All Western Christmas Tree Farm, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2 PM

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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

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.

Fabulous Fiddlers Fair, September 14

 

Mushrooms at the All Western Tree FarmOn Saturday, be sure to come to the Springwater Fiddlers Fair, at the Sugarbush Hollow Maple Farm.  Besides the great music, food, vendors, workshops, we will have our usual mushroom table, in the woods, where mushrooms collected on the maple farm, will be displayed.  Members of RAMA will be present to discuss and identify them.  2 years ago, about 100 species of mushrooms were found there, and it’s looking like it should be just as good this year.

We have not scheduled a hike this Sunday, so we can spend the day relaxing and recovering, and enjoying our memories from the Fiddlers Fair.  Be sure to join us the next Sunday, September 22, at Katherine’s christmas tree farm.  Look for details, in this column, next week.

The Springwater Fiddlers Fair and American Craft Show

As many of you know, Springwater Trails will be at the Springwater Fiddlers Fair and American Craft Show on Saturday September 14.  We hope you will all come and enjoy the music, the workshops, the food and the crafts at the fair.  You will be met at the parking lot by members of the Springwater Trails hiking group.  Please stop at our tent in the parking lot while you wait for the bus to the fair.

I visited Chuck WInship on Tuesday in a beautiful celebration of community.  The Fiddlers Fair is a manifestation of Chuck’s belief in the importance of community.  A hundred musicians and 25 local artists will be demonstrating the talents of our community. The food vendors will be featuring locally grown produce.  An the workshops presented throughout the Sugarbush Hollow will give you an opportunity to commune with nature while stretching your legs and your intellect.

Please check the fair website for details, then come visit the fair between 10am and 6pm.  While there, please take a walk on the Springwater Trail through Sugarbush Hollow.  The trail head is as short walk south of the sugar house on Pardee Hollow Road.

Balloons and Fiddles

Balloons&BarnI just wanted to use this spot to share some pictures from the Dansville Balloon Launch.  We had a great time watching the balloons and especially seeing one land.

But before you look at more pictures, please consider volunteering to help park cars at the Fiddler’s Fair.  Joan still has a few open spots.  Click here to let her know when you could be available.

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Pepe and the Purple People Eater land together.

Pepe and the Purple People Eater land together.

We chased one balloon down County Line Rd

We chased one balloon down County Line Rd

Directly over us!

Directly over us!

Landing

Landing

The view after landing up into the balloon

The view after landing looking directly up into the balloon