Plan Your Visit

The decision to transition from Beaver Meadow Nature Center to Trillium Nature Center emerged powerfully from our collective experience during the COVID pandemic, a period that served as a profound catalyst for reconnection. As the world retreated indoors, our communities rediscovered the essential solace of the natural world, finding refuge on our trails and in our forests. The name “Beaver Meadow,” while rooted in the local landscape, spoke to a specific feature of the past. We sought a new identity that reflected this universal, transformative journey back into nature—a name that symbolized not just a place, but the very act of renewal and return that defined those challenging years. The trillium, a native flower that consistently pushes through the winter soil to bloom each spring, perfectly captures this spirit of resilient reemergence.

The trillium’s three petals provide a deeper, guiding symbolism for our future. They represent our renewed commitment to the past—the conservation of the land’s rich history and ecosystems; the present—providing an accessible and vital sanctuary for all to experience the healing power of nature here and now; and the future—fostering environmental stewardship in the next generation through education and inspiration. Thus, Trillium Nature Center is more than a new name; it is a promise. It honors our transition out of isolation and embodies our ongoing mission to be a place where people of all ages can always find connection, wonder, and a path forward, grounded in the natural world.

The recent change is more than just a name; it represents a renewed investment in your experience. Along with this rebranding, we will be enhancing trails, expanding our education programs and Nature Play space, improving accessibility, building multi-level treehouse observation decks, and improving our visitor facilities.

Recently Completed Projects

• Renovated Nature Center: Discover, play, and learn something new at our renovated Trillium Nature Center, with interactive sensory and tactile exhibits, and first and second levels that reflect meadow and wetland ecosystems on the property.
• New ADA-Accessible Trails: Experience our new ADA-compliant trails at Trillium Nature Center, connecting you to the meadows, ongoing treehouse project, Nature Play all-natural playground, and beyond.
• Updated Fairy House Lane: Search for fairies or build your very own fairy house on the newly updated Fairy House Lane! Sprinkled with fairy houses created in our SpringFest fairy house competition in summer 2025, this favorite whimsical trail is walking distance to the Nature Center.
• Trail Play Trailside Activities: Scurry like a chipmunk or hop like a squirrel at our all-natural Trail Play trailside activities, located on our trails at Beaver Meadow Nature Preserve.

Updates in Progress

• Coming in 2026! ADA-Accessible Treehouse: Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Beaver Meadow Nature Center at our ADA-accessible treehouse, designed by Buffalo Treehouse (creators of Blueberry Treehouse)! These multilevel observation decks will overlook Beaver Pond and be easily accessible to our new ADA-compliant trail network at Trillium Nature Center. We can’t wait to share this exciting project with you in 2026!
• New Storybook Trails: Love reading and hiking? These trails will feature children’s books you can read while on the trails at Beaver Meadow Nature Preserve!
• Updated Third Floor Space at Trillium Nature Center: These projects will provide a number of enhancements to the third floor our transformative project, such as:
  • New reference library with nature-focused materials
  • New air conditioning & HVAC systems
  • New flooring & fireplace improvements

We can’t wait to share these exciting new projects with you!

Trillium Nature Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The newly renovated Center includes interactive sensory and tactile exhibits, and first and second levels that reflect meadow and wetland ecosystems on the property.

Trails are open daily, from dawn to dusk.

Our Address & Contact Information:

Trillium Nature Center
1610 Welch Road, North Java, NY 14113

Phone: (585) 457.3228
Email: info@buffaloaudubon.org

While enjoying the trails, please keep in mind the following guidelines:

• Leave no trace. We are a Pack-In/Pack Out preserve. For the continued protection and stewardship of the area, please ensure anything you bring is taken out with you upon departure.
• Smoking & vaping prohibited. For the safety of all visitors and the protection of our natural trails, smoking and vaping is strictly prohibited on all Audubon Property Trails.
• Enjoy wildlife from a distance. Beaver Meadow Nature Preserve is home to countless wildlife throughout our 8+ miles of trails. Enjoy observing the wildlife from a distance, but leave them be.
• Please leave bikes at home. For the safety of all visitors and the protection of our natural trails, the use of bicycles and recreational vehicles is strictly prohibited on all Audubon Property Trails. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep our trails safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone.
• Download a trail map! Choose the perfect route for your visit by downloading our trail map right to your phone! You might also choose to opt for the interactive trail map, both of which can be found under the “Trails & Preserves” tab.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep our trails safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone.

We are always looking for passionate volunteers and new members to join us at Buffalo Audubon Society!

Volunteering

Whether you’re looking to help with gardening and trail maintenance, or teaching nature education programs and more, there is a place for you in the Beaver Meadow volunteer community. Come on your own, with colleagues, or friends. Students, companies, and community groups are all welcome. Join us for a few hours, seasonally, or year-round. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, visit our “Volunteer” page to learn more. We’d love to have you!

Membership

For the best value in experiencing everything Trillium Nature Center and Buffalo Audubon Society has to offer, consider opting for a membership. Members enjoy perks such as:

• Complementary birding programs
• Discounted program, nature camp, and cabin rental rates
• Access to 30+ beautiful, well-marked trails
• Gift shop discount
• Subscription to our weekly email
• Member voting rights
• Free or discounted admission to 180+ nature centers in the U.S.

Renewing or joining today is the best way to stay connected and secure your free access to the stunning completed Center next summer in 2026. Explore our membership tiers to find the right fit for your family. 

To ensure a comfortable and safe environment for all guests and wildlife, we do not allow pets on our premises.

We are delighted to welcome service dogs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under federal law, emotional support animals (ESAs) and pets are not classified as service animals and are not permitted.

Thank you for helping us maintain a welcoming space for everyone.