04/08/2021
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.
The in person programs will start from the Pavilion. All participants must wear a mask and preregister by emailing SNC@CAYUGACOUNTY.US , (a confirmation email will be sent to you). Please remember to dress for the weather by Lake Ontario.
Cayuga Naturally
2021 Photo Contest
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. For official entry form email snc@cayugacounty.us or send a stamped self-addressed envelope to: SNC Photo, PO Box 216 Sterling NY, 13156. The contest is free and open to everyone, no photos will be returned and SNC reserves the right to refuse any photo deemed inappropriate.
Vernal Pools
Friday April 9, 1pm
Saturday April 10, 1pm
Facebook Live TBD
Vernal pools are small wetlands that provide essential habitat for insects, crustaceans, frogs, salamanders, turtles and many other wildlife species. An indoor presentation on the natural history of vernal pools will be conducted before the outdoor nature study. We will do some hands on exploring of these unique wetlands looking for salamanders, frogs, insects and other wildlife that contribute to this small and valuable ecosystem. Please dress for the weather and wear boots if you want to wade into the wetland.
Wandering Naturalist
Friday April 16, 10am
Saturday April 17, 10am
Exploration, Discovery, Learning Inspiration and Tranquility await you in nature, come take a Hike to help you observe and connect with the flora and fauna of the Sterling Nature Center. This is a meandering walk along the trails in search of the wonders that may be found if we only take the time to slow down and observe. Photography, journaling or just being intentionally curious about the natural world around us will be encouraged. There may be time we just stop to wait, look and listen for the wildlife around us according to the season and activity of the flora and fauna.
Spring Beach Clean-up
Saturday April 24, 10am to noon
The Sterling Nature Center’s annual spring beach cleanup is your opportunity to THINK about the GLOBLE ENVIRONMENT and ACT LOCALLY to help make a difference. Join other volunteers to help clean up the Lake Ontario shoreline; bags and gloves will be available but you are welcome to bring your own. Remember to dress for the weather and that the lakeshore can be cooler and windier than inland this time of year.
Let’s Have a Big Year: Search for Warblers!!!
Friday April 30, 7am
Friday May 7, 7am
On our quest to observe as many birds as we can during 2021 hitting the spring migration will be key to our success. Warblers, waterfowl, raptors and other birds passing over or stopping in to feed and rest along their journey will be the object of our birding passion this time of year. Join us on these early morning birding hikes to observe these colorful feathered friends.
Warblers & Wildflowers
Saturday May 1, 1pm
Saturday May 8, 1pm
Saturday May 15, 1pm
As the weather warms and the tree buds swell the woodland warblers return to their breeding grounds as the woodland wildflowers bloom. Many of these small and very colorful birds are just passing through the Sterling Nature Center while others will stay and nest. It can be challenging to find, follow and identify these small birds but the wildflowers are a bit easier to find and can be just as colorful. Join us for a relaxing walk along the trails in search of the woodland warblers and wildflowers.
Sunday Wandering Naturalist
Sunday May 2, 10am
Take a walk to help you observe and connect with the flora and fauna of the Sterling Nature Center. This will be a meandering walk along the trails in search of the wonders that may be found if we only take the time to slow down and observe. Photography, journaling or just being intentionally curious about the natural world around us will be encouraged. There may be time we just stop to wait, look and listen for the wildlife around us according to the season and activity of the flora and fauna.
