The Ramsey lab is working with University of Rochester Facilities to develop a comprehensive trail system on the South Campus. While an informal network of paths has existed at the site for some time, it was difficult to navigate and unnecessarily trampled understory vegetation. The new trail system consolidates bridling trails and clearly identifies “official” paths by lining with pieces of dead wood (branches and small tree trunks), which are held in place with wooden stakes. We have also deployed bridges and platforms in parts of the trail that cross seasonally wet areas (vernal pools, edges of the marsh and swamp, etc.). Forest visitors should stay on trails and avoid disturbance to wildflowers and wildlife-- “take only memories, leave only footprints.” Camping, fires, and firearms are forbidden on university property.
Birding: The South Campus offers excellent birding opportunities, especially during the spring migration period. Good viewing stations can be found along the Lehigh Valley Trail opposite of the marsh, as well as on portions of forest trail system that parallel the marsh boundaries.
Connection to other natural areas: The South Campus is connected to natural areas owned by the Town of Brighton (Lynch Woods) and Monroe County (Genesee Valley Park) via the Lehigh Valley Trail. Generally speaking, the Lynch Woods property is south of Crittenden Rd. and east of the Lehigh Valley Trail, while Genesee Valley Park is north of Crittenden Rd. and west of Lehigh Valley Trail. Note, however, that there are intervening areas of private property near the Lynch Woods and Genesee Valley Park. Please be considerate of private land owners when visiting the forest and wetland habitats of West Brighton.
The images below show the locations of major trails on the University of Rochester South Campus as well as the old-growth forest, second-growth forest, and grassland habitat described elsewhere on the Ramsey lab website.
Please contact the Ramsey lab if you have any questions regarding South Campus trails.
