Thousands of trees are being cut down on a large section of land east of the iconic IBM Glen hiking area in the town of Union.

People visiting the Glen recently were surprised to see heavy equipment and workers clearing the property near Robinson Hill Road.

Trees were being removed at a future solar farm off Robinson Hill Road on October 9, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Trees were being removed at a future solar farm off Robinson Hill Road on October 9, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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The trees are being removed on land owned by Homestead Village Development Group LLC of Vestal.

Some of those hiking on a trail on the east side of the IBM Glen have been wondering whether Homestead was planning to build more townhouses similar to a development off Watson Boulevard.

The site actually is being cleared for the construction of a solar farm project. Delaware River Solar LLC is planning to develop a pair of solar facilities on land adjacent to the Glen.

A heavily-wooded area on the IBM Glen property next to a recently-cleared section of land on October 9, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A heavily-wooded area on the IBM Glen property next to a recently-cleared section of land on October 9, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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The solar projects were approved by the town of Union planning board in 2022 but work at the site started only recently.

Some hikers told WNBF News they were shocked by the amount of land that's already been cleared.

Christopher Audette, executive director of the Waterman Conservation Education Center which owns the Glen property, said people have been asking about the nearby tree removal operations.

An access road to a solar farm construction site in the town of Union on October 9, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
An access road to a solar farm construction site in the town of Union on October 9, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Audette said while "we hate to see the trees go," the center acknowledges the need for renewable energy that will be provided by the project.

Audette noted the Waterman Center was able to provide input as part of the planning process for the solar project.

It's not known when the first solar farm at the site will start producing power.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A look at the clearing operations underway for the solar projects on October 9, 2024.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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