The Power of Water

Maintaining trails, railings, and other structures requires constant upkeep by Cornell Botanic Gardens staff. During heavy rain events, water often floods the trails, damaging stonework. Beginning in 2008, the gorge was closed for seven years to restore the historic trail structures. Improvements included building this concrete staircase, which required moving the stairs and trail away from the overhanging gorge wall. Other repairs included new retaining walls, stone paths, railings, storm drains, and removing hazard trees and shrubs.