IBM Glen
The IBM Glen comprises over 200 acres in the Town of Union, in the heart of the so-called Triple Cites region in New York State's Southern Tier. The IBM Glen contains a mature forest with some of the oldest and largest trees in Broome County, and its cascading gorge is the region's finest. For centuries people have enjoyed the Glen's majestic trees, cool waterfalls, colorful wildflowers, and abundant bird and animal life. We know that the region's native inhabitants must have loved this magical spot, and when white settlers began to arrive in the 18th century one of the first homesteaders built next to the Glen.
In the IBM Glen, a carefully-built trail with natural stone steps and bridges, including two stone arch bridges, was built in the 1930's or 1940's. Stone fireplaces and picnic tables can be seen along the Glen's trail.
The IBM Glen is a mature forest of maples, dark green hemlocks tall oaks and occasionally a white pine or two that is three feet in diameter which towers over them all. The "old growth forest" is located close to the stream and is an important part of The Glen for people to see.
Wildlife has many different types of homes in The Glen. From reptiles to birds to mammals and amphibians, people of all ages can walk through The Glen and enjoy all of the different types of wildlife.
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Waterman Center obtained the property in 2004 when a group of people convinced IBM not to log the old growth trees and sell the land, but rather to turn it into a refuge for people to enjoy.
The IBM Glen is a "Place for All Seasons"! Walking is the most popular sport of those who use the trails at The Glen but there's also room for those who snowshoe and cross-country ski in the winter!
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Waterman Conservation Center Names Trail After Couple Who Helped Save IBM Glen
WICZ Fox 40: Updated: Jun 23, 2019 5:20 PM EDT; JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. By Briana Supardi
Dozens gathered at IBM Glen on Sunday to recognized and honor the couple who helped save the glen.
After living in the area for close to 50 years, Barbara and Alan Jones will be moving to California, and as a token of appreciation and gratitude, the Waterman Conservation Education Center has named the last remaining unnamed trail at IBM Glen after the Jones.
The trail has been named 'Jones Trail.' "That's pretty exciting," said Barbara. "Long after we're gone, that trail will be there with our names and that's pretty exciting," added Alan. "You're just part of hopefully a very long legacy of people doing the same, so thank you very much, Barbara and Alan," WCEC Director Christopher Audette said to the Jones. Other key players that helped save the glen were also present, sharing stories about their time with the Jones and the role they played saving the forest. To view the video, click on the link below:
To see images of the event, click on the link below:
https://www.terifranzenphotography.com/jones-trail-dedication/
Images: courtesy of Teri Franzen Photography