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.

For the third year in a row, the Springwater Trails Annual Meeting will be held at the Springwater Center on Mill St Extension above the hamlet of Springwater.  This scenic property overlooking the Springwater Valley, and half-way between Webster Crossing and the Hamlet is very appropriate for Springwater Trails.  Our thanks to the entire staff of the center for their welcome.

Prior to the Annual Meeting. we will enjoy the many well marked trails that loop through open fields and forested areas. The trails through the fields are mowed and there are wonderful views of the surrounding hills and the valley below. Two of the trails parallel a creek bed and gorge and one loops to another seasonal creek. Keep your eyes open for the Marker Tree near the creek.

With a foot of snow having fallen Tuesday and Wednesday, this will be a true winter hike with snowshoes or skis being appropriate.

It looks like it will be a good day for spring cross country skiing – set your wax for 40 degrees, and come enjoy the open fields. We will plan one hike for skiers and the others for snowshoes or boots. 

Following the hikes, we will set up a pot-luck dinner in the kitchen.  Everyone interested in Springwater Trails is welcome to the pot-luck and the Annual Meeting, and to the hike.

There will be three hikes. Wayne Coger and Susan McCallum, longtime Center members, will be available to answer questions and help with directions. Well-mannered dogs are welcome to hike with us.  Dogs should stay in cars during the social.

If you are able to join us for the social after the hike, please bring a dish to pass and a non-alcoholic beverage or consider making a cash donation.  There is a complete kitchen to store and reheat the dishes as needed.  Please bring slippers as shoes and boots will  need to be removed at the door.

Directions

From Springwater: Take Rt 15 to the West from the flashing light at the intersection with Rt 15A.  Follow Rt 15 up the hill.  Turn right at the top of the hill on Mill St Ext (just across the road from Harpers Ferry Rd) – you will see a Dead End sign. Springwater Center is the third driveway to the left (0.1 mile along Mill St. Ext., you will see the sign). Follow the driveway for 0.6 miles to reach the Center parking lot. The main building is just past the parking lot.

Additional directions to the Center are here.

Following the Sunday hike, join us for the Springwater Trails, Inc, annual meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to elect officers for 2017 and to plan for the upcoming year. Following the business portion of the meeting, Fran Gotcsik of Lima, NY, will share some of the experiences she has had during 26 years of working to launch new hiking and multi-use trails across New York. In 1991 Fran became the Local Coordinator for the Genesee Valley Greenway, and in 1996, she became the Executive Director of the Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway. In 2003, Fran joined Parks and Trails New York, where she is currently a Senior Consultant.

The Social and Annual Meeting is open to everyone interested in Springwater, trails and hiking. Your comments and advice are welcome during the meeting.  Voting for officers and other business brought up at the meeting is limited to members of Springwater Trails. Honorary memberships are awarded to hikers who have completed 20 group activities during the previous calendar year, to members of the executive board who have served for a full year term, and to individual who have served as a seasonal hike coordinator during one season. Membership forms will also be available at the meeting and memberships for 2017 can be purchased for $10 ($15 for a family).

There are six elected officers: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, VP of hiking, and trail master. We will be accepting nominations for all six offices during the annual meeting, and all members will be allowed to vote for one nominee for each office. The duties of each officer are described in Article IV of the By-Laws of the Springwater Trails, Inc.

Agenda

• Welcome to members and friends
• A review of 2016 and plans for 2017
• Nominations from the floor for Officers
• Election of Officers
• Trails of New York – Fran Gotcsik
• Adjournment

Anyone want to prehike Sunday’s hike. I plan to meet at Thorp Rd at 10:00 Thursday and hike up to the top of Hunt Hollow ski area. Please give me a call or email me at info@springwatertrails.org.