Summary
By working cooperatively with landowners and local communities, the Finger Lakes Land Trust has protected nearly 25,000 acres of the region’s undeveloped lakeshore, rugged gorges, rolling forest, and scenic farmland. The Land Trust owns and manages a network of over 35 nature preserves that are open to the public and holds perpetual conservation easements on 150 properties that remain in private ownership.
The Roy H. Park Preserve borders Yellow Barn State Forest, Hammond Hill State Forest, and the Cornell Old 600 Natural Area to connect over 8,000 acres. This preserve is one of many nature preserves that is owned and managed by the FLLT. Six Mile Creek meanders through an extensive open wetland complex here, where there is intermittent beaver activity. The Park Preserve is also renowned among local birders for its splendid array of breeding birds.
From the accessible parking lot, a kiosk with interpretive panels details the natural history of the preserve. A register box on the kiosk includes a journal for you to sign in. A crushed gravel path leads you down to the curvy boardwalk. Built from black locust, the boardwalk was designed to be usable for anyone who visits. By standing or sitting on the bench in the middle of the boardwalk, a beautiful view of the wetland area can be appreciated by individuals of all ages.