Nature Center



SAVE THE DATE!


The Maple Sugar Fest for the 2023-2024 school year is scheduled to take place on March 2, 2024 in our Nature Center and at Spencerport High School East Cafeteria. Please stay tuned for more details!



NYS DEC Summer Camp Scholarship
2023-2024

The Spencerport Nature Center Committee is offering a full one-week summer camp scholarship opportunity for a student aged 11 (as of Dec. 1) through 17. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) runs the camps, which includes environmental and sportsman education along with outdoor fun. DEC camps also include hands-on methods to learn outdoor skills such as backpacking, camping and canoeing. Campers will explore diverse habitats, study stream life, solve challenges, and learn environmental concepts. Participants come away with an awareness of the importance of nature and of stewardship of our natural resources.

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Students currently enrolled in the Spencerport Central Schools district. Students ages 11 through 17 are eligible. 
  • Meets age requirement guidelines as established by the DEC Environmental Camp Program.
  • Applicants should have an interest in the outdoors and in learning more about our environment.

How do interested students apply?

  • Application packets can be found date tbd, at your child’s school counselor’s office, on the Nature Center website at http://www.spencerportschools.org/parents___community/nature_center or by contacting Christina Bowerman 585-349-5680
  • Applications are accepted starting tbd  and must be submitted to school counselors’ office no later than 4 p.m., Friday,

For more information regarding the DEC Camps, camper requirements, camp dates/locations and their programs, please visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html  
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE: coming soon




The Nature Center can be accessed by parking in the East Lot by the Spencerport High School. Walk south going past the retention pond. 
aerial map of nature center
The map above shows the parking location and entrance to the Nature Center. 

 

Sign at entranceLook for this Nature Center sign, which marks the entrance. Please note: there are no facilities at the center.

History:

Beginning in 2003, the school district began to develop this outdoor area with the vision that the Nature Center would be an oasis for our community and an outdoor classroom for our students. The center features a pond, docks, bridges, boardwalks and trail system.

To preserve and maintain this area, the district has continued to partner with conservation experts, community volunteers, and district staff to form a committee to provide guidance and support in using this natural resource.

Eagle Scout

We are appreciative to the Boy Scouts of America, who have participated in the development of the Nature Center as part of ongoing Eagle Scout projects, and we continue to look for ways to partner with individuals and community groups.

Anyone interested in partnering or donating should contact Christina Bowerman 585.349.5681

In addition, be sure to send us pictures from your visits to the Nature Center at the email address above, and we will add them here on our website.

Mission:
The Nature Center Committee is dedicated to providing guidance for a high quality outdoor educational classroom to benefit the Spencerport School District and community. We are committed to developing the procedures, guidelines, resources, and regulations needed to preserve the Nature Center as a safe and accessible instructional option. Our goal is to maintain and sustain the Nature Center in its natural setting.

Spencerport Nature Center Information, Hours of Operation and Rules 
2018 Nature Center Brochure.pdf

Nature Center Map
NATURE CENTER 2.15.18 Map.pdf

Tree Identification Trail Map and Key
Tree Identification Trail.pdf