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

Friday, December 31, 2010


What a day to be outside....sun and above 40! Snow was melting and out at Mable Reynolds there were an amazing amount of animal tracks ranging from large ones to these small ones. Happy New Year to all!

Thursday, December 30, 2010


Christmas vacation is great. I can walk the trails before it is getting dark. We saw signs of a squirrel hunter today at Guppy Farm. People do hunt this area all year round. The waterfall in winter.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010


We found lots of flocks of robins today scattered around pockets of water seeping up in spots on the O'Loghlin hillside. They and the deer had been scratching in the wet leaves in these areas.

Monday, December 27, 2010


Finally had time today to get back on conservation area lands. Although I've been told not to worry about hunters on the properties I avoid walking in the woods during deer season.

The snow had been packed down in a nice walking trail by snowshoes at the O'Loughlin property. The big hemlocks blocked some of the wind we would've felt walking up on the west facing ridge at the federal farm. Much rabbit activity was noted under rose and berry bushes. Nice to be in the woods again.