You are invited to hike on private land near the Northwestern corner of Springwater on the 248 acre All Western Evergreen Nursery & Christmas Tree Farm owned by Katherine Humphrey and daughter, Jerrianne Scheiderich.  The entrance to the farm is at 6840 Liberty Pole Road (County Road 38, 1 mile from State Route 15 between Springwater and Webster’s Crossing).  It is well marked and is on the high side of the road.  There is parking to the left of the driveway opposite the Morton Building.  Please follow the orange cones and park facing Liberty Pole Road.  The hike on Sunday, February 14^th will begin shortly before 2 PM.  Arrive early for instructions.  Hikers will be divided into Climbers, Tourists, and Naturalists.

Mark will lead the Climbers on skis around the perimeter of the upper field.

Melissa will lead the Tourists on snow shoes or winter boots up to the top of the farm and around the various fields and through the cathedral pines.

Katherine will be leading Naturalists, starting around the back of the house and proceeding up the road to the fields..

On the hike, expect winter conditions. With the snow about 15 inches deep and quite light, skis and snow shoes can be used. There will be a few snow shoes available for hikers who want to try them. Dress warmly and bring water, poles, and snacks, as desired.  Masks and social distancing are requested.  Walk carefully since stones, drifts, woodchuck holes, brush and stumps may lie under the snow.  We will crisscross the farm from behind the residence to Story Road, Swartz Road, and/or Liberty Pole Road.  It is about 1 mile across the farm in either direction; about 4 miles around the perimeter.  The nursery beds and several exotic trees are near the residence.  There is a leisurely incline from 1200 to about 2000 feet and back.  The tree farm was started in 1968, making 2021 the 53^rd year of planting trees.  Participants may like to notice the many different species of Christmas trees planted and the animal tracks to ID.  Please stay on trails to avoid trampling seedlings that may not be seen under the snow. You will see hardwoods, a red pine forest (cathedral pines planted over 75 years ago), Christmas tree plantations (some trees up to 35 feet tall), a pond, wet areas and open fields and a gorgeous view from the hill tops toward East Springwater.

After the hike, a choice of hot, take-out, home-made soups by donation will be available.  Bring a folding chair if you wish to stay and converse outside depending on the vagaries of nature.

Directions: NOTE: If you are following your GPS to today’s hike, check that your directions actually go to Liberty Pole Road. If your route ends on Schwartz Rd, you will find you are a long way from the parking area you are looking for!

From Springwater: Go west from the Springwater light on Rt 15 North.  Just past the top of the hill, turn left on Co Rd  38 (Liberty Pole Rd).  The farm is on the left 1.1 miles from Rt 15 at 6840 Liberty Pole Rd.

From Geneseo: Go south on NY 63. About 6.4 miles after passing Rt 408, turn left on County Road 1 at Groveland.  This road becomes CR 1A at Scottsburg (rt 256) and then Liberty Pole Rd (CR 38).  It is 7.1 miles from Groveland to the All Western Evergreen Tree Farm.

From Honeoye: Take 20A west to Hemlock and 15A south to Springwater.  Then follow the Springwater directions.

From Rochester: Take I390 south to Exit 9 (NY 15 / Lakeville).  Turn left onto NY 15 and follow Rt 15 through Lakeville and Livonia (16.5 miles).  Just past Webster’s Crossing stay straight on CR 60 when Rt 15 bears left.  Take the first right off CR 60 onto Liberty Pole Rd (CR 38). The farm is on the left at 6840 Liberty Pole Rd.