Kingsbury Woods Conservation Area - Finger Lakes Land Trust

Vue d'ensemble

The Kingsbury Woods trail is now open again! Tornado damage has been cleared thanks to donation of time and effort by Keith Vanderhye and Limbwalker Tree Care

A trail loop of roughly 1.3 miles over gentle terrain departs from the south side of Jersey Hill Road, following Lick Brook upstream. Away from the road, the stream braids out into several branches.
History

In 2008 Danby resident Sheela Kingsbury generously donated these 50 acres of forest, containing over 6000 feet of frontage on the upper reaches of Lick Brook. With the addition of this property, the Land Trust now has secured over 300 acres in the Lick Brook area, helping to protect Cayuga Inlet water quality and stem the tide of development on this lovely hillside.
Natural History

Farther downstream from Kingsbury Woods, Lick Brook carves a spectacular gorge on its way to the Cayuga Inlet below; here, however, the headwater streams course gently through old fields that are gradually reverting to hardwood forest.

In the southern section of the woods stand several giant old oaks. Dwarfing the surrounding, much younger hardwoods, these “wolf trees” once upon a time spread their impressive branches in an open field with broad views of the surround countryside.

The trail also skirts a vernal pool teeming with the activity of wood frogs, salamanders, insects and birds.

In April 2011, a tornado with winds in excess of 100 mph swept through and destroyed many trees on this preserve. We are now watching with interest how the forest recovers.

Acreage: 50 acres

Trail Distance: 1.3 miles

Directions:
From Ithaca, go south on Rt. 96B, past Ithaca College. About 2 miles past the college, make a right onto Comfort Road. Go 1.6 miles and turn right on Jersey Hill Rd. At the split in the road, continue to follow Jersey Hill Rd (a left). Go a short distance and park in the parking area on the right, just before the bridge; the trail is on the left opposite the parking area.

TCAT bus route 52

To know more about this preserve and support the Finger Lakes Land Trust visit http://www.fllt.org/protected_lands/protected_lands1.php?id=45

Ecotourism & Sustainability Map
updated 03/2012 by Ithaca - Tompkins County NY