Category Archives: Maintenance

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Crescent Trail “Way Finding” signs

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The Crescent Trail recently started a new project to improve the blazing of the Crescent Trail in Perinton.  As we continue to build and blaze the Springwater Trail, I thought the Trail Committee should keep up with other organizations and how they blaze the trails.  The article below is copied exactly from a PDF posted on the Crescent Trail Yahoo Group.

By the way.  If you would like to be a member of the Springwater Trails Trail Committee, working with our Trail Master (Rick Henchen) to plan and build the Springwater Trail, please contact any board member or send an email to [email protected].

New Way Finding Signs on the Crescent Trail

December 3, 2014

The Crescent Trail Association is beginning to install way finding signs on some sections of the trail system to help hikers keep on their intended paths. At this time we are producing signs that are simply colored arrows to point the direction of CTA trails at junctions and other locations where a hiker might wonder which way to go. Signs near access points to the trail system will have the Crescent Trail logo attached for identification. Dave Schaeffer came up with the concept and design of these new signs.

About 250 potential sites for signs on our 38+ mile system have been identified, so this will be a long term project. Signs at the more prominent locations, e.g. at trail parking lots, will be initiated by the Perinton Parks Department. CTA will concentrate on the way finding signs within the system.

The Horizon Hill area between Garnsey Road and Woodcliff Drive has several branches of the Crescent Trail system and many others, which have been the source of confusion for many first –time and even regular users, so our first priority for sign installation is there. As of this date, twelve signs have been installed in that area, with several more to come as weather permits.

Here are examples of some of the new signs:

WayFindingSignsJim Unckless, CTA Board Member

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Tools for Trail Maintenance

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The tools we need on a trail maintenance work day depend on where we are working and the tasks we have to do.  The following list comes from the Finger Lakes Trail Conference’s guide for trail maintenance.  They are appropriate when we are cleaning up an existing trail and want to remove plants that have fallen or grown into the trail.

Equipment for trail maintenance:

  • Cheap folding pruning saw – just for cutting small trees at ground level.
  • Large bow saw (24″ – 30″) or folding backpacking Sven saw or collapsible 26” bucksaw, capable of cutting a 5-6” log.  This is critical on state land where we cannot use a chain saw.
  • Small pruning shears (loppers) – much handier to use than the long-handled kind, are very useful, particularly for branches within easy reach. Anvil type is usually better than scissors type.
  • Weed-whackers – Bow-type hand swung whackers (with double-edged blade and supported bow shaped frame) are very good for this type work. Or a power string trimmer or scythe.
  • Work gloves – to protect your hands from blisters and thorns.  These are critical if there are roses in the area.
  • Plastic bag – for litter removal.
  • Long-handled pruning loppers – may be inconvenient to carry, but they may be critical for reaching the inner stems on the roses. Anvil-headed loppers are very good for this type work.
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Trail Maintenance – Wheaton Hill Trails – Dec 30, 2012 at 2:00 PM

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June 10th hike 2012Notice:  many of  you may prefer to take advantage of the snow to get out on your snowshoes or cross country skis. Come join us at the Wheaton Hill Trails.  This Sunday will include opportunities for snowshoeing, for skiing, and for attacking the Roses and the trees across the trail.

In order to reduce congestion on Wheaton Hill,  we will meet at 1:45 at the Hemlock Lake south access parking area on 15A.  From there, we will car pool to the trail heads on the lower part of Wheaton Hill. The trail is located on Wheaton Hill Road (County Road 16) , just about 1/2 mile up from RT. 15A. The terrain varies through various forests, waterfalls and ravines. Please park carefully along the right side of the road headed downhill.

Bring a pair of clippers or a hand saw and good work gloves for clearing out the trails and a dish to pass for the early New Years Eve social at Joan and Bob’s after our work is over.

Directions are available to the South Hemlock Access parking area and to the Wheaton Hill trailhead. Please car pool from the parking area.  If you arrive after 1:55, you will need to come to the trailhead.

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