The Griffin Memorial Forest


The placque dedicating the Forest to the memory of John P. Griffin

Griffin Memorial Forest

In 1914, John P. Griffin deeded 40 acres of land to the Town of Fine for the purpose of establishing a town forest.  This forest is to be used by the people, and as far as we know, it is the only Town Forest in the United States.

 

Through the help of the students and staff at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (the Ranger School) and students from Mr. White's Wilderness Studies classes at the Clifton-Fine Central School many improvements have been done to the forest or are planned for the forest.  In the summer of 2009, members from the Retired Teacher's Association of the Clifton-Fine Central School set out and cleared trails throughout the forest.

 

The Griffin Memorial Forest is probably one of the best kept secrets in the Town of Fine.  If you would like to check it out, take Route 3 to the hamlet of Oswegatchie in the Town of Fine, turn onto the Browns Falls Road.  Follow the road around until you see the Owl Mountain Road.  Turn onto the Owl Mountain Road and it will take you to the entrance for the forest.  Make sure to sign the guestbook!

Images:
Checking out the new kiosk built by Mr. White's class
Retired teachers who helped clear trails

 

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