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SUNY ESF
Heiberg Memorial Forest

Named after ESF professor Svend O. Heiberg, Heiberg Forest is located 25 miles south of Syracuse, New York in the Towns of Tully, Pompey, Truxton, and Fabius. The 3,800-acre property serves as an outdoor classroom and laboratory for teaching, research, and demonstration. There are 18 miles of roads and trails, five ponds, and a scenic overlook that provide ample opportunities for recreation and wildlife viewing.

Recreation

Allowable uses for Heiberg forest are day use, open from sunrise to sunstet, authorized vehicles only, do not park in front of the gate, dogs must be kept on a leash and under control, no dirt bikes, A T V or U T V are allowed. golf carts are allowed, snowmobiles must remain on marked trails, do not disturb teaching and research sites, stay out of restricted areas, campfires not permitted, leave no trash, respect other trail users.

Public recreation is permitted at Heiberg Forest so long as it does not conflict with teaching and research projects. Look for the trail signs like the one pictured to the left for the approved activities, rules, and safety instructions for each trail. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.

Maple Syrup

Maple season is our favorite time of year at Heiberg Forest. The sap starts flowing in the early spring when daytime temperatures are above freezing and the nighttime temperatures are below freezing. There are 1350 taps in our 23-acre sugarbush located on Maple Ridge Road. Maple syrup is available for purchase from the ESF Bookstore, or at the Heiberg Forest Main Office during business hours.

Hunting

Hunting is prohibited in any area marked with a "Safety Zone" sign or in any area where active teaching or research is taking place. Non-hunters may encounter hunters during their visits. Always be aware of your surroundings and be respectful of all users of the property.

Follow all New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) hunting regulations. The DEC highly recommends ALL hunters wear a fluorescent orange hat, vest and/or coat while hunting. Hunting regulations, as well as information on how to obtain a NYS hunting license can be found on the DEC website. Heiberg Forest is located in Wildlife Management Unit 7M.

Snowmobiling

There are over 5 miles of snowmobile trails at Heiberg Forest maintained by the Truxton Trailblazers snowmobile club.

Firewood

The firewood produced at Heiberg Forest comes directly from our sustainably managed forest as a byproduct of our forest management. Its primary use here at Heiberg is to heat our 6,000 sq.ft. maintenance garage and our wood-fired evaporator in the sugar house during maple syrup production season.

A limited quantity of firewood is available to the public for purchase. As this firewood is untreated, firewood must not be transported greater than 50 miles from Heiberg Forest. Buyers must pick up their firewood at Heiberg Forest. Delivery is not available. Dump trucks and dump trailers can be loaded directly from the firewood processor. Pickup trucks and small trailers must be loaded by hand.

Current Prices:

  • Hardwood firewood (ash, maple, and cherry): $70/ton
  • Hardwood "blockwood" (not processed): $21/ton
  • Softwood firewood (limited availability): $18/ton