Duff climbs to 2000 feet.
This week, enjoy hiking the woods, beautiful hills, cathedral pine forest, open fields and Christmas tree plantations (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. Last October we explored the area for mushrooms with the Rochester Area Mycological Association (RAMA) compliments of Gene and Georgia Binder. We hope to do so again this year and have invited RAMA members to do the identification for us (though there is a possibility that this won’t happen). A basket, small paper bags, a tool for digging out the fungus by its roots (as the substrate on which the mushroom is growing is a help in identification) are nice to have for the foray. In case no one from RAMA is there, take pictures, top and bottom, and send them to Gene at [email protected], or to this web site, and we will get them identified.
Cathedral Pines
This time, we are hoping for a gorgeous fall day with hints of fall colors and a slightly cloudy sky. 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.
We will begin and end the hike at 6840 Liberty Pole Road where there is ample parking at the Christmas tree wholesale loading area between the Western redcedar and a path to the woods just south of the bee hives (belonging to George Karadimas, Conesus, vendor of pure natural meal
honey comb, 585-346-0528).
We will break up into several groups. The Climbers will be led by Char, the Tourists by Carole or Melissa, and the Naturalists by Katherine. If Bonnie comes she will be at the house for a game of Scrabble! If Don comes he might lead a group to the cathedral pines for rest (carrying folding chairs) and conversation. If Rosemary comes, you will meet a new hiker!
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 hiking up through the woods, through the tree plantations, across the open fields, through the cathedral pine 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 (Springwater Trails people have planned hikes here 5 times since we started in 2010 and seen something different every time.)
The after hike social (4:30 – 6:30 p.m.) will be at the farmhouse where Soup and Sandwich materials, Milk and Ice Cream are available to augment the generosity of those who choose to bring a dish to share or to contribute $5 to the hike fund. The ping pong table is ready and a game is a highlight!
Directions: All Western Evergreen Nursery and Christmas Tree Farm, 6840 Liberty Pole Road (County Road 38) is located one mile west of Route 15, between Springwater and Webster Crossing. If using GPS, type in Dansville, NY, although we are on the Springwater Tax roles! Phone 585-669-2659 or 585-737-5205 or log into www.allwesterntrees.com for more information.
On Saturday, be sure to come to the 
