Bee Pollination Tricks of the Trade!

This Sunday, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the unique arboretum at Durand-Eastman Park.  Included in their rhododendron collection, are a few trees called mountain laurels, which are common in the Appalachian hills. The mountain laurel is in bloom at this time. It has a unique trick for getting bees to transfer their pollen, which we will attempt to demonstrate.

We will meet in the circle at the end of Log Cabin Rd. at 3:45pm. Note hike time change. We will then hike the trail, at the south end of the park, to the junction of Zoo and Pine Valley Rds., enter the arboretum at Pine Valley, and walk to the mountain laurels for the attempted demonstration. Afterwards, hikers seeking a more vigorous walk are welcome to enjoy some of the park’s nice hiking trails and return to the Log Cabin Rd.

Directions:

From the Springwater area, go north to I-390. In Monroe County, use the right lanes to get on I-590 north. At junction with 490, stay on 590 north.  Get in middle lane, avoid 104 exits, and stay left to go toward Sea Breeze. At the fourth roundabout (you’ll see a bunch of flags), go ¾ of the way around and keep going straight west on Durand Blvd, which turns into Sweet Fern Road, and then Pine Valley Rd and then (at Zoo Rd) into Lakeshore Blvd. DO NOT turn on Zoo Rd, or you will have to walk from Zoo Rd to Log Cabin Rd because that section of Log Cabin Rd is closed to cars. Instead, take the next left on Log Cabin Rd. (past Zoo Road), go to the circle at the end and park in the circle.

Hikers wishing to carpool from Springwater should meet at 2:30 at the Springwater Town Hall and plan to leave promptly at 2:40. Be sure to ask the driver if they are staying for the social. This is a self-organizing car pool, so be sure to be on time.

From Naples or Canandaigua, head north to the Thruway and I-490 west. Stay right to exit onto 590 north. Get in middle lane, avoid 104 exits, and stay left to go toward Sea Breeze. At the fourth roundabout (you’ll see a bunch of flags), go ¾ of the way around and keep going straight west on Durand Blvd, which turns into Sweet Fern Road, and then Pine Valley Rd and then (at Zoo Rd) into Lakeshore Blvd. DO NOT turn on Zoo Rd, or you will have to walk from Zoo Rd to Log Cabin Rd because that section of Log Cabin Rd is closed to cars. Instead, take the next left on Log Cabin Rd. (past Zoo Road), go to the circle at the end and park in the circle.

From Honeoye, there are several ways to get to 590 north. Google maps is suggesting Clover St to Monroe Ave and then get on I-590, but it depends on traffic.  So, I am going to leave it to each driver to find their way to I-590 or I-490 and then follow the directions above.

From Penn Yan, head north to the thruway – either at Manchester or north from Canandaigua – Google says the difference is only 2 minutes and the tolls. These directions go through Canandaigua: Go north on 14A for about 6.6 miles. Turn left on Ferguson Corners Rd, which becomes CR 2 and then CR 29. In Gorham, turn left on NY-245 S for 0.4 miles. Turn right onto CR 18. Turn north on NY 247 for 1.9 miles, then turn left on US-20. In Canandaigua turn right on S. Main Street NY-332N to the Thruway heading left to Rochester and Buffalo. Take the next exit 45 onto I-490 into Rochester. In 11 miles, use the right lane for 590 North. Follow the directions above from Canandaigua to Log Cabin Rd.

Finally, Happy Father’s Day to all my fellow dads!

Social:

 Circle back at 6:00pm for our after-hike social. There are 4 shelters in this area so, in case one of them is unoccupied, perhaps we can appropriate it. If not, we’ll just use the lawn (and hope it isn’t raining). Bring a food item to share or make a $5.00 donation. Also bring lawn chairs. I have a folding table but, we might be able to use more, if you have and would like to bring one.