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
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.
Fall Planting & Native Perennial Propagation Workshop
Discover why fall is the best time to plant native species and learn the benefits of growing native plants from seed. Participants will be able to take home some seeds they’ve planted.
Wool-Felted Acorn workshop
Join artist Christin Lersch for a fun autumn craft and learn how to create felted acorns out of wool!
HIGHLIGHTED EVENT
THE ENCHANTED FOREST
The nocturnal forest is full of mystery, and the more you know about the night, the less frightful and more wondrous it becomes! Join us for a family-friendly, not-so-scary night hike on Saturday, October 24 to celebrate Halloween. Visitors will walk a half-mile loop through our twinkle-light illuminated pines, where they will meet a delightful cast of characters and delve into the secrets of nocturnal life.
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 Deck
Come check out the observation deck overlooking Beaver Pond 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.