waterman conservation education center wildlife refuges

My little guy enjoyed it, but I found it a bit strange. The main site is pretty nice, with lots of trails and a frog pond and a dark bird coop and a 3/4 empty "museum." The island site is inaccessible I was told, and is nothing more then a foundation to what was once a mansion or castle or whatever. Next in line is the swap site. Its an overgrown trail around a swamp/pond and the display board at the parking area still is stained from the flood years back. Lastly the site off 434 is a spooky, odd little idea. Its a path to a storm pipe leading under the highway to a big loop in the woods. I know its free, and that appeals to some, but this place needs funding bad.

The center has a small but nice exhibit area but the true gem is the trails. Don’t miss the experience if you have time and are in the area. You might even learn something and gain a little better feel of nature. I have more than once. The Doctor.

I like the Waterman Center because it has nicely groomed trails and approx. 6 miles of trails if you do them all. Its landscaped nicely and the trails range from flat to uphill. Views are very nice also. You usually see deer if you go on a regular basis, rabbit, birds....you never know. Its easy to get to and there's plenty of parking. You can enjoy Waterman no matter what your walking ability is. There's also a small nature center you can visit and join the center if you'd like. They have different events throughout the year, that anyone can attend. What I dont like is that its not secluded enough for me. I dont like hearing road noise and unless you go way up the hill and in the back you can hear the traffic. But even in the back you no your in civilization.

Very educational nature experience. The guides were very informative and friendly.Great scenery of the valley.Kids love it.

While the museum is small and not very elaborate, the trails are amazing. The best thing they do here is summer camp for local kids. The staff are wonderful and the kids get to have a lot of fun out doors learning about nature. The hidden jem is the small trail section between the East bound and West bound lanes of Rte 17. It's cool how much nature fits into such a small (and otherwise wasted) space.

Waterman has several locations. The main and original location is on Hilton Rd. Apalachin, NY. This location has a small museum and gift shop and classrooms. It has over 90 acres of land with 5 trails, one along a glen) with one trail having a 1/4 mile wooden walkway leading to the trailheads (Nice for older hikers). A summer camp is held every year at this location and there are education seminars and exhibits all year long. Along Hilton Rd (to the left of the driveway into the center) are the local gardens and walking area maintained by the Waterman Garden Club.The next located is the Hiawatha riverside park and Hiawatha island. Waterman has a pontoon boat that leaves from the Marshland Rd., (Apalachin) riverside park to the island. On Hiawatha island there is a dock, trails and some old farm items and buildings. This fairly large island in the Susquehanna river with several trails. Groups can arrange a tour by calling Waterman. There is a clearly visible bald eagles nest on the island (it has been there for several years) and if your lucky you can see the eagles in tree. One of the trails goes right by the tree which is fence off to protect the bald eagles.Off of NYS Rt. 434 are the Apalachin Marshlands which is located between the East and West sections of Rt. 17 (Soon to be Interstate 86). You park along Rt. 434 and go through a tunnel under Rt. 17 East. There is a little over a mile long trail and a duck blind to enjoy. Many water fowl use the marshes during migration times.In Owego NY (a few miles West of Apalachin) is brickyard pond. This pond has trails through the pond which has numerous turtles, fish, beavers, muskrats, and water fowl.Last is IBM Glen Located in Endwell NY. The parking lot is located on Robinson Hill Rd. This spot has trails on both sides of IBM Glen. The trails range for 1-4 miles in length. IBM Glen has old forest growth including Hemlock trees that are estimated to be over 300 years old. Some of the trials have some pavement as this was a private park for many years for the employee's of IBM which at one time had 15,000 employees in the area.Any of the places are great to visit, you might want to start at the main campus where you can get directions to all the other sites and trail maps.There are sometimes fees for special events at Waterman which are discounted if you become a member.

There are 5 nature trails to explore, 90+ acres. Several trails are well groomed and are easy to follow but others sort of fade away leaving me wondering which way to go. Double check your trail map before setting out.The welcome center features a small gift shop, several stuffed local wild life, and clean restrooms.A family brought in an injured screech owl they found on the side of the road and the good folks at the Center will heal & release or if that isn't possible, will keep & care for. This is a great park for hiking in the woods. There is also a large, covered pavilion for parties and picnics. My favorite part is knowing injured birds can be taken here for help.