Cortland Marl Ponds

Robert Wesley, Botanist, Photographer, Nature Lover, Plant and Pollination Ecologist

Sunday, July 13th | 10 am – 4 pm

In the drainage divide south of Cortland are a series of small natural ponds formed in kame-moraine gravels. The system is limestone-influenced and calcareous. The ponds are inhabited by Characeae, algae that live in calcareous waters and actively precipitate marl, a sediment of mostly calcium carbonate. Some ponds have noticeably white bottoms and this gives the local area the name of Lime Hollow. The water table fluctuates widely, seasonally, and the zone between high and low water levels supports an odd-seeming assemblage of interesting species. Many of these are local rarities

Bring lunch, water and appropriate gear for the predicted weather.  Sturdy shoes for walking on rocks are recommended.  Some may prefer rubber boots for walking in water.

We will meet at 10:00 am at a location that will be communicated to those who register. We will plan to return to the vehicles by 4:00 pm at the latest.

If you have any questions about the trip before registering,  please email marlpond@nyflora.org.

All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.

NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts. Suggested Donation is $10.