Hikes led by Springwater Trails are generally held on Sunday afternoons and appear in this calendar in green.
Learn about the variety of trails in our region available for recreation and transportation. Investigate the policies, legislation, government agencies, non-profits and volunteers who created or supported these trails; and current efforts to expand this network of trails.
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
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) – – –
Author Arch Merrill described Letchworth Park as the place where Nature touches the Genesee with a magic wand and like Cinderella, the river leaves behind its ordinary garb and dons robes of dazzling splendor. Discover this geological Cinderella — how it came to be and explore the many interactions between man, river, and land. Presenter – JIM POMEROY, Biologist
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
Have you ever pondered about the “Parade Grounds” area in Letchworth State Park? What’s with the name and what is the history of the area? Perhaps you’ve hiked & spent time there. Well, read on for some answers.
The last program in the weekly Mount Morris Winter Discovery Series 2017 (MMWDS) serial of programs will be presented as follows:
“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”
Of note, Camp Portage and the nearby Erie RR (both of yesteryear) are in today what we know as Letchworth State Park, in the area and surrounds known today as the “Parade Grounds”. – – Some salience specifically of current events is: Sprinwater Trails hikers have on a number of occasions hiked in this area on some weekly scheduled Sunday hikes, and the 140+ year old Erie RR bridge which spans high above the Genesee River within Letchworth State Park currently has a replacement being built which will decommission the aging bridge.
The bridge, aka viaduct, has been subject of much attention as of late both in media postings and in program presentations put on for benefit of those in the community who have interest in the bridge and history. One such program was sponsored by Penfield Trails Committee (PTC) on Saturday, February 11th, 2017 as part of PTCs annual Hikers Jamboree program. Following the PTC sponsored program which was presented at Penfield Town Hall Auditorium, there where hikes in Penfield. Both Springwater Trails and Genesee Valley Hiking Club participated in leading such hikes.
– Excerpts of a Springwater Trails website previously posted article on topic of the MMWDS 2017 are:
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.
Today’s hike is an easy, flat trail with cinder surface, crossing an historic double-arched Genesee Valley Canal (GVC) culvert.
Meet at the Brook Rd Genesee Valley Greenway (GVG) Parking area. Total distance out and back is 3.7 miles.
For more information, check the Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway (FOGVG) website, their Passport page, and the complete 2017 GVG Passport Series.
– – – Additionally, the Genesee Valley Greenway State Park (GVGSP) Facebook page usually lists the upcoming GVGSP events, and the FOGVG Facebook page also lists numerous GVG events in our area albeit a greater proportion of events listed on this page may at times be in the “Southern Tier” portion of the GVG as planned by a group of hikers known as the Southern Tier Greenway Hiking Group (STGH or STGHG) who welcomes all to hike with them.
– – – We also have a short history of the Greenway.
(subnote: The historic double-arched Genesee Valley Canal culvert (aqueduct) is best viewed for picturesque value from points other than on the GVG itself. As attested to by on-site GVG signage, the culvert/aqueduct, later turned viaduct for the railroad and subsequently the GVG, conducted the GVC over Black Creek. A great photographic vantage point is offered while on Black Creek in a kayak/canoe/boat. At low water levels you may be able to paddle Black Creek under the GVG to view both sides of the historic culvert , but at high water levels … well, not so.)
So, you’ve been itching to get on your bike this Spring with impetus of a group bike outing of some kind. Well, here is an opportunity to do just that … on the Genesee Valley Greenway (GVG) from Avon to York Landing (round trip) on Saturday May 20th, 2017 at 10:00AM. Approximately a 17 mile round trip easy paced bike ride, and all trail mileage covered is in the nw corner of Livingston County. Meet location is at the Erie-Attica Trail (EAT) trailhead in Avon, accessed by Farmers Road off Rts 5&20 just east of the Genesee River.
– – – A digression – – Speaking of itching, this Hike Planner has had impetus to utilize the section of the GVG shortly north of Fowlerville Rd (and south of US Rt 20), said section has a short duration of trail topped with thick stone dust (mostly fine stone sans dust), for a ST hike since early Spring 2016 just following reconstruction of said section of trail which had been necessitated as result of a huge washout area. The thick stone dust topper (as determined during a potential preview hike in April 2016), provided wonderful cushioning upon a hikers joints, albeit bike/stroller/wheelchair wheels found much friction/consternation due to sinking in the freshly laid thick topper surface.
Due to complaints of wheeled trail users, later in 2016 the topper surface was rolled by a heavy duty roller to make for some compaction factor, and the surface is said now to be kinder to the aforementioned narrow wheeled vehicles (and probably offers less of an exuberant opportunity for a hiker’s joints). If there is a lesson here, perhaps it is that not all opportunities are lasting, some have but a small window of opportunity. Still, a future ST hike planned to utilize this section of the GVG may offer multiple unique opportunities including this now somewhat tamed section of thick stone dust topper.
Anyway, you’ll get to see this short section and so much more of the GVG via your bike on this traverse much more quickly than while on a hike. – – –
(A further digression, …for the curious, … utilization of the aforementioned section of trail south of US Rt 20 was in consideration for the 4/24/2016 ST hike, but ultimately was scrapped from the fledgling Hike Plan due to what would have been a controverted driving route to reach the GVG trailhead parking lot on US Rt 20, all thanks to road reconstruction on US Rt 20 just east of the GVG trailhead. -Now you know – substantially trials and tribulations that weighed in nixing this unique section of trail south of US Rt 20 for the 4/24 ST hike, … instead all hiking groups headed north from Avon.) – – – End of digressions. – – –
GETTING THERE:
From just inside Avon’s western town limits, to reach the Erie-Attica Trail parking lot & trailhead follow Farmers Rd to the end where you’ll find both the parking lot & the trailhead. – – – Seem familiar? Well, ST has in the past (10/18/2015 hike) held a hike utilizing exactly this trailhead and parking lot, as well as parts of the connecting GVG, so yes, it may seem familiar. And an April 24th 2016 ST hike also utilized the GVG in this area.
Detailed Directions From Springwater: Take Rt 15A North. In Lima, turn left on US Rt 20 (concurrent NY Rt 5, thus known as Rts 5&20). Follow Rts 5&20 for 7.6 miles (you will cross over I-390, pass through the hamlet of East Avon and the Village of Avon. After the traffic circle in the village, continue on Rts 5&20 for 0.8mi and turn right on Farmers Rd. The parking area is on the right, just after you pass under the flyover for the former RR truss bridge (now the Erie-Attica Trail truss bridge).
Further Event Details for this May 20th biking event are listed on the FOGVG Facebook page.
GVG Passport Booklet: This bike ride will cover a stretch of trail where you’ll be able to avail yourself of making a rubbing in the Wegman’s Passport to Family Wellness – GVG passport booklet. For those unfamiliar – – – Wegmans – “Passport to Family Wellness Program” series booklet for the Genesee Valley Greenway is a passport compilation of 14 separate hikes on the GVG, each hike route having a “rubbing post” for trail users to produce a “rubbing” in their passport booklet with purpose of documenting that a trail user has completed the respective hike. Passport booklets filled-in with rubbings can be turned in at a Wegmans retail store for redemption of coupons for Wegmans brand products and entry for a prize drawing. So, remember to bring your GVG passport booklet on this bike ride.
(Event post initially published on 5/7/2017, updated 5/17/2017.)
Genesee Valley Greenway State Park (GVGSP) Passport Hike Series–Brook Road to Morgan Road–Wegmans Hike #3
Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 10:00 AM
Brookdale Preserve, on Brook Road, Scottsville, NY
The GPS Coordinates: N43 04.577 W77 42.550
Meet at the Brook Rd Genesee Valley Greenway (GVG) Parking area.
The hike will be going southward from the Brook Road parking lot along the eastern edge of Brookdale Preserve. We will see remnants of the Genesee Valley Canal and the well preserved Lock #2.
The hike leader is Elijah Kruger from the educational staff of Letchworth State Park. The hike distance is 4.3 miles round trip. The Genesee Valley Greenway State Park is hosting this hike. There is no charge to attend this hike. Therefore, please consider joining us.
For more information, check the Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway (FOGVG) website, their Passport page, and the complete 2017 GVG Passport Series.
– – – Additionally, the Genesee Valley Greenway State Park (GVGSP) Facebook page usually lists the upcoming GVGSP events, and the FOGVG Facebook page also lists numerous GVG events in our area albeit a greater proportion of events listed on this page may at times be in the “Southern Tier” portion of the GVG as planned by a group of hikers known as the Southern Tier Greenway Hiking Group (STGH or STGHG) who welcomes all to hike with them.
– – – We also have a short history of the Greenway.
Looking for brochure.or mailing list so I can receive it in the mail.
Nothing opens up for mailing list.
There’s all kinds of very bizarre ads and post for viagra and other drugs above on calender page.
Please let me know if there’s a brochure available