Highland Forest

Highland Forest in Fabius, New York, the oldest park in the Onondaga County Parks system, grew from abandoned upland farmland into a large county reforestation project and public recreation area. After state legislation in 1929 encouraged counties to reclaim worn-out farms, Onondaga County began buying land here in 1930 and by the end of the decade had assembled 2,000 acres. From 1930 to 1939, about 2 million trees were planted, while trails and picnic facilities were added for public use. The park later expanded its recreational role with ski trails, trail connections, a sledding hill, Skyline Lodge, and the Pioneer Museum, preserving both landscape and local history.

Fabius, New York · United States