Lime Hollow Nature Center

Cortland, New York

 

Organization Description:

This project is a collaborative effort between the New York Field Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Onondaga - Cortland – Madison (OCM) BOCES New Vision Environmental Science program, and the Lime Hollow Nature Center.

 

In addition to the new phenology trail, Lime Hollow offers over 12 miles of open-to-the-public trails available at no charge, public nature programs, and adventure day camps for youth.  The Center encompasses nearly 430 acres of beautiful rolling hills and shallow glacial valleys (kame-and-kettle topography), forests, fields, streams, numerous ponds, including many marl ponds and vernal (seasonal) pools, a peat bog, and a great diversity of flora and fauna.

 

Organizational Missions: 

• The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  Connecting people with nature is one of the agency’s top priorities.

 

• Lime Hollow's mission is to provide year-round environmental education and recreation opportunities through utilization and protection of the natural attributes of the Lime Hollow area.

 

• The OCM BOCES New Vision Environmental Science program strives to give students hands-on experience in the environmental field, allowing them to explore real-world issues and gain valuable experience for their future.

 

Phenology Project Description

The mile-long phenology trail at Lime Hollow begins at the Visitor Center and winds through forest, field, and fen. Initiated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the trail was established in the spring of 2016 by high school students in the OCM BOCES New Vision Environmental Science program with the support of USFWS and Lime Hollow Nature Center. These groups will continue to work together to maintain and improve the project. We hope that the trail encourages visitors to learn and engage with nature in new ways. It provides a great opportunity to get to know plants and animals, become aware of their changes throughout the season, and contribute to science in a meaningful way! The trail also offers opportunities for fun, educational programs that can be integrated into community events, field trips, and summer camps.

 

To learn more or get involved: 

• Website: Lime Hollow Nature Center