Snowshoeing in a Winter Wonderland…

 

Our latest adventure brought us to Rice Creek Field Station at SUNY Oswego. Located just off Thompson Road in Oswego, the facility is a hidden gem for students and the community to learn about and engage with the great outdoors that Oswego County is so well known for.

Rice Creek Field Station opened in 1966 on property that was once farmland. With nearly 400 acres of varied habitats that support diverse plant and wildlife, it includes open fields, shrub lands, streams and creeks. Visitors will also discover mature hardwood forests that were once part of a farm woodlot and abandoned orchards, stone walls and hedgerows from its earlier days as an agriculture site. When the facility was first developed, conifer plantations were introduced along with select European and Asian trees and shrubs. A 26-acre pond was also created by the construction of a dam on Rice Creek.

The history of the area can be traced back to the late 18th century when Asa and Elizabeth Rice settled with their family at the mouth of Rice Creek, then known as Three Mile Creek. Eventually, they moved upstream and other families joined them to establish a small farming community called Union Village, later renamed Fruit Valley.

The facility closed in 2012 for a major renovation project and was re-opened last fall. At more than 7,600 square feet, the new main building is double the size of its predecessor. It contains state-of-the-art wet and dry laboratories, a research lab and library, a lecture room and reception area, an observatory control room and administrative offices.

The renovation project included advances in green technology. It was built to be close to a net-zero carbon emissions structure and achieve LEED Gold Certification. The exterior has high-rated insulation and a sun-shade system to reduce energy consumption. Other features include advanced storm water retention basins, rain gardens, energy-efficient heating and cooling, light and motion sensitive lighting as well as a rooftop solar system that provides approximately 40 percent of the facility’s electricity.

True to its purpose as a living laboratory, the field station continues to maintain the Ruth Sachidanandan Herb Garden and an extensive trail network for people to learn about and enjoy nature first-hand. The grounds now also include the 16” telescope observatory which was relocated from the Romney Field House parking lot.

Here is a map overview of the property:

The four nature trails are open to the public and vary in length, terrain and habitat. All of the trails allow hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing; however, only the Orange Trail also permits biking. As this is a wildlife study area, visitors are asked to stay on designated trails and not remove or disturb wildlife or vegetation. For the same reason, other outdoor activities such as camping, boating, swimming, hunting, trapping or fishing are not allowed on site and visitors are asked to carry out any trash they create or find.

We recently took advantage of the new snowfall and moderate temperatures to enjoy an afternoon snowshoe hike on the Blue Trail. Here is our adventure:

In addition to hosting student classes and research projects, Rice Creek Field Station also engages the community with a variety of nature programs throughout the year. “Exploring Nature” targets the natural curiosity of children. “Rice Creek Rambles” invites individuals and families to follow a naturalist-led walk through the property to learn about the environs. “Story Hour” introduces children and families to wildlife and the environment through stories. These programs are all free and open to the public. An adult must accompany children and space is limited, so programs cannot accommodate groups.

Don’t miss these upcoming programs at Rice Creek:

Rice Creek Rambles

February 8: Snowshoe Hike
March 8: Track Tales
March 22: Winter Weeds

Story Hour

February 22: “Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen and John Schoenher
March 29: “The Stranger” by Chris Van Allsburg

More Important Dates:

March 1: Deadline for “Exploring Nature” scholarship applications
               (go to www.oswego.edu/exploringnature for more information)
March 8: the river’s end bookstore hosts a book sale at Rice Creek
March 30: Ecology and Environmentalism Presentation

For more information about Rice Creek Field Station and its programs, trail maps and conditions, or to schedule a group tour, call 315/312-6677, e-mail diann.jackson@oswego.edu or go to www.oswego.edu/ricecreek.

 

For more ways to enjoy our winter wonderland, go to www.visitoswegocounty.com.

Cheers,

Kelly

 

Grooming a Winter Wonderland...

Our latest tour led us to the northernmost reaches of Oswego County. On the edge of the Tug Hill plateau, outdoor adventure-seekers will discover the Winona State Forest. A special thanks to Rose Driscoll, one of the original board members of the Winona Forest Recreation Association (WFRA), as well as to Claire and Mary Shadduck and Dave Cronk, our trail guide and groomer extraordinaire.

The all-volunteer group maintains approximately 70 miles of motorized and non-motorized trails throughout the forest. This area covers more than 9,000 acres in Oswego and Jefferson counties, providing more than enough room to accommodate outdoor enthusiasts of all interests in every season. Favorite activities include: hiking, biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mushing (dog sledding), birding, horseback-riding, hunting, fishing, and ATV riding.

While Winona State Forest may be a bit of a hidden treasure locally, it is well-known internationally as a popular training and racing ground for sled dogs. It also hosts an Empire State Games Qualifier for the New York State Ski Racing Association.

Year-round, there is much work to be done in order to keep this area operational for all users. The winter season requires two-person groom teams to create and maintain a good snow base. Throughout the remainder of the year, fallen trees are removed, branches are trimmed and trails are cut back. Much of these tasks are accomplished through the hard work and devotion of WFRA volunteers and local civic groups.

From our front row seat on the groomer, we witnessed the untouched beauty of this winter wonderland and enjoyed the great satisfaction of a fresh-cut trail! See our pictures below:

Many groves throughout Winona State Forest were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was the brainchild of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in an effort to revitalize the nation’s economy during the Great Depression. Thousands of unemployed young men were recruited to work on improving millions of acres of federal and state lands throughout the country.

The CCC camps stimulated local economies; improved forest activity through reforestation, flood control and fire protection; and developed forest recreation by building campgrounds in many areas.

Between 1933 and 1941, more than 3 million men served in the corps and more than 3 billion trees were planted on municipal lands and parks. The CCC has given us the tenets of modern conservation and a legacy of natural resources.

Claire Shadduck and Dave Cronk groom a trail at Winona State Forest.

Volunteers have been involved in organizing events and grooming trails at Winona State Forest for more than 30 years. Originally the Tug Hill Ski Club, the WFRA organized the Tug Hill Tour-a-thon, an annual marathon race to promote recreational cross-country skiing in the area. Since then, the group has re-organized to include all user groups of the forest.

The WFRA is an active, not-for-profit volunteer organization supported through memberships and donations. Additional fundraising helps with year-round trail maintenance. For more information about the WFRA, upcoming events or trail reports, visit the group’s Web site at: www.winonaforest.com.

Visit Winona State Forest and discover the natural beauty of the area. Parking is available along the north side of Center Road at the Wart Road and Bargy Road intersections. See map below:

Map of Winona State Forest
(highlighting Center Road)

Don’t miss the upcoming Winona Forest Winterfest & Try-It Ski Race! Explore the snow-covered forest with a cross-country ski race, a dog sled ride and a snowshoe walk. Try the thrilling excitement of skijoring and enjoy demonstrations by a chainsaw wood-carving artist and a snow sculptor. There will also be food, raffles, a silent auction and a groomer display. On Saturday, January 16, the festival begins at 9 a.m. and admission is free. The Try-It Cross-Country Ski Race starts at 10:30 a.m. and admission is $30 with additional discount for family or BKSYL skiers if they register online at http://www.skireg.com/ by Friday, January 15 at 5 p.m. Registration on race day is $40. The festival and race will be held at CCC Camp on county Route 89 east of Mannsville and parking is available at the camp. For event details, visit the WFRA Web site listed above.

If you would like more information about the great outdoors and events in Oswego County, please visit our Web site at http://www.visitoswegocounty.com/.

Cheers,
Kelly

Find the history in your own backyard…

Nestled in the little hamlet of Texas, New York, Mexico Point Park is one of the most breathtaking natural areas we have discovered in our travels. A special thank you to our tour guide Sandra for showing us around the park, which is located on the shores of Lake Ontario at the northern point of the Mexico Township.

To say that the views are spectacular would be an understatement and, while its serene beauty is unparalleled, the true charm of the park lies in its history.



Mexico Point Park
The park’s history is as colorful as its sunsets. It was once home to the Mexico Point Clubhouse, which was originally built in 1906. This lively summer resort was popular with local residents and vacationers. Guests of the inn were met at the train station by a horse-drawn bus which carried them to their summer retreat. Visitors of the clubhouse enjoyed boating, swimming, sunbathing, ball games, clambakes, dances and many other social events.

In the 1940s, boxing legends Carmen Basilio, Joey DeJohn and Joe Netro used the resort as a summer training camp.

Sadly, the resort succumbed to fire in 1952 and all that remains are the stone foundation and walls, the grand fireplace, and the heavy ship chains and connecting pillars at the former entrances of the building.

Here are some of the views of the park:



Casey’s Cottage
Another feature that remains as a testament to the park’s history is Casey’s Cottage. Formerly the carriage house of the resort, it was abandoned with the arrival of the automobile. In the 1930s, summer resident and Columbia University Professor Dr. William C. Casey arranged to take over the facility with his friend, German artist Severin Bischof. With the help of their friends, the pair transformed the barn into an 11th century English manor house.

The medieval influence is apparent in the life-size wall carvings, the leaded stained glass windows, the Great Hall with its majestic fireplace and quotes from Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” carved into the broad beams. On the second floor, visitors will find an ornate chapel and a balcony overlooking the Great Hall. A porch was added to create the illusion of a moat.

The cottage was abandoned after Dr. Casey’s death in 1978. Ten years later, the Friends of Mexico Point took over the restoration efforts and now maintain the facility.

Take in these images from the cottage:



Spy Island
Perhaps one of the most fascinating tales of this park, and indeed the entire area, is that of Silas Town, Mexico resident and Revolutionary War hero. An American spy commissioned by General George Washington, Town was selected to uncover the battle plans of British Colonel Barry St. Leger.

While he was hidden on a small island in the Little Salmon Creek, Town overheard St. Leger’s intentions to attack Fort Stanwix (located in present-day Rome, New York). After much discussion, and at the insistence of Mohawk chief Joseph Brant, it was decided that the British troops would set about the charge by way of Oswego and the Oswego River. Town made haste to report his findings to the American troops at Fort Stanwix. Thus warned, the soldiers were able to repel St. Leger’s troops, forcing their retreat.

This defeat was an important factor in the British loss at the Battle of Saratoga – long considered the “Turning Point of the Revolutionary War”.

After the war, Silas Town returned to make his home in Mexico. He regaled his friends and neighbors with tales of his many adventures and endeared himself to all. Before his death in 1806, Town asked to be buried on the small island where he had hidden all those years before. Local residents honored his request and erected an obelisk monument in his name. There is now a park bench near the site where visitors can sit and pay their respects to this local hero.

Discover Spy Island with these photos:




Mexico Point Park is located on Mexico Point Drive West, just off New York State Route 104B in the town of Mexico. It is open from Memorial Day week-end through Labor Day week-end. Swimmers can enjoy the beach from late June through Labor Day, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weather permitting.

In addition to spectacular views and fascinating history, the park features picnic tables, grills, a pavilion, bathrooms, a beach, park benches, trails and wooden sculptures. The park also hosts several community events throughout the year.

Don’t miss the upcoming Mid-Summer’s Eve celebration! Enjoy medieval music, food and fun from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11; Wednesday, August 12; and Thursday, August 13. Admission is $25 and reservations are required. For tickets, call 315/963-7657.

If you would like more information about historical attractions and events in Oswego County, please visit our Web site at http://www.visitoswegocounty.com/.

Cheers,
Kelly

Trailing the snow…

As we took snowmobile to trail on our latest outing, I could not help but think of the famous words of Robert Frost,

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

Thus, was inspired to leave these not-so-famous words:

In this waning winter season, it was a true delight

to spend time in the northern reaches
of the county and enjoy the spectacular sight
of Mother Nature dressed in white.

With a special thanks to Patrick, our guide,
Who, along with friends George, Dave and Michael
Did take us on an exciting ride
by trails through the wooded countryside.

A joyous sport for the old and the young,
I entreat you to come out and explore
now, Be warned, it won’t be long
‘Fore this winter wonderland is too soon gone.

See here our journey’s imagery:

The Oswego County Snowmobile Association is comprised of ten local clubs dedicated to the promotion, development and improvement of snowmobile trails in our area. Volunteers groom and maintain more than 366 miles of trails throughout Oswego County. All riders are invited to join their local snowmobile club. For more information, call 315/676-7031 or visit http://www.oswcsa.com/.

Please be sure to follow the rules and regulations associated with snowmobiling and heed the Snowmobiler’s Code of Ethics:

• I will respect the rights and property of other people
• I will be a good sportsman and conservationist
• I will not harass wildlife
• I will lend a helping hand when I see someone in need
• I will respect the rights and activities of other winter sportsmen

Ride safely and stay on the trail!

Cheers,
Kelly

As it begins with Frost, so too, it must end,

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.