Location: 1775 Ridge Road, Town of Webster, Monroe County
Size: 71 acres
Why You Should Visit: Braman Preserve offers 20 acres of grassland meadow, 40 acres of early successional shrubland, and 11 acres of mature woodlands. The property provides important habitat for birds including bobolinks, bluebirds, and various sparrows. The trail takes visitors throughout these habitats offering public access in a rapidly growing part of Webster. Visit eBird here to see what bird species have been observed recently at Braman Preserve.
Parking and Public Transit: The parking lot is located across from the intersection of Ridge Road and Ridge Road Junction. The parking lot is compact gravel and accommodates six to eight cars. There are no designated accessible parking spots. There are no public transit options to the Preserve.
Trails: Beginning at the parking lot, the trail runs south through towards the interior of the Preserve. The first 0.125 mile is a grass trail that’s approximately 6’ wide, which begins with a short elevation change of between 5-10% slope. Several elevated (5” high) 24’ wide bog-boards are located along the trail to accommodate visitors in the spring and after rainy days (see photos below). After the first 0.125 mile, the trail opens up into a grassland meadow with a crossing over Four Mile Creek. From there the trail leads visitors around the Preserve and includes a footbridge (5’ wide with ramps) constructed by Penfield Eagle Scouts. Grass trails are mowed regularly between May and September and are approximately 6’ wide with 0-5% slopes. See the Braman Preserve trail map below for locations of trails. For a description on trail surfaces, visit this link on Trail Surface Types (Maine Trail Finder).
Benches and Shade: There are two benches at the Preserve, the first is located approximately 1/4 mile from the parking lot on the west side of the trail, at a trail intersection. The second bench is located along the eastern trail, an additional 1/4 mile from the first bench. See the Braman Preserve trail map below for bench locations. The Preserve offers shade in several spots along the trail, including the eastern trail and northern trail.
Restrooms: There are no restrooms on site. The nearest public restrooms are 2.5 miles west in the Village of Webster (Dunkin’ Donuts, Village Bakery and Café, etc.).
Access Barriers: The first 100’ of the trail begins with an elevation change of approximately 5-8% slope. The first 1/8 mile of trail is regularly wet and requires stepping up on to bog-boards. All trails can be soft after rainy days. To lower the chances of encountering outdoor hazards including thorns, poison ivy, and ticks, please stay on maintained trails.
For more details on accessibility: Visit the Birdability Map here.
Photos by Genesee Land Trust staff
History: The Eva and Harlan Braman Preserve was donated to Genesee Land Trust by Laurel Bruns and her brother, Gary Braman, in December of 2011. This gift is in honor of their grandparents, Eva and Harlan Braman.
Getting There
Driving Directions: The Preserve is located at the intersection of Ridge Road and Ridge Road Junction in Webster. From 104 East, turn right onto Basket Road. Turn left onto Ridge Road, continue to follow Ridge Road. Braman Preserve will be on the right, across the street from the intersection with Ridge Road Junction. Park along the south (eastbound) shoulder of Ridge Road.
Approximate Address of Parking: There is a parking lot at 1775 Ridge Road, Webster, NY 14580 (near the sign for 404).
GPS Coordinates: 43.221534,-77.385197
Do you have questions or feedback? Please email us at land@geneseelandtrust.org or call (585) 256-2130.