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 20^th will begin promptly at 2 PM.  Arrive early for instructions.  Hikers will be divided into Climbers, Tourists, and Naturalists. Mark, Char, and Katherine will be leading the hikes.  Farm maps will be available so as to stay on the Farm.  Please do not wander onto the neighbor’s lands.  Please follow your snowshoe or hike leader.  Select a sweep so as not to lose anyone along the way.

The following plans are subject to change based on the weather. Whether we hike or ski or snowshoe, you can count on good exercise. Our routes will include a mixture of open fields with views across the valley and forest walks with a winter perspective. Expect winter conditions.  If there is enough snow, skis and snow shoes can be used.  Dress warmly and bring water, poles, and snacks, as desired.  Masks and social distancing are recommended, along with all the usual precautions we are trying to get used to.  Most of us have had the recommended vaccines and booster shots.  Beware of stones, drifts, woodchuck holes, brush and stumps.  We will all meet at the farm parking lot behind the house at 6840 Liberty Pole Road.

We are planning to carpool the skiers up to Swartz Rd. From there we will head across to the Cathedral Pines, up to Story Rd and around the perimeter of the upper field to the largest trees on the farm in the Scott Hill triangle. Most of us will head back to Swartz Rd and drive back to the farm house. Those interested in downhill skiing will return on the road down to the farm house.

The Tourists on snow shoes or winter boots will head up to the field and will follow a path toward the south, around the pond and back to the cathedral pines. From there we will head around the various fields of Christmas trees, past the beautiful full grown Concolor trees on the north side of the farm in the Scott Hill triangle . From there we will head into the woods for an interesting walk back to the farm house.

The Naturalists will explore the nursery beds and several exotic trees near the residence, and then head up the road (a leisurely incline from 1200 to about 2000 feet) to the fields and possibly to the Cathedral Pines.

The tree farm was started in 1968, making 2022 the 54th 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 Concolor fir 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, home-made soups will be at the farm house.  The garage area will be our shelter with the doors open.  You are invited to bring a dish to pass, a folding chair, your preferred drink and stay for the social.

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.