Trillium Nature Center

The Trillium Nature Center (formerly Beaver Meadow Audubon Center) in North Java, New York connects people of all ages with nature in truly immersive and meaningful ways. Nestled within 8 miles of beautiful trails, the nature preserve features beaver ponds, meadows, wetlands, and wildlife that invite exploration year-round. Whether you're looking to hike, birdwatch, or simply relax, you'll find something for everyone. From shelter building workshops to pond dipping to Toddler Time, their hands-on experiences foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. The nature center is designed for accessibility with ADA-compliant facilities, making it easy for all visitors to enjoy.

Since 1909, Buffalo Audubon has been a leader in conservation and environmental education. Today, they manage 1,000+ acres of preserved lands across Western New York, engaging over 10,000 visitors every year. Their team of expert Naturalists is committed to ensuring your visit is enjoyable and enriching.

What Makes Us Special:

• Hands-On Nature Experiences: Friendly Naturalists lead activities like shelter building, pond dipping, and nature crafts, making each visit unique.

• Scenic Trails and Play Structures: Explore well-marked hiking trails, and enjoy play features like Fairy House Lane, the Storybook Trail, and Nature Playscape, which engage children and families in nature-inspired fun.

• Seasonal Programming: As a four-season center, they offer year-round activities, including birding hikes, seasonal camps, and special programs.

• Birding Opportunities: For birdwatching enthusiasts, they offer guided birding hikes, complete with binoculars. Visitors can meet their resident Eastern Screech Owl, Zelda, and enjoy hands-on birding experiences.

• The Buffalo Astronomical Association maintains a Dark Site Observatory at the Trillium Nature Center. The Observatory includes a variety of instruments, including a 20-inch Obsession telescope, one of the largest public observation telescopes in Western New York! The Observatory is open to the public the first Saturday evening of the month, from April through October - so come enjoy the night sky like never before!
• You can spend the entire night at Beaver Meadow! They have one cabin (yup, just one - talk about exclusivity!) you and your family can have all to yourself. For more info and to book your overnight stay, visit here.

Customer Favorites:

• Fairy House Lane: This whimsical trail feature captures the imagination of both kids and adults alike.

• Storybook Trail: A fun and educational trail where nature and storytelling collide—perfect for young families.

• SpringFest: Their annual SpringFest on National Trails Day offers guided hikes, live music, children's activities, and wildlife presentations, making it one of their most popular events of the year.

• Birding Programs: Whether you’re a novice or seasoned birder, birding hikes are a great way to explore rich wildlife while learning from expert Naturalists.

A Day in the Life at Trillium Nature Center:

Visitors love the opportunity to step away from daily life and immerse themselves in nature. From strolling through tranquil wetlands to enjoying the beauty of a beaver pond, there’s something to see around every corner. Staff is always ready with recommendations, helping you discover the best hikes, spots to birdwatch, or hidden gems on the preserve.

Family-friendly activities like trail play structures, the willow tunnel, and huts make Beaver Meadow a great destination for visitors of all ages. Whether you're hiking the miles of scenic trails or attending a nature camp, your time spent here will be a refreshing escape into nature.

Special Moments:

The excitement and wonder on children’s faces as they discover wildlife—like spotting turtles, frogs, or salamanders in our ponds—reminds us of the magic that nature brings. We see it every time a child’s eyes light up as they find a new creature, making it all the more special for us and our visitors.

What We Love About Our Community:

As a part of the Western New York landscape, the team at Buffalo Audubon loves the region’s four seasons, which provide a different experience each time of year. From spring maple syrup to the stunning fall foliage - it's a constant reminded of how lucky this community is to live in such a naturally rich and diverse area.