On Sunday we are going to try to snowshoe in Mendon Ponds Park, if the weather permits. Mendon Ponds Park is the largest Monroe County Park with 2,500 acres of woodlands, ponds, wetlands and glacially created landforms. In 1969, it was named to the National Registry of Natural Landmarks due to its geologic history and presence of significant kames, eskers, and kettles.

Sunday, from 11 to 4, is the Mendon Winterfest. Come to Mendon early and learn about and try out other winter activities such as ice fishing, orienteering and ice boating. While Winterfest is geared towards families, it should be an enjoyable day for everyone no matter how cold or warm the weather. Springwater Trails will be at the Evergreen Shelter with a display of traction devices for winter hiking.  Volunteers willing to help explain the various devices should meet at the Shelter at 10:45.  After examining the various traction devices, you will want to take the opportunity to try snowshoes at the ADK display in the same shelter. Check the schedule for other events.

Springwater Trails will meet for our Sunday hike at 2:00 on Pond Road at the parking area behind Lookout Lodge. We will all start out together on the Quaker Pond Loop (Purple trail), heading to the right to loop around the pond in a counter-clockwise direction.

After a quarter mile, we will join the Birdsong Trail and cross a small bridge. Naturalists will stay on the Birdsong Trail for a short loop and an opportunity to feed the Chickadees. After completing the Birdsong loop across a second bridge and back to the original Quaker Pond Loop, the naturalists will follow Quaker Pond loop in the clockwise direction south to the lookout platform with a view of the pond. Heading back to the cars from this point will make a 2 mile hike.

The Tourists will join the Naturalists for the Birdsong loop, but will return to the Quaker Pond Loop in the counter-clockwise direction. There are two branches to the left to lookouts over the Quaker Pond.  Continuing on around the loop and back to the cars makes a 3 mile hike.

The Climbers will stay on the Quaker Pond Loop trail, past the first lookout.  As the trail loops around the pond and starts back north, the climbers will take a short side trail to connect to the Southern Meadow Trail.  They will turn right on the Southern Meadow trail and then loop around back along Pond Rd and finally back to the Quaker Loop trail, where they will head north to the car for almost 4 miles total.

Following the hike, we will gather at the Brewery Pub and Grill at 8 W Main S in Honeoye Falls for refreshment and warm conversation.

Directions:

From Springwater: Head north on 15A for 21.6 miles through Hemlock and Lima. Take a slight right exit to Honeoye Falls.  Stay on W Main St into the villiage where you will pass the Brewery Pub and Grill on the right at the intersection with NY 65 (1.9 mi).  Continue straight onto NY 65 for 4.4 mi. (At 2 miles, you will go around a traffic circle.  Stay on NY 65.) Turn right onto Pond Rd.  The parking area is on the right in 1 mile. NOTE: to get to the  Evergreen Shelter before the hike, stay on NY 65 for another 1.2 miles past Pond Rd.  Turn right on Canfield Rd.  The shelter is on the right 0.7 miles down Canfield.

From Honeoye: From US 20A, head north on CR 37 for 8.2 miles to W Bloomfield. Continue straight on NY 65 for 0.7 miles, then continue straight onto CR 35/W Bloomfield Rd for 6.6 miles.  Turn left onto Pond Rd.  Inside Mendon Ponds Park, the road will come to a T – turn left to stay on Pond Rd.  The parking area is on the left in 0.2 miles. Note: to get to the  Evergreen Shelter before the hike, stay on W Bloomfield Rd for another 1.7 miles past Pond Rd.  Turn left on Canfield Rd.  The shelter is on the left 2.1 miles down Canfield.

From Rochester: Exit I590 at Monroe Ave toward Pittsford. Turn right (south) onto NY 65 (Clover St). In 6.7 miles, turn left onto Pond Rd. The parking area is on the right in 1 mile. NOTE: to get to the  Evergreen Shelter before the hike, turn left from NY 65 in 5.5 miles onto Canfield Rd.  The shelter is on the right 0.7 miles down Canfield.

From the Evergreen Shelter: Head west on Canfield Rd for 0.7 miles.  Turn left onto NY 65 for 1.2 miles.  Turn left onto Pond Rd. The parking area is on the right in 1 mile.

Cumming Nature Center (CNC) is a dynamic environmental education facility that celebrates the unique landscape and culture of the Finger Lakes region through hands-on learning opportunities and thoughtful exhibits. The 900-acre preserve is as beautiful as it is vast. You can meander through more than 6 miles of trails complete with wetlands, climbing forest roads and hiking through the past. The environmental education center located seven miles north of Naples and seven miles south of Honeoye, New York, in the Bristol Hills.

Maps of the trails will be available at the center upon our arrival. We will divide into our three groups and choose our routes and pace.  Hikers may want to save some time to enjoy the nature exhibits in the Center.

There is a donation fee to access the Nature Preserve.  This fee will be covered by Springwater Trails Organization; however additional donations are always welcome. Upon arrival please identify yourself as part of the Springwater Trails Group at the entrance desk.  

Winter is a beautiful time of year at Cumming Nature Center.  If conditions are right there are 15 miles of groomed ski trails and a 3-mile loop for snowshoeing.  As of Wednesday, the 20^th the Trail Conditions are open for winter hiking; Closed for skiing and snowshoeing until snow depth increases.  The Snow Depth is  1″ with no additional snow in the forecast this week.

For those of us that may want to return when there is more snow keep in mind for your convenience Cummings  rent ski equipment and snowshoes at the Visitor Center:

• Ski package (skis, poles and shoes): $15
• Snowshoes: $5

Directions from Rochester, NY and points north:

• Take Interstate 390 south to Routes 5 & 20.
• Proceed east to Route 15A in Lima.
• Go south on Route 15A to Route 20A in Hemlock.
• Head east on Route 20A to East Lake Road in Honeoye.
• Proceed south on East Lake Road to County Road 33. There are signs to point the way from the junction of East Lake Road and County Road 33.
• Turn east on County Road 33, and then southeast on Pinewood Hill Road. This becomes Gulick Road, and the CNC entrance will be on your right.

Directions from Springwater, NY:

• Go north on Route 15A to Route 20A in Hemlock.
• Head east on Route 20A to East Lake Road in Honeoye.
• Proceed south on East Lake Road to County Road 33. There are signs to point the way from the junction of East Lake Road and County Road 33.
• Turn east on County Road 33, and then southeast on Pinewood Hill Road. This becomes Gulick Road. After 4.7 miles, the CNC entrance will be on your right.

Directions from Wayland, Naples, NY and points south:

• Follow NY 21 east from Wayland, through N Cohocton to Naples (11.4 miles).
• Turn left onto Clark Street (County Hwy 36), heading north (next to Middletown Tavern)
• Take first right onto Gulick Road.
• Follow Gulick Road for 7 miles.
• CNC will be on your left.

The after hike social will be at the Valley Inn, 8970 Main Street, Honeoye.  On the corner of  Route 37 and 20a.

Directions to Valley Inn:

• Turn left out of the CNC. Take Gulick Rd north until it turns left to become Pinewood Hill Rd.
• Follow Pinewood Hill Rd to the T with CR 33.
• Turn left to stay on Pinewood Hill Rd (CR 33).
• Turn right on East Lake Rd.
• Turn left onto US 20A west.
• The restaurant is on your right in 1.6 miles at CR 37.

Climate change has been a concern for many years now, but the attention to it is picking up speed. Award-winning journalist and author, Naomi Klein, will share her thoughts during her discussion “Capitalism vs the Climate – Reflections on the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference”. Moderator will be Michael Winship.

Admission: $15, free for students with ID.

More details available

After hikers collected mushrooms all around the tree farm, experts identified most of the mushrooms and mentioned which ones were poisonous, which appeared only in the fall, and which were unusual to the Eastern US.

The ROCHESTER AREA MYCOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION  (RAMA) annual gala, gourmet dinner will be held February 6^th.  A Saturday evening of mycophagal delights will complement the camaraderie.

RAMA Members and guests will commence with our revelries at THE CASTLE   around 5:30pm with hors d’oeuvres. We will plan to dine about 6:30pm .

Please bring a place setting, the beverage or  wine with which  you wish to complement  the grand buffet of fungally inspired dishes which we are eager to create and share from the fungi we have collected this past summer- but do not be deterred from coming if you do not have  a  mushroom casserole, because there is always  need for desserts, cheese and crackers,  vegetables and salads!

The Castle is located on the corner of Mt Hope Ave and Reservoir Ave ( 5 Castle Park) in Rochester.

One final suggestion: remember the castle floors can be cold, so slippers are recommended.

Please contact Gene to join his caravan from Wayland and Springwater.  Come and enjoy a wonderful RAMA tradition!

The New York Museum of Transportation presents a movie documenting the days of freight car building in East Rochester.  The presentation is at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, February 7, 2016 and is free with admission of $5 adults and $4 age 3 – 12.

An enormous manufacturing complex in East Rochester once produced railroad freight cars for Merchants Despatch Transport and the New York Central Railroad. This period film presented on video captures the wide scope of operations as mammoth freight cars were constructed for service throughout the nation.

Open Sundays only (winter hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the New York Museum of Transportation features an array of full-size trolley cars, a steam locomotive, antique highway and horse-drawn vehicles, a large model railroad, and gift shop. The museum is located at 6393 East River Road, W. Henrietta, NY, just 20 minutes from downtown Rochester and easily reached from Exit 11 off I-390. In the summer season, museum visits include the only electric trolley ride in New York State.
(585) 533-1113; info@nymtmuseum.org

Back in April 2015 we had an S/T hike at the recently acquired park land in the Town of Rush on the Genesee River.  Several hikers thought it would be a suitable place for cross country skiing, so we are headed over there on Sunday. Back when this was first posted in August 2015 we knew it was important for the weather to cooperate, but there is always snow in February.  Well, anyway, we are headed there, for what we hope will be a beautiful “spring” hike along the Genesee. Please join us for a hike and exploration, followed by a Souper After-hike Social at the American Hotel with live Irish music.

Meet in the Visitor parking lot (see below) at the NY Museum of Transportation.  If you would like to attend the Despatch Car Shops, a film about the building of freight cars in E. Rochester, at 1:00, plan to arrive well before 1:00 to allow yourself time to view the exhibits on the way to the film.

We will have three hike levels, according to the interests of the hikers.  All hikers will leave from the NY Museum of Transportation on East River Rd and will proceed to the river. Exploration will be up to the three hike leaders.

An after-hike social to be held at The American Hotel in Lima.  The American Hotel is a historic venue which is highly acclaimed for its daily fresh made soups.  Also on the first Sunday of every month there is live Irish music in the afternoon.  No coincidence that the hike is scheduled for the first Sunday of February, we will be enjoying some live music, great soups, other menu fare, and libation.

Directions: 

From Springwater: Head north on NY 15A for 26.1 miles, through Hemlock, Lima and Rush. After crossing Honeoye Creek in Rush, turn left at the light, onto NY 251 W. Continue straight on NY 251, past NY 15 and I390 for a total of 3.3 miles.  Turn right on East River Rd (CR 84).  The Museum of Transportation is on the left in 1 mile, a few feet before the Welcome to Henrietta sign at Town Line Rd.

From Rochester: Head south on I390, past the Thruway.  Use Exit 11, and make a sharp right turn onto NY-15 N. Take the first left (0.7 mi) onto Rush Henrietta Townline Rd.  At the end of Townline Rd (2.1 mi) at East River Rd, the Museum of Transportation in at a slight left across East River Rd.

From Dansville and Geneseo: Head north on I360.  Use Exit 11 (NY 251 and NY 15), and make the first sharp left turn off the ramp onto NY 251 W. In 1.9 miles, turn right on East River Rd (CR 84).  The Museum of Transportation is on the left in 1 mile, a few feet before the Welcome to Henrietta sign at Town Line Rd.

Parking: Parking is limited in the Museum parking lot, and the Museum is open to the public on Sunday.  Any car pooling that can be done, will not only save gas, but also parking spots.  Follow the signs to the Visitor Parking lot.  If that lot is full, the Museum suggests that we continue around behind the building where the volunteers park, since the grass “auxilliary” lot may not be firm enough for parking.

This Sunday’s outing will be at the Bristol Harbour Resort overlooking Canandaigua Lake.  We will meet in the parking lot for the Lodge and Golf Course. The Robert Trent Jones golf course is an 18 hole course that has paths which can be used in winter for walking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing.  This is a scenic course with hills, ponds, woodlots and views of the lake.  It is open to the public at no charge for these winter activities.

Once there, we will break into groups based on people’s interests.  If there is enough snow and you would like to cross country ski or snow shoe, come prepared with your equipment as they do not have rentals.  Cold temperatures are forecast for this weekend so everyone should dress accordingly.

Our after hike social will be in the tavern in the Lodge which was built and is furnished in a rustic Adirondack style.

Directions

From Springwater: It is about 30 miles and a 45 minute drive to Bristol Harbour from the 4 corners in Springwater.  Starting from the 4 corners, head north on 15A, take a right onto Old Bald Hill S and then on Johnson Hill Road. At the top, turn left onto County Route 37.  At Route 20A turn right and head east through Honeoye and then take a right onto East Lake Road.  Turn left onto County Route 33.  At Route 64 turn right and just past Bristol Springs take a left onto Route 21 north. Turn right onto Bopple Hill Road (0.8 mi) which becomes Seneca Point Road at the lake.  Follow Seneca Point Road along the lake and up the hill (2.2 mi) to the driveway on the left for the Bristol Harbor Lodge and Golf Course.

From Wayland (23 miles, 35 minutes): Head east on NY 21 through N Cohocton and Naples. Turn right in South Bristol to stay on NY 21N. In 0.8 mi, turn right onto Bopple Hill Road which becomes Seneca Point Road at the lake.  Follow Seneca Point Road along the lake and up the hill (2.2 mi) to the driveway on the left for the Bristol Harbor Lodge and Golf Course.

From Rochester and Canandaigua: Take NT 21S from Canandaigua for about 6 miles from Rts 5 & 20. Turn left onto Seneca Point Rd. (If you miss Seneca Point Rd, turn left on W. Lake Rd, then the first right on Seneca Point Rd)  Follow Seneca Point Road for 2.9 miles to the driveway on the right for the Bristol Harbor Lodge and Golf Course.

Hemlock lake is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Finger lakes.

Arch Merill’s 1943 Democrat and Chronicle article gives an apt description of this wondrous lake.

“She is a wild and elfin child of the hills and forest.  None of the slim blue lakes of the Genesee country has more physical allure.”

“Hemlock is a mountain lake although the conservativism of her people would never let them call Old Bald Hill, or her other guardians, anything but plain hills.”

Hemlock lake played an important part in the development of Springwater.  The lake was a highway used by many of the earliest settlers of the town.  In 1807 Seth Knowles traveled up the ice of Hemlock with his family and all his wordly possessions.  He settled in the western part of Springwater.

On Sunday we will hike the Northern end of Hemlock lake.

We will meet at the Hemlock lake Park Parking area, North end of the lake.

Climbers, Tourists, and Naturalists will proceed in a Westerly direction along the dike and pass the outlet end of the lake.  We will hike the short Walnut trail on the West side of the lake (several old foundations can be seen along this route).  We can get some great lake views walking the West shore line.  If time permits we can cross the road and walk part of the Bur Oak Trail.

Dress according to weather conditions.  Boots will be an excellent idea if weather conditions remain warm as the trails are muddy.  If we get freezing conditions traction devices might be helpful.

Social:  After the hike we will meet at Sammy’s Family Restaurant in Springwater; on the right heading South, aprox 1/4 mile past the traffic light in Springwater village.

As is usual this winter, our Sunday hike in the Schribner Valley will be flexible to adjust to the snow that is on the ground.  We have three hikes planned if we can hike without snowshoes.  If there is enough snow to wear snowshoes and skis, then we will adjust to those conditions.

NOTE: Today is Friday and the ground is covered with snow and the temperature is below freezing.  But Sunday is expecting a high in the 50s, so I believe we will be hiking with waterproof boots.  Go figure!

The Climbers will head west across the valley and up through the woods.  We will select a safe route through the forest that is currently being logged, and the climbers will get a first hand view of the logging process.  When we reach the top, we will take time to enjoy the views to the south, then will head down through pine woods and return along the stream to the house.

The routes for the Tourists will travel through the fields, across the stream, and will climb to the lower side of the forest that is being logged.  They will follow the edge of the forest to the far end of the valley, and then come back to the house. Keep your eyes open for animal tracks – lots of deer and fox, but probably not any bear.

The Naturalists will stay on the house side of the stream and will cross walk in an area of the valley that Springwater Trails has not explored.  Expect one or two hills with about 25 ft rise. On the return, the naturalist will see the cut logs up close.

Following the hike, join us for a pot luck social at the Hopkins house.  If it is cloudy, we will have a fire going and a big plate of pulled pork. Please bring a dish to pass and your own beverage, or make a small ($5) contribution to the social fund.

Directions: During the winter it is necessary to enter Schribner Rd from Tabors Corners road.  Detailed directions are available here. Parking for five cars is available in the driveway, or park along Giles Rd just past the driveway.

From Wayland: From Rt 15, head east on Rt 21 toward North Cohocton for 3 miles. Turn left on Tabors Corners Rd (Steuben Co Rd 37).  After 2 miles, turn left on Schribner Rd (the second left).  The driveway is the 2nd driveway on the left one mile up Schribner Rd and about 10 feet before the intersection with Giles Rd. Turn around at the intersection and park on the west side of the road.

From the North: Take Canadice Hill Rd past Harriet Hollister Spencer Park to Springwater where it becomes Wetmore Rd.  Or take Wheaton Hill Rd up from NY 15A to the top at Wetmore Rd.  Continue south on Wetmore. At the end of Wetmore, bear right on Tabors Corners Rd.  After 3.5 miles turn right on Scribner Rd.  The driveway is the 2nd driveway on the left one mile up Schribner Rd and about 10 feet before the intersection with Giles Rd. Turn around at the intersection and park on the west side of the road.  Additional detailed directions may be helpful.

Last year, Springwater Trails signed up to maintain a section of the Finger Lakes Trail, Bristol Branch.  We are responsible for the section from W Hollow Rd and Seman Rd to Mt Pleasant St and N Main St in Naples.  This section passes through the West Hill Preserve off Seman Rd and then across private land to Mt Pleasant St in Naples.

This Sunday, we will explore the Preserve and follow the trail, making notes about areas that need maintenance.  Maintenance days will be planned in the spring and late summer, to help keep this trail in the conditions that hikers have grown to expect.

We will meet at the entrance to the West Hill Preserve.  From there, the climbers will carpool to Naples and hike back to the cars.  Naturalists follow the Bristol trail to the sign in box, where Gene will replace the knob.  They then will explore the other trails on the Preserve, while the Tourists continue on the Bristol Branch for an hour before returning to the cars.

Please note: Dogs are not allowed to hike on the Nature Conservancy property.

Following the hike, please join us for a social at one of the fine restaurants in Naples.

Directions: 

From Springwater: Head south on NY 15 (for 5.2mi). At the light in Wayland turn left on NY 21N (for 6.7mi). In N Cohocton, turn left to stay on NY 21N (for 4.5mi). In Naples, turn left again to stay on NY 21N (for 1.8mi). On the north side of Naples, turn left on CR12 and head up the hill for 1.9 miles.  Take the first left, Rhine St., to the 4 way  intersection.  Go left onto Seman Rd.  Trailhead is about 1/2 mile, by a big sign on the left. Park along the road.

From Honeoye: Head south on CR 36 on the west side of Honeoye Lake (for 13.6 miles from NY 20A). Turn left onto Gulick Rd (for 2 mi), then right on Davis Rd (for 0.7mi). At the end of Davis, turn left on W Hollow Rd (CR 33) for 0.5mi, then right on Seman Rd. The Trailhead is about 1 mile, by a big sign on the right. Park along the road.