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

Wednesday, October 27, 2010


Still learning about ferns. This one is a wood fern. It stays green most of the winter and grows in a vase-like clump.

Friday, October 15, 2010


I love coming up to Guppy Falls on a rainy day to look at the waterfall.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010


On Saturday a bunch of workers from the conservation area committee helped to cut down invasive species such as buckthorn, daphne, and honeysuckle. We also rerouted the trail around the fallen tree on the trail up to Guppy Falls. Also on the trail are these witch hazels blooming now.

Thursday, October 7, 2010


After the rail, the water is running quite well. This picnic table was built by the YCIP students from LaFayette this summer. Grab your cider and apples: this is a beautiful spot for a fall picnic.

Sunday, October 3, 2010


We drove up to the Reynolds Nature Preserve as Greg and Dave were leaving. They had just mapped out a new trail which loops through the eastern part of the property. You can follow the old tractor trail all the way to the east and then the newly scoped out trail turns to the north and loops around. A great walk and could be a great place to cross-country ski in the winter. Hopefully some volunteers will be cutting the trail in the near future.

As we walked in there were many apple trees we walked by. The one that caught our eye was the crab apple with the gorgeous eye popping red apples.

Just a reminder to all who use the conservation lands that bow season starts on Oct. 16th.