Stevenson Forest Preserve - Finger lakes Land Trust
![Significant Habitat: Notable wildlife ecosystem or natural breeding area that may be rare or especially beautiful and rich. Significant Habitat](https://www.opengreenmap.org/sites/default/files/taxonomy_image/category_pictures_82.gif)
![Special Tree: Marks a tree that is culturally or ecologically significant in the community. May be old growth, virgin (never cut by humans), ancient, sacred, medicinal or native tree. Could be indoors or an endangered species. Special Tree](https://www.opengreenmap.org/sites/default/files/taxonomy_image/category_pictures_74.gif)
![Amphibian Habitat: Area that is a good viewing site for frogs, newts and other amphibious species, which are indicators of a pond or wetland's health status. May include any kind of terrestrial ecosystem with amphibians. Amphibian Habitat](https://www.opengreenmap.org/sites/default/files/taxonomy_image/category_pictures_84.gif)
![Native Forests/Plants: Flora that is indigenous in the region, sometimes called old growth, heirloom or indigenous species. Native species requires less water and care than exotic imports, and usually attract more birds, bees and butterflies, and help the cycle of life stay in balance. May include a master gardener, permaculturalist or horticulturalist or information center. Native Forests/Plants](https://www.opengreenmap.org/sites/default/files/taxonomy_image/category_pictures_75.gif)
![Eco-Tour/Nature Walk: Marks the beginning of a hiking trail, guided tour starting point or an interesting walk. Maps, signage and information may be found here. Eco-Tour/Nature Walk](https://www.opengreenmap.org/sites/default/files/taxonomy_image/category_pictures_97.gif)
![Protected/Cultivated Habitat: Ecosystem development includes wildlife corridors in urban and rural areas, resources for turning your home’s yard back into a prairie or other indigenous landscape to encouraging native animals to flourish. Protected/Cultivated Habitat](https://www.opengreenmap.org/sites/default/files/taxonomy_image/category_pictures_88.gif)
![Bird and Wildlife Watching: Place to view animals in the wild. Officially recognized or locally-known sites could be accompanied by guidelines for viewing without harm, and details on the species you might see. May include organizations or wildlife centers that help protect animals. Bird and Wildlife Watching](https://www.opengreenmap.org/sites/default/files/taxonomy_image/category_pictures_90.gif)
![Historical Feature: Institution, monument or unmarked historical area with special significance to the community's sense of place and environment. Historical Feature](https://www.opengreenmap.org/sites/default/files/taxonomy_image/historical_feature.gif)
![Migration Zone: Good place to watch flocks of birds overhead. May indicate prevailing direction of birds' or other species' seasonal migrations. Migration Zone](https://www.opengreenmap.org/sites/default/files/taxonomy_image/category_pictures_93.gif)
Overview
The history of the Stevenson Forest Preserve is visible not only as paragraphs of a deed, but also in the grandeur of its trees.
History
Twenty five acres of the preserve had been in the Stevenson family of Enfield since after the Revolutionary War. In 1977, Elizabeth Stevenson Bennett inherited the land from her family. Despite not visiting the property in 20 years, Bennett had strong feelings about this magnificent forest. When Michael DeMunn, the consulting forester for the Finger Lakes Land Trust and another volunteer (Betsy Darlington), approached Bennett about protecting the land, she decided to donate the property, eager to ensure the preservation of her beloved property.
In 1995, this fine old forest became the first parcel of the Stevenson Forest Preserve. In 1998 and 1999, the preserve grew to 83 acres. Thanks to Percy Browning who bought land just to the east with the sole intent of donating it, an additional 18 acres were added to the preserve. To the north of the original 25 acres, an anonymous grant allowed purchase of 40 acres—much of it a fallow field—from Craig Beierle.
History is abundant at the Stevenson Preserve—for example, the heartfelt scars on a beech tree, carved by ten-year-old Dick Stevenson in memory of his dog. It reads, “Rex, R.S., 1938.”
Natural History
The original 25-acre parcel is a patch of undisturbed forest that is quickly becoming a rarity. A number of the trees that create a dense canopy had their start at least 150 years ago. Unlike their counterparts in most regions of the northeast, these trees have only a faint memory of the mass felling that occurred in the rush to turn forest to farmland. Where patches of sunlight shine through breaks in the canopy, many ferns and wildflowers such as Indian cucumber-root, Jack-in-the-pulpit, starflower and horse-balm thrive. Another feature of the preserve to look for are the hemlock stumps that make for a humbling discovery: Although most trees die when they are logged, some hemlocks manage to survive. In a valiant effort to heal themselves, they continue to grow and are recognized by the curled edges of their wounds.
The preserve has several vernal ponds that support a variety of aquatic life. In early spring, it may be possible to witness the migration of spotted salamanders from their winter hideaways to the shallow water. Wood frogs also breed in these pools. Take care not to disrupt these populations during mating season.
Newer portions of the preserve provide other habitats—a long-fallow field with young trees, a hardwood forest, and a forest that was logged in 1996. These areas are home to still more wildlife species.
Acreage: 83 acres
Trail Distance: 1.0 miles
Directions:
From Ithaca, take Route 13 South to Route 327 North. Trumbull Corners Road is on the left, off of Route 327, and the Stevenson Preserve parking area is located approximately 1/2 mile down the road on the right hand side.
TCAT nearest bus route 79
To know more about this preserve and support the Finger Lakes Land Trust visit http://www.fllt.org/protected_lands/protected_lands1.php?id=30
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