The Gleason Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary is a diverse 35-acre wildlife preserve in the Town of Caton, Steuben County, New York. This preserve was acquired with a bequest from the estate of long-time Chemung Valley Audubon Society (CVAS) members, Herbert and Virginia Gleason.

This property is predominately forested, and a system of trails passes through groves of hemlocks, pines, and northern hardwoods. A pond and small intermittent streams enhance the property’s value to plants and animals. The elevation of this sanctuary is 1,650 feet and has alluvial soils in the Lordstown and Mardin soil series.

CVAS has a cabin on the property available for CVAS member use only. Trails are open to the public during daylight hours.

Location

11523 Kelly Hill Road, Caton, New York | Approximately a 20-minute drive either from Corning or Elmira. Maps of this location can be viewed here and here.

Directions

From Corning, take Route 225 to Caton. At the main intersection in Caton, go straight onto Marsh Road (Route 32) and stay on Marsh Road to the end. Turn left following Route 32. In 3.5 miles turn right on to Birch Creek Road. Follow Birch Creek Road for one mile and bear left onto Hamilton Road. Stay on Hamilton Road to the end (0.8 mile). Turn right on to Kelly Hill Road. Proceed approximately one mile passing houses and then entering a wooded area. The road goes downhill and at the bottom of the hill, the sanctuary entrance is on the right. The Gleason Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary sign can be seen from the road on a maple tree as you look down the driveway. Please park along the side of the road.

From Elmira, follow Route 328 South to Sagetown Road. Turn right onto Sagetown Road and after you cross the Steuben County line, watch for a Town of Caton sign. In as short distance, turn left onto Birch Creek Road. Follow Birch Creek Road for 1 mile and bear left onto Hamilton Road. Stay on Hamilton Road to the end (0.8 mile). Turn right on to Kelly Hill Road. Proceed approximately one mile passing houses and then entering a wooded area. The road goes downhill and at the bottom of the hill, the sanctuary entrance is on the right. The Gleason Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary sign can be seen from the road on a maple tree as you look down the driveway. (If you pass the driveway and come out to State Line Road (PA-NY border) you have gone too far). Please park along the side of the road.

Trails

Trails are open for public use for hiking, birding, and cross country skiing. Hunting, trapping, and motorized vehicles are prohibited.

Follow the main roadway from the entrance that will lead past the cabin to a pond. From the dam, trails will branch off. Currently trails are being constructed, but once built, just follow trail markers painted on the trees.

Google Map for The Gleason Audubon Sanctuary

More Images of the Sanctuary

Click on a thumbnail to view a larger version in a new window.

		Looking west up Birch Creek.	The Pond.

Birds Recorded at the Sanctuary

For a description of each of these birds, please visit the Audubon Field Guide.