Explore Our Six Preserves
Otsego Land Trust owns and operates six public preserves that are open to the public for free, from dawn to dusk daily. These preserves and conserved lands offer a wonderful way to unwind, stay active, and connect with nature.
Winter Access: Parslow Road Preserve is the ONLY preserve with a plowed parking lot in the winter months. All other properties are not maintained during the winter months - please visit at your own risk.
BROOKWOOD POINT
Brookwood Point Conservation Area features diverse natural habitats including hardwood forests and wetlands, an early 20th-century garden and garden house, and a boat launch for canoes, kayaks, and rowing shells.
Cooperstown, NY
COMPTON BRIDGE
Otsego Land Trust acquired the Compton Bridge property in 2008 to protect the floodplain, wetlands, and 1,400 feet of Susquehanna River frontage in the ecosystem with the highest concentration of rare and endangered species in Otsego County. The site is named after William Compton Jr. who settled in the area in 1817.
Cooperstown, NY
DEOWONGO ISLAND
Deowongo Island is the only island on Canadarago Lake and has a unique cultural and ecological history. The island is only accessible by canoe, kayak, or small motorcraft.
Richfield Springs, NY
FETTERLEY FOREST
Fetterley Forest offers a summit view of Canadarago Lake and Deowongo Island. Otsego Land Trust received the property from siblings Judy and Dan Fetterley, donated in memory of their parents Ray and Mary Fetterley. The two hiking trails fulfill the Fetterley family's dream of opening the property to the community.
Richfield, NY
PARSLOW PRESERVE
Parslow Preserve boasts a diverse ecosystem with wetlands, hemlock groves, and bogs that support a thriving bird population. There are two well-maintained hiking trails that are both easy and flat. Otsego Land Trust acquired the property through the generosity of Joyce M. Clarke and Bettiol Enterprises Ltd., Inc.
Fly Creek, NY
LORDSLAND CONSERVANCY
Mrs. Louise Moore donated the preserve to The Nature Conservancy’s New York Chapter in 1971 and gave it the current name of Lordsland. Otsego Land Trust acquired the property 2019. Beavers are very active in the pond and wetlands between the two trails, especially in the summer.
Roseboom, NY
Take a minute to give back - HELP keep these preserves open and accessible!
Be a Friend to Nature...
SAFETY
Stay on marked trails.
Be considerate of other visitors, adjoining property owners, and wildlife.
keeping noise levels to a minimum.
Do not trespass on neighboring private property.
Dogs must be leashed at all times. Clean up after your pet.
Littering, dumping, placement/storage of personal property, or release of any plants, animals, substances, or materials is prohibited.
Placement of geocaches is allowed by permission only.
HEALTH
Motorized vehicles are allowed only on roadways and in designated parking areas.
Camping and fires are prohibited.
Do not remove or destroy plants, wildlife, or artifacts.
Scientific collecting or placement of research devices requires site-specific authorization.
Ride bicycles or horses only on trails specifically marked for such uses.
Swimming is not permitted.
No target shooting or paintball shooting is allowed.
Trapping and hunting are restricted to some site-specific Conservation Areas and written permission is required.
Please contact the Land Trust if you plan to visit in a group greater than 10 people.
Algae Blooms (HABS) - What to Know
Do they exist on Canagarago or Otsego Lake?
Harmful Algae Blooms have recently been confirmed in Canadarago Lake and Otsego Lake. While this is an evolving issue, here are some resources to understand the risks, know where the confirmed blooms are located, and how to report it if you see it:
If you suspect that you have seen a harmful algal bloom, report it to NYS DEC by submitting the Suspicious Algal Bloom Report Form. Attach digital photos (close-up and landscape to show extent and location) of suspected HAB in the web form. Email HABsinfo@dec.ny.gov if you are not able to complete the form.
