Binghamton University Nature Preserve - Vestal, NY - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

"The Binghamton University campus in Broome County, New York currently encompasses almost 900 acres of land, of which over 600 is presently undeveloped and in its natural state. The core of this undeveloped land is officially designated the Nature Preserve and at present encompasses 182 acres of land which includes a 20 acre wetland."
"Its habitats include hemlock forest, oak woodlands, a beaver pond, streams, wetlands, shrubbed meadows and lichen-covered dry sites. The Preserve includes a number of maintained hiking trails and a wooden footbridge."
"Biology and ecology courses use it for research purposes. Every single student on this campus who takes Introductory Biology must do a project on insects and pollination, that is hundreds of people a semester. Wetlands Ecology students are forced to wade through the water, mapping the various features of the area. Animal Behavior students often use the preserve for their major class project. Professors and graduate students take advantage of our backyard wilderness. Stim Wilcox collects spiders and water striders for his studies. Professor Shepherd sends his Entomology students in to complete a collection of bugs, a major part of the lab requirement for that class. If anything, the BU Nature Preserve is far less than it could be for scientific research. There is great potential there for studies relating to habitat diversity and succession of farmlands and damaged areas. "

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 182 acres Is there a trail system?: Yes If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: trail map https://www.binghamton.edu/nature-preserve/maps/present/Trailmap.pdf There are several trails. Some go around the large wetland, some up the hill. There is a field at the top of the hill, most of the rest of the area is wetland or forest. The trails have color hash marks on the trees. Signs label the trails at junctions. What points of interest are there?: Beaver pond, forest, field What activities are available?: Hiking, birding, running, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Ticks are the biggest hazard. It is best to stay on the trails. There are water snakes and snapping turtles in the pond, but no swimming, so no problem. There is ragweed which could be an allergy issue in the fall. Dogs Allowed?: Yes Is a permit/fee required?: No If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: rules "No tampering with markers, research materials or trail work No unleashed dogs (All Town of Vestal dog ordinances apply in the natural areas. Please have the courtesy to clean up after your dog.) No biking (allowed only on Connector Road) No camping No littering No hunting No fires Stay on trails" Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link] Hours of accessibility?: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.