Walk

The South Hill Marsh (Town of Ithaca) has long been considered a botanical “hotspot”. Fortunately, large portions of its extensive acreage have been preserved as natural areas by Ithaca College and Cornell University. Timed to coincide with the spectacular flowering of Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove beardtongue, and many other species – see list), this 2-hour ramble will survey portions of the open marsh and surrounding woods.

Join Torben Russo for a walk in Cornell’s Ellis Hollow Wetlands. "Small elevational changes in the undulating topography near Cascadilla Creek result in significant changes in hydrology and vegetation. Upland forest, swamp forest, shrub swamp, small patches of rich fen, wet meadow and marsh are all found here.” Bring snacks, water, and/or a very light lunch depending on your stamina.

Also note “spring wetlands” = “waterproof boots”.

Meet at CCE (615 Willow Ave, Ithaca) at 10am to carpool.

Leatherstocking Botanical Society walk -Joint with the Finger Lakes Native Plant Society

Time: 10 am

Leader/Contact(s): Michael Hough

Lime Hollow Nature boasts a variety of habitats and a diverse flora to match. Though the main objective will be to observe and learn about the moss flora, spring wildflowers should be out in abundance. Bring a 10x hand lens.Meet at CCE at 1 pm to carpool or at the Lime Hollow Visitor Center at 1:30 pm.  

We will explore the interesting and botanically rich Thatcher's Pinnacles which occurs on the rim of the Cayuga Inlet Valley. This is primarily a dry upland site, but if time allows we may venture down into the valley. The going should be relatively easy although we may go off trail and we will be climbing in elevation. We should see many interesting species at this local botanical hotspot.

Rescheduled for Sunday, May 21! Mike Hough will lead a walk through this botanically rich natural area, seeking Pedicularis canadensis (wood betony) and other treasures. Meet at the parking area on Ringwood Road at 1:00 pm, though because parking is limited, carpooling from CCE, meeting there at 12:45 pm, is highly recommended. This will be a moderate hike, lasting about 3 hours. 

Co-hosted by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. Join Akiva Silver of Twisted Tree Farm

A "Ramble" is less than a full-fledged botanist identifying each plant, more than a hike, sort of a plant-loving-crowd-sourced ID along the trail led by an enthusiastic member with both love and knowledge of plants.  Torben Russo will lead an excursion to see what flora can be found at this FLLT woodland sanctuary.  Even if there is snow, there will be trees, shrubs and probably some ferns peeking out. The loop trail is fairly short, under 2 miles so we should be back by lunch. Wear warm clothes (snowshoes if there is enough snow).

 Even with many of the leaves gone, you can still identify many trees and shrubs. Come learn how, while walking the hunter-free grounds of Sapsucker Woods.  Meet near the entry to the Lab of Ornithology building; lots of free parking is available. This will be an easy walk, with interesting wetland and forest species. Contact info@flnps.org with any questions.

Meet at Sapsucker Woods.