Spent the morning of Aug 21, 2026, speed walking the trails of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, which is adjacent to Oak Orchard Creek (see below) and part of the critical local wetland environment for migratory birds. Had to speed walk since the mosquitoes were out in force. Glad there were no deer flies, though.

Walked Feeder Road within the refuge this morning (Aug 22). I enjoyed myself, especially on the more open bits, until the mosquitoes discovered I was there, formed a posse, and chased this intruder back to her car.

One of the first designated National Natural Landmarks was Bergen-Byron Swamp, recognized in 1964 for its undisturbed wetlands and northern white cedar. It sits a mile off a dead-end road about 40 minutes west of Rochester, NY, and a 7/10 mile semi-maintained trail through the forest leads to the swamp’s edge. I visited on Aug 20. Lots of rotting bog bridges and mud. Looks like the swamp doesn’t get many human visitors outside of researchers and field biologists, which is probably a good thing in terms of keeping the area wild.

Oak Orchard Creek Marsh is a couple towns west of the swamp and is an important stopover for migratory birds.

Also got close to Le Roy Fossil Coral Reef NNL, an important ancient reef site of geological significance. That is closed to the public and on private land, so I could only get a photo of the nearby trees.