[1] It is the only remaining example of this rare ecosystem in that area, a combination of swamp, wetlands, water bodies, and dune vegetation,[2] and one of the most biologically diverse parcels in Schenectady County.

The low-lying areas of the preserve are wetlands while the higher portions are pitch pine-scrub oak barrens with some of the largest sand dunes found in the Albany Pine Bush.

[2] While the preserve has traditionally been a Karner Blue butterfly habitat, there are no current populations of the endangered species there.

[3] The preserve was created by the city in 1969 as 135 acres (55 ha) of forever wild land, and is home to the headwaters of the Lisha Kill and numerous rare plants.

[8] In 2009, Schenectady County created 24 acres (9.7 ha) of protected parkland in Niskayuna within the Woodlawn Pine Barrens-Wetlands Complex, which was then deeded to the town.