Amherst State Park

(formerly called Williamsville Glen)

Rating

Fall	Winter
Spring	Summer

Site history/background

Williamsville Glen often has an "island effect" attracting migrants from the neighboring in urban and suburban areas (much like Cobbs Hill Park in Rochester, or Central Park in NYC). The glen was formed by the water actions of Ellicott Creek. The public park, now called Amherst State Park, holds ample opportunities to find spring migrants. It was purchased by the state, from the nuns, in 2003. It

Park on Glen Ave (see below). Walk to the water's edge. A footpath (worn from usage, not really an established trail) parallels the stream on the east. Walk north (downstream) paralleling the creek. The warblers and other spring migrants can be anywhere in the woody tract along the stream. Listen for Carolina Wren and Belted Kingfisher along the creek. After trekking about 1/3 to 1/2 mile, a bridge passes over the stream. The bridge is at the edge of a large mown lawn and an old orchard. Chimney Swifts can sometimes be seen foraging overhead. Migrating raptors might be seen, too. The warblers can be anywhere in the orchard, or along the edges of the field or stream. At the far edge of the field, is an old nun's house. One can cross the creek at the bridge and return to the lot on the west side of the creek (but be forewarned there is no worn footpath).

The glen can be accessed from two other points: from a lot along Mill Street, and on the west side of the creek off Millrace Ct off N Cayuga Rd (no parking at the latter locale). See Rising's Commentary on The Glen.

Directions: Take the thruway (I-90) to I-290 North. Take the first exit (7B) onto NYS Route 5 (Main Street East). At the end of the exit ramp, turn right into onto NYS Route 5 (Main Street). The park offers a few access points off several streets. From the I-290 exit ramp to the closest access: after about one mile (several traffic lights) turn left onto Mill St (the first street after passing over the bridge over Ellicott Creek), then the first left onto Glen Ave. The park can be accessed from this avenue. Handicap parking is immediately on the left, by the falls. The rest can park in the larger lot immediately to the right. Restrooms are located here.

This page was last updated on 16 May 2003.