Lake Briana
On the northeast side of west campus, are two large water recharge basins. Originally built to catch runoff from paved areas of campus and Nichols Road, in 2004 the basins have been designated fresh water wetlands by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This means the lakes are protected from modification or destruction. The surface of these ponds is at the level of the local water table. Surrounding the ponds is a high chain-link fence. The basins are not easily visible in summer because of the dense foliage. Discussions are being held between members of the Conservancy about raising money and working with campus administrators to develop trails around the lakes, emplacing picnic tables, cleaning up the trash and removing the chain-link fence. The recharge basins are informally known as Lake Briana, in honor of an outstanding undergraduate student who was active in helping to conserve the Ashley Schiff Memorial Forest Park.