Natural Sites in the Chautauqua-Allegheny Region

T his section describes several dozen places that characterize the natural his­

tory of the region. While all these places were chosen for their natural fea­

tures, some are primarily for people-centered recreation. Ir may seem odd to

bypass the bathing beach or picnic area for the reedy shore or forest grove, bur

when you go there prepared to use your senses to discover, you won't be disap­

pointed. When you visit any of these places equipped with binoculars, a hand

lens and a couple of field guides, you will probably identify wildflowers or birds

you have never seen before, and you will be astounded. Other things you

observe might be subtle, and it will rake longer to see their significance. As you

record them in your field journal your understanding will gradually improve.

These particular places included in the Atlas were chosen because they are

integral parts of their "sub-region," usually a watershed. Some sites are head­

waters of streams or are along the banks of streams or lakes. Other sites are in

wetlands or on high ridge tops.

Visit one or two of the sires initially to experience the natural world found

there. Set a goal to visit all of them. You will discover firsthand that nature can

be your teacher and companion, as you gain a greater appreciation for the

region and become committed to its protection.

The section is organized as a tour of the region, starring with places that

"point" north toward Lake Erie. From there the look is southward, proceeding

from watershed to watershed and ending with the Middle Allegheny River.

Each sire is presented in a similar format. You learn what to look for at the

site, why it is of importance, background information about its natural histo­

ry, and specific directions to get there.

47

c=J Lake Erie Plain c=J Cassadaga Creek Watershed c=J Chadakoin River Watershed 1. Barcelona Harbor 19. Bear Lake 44. Allen Park 2. Canadaway Creek Preserve 20. Boutwell Hil l State Forests 45. Falconer Millrace County Park 3. Dunkirk Harbor 21. Cassadaga Creek Preserve 46. Jamestown Community College Preserve 4. Lake Erie State Park 22. Cassadaga Lakes and Leolyn Woods 47. Lake View Cemetery 5. Point Gratiot Park 23. Clay Pond 48. Roger Tory Peterson Institute

24. Hartson Swamp WMAs 25. Harris Hill Management Unit 26. Stockton State Forest 27. Kabob WMA

c=J Portage Escarpment 6. Canadaway Creek WMA 7. Mount Pleasant State Forest

c=J Upper Allegheny River Watershed 49. Allegany State Park 50. Allegheny Reservoir

8. Chautauqua Gorge State Forest 9. College Lodge c=J Chautauqua Lake Watershed

51. Al lenberg Bog 52. Deerfield Nature Center

10. Hillside.Acres Preserve 28. Bentley Sanctuary 53. Jake's Rocks Overlook 11. Howard Eaton Reservoir 29. Chautauqua Institution 54. Pfeiffer Nature Center 12. Luensman Overview County Park 30. Chautauqua Lake Outlet Wet land Preserve 55. Rimrock Overlook

c=J Conewango Creek Watershed 13. Akeley Swamp 14. Erlandson Overview County Park 15. Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area

31. Cheney Road Marsh 32. Dobbins Woods Preserve 33. Elm Flats Wetland Preserve 34. Long Point State Park 35. North Harmony Management Unit 36. Prendergast Creek Wetland Preserve

16. Jamestown School Forest 17. Jamestown Audubon Nature Center c=J French Creek Watershed 18. Rushing Stream Preserve 37. Findley Lake Nature Center

38. French Creek Preserve 39. Lowville Wetlands Natural Area 40. Wattsburg Fens Natural Area

c=J Brokenstraw Creek Watershed 41. Tamarack Swamp 42. Watts Flats W ildlife Management Area 43. Hill Higher State Forest

56. Rock City State Forest 57. James A. Zaepfel Nature Sanctuary

c=J Middle Allegheny River Watershed 58. Anders Run Natural Area 59. Buckaloons Recreation Area 60. Chapman State Park 61. Cook Forest State Park 62. Hearts Content Scenic Area 63. H.J. Crawford Reserve 64. Oi l Creek State Park 65. lionesta Scenic Area 66. Washington Park 67. Point Park

Lake Erie Plain 1. Barcelona Harbor 2. Canadaway Creek Preserve 3. Dunkirk Harbor 4. Lake Erie State Park 5. Point Gratiot Park

Lake Erie Plain

T he Lake Erie Plai n is a lowland bel t that, in Chautauqua Cou nty, runs in a

southwest ro northeast direction along the shore of Lake Erie. This Plain

rises from an elevatio n of 572 feet at rhe present day wave-cur shale bluffs of rhc

Lake Erie shoreli ne to about 850 feet at the base of the "Hill" a few miles inland.

Also known as the Portage Escarpment, rhis is rhe steep rise rhat marks the north­

ern bou ndary of the Allegheny Plateau. Several streams have cut narrow ravines

across rhe Plain and AO\v inro Lake Erie. Their cou rses are roughly para llel ro each

other. This parall el drainage pattern is in contrast to rhe dend ritic, o r branchin g

pattern of srrcams rhat Aow our of rhe Plateau's highlands to feed the Allegheny

River.

On Rourc 20 , an ancient beach line runs along rhe roadbed parallel to the pres­

ent shorel ine 1.5 m iles away. There are as many as five old beaches, bur usually

two of them arc distinguishable. These rise in successive steps from the present

lake level to the base of rhe Allegheny Plareau and mark the shores of Lake Erie's

lee Age predecessors, Lakes Warren and W hirrlesey.

T he Lake Eric Plain is famous agriculturally for irs bountiful crops offrui rs and

vegetables. Ir is rhe g reatest grape produci ng region in rhe country outside of

Cali forn ia.

49

The brenkwnrer nt Bnrcelonn !-lnrb01: Photo by Nick Mnttiuzw.

What Pebble and sand beach and harbor on Lake Erie

Where Barcelona, at the intersection of Routes 5 and 394, one mile northwest of the Village of Westfield, Chautauqua County, NY

USGS Ouadrangle(s): Westfield

Why Productive birding during fa ll and spring migration

so LA K E E R I E p L A I N

Barcelona Harbor

Barcelona Harbor is a lakefronr area for boaring access rhar also includes

a beach, borh of which provide good van rage poinrs for birding.

Natural History Interest Birds rhar have been found ar rhis historic harbor include Sabi ne's Gull and

Purple Sandpiper. The abundant and varied fa ll waterfowl migration pasr

Barcelona usually yields a few Red-rhroared Loo ns and impressive Common

Loon Aighrs (including a New York Srare record 7 17 birds on Ocrober 23,

1983). Larc April produces good numbers of Common and Caspian Terns,

and Forster's Tern is regular in !are summer and ea rly fall. Rariries in

Barcelona Harbor have included Norrhern C anner (o ne winrer and one

spring record), American Whire Pelica n, Red Pha larope, and upsrare New

York's firsr American Oysrercarcher in May of 1986.

Other Notes For hundreds of years rhe Barcelona Harbor area was a historic rake-our

poinr for voyaging inro rhe in terior of Norrh America. From rhe beach ar

Barcelona travelers could rake our rheir canoes and mounr rhe Porrage Trail

rhar led ro rhe northern end of Chautauqua Lake and a contin uous warer

roure inro rhe Allegheny-O hio basin and beyond.

How To Get There Barcelona H arbor is located north of Westfield,

NY and just off N Y 5.

From exit GO (Westfield) off I-90, turn righr

onto NY 394 . Go less than half a mile to NY 5.

Ul 0 ::J ;o a.

0.6

Barcelona Harbor

;o a.

0

:N

t 0.6 Miles

Turn right onto NY 5 and proceed less than half

a mile to the harbor entrance. View rhe harbor

from the access road sloping down to the pier or

from rhe pier itself.

BARCELONA H A RB OR 51

Canadaway Creek, nearing its end flf Lake Erie. Photo by Allen Benton.

What Riparian woodland where Canadaway Creek flows into Lake Erie

Where Along Route 5 on the outskirts of Dunkirk, Chautauqua County, NY

USGS Ouadrangle(s): Dunkirk

Why Birding, stream studies

52 L" K E E R I E r L " I N

Canadaway Creek Preserve The Nature Conservancy

Canadaway C reek Preserve consists of 32.6 acres of level riparian wood­

land along Canadaway C reek, where it Aows into Lake Erie. It is owned

and maintained by the Central/Western New York C hapter of the Nature

Conservancy.

Natural History Interest

T he banks along Canadaway C reek are lined with mature Black Willow trees

that form the canopy over a Aoodplain that includes Speckled Alder and

Osrrich Fern as well as dense thickets of Japanese Knot\veed.

Good rimes to visit are spring and fall bird migration. In spring, warblers,

vireos, thrushes, Aycatchers and other northbound perching bi rds sometimes

abound in the wil lows and brushy tangles along the creek. Breeding species

incl ude Red-headed Woodpecker (regular) and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

(occasional). At the mouth of the creek a small mudAat sometimes forms,

amacring shorebirds. Rarities seen here include Red Knot, Whimbrel,

W iller, and Red Phalarope.

Other Notes

The area was historically the site of an Indian fishi ng vil lage, fi rst occupied

by rhe Erie people ancl larer by the Iroquois. T his was also the sire of one of

the first encounters of the War of 18 12.

There are no resrrooms or other facili ties at the

preserve, but Dunkirk and rhe excellenr birding

sires ar Poinr G rarior and D un kirk H arbor are so

close, iris a natural place to include in a Lake Erie

shore birding t ri p ro this a rea. Visito rs are encour­

aged ro wear boots.

How To Get There The Canadaway C reek Preserve is located on rhe

ourskirrs of Du nkirk, Y, just off NY 5.

Canadaway Creek w

Preserve t 0.7 0 0.7 Miles

From exit 59 (Dunk irk/Fredonia) off l-90, rurn

right onto Y 60 (Bennerr Rd) . Go approximate­

ly 2.0 miles to NY 5. Turn left onro lY 5 and go

approximately 2.5 m iles to rhe preserve on the

outskirts of town. The entrance is just west of the

bridge over Canadaway C reek. You can park here

along TY 5, being careful of rraffic. A seco nd

smaller section of rhe preserve can be enrered

south of I Y 5 on Temple Rd across from rhe

C hautauqua Coun ty H ome.

C A N A D A W A Y C R E E K p R E S E R V E 53

Heavy use by people does not generally deter imeresting birds ftom visiting Dunkirk Harb01: P/;oto by Linda Pelc.

What Important Bird Area. Lake Erie harbor with excellent vantage points for waterfowl and other birds

Where Corner of Route 5 and Central Avenue in Dunkirk, Chautauqua, County, NY

USGS Quadrangle(s): Dunkirk

Why Birding

54 L J\ K E E R I E p L A I N

Dunkirk Harbor

The main pier, reached by wrning roward the lake offNY 5 at Central

Avenue in Dunkirk, is the main vanrage poinr for birdwarching. From

the pier, scan the water and both inner and outer breakwaters, using a tele­

scope if possible. Orher good vantage points include Memorial Park (west of

the pier), the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club (at the foo t of

Mullet St, west of Memorial Park), the foot of Deer and Main Sts (east of

the pier), and Lakeside Blvd (which runs from Main Sr ro Wright Park, 12

blocks ro the east).

Natural H istory Interest

In winrer, warm efA uent from the coal-fired electric power plant keeps

Dunkirk Harbor open. When Lake Erie freezes completely, impressive Aocks

of Common Goldeneyes, Common Mergansers, BufAeheads, and diving

ducks such as Canvasback and Greater and Lesser Scaup can be fo und here.

Twenry species in one day are not uncommon. A few White-winged Scorers

and Long-railed Ducks often join the more common waterfowl, and rarities

like Eared G rebe, Harlequin Duck, and King or Common Eider should be

watched for.

Gulls that occasionally occur include G laucous and Iceland. Black-legged

Kittiwake is rare, but regular and Franklin's Sabine, and Common Black­

headed Gull have all been recorded at least once. One or more Little Gulls

often appear among rhe large Aocks of Bonaparte's

Gulls that stay unti l the onset of severe winter weath­

er. Every few winters Snowy Owls and Purple

Sandpipers appear on the breakwater, and Peregrine

Falcon have been sported near rhe power plant.

In spring huge rafts of migrating Red-breasted

Mergansers occur in the harbor, along with

Common and Casp ian Terns. Late su mmer brings

Forster's Terns and a few shorebirds- Willers and

Baird's Sandpipers have been seen on rhe limited

beach and mudAar areas a t the foot of Deer and

Main Streets and offWrighr Parle During fall migra­

tion a few Red-th roated Loons and Red-necked

Grebes, and good Aighrs of Co mm on Loons may be

observed , and a brief Aight of Brant occu rs in late

October or early November.

Dunkirk Harbor N

and t Point Gratiot

0 1 Miles

Surprises may turn up at any nme of year.

Norrhern Gannet, America n Avocet, and Grear Gray

Owl have all been recorded here once to date.

Other Notes

Located in the C iry of Dunkirk, Dunkirk H arbor is

easy to access, and facilities, includ ing resrrooms,

convenience stores and restaurants, are all nearby.

How To Get There Dunkirk H arbor is located in D un kirk, NY, just off

NY 5. Fro m exit 59 (Dun kirk/Fredo nia) o ff I-90,

turn right onto NY 60 (Bennett Rd) . Go approxi­

mately 2.0 miles to NY 5. Turn left o nto NY 5 and

proceed approximately 0 .3 mile to Central Ave. Turn

right onto Central Ave, and p roceed onro the pier.

D uN K I R K H ARB 0 R 55

\.\'ftuer meets bedrock and glacia/6• derived sand and pebbles at Lake Erie State Park. Photo by Linda Pelc.

What Open fields, camping and picnic areas, some woodlands, bluffs overlooking Lake Erie

Where Along NY 5 in the Town of Portland, Chautauqua Co unty, north of Brocton, NY

USGS Ouadrangle(s): Brocton

Why Birding, geology, sky­watching

56 LA K E E R I E p L A I

Lake Erie State Park New York State Office of Parlzs} Recreatiou and Historic Preservation

Lake Erie State Park consists of 355 acres of mostly open parklands along

the southeastern sho re of Lake Erie. The park is intersected with roads

and footpaths. Over three-quarters of a mile of shoreline stretches ro the

north and south of the beach area.

Natural History Interest

T he Lake Eri e shore offers an excellent opportunity ro observe bedrock geo l­

ogy and the forces of erosion. A shale bedrock "pavement" forms much of

the shoreline here, with beautifully co lored pebbles deposited by the glacier

mixed in. Arop the blu ff o ne can see places where the soil (made up of gla­

cial surface deposits) is slumping over the edge of the cli ffs and down onro

rhe beach.

Spring and fall bird migrations are good times ro visit the park . Up to 15

species of warblers have been found on a walk along the trails during the

spring. In winrer, abundant crops of berries often attract Aocks of robins and

Cedar Wa>..'Wings. Bayberry patches usually draw a few wintering Yel low­

rumped Warblers. Pine Grosbeak and both W hite-winged and Red

C rossbills have been recorded here. Breeding speci es include Red-headed

Woodpecker and Caro lina Wren.

The wide open spaces of the park provide unobstructed sky watching,

with a clark night sky ro the wes t. T he G reat Lakes' changeab le weather

Lake Erie State Park

0

How To Get There

t 1 Miles

means sunsets arc often spectacular. The lucky observer Lake Erie Srate Park is located off NY 5 between Dunkirk

watching the sunset at Lake Eric State Park m ay witness and Westfield , NY. the "green Aash," an atmospheric phenom eno n in which

a brilliant green Aare appears to li ft offfrom the top of rhe From the east: From exit 59 (Dunkirk/ Fredonia) o ff l-90,

sun's elise just as the sun is setting. rurn righr o nro NY 60 (Be nnett Rei ). Proceed approx i-

m:uely 2.0 m iles to NY 5. Turn left o n to NY 5 and go

O ther Notes approximately 5 .0 miles to the park entrance on your

T he park is a pop ular camping destinat ion, with 97 right.

ca mpsites and 10 cabins availab le. Day users can also

swim and picnic. The park has shelters, rest room s, play- From the west: From exit 60 (Westfield) off 1-90, wrn

grounds, and hiking and cross country ski trails. The right onto NY 394. Proceed less than half a m ile ro NY 5.

bluffs above the shore can be dangerous and should be Turn right onto TY 5 and go approx imately 8 .5m iles ro

avoided. the park entrance o n your lefr.

L A K E E I( I E s T A T E p A R K 57

Poi11t Gmtiot's beach gives way to black shale cli.lfi a//{! pebbll'-strewll colles. P/;oto by Li11da Pelc.

What Municipal park along Lake Erie shore

Where West end of Dunkirk, Chautauqua County, NY off Route 5

USGS Ouadrangle(s): Dunkirk

Why Birding, particularly during spring mig rat ion; geology studies

58 L A K E E R 1 E p LA 1 N

Point Gratiot Park City of Dunkirk

Point G ratiot is a popular Dunkirk city park. lr consists of mostly open

mowed areas, a beach area that merges into rocky bluffs, and trails

through wooded, brushy areas. The top of th e bluff is fenced offfor the safe­

ty of visitors.

Natural History Interest Point Gratiot is a good place to see black, oil-bearing shale that was laid

down during the upper Devonian Peri od, some 360 mil lion years ago. The

shale cliffs along the lake shore may be approached from the beach . Find a

loose chunk of the dark, brittle rock and break ir. Smell the freshly exposed

rock, and notice rhe kerosene-like odor ir gives off. Some of rhe shoreli ne

sed imentary rocks in the Dunkirk-Poin t Grarior area bea r interesting foss ils.

They include "logs" from giant clubmosses (Lycopodia) rhat are believed to

have washed our into rhe ancient sea from rhe eroding highlands to rhe easr.

T hese arc preserved as ribbons of coal sandwiched between layers of shale.

Point Grarior is an outstanding "rrap" for migrawry song birds, particularly

duri ng spring migration. Birds usually migrate ar night and rest and forage dur­

ing the day. Under certain weather conditions hundreds of tropical birds on

their way to northern breedi ng grounds, such as warblers, tanagers, and vireos,

may stop here and fill the brushy woodlot borderi ng the park with their amaz­

ing colors and songs. Significant sightings have included Orchard O riole,

Whip-poor-will, Summer Tanager, Worm-eating

and Prothonotary \Varbler, and Ash- throated

Flycatcher. In late April and early May all six swal­

low species-Barn , Northern Rough-winged, Tree,

C liff, Bank, and Pu rple Martin-can sometimes be

seen on the U[il iry wires along Point D rive North.

Trees in the park may harbor a m ig rating Merlin.

You may also witness rhc Blue Jay migration, with

up ro I 00 streaming onto the po inr as they move

along the L"Lkc Eric shore. Nesting species include

Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpecker.

Other Notes

T he park has ample parking areas, a p layground ,

picnic shelter, and restroom facili t ies.

Dunkirk Harbor :N

and t Point Gratiot

0 1 M1les

How To Get There

Point Gratiot is located 111 Dun kirk,

north of NY 5.

Y, j ust

From ex it 59 (Dunkirk/ Fredonia) off 1-90, turn

righ t onto NY 60 ( Bennett Rei) . Go approximate­

ly 2.0 m iles ro NY 5. Turn left onto NY 5 and pro­

ceed approximately 1.2 mi les to Point Dr W. Turn

right onto Po int D r Wand fo llow it toW Park Dr.

Continue onto W Park Dr. This street will rake

you through Poin t Grarior Park, bur note thar this

is a one way srreer. You can not drive o nto W Park

Dr from the northern end of Point Dr N.

p 0 I N T G R AT J 0 T p A R K 59

Portage Escarpment 6. Canadaway Creek WMA 7. Mount Pleasant State Forest 8. Chautauqua Gorge State Forest 9. College Lodge 10. Hillside Acres Preserve 11. Howard Eaton Rese rvoir 12. Luensman Overview County Park

Portage Escarpment

T he Portage Escarpment is one of rhe defi ning feat ures of our region, a clear

divide rhar marks rhe boundary between rhe Al legheny Plateau and rhe

Grear Lakes Basin. Ir is perha ps besr seen along NY Roure 394 between Mayville

and Westfield wh ich follows approximately rhe path of the Porrage Trai l.

For hu nd reds of years Ind ians shouldered their canoes and mounred a well­

worn trail between the shores of Lake Erie and C hautauqua Lake. This all- im por­

tant land roure was sreep bur short and opened up a vasr rer ri rory, connecting rhe

G reat Lakes country with rhe Allegheny-Ohio-M ississippi River system.

T his same route was traveled in 1749 by Captain Celoron de Blainville, who

was senr by rhe governor-general of New France (Canada) ro claim French pos­

session of rhe Ohio Va lley.

T he esca rpment has many oursranding places for enjoying rhe view. Ir is dis­

sected by several strea ms wirh deep gorges rhar have been cur through glacial

deposits and bedrock since rhe glaciers receded from rh e region. The coo l ravines

provide habitat fo r a communi ty of living things rhar still have not been well

cataloged.

A wfllelfoll along Cnnndnwny Creek. Pboto by Bruce \'(lidm .

What Hardwood forests, conifer plantations, fields, ravines along Canadaway Creek

Where Canadaway Creek Wild life Management Area is between the Chautauqua County vi llages of Cassadaga and Forestvi lle, NY

USGS Ouadrangle(s): Mostly in Hamlet, Forestvi lle, Dunkirk, just barely in Cassadaga

Why Geology, birding, and wi ldl ife observation

Canadaway Creek WMA New Yorlz State Department of Enviroumental Conservatiou

Canadaway C reek W ildlife Management Area is located just north of

Bourwell H ill State Foresr. The rracr's 2, 180 acres of old second-growth

hardwood fo rests interspersed with conifer plantations li e high on the

plateau cur by deep ravines in rhe upper watershed o f C anadaway Creek.

Natural History Interest C anadaway C reek itself Aows through a highly scentc, deep gorge cur

through bedrock after rhe Wisconsin glacier receded fro m rhe Portage

Escarpmenr. Arkwright Falls, rh e high est waterfall in Chautauqua County,

may be accessed from rhe streambed above or below rhe fa lls.

Plants of interest include Maidenhair Fern , Painted Trillium, Dwarf

Ginseng, and Hobblebush.

The traer supports a rich diversity of bird life. At least ren species of rap­

tors, including Broad-winged and Red-shouldered Hawks, are known to

breed there. Golden-crowned Kinglet, W inter Wren, Brown C reeper, and

Yellow-bell ied Sapsucker are among rhe other birds that nest there. A Grear

Blue Heron nesting colony exists on the tract as well. Some of the area is man­

aged to provide high quality hab itat for Ruffed Grouse. This is done through

a conifer and hardwood management program to create a multiple-layer for­

est canopy. Other wildl ife rhar in habit the area include American Woodcock,

W ild Turkey, W hi te-railed Deer, Varying Hare, and Cottontail Rabbir.

62 p 0 R TAG E ESC A R P ~~ E N T

Cassadaga

~ 11-

Other Notes

Tarbox Rd

Cassadaga

Ball Rd

Rd

There are several small parking lors around rhe

Canadaway Creek WMA. A wide rrail , fo rmerly

an unsurfaced rownship road, exrcnds rhrough ir.

How To Get There

The Canadaway Creek WMA is locared jusr sourh

of NY 83 and norrhcasr of Cassadaga, NY.

From NY 60 in Cassadaga, NY, rake Cry 72

easr. There are a few parking locations for rhe

WMA along rhis road. The firs r locarion is

approx imately 4.2 miles from Y 60. Parking

locations arc also located on Park Rd , Cry 79, and

Rd

East

Canadaway Creek :rv

WMA t

Canadaway Creek WMA

1 Miles

Ham let

\

Dibble Hill Rd, which ca n all be reached by mak­

ing lefrs off Cry 72. However, nore rhat Park Rd

is gared so rhar sometimes rhe only access ro ir and

rhe parking area on it is from Ball Rd. T here is also

a parking location along Meadows Rd. This loca­

tion can be reached by raking Cry 79 norrh from

Cry 72 fo r jusr under 2 miles and turni ng righr

onro Meadows Rd. The parking area is approxi­

mately one mile fa rrher along Meadows Rd at a

sharp bend in rhe road.

Cry 72 can also be reached from rhe easr of rhe

WMA at NY 83 in Ham let, NY.

c J\ N A 0 A w i\ y c REEK \Y/ M A 63

Smn/1 wnterfolls nnd pools s!Jnded by IJemlocks c!Jnmcterize C!Jnutnuqun Gorge. Photo b;• Prm·icin Spiw:

What Public access to the go rge of Chauta uqua Creek; hardwood forests and softwood plantations converting to hardwoods

Where Between the villages of Sherma n and Mayville in the Town of Chauta uqua, Chautauqua County, NY

USGS Ouadrangle(s): Sherman

Why Birding a nd wildlife watching; geology of Chautauqua Gorge

Chautauqua Management Unit Mount Pleasant and Chautauqua Gorge State Forests

New York State D epartment of E1lviromnentnl Conservation

T he C hautauqua Managem enr Uni t comprises rhree stare reforestation

areas that total 3,037 acres. They include Mounr Pleasant and

C hautauqua Gorge Stare Forests with a combined total of 2 ,060 acres,

descri bed here, and Stockton Stare Fores t, 977 acres, descri bed in the

Cassadaga Creek Watershed sect ion.

C hautauqua Gorge State Fo rest is well known as an access point for

descenr in to C hautauqua Gorge itself, which is o ne o f rhe region's impres­

sive ravines that, since the rime of rhe W isconsin glaciation approximately

15,000 years ago, has eroded through rhe bedrock and g lacial debris fo rm­

ing the edge of the Allegheny Plateau.

Natural History Interest As rhe W isconsin glacier m elted back across roday's Lake Erie basin, no rth­

Rowing streams began chewing inro rhe glacial debris and underlying

bedrock along rhe edge of the Allegheny Plateau. C hautauqua C reek is one

of these streams. The gorge is fu ll of object lessons in rhe region's geo logy.

The you ng (geologically speaking) stream has cur clown th rough sedimenra­

ry rock of Upper Devonian age, exposing nearly vertical bedrock walls in

some areas. Harder, mo re resistanr siltstone layers ju r our fro m rhe su r-

64 p 0 R T A G E E S C A R I' M E N T

Pigeon Rd Bloomer

Hannum

N Chautauqua t Management Unit

0 2 M1les

Rd

Cty 18

I-86

C 1-1 A U T A U Q U A M A N A G E ,\1 E N T U N I T 65

rounding layers of weaker shale. In other places rhe stream

has cur through old stream channels buried by glacial

debris (unsorted rill) and washed stream and lake sedi­

ments (sand and gravel). An assortment of glacial en·arics

scarcer rhe creek bed.

Chautauqua Creek is a popular place fo r fossil collect­

ing. A nu mber of different kinds of brachiopods (lamp

shells), pclycopods (clams), and bryozoa ns (moss animals)

are among rhe more com mon finds in rhe gorge. Rock

slabs also often contain evidence of their shallow-sea ori­

gin in rhe form of ri pple marks. Another interesting rock

find is rhe cone-in-cone concretion . These are pseudofos­

sils, resembling rhe remai ns of some living thing such as a

horn coral, bur actually rhe producr of a physical process.

They are believed ro have fo rmed from an interaction

between rhe calcite crystals and clay minerals char rhe

cones conra1n.

Two marshes ar rhe southern end of Mr. Pleasant Srare

Forest harbor Beaver, swallows, ducks and geese. One may

be reached by foot trail , rhe orher can be viewed from Mr.

Pleasant Road.

Other Notes There is a day use area includ ing four pavilions and an

outhouse on Hannum Fo rest Road nea r rhe Chautauqua

Gorge rrailhead. Mr. Pleasanr Srare Forese has a parking

area ar rhe north end, along Nerrle Road (NY Route 430),

and rhe south end , along Mr. Pleasant Road near Town

Line (Titus) Road. The Fred J. Cusimano Westside

Overland Trail traverses these stare forests for over 6 mi les.

T he trail is mai ntained by rhe Chautauqua County

Departments of Public Works, Parks Division, and rhe

County Parks Commission .

Camping is allowed on stare forest lands ar no charge, bur

no developed cam ping facilities are provided. A free camp­

ing permit is required for stays of over three nights. Conracr

the New York Scare DEC ar 215 Sourh Work Sr., Falconer,

NY 14733; Tel: 716-665-6 111 ; Fax: 716-665-6124; Web Sire: www.dec.srare. ny.us.

How to Get There

The Chautauqua Management Unit is loca red berween

Sherman and Mayville, NY.

From exit 6 (Sherman) off 1-86, go norrh on NY 76 ro

TY 430 in Sherman. Then rurn right (east) onro NY 430.

66 p 0 R T A G E E S C i\ R I' ,'vt E N T

Clr~cirll errfllirs commst IIlith the Jim s!ttbs ofshr~le bedrork lining the creek. PIJoto by Pr1tricirl Spiw:

To reach rhe southern end of Mr. Pleasanr Stare Forest,

proceed on NY 430 approximately 2.0 miles ro Town

Line (Titus) Rd. Turn righr onro Town Li ne (T itus) Rd,

and proceed approximately 1.1 miles ro rhe forest and a

parking lor on rhe lefr side of rhe road .

To reach rhe northern end of Mr Pleasant Stare Forese,

rake NY 430 approximately 6.0 miles ro a parki ng area on

your right.

To reach rhe Chautauqua Gorge Srare Forest, rake NY

430 approxi mately 5.0 miles ro Summerdale Rd. Turn lefr

onto Summerdale Rei and proceed ro irs end. T he road ar

irs end is Hannum Rd . Tu rn left: onro Hannum Rei and

proceed approximately 0.7 mile ro rhe day use area or rake

ch is road ro irs end where you will find a parking area and

a trail clown ro rhe gorge.

View fi"om the top of the Escnrpment rll College Lodge. Photo by Allen Bmton.

What Woods, a pond, wetlands including large wooded swamp and marsh .

Where Town of Portland, Chautauqua County,NY, along Route 380 between the villages of Stockton and Brocton

USGS Ouadrangle(s): Hartfield

Why Birding, botany, wildlife watching

College Lodge State University ofNew Yorll College at Fredonia

The Co llege Lodge consists of 198 acres of wood lands on the Porrage

Escarp ment along the edge of the Allegheny Plateau. The land is dis­

sected wirh wooded ravines, swamps and ridges that arc laced wirh wel l­

maintained rrails for rravel on foot, cross-counrry ski or snowshoe.

Natural History Interest The College Lodge is a rich resource for nature study. T he propcrry is pos i­

tioned near the edge of rhc conrinenral divide separating rhc Miss issi ppi and

rhe Grear Lakes watersheds, making it an ideal place to observe conrin ental

geography. T he property is locared on deep glacial rill deposited when rhe

Wisconsin Glacier paused ar the edge of the Porragc Escarpment during irs

retreat some 15,000 years ago, making it an important place to observe rhe

forces exerted on this region du ring rhe lee Age. Less than two miles norrh

of the property is Webster Road, rhe bed of which lies along rhe beach ridge

of Lake Eric's ancesror, Lake Whi ttlesey.

The College Lodge sirs astride a stunning agricultural rransirion zone rhat

separates, within just a couple of miles, small dairy farms and C hristmas rrcc

plantations on the plarcau and grape vineyards on the Lake Eric Plain.

The main ecorype on the properry is orrhcrn hardwoods forest. Sugar

Maple, Yellow Bi rch, American Beech, and Eastern Hemlock form much of

the canopy on rhc wooded slopes along with large Wh ire Ash, Northern Red

Webster

Finle Rd

----l ~ • a. n 7'

;::o a.

68 p 0 R T 11 G E ESC A R P ~ I EN T

Farr Rd

College

College Lodge (SUNY Fredonia)

0

Lodge '?'\ (.,"'-""\

Barber Rd

:N

t 1 Miles

Mixed deciduous forest rtl rbe College Lodge. Photo bJ' Alle11 Be11t011.

Oak, and Black C herry. A large wooded swamp

occupies the borro m of rhe ravi ne which is fu ll of

Royal Fern , Ci nnamon Fern and many orher fern

species, and an undersrory of Spicebush and

Witch H azel. Wood land wildAowers inclucle Jack­

in-rhe-pulpir, C li nronia, Moccasin-Rower,

Painred Trillium, and Round-leaved O rchis.

Breed ing b irds abound in rhe woodlands. T hey

include Hermi t T h rush , Pileated Woodpecker,

Red-shouldered H awk, Barred O wl, Blue-headed

Vireo , Magnolia Warbler, Ovenbird , Acadian

Flycatcher, and many others.

Other Notes

The College Lodge is administered by the Facul ry­

Stuclenr Associa tion of rhe Stare Un iversiry of New

York College at Fredonia. The sire has two main

buildings that are available for publ ic use: a Main

Lodge and a Sleeping Lodge. T he Main Lodge fea­

rures a G rear Room with a 24-foor pine cathed ra l

ceiling and nvo large srone fi rep laces at either encl .

It can sear 125, with possible accom modations fo r

300. At one end of the Great Room is a kitchen

and at the other a smaller meeting room and

library/natu ral hisrory museum . T he Sleeping

Lodge has overnight accom modations fo r up ro 90

people and has a laundry and recreat ion room.

The parking area ca n hold about 50 cars. Space

for o utdoor games, working srone fireplaces and

more make the College Lodge a popular place.

The lates t addition is a Challenge Ropes Course

for leadership train ing and ream building. For

informatio n · con tact rhe Faculty Student

Associat io n , Gregory H all, SUNY Fredonia,

Fredonia, NY 14063; Tel : 7 16-673-341 7 .

H ow To Get T here

T he College Lodge is located off Cry 380, just

south of Brocron, NY, and northwest of Stockron,

NY.

From th e north: From the intersection of US 20

and Cry 380 in Brocto n, rake Cry 380 south

approximately 3.0 m iles ro rhe enrrance w the

lodge. T he enr ra nce is on your right.

From the south : From rhe intersection of Cry 380

and C ry 58 in Stockto n, rake C ry 380 approxi­

mately 5.0 miles north to the en trance to the

lodge. T he entrance is on your left.

Once you reach rhe enrra nce, go up the driveway

and park near the lodge at the rop of the hi ll.

C 0 L L E G E l 0 D G E 69

PIJoro by Solon Morse.

What Woods intersected w ith five ravines

Where In the southeastern corner of the Town of Sheridan, about 6 miles east of Fredonia, Chautauqua County, NY

USGS Ouadrang/e{s): Forestvi lle

Why Botanizing, birding

Hillside Acres Preserve Western New York Land Conservancy

H illside Acres lies on a west-facing slope bordering the Towns of

Arkwright and Sheridan in Chautauqua Co unty, NY. Its 5 I wooded

acres are dissected by fi ve steep ravines. The preserve is located east ofWalnur

Creek, which Rows north into Lake Erie, and vvest of a tributary of West

Mud Lake, out of whi ch Aovvs Conewango Creek, wh ich, in turn, Rows

south ro the Allegheny River. Hi llside Acres is, along with several other sires

in this Portage Escarpment section, perched along the divide between these

north and south-Rowing watersheds.

Natural History Interest Mature Norrhern hardwood-hemlock forest occupies the southern half of

the property, including four of the shaded ravines. Eastern Hemlock, Yellow

Birch, American Beech, and Sugar Maple domi nate this forest, with

Northern Red Oak, White Oak, Black Cherry, Cucumber Magnolia, and

Butternut present as well. A num ber of interesting plants ca n be fou nd here,

including extensive stands of Burn ing Bush, Wild Ginger, and Robert's

Geranium. Hepatica and Maidenhair Fern occur in the steep ravines. Birds

breeding in the woodland habitat include various species of wood warblers,

Black-capped Chickadees, and Whi te-breasted Nuthatches. T he northern

half of the property cons ists of vegetation in various successional stages. They

include young hardwood forest, con ifer plantation, and old fi eld.

7 0 p 0 R TAG E ESC A R I' ~IE N T

Whitaker

Other Notes

T he Western New Yo rk Land Conservancy is dedi­

cared to p reserving rhe enviro nmenr:d heri tage of

Western New York. For more in formation , conract

rhe Western ew York La nd Conservancy ar 21

South Grove Street, Sui te 120 , East Aurora, NY

14052; Tel: 7 16-687- 1225; Fax: 7 16-687-1837; E­

mail: wnylc@wnylc.o rg; Web Site: www.wnylc.org.

How To Get There The H illside Acres Preserve ts just southwest of

Foresrville, NY, and south of NY 39.

Hillside Acres Preserve

-~

t 1 Miles

Going cas t through Fo restvill e on Route 39, turn

righ t on to Cry 85 (Wa ter St) just before a shorr

bridge and a long h ill. Proceed approximately 2.5

miles on rhis road ro rhe preserve. T he preserve is on

rhe left , I 00 feer after a creek crossing and next to a

white house. Park in the two-car grassy parking area

noring rhe boundary signs fo r rhe preserve. Don't be

surprised if you do n't see the signs right away: they

are nor easy to see. T he mai n tra il begi ns 250 feet fu r­

ther down the road on the left, where a wide trail

goes steeply uphi ll. ore the yellow signs here rhar

say "Nature Preserve. "

1-f I L L S I DE A CRES p It E SE R V E 7 1

The resen;oir sits ntop rhe Erie-Allegheny wmershed divide. Photo by Mnrk Baldwin.

What Reservoir and forested land surrounding it

Where Townships o f North East and Greenfield, 5 miles southeast of North East, Erie County, PA

USGS Quadrang/e{s): North East

Why Birding, botany studies

Howard Eaton Reservoir Borough of North Errst

Howard Eato n Reservo ir, known locally as Bull Dam, covers 238 acres,

wi rh an additional 980 acres of land surrounding rhe reservoir. The

area is wooded wirh n·ails around rhe lake rhar provide access to rhe warer

and vanrage points for watching waterfowl.

Natural History Interest Howard Eaton Reservoir is perched atop the divide between rhe Mississippi

and rhe G rear Lakes watersheds. lr is, of course, a man-made impoundment,

a basin for a smal l watershed rhar supplies water to rhe municipali ty of Norrh

East, near Lake Eric. I r was constructed in rhe 1960's. T he dam and spillway

are along rhe southern edge of rhc lake. lf opened, rhe spillway would drain

warcr off towa rd rhc West Branch of French Creek and rhcn in to rhe

Allegheny River.

The sire of rhe Earon Reservoir was once a pear-fi lled wetland formed in

Wisconsin glacial material rhar was dumped along rhe top of the Portage

Escarpment. T he resulting reservoir is shallow, 14 feet deep ar mosr.

The area is scenic, wirh a forested shoreline and a primitive quali ty rhar

stands in conrrasr ro irs developed and slightly larger neighbor, Fi ndley Lake,

three miles to rhe southeast. A mixed hardwood forest surrounds the lake.

7 2 p 0 R T A G E E S C A R I' M E N T

Dam Site

Tow nline Rd

Rich Hil l Rd

Other Notes

Rd

:;o a.

;o 0..

OJ c

:.:::;

~ m U)

Howard Eaton Reservoir

f----~

""0 a: U'l U'l

0

:N

t 1 Miles

T he Pennsylvania Fish Comm ission stocks the reservoir From ex it 4 (Findley Lake) off 1-86, take NY 426 north

wirh fish and patrols the reservoir. T he reservoir property inro Pennsylvania where it is called PA 426. Follow these

is open to the publ ic for fishing, hun ting and hiking dur- two roads for a total of approximately 4.1 miles ro Black

ing the day; no camping is allowed. Along the 3.25 mile Rd. Turn left onro Black Rd and proceed approximately

rrail around the lake there are picnic tables located 111 1.2 mi les to the reservoir. Pa rking and picn ic area are on

shady spots, bur no restrooms or other facili ties. your left.

H ow To Get T here

T he Howard Eato n Reservoir is located just southeast of

North East, PA, between I-90 and I-86.

A second (less developed) parking area is located at the

end of a gravel driveway off State Line Rd. The gravel

driveway is approx imately 0.2 mile south of PA/NY 426

and goes down a hill to the reservoir.

H 0 w" R D E " T 0 N R E s E R v 0 I R 73

The plnteau ends sbarply here, sloping t!ow11 10 dJe Lake Erie f>lai11 ant! 1he vasl sweep of rbe lake iiSe/f ?bow by Allr11 Be111011.

What Wooded and grassy slope marking edge of Allegheny Plateau

Where Off of Thayer Road, south of the Village of Brocton in the Town of Portland, Chautauqua Co., NY

USGS Ouadrangle(s): Hartfield

Why Geology, birding, geography

Luensman Overview Park Chautauqua County Department of Public Wo rlzs, Padzs Divisio1l

0 n a clear day :1 magificent view awa its the visitor ro Luensman

O verview Park. From the edge of the Allegheny Pbteau, marked here

by the Portage Escarpment, one can look out across the broad sweep of the

Lake Eric Plain, which annu:~lly yields a world-class harvest of grapes and

other frui t crops; Lake Erie; :~nd Canada's O ntario Province on the fa r shore.

Natural H istory Interest Much of the Allegheny Plateau edge here is covered with a thick mantle of

glacial debris, broken and ground-up pieces of rock that pi led up to form a

terminal moraine as the Wisconsin glacier paused here during irs rerrc:~r

so me 15,000 years ago. In f:~cr, rhe water well ar rhc pi cnic pavilion pene­

trated 124 fecr of soil and rock debris left by rhe glacier before hitting

bedrock. Glacial erratics, rocks that were left behin d when rhe glacier mel r­

ed, can be seen :~ long the trail here.

T he park is named after the bte John Luensman who was the Chautauqua

County Planner fo r many years. He was also an enthusiastic birder with a

part icular interest in raprors. He used the overlook here ro moni ror spring

hawk migrations, and ir continues ro be an outstanding place for that pur­

pose. Birds of prey that have been observed here include migrating Golden

Eagles and Peregrine Falcons. T he days between April 20 and May 1 regis­

ter the largest number and vari ety of raprors. A careful observer may expect

74 p 0 R TAG E ES C A R P ,'.1 E :-1 T

Woleben Rd

Finle Rd

Barnes Rd OJ c -, Q_

n 7'

;;o Q_

Elm ;ycrt

Overview Park

Farr Rd

6 \J 0::

I

Luensman Overview Park

N

t 1 Miles

>-u Burr

Cty 380

Barber Rd

L U E N 5 M A N 0 V E R V I E W p A R K 75

ro see as many as several thousand birds in one day dur­

ing rhis rime. Days wirh sunny ro parrly cloudy weather

with light winds out of the north ro the west are most

favorable for seeing raprors here in spring migration.

The park has open grassy areas and fo rest in various

stages of succession. T here is a fine self-guided nature trai l

in the park, wirh a natural history guide authored by Dr.

T homas Erlandson. The booldet guides visirors through

forest stands, past wetlands and an intermittent stream as

it interprets the forest ecology of the area. T he park also

offers a pamphlet on geo logy written by Dr. Richard

Gilman.

Other Notes

The park has a large, well maintained parking area, a pi c­

nic pavilion, picnic tables and grills (some with handi­

capped access), a well with a hand-pump, and restroom

facilities.

How To Get There The Luensman Overview Park is located south of US 20,

berween Brocron and Mayvi lle, NY. T here are many signs

leading ro rhe park. Watch for th em no matter whar direc­

tion you come from.

From rhe norrh: From US 20 in Brocton, rake Cry 380

(Old Mill Sr) sourh approximately l.l miles ro Ellicott

Rd. Bear right onro Elli cott Rd and fo llow it approxi­

mately 1.6 miles to Thayer Rd. Turn left on to Thayer Rd

and proceed approximately 1.5 mi les ro the park. Iris on

your lefr.

From the south: From rhe intersection of NY 394 and

NY 430 in Mayville, NY, rake NY 430 east fo r approxi­

mately 1.5 miles, and turn left onto Cry 54. Immediately

afrer rhis rurn, srarr looking for Elm Flar Rd on your lefr.

It is less than 0.5 miles after the rurn onto Cry 54. Turn

lefr onro Elm Flar Rd, and continue for approximately

1.4 miles. At this point, Burdick Rd merges off to the

right of Elm Flar Rd. Take Burdick Rd (which turns into

Thayer Rd), and follow it approximately 3.7 mi les to rhe

park. Ir is on you r righr.

76 p 0 R T A G E E s c A R p M E N T

A selfguided nrtture mzil winds through n wooded rrwine. Photo by Lindfl Pelc.

Minister Vflllf)\ Alleglu'n)' Nfltionfll Forest. Photo by Drn,id Hecei. Trails and Waterways of the

Chautauqua-Allegheny Region

M any of th<.: places descri bed in this book would be practically our of reach

if nor for rh <.: ir n·ails. In f.1cr, one of rhe pleasures of visiting narural areas

is rhe inviting f<.:cl of well mai nrained rrails rhar rake you ro places of in reresr.

\'V'irhin individual nature preserves are loops and hundreds of miles of n·ails and

waterways rhar co nnect them. In this section, you catch a glimpse of what rhe

region offers for people who would like ro walk, peddle, or paddle as they

explore nature.

Remember, safety first! Carry water wirh you and dress appropriately fo r the

weather. Take a map and compass, and avoid traveling alone. If you do, let oth­

ers know where you are going and when you expect ro return. When you pack

things in ro the sires, pack them our. Leave no trace. Be considerate of all living

things everywhere you go.

North Country National Scenic Trail T his is by far rhe longest trail in rhe region. In fact, once completed, it wi ll be

the longest continuous foorparh in rhe Un ited Stares, stretching 3,200 mi les

from Crown Point, Y to Sakakawea, D. Approx imately 86 miles ofir runs

through the Allegheny ational Forest, the hisroric lands of the Iroquois, the

225

J\linisrer Vniii!JI ~1/egbl'lly Nnrionnl Forest. Pboro by David Hecei.

226

Allegheny Plareau and some of rhe world 's fin est stands of Black Cherry and oak.

Connecting rhe Baker Trail in Pennsylvania and rhe Finger Lakes Trail in New York's

Allegany Srare Park, rh is section of rhe North Country Trail offers numerous opportuni­

ties for shorr walks, day hi kes and backpacking experiences.

The trail connecrs Hearts Content and Tionesta Scenic Areas, bur it's a 22 mile hike one

way. An easy access to the rrail is rhe Willow Bay Recreation Area on rhe Allegheny

Reservoir. Willow Bay has parking for eight ca rs and is just west of where the tra il crosses

PA 346. For information conracr the Allegheny National Forest, 222 Liberty Sr. , Warren PA

16365. Telephone 8 14-723- 5150 or e-mail anf@penn.com. You may also get maps and

information on the web ar www.allegheny-online.com/mapnorrhcounrry. html or

\V\V\v.gorp.com/gorp/ resource/us_rrail!pa_norrh.hrm

Chautauqua County Eastside and Westside Overland Trails These rwo coun ry trai ls are on a general north/sourh axis on rhe wesr and easr side of

Chautauqua Lake. Each runs through substantial tracts of srare forestland interspersed wirh

private properry. Some road walking ro skirr pri vate properry is necessary. The rrails offer

excellent hi ki ng opporruniries in rhe spring, summer, and fall, and cross country skiing

during rhe snow monrhs. Maps for borh trails are available from rhe Counry Parks

Department and fro m several outdoor and loca l stores.

T he Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail The Easrside Trail 's northern end begins in rhe Canadaway Creek Srare Wildlife

Management Area and heads sourh for 19 miles rhrough rhe Bourwell Hill Srare Foresr and

rhe Harris Hill rare Foresr.

You can access rhe northern end of rhe trail by raking Cry 72 west off of NY

60 in Cassadaga. Cry 72 rakes you to the Canadaway Area where rhe rrail cross­

es rhe road and a small parking area is located. On rhe southern end, take Cry

50 out of Gerry and turn onto 28 Creek Rd where you will find the trail in the

Harris Hill Stare Forest.

The Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail The Trail's northern end is in the Chautauqua Gorge State Forest at the end of

Hannum Rd. Ir rhen heads south for 24 miles through the Mr. Pleasant,

Whalen Memorial, North Harmony, Panama, and Brokenstraw Stare Forests

with some private land in between.

You can access the rrail at rhe south end by taking NY 474 west out of

Panama, NY 2.4 miles to Townline Rd. Turn south on Townline for another

2.4 miles to Brownell Rd, which intersects on rhe right. Continue on Townline

for another 0.5 mile ro a bridge over Brokensrraw Creek; rhen another 0.1 mile

to a dirt road on rhe left (east); turn onto this for 0.1 mile ro rhe trailhead.

Chautauqua Rails to Trails Chautauqua County has a vibrant and growing rails to trails program. In fact,

the long-term vision is to tie in existing trails and planned ones with the West

and Eastside Overland trails to create a seamless trail circling Chautauqua Lake.

Please remember that these trails do pass through lands on old railroad right­

of-ways. Sray on rhe rrails and respect adjacent landowners' rights. Carry in

and carry our. Leave no trash.

These trails provide public access through scenic woodlands, wetlands, and

meadows offering opportunities to observe wildlife, trees and plants. They are

excellent outdoor classrooms.

There are seven trails in rhe system, some in rhe early stages of development.

The two oldest and longest trails, the Ralph C. Sheldon Jr. Nature Trail

and Alison Wells Ney Trail, are noted below. You can find Chautauqua

Rails to Trails information and brochures ar their office on NY 394 in

Mayville ar rhe old train depot on Chautauqua Lake or on their website

www.cecomm.com/railstorrails. Call 716-269-3666 or 800-242-4569 for

information.

Ralph C. Sheldon Jr. Nature Trail This 5.5 mile rrail runs from Titus Rd. approximately 2 miles from the center

of Sherman, NY northward to Summerdale Road. Parking is available on Titus

Rd. From rhe center of Sherman rake NY 430 north approx. 2 miles to Titus

Rd, turn left for r/4 mile where the trail starts on rhe right. This trail offers fine

beaver ponds and wetlands on both sides of the trail. Ir has been nominated

for designation as an Audubon Important Bird Area wirh over 175 species

observed on the trail.

TRAILS AND WATERWAYS 227

Mi11ister Valle)\ AllegiJen;' Nario11al f-orest. PIJOto by David Hecei.

Alison Wells Ney Trail This 5-m ile trail begins at Thayer Rd. , south of Brocton ,

NY in northern Chautauqua County and runs south to

Prospect Rd. The trail gently climbs the Lake Erie

Escarpment offering views of Lake Erie. There is parking

available on Thayer Rd and ar Prospect Station.

To enter the trail at Prospect Station, rake the Plank Rd

(Cry 308) our of Westfield, NY headi ng southeast. Take

the 2nd left on Felton Rd then the first right on Fish Rd

which turns inro Barnes Rd. At the bottom of a hill yo u

will sec the Ney Trail parking area close to Prospect

Station Rd.

Cattaraugus Rails to Trails Rails to Trai ls is also raki ng hold in Catta raugus County,

NY where a 12.4 mile trail should be complete in late

2002 or early 2003. A rrailhead is currently being built in

228

Little Valley, NY. For more information , contact rhe

Cattaraugus Local Development Corp., 7 16-257-3237.

Allegany State Park Although the park is one of the locations highlighted in

this Atlas, we mention ir here again , as it is a hikers par­

adise. T he park co ntains 135 miles of marked trails com­

plimented by almost twice as many miles of unmarked

roures. There arc 18 specially designated and marked

walking trails covering approximately 53 miles of some of

rhe finest terr itory in rhe region. In addition, there are 27

miles of cross-country skiing trails and 55 miles of trails

char are also open ro horses and snowmobiles. You can

enter rhe park ar ei rher rhc Quaker Area or the Red House

Area. Both are off l-86 in Cattaraugus County between

Randolph and Salamanca, NY.

Allegheny National Forest Covering over 800 square miles tn fou r northwestern

Pennsylvania counties, rhe Forest lies on rhe Allegheny

Plateau and abu ts Allega ny Srare Park in New York Srare.

Over 209 miles of hiking trails (including rhe North

Country Trail ) exist in rhe Forest. A number of other

tra ils are multiple usc and some are designated all-terrain

vehicle trails. There are also 14 miles of interpretive trails

primarily near the scenic and historical areas.

You can req uest in forma tion through rhe Forest

Headquarters in Warren, PA 8 14-723-5150 or rhc

Ranger Stations 1n Bradford and Marienvi lle.

Information is also avai lable ar stores and tourist locations

th roughout rhe area.

Allegheny River Valley Trail This is a 5.6-milc mulri-usc recreational rrail (no motor­

ized vehicles) that follows the Allegheny River for approx­

imately 3 miles. The trail passes through the Town of

Allegany, rhe Ciry of O lean, and Sr. Bonaventure

University on a paved, well-maintained surface. You' ll

enjoy birding, wildAowcrs, rhe river and passing by a rail­

road yard . For more information e-mail: tourism@olean­

ny.com.

To reach rhc trai l, exit l-86 ar exit 24 (St. Bonaventure).

Go left after exiting and proceed to the fi rst traffic light.

Turn right at the light and continue straight unti l you

Minister \!aile)\ Alleghell)' Nmional Forest. PIJOtv by David Hecei.

reach the railroad t racks. Immediately after the tracks, turn left and watch for

the Sr. Bonaventure sign. Parking is near the University t rack. Addi t ional park­

ing is ava ilable at Gargoyle Park and at the co rner o f H enley and 19 th Streets

in Olean.

Water Trails By foot is not the only way to enjoy the soli tude of the region's natural areas.

Water is p lentifu l throughour the region with m any opportunities to explore

by canoe or kayak. In Allegany Srare Park there are two lakes and a nu mber of

streams. Th ree rivers with in the Allegheny National Forest, the Allegheny,

C larion and T io nesta, offer excellent tripping on over 110 miles of wate r.

Lake E rie and nu merous o ther lakes and st reams offer many add itio nal

opportu nities to travel by water. An excellent example is the M arden E. Cobb

Waterway Trail designated by the C hau tauqua Coun ty Parks D epartment. The

waterway is actually rwo roures on the C assadaga and the C o newango C reeks,

bo th of which are rriburaries o f rhe Allegheny Rive r. T hey are rich in h istory

as early settlers and native Am ericans used these creeks to travel through rhe

area . T his is a Aat-warer paddle. C hautauqua C ou nty provides and maintains

several access areas and lean-to shelters. Co unry-mai nrained access points o n

the 28 mile Cassadaga waterway can be found near South Stockton , Red Bird ,

G erry, Ross M ills and Levant. On the 25-m ile C onewango waterway, main­

ta ined access po ints are on C ry 42 near C larks Corners and near Frewsb urg on

us 62.

T R A I L S A N 0 \'(/ AT E R \'il A Y S 229

Appendices

Regional Environmental Education Organizations

The following is a list of organizations and agencies that can assist you to become better acquainted with

the natural history of our region. Some of them, where noted, are responsible for the stewardship of places

described in this book. All of them have conservation or nature education as part of their mission. Contact

them to find out how they can help you learn more, and how you can participate in making our natural

world even better.

Alleghenies Watershed Nerwork 64 South 14th Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203 Tel: 412-481-9400 Fax: 412-481-940 1 Web: www.alleghenywatershed.org

Education about the Allegheny watershed and networking among watershed projects in western Pennsylvania; its Allegheny Watershed Atlas Internee Site is found at www. wacershedatlas.org.

Allegheny Institute of Natural History University of Pittsburgh-Bradford 300 Campus Drive/Fisher Hall 203 C Bradford, PA 16701 Tel: 814-362-7562 Fax: 814-362-5088 E-mail: ainh+@pitc.edu Web: www.upb.pitt.edu/ainh

Ongoing study of flora and fauna of Allegheny Mountains and Appalachian Plateau; and classes on natural history for various audiences.

Allegheny National Forest 222 Liberty Street Warren, PA 16365 Tel: 814-723-5150 E-mail: anf/ r9 _allegheny@fs.fed. us Web: www.fs.fed.us/r9/allegheny

Jake's Rocks and Rimrock Overlooks, Buckaloon's Recreation Area, Allegheny Islands Wilderness, Hearts Content and Tionesta Scenic Areas, as well as recreational and learning opportunities throughout the National Forese.

Buffalo Audubon Society 161 0 Welch Road North Java, NY 14113 Tel: 716-457-3228 Fax: 716-457-1378 E-mail: buffaloaudubon@buffaloaudubon.org Web: www.buffaloaudubon.org

Allenberg Bog, Rushing Stream Preserves; conservation and environmental education programs offered at its Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, plus field trips and community education programs throughout western New York.

Career and Technical Education Center at Ellicottville 5550 Route 242 East Ellicottville, NY 14731-0690 Tel: 716-699-2382 Fax: 716-699-2095

Deerfield Nature Center, an outdoor learning laboratory for 11th and 12th grade students from local school districts.

Cattaraugus Local Development Corporation P.O. Box 1 Cattaraugus, NY 14719 Tel: 716-257-3237 E-mail: cldc@nycountry.com

James A. Zaepfel Nature Sanctuary and developments regard­ing rails to trails in Cattaraugus County.

Cattaraugus County Bird Club Timothy Baird, President 242 East State Street Salamanca, NY 14779 Tel: 716-945-2539

Regular meetings and activities for birders in the Cattaraugus County area.

Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District David}. Wilson, District Field Manager

Frank W. Bratt Agricultural Center 3542 Turner Road Jamestown, NY 14701 Tel: 716-769-7917 E-mail: chaut-co@soilwacer.org

Local SWCD programs of soil, water, and related natural resource conservation for residents, landowners, teachers, and others. Programs include water quality mangemem, scream stabilization, seedling sales, pond services, and conservation education.

Chautauqua Rails to Trails jim Fincher, Trail Manager P.O. Box 151 Mayville, NY 14757-0151 Tel: 716-269-3666 E-mail: cm@cecomet.net Web: www.cecomm.com/railscocrails

Sheldon, Ney, and other trails, and efforts co preserve aban­doned rail corridors for conversion to safe off-road trails for recreational use and environmental study.

233

Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy John Jablonski, Executive Director 413 North Main Street Jamestown, NY 14701 Tel: 716-664-2166 Fax: 716-483-3524 E-mail: chautwsh@netsync.net Web: www.chautauquawatershed.org

Cassadaga Creek, Chautauqua Lake Outlet, Dobbins Woods, Elm Flats, and Prendergast Creek Preserves, and efforts co preserve and enhance the water quality, scenic beauty and ecological health of the lakes, streams and watersheds of the Chautauqua region.

Conewango Creek Watershed Association Contact: Matt Burlingame, Water Specialist Warren County Conservation District 609 Rouse Avenue, Suite 203 Youngsville, PA 16371 Tel: 8 I 4-563-3117 E-mail: wccd@pennswoods.net Web: www.pennswoods.net/ ~weed

Research and outreach initiatives to promote understanding and stew­ardship of the Conewango Creek watershed.

Cornell Cooperative Extension, Chautauqua County ~yne R. Grossman, Association Director Frank W. Bratt Agricultural Center 3542 Turner Road Jamestown, NY 1470I-9608 Tel: 716-664-9502 Fax: 716-664-6327 E-mail: wrg3@cornell.edu

Conservation programs and services.

The Findley Lake Nature Center Contact: Daniel Christman 1~0. Box 634 Findley Lake, NY 14736 Tel: 716-769-79I 7 E-mail: dmc41 @juno.com

The center's developing facility at the Mina-Findley Lake Community Center, 2883 North Road, Findley Lake, NY.

French Creek Project Box I72 Allegheny College Meadville, PA 16335 Tel: 814-332-2946 Fax: 814-333-8149 E-mail: frenchcrik@aol.com Web: frenchcreek.allegheny.edu

Projects to preserve habitat, maintain biological diversity, and protect threatened and endangered species of French Creek; and public educa­tion and outreach about the value of the creek.

234

Hamburg Natural History Society P.O. Box 772 Hamburg, NY 14075 Tel: 716-627-4560 Web: penndixie.org

Efforts to promote the study of the sciences with an emphasis on the development of a regional fossil collecting site to encourage public appreciation and understanding of local paleontology. Current public programs focus on fossils and astronomy at the Penn Dixie Site Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center in Hamburg, NY.

Jamestown Audubon Society Ruth Lundin, President jennifer Schlick, Program Director of Education I 600 Riverside Road Jamestown, NY 1470 I Tel: 716-569-2345 Fax: 7I6-569-2765 E-mail: jaudubon@netsync.net Web: www.jasny.org

Jamestown Audubon Nature Center and Bentley Sanctuary, and envi­ronmental education for people of all ages. Jamestown Audubon offers programs on nature education and environmental stewardship to schools and regularly scheduled activities for the public throughout the year.

Lake Erie Bird Club Contact Dick Miga 38 Elm Street Fredonia, NY 14063- I 937 Tel: 716-672-7363 E-mail: dmiga@netsync.net

Activities and education to area residents interested in the study and enjoyment of birds; Birding Hotline available at 716-595-8250, to report sightings and to hear a daily report.

Martz Astronomical Association 120 East Third Street Jamestown, NY 1470 I Tel: 716-483-0343 Web: http://members.aol.com/bemusabord

Meetings of astronomy enthusiasts and public programs that focus on astronomy at the Martz Observatory in Frewsburg and elsewhere.

Nature Sanctuary Society ofWestern New York Buffalo Museum of Science I 020 Humboldt Parkway Buffalo, NY 1421 I-1293

Society-owned nature preserves and natural history field trip opportunities.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 215 South Work Street Falconer, NY 14733 Tel: 716-665-6111 Fax: 716-665-6124 Web: www.dec.state.ny.us

New York State Forests and Wildlife Management Areas.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Grace Christy. Park Nawralist Allegany State Park 2373 ASP Route 1 Salamanca, NY 14779-9756 Tel: 716-354-9101

Allegany, Long Point and Lake Erie State Parks; Allegany State Park Historical Society; programs and activities for the public and school groups about park natural history.

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Complanter District Office 323 North State Street North Warren, PA 16365 Tel: 814-723-0262 E-mail: fd 14@state.pa.us

Anders Run Natural Area, Chapman, Cook Forese and Oil Creek Stare Parks, and other sires and programs for nature and conserva­tion education in the district.

Pennsylvania Game Commission P.O. Box 31 Franklin, PA 16323 Tel: 814-432-3187

Akeley Swamp, Tamarack Swamp and ocher Pennsylvania Scare Game Lands. Land managers occasionally conduct public tours of sites.

Pfeiffer Nature Center Richard H. White, Executive Director Box 802 Lillibridge Road Portville, NY 14770 Tel: 716-373-1742 E-mail: pnc@netsync.ner Web: www. pfeiffernarurecenter.org

Pfeiffer Nature Center's old-growth forest tract, scientific research projects, nature study programs for school students and adults, and natural resource stewardship.

Ripley Hawk Watch Comact Dick Miga 38 Elm Street Fredonia, NY 14063-1937 Tel: 716-672-7363 E-mail: dmiga@nersync.net

Participating in an annual program to observe, count, and identify the thousands of raptors that fly along the south shore of Lake Erie during their spring migration. Observation stations located at 6 sites in the Ripley, NY area, from the Lake Erie shore to 2 miles inland.

The Rock Environmental Center P.O. Box 41 Gooseneck Road Delevan, NY 14042 Tel: 716-699-2481

Environmental education programs for the public and school groups, and regularly scheduled nature education events.

Roger Tory Peterson Institute 31 1 Curtis St. Jamestown, NY 14701 Tel: 716-665-2473 Toll free: 800-758-6841 E-mail: rtpi@rtpi.org Web: www.rtpi.org

The life of Roger Tory Peterson; nature education exhibits and pro­grams for the public, reachers, and school groups; regular meetings of RTPI's Ornithological Club; and a developing Entomological Club.

SUNY College at Fredonia faculty Swdent Association Betty Berkshire 1~0. Box 286 Fredonia, NY 14063 Tel: 716-673-3417 Web: www.fredonia.edu/fsa

The College Lodge and irs opportunities for environmental education activities for the public and school groups.

The Nature Conservancy CentraUWestem Nezv York Chapter 339 East Avenue, Suite 300 Rochester, NY 14604-2615 Tel: 716-546-8030 Fax: 716-546-7825 Web: www.nature.org/states/newyork/centralwest/

French Creek Preserve; and efforts to protect environmentally sensi­tive lands in Western and Central New York.

Warren County Conservation District 609 Rouse Avenue, Suite 203 Youngsville, PA 16371 Tel: 814-563-3117 E-mail: wccd@pennswoods.ner Web: www.pennswoods.ner/-wccd

Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area and programs to pro­mote conservation in Warren County, Pennsylvania.

Western New York Land Conservancy 21 South Grove St., Suite 120 East Aurora, NY 14052 Tel: 716-687-1225 Fax: 716-687-1837 E-mail: wnylc@wnylc.org Web: www.wnylc.org

Hillside Acres Preserve and land protection and conservation activities in western New York.

235

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy 209 Fourth Avenue Pirrsburgh, PA 15222-2075 Tel: 412-288-2777 Fax: 412-281-1792 Web: www.paconserve.org

H.J. Crawford Reserve, Lowville Wetland, and Wattsburg Fens; activi­ties to conserve the region's places of exceptional ecological, recre­ational, and scenic value and to connect people with the natural world through experience, education, and responsible stewardship.

References

Crossley, Gary J. A Guide to Critical Bird Habitat in Pennsyft,ania. Mechanicsburg, PA: Signal Graphics Printing, 1999.

Ehling, William P. 50 Hikes in Western New York. Woodstock, VT: Backcountry Publications, 1990.

Kershner, Bruce. Secret Places. Dubuque: Kendall/ Hunt, 1994.

Knight, F. New York Wildlife Viewing Guide. Helena, MT: Falcon Publishing, Inc., 1998.

Kricher, J. and Morrison, G. Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Forests. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1988, 1998.

McWilliams, Gerald M. and Daniel W. Browning. The Birds ofPennsylt,ania. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2000.

Miga, D. Birding in Chautauqua County NY.

Peterson, Roger Tory. A Field Guide to the Birds. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1980.

Peterson, Roger Tory and Margaret McKenny. A Field Guide to Wildflowers. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1968.

Reed, J. Where to Find Birds in Cattaraugus Count;~ New York. Hinsdale, NY: Burdesalott Publishing, 2000.

U.S. Department of Agriculcure, Soil Conservation Service, and Cornell University Agriculcural Experiment Station. Soil Survey of Chautauqua Counry. New York. National Cooperative Soil Survey, 1994.

Van Diver, B. Roadside Geology of New York. Missoula, MT: Mountain Press Publishing Company, 1985.

Van Diver, B. Roadside Geology ofPeunsylvania. Missoula, MT: Mountain Press Publishing Company, 1990.

Wells, J. Important Bird Areas in New York State. New York: National Audubon Society, 1998.

Werner, Robert G. Freshwater Fishes of New York State. Syracuse: Syracuse University Press, 1980.

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Species List

Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnomm) American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) American Basswood ( Tilia americana) American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) American Binern (Botattrtts lemiginosus) American Chestnut (Castanea dentate) American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) American Elm (Ulmm americantl) American Goldfinch ( Carduelis tristis) American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) American Robin ( Turdus migratorius) American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) American Toad (Bufo americanus) American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) American Wigeon (Anas americana) American Woodcock (Philohela minor) Aphrodite Fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite) Arethusa (Arethus bulbosa) Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myriarclms cinerascens) Autumn Willow (Salix serissema) Baird's Sandpiper ( Calidris bairdir} Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) Banded Darter (Etheostoma zona/e) Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) Barn Swallow (Hirrmdo rmtica) Barred Owl (Strix varia) Barren Strawberry ( Waldsteinia fragarioides) Basket Willow (Salix purpurea) Bay-breasted Warbler (Dendroictr castanea) Beaver (Castor canadensis) Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) Black Bear ( Ursus americanus) Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) Black Huckleberry ( Gaylrmacia baccata) Black Redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnet} Black Spruce (Picea mariana) Black Tern ( Chlidonias niger) Black Willow (Salix nigra) Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) Black-billed Cuckoo ( Coccyzus erythropthalmus) Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroica fosca) Black-capped Chickadee (Parm atricapillus) Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) Black-headed Gull (Lams ridibundus) Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) Black-throared Blue Warbler (Dendroica caendescem) Black-rhroated Green Warbler (Dendroica virens) Bladderwort ( Utricularia geminiscapa) Blue Beech (see American Hornbeam) Blue Cohosh ( Caulophyllum t/}(dictroides) Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) Blue Jay ( Cyanocitta cristtlta)

Bluebreasr Darter (Etheostoma camurum) Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium sp.) Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) Blue-gray Gnarcarcher (Polioptila caentlea) Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) Blue-winged Warbler ( Vermivora pinus) Bog Rosemary (Andromeda glaucophylla) Bonaparre's Gull (Lams philadelphia) Boneser (Eupatorium perfoliatllm) Boreal Chickadee (Pants lmdsonicus) Borrlebrush Sedge ( Carex lurida) Box Elder (Acer negtmdo) Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum) Bram (Brama bernie/a) Broad-leaved Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) Brook Trout (Salve/in us fontinalis) Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) Brown Creeper ( Certhia fomiliaris) Brown Thrasher ( Toxostoma rufitm) Brown Trout (Sal~rzo tmtta) Buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) Buffiehead (Bucephala albeola) Bugle (Ajuga reptam) Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) Bullhead-lily (Nuphar variegatttm) Burning Bush (EuonymttS atropurpureus) Butternut (fuglans cinerea) Bunonbush ( Cephalanthus occidentalis) Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) Canada Warbler ( Wilsonia canadensis) Canadian Burner (Sanguisorba canadensis) Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) Cape May Warbler (Dendroica tigrina) Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) Carex crinita Carex intumescens Carex scoparia Carex rmlpinoidea Carolina Chickadee (Pams carolinensis) Carolina Wren ( Thryothorus ludovicianus) Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedromm) Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cemlea) Chesmut Oak (Quercus prinus) Chesmur-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica) Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) Chrisrmas Fern (Polysticlmm acrostichoides) Cinnamon Fern ( Osmunda cinnamomea) Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) Climonia ( Clintonia borealis) Closed Gemian (Gentian a andrewsit} Cloudless Sulfur (Phoebis sermae) Clubshell (Pleurobema clava) Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

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Common Tern (Sterna hinmdo) Common Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus communis) Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) Common Garter Snake ( Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) Common Grackle ( Quiscalus quiscula) Common High bush Blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbomm) Common Loon (Cavia immer) Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) Common Moorhen ( Gallinula chloropus) Common Polypody (Polypodium vulgare) Common Raven (Corvus corax) Common Redpoll ( Carduelis jlammea) Common Wood Nymph ( Cercyonis pegala) Common Wood-sorrel ( Oxalis montana) Common Yellowthroat ( Geothlypis trichas) Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperit} Corron Grass (Eriophorum sp.) Creek Chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) Creeping Snow Berry (Gaultheria hispidula) Crested Wood-fern (Dryopteris cristata) Cucumber Magnolia (Magnolia acuminata) Cut-leaved Toothwort (Dentaria laciniata) Cur-leaved Water-horehound (Lycopus americanus) Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) Dewberry (Rubus hispidus) Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) Downy Willow-herb (Epilobium strictum) Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolius) Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus Jloridanus) Eastern Coyote (Canis latrans) Eastern Fox Squirrel (Scitmts niger) Eastern Garter Snake ( Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciunts carolinensis) Eastern Hemlock ( Tsuga canadensis) Eastern Hornbeam ( Ostrya virginiana) Eastern Kingbird ( Tyramms tyramzus) Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) Eastern Sand Darter (Etheostoma pellucidum) Eastern Screech Owl ( Otus asio) Eastern Sycamore (Platanus occidmtalis) Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) Eastern Wood-pewee ( Contopus virens) Endothia parasitica European Larch (Larix decidua) Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona tJespertina) Eyed Brown (Satyrodes eurydice) False Hellebore ( Vt>ratntm vi ride) False Solomon's Seal (Smilacina racemosa) Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) Fisher (Martes pennantt} Foamflower ( Tiarella cordifolia) Forster's Tern (Sterna forsten) Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

Fragrant Water-lily (Nymphaea odorata) Franklin's Gull (Larus pipixcan) Gadwall (Anas strepera) Garlic Mustard (Alliaria officina/is) Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Glaucous Gull (Lams hyperboreus) Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) Golden-fruited Sedge ( Carex a urea) Gold thread (Cop tis groenlandica) Grape Fern (Botrychium sp.) Grass Pink ( Calopogon pulchellus) Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) Gray Fox ( Urocyon cinereoargemeus) Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodeas) Grear Crested Flycatcher (Myriarclms crinittts) Great Egret ( CasmeroditiS a/bus) Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) Great Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) Great Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum canaliculatum) Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeritl cybele) Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albiftons) Greater Yellowlegs ( Tringa melanoleuca) Green Ash (Fraxinus pemzsylvanica) Green Darner (An ax jtmius) Green Frog (Rana clamitans melanota) Green Heron (Butorides striatus) Greenbrier (Smilax rottmdifolia) Green-headed Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) Greenside Darter (Etheostoma blennioides) Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) Hawthorn ( Crataegus sp.) Haysccnted Fern (Dennstaedtia ptmctilobula) Hermit Thrush ( CathaniS guttatus) Hoary Redpoll ( Carduelis hornemanm} Hobblebush Viburnum (Viburnum alnifolium) Hooded Ladies'Tresses (Spiranthes romanzojjiana) Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes ettcullams) Hooded Warbler ( Wilsonia citrina) Hop Hornbeam (sec Eastern Hornbeam) Horned Grebe (Podiceps aurittiS) Horsechesmur (Aesculus hippocastanatum) House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica) Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) Indian Cucumber-root (Medeola virginiana) Indian-pipe (Monotropa unijlora) Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) Interrupted Fern ( Osmunda Claytoniana) Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) Japanese Knotweed (Polygomtm cuspidatum) Kidney Shell (Ptychobranclms fasciolaris) Kidneyleaf Buttercup (Rummculus abortivus) Killdeer ( Chradrius vocifoms) King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) Labrador Tea (Ledum groenlandicum) Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-{emina) Lady Finger (Elliptio dilatatus) Large-fruited Cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon) Largemourh Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

L1rge-cooched Aspen (Populm grandidenttlftt) Lark Sparrow ( Chondestes grammacus) LeafY Norchern Green Orchis (Piatanthem hyperborea) Lease Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) Leatherleaf ( Chamaedaplme calymlata) Lesser Bladderwort ( UtriCtt!aria minor) Lesser Scaup (Aythya ajjinis) Lesser Yellowlegs ( Tringa fowipes) Linle Blue Heron (Florida caerulea) Litcle Brown Myoris (Myotis ez,otis) Lirclc Gull (Lams minutus) Longhead Darter (Percina macrocephala) Long-railed Duck ( Clangula hyemalis) Lowbush Blueberry ( Vaccinium sp.) Lycopodia (Lycopodium sp.) Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia) Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum) Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) Marginal Woodfern (Dryopteris marginalis) Marsh Blue Violet (Viola cucullata) Marsh Cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris) Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) Marsh Wren ( Cistothoms palustris) May-apple (Podophyllum peltatum) Mcadow Vole (Microtus penmyfz,anicus) Merlin (Falco columbarius) Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) Mink (Mustela vison) Miterwort (Mite/fa diphylltz) Moccasin-flower ( Cypripedium acatt!e) Monarch (Danaus plexippus) Moosewood (see Striped Maple) Mountain Brook Lamprey (fchthyomyzon greeleyz) Mountain Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus) Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) Mountain Madtom (Noturus eleutherus) Mourning Cloak (Nympha/is tmtiopa) Mourning Warbler ( Oporornis philadelphia) Mud Sedge ( Carex limosa) Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) Muskrat ( Ondatra zibethica) Nashville Warbler ( Vennifora rujicapilla) Necrria coccinia Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta) New York Fern ( Thelypteris noveboracensis) Northern Arrowwood (Viburnum recognitum) Northern Bayberry (Myrica pemylvanica} Northern Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi dekayz) Northern Cardinal ( Cardinalis cardinalis) Northern Flicker ( Colaptes au raws) Northern Fly-honeysuckle (Lonicera villostt) Northern Flying Squirrel ( G!twgomys sabrinus) Northern Gannet (Moms bassanttS) Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) Northern Leopard Frog (Ramz pipiens) Northern Madrom (Noturus stigmosus) Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) Northern Parula (Pam/a mnericana) Northern Pike (Esox lucius)

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) Northern Red Salamander (Pseudotriton ruber ruber) Northern Riffieshell (Epioblasma torulosa) Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx rujicollis) Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor) Northern Slimy Salamander (Piethodon glutinosus) Northern Spring Salamander ( G;•rinophilus porphyriticus) Northern Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea bislineata) Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) Northern Waterchrush (Seiurus noz,eboracemis) Norchcrn White Violet (Viola pal/ens) Norway Spruce (Picea e.-.:celsa) Ohio Lamprey (fchthyomyzon bdellium) Opossum (Didelphis marsupia/is) Orange Sulfur ( Colias eurytheme) Orange-crowned Warbler ( Vermifora celata) Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurious) Osprey (Pandion IHtliaetus) Ostrich Fern (Mtuteuccia Struthiopteris) Ovenbird (Seiurus tlllrocapillus) Paimed Trillium (Trillium tmdulatum) Pale Touch-me-not (Impatiens pal/ida) Pale Violet (Viola striata) Partridgeberry (Mitchella repem) Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) Pcrfoliatc Bell wort ( Uzmlaria perfoliata) Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinm) Pickerel Frog (Rantt palustris) Pickerelweed (Pomederia cordata) Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) Pilearcd Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) Pin Cherry (Prrmus pensylvanica) Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enudeator) Piech Pine (Pinus rigida) Pircher-plam (Sarracenia purpurea) Pocketbook (Lampsilis ventricosa) Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicam) Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron tJemix) Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) Prairie Warbler (Dendroica discolor) Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) Purple Finch ( Carpodacus purpureus) Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Purple Martin (Progne subis) Purple Sandpiper ( Calidris maritima) Purple-fringed Orchis (Habenaria jimbriata) Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Rainbow Darter (Etheostoma caemleum) Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium virginianum) Red Crossbill (Loxia mrvirostra) Red Currant (Ribes triste) Red Efr (see Red-sponed Newt) Red Fox ( Vulpes .fitfz,a) Red Knot ( Calidris camttus) Red Maple (Acer rubrum) Red Phalarope (Phalaropus .fitlicnrius) Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) Red Squirrel ( Tamiascizmts lmdsonicus)

Red Trillium (Trillium erectum) Redback Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) Redbelly Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) Red-breasted Nurharch (Sitta canadensis) Red-eyed Vireo (VIreo olivaceus) Redhead (Aytbya americana) Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) Red-osier Dogwood (Corn us stoloniftra) Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo /ineatus) Red-spotted Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens) Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Red-throated Loon ( Gavia stellata) Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) River Otter (Ltttra canadensis) Robert's Geranium (Geranium robertianum) Rose Pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides) Rose-bay Rhododendron (see Great Rhododendron) Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) Round-leaved Orchis (Habenaria orbimlata) Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifo/ia) Round-leaved Yellow Violet (Viola rotundifolia) Round-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica americanum) Royal Fern ( Osmrmda regalis) Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) Ruddy Duck ( Oxyura jamaicemis) Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) Rufous-sided Towhee (see Eastern Towhee) Running Pine (Lycolodium complanatum) Sabine's Gull (Xema sabim) Sandhill Crane ( Grus canadensis) Sassafras (Sassa.fras albidum) Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwicbensis) Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) Sculpin ( Cottus sp.) Sedge Wren ( Cistothorus platemis) Sensitive Fern ( Onoclea sensibilis) Serviceberry (Amelanchier sp.) Shagbark hickory ( Carya ovata) Sharp-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica amtiloba) Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) Shining Clubmoss (Lycopodium lucidulum) Shore-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) Short-eared Owl (Asio jlammeus) Showy Lady's Slipper ( Cypripedium reginae) Silky Dogwood (Comus amomum) Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) Silvery Spleenwort (Athyrium thelypteroides) Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) Slender Cotton-grass (Eriophorum gracile) Slender Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes gracilis) Slender Spike-rush (Eleocbaris elliptica) Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) Smooch Green Snake ( Opheodrys vernalis) Smooch Winterberry Holly (flex laevigata) Smooth Yellow Violet (Viola pensylvanica) Snapping T urrle ( Chelydra serpentina) Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca) Soft Rush (}uncus ejfitsus)

Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorom) Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) Sora (Por:ama carolina) Sourgum, Yellow Gum or Upland Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) Sourhern Flying Squirrel ( Glaucomys volans) Spatterdock (Nuphar advena) Speckled Alder (Alnus rugosa) Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum sp.) Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) Spinulose Woodfern (Dryopteris spinulosa) Spiny Sofrshell Turtle (Apalone spiniftra) Sported Darter (Etbeostoma maculatum) Sported Joe-pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum) Sported Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia) Spotted Touch-me-not (Impatiens capemis) Spring Azure ( Celastrina argiolus lucia) Spring Beauty ( Claytonia virginica) Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) Sraghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) Star Flower ( Trientalis borealis) Stiff Club moss (Lycopodium annotinum) Srilr Sandpiper (Micropalama himantopus) Striped Maple (Acer pensylvanicum) Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) Sugar Maple (Acer sacchantm) Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) Sunfish (Lepomis sp.) Surf Scorer (Melanitta perspicillata) Swamp Buttercup (Rammculus septentrionalis) Swamp Dogwood (see Silky Dogwood) Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) Swamp Saxifrage (Saxi.fraga pensylvanica) Swamp Smarrweed (Polygonum coccinium) Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda) Sweergum (Liquidambar styraciflua) Tamarack (Larix laricina) Tennessee Warbler ( Vermivora peregrina} Thin-leaved Cotton-grass (Eriophorum viridicarinatu) Toorhwort (Dentaria diphylla) Trailing Arburus (Epigaea repem) Tree Clubmoss (Lycopodium obscurom) Tree Swallow (lridoprocne bicolor) Triangle Grape Fern (Botrychium lanceolatum) True Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) Tufted Titmouse (Parus bicolor) Tuliprree (Liriodendron tulipiftra) Tundra Swan ( 0/or columbianus) Varying Hare (Lepus americanus) Veery ( Catharus fuscescens) Violet Shell (see Lady Finger) Virginia Cotton Grass (Eriophorum virginicum) Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum) Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) Water-mat ( Chrysoplenium americanum) Warer-pennyworr (Hydrodactyle americana)

Wehrle's Salamander (Piethodon wehrler) Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) Whip-poor-will ( Caprimulgus vociftrus) White Ash (Fraximts americana) White Beak-rush (Rhynchosporaalba) White Oak (Quercus alba) White Sucker ( Catostomus commersom) White Trillium (Trillium grandiflomm) Whire Wood Anemone (Anemone quinquefolia) White-breasred Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) White-tailed Deer ( Odocoileus virginimws) White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera) White-winged Scorer (Melanitta degland1) Wild Calla Lily (Calla palustris) Wild Ginger (Astzrum canadense) Wild Leek (Allium tricoccum) Wild Oats (Uvula ria sessilifolia) Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) Willet ( CatoptrophortiS semipalmatus) Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Wolfclaw Lycopodium (Lycopodium clavatum) Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) Woodchuck (Marmota monax) Woodland Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaemaatrorubens) Wool Grass (Scirpus cyperinus) Worm-caring Warbler (Helmitheros vermivoniS) Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniemis) Yellow Iris (Iris pseudocontS) Yellow Perch (Perea jlavescens) Yellow Sedge ( Carex jlava) Yellow Trout Lily (Erythronimn americanum) Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) Yellow-billed Cuckoo ( Coccyzus americanus) Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata) Yellow-rhroared Warbler (Dendroica dominica)

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