Over 100 years ago, after the sawmills of the Bristol Hills fell silent, white pine, hemlock and oak seedlings sprouted along the northern rim of Briggs Gully, one of the Finger Lakes Region’s largest gorges.

These young trees were tall and strong in 1926 when three artists—John C. Wenrich, James Havens, and Colburn Dugan—bought a 90-acre piece of paradise as a place for peace, quiet, and contemplation.  Today the hemlocks rise from shady depths of the gullies, the white pines and red pines soar above the younger maples, and the majestic oaks spread their wide branches over quiet groves.

Natural History

In addition to the immense Briggs Gully, some of which forms the southern boundary, several other gullies wind through the preserve.  Diverse stands of mature forest (including about 10 acres of old-growth), a wide array of wildflowers, and sweeping views of the hills surrounding Honeoye Lake’s southern end make this site truly special.

The preserve provides excellent examples of the area’s geologic history and ecological systems.  Water tumbling down to the glacially carved Honeoye Lake cut the deep gullies of the preserve.  Areas more recently abandoned by farmers give the preserve a small field and a woodlot of young trees which provide additional habitats.  Here, you’ll hear Yellow-Throats, Bluebirds and Song Sparrows, and may see a deer, fox, or woodchuck.

The quiet of the preserve is interrupted only by the sounds of rushing water and songs of Black-throated Green Warblers, thrushes, chipmunks, and other forest denizens.  Be sure to take in the view from one of the rock outcroppings along the Gully’s north rim.  On the far side of the Honeoye Valley, beyond the broad expanse of Briggs Gully, you’ll see the Harriet Hollister State Recreation Area.

Recent History

The children who inherited these woods have now entrusted its perpetual care to the Finger Lakes Land Trust.  In 1999, thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor, the Land Trust was able to purchase the property at a reduced price, and launch a campaign to protect additional acreage in this magnificent area. Someday perhaps lands already protected by other public and private agencies will be connected together, from the top of the east hill, across the Honeoye Inlet Valley, to the top of the west hill.

Land Acknowledgment

The Finger Lakes Land Trust recognizes that our nature preserves exist on the homeland of the Haudenosaunee. We hope to honor indigenous peoples’ ongoing relationship with the land by conserving wild places forever.

Public Use

Please see our public use policies for recreational activities on nature preserves.

During the full hunting season, from October 1- December 17, the majority of the preserve and hiking trails will remain open to the public, including the area of the preserve lying west of the cabin and to the overlook (at the yellow/blue trail junction, west of the orange/yellow trail junction).  The yellow and blue trails accessed from Wesley Road will be closed to the public.  Hunters will be allowed to hunt with bow only throughout the regular bow season, as well as through the regular gun season and late bow/muzzle-loader hunting season.

Go Finger Lakes

Go Finger Lakes is the free web site created by the Finger Lakes Land Trust to promote recreation and conservation. Use the interactive map of over 50 hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, and outdoor adventure destinations across the region!

SEE THIS PRESERVE ON GOFINGERLAKES.ORG