Browns Creek Preserve
Situated in the hills of the Ellery Township, this property was acquired in 2016 through a generous donation of land. As Browns Creek is a tributary of Bemus Creek, the water passing through the wetlands on site ultimately enters Chautauqua Lake. The property features well-maintained trails for hiking and wildlife spotting, and a future platform to be constructed near the pond will allow for birdwatching and fishing.
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Size: 31 acres
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Year Conserved by CWC: 2016
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Address: 5040 Walker Road, Bemus Point, NY
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Conservation Values: The preserve’s forests allow rainwater to collect and slowly infiltrate, minimizing erosion and sedimentation downstream. Trees protect and stabilize the bank of the small stream passing through the property, which ultimately drains into Chautauqua Lake. Water is filtered through riparian vegetation, improving water quality in the watershed.
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Recreational Use: Trails established by the land donor have been well maintained and expanded by CWC volunteers. Hunting is permitted at this property. Other uses include birdwatching and botanical investigations.
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Location and Parking: Located on Walker Road in the Town of Ellery, the Browns Creek Tributary Forest Preserve has pull-in parking near the main preserve sign, as well as roadside parking.
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Features of Interest: An open and quiet woodland setting makes for a peaceful hike through this Preserve. A pond on site provides opportunity for wildlife watching as well as fishing.
TRAIL MAP:
SPECIES OF INTEREST:
Trees: Eastern hemlock (Tusga canadensis), pignut hickory (Carya glabra), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), black cherry (Prunus serotina)
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Wildflowers: Canadian lily of the valley (Maianthemum canadense), Jack in the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), white turtlehead (Chelone glabra), eastern swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)
Shrubs: Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
Birds: Belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), mourning warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia), wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)