Friends of Robert Moses State Park Nature Center: Location, Access, and Programs

The **Friends of Robert Moses State Park Nature Center** operates the environmental education hub within Robert Moses State Park on the St. Lawrence River — a unique freshwater shoreline experience in the Thousand Islands region.

Location & Access

• Address: Massena Town Marina, 571 State Route 420, Massena, NY 13662
• GPS: 44.9289° N, 74.8917° W
• Access: **Only via Route 420** (from Massena) **or by boat** to Massena Town Marina on the Raquette River
• Parking: Marina lot (free for nature center visitors)
• Hours: Seasonal (Memorial Day — Labor Day), typically 10 AM - 4 PM; check NYS Parks website for current schedule

What You'll Find

• Exhibits: St. Lawrence River ecology, Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watershed, local wildlife (muskellunge, sturgeon, waterfowl, turtles)
• Aquaria: Native fish species — smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bowfin
• Trails: Nature trails from center — birding, wildflowers, river views
• Programs: Guided walks, school groups, summer camps, citizen science (water quality, frog watch)
• Citizen Science Dock: Water sampling, macroinvertebrate ID — data to NYSDEC

Robert Moses State Park Context

• Size: 1,200+ acres on Barnhart Island (created by Moses-Saunders Power Dam, 1958)
• Features: 2,500 ft beach, marina, boat launch, picnic, camping (100 sites), golf (9-hole), cross-country ski
• Power Project: Moses-Saunders Dam (NYPA/OPG) — 2,000 MW, created Lake St. Lawrence
• International: Adjacent to Ontario (Long Sault Parkway) — binational cooperation

Friends Group Role

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit — supports nature center beyond state funding
• Volunteers: Docents, trail stewards, event staff, grant writers
• Fundraising: Memberships, donations, gift shop, grant applications
• Advocacy: Environmental protection, park improvements, accessibility

Nearby Attractions

• Eisenhower Locks (Snell Lock): Watch ships transit — 10 min from center
• St. Lawrence Power Project Visitor Center: Dam exhibits, views
• Massena Intake: Water treatment — bald eagle viewing (winter)
• Akwasasne Mohawk Casino / Cultural Center: 15 min (Akwesasne Mohawk Territory)

The Nature Center turns a massive hydroengineering project into a living classroom — where the St. Lawrence's wild heart beats beneath the transmission lines.