Monthly Archives: February 2013

All Western Tree Farm – Sunday February 24, 2013 – 2:00 PM sharp

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This week, enjoy hiking the beautiful hills, forest, open fields and Christmas trees (over 20 species of evergreens are planted – see how many you can identify) in the Northwestern corner of the Town of Springwater at elevations from 1800 to 2000 feet on the 245 acre All Western Evergreen Nursery & Christmas Tree Farm. Mushrooms at the All Western Tree Farm

Last October we explored the area for mushrooms with the Rochester Area Mycological Association (RAMA) compliments of Gene and Georgia Binder.

This time, we are expecting the snow to stay so those who want to cross country ski or snow shoe can do so.  The farm is shaped like a Y and has entrances in three places:  at the house located at 6840 Liberty Pole Road, on Swartz Road between Carney Hollow and Springwater – Sparta Town Line (renamed Story Road) and off of Story Road (seasonal from Swartz Road to Liberty Pole, though without the snow, there may be some vehicular traffic).

We will begin the hike at 6840 Liberty Pole Road where there is ample parking at the Christmas tree wholesale loading area between the Western redcedar and the bee hives (belonging to George Karadimas, Conesus).

Are you coming?The Climbers will be led by Melissa, the Tourists by Carole or Wendy, and the Naturalists by Katherine or Gene.  The lay of the land is about one mile from road to road, so depending on the route, the length can be any number of miles by zigzagging up and down the hills, across the open fields, through the forest and along the Christmas tree farm lanes.  The view of East Springwater is spectacular, so take time to enjoy it.  Hopefully, we will not have the wind to contend with in the open fields like a year ago.

Plan to bring your cross country skis if you want.  One group will plan to ski.  There is also plenty of snow for snow shoes.  Otherwise, bring walking poles or crampons for any icy patches and plan to enjoy the open fields.

The after hike social (4:30 – 6:30 p.m.) will be at the farmhouse where Soup and Sandwiches, Milk and Ice Cream will be on hand.  Visitors are welcome to bring a dish to share or to contribute $5 to the hike fund.  The ping pong table is ready and a game would be fun.

Directions are available here.

Spicy Cheeseburger Soup

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From the kitchen of Katherine J. T. Humphrey . . . adapted from Taste of Home Heartwarming Soups, 2010, p. 17, Lisa Mast, White Cloud, Michigan

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:5]

DEC Information Meeting – Canadice and Hemlock management Plan (UMP)

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Hemlock-Canadice State ForestIn 2010 NYS DEC purchased the City of Rochester’s Watershed property under the State Reforestation Law of 1929. The 6684 acres of land purchased is now call the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest.  The DEC has been working on a Management Plan for the forest and is ready to present the Draft plan and make it available for comments.

On March 14, 2013 at 6:30PM there will be an informational open house at the Springwater Fire Hall.  DEC Staff will be available until 9:00PM to accept comments.

The Springwater Trails expects to continue to work with the DEC to make this forest available for the enjoyment of all hikers in the area.  We want to urge everyone who is interested in the future of this forest and in hiking and trails in the Springwater area to look at the draft Unit Management Plan and to come meet the DEC Staff who are working hard to provide the best management for the forest.

 

Wesley Rd Trail Head (42.72766,-77.4848) – Wesley Hill Nature Preserve – Directions

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Directions to Wesley Rd Trailhead:

A word of caution – do not try to access Wesley Road from down on East Lake Road, in spite of what your gps might tell you. The road is closed from East Lake Rd up to the Trail Head. If you try it you will readily see why.

From Honeoye: take route 20A east through Honeoye to East Lake Road (CR 33). Turn right onto East Lake Road. (If coming from Bristol or points east, its a left onto East Lake Road).  Take the first left, staying on CR 33, then the first right onto Pinewood Hill which becomes Gulick Road. Travel 3.4 miles, then turn right onto Wesley Road. Parking area is on the right side and can fit about 8 vehicles; the rest of us can park on the side of the road (it’s paved).

From Springwater: Head north on Rt 15A toward Hemlock.  Just before Hemlock, turn right on Rt 20A.  Follow Rt 20A to Honeoye and then follow the directions above.

From Naples: From the southern end of Naples, head west on Co Rd 36. Follow Co Rd 36 for 1.2 to the first right turn on Gulick Rd.  Follow Gulick for 8.4 miles and turn left onto Wesley Rd.  The parking area is on the right one mile down Wesley Rd.