Email:
info@bbbo.org. P.O.
Box 12876, Rochester, NY 14612. Braddock Bay Bird Observatory research
projects include a survey of breeding birds of Irondequoit Bay, Black Tern
banding and population monitoring, and spring and fall migration
monitoring of songbirds at the Kaiser-Manitou Beach Banding Station.
During spring, a Bander Training Course is offered for individuals who are
interested in becoming a bird bander or an assistant. For information
about the Bander Training Course, programs on banding available for clubs
or school groups, or visiting or volunteering at the banding station,
write us.
- Braddock Bay
Raptor Research.
- Buffalo Ornithological Society. Email:
mhsr@wzrd.com.
Buffalo Museum of Science, Humbolt Park, Buffalo, NY 14211
- Burroughs Audubon Nature Club.
924-9454. "The Burroughs Audubon Nature Club was organized in 1913 by
people interested in nature study, birds, and conservation. With about 400
members today, B.A.N.C. continues to meet on a regular basis and have many
field trips to local natural areas.
The club has a 30 acre nature sanctuary with trails and a clubhouse near
the Town of Pittsford where many activities are scheduled. For further
information, you may call: 924-9454 and leave a message or write to
Burroughs Audubon Nature Club, P.O. Box 17164, Rochester, NY,
14617."
-
Cattaraugus County Bird Study Club. Email:
Timothy_Baird@sccs.wnyric.org. Timothy Baird / President, 242
East-State Street, Salamanca, NY 14779.
-
Cayuga Nordic Ski Club. "The Cayuga Nordic Ski Club's purpose is
'the promotion and encouragement of Nordic skiing as a sport, healthful
exercise, recreational activity and as a means of enjoying the outdoors.'
To achieve this purpose, the club organizes Nordic skiing events suitable
for skiers of all abilities. These include tours, ski technique clinics,
waxing clinics, races, etc. The club also promotes the exchange of
information on ski trails and snow conditions in areas around Ithaca."
- Centers for Nature Education, Inc.(CNE).
315-673-1350. P.O. Box 133, Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY 13108.
"Centers for Nature Education, Inc. is dedicated to providing
environmental education and fostering environmental awareness through
participatory and personal experiences so that people in our community may
develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural
environment which is vital to our well being." "At present, CNE
concentrates its efforts in two areas: the teaching of environmental and
nature education programming throughout Central New York and the
management of Baltimore Woods in Marcellus, NY. CNE's headquarters is
located at the Baltimore Woods site in the Hand House, an 1850's farm
house donated and moved to the site in 1978,"
- Cornell Outdoor Education.
607-255-6183. Cornell Outdoor Education offers outdoor courses,
seminar and trips for both Cornell community and the general public. COE
houses the Lindseth Climbing Wall, the largest indoor natural rock
climbing wall, operates an extensive teambuilding program and challenge
course and runs a comprehensive outdoor equipment rental facility.
- Crescent Trail Hiking
Association. 248-5122. P.O. Box 1354, Fairport, NY 14450. "The
Crescent Trail is a footpath in the Town of Perinton, a suburb southeast
of Rochester. Twenty-six miles of trail wind through wooded hills and
scenic wetlands. The Trail connects with the Erie Canal Heritage Trail (or
"towpath") along the banks of the Erie Canal, to the Perinton Hikeway-Bikeway,
and to trails in the neighboring towns of Pittsford, Victor, and Macedon."
- Cumming Nature Center.
- Darien Lakes State Park.
547-9481.
- Endless Adventures Travel Company. 315-536-0522, 800-YOU-TREK,
or e-mail at gmsith@mail.keuka.edu.
145 East Main St., Penn Yan, NY 14527. Endless Adventures offers kayak and
rock climbing instruction and kayak tours in the region and elsewhere.
"Western New York's only fully licensed and accredited guide service.
American Canoe Association, Professional Paddle Sports Association,
American Mountain Guides Association, New York State Outdoor Guides
Association, American Whitewater Affiliation, American Red Cross
Certified." They also offer kayak rentals and delivery of rental kayaks.
- Finger Lakes Land Trust.
607-275-9487. 202 East Court Street, Ithaca, NY 14850. Email:
fllt@cornell.edu. Web:
http://FingerLakesLandTrust.org.
The Finger Lakes Land Trust and the Nature Conservancy work together to
protect Canadice and Hemlock Lakes watershed.
- Finger Lakes-Ontario
Watershed (F.L.O.W.) Paddlers' Club. 442-6138. 43 Whelehan Drive,
Rochester, NY 14616. Offers paddling instruction, trips, and social events
dealing with canoeing, kayaking, whitewater recreation, and more. "The
Finger Lakes Ontario Watershed Paddlers' Club was founded by a group of
paddlers who wanted to provide a local club committed to serving the needs
of a diverse paddling community, from those seeking the solitude of the
back country to those craving the crashing of the waves. Our goal is
to spread the rewards of paddling through educational programs and
opportunities, provide interest specific services to paddlers and
encourage paddlers to meet, learn, and teach each other. FLOW
members are also dedicated to improving local access and protecting
the state of our aquatic environment."
- Finger Lakes State Parks
607-387-7041. Buttermilk Falls State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park
are managed by Finger Lakes State Parks. Both parks offer activities
throughout the year.
- Foot Print Press.
"Footprint Press - trail guidebooks for hiking, bicycling, dog-walking,
and cross-country skiing. Free e-mail newsletter on central & western NY
trail related happenings and issues."
- The Finger Lakes
Trail Conference (FLTC).
- The Friends of the Genesee Valley
Greenway "The Mission of The Friends of the Genesee Valley
Greenway is to establish and maintain a public, multi-use trail and
natural corridor along the abandoned Genesee Valley Canal and its
successor, the Pennsylvania Railroad, Rochester Division, from the Erie
Canal Heritage Trail in Rochester NY, to Hinsdale, Cattaraugus County, NY,
in accordance with the Guidelines developed by the Genesee Valley Greenway
Steering Committee."
- Friends of the Outlet, Inc. C/O Yates County Historian, 110
Court St., Penn Yan, NY 14527. "Friends of the Outlet is a private, not
for profit organization, dedicated to preserving the Keuka Outlet and
trail for its historical significance and recreational use. The Outlet
trail is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and
nature watching. The Outlet, known by its Indian name of Minneseta, is
ideal for kayaking and conoeing. There are also many historical sites
along the eight mile outlet. The outlet and trail recreational area
extends from Keuka lake and Penn Yan to Seneca lake and Dresden."
- Friends of Webster Trails.
"To manage and promote the Hojack Trail, Vosburg Hollow Wild Area and
other trails and linear parks in partnership with the Town of Webster for
educational and recreational purposes."
- Gannett School of Science and Man (Rochester Museum & Science Center)
271-4320. Fax 271-5935. 657 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14603-1480.
- Ganondagan State Historic Site
924-5848. 1488 Victor-Holcomb Road Victor, New York 14564. "Visit the site
of a Seneca town where thousands of Seneca lived 300 years ago. Climb the
mesa where a huge palisaded granary stored hundreds of thousands of
bushels of corn, and served as a fort when needed. Learn about the
destruction of Ganondagan, Town of Peace, in 1687 when a large French army
led by the governor of Canada attacked it." They also have a some very
nice hiking trails that connect to the
Victor Hiking Trails, Inc.
trails.
- Genesee Country Museum,
The Nature Center.
- Genesee Waterways Center.
328-3960. P.O. Box 18607, Rochester, NY 14618. Email:
blake6@frontiernet.net. "Our
Mission: To reach out to all segments of the community and provide
watersports activities through a wide variety of programs and events.
Goals of the GWC include promoting youth development, activities for the
less fortunate, physical fitness, education, competitive training,
community participation and tourism. The GWC will enhance the reputation
and quality of life in the Monroe county area, and protect the natural
heritage of the Genesee River and Erie Canal. Our Purpose:
The purpose of the GWC is to introduce and promote the use of human
powered watercraft - outrigger canoeing, rowing, white water kayaking, and
sprint kayaking - to a broad segment of Monroe County. Instructional
classes, training, competitions and other recreational programming will be
offered to youth, young adults, master level adults, senior citizens, and
the general public."
- Genesee Ornithological Society.
Email: davids01@frontiernet.net.
A section of The Rochester Academy of Science. P.O. Box 25156, Rochester,
NY 14625.
-
Genesee Valley Hiking Club.
- Great
Lakes Environmental Education Center. Email:
info@greatlakesed.org.
"Mission Statement: To facilitate learning and information management in
the international Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Basin ecosystem. The Center
will provide a central information and reference service for Great Lakes -
St. Lawrence educational resources to teachers, students, and non-formal
educators."
- The Great Lakes
Information Network. "The Great Lakes Information Network, or
GLIN, is a partnership that provides one place online for people to find
information relating to the binational Great Lakes region. Thanks to its
strong network of state, provincial, federal and regional partner agencies
and organizations, GLIN has become a necessary component of informed
decisionmaking, and a trusted and reliable source of information for those
who live, work or have an interest in the Great Lakes region."
- Hamlin Beach State Park
964-2462.
-
Hansen Nature Center.
Tinker Nature Park & Hansen Nature Center,
1525 Calkins Road, P.O. Box 999, Henrietta, New York 14467-0999.
TINPKHAN@MCLS.ROCHESTER.LIB.NY.US.
"The Hansen Nature
Center contains a large group meeting room, classroom, large exhibit area,
gift shop, rest rooms and an office/storage area. Monthly natural science
presentations and special public events are held in the large group
meeting room. During the school year, schools book their classes for
outdoor environmental education programs. Depending on the weather,
snowshoes are used for the winter ecology class."
- Hawk Creek Wildlife
Rehabilitation Center, Inc. 585-652-8646. Loretta
C. Jones, Director. P.O.Box 662, East Aurora, NY 14052-0662.
Hawkcreekw@aol.com. "We are
the largest outrach educational facility in NYS, reaching over 100,000
individuals yearly! We hold over 10 state, federal and USDA permits
which allow us to exhibit live animals. We are members of the
prestigious International Association of Avian & Educators (IAATE) which
ranks Hawk Creek as one of the most unique and professional facilities in
the world."
- Helmer
Nature Center 336-3035. 154 Pine Grove Ave., Rochester, NY 14617.
Contact: Mary Ann Russo.
- Highland Park Conservancy. 234-GROW. 5 Castle Park, Rochester,
NY 14620. " The Highland Park Conservancy is a non- profit volunteer
organization formed in October 1994 to preserve Highland Park's unique
heritage and promote its vast horticultural, educational and recreational
resources. Working in cooperation with Monroe County and the city of
Rochester, we support sound planning, management and restoration. And we
engage the community through education and volunteer programs, including
tours, work projects and educational outreach. Our members are a diverse
group of individuals united by a belief that Highland Park—as an arboretum
and a landmark of social and horticultural history-should be held up to
the community and its visitors as a treasure to be explored, respected and
nurtured."
- Irondequoit Bay State Park
964-2462.
-
Iroquois National
Wildlife Refuge 948-5445. 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY
14013. Refuge Manager Thomas Roster.
Google Map.
-
Lake Country Bike & Ski Club. 315-789-1138. 124 N. Brook St.,
Geneva, NY 14456. "Activities include canoeing, snowshoeing, hiking,
kayaking, mountain biking, and mountain bike polo. For information Phone
Tom Geary at 315-789-1138 or contact Janie Wilkins by e-mail at
wilkins@hws.edu."
- Lakeside Beach State Park
682-5246.
- Letchworth State Park
493-3603. 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427-1124. Contact: Jayne
McLaughlin, Park Manager.
- Lock 32 Canal State Park
964-2462
- Mendon Ponds
Nature Center and Nature Preserve 334-3780. Ponds Road at Clover
St., Honeoye Falls, NY 14472. "Mendon Ponds Park is located 10 miles
southeast of Rochester. The park consists of 2,500 acres of woodlands,
ponds, wetlands, and glacially created land forms. The Mendon Ponds Nature
Center and Natural Preserve is located in the southern section of Mendon
Ponds Park. The preserve consists of 550 acres with 7 miles of
self-guiding nature trails and 5 miles of multi-use trails. Directional
signs and natural history displays guide visitors along the nature
trails."
- Montezuma National Wildlife
Refuge 315-568-5987. 3395 Route 5/20 East, Seneca Falls, NY
13148-9778. "Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge lies at the north end of
Cayuga Lake, in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.
Located 5 mile east of Seneca Falls, in Seneca County, Montezuma Refuge
serves as a major resting area for waterfowl and other waterbirds on their
journeys to and from nesting areas in northeastern and east-central
Canada. Refuge management benefits wildlife and provides a place for
people to visit and enjoy wildlife in its natural habitat."
- The Nature Conservancy, Central
and Western New York Chapter Voice: 546-8030. Fax:
546-7825. Email:
clonghany@tnc.org. 315 Alexander St., Rochester, NY
14604. "The Nature Conservancy is an international membership organization
committed to the global preservation of natural diversity. Its mission is
to identify and preserve the world's best remaining examples of plants,
animals, and natural communities by protecting the lands and water they
need to survive.
To date the Conservancy and its over 800,000 members have been responsible
for the protection of 8 million acres in 50 states and Canada. It has
helped like-minded partner organizations to preserve millions of acres in
Latin America and the Caribbean. The Conservancy owns and manages some
1,500 preserves, the largest privately owned nature preserve system in the
world.
The Central and Western New York Chapter of The Nature Conservancy has
protected more than 13,000 acres, and owns and manages 26 nature
sanctuaries."
-
Nature
Discoveries. "Nature Discoveries has been leading ecotours to
many of the world's finest natural places since 1989. Destinations
include Alaska, Hawaii, Galapagos, Iceland, Peru, New Zealand, Costa Rica,
Belize, and many of the western US parks. Over a thousand Rochesterians
and others have enjoyed these vacation-learning expeditions - active trips
that increasing traveler's awareness of the natural wonders of each
destination - birds – butterflies, wildlife, flora, geology. More than
half the travelers on any trip, on average, are repeat customers. Groups
are small and comprised mainly of people from the central and western New
York. Trip leaders have decades of experience as educators, researchers,
naturalists and guides."
Comment: I was recently at dinner party where nearly every guest had
been on a Nature Discoveries tour. All of the guests who had been on
a tour recommended the company and the tour guides.
- Oak Orchard Marine State Park
682-5246.
- Ontario Pathways.
394-7968. Betsy Russel, P. O. Box 996, Canadaigua, NY 14424. "Ontario
Pathways is a grassroots organization consisting of people from all walks
of life dedicated to planning, establishing and maintaining public access
trails throughout Ontario County, and eventually linking these trails with
trail systems in other counties. Our members have diverse interests that
have brought them together for this endeavor. These interests include
walking, bicycling, cross�country skiing, running, horseback riding,
nature hiking and bird watching. Through our organization, we plan to
provide a safe, well managed system of trails that can be enjoyed not only
by us but by our grandchildren and many generations to follow.
As a family of citizens, we have a once�in�a�lifetime opportunity to turn
two abandoned railroad beds in our area into a permanent, public 'linear
park' for our use and the enjoyment of future generations. The two routes
join in Stanley, NY, and together make a route 22 miles long that joins
the city of Canandaigua to the villages of Clifton Springs and helps. Both
of these routes are through beautiful countryside, scenic woods and
fields, small communities and nearby streams. Now that the trains have
suspended their cycle in history, we have the opportunity to convert these
right�of�ways into multi�use, public trails and join the Rails�to�Trails
movement that is developing across America. Your support is needed to make
this dream a reality."
- Pack Paddle Ski Corporation.
6237 S. Lima Rd., Lima, NY 14487. Pack Paddle Ski
Corporation offers fee-based outdoor activities and expeditions throughout
the year.
-
The Pfeiffer Nature
Center. Email:
information@PfeifferNatureCenter.org. "The Pfeiffer Nature
Center was founded in 1998 through a bequest from Wendy Pfeiffer Lawrence.
The Pfeiffer Nature Center is a non-profit, tax exempt organization with
the purpose of building a foundation of knowledge, understanding, and
appreciation for the intrinsic value and aesthetic qualities of our
natural world."
- Rochester Academy of Science
"The Rochester Academy of Science, Inc., is an organization which has been
promoting interest in the natural sciences since 1881, with special focus
on the Western New York State region." Visit their Web site for address
and telephone information.
- Rochester Civic Garden Center.
"Our mission is to improve the quality of life in the Genesee Region by
fostering knowledge, providing information, increasing interest, and
promoting all aspects of gardening and horticulture."
- Rochester Butterfly Club. 671-8848. Belma Cerosaletti,
President.
- Rochester Gardening
Web Site. The Rochester Gardening Web site has links to online and
offline information on gardening in upstate New York and links to other
national Web sites.
- Rochester Museum and Science Center,
School of Science & Man. 271-4320. 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
14607.
- Rochester
Orienteering Club
Learn orienteering and you will never be lost again. Stop by their Web
site and learn more about the club and their outings.
- Roger Tory Peterson Institute
of Natural History 665-2473. 311 Curtis St., Jamestown, NY
14701-9940. "Dedicated to informing society about the natural world
through the study and teaching of natural history."
- Rochester
Rock Ice & Snow Climbing Club. "Rochester has an informal group of
people who climb rock, indoor walls, snow, and the occasional frozen
waterfall. It's primarily a contact group where climbers and potential
climbers can meet and talk about climbing and mountaineering. Some of our
members travel to the great mountain ranges of North America and other
parts of the world. The club usually meets on the second Monday of each
month at 7:30 PM to discuss past and future outings and to view slides of
members' recent trips or videos related to climbing."
- Seayaker Outfitters.
315-524-9295, FAX 315-524-3302, E-mail
seayaker@netacc.net. 4300
Canandaigua Road, Walworth, NY 14568. "Seayaker Outfitters offers sea
kayaking instruction, and eco-tour paddling adventures along the historic
Erie Canal, creeks, rivers, bays and lakes of the Finger Lakes region and
elsewhere. Our experienced staff is certified by the American Canoe
Association as coastal kayak instructors and are licensed New York State
guides."
- Sierra
Club of Rochester. 987-9282.
- Tinker Nature Park.
1525 Calkins Road, P.O. Box 999, Henrietta, New York 14467-0999.
Phone: 585-359-7044.
- Tifft Farm Nature
Preserve. 896-5200. 1100 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo, NY 14203. "A 264
acre nature preserve, including a 75 acre cattail marsh, 5 miles of nature
trails and a variety of habitats. The preserve is part of the Buffalo
Museum of Science."
-
Thousand Acre Swamp Sanctuary. Mailing address: The
Nature Conservancy, Central and Western New York Chapter, Suite 201, 315
Alexander St., Rochester, NY 14604. Location of swamp: Penfield, NY on
Jackson Road between Atlantic Avenue and Plank Road, Opposite Penfield
Center Road. The driveway is adjacent to Penfield Volunteer Ambulance.
Click here for map to Thousand Acre Swamp. The
Thousand Acre Swamp Sanctuary is a Nature Conservancy
preserve.
- Trout Unlimited.
Contact: Andy Cooper.
"Seth Green Chapter of Trout Unlimited has been Americas leading trout and
salmon conservation organization dedicated to conserving, protecting, and
restoring cold water fisheries and their watersheds. Monthly
newsletter, Fly tying, Trout fishing, Stream improvements, Stream reports,
Monthly actives and much more."
- Victor Hiking Trails,
Inc. Victor Hiking Trails, Inc., 85 East Main Street, Victor, NY
14564-1397.
- Western New York Hiking and Walking.
"Website listing hiking trails, walking spots, and fun outdoor activities
to do in Western New York. Includes a message forum. Hiking with children
is discussed on the site."
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