Outdoor Adventure
Embark on a memorable adventures in Aurora—whether you hike our three and a half mile nature trail, go kayaking on Cayuga Lake, or sign up for a wilderness survival skills workshop, our activities are designed to engage and inspire.
Waterfront Activities
Launch a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, walk into Cayuga Lake from our shore, or simply relax and enjoy the view at our guests-only waterfront access.
Nature Trail
Our 3.5-mile nature trail provides a compelling and distinctive way to experience the landscape surrounding the Village of Aurora.
Paul Porter
Outdoor Programming Manager
Formally trained at the prestigious Merrist Wood College in Guildford, England, Paul’s early career was spent in the UK National Parks where he developed a love of traditional woodland management, including tree coppicing, green woodworking, and charcoal making. He subsequently spent several years in Canada managing more than 60,000 acres of wetlands in the Atlantic migratory bird flyway. Since the early 2000s, Paul has worked in land conservation in Central and Northern NY, managing more than 55 public access nature preserves. He brings his conservation expertise to our nature preserve and his love of traditional crafts to our outdoor programs with an array of fun-filled, hands-on experiences for visitors.
Mike Shaw
Outdoorsman
Growing up on his grandfather’s acres of woods just north of Aurora and spending time on Cayuga Lake, Michael has long been familiar with the beauty of this region. Michael spent his childhood scrambling through these woods with his nine siblings, learning to create shelters and hunting on the land. Michael began developing his passion for Cayuga Lake when he learned to fish at four years old.
