To support research and teaching at Cornell and beyond, we manage a system of preserves that represent the full range of ecological communities found in the Finger Lakes region, including old-growth forest.
Fischer Old-growth Forest
Recognized for its significance by the Old-growth Forest Network,
the Fischer Old-growth Forest is the best of the few remaining examples of pre-European settlement forest in the region. This old-growth forest is notable not only for the extreme size of many individual trees, but also for the very high number of tree species, at least 23, of canopy size.
In addition to Fischer Old-growth Forest, the natural areas below also contain areas that are considered old-growth forest.
Renwick Slope Natural Area: This natural area is a small but remarkably intact example of old-growth forests once common in the area.
Beebe Lake and Woods: There are numerous very large trees on the wooded slope on the south side of Beebe Lake.
Fall Creek Valley Natural Area: This natural area is accessible from the F. R. Newman Arboretum via the Morgan-Smith Trail, which passes through a small but breathtaking old-growth forest with a rich diversity mature trees and herbaceous plants.
Frost Ravine Natural Area: Frost Ravine, together with the two other land parcels managed by Cornell University were collectively nominated for National Landmark status in 1974 based on the quality of the old-growth forest there.
Slaterville 600: Located in between Hammond Hill State Forest and the Finger Lakes Land Trust’s Roy H. Park Preserve, a large area of this site has trees older than 150 years.