Overview

The IBM Glen was formed slowly, over thousands of years by a river slowly eroding its banks to create a massive depression along the river's path. Thus, creating the glen that we know and love today. The IBM Glen is geographically unique with few other glens forming the Triple Cities Area.

For generations the trees of the glen have been untouched leading to an old-growth forest thriving around the glen. But, in July 2000, IBM (who owned the IBM Glen) announced that they would selectively log the mature trees in the glen to make room for new growth. Several community members learned of this news and decided to take action. 

The "Friends of the Glen" was a group that was formed during the movement and was led by Barbara and Alan Jones. Other groups helped out including Binghamton University students in the club, Binghamton Students for Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC). The SEAC along with many other volunteers went door-to-door in the community, asking people to sign petitions to save the IBM Glen as well as handing out flyers for community action meetings. 

These groups and community members protested, got signatures for petitions, wrote letters to politicians and IBM executives, wrote newspaper articles and so much more! After just 5 months their efforts were successful and in December 2000, IBM cancelled the logging. 

Nevertheless, their work was not finished the glen needed to be preserved to prevent the future threat of logging. Therefore, the Friends of the Glen jumped into action in order to find ways to preserve the glen. Eventually the Fred L. Waterman Conservation Education Center stepped up. 

Thanks to the efforts of these activists, people are still able to enjoy the beauty of the old-growth forest at the IBM Glen. The Waterman Center continues to care for the glen today and welcomes all kinds of visitors to walk, hike, run, x-c ski, or bike around the glen. 

Explore the website to learn more about this impressive movement and the people behind it.