Nature Preserve to be closed Dec. 7-8, 12-13 2020
In an effort to protect the Nature Preserve, it will be closed Dec. 7-8 and 12-13 for a controlled bowhunt, a program supported by the Committee on the University Environment (CUE) and approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). For safety purposes, hunters have already been screened and selected.
Just a word of caution:
Nov. 2020
Winter 2020 Hunting season with firearms starts Saturday, Nov. 21 and runs until Dec.
13. As we are surrounded by private land where it is legal to hunt, I suggest wearing
bright colors, especially orange, if you go into the upper elevations through Dec.
8. This isn't to make everyone paranoid of being shot, but just to be careful. Hunting
generally takes place during early morning and evening, although, since deer are regularly
flushed from the Preserve by people, hunting may occur all day in the surrounding
private lands. Archery season (bow hunting) starts in October and late bow season
ends Dec. 22.
University Police 607-777-2393 I've had reports of hunters with bad behavior. Do not
confront them, just call the police.
Since we have an overpopulation of deer on campus and in the Nature Preserve, it isn't
necessarily a bad thing to have few deer being hunted. We don't have enough natural
predators to keep the deer population under control. Deer have a negative impact on
the regeneration of the forest, since they eat most or all of the understory.
For more NYS hunting information including small game seasons: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/hunting.html
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions feel free to email naturepr@binghamton.edu
Rain Effects
Fall 2018
The trails will be soggy for a long time after rain even when the weather is sunny. Please stay on trails. Unfortunately, when folks try to avoid wet spots, the trail just becomes a wider muddy mess and trampling of our vegetation can take a long time to recover.
A big Thank You to Jake Kerr and co.
Jan. 2018
A big Thank You to Jake Kerr and co. who organized a Pop-up Thrift Shop fundraiser for the Nature Preserve Fund on January 20. The event raised over $1000 to be one of the largest single donations since the fund was started. Thank you to anyone who bought items or donated.
Redwing Steps:
September 2016
The Redwing Trail entrance steps have been replaced thanks to Engineers Without Borders. We are looking at the effects of rain (when it finally does rain) before and if we adjust the grading.
Treatment of Hemlocks:
May 10-12, 2016
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is an invasive insect killing hemlock trees which are
an invaluable part of the ecology of the Northeast. In many areas of the Nature Preserve,
hemlocks are the only tree or major species growing. HWA were found on campus in 2011
and are now found throughout Binghamton University property. In order to save as many
hemlocks as possible, we are treating them with pesticide applied to the lower portions
of bark. Trees bordering trails are taking priority.
Trunk spray: In this systemic treatment, Bandit® is mixed with water and sprayed on
the trunk. Bandit was chosen as most of the ingredients are natural without surfactants.
This treatment is useful for minimizing contamination of soil with insecticides. The
treatment dries within an hour and is safe to touch after a few hours. The treatment
will keep the tree safe for seven years.
Lot M0 converted to Pay Parking
August 2015
All spaces are now 24/7 pay parking in Lot M0, which is the small 20-space lot next to the main entrance of the Nature Preserve where the map and shed are. Parking on the weekends is still free in other parking lots on campus.
