Three Falls Woods
Three Falls Woods is the best example of karst topography and the Onondaga Escarpment in the Town of Manlius. It is an unprotected 175 acre woodland with three waterfalls, old growth trees, unique geology and ecology, much-loved trails, and historic lime kilns. The land is currently privately owned, threatened by development, but accessible to the public. The portion in the Village of Manlius is considered a Critical Environmental Area and the portion in the Town is protected by a covenant, although that is being disputed by the developer. A long-term goal of MGC is to facilitate the purchase and preservation of this land for its continued ecological and recreational value.
History
Thirty years ago citizens came together to protect this land as a buffer from the Jamesville Quarry. Citizens
Organized to Protect the Environment (COPE) was formed & succeeded in gaining a compromise, in the form of a covenant between Allied and the Town of Manlius, to leave this land in its natural state forever as a buffer between mining activities and the nearby neighborhoods. The developer disputes the Covenant, requiring citizens to once again stand up and ensure the Town represents the needs of its residents.
The land has been threatened by development twice in the past two decades. In both cases, residents fought the planned development, and the plans were tabled… for the moment.
The Current Threat to the Land
Sketch subdivision plans were filed in 2005 and 2006 to develop the 175 acres of land as if it were a pasture, ignoring the unique terrain. 100 - 180 houses (depending on the plan) are slated to replace the trees, paths, cliffs, and waterfalls. The development plans have not yet been approved by the Town or Village.
Music Video
Three Falls Woods inspired Dr. David Gilbert, a former MGC Board member, to write a song with his band (The Residues) about the land and the neighbors' relationship with it. Listen to it via YouTube here!
"this is my peice of mind... she's like a child, she must grow forever wild"
Expert Opinions
Further information coming soon!
Karst Geology
Please excuse our appearance as we switch to a new webpage!
Ecology
More information soon!
Hydrology
Three Falls Woods has unique hydrology. The ephemeral stream is a "losing reach" in the summer, with the water disappearing underground, but it floods something fierce in the spring! The upland areas have such fractured bedrock that they infiltrate all rainfall, recharging the aquifer.