Deer Lick Nature Sanctuary facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Deer Lick Nature Sanctuary |
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 Deer Lick Nature Sanctuary
Location in New York
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| Location | Cattaraugus County, New York |
| Nearest city | Gowanda |
| Area | 398 acres (1.61 km2) |
| Established | 1960 |
| Designated: | 1967 |
Deer Lick Nature Sanctuary is a special protected forest and gorge in Cattaraugus County, New York. This amazing natural area is found within Zoar Valley, close to the town of Gowanda. It is carefully looked after by an organization called The Nature Conservancy. It's a fantastic place to explore and enjoy nature.
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Discovering Deer Lick Sanctuary
Deer Lick Nature Sanctuary is a beautiful spot known for its deep gorges and old, mature forests. A gorge is like a small canyon, carved out by water over many years. The sanctuary protects these unique natural features for everyone to enjoy.
How Deer Lick Was Created
The story of Deer Lick Nature Sanctuary began in 1960. A generous person named Miss Evelyn Alverson donated land to The Nature Conservancy. This donation helped create the sanctuary. Later, Herbert F. Darling added more land, including the beautiful Deer Lick Falls.
A National Natural Landmark
In November 1967, Deer Lick Nature Sanctuary received a very special title: a National Natural Landmark. This title is given to places in the United States that have outstanding natural features. Deer Lick earned this honor because of its old hardwood forests and its impressive gorges. These gorges show off a cool rock formation called the Onondaga Escarpment.
Size and Features of the Sanctuary
By 2005, the sanctuary covered about 450 acres, which is like 340 football fields! A big part of this, about 80 acres, is an old-growth forest. This means the trees there have been growing for a very long time without much human interference.
The south fork of the Cattaraugus Creek flows right alongside part of the preserve, adding to its natural beauty. In 2006, the sanctuary grew even larger thanks to grants and land purchases. Today, there are about 11 miles (18 kilometers) of hiking trails. These trails are open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the forest and gorges.
