The Ellis Hollow Nature Preserve was created in September 2000 when Barbara Keeton and her family, long-time residents of the Ellis Hollow area east of Ithaca, donated 111 acres to the Land Trust. Her family enjoyed its many natural delights since purchasing the land in the 1970s and now wanted to ensure that it would remain unspoiled and available for wildlife and for quiet public recreation.

The preserve is on the northern hillside of the Ellis Hollow valley, east of Ithaca. The streams running through the preserve drain into Cascadilla Creek, and are important for maintaining the water quality in the creek and nearby wetlands.

Mid-May is a good time to spot one of the magnificent cucumber trees, the only native magnolia in the Finger Lakes region.

Preserve Loop Trail

Moderate

Route type: Loop

Length: 1.6 miles