Near Sterling in Cayuga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Sterling Nature Center
Two Miles Of Natural Shoreline
| | Natural History | |
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 24, 2025
1. Sterling Nature Center Marker
Explore!
Two miles of lakeshore and 1400 acres of forest and field. Scenic views of Lake Ontario from glacially-formed bluffs. Varied terrain With wetlands, vernal pools, woodlands, creeks, and meadows that shelters diverse species of animals and plants.
The Seaway Trail terrain was shaped by glaciers that left a pattern of hills and wetlands.
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History Of Proposed Uses
1998 - Sterling Nature Center opened.
1994 - Cayuga County purchases property.
1990 - Sterling Task Force formed to pursue public purchase.
- Low level radioactive waste dump proposed.
1985 - Regional landfill proposed.
1980 - Site considered for toxic waste dump.
- Nuclear plant proposal dropped as unfeasible.
1976 - Rochester Electric & Gas (RG&E) permitted for nuclear power plant.
1974 - RG&E purchases property as site for power plant.
[ Photo Captions: ]
Heron Rookery A Great Blue Heron rookery (colonial nesting site) can be seen from the Rookery Trail. Up to 60 nests have been built in trees that died when they were flooded by a beaver pond.
The Lakeshore The undisturbed shoreline is paved with polished cobbles. The eroding head of a glacial drumlin creates dramatic forms along the waterfront to the south.
Sterling Valley Creek A canoe trail follows the meandering creek to Fair Haven beach.
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this page online
Erected by Seaway Trail.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1400.
Location. 43° 22.716′ N, 76° 39.431′ W. Marker is near Sterling, New York, in Cayuga County. It can be reached from Jensvold Rd. Marker is at Old Visitor Center near the parking area for the nature preserve. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sterling NY 13156, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, specifically in Central New York, and in the Syracuse Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Sterling Valley
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 24, 2025
2. Sterling Nature Center Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2025, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 10, 2025, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.
