Key Ecological Features

Trillium blooming in the Robinson Preserve in the spring. [Photo Courtesy of Mark Darling]

The Bob Robinson Family Preserve is designated by the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council as a Unique Natural Area.  A Unique Natural Area is defined as:

“The Unique Natural Areas (UNAs) of Tompkins County are sites with outstanding environmental qualities, as defined by the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council, that are deserving of special attention for preservation and protection.  UNAs include such natural features as gorges, woods, swamps, fens, cliffs, and streams.  They lie on both publicly and privately owned lands and are generally not open to the public.”

[Taken from the Tompkins County Website]

Click here for a map depicting the UNA [Unique Natural Area] designation.  This site is UNA-170.

It was designated as a Unique Natural Area for various reasons including:

1. Diverse fauna 
2. Rare/scarce plants 
3. Quality example of a plant community.
4. Geological importance 
5. Diverse flora 
6. Scenic aesthetic value
7. Important teaching site 

A main feature of this preserve is a deep steep sided gorge called the Van Buskirk Gorge accompanied by a waterfall.  The preserve also features a trout stream which is a spawning ground for rainbow trout.  Some of the characteristics of this site include gravely ridges and hillsides, and an undisturbed floodplain terrace.  Rich wildflower flora is located on this site including a high tree and plant species diversity.  The tulip poplar [Liriodendron tulipifera] trees present in this preserve can grow to about 130 feet tall.