Allegany Wildlands Expansion
In 2022 we purchased the Janet Gallogly Allegany Wildlands in South Valley, Cattaraugus County. It is now a stunning, publicly-accessible nature preserve with hiking trails overlooking the Allegany Reservoir. This year, we have an incredible opportunity to purchase and protect the adjacent 192-acre property, doubling the preserve’s size and footprint to 417 acres.
Will you help us double the protected acreage at the Janet Gallogly Allegany Wildands?
A Unique History
The Allegany Wildlands has a unique geological history. During the last ice age, the glaciers never reached this place. Meltwater from the glaciers immediately north of the region cut deep valleys among the surrounding hillsides, creating the panoramic landscape we see today. It now boasts a rare S2-ranked Allegheny Oak Forest, one of fewer than ten documented occurrences statewide.
Conservation will safeguard this critical ecological resource for generations to come.
This property supports a range of plant species, including native orchids, and provides important habitat for Northern long-eared bats, Cerulean Warblers, and native trout. Its ecological diversity and intact forest also contribute to regional climate resilience, serving as a carbon sink and habitat for a wide variety of life. Black bear, bobcat, and fisher roam the ridges and ravines, while colorful songbirds nest in the tall trees.
A Significant Core in the WNY Wildway
Nestled between Allegany State Park and South Valley State Forest, the Janet Gallogly Allegany Wildlands is part of an important core area of the Western New York Wildway.
Hooded warblers fill the forest soundscape with their distinct song.
