Introduction

Larch Meadow is a natural area located in Tompkins County, New York. It is one section of Buttermilk Falls State Park, and is located in the southwest corner of the state park, at the junction of Elmira and Sand Bank roads.

In the 19th century, before the state park was created, this tract was a wetland complex, including, swamps, marshes and wet meadows. Larch trees (Larix laricina) were common, as were other special and rare species. It was a favorite place for professional biologists and naturalists to visit.

At some point before the state park was created (1924), the larch trees were removed, much of the low-lying, wet acreage was drained, and then filled with ordinary soil. Many wetland species and their habitats were lost forever.

Sand and gravel mining was conducted higher up along Sandbank road, at least from the early twentieth century up to the 1970's. The products of the mine were dumped onto the portion of Larch Meadow closest to Sandbank road. During the 1980's approximately six acres of highly disturbed ground adjacent to Sandbank road were cleaned up, graded and converted to a grassy field suitable for recreational activities.

Today, the prominant, six acre mowed "lawn" is what most people associate with Larch Meadow. They use the recreational field for picnics, sporting activities and walking dogs. Relatively few people walk the mile-long nature trail that closely follows the boundaries of the larger natural area. Those who have not walked the trail know very little about the majority of wild, largely unmanaged land that is the true heart of Larch Meadow.

The southern end of the tract includes a residual wet meadow and a marsh. The trail continues along the edge of this small, wetland complex, and the base of the steep, forested hillside. Ecologically, this wooded section of the trail sharply contrasts with the adjoining, open areas. Surprisingly, some of the plant and animal species that were present in the wooded section of Larch Meadow many years ago, still remain today, including many iconic spring ephemerals like, bloodroot, trout lilies, wild ginger, trilliums and spicebush.