Waterman Center Camps and Nature Programs
Fred L. Waterman Conservation Education Center, 403 Hilton Rd, Apalachin, NY 13732
About
Waterman Center Camps and Nature Programs offers summer camps, day camps, school field trips, and nature based programming that include guided hikes, Saturday drop-in guided hikes, center talks, and time at a microscopy corner. The program also runs special activities such as the Midwinter Mystery Puzzle Room and additional guided hikes throughout the year.
• Schedule: Center open Monday–Friday 9am–4pm and Saturday 10am–4pm; trails open every day from dawn until dusk
• Price: Memberships start at $25 per year
Waterman Center Camps and Nature Programs is part of a conservation education organization that includes an interpretive building, an interpretive center with a library and museum, and six distinct nature preserves with trails across Broome and Tioga Counties. The interpretive center features ambassador animals, including an African Spurred Tortoise named Ted and painted turtles named Sophie and Sal. The mission of the program is to promote conservation education, outdoor recreation, and environmental literacy while serving members, the Twin Tiers community, and all visitors to its collection of nature preserves. The organization’s history traces back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, when community members in Tioga County were concerned that local youth might not have a place to learn about plants and animals. The leadership team includes Executive Director Chris Audette, Executive Assistant and Camp Director Courtney Fitzgerald, and Naturalist Michelle Knuepfer, whose backgrounds include degrees in biology, environmental science, fisheries and wildlife technology, and conservation biology. The program invites participation from a community of nature lovers who support conservation efforts and the goal of keeping the preserves forever wild for public enjoyment, and it encourages inspiring a new generation to continue a legacy of protecting natural spaces.
Last updated February 7, 2026.
• Schedule: Center open Monday–Friday 9am–4pm and Saturday 10am–4pm; trails open every day from dawn until dusk
• Price: Memberships start at $25 per year
Waterman Center Camps and Nature Programs is part of a conservation education organization that includes an interpretive building, an interpretive center with a library and museum, and six distinct nature preserves with trails across Broome and Tioga Counties. The interpretive center features ambassador animals, including an African Spurred Tortoise named Ted and painted turtles named Sophie and Sal. The mission of the program is to promote conservation education, outdoor recreation, and environmental literacy while serving members, the Twin Tiers community, and all visitors to its collection of nature preserves. The organization’s history traces back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, when community members in Tioga County were concerned that local youth might not have a place to learn about plants and animals. The leadership team includes Executive Director Chris Audette, Executive Assistant and Camp Director Courtney Fitzgerald, and Naturalist Michelle Knuepfer, whose backgrounds include degrees in biology, environmental science, fisheries and wildlife technology, and conservation biology. The program invites participation from a community of nature lovers who support conservation efforts and the goal of keeping the preserves forever wild for public enjoyment, and it encourages inspiring a new generation to continue a legacy of protecting natural spaces.
Last updated February 7, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.