So the name is a bit misleading. The Thousand Acre Swamp Sanctuary in Penfield is actually just more than 500 acres, up from its original size of 52 acres when landscape architect Fletcher Steele bequeathed the parcel to Penfield in 1971. This ice-age remnant area of low wetlands and upland ash and maple forests is owned by the Nature Conservancy, and managed by a group of volunteers called the Thousand Acres Swamp Preservation Committee, who also constructed the system of trails enjoyed by hikers today as the sanctuary approaches its 40th anniversary. About two miles of public trails begin at a parking lot at 1581 Jackson Road, west of Penfield Center Rd, between Atlantic Ave. and Plank Road. The winding trails become a raised boardwalk in wet areas. Trail guides are available at the entrance kiosk, and The Thousand Acre Swamp Society offers numerous guided walks throughout the year. Upcoming is the "Full Moon Over the Swamp" hike on Friday, July 23, at 8 p.m., when you can enjoy the rare treat of sharing the peaceful night woods and catch sights and sounds of nocturnal creatures. Three hike leaders will provide telescopes; participants are encouraged to bring their own telescopes, binoculars, and flashlights. For more information, call 425-9561.