Visitors to the new preserve will be able to enjoy scenic vistas around this remarkable fen. The Land Conservancy’s stewardship team, led by Josh Balisteri, designed and built the 2-mile hiking trail. The Land Conservancy will host a grand opening to introduce the trail to the public.

The Floating Fen Preserve is an integral part of the WNY Wildway, the Land Conservancy’s plan to create an extensive series of protected lands that connect the vast forests of northern Pennsylvania to the Great Lakes and link up with the Eastern Wildway. Combined, the Floating Fen and College Lodge Forest total nearly 400 acres of contiguous land in a critical linkage area.

Protecting such linkages in the WNY Wildway is a key component of the Land Conservancy’s long-term vision. “Only 1.3% of WNY Wildway linkage areas are protected,” says the Land Conservancy’s Executive Director, Marisa Riggi. “This leaves critical corridors between habitat cores vulnerable, so we aim to conserve additional linkages in the coming years. Not only is the Floating Fen a beautiful place to discover the wonders of nature, it’s also a vital habitat and linkage for many rare plants and animals. I’m thrilled that our community was able to come together to protect it.”

Like the neighboring College Lodge Forest, the Floating Fen is situated directly in a migratory bird corridor. That means birds as diverse as Veeries, Blackburnian Warblers, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, and Scarlet Tanagers may all descend on the forest to nest in the spring. This creates a vivid atmosphere for birding–and a truly unique opportunity for birders and hikers alike to experience this beautiful property.

The Floating Fen is situated directly in a migratory bird corridor.

The Floating Fen is also located in a tension zone — it is the northernmost range of some species, and the southernmost range of others. As a result, it’s home to an exceptional array of rare peatland plants, carnivorous sundews, blue flag iris, and the very floating fen from which it derives its name. The Floating Fen’s diverse habitats make it an ideal home to black bears, wood ducks, red-shouldered hawks, porcupines, fishers, and beavers.

The Floating Fen Preserve is located on Chautauqua Road near Fredonia. Learn more at wnylc.org/floatingfen.

The Western New York Land Conservancy is a regional, non-profit land trust that has protected more than 8,400 acres of land with significant conservation value in Western New York for the benefit of future generations. We envision a future in which forests, farms, meadows, and waterways are connected, cherished, and protected in Western New York. Our clean air, clean water, and fertile soils will equitably support the health and wellbeing of future generations of every living thing. The Land Conservancy is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. For more information on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or the mission of the Western New York Land Conservancy, please call (716) 687-1225 or visit wnylc.org.