Designated a National Natural Landmark, the most outstanding feature of Moss Lake Preserve is its 15-acre bog lake. As the last continental glacier retreated some 15,000 years ago, a large block of ice was surrounded or buried by gravel carried by the glacier. The ice melted, leaving behind a water-filled depression. Eventually, sphagnum moss mat grew over much of the open water, thus giving it the name Moss Lake.
Before you visit, download a trail map.
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
82 acres
From the NY state Thruway (I-90) in western NY:
From Rt. 86/17:
PLEASE NOTE: Moss Lake is open during hunting season. Hunting is not allowed at Moss Lake.
Moss Lake Preserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk. Tread lightly on this fragile ecosystem while you enjoy the boardwalk and woodland trails. Please do not walk on the sphagnum moss or feed the bullhead fish.
At least 75 species of birds have been seen at the preserve, including waterfowl such as wood duck, canvasback, redhead, and horned- and pied-billed grebe. Waders include great blue and green herons and raptors include red-tailed hawk, northern harrier and osprey. In spring, up to 17 species of warblers can be seen foraging for insects. Upland wildlife includes deer, chipmunks, gray squirrels and woodchucks.
A boardwalk over the mat enables visitors to enjoy the bog's unusual flora: bog laurel, carnivorous round-leaved and spatulate-leaved sundew and pitcher plants, leatherleaf, cranberries and bog club moss. Insectivorous bladderwort can be seen in full yellow bloom in July.
