Trail Map
Trail Descriptions (with
trail marker colors)
Perimeter Trail (yellow)
1.9 miles
Here you’ll see a variety of habitats, including old field, deciduous
woodland and woodland edge. The trail parallels and bisects several limestone
and dolostone walls con¬structed in the 19th century. At various points
you’ll notice small pieces of flint, a naturally occurring mineral
in the local limestone bedrock.
Geology Trail (green) 1.8
miles Discover 375-million-year-old fossils, an extinct waterfall, glacial
erratic boulders and other unique geologic features while exploring an
oak opening and a wooded ridge. This trail begins and ends at the opening
in the oaks (woods), a clearing caused by the lack of soil on the limestone
bedrock. On various portions of the trail, the bedrock is completely exposed.
Succession Trail (orange)
1.1 miles
Observe changing habitats as you travel from open field to old field to
woodland. Notice how lichens have colonized the bedrock, paving the way
for succession to occur. In addition to the obvious change in plant life,
the wildlife also differs from one habitat to another. For example, in
spring you can hear the songs of towhees, field sparrows and blue-winged
warblers in the old field, while wood thrushes, tanagers and cerulean
warblers sing in the wooded areas. Look for smooth green snakes in open
areas.
Web Of Life Trail (blue)
.8 mile
This woodland trail is particularly stunning during spring, when wildflowers
abound and the temporary vernal pond hosts myriad aquatic creatures, including
wood frogs, fairy shrimp and wood ducks. The pond ceases to exist during
dry months. However, the eggs of many miniscule animals survive in the
soil, ready to hatch when water returns in late winter. The pond also
is a breeding site for spotted and blue-spotted salamanders, both listed
as New York species of special concern.”
Lower Meadow Trail (black)
.3 mile
This open meadow trail is filled with a variety of grasses and summer
wildflowers. The bird boxes provide nesting sites for several species,
including the eastern bluebird, house wren, tree swallow and chickadee.
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