Outdoor Education Center

Located at 1349 Mecklenburg Road, Ithaca NY, this 109 acres of largely undeveloped land is a place for people to disconnect from everyday stresses and reconnect with nature and all of its benefits.

Welcome to the Outdoor Education Center!

Nurture by Nature Hike

Learning Animal Tracks

We learn outdoors no matter the weather!

The OEC is a peaceful setting for relaxation

Apiaries in the OEC

Building a fire takes planning

Outdoor Education Center Rules of Use:

  • The OEC is open to members and guests of the YMCA from dawn to dusk daily. The property is monitored by video surveillance and staff patrols.
  • Weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, and marijuana products are prohibited on YMCA property.
  • Pets are welcome but must be on a leash at all times. Please be sure to clean up any pet waste.
  • Restroom stations are for use during YMCA programs only.
  • Please take your trash with you when you depart as there is no trash service. No dumping!
  • Program areas are off-limits unless supervised by authorized YMCA personnel or otherwise posted.
  • Motorized vehicles and horses are not permitted on trails. Hikers and bikers are welcome.
  • Utilize minimal impact practices to protect and preserve our natural areas.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FROM JULY 5 - SEPTEMBER 3 THE OUTDOOR ED CENTER IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC TUES-THURS FOR OUR SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM.

The outdoor education center has 5 marked trails that are open and available to YMCA members and guests. Click on the maps to enlarge.

 

HUNTING SEASON NOTICE

Please note that no gun or crossbow hunting is permitted on YMCA property, nor is the possession or use of any weapon. From October 1 - December 22 the YMCA does retain the services of a local volunteer to monitor the property and help maintain healthy wildlife populations. The western end of the Y land will be used and marked with signs alerting hikers of the possible presence of a hunter. Signs will be posted on the south end of the property to alert neighboring hunters of the presence of YMCA participants, local residents, and community friends and programs that may present. YMCA-sanctioned hunting will not occur during any scheduled YMCA programming.

In the case of an emergency or the necessity for a hunter to cross a boundary line, YMCA leadership must be notified and appropriate neighbors will be informed.