Archive: Around Town

As part of the Cayuga Nature Center's lodge enhancement project, it is once again undergoing renovations to make the facility more accessible to all visitors. The new enhancements are being made to both the men's and women's public restrooms. The alterations to the restrooms will update the historic plumbing as well as meet ADA requirements and include child changing stations to accommodate the visitors with young children.

The construction on the restrooms began in early November and is expected to continue until late February. The Nature Center Lodge will remain open to the public during these renovations. Lodge hours are Thursday-Sunday from 10am-4pm and as always the trails are open daily from dawn until dusk.

However, due to these restroom renovations, the majority of the animal ambassadors are being temporarily relocated in order to shelter them from disruptive noise.

Amanda Moshier, Manager of Animal Collections, explains "The health and welfare of the animals in our collection is of my utmost concern. After learning that the construction causes excessive noises and vibrations, I made the decision that it is in the animals' best interest to be temporarily relocated to a quiet off-exhibit space until the construction has been completed."

Beginning January 2nd, Saturday Public Animal Feedings will be postponed until restroom renovations are complete.


Restroom refurbishment may not sound too exciting to most people, but it is an important improvement for the Cayuga Nature Center that will allow them continue to serve as a premier educational venue for learning about the natural history of the Cayuga Lake Basin.

"It's no secret that our restrooms were in need of renovation. We are very excited to have this project underway," says Nature Center Programs Director Matt Sacco. "Renovating a 1930's era building certainly brings its own unique challenges. We feel strongly that this project will not only improve the quality of our visitor experience, but also make the camper experience that much better." By updating the facilities, the Cayuga Nature Center will be able to continue to offer one of the oldest running summer camps in the Ithaca community as well as create and implement new educational programs otherwise prevented by the outdated restrooms.

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