The Sterling Nature Center

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Welcome to Sterling Nature Center
Located in northeast Cayuga County, NY, our 1,400-acre preserve offers forests, wetlands, meadows, and nearly two miles of stunning Lake Ontario shoreline. Conservation easements, created in partnership with NYS Parks in 1998, help protect this special place.

Plan Your Visit

Open daily from dawn to dusk.
Admission is always free.

Facilities

• Restrooms in the interpretive center

• Porta-potty near parking lot

Accessibility

• Lakeview Trail is wheelchair accessible and leads to a lakeside observation deck.

• Most other trails are natural surface and not accessible.

Pet Policy

• Dogs welcome on leash.

• Please clean up after pets.

Explore the Park

Lake Ontario Shoreline

• Nearly two miles of shoreline

• Glacial bluffs and cobblestone beach

• Panoramic lake views

Trails

• 10 miles of well-maintained trails

• Explore forests, wetlands, meadows, and fields

• Trail maps available in the building 

Wildlife Watching

• Great blue herons nest at the Heron Trail beaver pond

• Spot ospreys, ducks, kingfishers, and beavers

• Observation area offers peaceful viewing

Events
Join us throughout the year for nature-focused programs and celebrations.