Springwater Trails’Winter Hike on Sunday, February 12, 2023 on the All Western Evergreen Nursery & Christmas Tree Farm (www.allwesterntrees.com) in beautiful Springwater will begin at 2 PM, for best experience come early around 1:45 PM to sign in and meet the leader for each group.
The Western Evergreen Tree Farm in Springwater, NY
You are invited to hike on private land near the Northwestern corner of Springwater on the 245 acre All Western Evergreen Nursery & Christmas Tree Farm owned by Katherine Humphrey and daughter, Jerrianne Scheiderich. The entrance to the farm is at 6840 Liberty Pole Road (County Road 38, 1 mile from State Route 15 between Springwater and Webster’s Crossing). It is well marked and is on the high side of the road. There is parking to the left of the driveway opposite the Morton Building. Please follow the orange cones and park facing Liberty Pole Road, and sign in. Depending on the number attending, participants will be divided into Climbers (4 mile, fast pace), Tourists (3½ – 4 mile, moderate pace), and Naturalists (2-3 mile, slow pace). Designated volunteer leaders will be leading each of the hikes. Farm maps will be available so as to stay on the Farm. Please do not wander onto the neighbor’s lands. Please follow your snowshoe, ski, or hike leader (subject to the vagaries of the weather). Select a person to be the sweep (last person to keep a count of who is hiking in the group) so as not to have anyone wander off or get lost along the way.
On the hike, expect winter conditions. If there is enough snow, skis and snow shoes can be used. Dress warmly and bring water, poles, and snacks, as desired. Masks and social distancing are okay, if desired, along with all the usual precautions we’ve become accustomed to. Most of us have had the recommended vaccines and booster shots. Beware of stones, drifts, woodchuck holes, brush and stumps. We will all meet at the farm parking lot behind the house at 6840 Liberty Pole Road, Springwater, NY 14560 (GPS might say Dansville, NY 14437). Please be sure to take the Liberty Pole Road entrance at the start.
The Western Evergreen Tree Farm in Springwater, NY
Depending on weather conditions, those who want to ski will drive up to the entrance to the farm off Swartz Road following the ski leader. The Skiers will crisscross the farm from the entrance on Swartz Road, across the tree plantations, through the woods, across the tillable strips to the largest trees on the farm in the Scott Hill triangle and return. Those who wish are invited to come back to the parking lot behind the house to attend the dish-to-pass social.
It is about 1 mile across the farm in either direction; about 4 miles around the perimeter. The Tourist leader will select a route around the perimeter to see the largest trees on the farm, including Concolor fir and Red Pine. Katherine will lead the slow-paced group. Both of these groups will start out from the parking lot behind the house. The nursery beds and several exotic trees are near the residence. There is a leisurely incline from 1200 to about 2000 feet to the top of the farm and back.
The Western Evergreen Tree Farm in Springwater, NY
The tree farm was started in 1968, making 2023 the 55th year of planting trees. Participants may like to notice the many different species of Christmas trees planted and the animal tracks to ID. Please stay on trails to avoid trampling seedlings that may not be seen under the snow. You will see hardwoods, a red pine forest (cathedral pines planted over 75 years ago), Christmas tree plantations (some Concolor fir trees up to 35 feet tall planted in the early 1980’s), a pond, wet areas and open fields and a gorgeous view of East Springwater from the hill tops.
After the hike, a choice of hot, home-made soups will be at the farm house and people can bring their dish-to-pass before or after the hike (refrigeration, range and sockets are available). Depending on the size and comfort of the group, the garage area can be our shelter with the option of having the doors open. You are invited to bring a dish to pass, a folding chair, your preferred drink and stay for the social at the house between 4:00 and 6:30 PM.
Directions to the Farm:
From the South or North if you come down State Route15A, Springwater hamlet, at the blinking light intersection of State Route 15A, drive north on State Route 15 for a couple of miles and take the second left onto County Road 38 (Liberty Pole Road). Cross the first intersection (Carney Hollow Road, County Road 60) and in a tenth of a mile on the left high side of the Liberty Pole Road across from the 45 mile an hour sign, you will see the Tree Farm sign at 6840 Liberty Pole Road). Turn left and follow the orange cones up to the parking area and park facing forward toward Liberty Pole Road for ease in leaving at the end of the day.
From Conesus or the North, on State Route 15, go south through Webster Crossing and go straight up the Carney Hollow Road (County Road 60). At the first intersection, turn right onto County Road 38 (Liberty Pole Road) and go a tenth of a mile. Near the 45 mile an hour sign you will see the Tree Farm entrance at 6840 Liberty Pole Road. Turn left onto the high side of the road, follow the orange cones and park facing forward toward Liberty Pole Road for ease in leaving at the end of the day.
From the West from Groveland Station, take County Road 1 to Scottsburg, straight onto County Road 1A to Stage Coach Road. Go straight onto County Road 38 to 6840, where you will see the Tree Farm sign on the high side. Turn right and follow the orange cones and park facing forward toward Liberty Pole Road for ease in leaving at the end of the day