New York Has New Forests

The state best known to many for its iconic cities added two new forests to the Old-Growth Forest Network this spring: Rockefeller State Park Preserve and College Lodge Nature Preserve. These are forests number #156 and #159 receptively, for a grand total of 16 dedicated Network Forests overall for the state of New York. New York state ranks 3rd in the Network for states with the most about of dedicated forests, coming in after Ohio and Pennsylvania. With these two beautiful forests added to the list for New York, the gap for first place has gotten even smaller. Who knows, by the end of the summer, New York could be #1!

Rockefeller State Park Preserve- Westchester County, NY

Located 30 miles north of Manhattan, Rockefeller State Park Preserve is surrounded by historical sites, including Sleepy Hollow and Pocantico Hills. The park is steeped in its own rich history which is evident when walking on the crushed stone carriage paths that act as trails, leading visitors through the many different types of ecosystems the preserve supports. The land was originally owned by William Rockefeller who purchased it in 1886 and in 1893, John D. Rockefeller purchased the neighboring Pocantico Hills. Beginning in 1983, the Rockefeller family has donated over 1,700 acres to the New York State Park system, with Rockefeller State Park Preserve being added to the list of deeded land in 1999 by Laurance S. Rockefeller.

Photo by Shayla School

The vast forest has more than likely been regenerating since William Rockefeller purchased the tract in 1886, as is evident by the gigantic tulip poplars of the Big Tree Loop. The preserve is a birder’s paradise and is designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. Birding enthusiasts are likely to see many of the 202 recorded birds that frequent the park. The 1450-acre forest at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve boasts some truly giant trees, including 150-foot tulip poplars and the tallest black oak in the State of New York, coming in at a mind-boggling 132 feet. Whether you live in New York or are there on vacation, be sure to check out Rockefeller State Park Preserve- a true historic gem with colossal trees.

Photo by Shayla School

College Lodge Nature Preserve- Chautauqua County, NY

We have many forests in the Network that are located in and around universities and we’re thrilled to welcome another to the community! College Lodge Nature Preserve is a 168-acre forest originally purchased by the students at Fredonia State University of New York in 1939 with funds that they had raised on their own. It has played an integral role in the lives of the Fredonia community ever since, providing an excellent natural space for students, faculty, and staff alike to recreate, study, and enjoy being outdoors. The Nature Preserve is home to hundreds of different species of plants, birds, mammals, and amphibians. The core old-growth section is about 14 acres, half of which is Hemlock-Northern Hardwood Forest which contains some hemlock specimens that have been dated at 442 years old and beech specimens that have been dated at 250 years old. Other species that can be found in the old-growth section include cucumber magnolia, black cherry, and basswood, as well as both sugar and red maples.

The other half of the old-growth section is a rare Rich Hemlock-Hardwood Peat Swamp which boasts more ancient hemlocks and black ash trees. Thousands of students have studied in the nature preserve and it has hosted notable nature writers and naturalists, such as Eva Saulitis. Earlier this spring, Fredonia announced that the Western New York Land Conservancy would be purchasing the preserve from the Faculty Student Association (FSA), which has owned the property since 1969. The Land Conservancy will continue to conserve and protect the Nature Preserve and offer free public access to the Fredonia community and beyond. Welcome to the Network, College Lodge!

Photo by Priscilla Titus

Would you like to support the mission here at the Old-Growth Forest Network? We invite you to make a donation today! Your tax-deductible gift will go towards ensuring that forests like these are protected against logging so that future generations can enjoy the splendor of old-growth forests.