DEC and Town of Nelson Announce Completion of New Accessible Trail and Boardwalk in Nelson Swamp Unique Area

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and town of Nelson today announced the completion of the 0.5-mile Chittenango Creek Boardwalk accessible trail project through Nelson Swamp Unique Area in Madison County. The trail and boardwalk meander through a mosaic of low-lying wet meadows, deciduous woods, dark groves of cedar and pine, and the upper portion of Chittenango Creek as it winds toward Lake Ontario.

"DEC is thrilled to join our town of Nelson partners to dedicate the accessible, collaboratively designed Chittenango Creek Boardwalk that will provide convenient recreational opportunities at the remarkable Nelson Swamp Unique Area in Madison County," DEC Region 7 Director Dereth Glance said. "The boardwalk project connects people of all ages and abilities to the Nelson hamlet area and boasts scenic overlooks of the creek and bench seating to soak in the wonderous sights and sounds of this lush wetland."

The 979-acre Nelson Swamp Unique Area is approximately 20 miles southeast of Syracuse featuring more than 400 cataloged species of plants, including several species of orchid. The area is also known to support a diverse population of breeding birds.

DEC recently added 7.5 acres to the unique area following the generous donation by the town of Nelson that included a 0.2-mile section of trail and boardwalk completed by the town in 2021. The full 0.5-miles of accessible trail is now part of a 1.3-mile pedestrian walkway loop connecting local businesses, town offices, natural resources, and town parkland. DEC worked closely with the town of Nelson, Nelson Swamp Trail Committee, and Nelson Streetscape committee to design the new trail and boardwalk to support the community's connectivity vision.

New York State Senator Joseph Griffo said, "I am pleased that a new accessible trail and boardwalk in the Nelson Swamp Unique Area has been completed. This project will enhance access to existing outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities in Madison County while also improving connectivity and expanding access to local businesses, natural resources, parklands and other attractions in the region."

Nelson Town Councilor Jennifer Marti said, "Through our partnership with DEC, the Chittenango Creek Boardwalk trail provides the public with access to the 'uniqueness' of Nelson Swamp Unique Area and our community with connectivity throughout the hamlet. The project places Nelson on the map for the beauty of our outdoors and the potential that our location offers for smart growth into the future."

The $760,600 boardwalk project was funded through the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Among the many environmental victories in the enacted 2024-25 State Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders maintained the historically high level of $400 million in EPF funding. The EPF supports climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improves agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protects water sources, advances conservation efforts, and provides recreational opportunities for New Yorkers. The EPF also supports New York's 30x30 initiative, which commits to conserving 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030.

The new boardwalk at Nelson Swamp is a great opportunity to Get Offline and Get Outside and DEC is committed to expanding access to shared outdoor spaces for people of all ages and abilities. Recently, more than $5 million in State accessibility projects were completed to expand recreational opportunities for all New Yorkers to enjoy. DEC's newly launched Accessible Recreation Destinations Map displays 266 destinations across New York State with wheelchair accessible outdoor recreation opportunities.

More information about Nelson Swamp Unique Area is available on DEC's website, including site-specific rules.

Photos of the project are available on DEC's Flickr page.

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