Author: Courtney Kless

Did you know that the Great Swamp Conservancy is the only nature center in Madison County? Located in Canastota, it is a relatively new organization (it was established 26 years ago, in 1997), but the area has a long history. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Great Swamp, a remnant of Lake Iroquois, was drained to create farmland. The Great Swamp Conservancy has worked with private landowners and governmental agencies to restore some of those wetlands. Today, it is 98% run by volunteers. “Our driving organizational goals include habitat conservation, preservation of endangered species, wetland conservation and…

Now that summer is here, are you looking for places to visit with your family? Located about 30 minutes from Syracuse, Cazenovia has activities for all ages. Parks and Nature Centers Chittenango Falls State Park A short drive from the village, this state park features 2.5 miles of hiking – and a 167-foot waterfall (it can be viewed from the 0.36-mile Gorge Trail or an observation area near the parking lot). Where: 2300 Rathbun Road. More information: parks.ny.gov/parks/130. Lakeland Park Located in the village, next to Cazenovia Lake, the park’s grounds include a pier, a bandstand, a canoe and kayak launch,…

Are you in need of a night out? Treat yourself to a show – or two – at Redhouse Arts Center. “One of the things that is particularly uplifting about coming to see any Redhouse show is that it is a positive experience that not only celebrates art, but celebrates community,” said Education Director Marguerite Mitchell. “One of the things that Redhouse really does no matter what piece they’re presenting, whether it be a modern piece, whether it be a classic piece, whether it be something that is seemingly going to be high art (like Shakespeare), is that we always…

This month, Family Times is introducing a new feature, Explore CNY, which will highlight some of the family-friendly activities in local towns. Our first stop is Baldwinsville. Located about 20 minutes north of Syracuse, it is home to parks, u-pick farms and historical sites. Parks and Nature Centers Beaver Lake Nature Center Beaver Lake Nature Center’s nine trails wind through wetlands, meadows, a bog and more (and they are open year-round). Where: 8477 E. Mud Lake Road. More information: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/beaver-lake-nature-center. Community Park Community Park’s newest addition, an accessible playground, opened in the fall. Families can also take a walk on one…

In the September issue, we introduced you to Symphoria, which is celebrating a milestone this season. Attending a performance also happens to be a wonderful way to treat yourself. “Symphoria can be a great spot to disconnect from the outside world for a little bit and reconnect to yourself and to other people in the community and have a shared experience of music,” said Executive Director Pamela Murchison. “There’s nothing quite like the experience of live music.” You may remember that Symphoria was officially started in 2012 (its successor, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, went bankrupt the year before, and its…

Are you looking to try something new? The Warrior Factory Syracuse offers ninja warrior training for children and adults alike. Located in Camillus, the business first opened in December 2019 (there are also locations in Rochester and Buffalo). Guests can try obstacles from American Ninja Warrior, including a spider climb, rings, and warped walls, during an open play session or sign up for a ninja warrior class. “It’s a really fun and unique way to get some exercise, while doing something outside of the box,” said Owner Kathryn Bolster. And no experience is necessary to participate. “You don’t have to…

Families have been visiting the Utica Zoo for more than a century. The land it is located on was donated by Thomas R. Proctor in 1909. “He had a dream that a park could do as much for South Utica as Central Park was doing for New York City,” said Executive Director Andria Heath. “He hired a famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Omstead, who had designed Central Park, to plan the roads and scenic walkways in Roscoe Conkling Park.” In 1914, 80 acres were set aside for the formation of a zoo. In the early days, the Utica Zoo had…

If you’ve read my column before, you probably know that I enjoy hiking. This time of year, my favorite place to do that is Clark Reservation State Park. Located in Jamesville, the park dates back to 1915. That year, Mary Clark Thompson, the daughter of former governor Myron Clark, purchased the land (it was previously military tracts and a summer resort), later donating it to the state. She wanted it to serve as a memorial for her father. The park was then officially created in 1926. Today, Clark Reservation is home to a dozen trails. My favorites are the Mildred…

The Erie Canal Museum’s Gingerbread Gallery has been a popular holiday destination for the past 37 years. Steve Caraccilo, the museum’s operations manager, has been there for 24 of them. “It’s gotten quite popular,” he said. “It’s become one of the family traditions. We get a lot of repeat visitors.” The Gingerbread Gallery began as one-day event in 1986. These days, it runs for six weeks, allowing visitors to walk through an 1800s canal town with gingerbread creations in the storefront windows. Caraccilo said it typically takes about two and a half to three weeks to put the exhibit together.…

These books were recommended by Karen Notte, the early literacy specialist at the Fairmount Community Library, for ages 4-10. Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money by Emily Jenkins Even though it’s cold and snowy outside, two siblings launch a lemonade (and limeade) stand, teaching readers about math in the process. Little Owl’s Snow by Divya Srinivasan Join Little Owl as he watches fall change to winter for the first time. One Candle by Eve Bunting While coming together for Hanukkah each year, a family reflects on a historical event. Pete the Cat’s 12 Groovy Days of…