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A popular hunting ground with the Mohawk Indians, this land, except for the steep slopes, was cleared for agriculture in the early 1800s. Some farming continued in the 1960s.

The 80-acre preserve was given to the Chapter in 1971 by Mrs. Louise Moore, whose husband, Howard W. Moore, was jailed for failure to register for the draft during World War I and continued to be an active war objector throughout his long life. The preserve’s name is said to originate with Mrs. Moore’s reference to the area as “the land of the Lord.”

Please Note: The 2012 deer hunt will occur will occur from November 17 - December 18, 2012. The preserve will be closed during this period.

Each of the two trails is about three-quarters of a mile long.  The East Trail, with blue trail markers, starts out through a mixed forest, then turns downhill toward the beaver ponds and loops back to the starting point.  The West Trail, which has orange trail markers, crosses abandoned meadows as it goes down to the beaver ponds, then turns to the right, follows the ponds and then turns right again back to the entrance.  Both trails can be wet underfoot, especially when the water level in the ponds is high.  The East Trail includes a short but rather steep climb.

Things To Do

A popular hunting ground with the Mohawk Indians, this land, except for the steep slopes, was cleared for agriculture in the early 1800s.  Some farming continued in the 1960s.  There are many reminders of former farming operations at this site, including old building foundations and unpruned apple trees.  The highest quality known stand in New York State of Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium van-bruntiae), a globally rare plant, is located here.  The mixed forest through which the East Trail makes its way is dominated by beech, sugar maple and hemlock.  Notice also the many small trees which have grown in what were open fields when the site was acquired. In May 1990, two birdwatchers identified 35 bird species within two hours.  Bring a bird guide and field glasses when you visit.

Plan Your Visit

This preserve is located in the Town of Roseboom, Otsego County, about 55 miles west of Albany. Download a preserve map to plan your visit to the Lordsland Conservancy.

Directions

• From the Albany area, take Route 20 west (Western Avenue) to Route 166, the turn-off for Cherry Valley.
• Turn left on Route 166 into Cherry Valley.
• At the stoplight in the village, turn left and continue on Route 166 for 0.5 miles, then turn left on Dietsche Road.
• In 2.6 miles there is a Y-junction, with Doc Ahlers Road branching left, and Gage Road branching right.
• The entrance to the East Trail is on the right side of Doc Ahlers Road, 0.5 miles from this corner.
• There is a sign at the entrance.
• The start of the West Trail is on the left side of Gage Road, 0.2 miles from the corner.
• There is an old cabin on the right side of Gage Road across from the start of the trail.

Discussion

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