Cumming Nature Center
900 acres. 12 miles of trails. Unlimited wonder.
Get up close with nature at our 900 acre preserve nestled in the Finger Lakes. Explore 12 miles of hiking and ski trails, take in an exhibit at the Visitor Center, and enjoy year-round events and environmental education programs.
Upcoming Programs & Events
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: Insects & Arachnids!
Concert in the Pines
Celebrate the end of summer with a spectacular concert featuring the Good Weather String Band beneath the majestic red pines!
Workshops at CNC
Escape to the woods and use your hands to create, cultivate, or learn something new during our 2025 workshop series. Next up: Foraged Basketry 8/17!
HIGHLIGHTED EVENT
yoga in the pines
Take your yoga practice into the great outdoors—in the majestic red pines of the Cumming Nature Center. Join Lynne Boucher in a 90-minute session to practice yoga and meditation in this sacred and serene setting!
TraIls & Exhibits
Discovery Zone
Dive into a new, fascinating theme at the Investigation Station, tinker at the touch table, hide animals within their habitats, play in the Rain Garden Theater, and so much more in the Discovery Zone.
Is It Local?
View wildlife up close and explore each animal’s relationship to the local landscape.
Beaver Pond Observation Tower
Come check out the brand new Beaver Pond Observation Tower at the end of the Beaver Trail!
Forest School
Forest School provides children with the space to nurture their relationship with nature through curiosity-driven learning, unstructured play, hands-on projects and basic outdoor skills development.
FINGER LAKES CONNECTED LEARNING ECOSYSTEM (CLE)
The Finger Lakes CLE is a regional network of educators engaging youth in place-based explorations of how climate change is impacting our ecosystems. The RMSC Cumming Nature Center facilitates the CLE to work together sharing ideas, materials, and grant funding for climate and data related projects in collaboration with Learning Ecosystems Northeast and NASA.
We are looking to support any educators who want to become more confident and comfortable engaging youth in studying climate change in our area.
Take your next event outdoors
The striking natural landscape of the Cumming Nature Center is the perfect place to create memories that will last a lifetime with family and friends. Whether you are dreaming of a wedding beneath the pines or planning the ultimate Forest School birthday, our staff will help you plan and host the event you imagine!
Take your learning outdoors
Explore a world of immersive environmental education programs at the Cumming Nature Center. From summer camps to field trips, there’s something here for everyone!
Field Trips
Bring your curriculum to life with a field trip to our 900 acre preserve. Our expert environmental educators offer engaging programs for every season.
Curiosity Camps @ CNC
Explore summer and break week Curiosity Camps with exciting opportunities for young minds ages 6-15.
Scouts
Whether your group wants to earn a badge or simply have a unique outdoor adventure, you’re sure to leave with a fun-filled educational experience.
Discover three floors filled with over 200 interactive science and history theme exhibits and science demonstrations.
Take a trip across the universe in our 65ft domed Star theater. Explore Star shows, laser shows, and featured giant screen films.