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Visitor Center at Sterling Nature Center

Sterling, NY

A State-of-the-Art Interpretive Center

Sterling Nature Center, a 1,400 acre county park and nature preserve located on the shores of Lake Ontario, identified a need to replace the existing Jensvold House to create an Interpretive Center. Welcoming more than 35,000 visitors each year, the new, state-of-the-art Interpretive Center provides a diverse program to visitors. This includes seasonal events, curation, a blue heron rookery, and nine miles of trails. Working with a Design Committee from Sterling Nature Center, the Friends of Sterling Nature, and Cayuga County, Beardsley developed a conceptual design to help meet the Nature Center’s goals of expanding programming and providing a better experience for visitors.

Finding the Right Location

During the conceptual design phase, it was determined that the existing building should not be utilized for the new visitor center and a new building should be constructed instead. Spaces within the new building include a large multi-purpose classroom and smaller multi-purpose room, exhibit space, an office for park staff, restrooms, storage, and small kitchenette. The selected location makes the building a focal point on the landscape. In addition, it provides the best option for accessibility and proximity to parking and takes advantage of views to the west and east of the building. The barn-like architectural design speaks to the community’s rich farming history and allows the new building to blend with the surrounding landscape.

Connecting to the Outdoors

Features include an outdoor classroom and exhibit space, a nature playground, and an outdoor meditation space. Upgrades were made to the parking area, bioretention areas and rain gardens to protect the Lake and Pond from contaminants. Additionally, it includes an upgraded pavilion for outdoor events, bird watching areas, and connection to the existing trail system.

Additional Site Improvements

Trail improvements include relocation and expansion of existing hiking/walking trails in response to coastal erosion impacts, accessibility upgrades, and proximity to viewing opportunities. Lastly, other improvements included are upgrades to an existing emergency/service vehicle access roadway that was heavily damaged due to erosion and storm washout.

Click here to visit Sterling Nature Center’s website to learn more.