In Central New York, one of the signs of spring is Maple Syrup Time at Beaver Lake Nature Center. The “First Harvest” includes a demonstration sugarbush with six different stations to introduce visitors to the heritage of maple sugaring as well as an opportunity to sample the fruits of photosynthesis. The sugarbush will be open to the public and staffed with knowledgeable interpreters from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekends in March and Saturday April 3. The sugarbush will not be the only part of the Nature Center bustling with activity; the visitor center itself will be the spot to get breakfast in addition to many types of maple goodies. A pancake breakfast will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon weekends in March and Saturday April 3 and, depending on the appetite, will range from $2.50 to $4.50. Maple goodies such as maple cream, maple candy and sapsuckers will be for sale by the Friends of Beaver Lake. This is a free program with the $3 per car admission to the park.
Relax and renew
Beaver Lake Nature Center will offer two wellness programs designed for individual relaxation and renewal in a quiet, natural setting. Yoga class, held from 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays April 5 to June 7 (except May 31), will allow participants to renew and revive their body, mind and spirit. Warm-up stretches follow, moving into a variety of yoga postures. Yoga stretches, strengthens and tones the body, while creating a calm and focused mind. Each session will conclude with a guided relaxation. Cost is $50; pre-registration is required.
T’ai Chi Chih (TCC), held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays April 6 to May 25, is a set of movements completely focused on the development of an intrinsic energy called Chi. TCC consists of 19 stand-alone movements and one pose. As TCC does not require any particular level of physical fitness or coordination, it can be taught to anyone of any age. Some sessions may be held outside, weather permitting. Cost is $35; pre-registration is required.
Natural history programs
As Central New York welcomes spring, Beaver Lake Nature Center invites folks to get out and enjoy the season while taking part in several different natural history programs on or off site.
- Waterfowl Watch — 7:30 a.m. Fridays April 2 to 30
Early in the morning during the migration season, geese can be seen resting on Beaver Lake and then flying to nearby fields to feed. It’s a great time to get a good look at the many different species of ducks that stop at the lake or perhaps experience a flock of Canada geese flying so low over your head you can hear the wind whistling through their feathers. Join a naturalist for a look at the waterfowl from various vantage points along the lake’s shore. Free with park admission.
Spring Peeper Prowl — 7 p.m. Wednesday April 7
During this evening walk, visitors will listen for one of the first signs of spring – the high-pitched whistle of a spring peeper. Participants will also try to locate one of these tiny treefrogs and discuss their daily and seasonal lives. $2 per person, pre-registration required.
Wood Duck Wanders — 7:30 a.m. Saturdays April 10 and 17
No duck is more striking than the wood duck and Beaver Lake is replete with their natural nesting habitat. A quiet guided walk in the early morning may afford visitors the opportunity to see one of nature’s finest offerings. Free with park admission.
Woodcock Watch — 7 p.m. Wednesday April 14
This might be more appropriately called a “woodcock listen.” Along with a naturalist, participants will try to sneak a peek and definitely eavesdrop as the timid “timber-doodle” courts the female of his desire. The group will also listen for other voices at dusk including snipe and spring peepers. This program will take place at the Three Rivers Management Area in Lysander. Transportation is provided from Beaver Lake. $5 per person, pre-registration required.
Weekend guided walks
Beaver Lake Nature Center invites everyone to come out, explore and discover the great outdoors during their naturalist led Weekend Guided Walks. The outings offered at 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday will feature a different topic weekly. Spring topics include:
- April 3 and 4 – Spring Migration
April 10 and 11 – Salamanders and Frogs
April 17 and 18 – A Walk through the Bog
April 24 and 25 – Earth Day Celebration & Spring Migration
May 1 and 2 – Spring Wildflowers
May 8 and 9 – Spring Warblers and other birds
May 15 and 16 – The Life of a Frog
May 22 and 23 – Lake Life
May 29 and 30 – Turtles
This program is free with the $3 per vehicle admission.
Beaver Lake Nature Center is an Onondaga County Park located at 8477 East Mud Lake Road, four miles west of Baldwinsville off Route 370.