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Enjoy the Outdoors Any Time of Year at the Sterling Nature Center

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2018-02-17 08:43:00

 
As the weather begins to warm up and nature beings to wake up, venture along the shores of Lake Ontario, in the quiet town of Sterling in Cayuga County, and pay a visit to the Sterling Nature Center.



Whatever the season brings, this 1,400-acre preserve offers a perfect getaway to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Visitors can enjoy guided and self-guided hikes and nature walks –or, in the winter, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing excursions-- along more than 10 miles of trails through woodlands, wetlands and wildflower fields. There’s also plenty of opportunity for fishing, canoeing, bird and wildlife watching, beach walks, and more relaxing outdoor activities in this pristine natural area.



Wooded paths, fields of native wildflowers, an 80-acre beaver pond, and ephemeral pools home to amphibian species provide plenty of spots to stop and soak up the peaceful nature of the preserve. A pavilion and picnic areas provide the perfect spot for a break from a mid-afternoon hike, and a few different trails lead to two miles of undeveloped shoreline along Lake Ontario, a prime location for a sunbathing session or a relaxing read.  An on-site canoe launch on Sterling Creek leads to miles of calm, flatwater paddling opportunities, including a five mile paddle downstream to Fair Haven Beach State Park  and the lakeside village of Fair Haven.



Birdwatching is a popular activity here, especially at the Great Blue Heron rookery, and if you’re quiet and patient, you may see wild turkeys, deer, foxes, beavers, mink, otters, and other woodland creatures roaming the preserve.



Before you leave, make a stop at the preserve’s visitor’s center, which is housed in a renovated 1860s-era farmhouse that features a rotating collection of interpretive exhibits on local wildlife and geology. And check out one of the many events  that the Sterling Nature Center puts on throughout the year to cater to kids and adults interested in learning more about the natural world. If cabin fever has reached fever pitch and a peaceful day in nature is just what the doctor ordered, Sterling Nature Center is the place to go. Get hours, directions and other important info on the center’s website  or Facebook page.


 

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