Pharsalia Woods State Forest Expands In Chenango County, New York

Pharsalia Woods State Forest in Chenango County just became a bit bigger.

On February 10, 2025, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced the acquisition of just over 190 acres in the Town of Plymouth in Chenango County to the Pharsalia Woods State Forest.

The DEC noted that this acquisition will permanently conserve Round Pond and the surrounding wetlands. The forest will now encompass 9,469 acres.

Round Pond, which is a part of the Pharsalia Woods State Forest, along with the surrounding wetlands is home to several rare plants and a variety of resident and migratory bird species according to the NYS DEC.

DEC prioritizes land acquisition as a critical strategy to protect New York State’s ecological assets and wildlife populations while helping to achieve our climate goals.  Conservation efforts to protect Pharsalia Woods State Forest will help draw more visitors to the region’s plentiful, year-round recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, trapping, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing.  - NYS DEC  Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar

Round Pond features an accessible boardwalk and an elevated, covered viewing platform, and is accessible for visitors. It also provides a sheltered observation point overlooking the pond and wetland, which can also be explored by canoe or kayak.

Pharsalia Woods features seven miles of the Finger Lakes Trail, an observation platform parking area, and marked hiking trails.

According to the NYS DEC, the 190-acre parcel was purchased using $257,000 from the State's Environmental Protection Fund.

The Round Pond wetland complex is a very special place for area birders. It is the first location in our area harboring a breeding pair of Sandhill Crane, a northern and western species that is slowly expanding its breeding range into New York State. These large birds, with a wingspan over 6 feet, are a thrill to watch as they perform their courtship dancing display and sound off with their unique primeval calls. Pharsalia Woods is also an important breeding area for the rare American Goshawk, an apex avian predator in large, forested areas. - Chenango Bird Club Secretary Mike DeWispeleare

For more information, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.

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