I’m always on the lookout for fresh news from the Friends of Webster Trails to pass along. These are the volunteers who create and maintain the amazing trail system we have here in Webster.
I got such an email the other day, highlighting several of the projects the Friends are working on, even in the middle of winter.
The main activity for the last few months has actually been tree removal. Several wind events this winter have downed many weak trees, especially ash trees, which have been killed over the last few years by the Emerald Ash Borer. Once dead, these provide a trellis for climbing vines such as grape and poison ivy, both of which are native plants. But the worst offender is Japanese bittersweet, which is not native. The vines grow up the dead tree until they reach the top where they expand in size. These growths provide a handle that the wind can use to topple the dead tree.
All of the trails experienced some degree of tree problems recently and the Friends are fortunate to have a few folks with chainsaws and the knowledge to deal with these trail obstructions. Some of the trees that were down presented some difficulties at removing which you can gather from the photo abovem taken at Gosnell Big Woods. The Bird Sanctuary Trail was the hardest hit, with more a dozen trees down near the Rt. 250 junction. If you notice trees down on trail, please report the problem on the “contact” link of the FWT website.
Latest from the ReTree project
With permission from the Town, and using grant money from the Rochester Birding Association, the Friends hired Jim Engel of White Oak Nursery to clear non-native invasive Autumn Olive in Whiting Road Nature Preserve, where they’ll be planting native species later this year.
ReTree began in 2021 with the mission of improving species diversity and ecological resiliency of the forested habitat in the Webster open spaces. Since its inception, the group has cleared invasives from several plots and planted more than 300 native trees and shrubs, sourced from New York State, Monroe County Soil and Water and White Oak Nursery, in addition to growing seedlings from seed.
ReTree is always looking for volunteers to enjoy the outdoors, help the environment, and make like-minded friends. Contact them at https://webstertrails.org/retree/
Improvements to the new Herman Road Preserve
Volunteers from Friends of Webster Trails have been hard at work clearing along the road by the new Herman Road Forever Wild Forest preserve. Invasive species and brush were cleared, and then the town picked up the brush.
This makes for a more inviting entry to the trails, and helps prepare the site for the creation of a parking lot. Work will begin this week by Webster Highway and Parks and Recreation to create a six-car parking lot.
* * *
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
(posted 2/26/2024)
webster on the web 
Leave a comment