Exploring Nature

Featured Gardens & Nature Centers

Agroforestry Resource Center

Groups can tour the art gallery in the conference room of the resource center where they will find nature and landscape art . Educational programs cover stream ecology, natural resources, stewardship, and agriculture. 6055 Route 23, Acra, NY 12405. Tel: 518-622-9820. Cost: Fee.... More Info

Albany Pine Bush Preserve and Discovery Center

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve and Discovery Center works to protect, restore, and manage the natural and cultural resources of the Albany Pine Bush. 195 New Karner Rd., Albany, New York 12205. Tel: 518-456-0655, ext. 1250. Cost: Fee/Free.... More Info

Baltimore Woods Nature Center

Baltimore Woods Nature Center is a premiere educational organization that transforms individuals and communities through place-based education. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY 13108. Baltimore County. Tel: 315-673-1350. Fee.... More Info

Cornell Plantations

Scheduled tours take groups on a personalized, up-close look at 24 acres of verdant plant life, with educators offering fun and hands-on gardening, botanical, and craft activities. 1 Plantations Rd., Ithaca, New York 14850. Tel: 607-255-2400. Cost: Free.... More Info

Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve

Campers will enjoy this nature center's live animals, educational displays, and even a Native American artifact collection. Educational programs will teach campers about animal characteristics, classifications, and behavior. 200 New Hwy., Commack, NY 11725. Suffolk County. Tel: 631-543-7804. Cost: Fee.... More Info

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum's Hudson Valley Wildlife Education Center and Outdoor Discovery Center offer field trips focusing on pond ecology, river ecosystems, reptiles, paleontology, and more. Cornwall-on-Hudson and Cornwall, NY. Tel: 845-534-7781. Cost: Varies.... More Info

Innisfree Garden

Guided tours highlight the garden’s unique design and beauty, and explore the story of the garden. 362 Tyrrel Road., Millbrook, New York 12545. Tel: 845-677-8000. Cost: Fee.... More Info

Landis Arboretum

The site comprises hundreds of acres, 40 of which are developed with plantings of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials from around the world. 174 Lape Rd., Esperance, NY 12066. Tel: 518-875-6935. Cost: Free.... More Info

RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary

See the Hudson River’s largest tidal swamp forest, visit a major feeding area for migratory birds, and a breeding ground for American shad and bass. Dubois Rd., Catskill, New York 12414. Tel: 518-678-3248. Cost: Fee.... More Info

Science Barge

The world-renowned Science Barge is a sustainable urban farm and education center floating on the Hudson. Programs range from a one-hour tour to a 3-hour Greenhouse Program and Green Lunch Challenge, where campers will bring their lunches and learn to recycle and compost their waste. 99 Dock St., Yonkers, NY, 10701. Tel: 914-375-2151. Cost: Fee.... More Info

Taconic Outdoor Education Center

Year-round program topics at Taconic Outdoor Education Center include environmental issues, birds, energy cycles, mammals, and more. Groups will enjoy activities such as collecting water samples from ponds and bird watching. 75 Mountain Laurel Ln., Cold Spring, NY 10516. Tel: 845-265-3773. Cost: Fee.... More Info

The Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden

Groups can participate in a creative hands-on workshop, where they can make Japanese woodblock prints or try their hand at Chinese Brush Painting. 28 Deveau Road, North Salem, New York 10560. Tel: 914-669-5033. Cost: Fee. ... More Info

The Mountain Top Arboretum

The Mountain Top Arboretum has 179 acres of meadows, wetlands and forest connected by trails, paths, and boardwalks. Campers can explore our West Meadow, see a Rain Garden, Bird Cove planted with native shrubs, species conifers and dwarf conifers, prehistoric Devonian bedrock area and more!... More Info

Wolf Conservation Center

Learn about wolves and their relationship to our environment at the Wolf Conservation Center. Meet Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa, Zephyr, Nikai as well as the center’s endangered wolves. 7 Buck Run, South Salem, NY 10590. Tel: 914-763-2373. Cost: Fee.... More Info

Other Listings

Cranberry Lake Preserve

1609 Old Orchard St., West Harrison, NY 10604. 914-428-1005. 190-acre park is home to a variety of plants, animals, and habitats. Free.

Croton Point Park

1A Croton Point Ave., Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520. 914-862-5290. A 508-acre park situated on a peninsula on the east shore of the Hudson River. Fee.

Cutler Botanic Garden

Guided tours are offered by the Master Gardener Volunteers of this display garden owned by Cornell Cooperative Extension. 840 Upper Front St, Binghamton, NY 13905. Tel: 607-772-8954. Cost: Free.

Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center

Plan a program for your group on nature-related topics, including tracking, animal adaptations, fossil exploration, and more. 87 Nature Center Way, Voorheesville, NY 12186. Tel: 518-872-0800. Cost: Free.

Forsyth Nature Center

157 Lucas Ave., Kingston, New York 12401. 845-339-3053. Offers animal exhibits, gardens, and environmental education programs. Fee/Free.

Greenburgh Nature Center

33 acres of woods, streams and wildlife in Scarsdale NY, with live animals, a museum, a greenhouse with botanical exhibits, a hands-on discovery room, guided tours, and a Nature Store. 99 Dromore Road., Scarsdale, NY 10583. Tel: 914-723-3470. Cost: Fee.

Highland Botanical Park

This 150-acre park is home to the Lamberton Conservatory, an extensive collection of native and non-native plants, and a number of memorials and gardens. 180 Reservoir Ave., Rochester, NY 14620. Tel: 585-753-7270. Cost: Free.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Take a naturalist-led nature walk on the trails and visit Cayuga Overlook. 1101 Casey Rd, Basom, NY 14013. Tel: 607-273-6260. Cost:

Lenoir Preserve, Yonkers

A 40-acre nature preserve comprised of woodlands and field habitats adjacent to the Old Croton Aqueduct on slopes overlooking the Hudson River, providing spectacular views. Featuring educational nature study programs, hiking/walking, gardening, birding, cross-country skiing. Fee.
Lenoir Preserve, 19 Dudley Street, Yonkers, NY (914-968-5851)

Lime Hollow Nature Center

Visit the nature center for maple sugaring demonstrations, fishing, and more. 338 McLean Road, Cortland NY 13045. Tel: 607-662-4632. Cost: Fee.

Nannen Arboretum

Named for local businessman, conservationist and political leader, William O. Nannen, groups can explore the arboretum's many gardens, memorials, and sanctuaries. 28 Parkside Dr, Ellicottville, NY 14731. Tel: 716-699-2100. Cost: Free.

1 2 Next

New York State