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The creation of this trail system began with the cooperation of two of Chemung County's foremost ecological organizations, Tanglewood Nature Center & Museum and The Nature Conservancy of Central and Western New York. It combines the best features of both Gleason Meadows and the Frenchman's Bluff Preserve. Arthur C. Smith, Jr., generously donated Frenchman's Bluff to The Nature Conservancy in 1980 guaranteeing that this 290 acre tract in Chemung County would remain protected from development. In 1990 Tanglewood acquired 172 acre Gleason Meadows adjacent to Frenchman's Bluff. Two ponds provide homes and a migratory way station for various birds. The joint trail system unites these parcels and allows hikers access to both sites. We invite you to walk into these meadows and inhale the fragrances of the grasses and wildflowers. Watch the butterflies and insects fly through the air as they search for food and shelter. Bees flit from flower to flower pollinating and gathering nectar. Birds call to each other to proclaim territory and seek partners. Hike our trails to savor these experiences and learn a bit about this unique ecosystem. Welcome to Personius Woods....A 50-acre parcel leased from the Elmira Water Board.
Several sections are planted with conifers varying in age from 4 to 20 years. Pines, white spruce, firs and larch comprise the plantations. The woods include a tract of eastern hemlock interspersed with American beech,
red maple, black birch and hop hornbeam. Another part of the woods is an old sugar bush consisting primarily of mature sugar and red maples.
Hoffman creek flows through the length of this site.
Maps
Rules of the Trails:Please... LEAVE only Footprints, ... TAKE only pictures! Open from dawn to dusk. Please respect closure hours and allow yourself time to exit by dusk. Hikers should stay on mowed and designated trails. Timber rattlesnakes are legally protected on this site and sightings are rare, but caution should be exercised. Do not enter any restricted areas. These areas are home to threatened and endangered reptiles, animals and plants. Help us protect and preserve the species in this ecosystem. No collecting of plants, animals or other natural specimens is allowed. No dogs, even on a leash. No bicycles or motorized bikes. No swimming, fishing, hunting, trapping, boating, skating or camping. This facility is a carry in/carry out site. Remove your garbage and litter.
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