SHERBURNE - Thanks to the efforts of Commerce Chenango and the recently commissioned study on tourism in Chenango County, new light has been shed on the importance of Rogers Environmental Education Center and similar regional destinations.

Identified as the number one driver of a burgeoning tourism economy, Rogers Center continues to benefit from a growing Friends of Rogers staff, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) involvement, and the support of hundreds of volunteers.

“Rogers Center is a tremendous resource for our community, bringing people from all over our region to enjoy all that it has to offer. We appreciate the work and investment of the Friends of Rogers and DEC to make this place so special,” said Salvatore Testani, Commerce Chenango President & CEO.

Sixty-five Chenango County experiences were analyzed in a Visitor Profile Study presented in December 2025 by Commerce Chenango, in collaboration with JLL, as an update to the Tourism Summit. Their analysis of demand assessed visitor traffic and flow data, and their research involved four focus groups and thirty-one interviews with stakeholders.

According to the data, out of the 65 listed assets, the two highest ranked ‘demand drivers,’ or draws for regional visitors to the county, are Rogers Environmental Education Center, and hiking opportunities.

“Since 1968, Rogers Environmental Education Center has had a proud tradition of inspiring visitors to explore the outdoors and take an active role in protecting the State’s natural resources. Rogers Center has been a vital asset to the region and maintained its strong ties to the community thanks to the partnership between Friends of Rogers and DEC,” said Tom Shimalla, DEC Bureau Chief of Environmental Education.

Friends of Rogers, the nonprofit organization which operates Rogers Center, is in constant motion to ensure the regional asset can continue to excite and inspire visitors for many generations to come.

The current Channels Marsh Trail renovation, conducted in collaboration with local DEC Operations, aims to ensure the beauty of the most popular trail at Rogers is accessible to everyone, whether in a wheelchair or a stroller.

“It's exciting to see Rogers Center recognized as one of the top destinations bringing people to Chenango County. That recognition is really a reflection of our dedicated staff, board, volunteers, partners, and supporters who care so much about this place. We want Rogers to be a place where everyone feels welcome to explore nature, make memories, and keep coming back for years to come,” said Jessica Sarauer, Board President for the Friends of Rogers.

Rogers Center is one of four DEC environmental education centers, and is operated by the Friends of Rogers. Rogers Center is located at 2721 state highway 80, Sherburne NY, 13460.

- Information from the Rogers Center