Location: Towns of Victor and Farmington, Ontario County
Size: 62 acres
Why You Should Visit: One of Genesee Land Trust’s newest preserves, Mud Creek Nature Preserve follows along Ganargua “Mud” Creek as it winds north from the Auburn Trail, including land in both Victor and Farmington. This property is home to many native species, including a healthy population of bluebells characteristic of the area and other native wildflowers including twinleaf and wild bergamot. The preserve also neighbors Mertensia Park, a Town of Farmington public park with ball fields and a short trail. The two properties are connected by the Auburn Trail, a regional multi-use rail trail.
The preserve itself is predominantly wooded with a variety of tree species allowing for ample shade near the creek on hot days. The terrain varies between steep slopes and low-lying floodplain. At the top of the steep slope, old agriculture fields have resulted in shrubland habitat.
Exploring trails, birding, fishing, and passive recreation are all encouraged.
Public Access: The property is currently only accessed from the Auburn Trail. No bikes are allowed on the trails.
Trails: There are existing trails entering the property from the Auburn Trail and traveling along Mud Creek for a short way. New trails are currently in progress—stay tuned for more information!
Photos by Elliotte Bowerman, Gay Mills, Kevin Farrell, Patty Singer, and staff.
History: The 62 acres of Mud Creek Nature Preserve were donated to Genesee Land Trust in June of 2026 by Woodstone Custom Homes. Victor Hiking Trails, a local non-profit organization focused on creating and maintaining trails in the Town of Victor, has worked with Genesee Land Trust to help implement new trails on this property as a part of their larger trail network.
Getting There
Driving Directions: From Rochester, follow I-490 east to Farmington and continue on to I-90 East. Take the NY-332 S exit. Turn west on Collett Road, and then south onto Mertensia Rd. until Mertensia Park. Parking for Auburn Trail can be found at the park entrance. Access to the Preserve can be found along Auburn Trail, following it a quarter mile west, just past the creek.
Approximate Address of Parking: Mertensia Park, 1390-1394 Mertensia Rd., Farmington, NY 14425
GPS Coordinates: 42.965950, -77.370174