Friends of Times Beach Nature Preserve

At the end of the outer harbor trail, this is a quiet corner to appreciate what the area used to look like before humans took over. We often pass through when we’re jogging in area — it’s a great respite to clear your head and take in the sounds of nature. If you’re nearby, definitely take the time for a stroll.

This park offers great views of the river and local and migratory birds. With the sky way and grain mills in the background, there’s a great contrast of nature and industry. There are several bird blinds with information plaques and benches. It would be interesting to learn more about the research that’s being done in the caged off areas.

Buffalo has bird watching blinds. Wonder what those are? Go check out the Times Beach Nature Preserve to find out.
Located at the end of Fuhrmann Boulevard, just before you get to the Coast Guard tunaround circle is this preserve. It’s a fenced in area, no bikes, cars, trikes, cigarettes, food, picnics etc. Its just for walking and bird watching. You may get lucky and see a deer or two as well. Maybe even a hedgehog or fox.
There are well marked paths here, and you are asked to stay on them. They will lead you on a nice tour of the preserve, which is about 50 acres, including some marshland and water. Along the way are informative boards, all about birds, animals, trees etc found in the preserve.
Since the preserve is part of the «Atlantic Flyway» migratory route you are likely to see many different types of birds throughout the year.
Times Beach has been here since the early 1900’s, but this Preserve opened in 2006. This is a great thing to do with the family or on a nice day, there is lots of shade. Its open year round, but of course will get chilly in the winter.
While I was not aware of this place until recently, I gather I’m one of the last to know, as almost everyone I mentioned it to since knew about it.
Parking is roadside, and from what I have seen usually plentiful. But you can come on your bike, as many do, and there is bike parking as well (since they are not allowed in the preserve itself). This is probably not a place wheelchair or walker friendly, although some parts are wooden walkways, many are gravel ones.
This is a «leave no trace» area, what you bring in you carry out. They ask you don’t bring anything other than cameras, binoculars etc. and water in.