Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center

Despite a windy, rain-soaked morning, Natalie Hawley enjoyed herself at Genesee County Park in East Bethany Saturday.

The five-year-old was part of the Create a Critter activity at the Interpretive Nature Center. Supplied with all sorts of twigs, pine cones, cattails, walnuts, and other outdoor embellishments, Natalie and other children got busy creating various creatures during the event.

Leane Hawley of Le Roy, Natalie’s mom, said that it’s something they were both interested in for different reasons.

“We are here with friends, and it’s been a long time since we’ve been here,” Leane said. “I’m very excited to share this with one of my daughters. I just love nature, and just love to explore.”

Meanwhile, Natalie wanted to craft a timely critter for the season.

“I’m making a reindeer,” she said. “Because it’s coming up for Christmas.”

Top Photo: Natalie Hawley, 5, picks out some materials to make a reindeer Saturday at the Interpretive Nature Center at Genesee County Park & Forest; other families also participate in Create a Critter at the site in East Bethany; and in photo above, Natalie and her mom Leane work on the project. Photos by Howard Owens.

Press release:

Explore your creative side this weekend at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

With a touch of imagination and some hot glue, you can turn pine cones, seed pods, and other natural materials into your own unique critter or work of art.

Join us at the Interpretive Nature Center for Create-a-Critter on Saturday Dec. 3. Session 1 is from 10 a.m. to noon and Session 2 is from 1 to 3 p.m.

Your critter may even be a perfect gift for loved ones! Make a tasty birdfeeder tree ornament or garland of treats for wild animals to take home, or head out to the Outdoor Learning Center and decorate the trees! Sign up for either session.

Cost for each session is $5/person, $10/family. All materials provided. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. Call 585-344-1122 to register today! 

Press Release

Enjoy a day of play with Grandparent’s Day and/or discover the fascinating world of honeybees this Saturday at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center. Grandparent's Day is from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm!

Kids bring their grandparents to enjoy scavenger hunts, catching critters in the pond, insect safari and more. Program includes accessible outdoor and indoor activities and a card making station. Cost is $5/child, $5/parent, grandparents FREE.

Meet at the Interpretive Nature from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and see a live beehive in action! Hear a local beekeeper explain the lifecycle and different jobs of bees while sharing cool facts and experiences in caring for these amazing creatures. $5/person, $10/family. 

To pre-register, call 585-344-1122.

For more information visit our website or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or 585-344-1122.

Press release:

Bring your best friend and join us for a guided dog walk through the Genesee County Park & Forest from 10 to 11 a.m. on:

• Saturday April 3rd
• Saturday May 1st
• Saturday June 12th
• Saturday July 10th

This guided walk is great for socialization and healthy exercise! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Current license or proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination is required. Aggressive dogs will not be allowed to participate.

Cost is $5/dog and all proceeds go to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Masks must be worn whenever unable to maintain six feet of social distance. Participants are encouraged to wash their hands often or use hand sanitizer.

Preregistration is required! Call (585) 344-1122 to register.

The Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.