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Visited April 15, 2022
Visited April 15, 2022
Park Entrance: I used Google Maps: Audubon Community Nature Center, Riverside Road, Jamestown, NY
50-60 degrees Fahrenheit, wind speeds increasing during the hour we were here because rain was on its way, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Restroom facilities are available just to the left of the main door inside the nature center. The admission fee has not been asked of me when I have dashed in to use the rest room but a visit inside the nature center is very worth the fee. It is a great experience for children AND adults.
Dogs are encouraged to stay home and rest up for their next adventures.
The yellow trail is marked as being two miles but I added almost another mile just exploring the grounds around the nature center and visiting Liberty, the bald eagle.
The trail is gravel and boardwalk with a short section of natural dirt. A few spots were very muddy with our boots sinking in a half inch or so. That was not surprising due to the rain and snow over the past weeks. The trails are wide enough for friends to walk side by side for a chat and still pass others when they are approaching from the other direction. The trails had no inclines worth noting. I haven't needed to use one in ages, but these trails appear to be stroller friendly especially if the stroller has the big rubber wheels. I would not try one of those little folding strollers with tiny wheels. It was so nice to visit this place again. I have very positive memories of every visit here that we made as a family and with friends. I have seen posts on Facebook that there have been river otter sightings during the past few years, but we did not have that experience today. It really has been too long since my last visit here; we enjoyed the Little Explorers program with our daughter and her friend many years ago, we loved the bird banding demonstration mornings, and we have enjoyed many special events at this facility.
My friend and I arrived to the parking lot hosting more than ten cars already. A group of adults with nets were leaving the nature center as I started exploring. While on the trails, we passed only two or three other people.
I did not see any trash on these trails, nor do I remember ever seeing any trash during my past visits.
No mosquitos were awake yet this morning and it was very windy so that probably helped, too.
Parking: Paved holding more than 20 vehicles and natural-surfaced overflow parking lot
I saw robins, woodpeckers, mourning doves, Liberty the bald eagle, and a chipmunk. There were mosses, skunk cabbage, and a variety of tree species including oaks and maples.
Website for the Audubon Nature Center: https://auduboncnc.org/
Page for Nature Center Hours and link to trail map: https://auduboncnc.org/exploreonyourown/
View of the sign as you approach the entrance on Riverside Road
Signage at the entrance
Arboretum within view of parking
This sign is at a number of points as you enter the trails.
Paved parking lot holds over 20 vehicles. There is a natural-surface lot for overflow parking.
View of the nature center from the parking lot.
Garden within view from the parking lot. On the path from parking to the nature center.
Path to the yellow trail
Do not overlook their donation box on the sign post. This is a nice facility.
Numerous benches and picnic tables near the nature center and on the trails.
A nature-themed little library here, too.
Enough of these at trail junctions that we were able to stay on the yellow trail.
Really neat bench.
I never saw a spotted salamander until I was in my 30s. They love hanging out under the leaves where they pile up at the edge of my lawn.
Skunk cabbage in its early spring states. Purple tight bud and green leaf beginning to unfurl.
Loved the reflections in the swamp water this morning
Saved from the worst of the wet and mud by these raised paths
I am a sucker for cool tree roots and gnarly trees.
Benches and picnic tables located at numerous points along the trails...perfect for sitting quietly and observing the birds.
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." --John Muir
Big Pond as the wind was really starting to pick up
Viewing spots by Big Pond
Love how the moss grows on decaying trees
Do not forget to visit Liberty. Her enclosure is to the right of the nature center.
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