Came here for the second time this past weekend for an Owl Prowl with Tom Herr. We weren't lucky enough to see any owls this time but I learned a ton to go do a prowl myself in my own backyard. I love Beaver Meadow and plan to return here often once the weather warms. read more

This summer has been one of great improvements at Beaver Meadow. The parking areas and the botanical gardens are spectacular this year. There's evidence of a new frog pond under construction, which appeals to my young grandsons. We always take time to go through the visitor center and enjoy the aquariums filled with reptiles and amphibians. The staff is so very helpful and understanding, answering the million questions that my boys often post to them. read more

This place is amazing, and we barely even scratched the surface. Of the numerous trails, we explored Beaver Pond Trail and Kettle Pond Trail. We didn't see any beavers, but I think I saw a beaver dam across the pond from the arrow pointing in the direction of a beaver dam. If it wasn't that, I don't know what it was. We did see a lot of flowers, cat tails, frogs, chipmunks and a few deer. The deer came really close to us. I think I've seen someone mentioning feeding them elsewhere. Don't do that. It was an enchanting several minutes, but we were concerned how unconcerned they seemed to be about us. There's a natural play area including a giant wooden xylophone and a tire swing, and several trees around the preserve you can climb. It's an hour drive for us, but we broke it up with a visit to Akron Falls on the way. Iroquois Sanctuary was another option. I definitely want to come back to explore other trails. read more

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8 miles of trails, and in the winter - snow shoes to rent for only $5...staff that is wonderful and free maps for the taking, the Beaver Meadow Nature Center is an incredible hidden gem in Java, NY. I highly recommend taking a little trip out here in the winter, after we get a fair amount of snow and taking to the trails. They are open until 5pm on the weekends, so if you get in by 1-2pm you should have plenty of time to enjoy the wonders of nature. There's also a gift shop and they do a lot of educational activities with nearby schools and programs. On the way back after you've done enough hiking, you can make a pit stop in East Aurora for some tasty eats! read more

Beaver Meadow Nature Center - Snow shoeing - Hiking Near Me - North Java, New York

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Beaver Meadow Nature Center, ~45 minutes from Buffalo proper, is the one of the sites of the 2021 WNY Winter Hiking Challenge. My co workers and I had a great time this weekend snow shoeing along the pond side and associated trails for a couple of hours. The employees were very friendly and helpful. They are easily able to accommodate large groups especially when you call ahead of time to reserve. The website has a map that is a bit difficult to visualize/zoom in but they have plenty of maps there. You may bring your own snow shoes, rent one for $5, or hike without any. Would love to return in the summer to check out the greenery! read more

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This is a lovely nature preserve. I found it because I'm doing the western New York outside like a challenge, and this is one of the hikes. It's well marked it's got great easy parking, their maps posted all over the place, the pads are fairly well groomed, there's a lot of information about the local birds and animals you're fine here. read more

Beaver Meadow Nature Center - Hiking Near Me - North Java, New York

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What a great place to discover! Lots of trails well marked , we also spotted some birds and butterflies. Also the welcome center is open, friendly staff was on hand to answer any questions you may have. Lots of photo opportunities whether if you are an avid nature enthusiast or like the opportunity for a good selfie (me!) I'll be back come fall time to do another hike and explore! read more

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I love this place and it's many numerous trails! There's a lot to see and experience at Beaver Meadows any time of year and the trees, animals, and the sound of the wind is always a wonderful experience here. I haven't had the opportunity to see the nature center yet but I can't wait for the world to reopen so I can experience that and many of the other events happening here. The trails are all fairly easy to navigate with some nice hills and numerous different landscapes to see. There is even a handicapped accessible trail off of the main road the preserve runs off of. The trails are very well marked and the property is larger than it looks. Bring your hiking boots and bug spray and don't forget some water! read more

Beaver Meadow Nature Center - Hiking Near Me - North Java, New York

Had so much fun on a snowshoeing trip with a group of people at Beaver Meadow nature Center. The staff was very helpful and assisted us in anyway that they could. The nature center itself had multiple bird viewing areas with multiple other spaces that were very clean. Clean bathrooms. A day of tons of fun! read more

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Overall I had a really good experience here. Hiking and exploring new parks is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. So I decided to embark on a journey to a new park. Beaver meadow is quite the place. There is such a variety of things to do here. From having lodging for small retreats for Girl Scouts, scouts or field trips, to playgrounds to hiking trails there really is so much to do. There is no doubt that it is catered toward young children, but there is definitely something for everyone to do. The park itself is the outside of a giant pond, from the namesake you can probably guess that the park had some beaver damns which was pretty cool to see. There are also about 15 hiking trails that are intertwined. The long trail, the longest trail is about 1.5 miles one way so you certainly can get your steps in here. There are also areas for picnicking if you're looking to spend some more time there! I would absolutely come back, my friend and I had a great time walking, building a fairy garden and spending time with unique animals. They also have plans to create tree houses and lots of other cool things. read more

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Lovely spot for a walk through the woods and good views of a pond. Didn't see a ton of birds there this morning but did hear some pretty lively frogs, which was nice. The picnic area is closed for the time being, and I didn't check out the visitor center to see if it was open or not. Keep that in mind and use the restroom before you leave home. Another word of advice: there appears to be a bee hive under one of the elevated walkways on the "Long Loop." They were irritated by our group walking through and I was stung a couple times, but it makes sense, they were protecting their hive. read more

This place is fantastic. Winter. Spring, summer, fall. There's always something going on. Today I went to the Maple harvest! Pancake breakfast, all you can eat for a small fee and demonstrations of how to tap the trees for the saps ,how to make Maple syrup snowshoe rental (I finally got to snowshoe today) That was the outside, inside the center had tons of kids activities- besides the pancakes there was face painting, a reptile room where you can hold a snake (I did!) face painting and crafts. Lots of little ones with happy faces today! They also have programs for adults. Like the dragonfly photography session coming in May, bring your camera! Owl prowls and more! Check out the website and make a day of it. Not into organized programs? Well there's a ton of trails, a pond and the cool nature center too. Did I mention the observatory? Oh well yeah, that....the Buffalo Astronomy Association runs it and they are usually set up during events, like this weekend's Maple Harvest weekend. Awesome experience to look up and see the sun through the very professional scopes.The observatory itself has a gigantic scope inside for viewing. The roof retracts and everything! The members of the BAA host public night the 1st Saturday of every month. Come at dusk and prepared to be amazed. It's very kid friendly so don't worry about that. If you have a old scope that you got for Christmas and don't know how to use they will be happy to help you set it up and get it going. All in all this in a nature lovers dream. It feels great to unplug and unwind. read more

Beaver Meadow Nature Center - Snowy view of the center - Hiking Near Me - North Java, New York

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I started going to Beaver Meadow in early 2015, and it remains one of my favorite places in WNY. I hadn't been there during the day until last year, and I didn't realize what I was missing. I mainly used the property to take photos of the Milky Way galactic center at night. The Buffalo Astronomical Association has a small observatory there, and the skies are insanely dark. I've been all over the country taking night photos, and aside from some parts of the Utah and California deserts, this spot still remains one of the darkest spots I've been to. The trails for day hiking are absolutely incredible. Trails cross the main roads and head into the deep forests and bogs. Multiple kettle bogs and ponds are on the property as well. Lots of rare trees, bushes, and flowers also make up the beauty of Beaver Meadow. read more

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This place deserves 5 stars. It is cool and unpretentious with helpful staff. My kids really enjoy the nature center which is small and interactive with games, toys, and animals to check out (live and stuffed). Did I mention they do birthday parties, breakfast with Santa, and have a fairy village in the woods? My boys and girl can't wait to go back. read more

Went here for maple fest. Could not eat worse food, save your $8 go to a diner or pick a different sugar shack to check out. Nature trails don't even go far so can't really explore. Overall meh. Good they are using solar power. read more

Beaver Meadow Nature Center - Dirt...the best thing around here. - Hiking Near Me - North Java, New York