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Nature Centers in the Finger Lakes

Waterman Center

403 Hilton Rd.
Apalachin, NY 13732
607-625-2221

Located in Tioga County, the Fred L. Waterman Conservation Education Center's main facility is an interpretative center on Hilton Rd., which houses a museum, a nature shop, classrooms, a reference library, and offices. Outside the interpretative center are the Lolita Waterman Wildlife Gardens, designed to teach landowners how to incorporate native plants into their own landscapes. In addition, the Waterman Center operates four wildlife refuges at different locations.

Apalachin Marsh

Considered one of the best birdwatching sites in New York State, the marsh is located in Apalachin between the east-bound and west-bound lanes of State Route 17, a major 4-lane highway across the southern tier of New York State. A trail through the marsh provides interpretative signs and benches for people to relax while they enjoy the marsh's abundant flora and fauna.

Brick Pond Wetland Preserve

Once used by the Hollenbeck family for the excavation of the blue-gray clay used to make bricks, Brick Pond in Owego consists of 30 acres of open water surrounded by wetland plants and wet woods. A trail around the pond and a pontoon bridge across the water provide visitor access.

The Glen

Located in the Town of Union, the Glen provides 200 acres of mature forest, a gorge with waterfalls, and abundant wildflowers and wildlife. A trail with stone steps and a series of bridges, including two stone arch bridges, leads to stone fireplaces and picnic tables. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are permitted in the winter.

Hiawatha Island

Hiawatha is a 112-acre island in the Susquehanna River between the towns of Owego and Apalachin. The Center owns 15 acres of riparian woodland on the mainland near the island and operates a pontoon boat named The Susquehanna Shuttle that takes visitors to the big island for special tours and events.