Conservation Education Center
About the Waterman Center
The Waterman Center as it exists today is all thanks to dedicated groups of volunteers and local grassroots activism!
Our History
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, several people in the Tioga County community were concerned that local youth might not have a place to learn about plants and animals. In response, a small panel was formed to search the county for an appropriate site to establish a nature education facility.
Lolita Waterman, a member of the committee, eventually offered to donate a portion of her family farm to the project. Her only stipulation was that the property be forever managed as a nature center and that it be named after her late husband Fred. L Waterman.
The Fred L. Waterman Center started as little more than a dream. There were no staff, the trails were rough and much of the property was still covered in corn and other grains. A dedicated group of volunteers worked hard to establish a variety of wildlife food plots and habitats.
After several years of operating on a shoestring with the continuing support of Mrs. Waterman and several local companies, a nature center was finally created. The Faith Lutheran Church was acquired along with 6 additional acres. With a building and staff, the Waterman Center began offering programs to schools and other groups. Exhibits were created to help visitors understand the plants and animals in our area.
As the community grew so did the Waterman Center. Slowly, the center acquired more natural areas to be operated as educational sites. These include Brick Pond, Apalachin Marsh, Hiawatha Island, IBM Glen, and Pettus Hill. Each preserve has its own fascinating history to explore!
Our Mission
Promote conservation education, outdoor recreation, and environmental literacy. We serve our members, the Twin Tiers community, and all visitors to our collection of nature preserves
Meet the Team
Executive Director
Chris Audette
BS Biology - Paul Smith's College
AAS - Fisheries and Wildlife Technology
For as long as I can remember, I have become gleefully knee-deep in marsh, muck, lake, or stream on a regular basis. My career is characterized by advocating for, managing, studying, and appreciating forests and waterways from the Adirondack Mountains to the foothills of the Great Rift Valley. In the United States, Malawi, and Zambia, I have firsthand experience with the universally critical role that conservation and wise natural resource management play in local economies, recreation, tourism, and environmental health.
As the Waterman Center's Executive Director, I strive to develop and maintain connections to community groups, local foundations, and others to build the center's programming, improve exhibits and facilities, and expand our impact. You might find me embroiled in essential tasks like crafting grant proposals or even scrubbing floors on any given day.
Executive Assistant and Camp Director
Courtney Fitzgerald
BS Envi Science - Binghamton University
MA Biology
When I was younger I loved animals and learning every fact I could about them, yet I was terrified of bugs when I went outside. As I grew older my passion for the environment only grew. That little girl afraid of insects went on to study all sorts of arthropods and their important role in our local ecosystems. The more I learned the larger outdoor spaces became! I was no longer looking out at a field of green, but rather individual species of plants all working together and creating habitat for the many animals that live there.
I now have the opportunity to share my love for and knowledge of the natural world with everyone who walks through the doors. You can find me sitting at the front desk most days! I help organize volunteers and members as well as answer questions for visitors and the community, I also help our naturalist develop and promote our education programs.
Naturalist
Michelle Knuepfer
BS Conservation Biology - St. Lawrence University
Growing up along the Susquehanna River, I have always been interested in ecology & nature. I first became interested in birds through my fascination with loons while camping & kayaking in the Adirondacks. Since then, I have enjoyed exploring the biodiversity of many areas, from New York to Georgia to New Zealand. After spending several years in different regions working on conservation fieldwork, I returned to the Binghamton area to focus on environmental education. My goal is to help anyone experience nature, in whatever form works for them.
Observing and teaching about birds is my passion, and I enjoy educating others about nature to spark a love for the natural world in people of all ages. I plan our outreach events, school field trips, guided hikes and nature based programming. Feel free to reach out to schedule a program today! I also take care of our ambassador animals like Ted the Tortoise! Learn more about them at one of our talks.
African Spurred Tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata)
Ted
I am 25 years old and weigh ~30lbs. I arrived at the Waterman Center in 2002. In the wild Sulcata Tortoises live in semi-arid grasslands, savannas, and thorn shrublands along the edges of the Sahara and Sahel Deserts in Africa. I on the other hand hatched in Florida! I am the 3rd largest species of tortoise and can range from 50-100lbs. I reached adulthood at 10 years old, but I'm still growing and can live into my 80s!
Down South I can stay outside all year, but it gets too cold up here. When I do go outside I eat all the grass and dandelions I can find! Dandelion flowers may seem healthy, but they are actually filled with sugar., yum!
Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
Sophie
I am the calmer painted turtle here at the Waterman Center. I was displaced from my home at Brick Pond during the 2011 flood. Unfortunately, I couldn't be released back into the wild, so I got to stay at the Waterman Center. I love to eat shrimp and avoid anything green, even though it's good for me.
I love to bask under my UVB bulb. Basking helps the scutes on my back come off when my shell grows! In the wild, I would bask on logs or rocks in the pond. I need UVB rays to help me utilize calcium from my food, through the production of Vitamin D and eventual conversion to Vitamin D3. Only once Vitamin D3 is present can calcium be processed and utilized.
Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
Sal
You can usually find me in the water swimming around. I was also displaced from my home at Brick Pond during the 2011 flood. Unfortunately, I couldn't be released back into the wild, so I got to stay at the Waterman Center. I am extremely food-motivated and love to beg for snacks. I will eat anything, but I love it when I get hand-fed live treats with tongs.
Painted turtles like me can range in size from 3-6 inches in length and weigh around 11oz. Female painted turtles grow even larger, ranging between 4 and 6 inches and averaging 18 oz.
Sophie and I are approx. 15 years old and can live 30-40 years old.