Department of Environmental Conservation

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Great Swamp Conservancy

Canastota, Madison Co.

Great swamp wetlands, trails and wildlife

Watchable wildlife binoculars icon

This special place near Oneida Lake in Central New York has been designated an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. See ospreys perched atop nesting platforms and roam several miles of trails through diverse habitats looking for a variety of birds, as well as other wildlife.

Wildlife to Watch

Where to Watch

  • Forested wetland
  • Grassland and shrubland
  • Upland woods
  • Wet meadow, marsh, flooded swamp, and a restored pond

Recreational Opportunities

  • Visitor center (accommodates large meetings and educational programs)
  • Accessible nature trails, with brochures, a boardwalk, photo blinds, lookouts and interpretive signs
  • Anne V. Pickard Wildlife Overlook
  • Accessible fishing platform at Simpson Park
  • Parking for buses and motor homes at the main nature complex

Accessible Features

International Symbol of Accessibility

This site has accessible features, including an accessible fishing platform and picnic area. Contact the facility for more information. A full list of DEC's accessible recreation destinations is available on the DEC website.

Size

About 302 total acres on several properties. However, access to the 100-acre wetland visible from the Anne V. Pickard Wildlife Overlook is limited to the parking area only.

Closest Town

Canastota

Directions

See Google Maps for step by step directions to Great Swamp Conservancy (This link will open a page outside of the DEC website. Hold "Shift" down while clicking on the link to open it in a new window.)

Contact Information

Address: 8375 North Main Street, Canastota, NY 13032
Telephone: 315-697-2950
Website: The Great Swamp Conservancy, Inc. (link leaves DEC website)