Winter 2025 Updates

Drop in to join Helmer Nature Center for winter activities and crafts. Make pinecone bird feeders and edible garlands to trim the HNC outdoor space with treats for the wildlife. Decorate your own melted snowman cookie and enjoy it with some hot cocoa!

Create fun winter decorations to bring home along with your own pinecone feeder.

All ages welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Location: Helmer Nature Center
Date: Dec. 11th, 2025
Time: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person, family max of $25

Mark your calendars!

Local residents have been donating their Christmas trees to our Trees for Trails event since 1976. The Nature Center accepts trees from Christmas until January 17th, when High Falls Tree Service and Irondequoit Lawn & Landscape come to transform the trees into wood chips. Volunteers help unload trees and spread the chips, which will control erosion on our trails all year.

Consider dropping off your used Christmas tree here when you are done with it!

Just remember...

• Whole trees only (no clippings)
• Remove bags, ornaments, wire, etc.
• No wreaths
• No yard waste or debris
• Volunteers are available to unload cars on Jan. 17 ONLY (10am-12pm)
• No trees accepted after 12pm on Jan. 17

Anyone interested in volunteering for this program can email us at HelmerNatureCenter@gmail.com

We offer snowshoe rentals on Saturdays in January and February*

when there is an adequate snow base (a minimum of 6—8")

*No snowshoe rental on 2/7

Mark your calendar for our annual Team Trivia night- Saturday, February 7th 7-10pm

Team trivia is our biggest adult-focused fundraiser of the year. Teams of up to 6 players compete in a fun night of trivia to support West Irondequoit's "Outdoor Classroom," Helmer Nature Center. There are also “scores” of door prizes from local businesses, so you don’t have to win to go home with something fun!

Keep an out on our website, social media, and your inbox for more info and how to register as we get closer.

Helmer Nature Center is an outdoor classroom and trail system conserved and preserved by the West Irondequoit School District since 1973. Our trails are open dawn to dusk 7 days a week; please note that dogs are not allowed on our sports fields or trails.

Email: HelmerNatureCenter@gmail.com
Website: https://www.westirondequoit.org/parents_community/helmer_nature_center
Location: 154 Pinegrove Avenue, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-336-3035
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelmerNatureCenter