I viewed the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 with two of my favorite people. While at Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville, New York, we hiked and visited the nature center gift shop and the art exhibit which included a collection of taxidermized animals. We also had a picnic as we waited for the big event. They had food trucks there including the Carvel ice cream truck. So fun!
In addition, I found two quarters on the ground! Now I am up to $1.31 in found money for 2024. Thank you, Janine and Elaine!
The last time I visited Beaver Lake Nature Center, I think I was about seven years old. I saw an upside down tree while on a school field trip and I couldn’t wait to tell my dad about it. We took a family trip there that weekend and when I pointed out the tree – it turned out to be an uprooted one.
At the time, I felt stupid. But now the part of this story that I truly love is that Dad wanted to experience the hike with me. I felt like he was with me when I placed these angels on the trails. I always feel like he is with me when I am hiking, but, well, you know.
The trails felt vaguely familiar. They have different names – back in 1970 they were called Trail 1, trail 2, etc. And I didn’t remember the fabulous visitor’s center complete with a shop, a library, a museum and restrooms.
Beaver Lake Nature Center is located at 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, New York 13027. There is a $5.00 fee, which you pay upon exiting the park.
You can hike or jog several trails of various lengths. But no biking. It is incredibly serene with pine woods, old growth areas, a swamp trail and others that overlook the lake. I saw several deer milling about and tons of squirrels chirping like cray-cray.
They open tomorrow at 7:30 am. The park closes at dark (5:00 pm).
P.S. There is a guided tour with a naturalist scheduled for 2:00-3:00 pm on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Free with park admission.
