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

Thursday, December 29, 2011


I love finding the evidence of the other users of the conservation areas.

Saturday, December 24, 2011


Needed to walk today to work off some of the holiday cheer. We went to the Mabel Reynolds and were pleasantly surprised to see a new parking lot right off of Benson Road. Although we had some snow last night the ground was quite soft and wet underneath. Saw many rob=ins and cedar waxwings in the trees on the east side.

A Merry Christmas to all.

Sunday, December 18, 2011


Last night's temperature was in the low twenties which made all of the paths crunchy to walk on today. We saw ice in some areas.

Saturday, December 17, 2011


Another walk in the woods today. We noticed tree damage from the winds of Thursday night at Guppy area. A light dusting of snow certainly makes it feel and look more like December. There was a hunter walking in as we left. I believe rabbit and squirrel season never close.

This picture was taken in the same spot and time of day as the one on Dec. 15th.

Friday, December 16, 2011


Gray December days. It starts getting dark about 4:00. Lots of mud on the trails and branches down from last night's rain.

Thursday, December 15, 2011


Gun season for deer is done! It was nice to get out and walk in the woods again. Lots of green on the forest floor from ferns and moss.