New $3.5 million “canopy walkway” plan at Tanglewood Nature Center moves forward

BIG FLATS, N.Y. (WETM) – The Chemung County Planning Board has recommended approval for a proposal to build a “canopy walkway” at the Tanglewood Nature Center. The Town of Big Flats will now decide on granting final approval for the estimated $3.5-million-dollar project. The Tanglewood Nature Center has an Elmira mailing address, but the land is located in Big Flats.

In a meeting on July 25th the Chemung County Planning Board recommended approval for a: “proposed site plan, special use permit and zoning area variance for construction of ADA accessible canopy walkway and access trail, redevelop parking improvements, signage, lighting and associated improvements to existing Tanglewood Nature Center.”

“Canopy walkways serve many purposes,” Elaine Smith told 18 News in an interview on July 19th, 2023. Smith is the Executive Director of the Tanglewood Nature Center. “They are recreational. It’s a great place to go and see nature in a new way. But they can also be educational because you’re up in an area of the trees that you don’t normally get to, so you can see things that you might not see from the ground. Different insects, see birds nesting, watch males do their thing up high, all those things if you’re lucky.”

The canopy walkway is being planned with help from Elmira Native Meg Lowman, better known as “Canopy Meg. ” Lowman is a pioneer in forest canopy ecology and has designed canopy walkways around the world. She has also published multiple books and is an educational speaker. Lowman also frequently visits the Tanglewood Nature Center for children’s education camps and talks. The center says “Canopy Meg” will be back this Friday at 2 p.m. for a “Treetop Lecture. “

The estimated $3.5 million cost to build the canopy walkway will be paid for with a mix of funds. The Chemung County Legislature approved $1 million for the project from the federal American Rescue Plan. The nature center says the rest will be paid for with grants, private donations, and fundraising events.

If given final approval by the Town of Big Flats, the center says it then has to go through a bidding process with construction companies. Scott Moore, the President of the Tanglewood Nature Center Board of Directors, told 18 News the goal is to break ground on the project sometime next year.

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