Lennox Memorial Model Forest

The Lennox Memorial Model Forest (often referred to as the John Lennox State Demonstration Forest) is a 140-acre protected research site in Kortright, Delaware County, NY, established in 1988. Located near Camp Shankitunk, it is a key site in the NYC Watershed Model Forest Program for researching and demonstrating sustainable forestry, forest stewardship, and watershed protection. 

Key Facts About the Forest:

• Location: Situated in the Town of Kortright, Delaware County, New York, near Bloomville and Stamford.
• Purpose: It was designed to teach landowners and the public about sustainable forestry, biodiversity, and the protection of water quality within the NYC Watershed.
• History: The forest was created in memory of John A. Lennox, the first director of 4-H Camp Shankitunk, who was a passionate advocate for conservation and forestry education.
• Significance: It was the first operational model forest in the New York City Watershed Model Forest Program.
• Features: It features educational programs and trails demonstrating, for example, forestry safety practices and forest management. 

It serves as a key site for Cornell Cooperative Extension and related organizations to host educational workshops for landowners and professional foresters.

The forest is open to the public year-round during daylight hours. It is primarily used as an “outdoor classroom” for natural resource education and sustainable forestry. 

Visitor Information:

• Permitted Activities: You are free to visit, hike, and explore the property’s applied ecology demonstrations.
• Trails: There is a 1.9-mile loop trail (often rated as easy to intermediate) that takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.
• Location/Parking: The forest is located directly across from 4-H Camp Shankitunk in Delhi, NY. Visitors are typically advised to park in the camp’s parking lot and walk to the forest entrance.
• Recommendation: While open to the public, the Watershed Agricultural Council and My Woodlot request that visitors call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County at (607) 865-6531 before visiting.