Kingsbury Woods Conservation Area

In 2008, Sheela Kingsbury generously donated this 48-acre forest to the Finger Lakes Land Trust, protecting over 6,000 feet along the upper reaches of Lick Brook in Ithaca. Downstream from the preserve, 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 spring, hikers can enjoy a 1.1 mile loop trail that skirts a vernal pool teeming with the activity of wood frogs, salamanders, insects and birds. 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.