MARCELLUS — Community green space in Marcellus is on the rise as Baltimore Woods Nature Center expanded to 272 acres last week, acquiring 90 additional acres adjacent to the existing preserve. This expansion will extend over six miles of trails that are open to the community year-round from dawn to dusk every day and increases the diversity of conserved ecosystems and habitats including forests, fields, streams, ponds, wetlands and more.

Three years ago, Baltimore Woods Nature Center launched the multi-year “Expanding Boundaries Campaign” focused on creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation, environmental education, and research for the Central New York community.

With the acquisition of this land, the first milestone has been reached, serving as a foundation for continued growth of the organization as well as the opportunities for people of all ages to connect to nature in every season.

The second phase of the ongoing campaign includes establishment of an endowment for stewardship of this new property, an expansion of the John A. Weeks Interpretive Center at Baltimore Woods, and development of new trails and amenities on the expanded acreage.

Situated on Bishop Hill Road in Marcellus, the Baltimore Woods Preserve has been a much-loved destination for thousands of people over the past 50 years to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, day camps, and environmental education programs.

Baltimore Woods Executive Director Whitney Lash-Marshall stated that “One of the most amazing things about this acquisition process has been getting to partner with so many organizations and individuals who believed in this project. We have heard stories from people who have been a part of Baltimore Woods since it began and have shared the preserve with multiple generations of family members and friends. As we integrate this new land into the current preserve, we hope that long into the future it will continue to serve as a special place for everyone to experience the many benefits of time spent out in nature.”

This vision has been inspired and shared by a dedicated and generous community of partners and supporters, including the Central New York Land Trust Fields Pond Foundation, M&T Bank, Community Bank, ERM, and the many individuals who donated to help conserve important ecosystems and increase opportunities for everyone to get outside and experience nature. This acquisition truly would not have been possible without each and every person who has been involved in this collaborative effort.

The new 90 acres is not yet open to the public; however, the nature center expects to unveil the first hiking trail on the new land sometime in June.

The public is encouraged to watch for news on the organization’s website at baltimorewoods.org about upcoming opportunities for staff-guided hikes that will tour the new preserve and ways to get involved with stewardship projects including building trails and restoring habitats on the new acreage.