12/26/2019
The Sterling Nature Center is located in northern Cayuga County on Jensvold Road, one mile north of the Sterling Renaissance Festival. For more information, email snc@cayugacounty.us, or find us on Facebook and at www.cayugacounty.us or call the center at 315-947-6143.
Cayuga Naturally Photo Contest 2020
Cayuga County is a diverse and wonderful place filled with nature’s best from the shore of Lake Ontario to the heart of the Finger Lakes. Capture your favorite place for hiking, canoeing, fishing, hunting or other outdoor activity as well as the beauty of the streams, lakes, trees, wildflowers, birds, animals and other aspects of nature. All photos must be taken within Cayuga County and be of nature related subjects. The photo should be: taken between 10-01-19 and 09-30-20; unframed and mounted on a firm backing, such as foam board or matting board; no smaller than 3×5 inches and no larger than 8×10 inches; all entries must be at the Sterling Nature Center by 10-07-20. For official entry form send a stamped self-addressed envelope to: SNC Photo, PO Box 216 Sterling NY, 13156 or email snc@cayugacounty.us. The contest is free and open to everyone, no photos will be returned and SNC reserves the right to refuse any photo deemed inappropriate.
Wandering Naturalist
Saturday January 4 at 10am
Take a meandering walk along the trails in search of the wonders that may be found if we only take the time to slow down, observe and connect with the flora and fauna of the Sterling Nature Center. Photography, journaling or just being intentionally curious about the natural world around us are encouraged. There may be times we just stop, wait, look and listen for the wildlife that we otherwise might miss.
Owl Prowl
Friday January 10 at 6pm
Saturday January 11 at 4pm
Nesting season is about to begin for the great horned owls. Join Naturalist Jim D’Angelo for an indoor introduction to the great-horned owl and other New York State owls. Then venture out on an owl prowl looking and listening for the nocturnal king of the sky. The program is free and open to the public; please remember to dress for the weather; snowshoes will be available if needed.
Winter Sunset Walk
Saturday January 25 at 5pm
What wildlife is moving about the Sterling Nature Center during the winter twilight? The openness of the winter landscape is the perfect setting to explore for wildlife while enjoying a Lake Ontario sunset. The program is free and open to the public; please remember to dress for the weather; snowshoes will be available if needed.
Naturalist Walk
Sunday February 2, at 1pm
Happy Ground Hog’s Day; what better way to celebrate than with a naturalist walk? Take a meandering walk along the trails in search of the wonders that may be found if we only take the time to slow down, observe and connect with the flora and fauna of the Sterling Nature Center. Photography, journaling or just being intentionally curious about the natural world around us will be encouraged. There may be times we just stop, wait, look and listen for the wildlife that we otherwise might miss.
Sunset-Moonrise Walk
Saturday February 8, 5pm
February can be a very cold month that makes us want to stay inside but if we do venture out there are many wonderful winter sights to enjoy. The sun setting over Lake Ontario, the tracks of wildlife through the snow covered woodlands, and the rising of the Snow Moon are a few sights we can enjoy on this winter hike. (February’s full moon is traditionally call the Snow or Hunger Moon)
Exploring Winter
Friday February 21, 1pm
Saturday February 22, 1pm
Explore the February landscape and venture out into the wintery world to observe signs of wildlife. We will go for a hike to explore the fields and forests of the nature center in search of insects, birds, mammals and other active wildlife. The programs are free and open to the public; please remember to dress for the weather by Lake Ontario. Snowshoes are available if needed.
