Something extraordinary is unfolding in Western New York.
This region has perennially been shaped by grit, generosity, and the quiet strength of people who look out for one another. It’s also a place blessed with wetlands, forests, rolling fields, and the sweep of migratory birds overhead—a reminder that the world is bigger, more connected, and more hopeful than we sometimes allow ourselves to believe.
And right here, in the heart of that landscape, Trillium Nature Center at Beaver Meadow, just outside Buffalo in the heart of Wyoming County, is being transformed into a one-of-a-kind sanctuary—a nature center reimagined for today, tomorrow, and the generations to come.
And at its core, this new chapter offers a simple promise: to spark wonder. Because wonder is where everything begins.
It’s the spark that turns a child staring up at a great blue heron into a future environmental leader. It’s the quiet moment on a trail when an adult remembers how to breathe again. It’s the laughter around the pond at summer camp. It’s the steadying sense of being part of something larger, older, and wiser than any one of us alone.
The new Trillium Nature Center is being created as a best-in-class, one-of-a-kind place for learning and joy: the Trillium Treehouse rising above the forest floor, an inclusive Nature Playscape designed for every child, expanded exhibits, live animal experiences, ADA-accessible trails, and wide-open spaces that invite you to explore, recharge, and reconnect with what matters.
More than just a nature center, it offers a sanctuary for curiosity, belonging, healing, and joy. A place for you. For your family. For future generations who will inherit both the challenges and the beauty of the world we leave them.
Here is a firsthand look at the exciting, new projects in progress and on the horizon.
What Makes This Place Different?
Since 1909, Buffalo Audubon has dedicated itself to protecting birds and the habitats they depend on. But we understand our mission extends beyond conservation.
It’s also about connecting people to nature and fostering a love for it.
Today, that mission is being brought to life in bold new ways through Trillium Nature Center. With over $1.5 million already invested, and more to come, we’re transforming this historic site into a regional destination that’s immersive, inspiring, inclusive, and designed with you in mind.
This includes:
- A newly renovated Nature Center, featuring interactive exhibits, live animals, and enjoyable spaces for exploration and nature education.
- ADA-compliant facilities, including family-friendly restrooms, trails, and sensory elements that encourage participation from everyone.
- Two new Storybook Trails through the tranquil Chipmunk Run trail and along Trillium Trail—our new and fully ADA-compliant trail, generously made possible through the generous support of the Garman Family Foundation, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.
- A rare and expanding nature library, filled with more than 4,000 beautiful books, art pieces, and field guides—ideal for quiet moments of discovery and curiosity for all ages.
- Immersive, year-round programs—from Toddler Time and owl prowls to school field trips and birding walks, all designed to engage and inspire.
- Unique TrailPlay trailside activities encouraging little ones to scurry like a chipmunk or hop like frogs between natural play elements, located beside some of our favorite trails.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you will discover something new to marvel at, to learn from, and to cherish in your heart.
What’s Being Built Right Now
Step outside the center, and you’ll see what’s coming next.
- The Trillium Treehouse Complex will offer an all-access forest canopy experience, inviting you to walk, climb, and dream among the trees. It is set to become one of the most memorable and magical destinations in our entire region.
- The Nature Playscape is a natural playground filled with logs, rock hills, all-natural instruments, and endless opportunity for imagination. No screens. No strict rules. Just room to run, jump, and grow.
Both projects are currently under construction and being built for you—and the children of today who will become the stewards of tomorrow.
“When a child falls in love with nature, a spark is lit,” says Edward Sirianno, Executive Director of Buffalo Audubon.
“That spark might grow into a scientist, an artist, an advocate, or simply a person who chooses to care. What we’re building at Trillium Nature Center isn’t just for fun. It’s an investment in the next generation—starting right here in Western New York.”
What’s Still to Come in the Spring of 2026
A best-in-class nature center is not a one-time project; it’s a living promise—and one we plan to uphold for our future.
Along with the amazing treehouse complex and the expansion of our nature playscape, we are set to complete several projects next year:
- Updated trails featuring interpretive signs, sensory stations, and self-guided adventures.
- Enhanced meadows and wetland restoration that invite both birds and people to thrive.
- Fresh programming, including night walks, stargazing events, and nature-based art installations welcoming guests of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
- New summer Nature Camp offerings that promise engaging exploration and education in nature.
In the midst of the exciting new rebrand of our headquarters, now called Trillium Nature Center, these exciting projects are more than new spaces and features to explore; they mark a new chapter, a rebirth, a renewal, that seeks to honor our cherished past as we look forward to the future.
Every effort we make is directed toward a single goal: to create the best and most welcoming nature center in the region, a unique experience designed for everyone in Western New York.
“Everything we are doing—the treehouse, the playscape, the trails, the programs—is ultimately for the people who will walk through our doors or wander our woods,” says Sirianno.
“We want this to be a place that invites every visitor to look outward toward caring for the world, and inward toward caring for themselves. Western New York needs places like this. The world needs places like this. And we are building it together.”
For Western New Yorkers. For the World.
We believe Western New York deserves a destination where wonder is possible—every single day.
A place where children become curious, where families reconnect, where teachers find inspiration, and where everyday people feel empowered to protect what they love.
We’re not aiming to be the biggest; instead, we are creating something unique: A world-class nature center rooted in local identity, driven by purpose, and open to everyone.
Walk along the trails.
Climb into the trees.
Discover what the world needs more of—peace, play, connection, hope, and wonder.
Welcome to Trillium Nature Center at Beaver Meadow.
Buffalo Audubon leads and inspires Western New Yorkers to connect with and protect the natural world through bird-focused activities, advocacy, and habitat restoration.
Visit our website to learn more about planning your next visit, joining one of our upcoming programs and events, becoming a member, or ongoing advocacy efforts such as Bird-Friendly Buffalo.
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