Nelson Swamp Unique Area 📍

Nelson Swamp Unique Area is located approximately 20 miles southeast of Syracuse within the Madison County towns of Cazenovia, Fenner and Nelson. From State Route 20, which passes through the swamp, a traveler’s gaze is often drawn to a low lying landscape of wet meadows, deciduous woods and dark groves of cedar and pine. From the State Route’s hilltop perspective, one can follow the Chittenango Creek as it meanders on its circuitous journey north to Lake Ontario. The Chittenango, which is the dominant water course within the swamp, was commonly referred to as Chittening by settlers but was derived from the Oneida word “Chu-de-naany” meaning “where the sun shines out”.

Accessible Features

The 0.7-mile Nelson Swamp Interpretive Trail provides opportunities for people with disabilities to access a northern white cedar swamp and learn about its natural and cultural history.

Full listing of DEC’s Accessible Recreation Destinations.

History

Historically, “Cedar Swamp” played an important role in the development of Nelson’s agricultural economy. Many area farmers owned swamp parcels known as “post lots” that provided a ready supply of timber and other forest products. The rot resistant wood of white cedar was used for split rail fencing and poles for supporting hop vines. White pine was cut and milled for building materials and balsam fir was harvested for decorative greens and Christmas trees. Baskets were woven from thin strips of black ash and the dense wood of American elm was used to manufacture a variety of farm implements

Field Notes

In recent decades Nelson Swamp has been of interest to botanists and other students of natural history who have been attracted to the area’s rich diversity of plant and animal life. The most recent survey cataloged 400 species of vascular plants including the endangered striped coral root and threatened spreading globeflower. Striped coral root, showy lady slipper and small purple-fringed orchid are just three of the many species of orchids known to occur within the swamp. The area also supports a diverse population of breeding birds with 105 species recorded during a 1990 survey. In an effort to ensure perpetual protection of the swamp’s unique natural resources, while at the same time providing opportunities for compatible public use, the DEC released the Nelson Swamp Unit Management Plan (UMP) in March, 2000. The plan includes specific objectives for habitat management, land conservation, public education, research and access for passive recreation.

A segment of the North County Scenic Trail passes through Nelson Swamp on the abandoned grade of the West Shore Railroad. The elevated grade offers the best opportunity for accessing interior sections of the swamp without impacting sensitive wetland soils. A trail head kiosk and parking area are located adjacent to Stone Quarry Road.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/8150.html