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Wesley Hill Nature Preserve Today
the hemlocks rise from shady depths of the gullies, the white pines
and red pines soar above the younger maples, and the majestic oaks spread
their wide branches over quiet groves.
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 Over
100 years ago, after
the Frosttown sawmills of the Bristol Hills fell silent, white pine,
hemlock and oak seedlings began to sprout along the northern rim of
Briggs Gully, one of the Finger Lakes Region's largest gorges. These
young trees were tall and strong and in 1926 when three artists--John
C. Wenrich, James Havens, and Colburn Dugan-- bought this 90-acre piece
of paradise as a place for peace, quiet, and contemplation. Today the
hemlocks rise from shady depths of the gullies, the white pines and
red pines soar above the younger maples, and the majestic oaks spread
their wide branches over quiet groves. Except for the maturing of the
trees, little has changed since the 1920's.
The
children who inherited these woods also inherited their fathers' keen
sense of stewardship of the land, and have entrusted its perpetual care
to the Finger Lakes Land Trust. In 1999, thanks to a generous donation
from an anonymous Land Trust member, the Land Trust was able to purchase
the property at a reduced price, and launch a campaign to protect additional
acreage in this magnificent area. With the purchase in 2001 of two more
parcels and the gift of a third, the Wesley Hill Preserve has now grown
to nearly 360 acres. Someday perhaps lands already protected by other
public and private agencies will be connected together, from the top
of the east hill, across the Honeoye Inlet Valley, to the top of the
west hill.
  Photo Credits: Bill Davis, Jim Kersting
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