The Finger Lakes Trail across upstate NY was started in 1962, and for nearly 25 of those years, Howard Beye was THE major volunteer for the organization that tends it. He was a deeply involved trail chair, keeping track of map updates, organizing and training those who adopt portions of our over 900-mile trail system, tracking volunteer hours for every one of them during an annual “census,” arranging Challenge Cost Share projects, and organizing every one of our three to four special work-week projects, the annual “Alley Cats,” and handling the majority of correspondence with the state agencies who host many miles of our trail.

Note:  Please arrive at 1:45, park along 5107 Old Bald Hill Road (near the curve), drop off a dish to pass for our social, dress for weather conditions, bring winter boots and, if desired, snowshoes.

How did those footprints of a man (or woman with large feet) and a dog disappear? Where are the boundaries of the State Forest and private land? What happened in the early 1900s  when all the mills disappeared from the Canadice Outlet area?    All these questions will be explored as we hike from the abandoned Dixon Hollow Road through the Canadice Outlet area, ending at the Canadice Hollow Cemetery. Our adventure will take us through ravines, across creeks and tributaries, climbing and skirting ridges, bushwhacking through hardwoods and pines, and connecting with a DEC trail that will lead us to a cemetery.  Only a mile-and-a-half as the crow flies will seem like four as we wind through the State Forest, taking time to enjoy the frozen creek and snow-covered trees while avoiding those nasty pricker bushes, and playing like children.

This can be a strenuous hike for many, especially if the snow is deep.  Accordingly you may want to bring snowshoes, but they will have to be removed from time to time for traveling through dense areas that require bushwhacking.  Once we reach the DEC trail, there will be a stretch that will accommodate snowshoes.

Naturalists will follow the old abandoned Dixon Hollow Road down into the depths of the gully called the Canadice Outlet, exploring the area of the old Adam’s Mill and what I call “Superman’s Ice Castle.” Depending on the level of water in the creek, ice build-up, and sunshine, photographs can be outstanding in this area. Sometimes the creek is able to be crossed if you have waterproof boots.  A small tributary dumps into the outlet adding beauty to this area.  For those that would like to check out the Hemlock trees for the HWA, time will allow you to examine the health of the forest.

Tracking animal footprints is also possible since my grandson indicated he found an area where “something was living.”  What animal would be eating a chunk of honeycomb right now?

Tourists and Climbers will follow the same beginning route, each at their own speed, crossing the tributary and climbing high above the creek. With special permission from local property owners, we will skirt the outlet area, bushwhack through hardwood forests, climb hills, and finally drop upon the DEC logging trail that leads to the cemetery. This can be an intermediate or advanced hike for many (especially one area where we will climb a very short but steep hill)  and can be more difficult depending on snow depth. Cars will be located at the cemetery for the return trip.

We will return to Old Bald Hill between 4 and 4:30 for a social, outdoor campfire, and the indoor warmth of the wood stove.    Please bring a nice dish to pass, your drink of choice, and tales.

Directions: Follow these directions to the meeting place. Please arrive by 1:45 and park on the road but not directly on the curve.

current conditions at 10:00am

It looks like this Sunday will be much colder than last week at Pam’s. But come and enjoy anyway – and bring a friend.

The week we are returning to the Schribner Valley, for a hike that will show off the under-story of the forest before all the spring growth occurs. With high temperatures this week, we don’t expect much snow to be left.But the ferns were out last week and there should be more signs of life this week.

We will have two hikes this week.  The Climbers will hike across the valley and the head south though mostly pine woods. After about a mile, we will head up to the top of the hill and enjoy some views across the fields. Expect some bush-whacking as we head back down and follow the stream back to the house and the social.

The Naturalists and Tourists will follow the same route for the first half of the hike, but will avoid the long climb to the high fields, instead spending a bit more time with the more accessible views.

Following the hikes, we will have a potluck social. Linda is making pulled pork.  Bring a dish to pass and your own beverage or make a $5 donation to the social fund. Coffee or tea will also be available.

Directions Click here for Winter directions. Do not try to come in from Strutt St. since both Schribner and Giles are seasonal.

Springwater Trails hikers and others may be interested in a number of program presentations (lectures) in the Mount Morris Winter Discovery Series 2017.  In March, of particular salience in present day current events, as pertain to the Erie Railroad high bridge (Portage viaduct) spanning the Genesee River and constructon of a replacement bridge for this 140+ year old current trestle bridge, are the March 18th & 25th programs, among other programs of potential interest.

The annually recurrent Mount Morris Winter Discovery Series is offered January through March, on varying theme and topics. Each year holds about one dozen new program presentations.

The Mount Morris Winter Discovery Series 2017, is titled: “Life in America: Winter Discovery Series 2017”.  Facilities provided by The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area, located at the northern end (east side of the Genesee River) of Letchworth State Park.  All lectures are free of charge and will be held in the Visitor Center on Saturdays at 1pm.  The Visitor Center, aka the William B. Hoyt II Visitor Center, which opened in 1999, is an enclosed heated venue with indoor restrooms and is located adjacent the east side of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Mount Morris Flood Control Dam (which was constructed 1948-1952).  Often light refreshments are served at programs of the Winter Discovery Series.   [Please note, do not confuse this A.C.E. Visitor Center with the Letchworth State Park – Humphrey Nature Center which is located in Letchworth State Park on the west side of the Genesee River and further south of the A.C.E. Mt Morris flood control dam.]

Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area Visitor Center is located at 6103 Visitor Center Road in Mount Morris, NY 14510. For more information call (585) 658-4790.

There are numerous exhibits and educational experiences in the Visitor Center, a brief opportunity may exist to view and experience some immediately prior to or after the Winter Discovery Series program.  Albeit, the Visitor Center is generally not otherwise open in the winter season.

March 4th program (lecture)   LEGACY OF MILITARY SERVICE
Join Steve on a journey of his family’s military connections to conflicts during King Henry IV’s usurpation of the English throne in 1399 to King Philip’s War (1675), the Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War and on to the modern era. Presenter – STEVE CLARKE, Genealogist

2:00 p.m.  (Climbers: plan to arrive at 1:30 if wanting to help with a car pool to the parking lot at the north end boat launch. Please see below).

Parking Lot Sign

Join us for an early spring hike on the new section of Rob’s Trail, which meanders from Route 15A south of Hemlock, to the shores of Hemlock Lake.  On the hike you will cross a new bridge across a ravine, installed since our last hike on Rob’s Trail a year ago.  With all of the recent rain and snow melt the streams by the trail should be flowing like crazy!  We will meet at the new parking lot for Rob’s Trail on the west side of 15A. (If there is insufficient space in this lot, use the parking lot a little way south across the road.  Instead of walking on the road from there to the meeting place, you may take the connector trail which is about a quarter mile long, if desired).  It is suggested that you wear sturdy hiking boots, and use a pole because of slippery leaves on steep inclines.

Climbers:  you may choose to hike down to Hemlock Lake and connect to the trail leading to the north and terminus (4.8 miles) at the Hemlock Lake boat launch.  This will necessitate leaving one or more cars at the parking lot before the hike.  Tourists:  you may hike down the trail to the shore line and return back up to the starting point (1.5 miles each way).  The hike back up is fairly strenuous in some places.  Naturalists: you may hike halfway down to the new bridge and back up from there.

The social following the hike will take place at Sammy’s Place, 8148 S Main Street in Springwater.

Directions: Click here for directions to the parking lot at the top of Bald Hill. To get to Sammy’s Place, head south on 15A through the Springwater Hamlet.  Sammy’s is on the right across from the Fire Hall.

On Friday evening 3/10/2017 at 7:00PM, this unique opportunity to learn about Bluebirds, habitat, and more is being presented by Genesee Valley Conservancy (GVC), open to the public. This event  is taking place at the Geneseo Riviera Theater .  (There will be a subsequent Springwater Trails hike about two months later in sync with Bluebirds as topic and when Bluebirds are out & about in our area of the Finger Lakes.)

Excerpt about this program from the GVC website:

All About Bluebirds, and More!

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE SEATS(Select the # of seats, click ‘add-to-cart’, enter your name and email click ‘complete order’)

Come learn about the life and history of Eastern Bluebirds from John Rogers, a nationally recognized expert on Bluebirds.  John was the co-founder of the NYS Bluebird Society in 1982 and is a past recipient of the Norah Lane Bluebird Conservation Award from the North American Bluebird Society.

Seating in the newly restored Riviera Theater is limited, use the link above to reserve free tickets.  General admission will be first-come first-serve.  Be sure you can get a seat for this fantastic event by supporting the Conservancy today!

*Event supported by Steuben Trust Company

Not only will this be an opportunity for edification about Bluebirds, but it is also an opportunity to appreciate the recently restored Riviera Theater, located at 4 Center St in the village of Geneseo.  The theater building, which for years sat vacant & unused, is now once again being utilized not only as a theater, but additionally serves as a multi-faceted community resource venue, a vibrant part of the Geneseo community.  (This program on Bluebirds is but one of the community resource programs that are on the schedule of the Geneseo Riviera Theater.)

And speaking of opportunity and unique, … well, on a subsequent date – Sunday, May 7th, 2017 Springwater Trails as a joint hike with Victor Hiking Trails will lead a Hike at MaryFrances Bluebird Haven (MFBBH) located in Victor, NY (and on adjacent Monkey Run trails too).  On the hike, there will be opportunities for observing Bluebirds, and as well will be field edification of hikers on Bluebirds and conservation efforts, … plus more.

More details on this ST/VHT hike as Sunday, May 7th approaches on the calendar.

Springwater Trails hikers and others may be interested in a number of program presentations (lectures) in the Mount Morris Winter Discovery Series 2017.  In March, of particular salience in present day current events, as pertain to the Erie Railroad high bridge (Portage viaduct) spanning the Genesee River and constructon of a replacement bridge for this 140+ year old current trestle bridge, are the March 18th & 25th programs, among other programs of potential interest.

The annually recurrent Mount Morris Winter Discovery Series is offered January through March, on varying theme and topics. Each year holds about one dozen new program presentations.

The Mount Morris Winter Discovery Series 2017, is titled: “Life in America: Winter Discovery Series 2017”.  Facilities provided by The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area, located at the northern end (east side of the Genesee River) of Letchworth State Park.  All lectures are free of charge and will be held in the Visitor Center on Saturdays at 1pm.  The Visitor Center, aka the William B. Hoyt II Visitor Center, which opened in 1999, is an enclosed heated venue with indoor restrooms and is located adjacent the east side of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Mount Morris Flood Control Dam (which was constructed 1948-1952).  Often light refreshments are served at programs of the Winter Discovery Series.   [Please note, do not confuse this A.C.E. Visitor Center with the Letchworth State Park – Humphrey Nature Center which is located in Letchworth State Park on the west side of the Genesee River and further south of the A.C.E. Mt Morris flood control dam.]

Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area Visitor Center is located at 6103 Visitor Center Road in Mount Morris, NY 14510. For more information call (585) 658-4790.

There are numerous exhibits and educational experiences in the Visitor Center, a brief opportunity may exist to view and experience some immediately prior to or after the Winter Discovery Series program.  Albeit, the Visitor Center is generally not otherwise open in the winter season.

March 11th   NON-TRADITIONAL 19th CENTURY NUNDA WOMEN
As the women’s rights movement gathered strength in the late 1800’s, Nunda women were leaders in business, politics, medicine, art, education, and more. Hear their stories. Presenter – JOAN SCHUMAKER, Local Historian

– – – 2017 Saturday Dates (all program MMWDS dates listed) – – – 

January14th  THE IMPACT OF WWI ON LIVINGSTON COUNTY: Life on the Homefront
In commemoration of the World War One Centennial, this program will provide an overview of the prelude to U.S. involvement and local civilian efforts and sacrifice during the Great War. Presenter – AMIE ALDEN, Livingston County Historian

January 21st   SUFFRAGISTS IN EVERY TOWN AND COUNTY: How NY Women Won the Vote
November 2017 marks 100 years since New York State signed woman’s suffrage into law, three years before the U.S. passed the 19th Amendment. This was a milestone for the state and a transformative moment in American democracy. Equal opportunity is as important today as it was when Susan B. Anthony was arrested in Rochester for attempting to vote. Presenter – CHRISTINE RIDARSKY, Rochester Historian

January 28th   EARLY WOMEN PHYSICIANS OF THE GENESEE COUNTRY
Did you know that two of the female students and one professor at the first truly co-educational medical school in the country came from the Genesee Valley? Uncover a fascinating story which shows how our region contributed to women’s ability to study medicine alongside men -a radical theory at the time. Presenter – JANE OAKES, Local Historian

February 4th   OUR NATIONAL PARKS
Our National Parks have been called “the greatest idea America ever had.” This program covers the background of our National Park Service from its official creation in 1916, but really starts with the formation of the world’s first National Park -Yellowstone. Presenter – CRAIG BRAACK, Allegany County Historian

February 11th   THE BURNED OVER DISTRICT
In the 19th century, New Yorkers were gripped by waves of religious revivalism. New groups established churches and utopian experiments all vied for converts. Examine the Shakers, Millerites, Mormons, Spiritualist and Evangelists and the impact that they had on social change. Presenter – PETER WISEBY, Genesee Country Village and Museum

February 18th   WATER-POWERED MILLING
Follow the development of water-powered milling from strong beginnings in a new nation to its appearance in the Genesee Valley. We’ll journey through the pioneering discovery of the natural resources of the mighty Genesee River that excited the early American settler to pursue mechanization and industrial innovation. Presenter – ALEX PIERCE, Local Historian

February 25th   THE GIANT CARDIFF – America’s Greatest Hoax
A ten-foot tall petrified giant is unearthed on a farm near the small rural town of Cardiff, New York in 1869. The word of the discovery soon ‘echoed’ across the countryside and it was quickly sheltered from the weather by a canvas tent to protect paying gawkers from the whims of New York’s weather. Presenter – RICH HAMELL, Geologist

March 4th   LEGACY OF MILITARY SERVICE
Join Steve on a journey of his family’s military connections to conflicts during King Henry IV’s usurpation of the English throne in 1399 to King Philip’s War (1675), the Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War and on to the modern era. Presenter – STEVE CLARKE, Genealogist

March 11th   NON-TRADITIONAL 19th CENTURY NUNDA WOMEN
As the women’s rights movement gathered strength in the late 1800’s, Nunda women were leaders in business, politics, medicine, art, education, and more. Hear their stories. Presenter – JOAN SCHUMAKER, Local Historian

March 18th   LIFE IN THE LAND OF LETCHWORTH FROM NATIVE TIMES TO MODERN DAY
People have lived along the Genesee River for thousands of years. Join Tom as he explores life in the Valley through local stories, maps, photographs, diaries, and more. Highlights include the experiences of the Jemison family, early pioneers, the Letchworths, and some 20th century park families. Presenter – TOM COOK, Local Historian

March 25th   The ROLE OF CAMP PORTAGE AND THE ERIE RAILROAD IN THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
Learn about the creation of Camp Portage (a Civil War Training Camp in Letchworth State Park) and the use of the Erie Railroad to transport Union Soldiers to the front lines! Presenter – MAX SZEMPLENSKI, Railroad Historian

Come join us for Maple Weekend Fun! This event is fun for all ages from children to adults learning the process of making maple syrup.

We are located at 625 County Road 28 Palmyra, NY 14522 (address is Palmyra, but we actually live in Farmington). We are on the corner of 28 and Rushmore Road. The Sugar House driveway is off Rushmore Rd. Maple Weekend is over the course of two weekends: March 18, 19 & 25, 26 from 10am – 4pm.

ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKES (Buttermilk & Buckwheat) served onsite with maple sausage and Stoney Ridge Farms fresh Maple Syrup of course. Adults $7 & Kids 12 & under $5.

There are seveal activities for families to enjoy. Sugar House tours including an explanation of the sap to maple syrup process, history of making maple syrup, and history of our farm. We have an area where the tapping process is explained and kids have the chance to drill and hammer a tap. There are several stations in the sugar house tour with the chance to taste the four different grade of maple syrup, maple cookies, maple butter, and several different samples and recipes available. We will have a petting zoo including cows, goats, pony, and pigs. Also, we will have Barnyard Boggers monster truck truck and 4wd international tractor on display for pictures.

We will have heat and the event goes on no matter what the potential weather throws our way. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the event.

We look forward to seeing you there! Please message or call (585-733-0814) with any questions.

Come join us for Maple Weekend Fun! This event is fun for all ages from children to adults learning the process of making maple syrup.

We are located at 625 County Road 28 Palmyra, NY 14522 (address is Palmyra, but we actually live in Farmington). We are on the corner of 28 and Rushmore Road. The Sugar House driveway is off Rushmore Rd. Maple Weekend is over the course of two weekends: March 18, 19 & 25, 26 from 10am – 4pm.

ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKES (Buttermilk & Buckwheat) served onsite with maple sausage and Stoney Ridge Farms fresh Maple Syrup of course. Adults $7 & Kids 12 & under $5.

There are seveal activities for families to enjoy. Sugar House tours including an explanation of the sap to maple syrup process, history of making maple syrup, and history of our farm. We have an area where the tapping process is explained and kids have the chance to drill and hammer a tap. There are several stations in the sugar house tour with the chance to taste the four different grade of maple syrup, maple cookies, maple butter, and several different samples and recipes available. We will have a petting zoo including cows, goats, pony, and pigs. Also, we will have Barnyard Boggers monster truck truck and 4wd international tractor on display for pictures.

We will have heat and the event goes on no matter what the potential weather throws our way. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the event.

We look forward to seeing you there! Please message or call (585-733-0814) with any questions.