Hello fellow nature lovers and Skaneateles Conservation Area users, this blog is for us. Hear something? Write about it. See something? Let us know. Let's share our knowledge and experiences using the properties. On the east side of town the Skaneateles Conservation Areas include the Federal Farm, the Guppy Farm,and the O'Loughlin property which have been connected by a series of trails. On the southwest side of town, the Mabel Reynolds property stands undeveloped at the present but hopefully trails will be developed in the future.

I hope that all users of this blog will help record nature sightings as the years progress which can enhance all visits to these properties.

Guppy Falls

Tuesday, September 28, 2010


Fall and spring are probably my favorites for walking through the woods. The colors are ever-changing and small things can be stunning.

Sunday, September 26, 2010


The trails are crunchy with fallen dry leaves today. Virginia creeper is providing the best reds in the wood at the moment.

Saturday, September 18, 2010


We walked through the fields at the Federal Farm today and were treated to golden rod and asters which came up to our shoulders. The honey bees were busy but the monarch butterflies stole the show.

Monday, September 13, 2010


The woods are taking on autumnal smells. Quite a bit of color around due to late summer blooming flowers. One is the white snakeroot. The little flowers look like small explosions.

Sunday, September 12, 2010


It was looking like the beginnings of fall today up at the Federal Farm. The hawthorne fruit was a beautiful color of red orange.

Friday, September 10, 2010


The boardwalk across the wetlands on the Bob Sykes trail were alive with these dragonflies today. If you stopped they would come rather close allowing me to take a picture.

Thursday, September 9, 2010


Saw these giant puff balls at the Guppy Farm last week when I didn't have my camera with me. I was happy to find another today. My car keys are in the foreground for scale.