Explore Our Attractions
Adventure awaits around every corner! Plan your next visit by browsing our range of attractions below:
Discover our Storybook Trails!
Choose between two trails: our accessible Trillium Trail winding in front of the nature center, or the adventurous Chipmunk Run wooded trail behind it.
Learn something new at Trillium Nature Center!
Play at Woodland Way, our all-natural playground!
Experience adventure on the trails!
Uncover the magic of Fairy House Lane
Meet and greet our educational animals!
Plan your next hiking adventure!
Experience nature, through all the senses!
Shop at our newly updated gift shop!
visiting with your group? here’s what to know:
Plan Your Group’s Next Adventure!
We invite groups to explore our trails, discover local wildlife, and use our facilities for a full or half-day of hands-on learning and connection. Whether you leading your own group or participating in one of our educator-led programs, we have options to meet your group’s needs:
- We request a suggested donation of $50 for groups of up to 20 people. This fee covers a 3-hour block for trail access, access to the center exhibits, and a reserved lunch area.
- Please be aware that the maximum group size for a self-guided visit is 20 students. If your group exceeds this size, please contact us to discuss available options. If you plan to book programming with our experienced naturalists, please note that additional fees apply, based on the program. (Specific pricing can be found in our program guide, linked below.)
- We require one adult chaperone for every five children. Chaperones are responsible for the group’s behavior and safety at all times.
- Reservations are required. Please schedule at least two weeks in advance to ensure that we can accommodate your group and provide a quality experience.
- All groups are required to book either online or by contacting our Education Coordinator in advance. This process helps us manage trail traffic and prepare your lunch area. Walk-in groups may be turned away if we are at capacity.
- If staying for lunch, we operate on a “Carry-In, Carry-Out” basis, so please be prepared to take all of your trash with you.
plan your next getaway!
Book the Beaver Lodge Cabin
Nestled in the woods, our private cabin overlooks Beaver Meadow’s serene pond and trails.
Make s’mores at the firepit and watch the sunrise over the beaver pond — perfect for your next weekend getaway!
make a day of it!
Local Spots to Grab Lunch
the flip side
8 minutes away
3803 Main St., Strykersville, NY 14145
Neighborhood pub with bowling alleys, horseshoe pits, seasonal “clam stand,” and live music.
FARMCRAFT BREWERY
13 minutes away
567 US-20A, Strykersville, NY
Barn-style brewery with a cozy atmosphere for diners and craft beer enthusiasts alike.
Get $1 off a draft beer when you show your Buffalo Audubon membership card!
john & mary’s
16 minutes away — Offers delivery
496 Main St., Arcade, NY 14009
Casual atmosphere with subs, hoagies, wraps, pizza, and wings available for delivery.
Java Country Store
6 minutes away
4172 NY-98, North Java, NY 14113
General store serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and ice cream, with a gas station on site.
Get $1 off a “Trillium” meal when you show your Buffalo Audubon membership card! Meal includes the choice of a deli sandwich or slice of pizza, with a can of pop, bag of chips, and cookie.
planning a longer trip?
Where to Visit or Stay Overnight
Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
15 minutes away — Two lodge hotel rooms available
2887 Royce Rd, Varysburg, NY 14167
Trolley ride through 60-acre park allows visitors to view & interact with zebras, bison & more.
Beaver Meadow Family Campground
4 minutes away
1455 Beaver Meadow Rd, Java Center, NY 14082
While not affiliated with Buffalo Audubon and Beaver Meadow Nature Preserve, this campsite offers a peaceful and family-oriented atmosphere perfect for campers of all ages.
FAQs
Here’s everything you need to know before you go:
Why did you change the nature center’s name?
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.
What’s new at Trillium Nature Center?
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 soon! The Trillium Treehouse: Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Beaver Meadow Nature Center at our 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, accessible trail network at Trillium Nature Center. We can’t wait to share this exciting project with you!
- New Storybook Trails: Love reading and hiking? These trails 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!
Any do’s and don’ts to consider on the trails?
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 not permitted. For the safety of all visitors and the protection of our natural trails, smoking and vaping are not permitted 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.
How can I get involved with Buffalo Audubon?
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 newsletter, “The Early Bird”
- 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 to all things Buffalo Audubon! Explore our membership tiers to find the right fit for your family.
What’s your pet policy?
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.
When can I visit?
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
Become a Member & Save!