Natural Lands
![April Afternoon in the Natural Resource Reserve. [Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Chen]](http://www.ithaca.edu/depts/img/4695_photo.jpg "April Afternoon in the Natural Resource Reserve. [Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Chen]")
Virtual South Hill
Virtually stroll through South Hill with us! Lauren Cook with IC Digital Journalism photo-documented our latest Nature Walk on South Hill. Also check out an accompanying article by Dan Ophardt and Lauren Cook.
Featured News Story
This Ithaca College Natural Lands Emblem was created by Julie Gutman '07. Gutman won the emblem contest held by ICNL in Fall 2006.
Natural Lands of Ithaca College
Ithaca College owns nearly 500 acres of natural lands. Much of this forms the South Hill Natural Area adjacent to the college campus in Ithaca, New York. In addition, in neighboring Newfield we have the Bob Robinson Family Preserve and the Ithaca College Natural Resource Reserve. These natural lands are managed under the guidance of the Ithaca College Natural Lands Committee (ICNL).
The Bob Robinson Family Preserve in Newfield, New York is 82 acres designated as a Unique Natural Area. Part of the preserve is the Van Buskirk Gorge and trout stream. Tree communities at this site are one of the best examples of highly diverse middle aged forests.
Ithaca College Natural Resource Reserve:
Located across from the Bob Robinson Family Preserve is another piece of Ithaca College land. This 46 acre parcel contains one of the largest springs in Tompkins County. There is also a waterfall in addition to a diverse mix of tree species and an abundance of wildlife.
At the south end of the Ithaca College campus there is 365 acres of Ithaca College land. This area designated as the South Hill Natural Area consists of a trail system and a number of rare ecological communities one of which is designated as a Unique Natural Area. There is also a variety of rare plants and an abundant mix of wildlife species. The two recreational trails [blue and gold] are used frequently by Ithaca College students and athletes. The Ithaca College observatory is also located in this area.