Exploring the “new” NYS Parks, Recreation and Preservation area in Springwater

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Pam

A section of land between Reynolds Gull and Town Line Road which surrounds the mighty creek of Reynolds Gull, has recently changed hands from the Nature Conservancy to NYS Parks, Recreation and Preservation. 16 SpringwaterTrail hikers ventured deep into the gully to explore the overgrown logging roads and fingers of Reynolds Gull creek on a beautiful fall day. At this time of the year, water levels from this powerful creek were perfect for creek walking which provided an adventurous experience for all.

Car pooling and social took place from the historical Evergreen Cemetery which borders Reynolds Gully located on Canadice Lake Road. Thanks go out to Mr. Hoppough and the Evergreen Cemetery Association for allowing us to have our social at the cemetery location and explore the old gravestones of early settlers in the area. It is also reported that there was once a covered bridge that crossed the deep gully below. Maybe future pictures of this bridge and interesting stories about the settlers will appear at some point from Rick Osieki”s website on Hemlock/Canadice history or the Springwater Historical Society.

Looking at detailed GPS maps and using smart phones, hikers began their exploration of the creek from the old cabin located near the creek bed. The cabin is open, the pond has been filled in and the old dam has been removed by the Nature Conservancy. According to the Nature Conservancy, these improvements will allow a suitable environment for brook trout to develop. Hopefully, additional trails will be maintained by the state.

Hikers followed many overgrown old logging roads while crisscrossing the stream back and forth according to their skill levels. The “Creek Crossing Award” goes out to John who managed the slippery rocks without getting hurt.

While many mushrooms were identified along the way, none were eaten, and only one was picked. Some hikers decided to” leave no trace” and left the beauty of the mushrooms in place for others to photograph or study. No brook trout were seen nor other wildlife. We hoped to locate the bear cave that we identified two years ago on one of the fingers of the creek, but to no avail, nor any cougar sightings. The sounds of the creek traveling over little waterfalls through the deep gully and the silence of the woods were truly inspiring.

Seven climbers accepted the challenge to explore the creek into unknown territory. Beginning at the cabin, they proceeded downstream, following the creek bed into a deeper section of the gully with the knowledge that they would have to climb out of the deep gorge at some point, possibly near the area of Tamarack Campground. The creek bed became wider along the way as expert creek walkers crisscrossed the creek back and forth, managing to cross on not-so-slippery rocks or even walk through the creek at shallow locations. Sue managed to use her smart phone and GPS to identify our location in the creek which gave some clue as to the location of Tamarack Campground high above the creek. Running out of time, we opted to climb the gully wall, holding onto trees for leverage, and even crawling on all fours at times to reach the top. It was truly a mountain climbing adventure! We were tired as we finally emerged victoriously into civilization.

Social was enjoyed by all, including a grape and apple pie, many filling soups, beans and chili! Nice to see Amy, Joan and Bob once again! Welcome goes out to our new hikers Bill, Karen and Sue. Thanks also to our hike scouts, Wendy, Bill C. from Kentucky, and Marty! It is our hope that possibly someday, Springwater Trails could assist the state in maintaining these trails in our Springwater Trail Corridor.

Bushwacking the Canadice Outlet – the Secluded Forest, Gully and Water

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Pam

SpringwaterTrails and the New York State Forest Owners Association, Western Chapter (NYFOA) joined together on August 8, 2015 for a “woods walk” into the Canadice Outlet, a section of forested land in the DEC Hemlock/Canadice State Forest. Thanks go out to the DEC and the City of Rochester for allowing special permission to our organizations to travel from a historical abandoned road behind private property on Bald Hill to the restricted area of the “curved dam” on RT. 15A.

The reward was an immediate steep ascent

Following the ridge of the steep gully with views of the Canadice Outlet Creek below, 4 leaders, Peter Muench, Pam Masterson, Ellen Folts , and Rick Osieki, educated hikers on the diversity of the forest as well as the history of an old milling village called Dixon Hollow and the development of the Canadice Outlet dams by the City of Rochester. Remains of an abandoned road, sawmill, grist mill and bridge which once spanned the outlet were identified and the curved dam on Rt. 15A was viewed from the back and front. A variety of mushrooms species (including a nice hen in the woods), jack in the pupits, red and white dolls eyes, fringed polygala and bloodroot were pointed out by Ellen Folts and Georgia Binder. Peter Muench educated hikers regarding the differences in the oak trees along with enjoying the size and beauty of the Hemlock pines.

A separate advanced group, led by Bill Cooke, traveled back through the creek bed area, crossing the low water level creek at various locations. This creek walk is not possible other times of the year as water levels can change drastically due to spring thaw or storms which turn the creek into a “raging river” which historically powered the old mills located along the creek. Viewing the forest above from the bottom of a gully provided a different perspective to explorers.

Hikers enjoyed an after hike social which included everything from fresh summer vegetables, salads and hot dogs with homemade condiments to homemade pies and desserts. Rick provided information regarding his website on Hemlock and Canadice Lakes and foresters shared the beauty of what Ellen identified as a “ecological extravaganza!”

Canadice Outlet Photos

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Pam

Pictures by Char!

Peter Muench introduced the hike for NYFOA	Gene highlighted an opportunity to help the Nature Conservancy building the Rob’s Trail extension.
Dale Schaefer introduced the NY Forest Owners Association Western Finger Lakes chapter.

Our thanks to Peter Meunch from the NY Forest Owners Association and to Rick Osieki from hemlockandcanadicelakes.com.

Celebrating the Summer Solstice – The annual Canadice Lake Tri-modal

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Pam

winners of Canadice Lake Tri-modal

Congratulations go out to Mark, Linda, Melissa, and Wendy for completing the 3rd annual Canadice Lake tri-modal! Timing was perfect for honoring Father’s Day, celebrating the Summer Solstice, and observing the “after the flood” conditions around Canadice Lake. 18 persons and 4 little dogs joined us to either walk the damaged roads and trails, bike around broken shoulders and potholes, or kayak into the high waters and flooded inlet area of Canadice Lake.

Due to the damaged conditions of the Canadice Lake Trail, alternative hiking and biking directions were adjusted by prednisone Pam for different skill levels. Climbers choose to challege themselves on Holmes Hill Road, a seasonal road, off the Canadice Lake Road, that travels along a deep ravine to CR 37, high above Canadice Lake. From the top they traveled south to meet Johnson Hill Road, back down to Canadice Lake Road and return to the kayak/canoe launch, for a total of approximately 5 miles on a hot day.

Naturalists chose to enter the south trail along Canadice Lake, exploring the inlet area of the lake, seeing where the waters met the trail, hearing the songs of birds and frogs, identifying new mushrooms and wildflowers, and observing the damage from the June 14th flood on the “Haul Road”.

Mark, Linda, Wendy and Melissa decided to bike north along the Canadice Lake Road and loop around Canadice Hollow Road back to the kayak/canoe launch for a total of 8 miles, followed by kayaking, and a brief walk to complete the tri-modal event. Staying close to shore, kayakers explored the eastern shoreline, crossing the lake to the west side past the state boat launch, and following the small channel of the inlet area to locate the beaver lodge. Although threatening thunderstorms were in the forecast, the weather was beautiful for a paddle, with a few gusts (not ducks or dusts),surprising kayakers in the middle of the lake.

After hike social was held by the kiosk and included chicken wings, mexican shrimp, and many other delicious summer salads and desserts. Welcome goes out to Julia (Nanette’s sister) and Jim and Ann from the Genesee Valley Hiking Group.