The Empire State has over 50 state-run nature centers that offer a variety of activities.

One center has a program that helps both the audience and the staff.

The Nicandri Nature Center in Massena offers an abundance of learning activities and sights. It opened in the 1980s and has faced hardships throughout the years.

“In 2010, there was a fire that burned the old nature center,” said Linda Besio, a naturalist at the Nicandri Nature Center. “But because of that, we are now in the brand-new building that opened in 2017.” 

Besio has worked at the center for 26 years and loves it because it’s lots of animals, kids and fun. One of the fun programs that happens at the end of every month is “Turtle Weigh in.”

“It’s important for us to get the data of the turtle weights, to see how they’re functioning, how healthy they are, etc.,” Lucas Hanss, a naturalist at the nature center, said. “But we just turn that into a public program because it’s cool to get the public involved on the backend of that, to start the conversation of how we’re taking care of the animal.”

The center has nine resident turtles, ranging from a tiny spotted turtle, named Stripes, to a big snapping turtle, named Donut.

“Number one good reason is it’s taking care of the animal which is our utmost priority,” Hanss said. “Our second priority is educating the public and so tying those together in one program is a really great thing for everyone involved.” 

One turtle at the nature center is Leonard. Leonard is a wood turtle, and one of his favorite things to do is try to bite you. Leonard has a very interesting story about how he became such a biter.

“So Leonard came from someone who shouldn’t have had him in the first place, and they thought he was a snapping turtle, and they thought it was funny when he would bite,” Hanss said. “So, they gave him treats. But he learned that biting was a good way to get treats.”

Every turtle was weighed, and all were very healthy, except for a stinkpot turtle named Stinky, who Hanss says is a little chubby.

Hanss started working at the center out of college three years ago and says this was his dream job. 

“We’re teaching so many people about nature and instilling a love for all things natural with them as well,” said Hanss. “I’m an ecologist at heart and getting people excited about finding a salamander or seeing a fish or live animal programs is something I’m incredibly passionate about.”

The nature center is free to visit and is funded by the New York Power Authority.

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