Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
44927 Cross Island Road
Fineview, NY 13640
- Phone: (315) 482-2479
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
- Open every day of the year except Christmas and Thanksgiving.
From mid-October to mid-June, museum hours are 8 am-4 pm
From mid-June to mid-October museum hours are 8:30am-4:30pm. - The hiking trails are open every day sunrise to sunset.
During the winter cross country season the ski trails are open when conditions permit.
Saturday, May 5, 2018 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
Register: https://ptny.wufoo.com/forms/z1jwbhcj1ill7d2/
Special instructions: Please park at the Nature Center
Project 1: Help us prepare for our annual plant sale by potting and labeling plants. Appropriate for children 12 and under. Please bring garden gloves, water, and trowel
Project 2:Help us continue our honeysuckle remediation efforts by planting shrubs provided by the DEC tree nursery along the Friendship Trail. Adults 18 and over only. Please bring garden gloves, water, and shovel
Project 3:Help us prepare our gardens for summer by getting ahead of the weeds. There will be multiple gardens to work in. All ages welcome. Please bring garden gloves, water, 5 G bucket, and trowel
Other projects will include: Trail maintenance, shoreline clean-up, and cleaning our tables and chairs. All projects will begin at 9am and end at 3pm. A pair of loppers would be useful if you are helping with trail maintenance. Shoreline cleanup and trail maintenance are appropriate for anyone over the age of 13. Cleaning our tables and chairs is appropriate for anyone.
We can accommodate: Small Groups, College student groups, Boy or Girl Scouts
For questions about this event:
Call: 315-482-2479
Email: molly.farrell@parks.ny.gov