Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

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Address
44927 Cross Island Road
Fineview, NY 13640

Thousand Islands Region

Latitude 44.306131

Longitude -76.033448

Directions

General Information: (315) 482-2479

Friends Group Weather

The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center is one of the largest nature centers in the state park system and in New York State. It sits on a pristine 600 acre peninsula of Wellesley Island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. There are 8 miles of hiking trails and 7 miles of cross country ski trails. Highlights of a visit may include scenic views of the Thousand Islands from the trail vistas, a summer ride in the 36 foot Voyageur Canoe or a visit to the butterfly house which features native flora and butterflies.

A special geological feature of the center are the four glacial potholes along the scenic Eel Bay trail. The nature center overlooks Eel Bay, a unique habitat of the St. Lawrence River and a prime duck migration area well known for its pike, bass, bullhead and perch fishing. The nature center has dock located in Eel Bay allowing boaters access to the center and a place for patrons to fish.

Thousands of school children visit the center each year from fall through spring to learn about the environment. Each season features unique programs. Special wildlife sightings include watching for bald eagles on Eel Bay from late November to early January and again in late March and in the summer looking for osprey which nest in the park.

Contact the nature center staff for more information on school programs.

Hours of Operation

The hiking trails are open every day sunrise to sunset.
During the winter cross country season the ski trails are open when conditions permit.
Open Wednesday through Sunday
9am - 3pm (closed daily 12pm - 1pm for cleaning)
*Closed Christmas and Thanksgiving

Sat 06 Mar

Project Feeder Watch
Saturday, March 6, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Become a citizen scientist and help us identify and count birds at our feeders! All data will be submitted to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Project Feeder Watch

Registration: Required

Sat 06 Mar

Feathered Friends
Saturday, March 6, 2021 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Every winter the Nature Center builds a bird feeder station to help the wintering bird population. Birdseed will be provided. Our feathered friends may even land and take seed from your hand, or your head! All ages are welcome.

Registration: Required

Sat 13 Mar

Free Snowshoe Days
Saturday, March 13, 2021
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Gear up – for free! Take a pair of snowshoes out on our trails and explore winter! Weather permitting: seven inches of snow is needed to take our snowshoes out on the trail. Visit the Nature Center during open hours to sign out your shoes.

Registration: Required

Sat 13 Mar

Nature Detectives
Saturday, March 13, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Ever wonder who made those tracks you passed in the woods? Let's be Nature Detectives! We'll explore and learn about the animals that are active during the winter months. Children and adults welcome. Snowshoes will be provided if there is enough snow.

Registration: Required

Sat 20 Mar

Spring Equinox Restorative Yoga
Saturday, March 20, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center

Help your body transition from winter to spring with restorative yoga. Certified Yoga Instructor Barbara Eldridge will guide us through gentle yoga movements with meditation. BYO yoga mat.

Registration: Required

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Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation