The Loon Lake Wetlands Preserve, which opened in the Spring of 2018, is an ongoing project to restore the original water flow to Loon Lake and revive the wetlands area. This 10-acre park is in its infant stage at the moment, but there is every sign that it will grow into a beautiful park.
Picnic in the Preserve
While there is not much of a parking area, as of yet, the Preserve is welcoming to visitors. The Loon Lake Wetlands Preserve has mowed paths for walking and picnic tables for visitors to enjoy a picnic lunch. Visitors are asked to leave no trace, and they must bring any trash home with them as this is a carry-in/carry-out park with no trash receptacles.
Short Walk to the Lakeshore
There are a few maintained trails in the Preserve. They lead down through newly planted trees to the shore of Loon Lake. While hunting or launching a boat at the Preserve is prohibited, nothing is said about fishing, and it appears that this is a good fishing location.
Watch for Wildlife
At first, you might not be aware of the abundant wildlife that lives in the Loon Lake Wetland Preserve. There are several birdhouses and some bat houses that have been placed in the Preserve. You will notice a variety of birds swooping in and out of the high brush. If you keep your eyes on the ground, you might also see tiny toads hopping about. We literally saw hundreds of these tiny toads along the trail when we visited. There are also many milkweed plants and wildflowers that will eventually bring in monarch butterflies.
The Importance of Wetlands
You may have noticed a trend with many of the lakes in the Finger Lake region working to create healthier wetlands. These wetlands are important to the health and ecology of the lakes. They act as a filtration system and impact the flow of the water.
Getting There
You can’t miss the bright blue sign on Route 21 near Chapel Road. There isn’t a true parking lot. You just pull off on the side of the road. This is a park that I am predicting some great things from. It will be fun to watch it grow over the next few years.