Outdoor Newsletter  June 2004
  

                 ~~~ IN THIS ISSUE ~~~                                 

           Join the Fun on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 5th

           Area Naturalists to Lead Finger Lakes Talks & Treks this Summer

           Dog Confrontations on the Trail by Art "Happy" Klein

           Take a Scavenger Hike in Great Smokey Mountains National Park

           Help Bring Back the American Chestnut - There's a Reward

           Hiking Poles aren't Indestructible

           The Bald Eagle – An Endangered Species

           Enjoy a Bicycle Adventure

           Spam Filtering and AOL

           June and July Presentations

National Trails Day began in 1993 when the American Hiking Society decided there should be a special day to recognize the importance of trails in America. Every year the number of events and participating groups increases. Visit website www.americanhiking.org to learn about events near you, if you don’t find one listed below.

This year's theme, "Trails and Health . . . A Natural Connection," continues to promote the rewarding relationship between trails and good health. Whether you enjoy hiking, riding bikes or horses, paddling a canoe or kayak, attending health seminars, or a multitude of other activities, these events will promote awareness of the beauty and enjoyment obtained from trails.  The main goal is to get people, especially those who have never been on a trail, out to wander around and discover a healthy hobby.  Whether it's a city park, a greenway around a town, or a rugged mountain trail - trails are abundant here and are available for all to enjoy. 

ROCHESTER: The City of Rochester, with the Friends of the Genesee Riverway, the Monroe Regional Canalway Trail Group (M-RCTG) and the Genesee Waterways Center will host Trails Day on Saturday, June 5 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Genesee Waterways Center in Genesee Valley Park, 131 Elmwood Av. 

A full schedule of activities is planned including some on the "Green Trail," the traditional walking/biking trail and some on the "Blue Trail" or the waterway running through Genesee Valley Park.  Find the full schedule on the City's Website at www.cityofrochester.gov.  Activities starting at the Waterways Center include a self-guided "Discovery Challenge,” guided bike rides, a bird-watching walk, guided Arboretum walks, canoe and kayak lessons and an opportunity to paddle in the Hawaiian-style outrigger canoe. Inside the Waterways Center's Education Center, several talks on the history and future of the Genesee River front are planned, as well as a slide show by area photographer David Lewis called "The River Ramble, A New Adventure" based on retracing the popular Arch Merrill book of that title.  

After signing in at the Waterways Center, participants can attend a free "drop-in" fitness assessment at the Center for Lifetime Wellness at the Monroe Community Hospital. Trained counselors will take your pulse, blood pressure and take you on a tour of the facilities. Participants can also stop at the fitness center along the trail at Kendrick Road where they can find a circuit of exercise stations, with the ability to challenge all levels of fitness.  

A variety of entertainment will be found on a stage outside the Waterways Center.  The M-RCTG, sponsor of the Canalway Trail Adopt-a-Trail Program in Monroe County will be celebrating the adoption of the entire 39-mile length of the Canalway Trail in the county. Earlier in the day, two relay teams will begin to carry flags along the trail from either end of the county, carrying it in their adopted section and passing it to the next group, giving recognition to all the adopter groups and demonstrating the trail's connectivity between the involved organizations and their respective communities. At 1:00 PM the anchor leg of each team will arrive simultaneously at the Waterways Center for a celebration and formal ceremonies.

HOPEWELL: Ontario Pathways, headquartered in the Town of Canandaigua, will sponsor a scavenger hunt for children, a bike ride and safety check, a build-a-bird house activity, a trail photography clinic and more! Refreshments will be provided. Meet at the trailhead on Depot Road, off Route 5&20 in the Town of Hopewell at 10 AM on June 5.

MENDON: Pet Pride of New York, Inc. invites you to join them for CAT WALK 2004. Registration is at 11.30 AM at the Picnic Pavilion on the Lehigh Valley Trail in the hamlet of Mendon, near the intersection of Routes 64 and 251. The walk begins at noon. Call the office at 585-742-1630 for more information and a sponsorship form and map or to make a pledge if you cannot walk. Money collected from pledges will be used to feed and care for the cats at the shelter. All contributions are tax deductible. Refreshments will be available after the walk.

FISHERS: Victor Hiking Trails encourages you to start your day with breakfast at the Auburn trailhead on Main Street, Fishers, off Route 96 in Victor. Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries and all the “fixins” will be available from 7:30 to 9:00 AM. Cost is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under 12. Proceeds will be used to enhance the trails. Trail dedication and official groundbreaking for the beginning of the construction phase of trail improvements will follow the breakfast. See displays of what the trail will look like when completed. Join the hike at 9:30 AM for an easy 4-mile stroll to the Village of Victor to see additional displays and have lunch at one of the many restaurants in the village. Free transportation back to Fishers will be provided. Call 585-234-8226 to register.

FAIRPORT: Crescent Trails Hiking Association is planning an all-day event beginning and ending at Fairport Village Hall in Fairport on Saturday, June 12, 2004. Note, this is the week following the other events. It will take place rain or shine and will cover approximately 15 miles of trails within the Town of Perinton and the Village of Fairport, including the Crescent Trail and the Erie Canalway Trail. The hike will end in Bushnell's Basin where all hikers will board the 'Sam Patch,' an authentic canal packet boat, for a 5-mile ride back to the Fairport Village Hall. This is a strenuous event intended for advanced hikers only. Registration fee of $15 includes scheduled rest breaks with refreshments, lunch, SAG support and the boat ride. Registration is limited to the first 40 hikers. Contact Andy Rawdon at 585-546-8280 for reservations and additional details.

PALMYRA: Palmyra Village Crier Jim Bush will emcee the dedication of the Palmyra Canalway Trail on National Trails Day, June 5, 2004 at 10:00 AM at the Division Street end of the trail. Palmyra resident Bruce Wideman, whose vision and energy were largely responsible for the creation of the Palmyra Trail, will be honored that day, possibly cutting the ribbon officially opening the trail. Also acknowledged will be the adopters of trail segments and Nelson Cook and the Highway crews from the Village and Town of Palmyra who actually built the trail. Attendees will be invited to walk the trail from the dedication site, at Division Street, west to Aqueduct Park where members of the Macedon Trails Committee will serve as docents to talk about the Aldrich Change Bridge, the lock and the aqueduct. The museums of Historic Palmyra will be open and available to attendees. Beginning at 2:00 PM volunteers from the student Community Service Group of Palmyra-Macedon High School and the LDS Church will ‘sweep’ the canal bank, clearing brush and removing litter and celebrating with ice cream and soda at the end of the trail.

LYONS: Trail Works, Inc. is sponsoring Erie Canal Trail maintenance sweep - Black Brook section. Meet at 9:30 AM at Lock Berlin Park, a Wayne County Park on the old Erie Canal - located just off of and south of Route 31 on Gansz Road - a mile or two east of Lyons. The group will disperse to trim side growth and smooth the walking surface on the eastward two-mile section of the Old Erie Canal towpath trail ending at Reed Road. Bring your own bag lunch and drinks, clippers and trimmers, gloves and insect repellent. The group will re-gather at noon to enjoy lunches together at the Black Brook Park mid-point location. This is the first Trail Works, Adopt-a-Trail function on this Wayne County owned Black Brook section. Call 315-589-4024 with questions.

HONEOYE: Help maintain the trails in Wesley Hill Nature Preserve. Bring work tools and join leader Mark Cartwright to trim the trails then take a hike. Meet at 9 AM at the Wesley Road entrance to the Preserve off Gulick Road. Call 585-374-8518 with questions.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust will offer a variety of nature “Talks & Treks” this summer. The programs provide an opportunity to visit some of the loveliest wild areas in the Finger Lakes and learn from area naturalists. Talks & Treks events are free and open to the public. All are led and interpreted by volunteer naturalists and nature educators. For a complete list, visit www.fllt.org or call 585-394-4189 or 607-275-9487.

Top O’ The Morning Bird Walk, Saturday, June 5 – 7:30 AM
FLLT Volunteer Naturalist Bob Guthrie and Cumming Nature Center Educator Mary Hanlon will lead a walk at the south end of Canadice Lake. A haven for nesting birds, this scenic area provides an opportunity to hear and observe a variety of resident and migrating species. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a water bottle, trail mix, and binoculars. Meet at the gated trail on Canadice Lake Road at the south end of the lake, 7.1 miles south of NYS Rt. 20A. Ontario County.

Honeoye Lake Inlet Paddle, Saturday, June 19 – 8:00 AM
Canoe the wetlands at the south end of Honeoye Lake with naturalist and guide, Finger Lakes Community College Environmental Educator John Van Niel. Bring your own canoe; a limited number of canoes are available for those without one. This popular event is limited to 15 canoes and pre-registration is required – call early! Contact Mike Cartwright at 585-374-8518 or mwcart2001@aol.com to register and receive directions. Ontario County.

Seeing Ceruleans, Saturday, June 19 - 8 AM
At the Salmon Creek Bird Sanctuary in Lansing, NY. Meet at the intersection of Brooks Hill Road and Salmon Creek Road in Lansing (north of Ludlowville), Tompkins County.

High Tor Paddle Adventure, Saturday, July 10 – 9:00 AM
Canoe along Canandaigua Lake’s West River inlet with guide Kevin Olvany, Watershed Program Manager for the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council and adjunct FLCC faculty member. Bring your own canoe or kayak or make rental arrangements with Jansen Marina in Naples for this tour of the wetlands of the NYS Hi Tor Wildlife Management Area. Meet at the public parking lot near the state boat launch, Woodville, Rt. 21, 16 miles south of the intersection of Rt. 21 and the Canandaigua routes 5&20 by-pass. For more information, contact Jim Kersting at 585-367-2301 or jlkncd@rit.edu. Ontario County.

Conservation Easement Walk, Saturday, July 17 - 10 AM
In 1995, a Canadice couple permanently protected their 119 acres high above Canadice Lake with a conservation easement. Although easements do not normally allow public access, this walk offers a one-time opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the heavily forested property. Learn how conservation easements work and how they can protect forests, waterways, views, and wildlife. Follow FLLT Steward Steve Carter through pine and hardwood forests as he explains the unique features of the easement, and how stewards work with landowners to insure that the conditions of easements are maintained. For directions, call (585) 394-4189. Ontario County.

The Movers and Shakers, Saturday, July 17 - 10 AM
Explore the geology of the Sweedler Preserve’s Lick Brook gorge, outside Ithaca. With its spectacular waterfalls, this tributary of Cayuga Inlet has been a popular place for visitors for at least 100 years, and has one of the most-used sections of the 800-mile Finger Lakes Trail running along the gorge rim. Tompkins County.

From Vines to Wine, Saturday, July 31 - 11 AM 
Tour and tasting at Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake. Led by owner Mark Wagner. Reservations required (607-275-9487). Seneca County.

Forest Ecology Walk, Sunday, August 8 - 1 PM
At the Stevenson Nature Preserve in Enfield, NY, Tompkins County. Led by forester Michael DeMunn.

Wild Creatures of the Western Finger Lakes, Saturday, August 14 - 10:00 AM
Did you know that black bears are becoming more common in the Bristol Hills? Can you guess how a river otter spends a typical day? Have you seen eagles soaring in the skies around Hemlock Lake? Stephen Connelly, Assistant Professor and Technical Specialist at Finger Lakes Community College, has been studying and tracking these and other wild animals and will share some of his observations in a presentation at Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Rd., Naples. 
This program is co-sponsored by the Rochester Museum and Science Center. Donations to benefit the Cumming Nature Center are welcome. Ontario County.

WHOOO HOOO GOES THERE?, Saturday, August 28 - 8:00 PM
Join Environmental Educator Angela Cannon-Crothers for an evening hike at Wesley Hill Nature Preserve, south of Honeoye. Tap into your nighttime sensory awareness as you set off in search of owls, fireflies, glow worms and foxfire. Please do NOT bring a flashlight unless the flash is covered with critter-fooling red cellophane. Younger children accompanied by adults are welcome. Take the Anna Brown driveway off Gulick Rd, south of the Wesley Rd. intersection, go through the gate and gather at the pond. Ontario County.

(This is a response "Happy" wrote on the Finger Lakes Trail message board concerning the use of Dogdazers to ward off aggressive dogs while hiking.)

I am a dog loving, professional Pet Sitter (Art "Happy" Klein, Tonawanda, NY, 716-693-1082). I am a life long bicyclist (fifty years and counting) as well as an urban walker, wherein I have encountered more dog confrontations than on any country hikes.

Most pet professionals deplore extreme methods for controlling dog behavior such as Dogdazers and chemical sprays. Only rarely are dogs attacking human beings. Mostly they are protecting their territory.

When we are on wheeled conveyances or horsebacks we become to dogs "sort of human." We confuse them since humans are bipeds and wheels and horses are not.

My worst experience was in Niagara County about twenty years ago when my companions ahead suddenly picked up speed and I spied large brown shapes streaking toward the road. I stood on my pedals and was soon zooming along at about twenty five miles an hour and at my hip was a huge dog that left the rest of the pack far behind and bless somebody, had a large leather muzzle firmly in place. When last seen the whole pack was sitting in the hot sun strung out about a mile of country road. We avoided that road for many years. Bless muzzles.

Anyway if you want to exert some control over advancing dogs, it helps to dismount the bicycle and be firm with the animal. Use a firm strong voice. It works. Also, I often carry small treats in my pocket. Make sure they see what it is then throw it behind them.

The animal world has tried to get mailpeople to adopt this tactic for years. Unfortunately most mailpeople use the treats for friendly dogs and chemical sprays for aggressive acting dogs.

If spray does become necessary there are a couple good, humane choices. Carry a spray bottle with lemon water. Dogs generally don't (but not always!) like citrus. Another option is DirectStop (Premier 1-800- 933-5595) which is a commercial product that is citric and more of a spray fog. It is very effective since it enters the eyes and nostrils but has nothing more than a temporary effect.

When you are confronted by a barking dog who appears aggressive, try to be analytic. The dog may be behaving in a manner that was triggered by your appearance or other phenomenon. I love dogs for their loyalty and undying affection but they are not always too intelligent and may do things for the wrong reason.

If anything, keep saying "Good doggie, good doggie" and you may disarm the situation. They really hate attacking humans unless they are crazy or have been tormented into paranoid behavior.

Anyone heading south to Great Smokey Mountains National Park for a vacation should consider taking this guide along and becoming a scavenger hiker.

As a scavenger hiker, you search for treasures like a boulder bigger than a Winnebago, bear tracks that were left in wet concrete, rusted remains of a Model T Ford deep in the forest, a giant natural rock house that pioneers used as a shelter, a 1,000 foot sheer cliff drop with a view that takes your breath away, a hidden ancient Cherokee Indian path that was used for hundreds of years, a 120 year old cabin that you can explore inside, mysterious "midnight hole," and a deep pool of water below a powerful waterfall.

Make hiking the Smokies an unforgettable experience with "SCAVENGER HIKE ADVENTURES and Mountain Journal." Visit http://scavengerhikeadventures.com for more details.

There was a time BAOU (before all of us), back in the 1800s when the American chestnut tree was the dominant tree in our northeastern forests. Today, you can count yourself fortunate indeed if you find one in the woods. They were killed off in the early 1900s by an imported blight.

Some American chestnut trees survived underground and have been able to re-sprout a whole new tree from the remaining roots. Many of these re-sprouts succumbed to the blight but a few survived and have developed into mature trees. An organization called the American Chestnut Foundation of New York (ACFNY) is working to save the American chestnut tree and develop a blight-resistant strain to repopulate our forests - and they're offering a reward for your assistance.

The ACFNY is offering a reward to the locator of an American chestnut tree that is over 14 inches diameter at breast height (DBH). During 2004, the first 10 trees found over 18 inches DBH will earn the finder $100 and the first 10 over 14 inches DBH will earn the finder $50. The trees must be found in New York State, not be previously recorded by ACFNY, and the property owner must be amenable to having ACFNY identify the tree on-site and pursue pollination or seed collection.

ACFNY plans to collect seeds from verified trees and plant them in their seed orchards to become "mother trees." Mother trees will be bred with blight-resistant pollen to produce resistant trees that can be planted to begin reforestation.

So, how do you identify an American chestnut tree? Look for prickly brown burrs on the ground. If opened, the burrs would measure about 4 inches across. The leaves are 6 to 9 inches long with pinpointed teeth. Visit http://www.acf.org for photos and information on the history, identification, and efforts to save the American chestnut.

According to Irene Szabo, President of the Finger Lakes Trail Association, she's found several small ones along the trail. She has spotted them by looking for the distinctive prickly burrs on the ground, then looking up to see the sharply pointed leaves. They are out there. Have fun scouting for the big ones and helping the ACFNY in their efforts to preserve a part of our natural heritage.

I wanted to let everyone know that a dear friend of mine passed away after many years of faithful service. This friend was with me when I hiked the Appalachian Trail, crossed Spain on the Camino de Santiago, walked Canada’s Bruce Trail and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa and Mauna Loa in Hawaii. Not to mention the many hundreds of miles here in New York while researching our guidebooks. 

I knew there was always a possibility that these loved ones could break, but after all these years, it was just a mere thought, and I was devastated when it happened. 

Last month while hiking across England on the Coast-to-Coast Trail, one of my Leki poles gave its life to save me from being sucked deeper into the Moors. I was trying to raise myself out of the mud when the lower section broke with a snap. One of my trusted Leki’s left this worldly hiking path. 

I have to admit that these poles have been put to the test many times and they held up exceptionally well. Ever since I started using them 8 years ago, I’ve been a strong proponent. They became even more important last year because we began using them as a center pole for our lightweight tent. 

All in all, I just wanted to share my experience and to let everyone know I have been well served by Leki poles. In the coming weeks I plan to get a replacement set. Of course they’ll be Leki’s. To review all Leki products, go to www.leki.com 

     The Bald Eagle – An Endangered Species

Our national bird is an endangered species success story. In 1963, scientists counted just over 400 pairs of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. Then, the pesticide DDT was banned. Hunting eagles was banned, too. Thanks to years of protection, there are now over 4,000 pairs of eagles flying the U.S. skies.

We got first-hand evidence of their comeback as we paddled area waterways, researching our new Take a Paddle guidebooks. We flushed a pair of eagles down the creek ahead of us as we paddled Oswayo Creek from Shinglehouse, PA to Toll Gate, NY (near Olean).  Another common place for sightings is the southern end of Honeoye Lake.

The endangered species act was enacted in 1973 to stem the tide of species decline and disappearance. The Act requires all Federal agencies to ensure that their actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or result in the destruction of habitat critical to a species' survival.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service are the agencies responsible for adding species to the endangered list and removing them when appropriate.

We’re losing the extinction battle on many fronts, but we’re winning at least with a few – like the bald eagle. It may even be taken off the endangered species list this year because of its great comeback. Head out in a canoe or kayak this summer and see if you can spot our local endangered species success story. It will be an adventure to remember.

      Enjoy a Bicycle Adventure

This spring and summer you’ll have lots to choose from if you want to join a bicycle tour. Here’s a sampling of road and trail bike tours coming up:

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ADK Outdoor Expo
Mendon Ponds Park beach area & Stewart Lodge

Meet folks from area outdoor clubs, try orienteering, and enjoy hikes for all ages, cooking demos, canoe & kayak demos, prizes, packing tips, tent exhibits, info on local hikes you can try. Detailed schedule posted at
http://www.gvc-adk.org/events/expo/expo2004.php

Rich & Sue Freeman will present free workshops on lightweight backpacking (10:30 AM) and where to paddle in central & western NY (noon).

June 12, Saturday,  4-6 PM, FREE

Grand Opening - Tri Running & Walking
Book Signing by Rich & Sue Freeman
191 West Main Street, Victor, NY  14564
(585) 924-7690

To help celebrate the grand opening of a new store dedicated to running &
walking, Rich & Sue will sign books. Take a hike over to check out the new
store and get a personalized copy of any of the Freeman's 9 local guidebooks
for yourself or a loved one.

June 15, Tuesday, 7 PM   FREE

Where to Canoe & Kayak Near Home slide show
Irondequoit Public Library, Pauline Evans Branch
45 Cooper Road, Rochester  14617
(585) 336-6062 (call to pre-register)

Rich & Sue Freeman want you to "Take a Paddle." They'll share slides taken while researching their newest guidebooks and show the most scenic, unique and just plain fun places you can flat-water paddle in a canoe or kayak.

Hiking Wild Hawaii slide show
Penfield Public Library
1985 Baird Road, Penfield, NY 14526, 585-340-8720

The Big Island of Hawaii sports rugged climbs up dry volcanic peaks and hikes through lush tropical rainforests to remote cliff-lined valleys. It offers black and green sand beaches and natural saunas created by volcanic steam vents. Join guidebook authors Rich & Sue Freeman on a trek to see a wild side of Hawaii that most tourists never see.

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