Cumming Nature Center
Programs & Events
Discover something new each time you visit the Cumming Nature Center. From maple sugaring to guided hikes to blacksmithing, a trip to the Nature Center is sure to be fun for the whole family!
Archaeology & History Day
Join us for a tour of a former homesteading site, and learn about the history of Frost Town – a 19th century sawmill town that was abandoned. Free with admission!
AUTUMN Nature photography WORKSHOP
Join instructor Chelse Thompson for a nature photography session this spring; learn how to see the light – and utilize it to capture powerful images of the world around us.
Bats & Fireflies: An Evening Wild walk
Join us for a special evening hike and learn about two fascinating creatures that share a similar habitat: bats & fireflies!
BioBlitz – HAPPENING NOW!
Contribute to a citizen science project and help us better understand the biodiversity found at the Cumming Nature Center!
Blacksmithing
Explore blacksmithing in small-group, hands-on sessions with expert instructor Jonathan Bernard. Join in at the intro level or more advanced!
CANCELED: Full Moon Ski
Come and glide down the lantern-lit Beaver Trail during this magical nighttime ski!
Community Day
Get to know your local nature center for free! Residents living within about 10 miles of the nature center will get free admission on this fun beaver-themed community day for all ages.
Composting 101
Join us for a free introductory session on the benefits and how-to’s of composting, with Master Gardener Victoria Barnsbee.
Concert in the Pines: Cinnamon Jones
Join us for a dynamic performance by local Jazz/Blues/R&B artist Cinnamon Jones!
CONCERT IN THE PINES: HALEY FISHBERGER
Join us as we welcome Haley Fishberger, a California-based cinematic folk artist, to the Cumming Nature Center as part of an East Coast tour!
Concert in the pines: Tim Ball with Alex fortier
Join us at the Cuming Nature Center for an evening of lively Celtic and American fiddle tunes with Tim Ball and Alex Fortier!
Concert in the Pines: Travis Knapp
Join us for a relaxing afternoon with local folk singer Travis Knapp amidst the majestic red pines!
Eco-Book Club & Hike
Our monthly book club explores fiction and non-fiction books with an environmental emphasis, pairing each book with a hike. Our monthly book club explores fiction and non-fiction books with an environmental emphasis, pairing each book with a hike.
Eco-Horror Movie Matinee
Humanity and nature don’t always get along…what happens when nature fights back?
FORAGED basketry workshop
Collect natural materials and weave them together in this fun, hands-on class!
Forest Bathing
Immerse yourself in nature and awaken your senses to the wonders of the natural world. Try forest bathing at the Cumming Nature Center!
Protected: Forest School Community
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Forest School for grown-Ups
Come experience the magic of forest school – as an adult! Try such activities as whittling a spoon, making a fire kit or shelter, learn wild crafted basketry, do nature investigations, be part of community building circles, try low ropes course elements and field journaling; join us in nature, together.
FROST TOWN TRAIL FEST
Start the summer with a challenge when you tackle our annual 10k or 25k trail run. Explore some of the best terrain that the Bristol Hills has to offer at the annual Frost Town Trail Fest!
Geocaching Day
Enjoy a day of scavenger hunting at the Cumming Nature Center! Geocaches of all levels will be hidden across the nature center landscape—including some new deviously difficult nature-themed caches and some easier finds! Geocaching support will be available from 10am-1pm.
Protected: Invasive Species Awareness Week
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MAPLE SUGARING WEEKENDS
Enjoy a pancake breakfast and maple sugaring trail demos at the RMSC Cumming Nature Center’s 48th annual Maple Sugaring Weekends!
MYCO MANIA (Fungi Festival)
Explore the wonders of mushrooms and other fungi during Myco Mania! Delve into this fascinating world with curiosity-provoking presentations, hands-on activities, expert-led hikes, and more.
Naples Community Eclipse Party
Join the Nature Center at the Naples Community Park to watch the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.
NATURE PAINTING FOR KIDS!
Kids ages 8-12 are invited to join artist Amber Hanselman for a nature painting workshop just for them!
Orchestra in the Pines
Bask beneath the majestic red pines of Cumming Nature Center while listening to the sweet strains of the Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra.
OYSTER MUSHROOM BUCKET CULTIVATION WORKSHOP
Join us for a hands-on workshop & learn how to grow your own mushrooms at home! Registration covers your entrance fee to Myco Mania as well!
PAINTING BY THE POND
Join artist and instructor Victoria Brzustowicz for a memorable outdoor painting experience at the Cumming Nature Center!
Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing Party
View the amazing Perseid Meteor Shower from the dark skies at the RMSC Cumming Nature Center!
Tardigrade Day
Explore the amazing microscopic world of tardigrades with a talk, hike, and family-friendly activities!
Teaching About Climate Change: Because tomorrow Matters
Discover resources for teaching about climate change and network with other educators at this one-day retreat! Free registration.
The Art of Flower Pounding: From Petal to Pigment
Join us as we discover the natural dyes in plants and create a frameable art piece!
Uncorked in the Pines (CANCELED!)
Join our second annual tasting event that brings drinks, food, and fundraising to our majestic red pine cathedral! Enjoy an afternoon of tasting, sampling, live music, yard games, s’mores, and so much more.
Volunteer OPPORTUNITIES
Families and individuals come join us (for free) to participate in a small volunteer project! Most projects last two hours and have a role for everyone from a young kiddo to an experienced adult.
Volunteer Trail Work Days
Help us keep our trails and landscape beautiful by volunteering at one of our work days.
WHO HIDES IN THE CNC WOODS? A Trail Camera PRESENTATION
CNC is home to a variety of animals, and not all of them are ones you’ll see during your visit. So, how do we know they’re here? One method we use to collect data about species on the property is trail cams! Attend this session to learn more about some of the interesting critters that call the nature center home.
wild walks: Guided Hikes
Explore various nature-related topics through walks, talks, and family-friendly activities! Alongside one of our expert educators, discover unique wildlife and habitat features here at the CNC.
Wild Walks: Summer Exploration Series
Explore summer-themed topics through walks, talks, and family-friendly activities! Alongside one of our expert educators, discover unique wildlife that thrive in the summertime. Next up: Beaver Hike, Short & Slow on 9/27!
Winter Wild Walk Series
Explore winter ecology topics through walks, talks, and family-friendly activities. Alongside one of our expert educators, discover winter hiking, snowshoe history, animal babies, and more!
WOOL-FELTED MUSHROOM WORKSHOP
Join artist Christin Lersch for a fun, hands-on workshop in which you’ll learn how to create felted mushrooms out of wool! Then stay for other fungi-themed activities!
Yoga in the Pines
Enjoy an invigorating, meditative yoga experience in the cathedral pines with Lynne Boucher of Yoga Revolution. Take your yoga practice into the great outdoors—in the majestic red pines of the Cumming Nature Center.
