Some trails closed March 15-18, 2022
The following trails on the south and southwest side in the nature preserve will be closed: Connector, Redwing, Forest Loop, Oak Trail, Ridge Trail, Saddle and Field Trail.
Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect that has devestated our ash trees and 99% of the ash trees in our Nature Preserve are dying. Overabundance of deer has halted the regeneration of our forests and eliminated the under layers. Through the DEC Regenerate NY program, we have recieved a cost share grant to put up fencing on aproximately 18 acres of the Nature Preserve. In order to put up the fence, we have to cut dying ash trees along the border. In order to facilitate regeneration, cutting other dying ash trees (and some other individual trees) within the border will open up the canopy to allow light to reach the forest floor. The trees are not being removed, but left where they fall (out of the fence line and off trails) in order to add to the ecology of the forest (habitat for invertebrates and eventually soil). The fence will be built in late March.
Decription of the grant program from the DEC:
The purpose of this grant program is to support the regeneration of forests so they may continue to deliver vital services such as mitigating climate change, protecting air and water quality, and supporting the economy. Young forests in New York face many challenges today that did not exist a century ago, the most significant being wide-spread damage caused by increased white-tailed deer populations and competition from invasive vegetation. Active management of the land is essential to ensure the survival of young trees and allow forests to become established or renew themselves, but this can be an overwhelming and expensive task.
Rain Effects
Spring 2022
The trails will be soggy for a long time after rain even when the weather is sunny. Please stay on trails. Unfortunately, when folks try to avoid wet spots, the trail just becomes a wider muddy mess and trampling of our vegetation can take a long time to recover.
A big Thank You to Jake Kerr and co.
Jan. 2018
A big Thank You to Jake Kerr and co. who organized a Pop-up Thrift Shop fundraiser for the Nature Preserve Fund on January 20. The event raised over $1000 to be one of the largest single donations since the fund was started. Thank you to anyone who bought items or donated.
Redwing Steps:
September 2016
The Redwing Trail entrance steps have been replaced thanks to Engineers Without Borders. We are looking at the effects of rain (when it finally does rain) before and if we adjust the grading.
Treatment of Hemlocks:
May 10-12, 2016
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is an invasive insect killing hemlock trees which are
an invaluable part of the ecology of the Northeast. In many areas of the Nature Preserve,
hemlocks are the only tree or major species growing. HWA were found on campus in 2011
and are now found throughout Binghamton University property. In order to save as many
hemlocks as possible, we are treating them with pesticide applied to the lower portions
of bark. Trees bordering trails are taking priority.
Trunk spray: In this systemic treatment, Bandit® is mixed with water and sprayed on
the trunk. Bandit was chosen as most of the ingredients are natural without surfactants.
This treatment is useful for minimizing contamination of soil with insecticides. The
treatment dries within an hour and is safe to touch after a few hours. The treatment
will keep the tree safe for seven years.
