Since this popular birding “hot spot” closed in 2023, hundreds of dead ash trees have been cleared from trails. Now, together as a community, we’re redesigning the trails and improving habitat to benefit everyone.
To make the new trails more inclusive, engaging, and resilient, Genesee Land Trust has hired Penn Trails, a leader in sustainable and universal trail design.
We have also gathered a small advisory team of birders, partners, and caring neighbors to work closely on the project.
Navigating Invasive Pests and Changing Climate
RG&E and Monster Tree Service have cut down more than 500 ash trees killed by the invasive emerald ash borer.
More than 2,000 native trees and shrubs we planted with the help of volunteers a decade ago will eventually fill in the tree canopy while the ash naturally decomposes.
Everything we do at Island Cottage Woods focuses on ensuring this important wooded wetland can adapt to the changing climate and continue benefiting birds and people.
New trails will be built to withstand higher Lake Ontario flooding due to more extreme storms hitting more frequently.
Better Trails for Better Birding
This is a great opportunity to make these trails more comfortable and engaging for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Carol Hinkelman, 86, lives just 10 minutes away from Island Cottage Woods in Greece. Since the 1980s, the avid birder visits often to look for her favorite migratory bird, the Blackthroated Blue Warbler.
“Having more places to sit and enjoy the birdsong will be wonderful. And boardwalks with railings will make it easier for me when it reopens.””
Ways to Get Involved
If you have suggestions for improvements, questions about the project, or want to discuss other ways to help, please contact our Senior Director of Conservation, Kevin Farrell, at kfarrell@geneseelandtrust.org or (585) 256-2130 x120.
Preserve Management Timeline:
May 31, 2025: Community Open House 10 AM - 1 PM. Island Cottage Woods Open House - Special Event
March 2025: Genesee Land Trust hires Penn Trails, an industry leader in sustainable and universal trail design. The community advisory group has their first meeting to provide input.
Early 2025: Genesee Land Trust begins forming a community advisory group to help redesign the trails.
2024: Staff conduct an extensive evaluation of the trails and consider engineering partners.
Fall-Winter 2023: RG&E + Monster Tree Service clear 500+ dead ash trees away from trails. They’ll remain on the property to naturally decompose.
October 2023: Island Cottage Woods closes to manage dead ash trees and damaged trails. Island Cottage Woods Closed — Genesee Land Trust
2019: Lake Ontario experiences record-high levels (249 feet) that floods Island Cottage Woods. Unsecured boardwalks float off the trails and people can’t visit due to the high water.
2015-2017: Volunteers help plant 2,500+ native tree saplings and shrubs. This is done to get ahead of the invasive emerald ash borer, which has not arrived yet. This early action adds a variety of new species that will fill in the canopy in the coming decades.
1999: 61 acres of wooded wetlands in Greece, NY becomes Island Cottage Woods Preserve.