Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is distinct from other regions in the country. Its geology, soils, and land forms shaped the construction of the canals, as well as the economic base for centuries of continuous settlement.
It's all about water.
Water weaves through every part of this landscape, including dramatic rivers, the marvel of the canals, a multitude of lakes, and underground aquifers. The Corridor's waterways include approximately 40 percent of New York State's freshwater resources and drain nearly half of the state's total area.
Within the Corridor, the vegetation is varied, including hardwood forests, wetlands, bogs, sweeping agricultural fields, and orchards. The abundance of water and variety of vegetation provide habitat for fish, waterfowl, and forest animals, including a number of threatened and endangered species.
Good Stewardship
These natural resources are the basis for a host of recreational activities and provide the essential ingredient for the quality of day-to-day life in the Corridor, attracting businesses, residents, and tourists to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Good stewardship of these resources requires a combination of sound planning, conservation, pollution prevention, and thoughtful and efficient use of water, energy, and land.
Learn more about the nature of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and discover what makes it such a unique place to live or visit.