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

We will meet at 3:45pm in the circle at the end of Log Cabin Rd. for 4:00pm hike start.  Note: HIKE TIME CHANGE for the summer months (i.e. 4:00pm-6:00pm.)  Please dress appropriately for the hike, consider wearing bug/tick repellent and bring poles if you wish.

The Naturalists/Tourists will 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 pollen transfer demonstration.  The hike will continue mostly on paved paths to enjoy the park and return to Log Cabin Rd. for the social.

The Climbers will take several trails that loop though the forests and around Eastman and Durand Lakes.  We will likely see swans and ducks along the way while being surrounded by lush plant life, moss, ferns and trees.  Be prepared for muddy conditions and uneven terrain in parts.  Lastly the group will visit the remains of The White Lady’s Castle where tales of the spectral “white lady” have been whispered for decades.

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.

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.

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. Gene will bring a folding table but, we might be able to use more, if you have and would like to bring one.

Happy Father’s Day, we look forward to seeing you Sunday at 3:45pm!