Location: Town of Caledonia, Livingston County
Size: 23 acres
Description: This cattail and wooded wetland preserve is part of a much larger (1,000+ acres) wetland targeted by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for protection. Wetlands are important because they improve water quality through the removal of sediment and nutrients from urban runoff making them essential to the health and wellbeing of New York’s ecosystems and residents. The juxtaposition of the Christine Sevilla Wetlands Preserve’s wetlands including wet meadow, cattail wetland, and swampy woods make it an excellent habitat for dragonflies, butterflies, and other unique wildlife. Take a stroll along the boardwalk to see what you can find hidden among the many species of grasses, ferns, and sedges lining the trail. If you’re lucky in the summer, you may even spot a pearl crescent or orange sulphur butterfly flitting among the grasses and flowers of the wet meadow. Wetlands are also excellent for birding! It may seem counterintuitive, but goldfinches love hanging out in weedy fields among the tall grasses so watch for bright yellow birds with swooping flight patterns. Among the grand oak and maple trees, keep an eye out for red-headed woodpeckers as they have been seen tapping at the trunks of decaying trees looking for their next meal. But the Preserve is notable not only for its wildlife habitat but also for its geological significance. Underlying the wetland are unusual deposits of "marl" (a combination of calcium and limestone) formed since the last glaciation period approximately 10,000 years ago.
Trail Description: The 1/2-mile trail begins at the kiosk near the Preserve entrance. A trail map is present on the kiosk. There is a mowed trail in the field leading to a boardwalk trail and an observation deck.
Photos by Nigel P. Kent and Genesee Land Trust staff
History: The Caledonia Wetlands Preserve was donated to Genesee Land Trust for permanent protection in 1991 by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rueger. The preserve was renamed in August of 2010 in honor and in memory of Christine Sevilla. Christine was a longtime Genesee Land Trust friend and member, and a greatly respected artist, educator, and environmentalist who had a great interest in wetland protection.
Entering the Preserve: Access to this preserve is via an access easement over two privately owned properties. Please be respectful of the landowners and avoid using their property as a meeting spot. See access map in the photos below.
Park along Iroquois Road near the big Preserve sign. Do not block driveways or mailboxes.
Please meet people near the roadside parking.
Walk to Preserve via driveway of 3728 Iroquois Road. Stay to the right (west) of their lawn and look for Genesee Land Trust signs.
Stay to the right (west) of horse pasture. Do not feed or touch the horses.
Look for trail signs, "Preserve Boundary" signs, and kiosk after passing horse pasture.
Getting There
Driving Directions: Preserve is located on the south side of Iroquois Road between Wheatland Center Road and Feely Road. Access to the Preserve is through privately owned property; please see "Accessing the Preserve" instructions above.
From Rochester:
Take 383 south (Scottsville Road). Stay on this road through Scottsville.
Turn left (south) onto Wheatland Center Road (route 174).
Turn left (east) onto Iroquois Road.
Parking will be along the road, near the Preserve (~3748 Iroquois Road).
Approximate Address of Parking: Parking is along Iroquois Road, next to "Christine Sevilla Wetlands Preserve" sign on south side of road. (Address of pedestrian access: 3728 Iroquois Road)
GPS Coordinates: 42.975681,-77.818147