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The Friends of Webster Trails need your input

27 Mar

The Friends of Webster Trails is in the process of applying for a grant to improve the section of the Hojack Trail between Holt and Drumm roads. But before they finalize the application, they need some public input to include with it.

So if you have ever hiked — or run along, or biked along — the Hojack Trail (any section of the Hojack Trail), PLEASE consider filling out this quick survey to add your opinions to the mix. I did it, it’s anonymous, and it took about 5 minutes. It gives you the opportunity to say what you like about the Hojack and what you might not like about the Hojack. Whatever your opinions, they’re valuable.

Time is short; the Friends need to report their responses by next Wednesday, so please take a moment right now, click this link and fill out the survey. Really, it’s fast and easy, and a great way to help the Friends continue their great work.

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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 3/27/2025)

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Show some love to your favorite trail

15 Feb

If you love our Webster trails, then I hope you’ve already become a member of the Friends of Webster Trails, the terrific all-volunteer organization who are committed to maintaining, and building, our great trail system. But if you REALLY love our trails and are looking for even more ways to show that love, the Friends have a great opportunity for you to consider.

The Friends of Webster Trails have put out a call for more volunteers to sign up as trail stewards. It’s really not a tough job. Trail stewards help maintain a particular trail (for example the Green Trail at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve) by hiking it regularly, reporting maintenance issues and helping resolve them. Stewards are also asked to participate in trail workdays and propose upgrade projects.

It’s a great opportunity to help support this excellent organization and show some love to your favorite trail. If you’re interested, click here to email the Trail Chair, Linda Siple, and she’ll get back in touch.

To find out more about the Friends of Webster Trails and all the great things they do for our town, visit their website here.

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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 2/15/2025)

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What in the world is a puncheon?

14 Nov

That was the only question I had to ask when I attended the Friends of Webster Trails‘ (FWT) annual meeting earlier this week. And that was because during the hour-long meeting, I heard that word perhaps a dozen times.

The annual meeting is an opportunity for FWT board members and community members to come together and hear this year’s updates on the Friends’ financial standing, membership numbers and ongoing projects. It was held at Liberty Lodge at Finn Park, and was attended by perhaps 30 board members and trail volunteers, and more than a few FWT members from the greater Webster community.

I was one of those community members. As a long-time supporter of the Friends, I know how much time and effort this all-volunteer organization spends maintaining and expanding our town’s incredible trail system. But I wanted to learn in more detail about what’s been accomplished this year.

Short answer? A LOT.

It was an annual meeting, so of course there were discussions about how much money is in the savings account, how many new members joined since last November, how many people use the trails, and how the Friends’ ReTree Initiative is progressing. But when the discussion turned to reports from the trail stewards, I really sat up and took notice.

Because there are so many trails, it took about a half hour for all the trail stewards to present their summaries, mostly because an awful lot has been accomplished this year.

For starters, two brand new trail systems were added this year — Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest and State Rd. Nature Preserve. That means that 32 trails and trail spurs now crisscross our town, measuring almost 30 miles of natural beauty.

Throughout the trail system, benches were built or replaced; countless loads of gravel were spread over wet areas; downed trees were cleared; boardwalks were built, fixed and replaced; trail signs were fixed and new signs installed; and new trails were blazed. The Friends also hosted several special events for children and families, including the very popular Hot Cocoa and Cars Along the Creek hikes, a Summer Reading Kickoff Party, guided hikes at Four Mile Creek and Gosnell Big Woods Preserve, and ten community workdays.

Oh yeah, they also built or replaced many puncheons. I learned that the word has a couple of definitions, but when it comes to trail maintenance, a puncheon is a road or walkway built with split logs or timbers. As you can imagine, they’re a vital tool in the trail builder’s arsenal.

It was a busy year, but a typical one for the all-volunteer Friends of Webster Trails, who work tirelessly all year to maintain our trails and build new ones. And even now they’re looking forward to next year and all the ways they can keep improving the trails. Their goals range from adding and updating trail markers to building more benches, platforms, bridges and kiosks, to even creating a wheelchair-accessible trail. And of course they’re always watching for opportunities to add brand new trails.

But they can’t do all these great things without community support, and there are several easy ways to do that. You can become a member for just $10 a year and get the monthly newsletter emailed to you, telling you about all the upcoming events. You can just go online to Webstertrails.org and make a direct donation. You can also make a donation in memory of a family member or friend.

If you love our trails and you love to hike, consider showing the Friends of Webster Trails how much you appreciate their efforts by becoming a member or making a donation.

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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 11/14/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

30 Oct

Lots of great events happening in November, so grab your calendar, because you’re gonna want to make some notes.

The next Family Scavenger Hunt is scheduled for this Saturday Nov. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve.

Participants will explore the park on a well-marked trail, completing a fun scavenger hunt along the way. Three different skill levels will be available for kids aged 2 to 12, so children of all ages can participate. Everyone who completes the hike can choose an autumn-themed prize.

Cost is $5 per child, and please preregister at the Webster Recreation Center website (look for program 301205-A). You can pay when you get to the hike. Sign in anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The hunt will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

This hike is sponsored by the Webster Recreation Center in collaboration with the Friends of Webster Trails and WHEN, the Webster Health and Education Network. All proceeds will benefit the Friends.

Craft sale will benefit WSPS

A large variety of one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, lovingly made by local crafters, will be for sale at the Webster Arts and Crafts Sale on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. 

Everything for sale is designed and handmade by the roughly 30 talented artisans who are taking part in the event, which this year will be held in the recreation center’s gym. There’s always something unique and special to find at the sale for people of all ages. Parking and entry are free.   

The sale is a fundraiser for WSPS, the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters, a non-profit organization made up of 65 drivers who volunteer their time to get Webster seniors and the disabled to their appointments, including the doctor, dentist, hair stylist and the bank. By sponsoring events like the Webster Arts and Crafts Sale, WSPS is able to provide the low-cost rides and fund its dispatchers and office expenses. WSPS is a lifeline for many people who no longer drive and would not be able to afford other forms of transportation. 

Walk/Bike Webster event scheduled

If you’re a fan of getting around Webster on two feet or two wheels, or are interested in helping brainstorm ideas to improve walking and biking opportunities in Webster, then this next event is for you.

On Monday Nov. 4, from 6 to 7:45 p.m. there will be a Walk and Bike Webster event held in the Community Room at the Webster Public Library.

The purpose of the event is to start a conversation about getting around town without a car. The hope is to gather like-minded folks who want to work together to advocate for better walking, biking, and/or bus riding conditions within Webster.

The meeting will begin with a quick meet and greet at 6 p.m., followed by the film “Why We Bike,” created by Reconnect Rochester. Webster Town Council member Ginny Nguyen and Matthew Isles from Walk/Bike Irondequoit will then lead a panel discussion. Nguyen will talk about how the Town of Webster is promoting safe walking and biking, and Isles will talk about what Walk/Bike Irondequoit is doing.

There will also be a survey available for attendees to fill out, relaying their concerns to town officials. If you can’t make the meeting but would like to take the survey, click here.

To find out more about this event, visit the Facebook event page here.

What’s happening at the library?

As usual, the Webster Public Library has a whole schedule of entertaining activities coming up next month, designed for the whole family.

I pulled out this first one for special attention because it sounds very interesting. It’s called “Rethinking Thanksgiving — A Native American Perspective on an American Holiday.”

The library writes,

this lively, content-based presentation will give an overview of the history of this very misunderstood holiday. Participants will learn accurate and culturally appropriate information about the English settlers at Plymouth and the Wampanoag, the Native people who inhabited that area. We will discuss the actual events of 1621 in Plymouth, the relationship between the English settlers and the Wampanoag, and how this story became the holiday we know today. Participants will learn how Native People, particularly the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), view the concept of “Thanksgiving.”

The program will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. Registration is required. Click here to do so.

Here’s a quick look at some of the other programs coming up this month. For more information, check out the event section of the Webster Public Library website.

  • The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s annual hat sale is going on now. Adult hats start at $8, children’s hats at $4.
  • A Vintage Book Sale will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prices start at $8.
  • This month’s community collections are cookbooks and recipes, and the Keeping our Promise donation station.

For adults:

For the family:

  • Family Fun Night: STEAM, building creative structures. Monday Nov. 25, 6 to 7 p.m. No registration required.
  • Drop-In Board Game & Puzzle Day, Tuesday Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. No registration required.

For teens and tweens:

Women’s Club of Webster November meeting

The November luncheon meeting of the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd. This month’s speaker will be Evan Schutt from Schutt’s Apple Mill and Country Store.

Schutt’s has been a part of the local community since it first opened its doors in 1918 by Paul “Great Grandpa” Schutt. For more than 100 years, each generation has loved bringing us its delicious apples, sweet cider, and fried cakes. Evan will talk about his history of farming, tradition, family, and the mill.

The luncheon begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., brief meeting at 12:00 noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m. followed by Evan’s presentation. Cost for the luncheon is $22, with a choice of turkey melt, corned beef Reuben or apple salad. All choices include fresh fruit.

Send a check made out to WCW by November 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Late registrations cannot be accepted this month. If you have questions or you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303. 

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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 10/30/2024)

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Two great hikes, one fun day

22 Oct

My regular blog readers already know how much I love the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT). These two special events they’re involved with in a few weeks are great examples why.

The first is a Family Scavenger Hunt on Saturday Nov. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve.

Participants will explore the park on a well-marked trail, completing a fun scavenger hunt along the way. Three different skill levels will be available for kids aged 2 to 12, so children of all ages can participate. Everyone who completes the hike can choose an autumn-themed prize.

Cost is $5 per child, and please preregister at the Recreation website (look for program 301205-A). You can pay when you get to the hike. Sign in anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The hunt will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

This hike is sponsored by the Webster Recreation Center in collaboration with the Friends of Webster Trails and WHEN, the Webster Health and Education Network. All proceeds will benefit the Friends.

That evening, also Saturday Nov. 2, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the Friends’ annual Hot Cocoa Hike will be held along the Chiyoda Trail behind the Webster Recreation Center.

The kids and adults alike are welcome to this family-friendly hike through the woods of the Chiyoda trail. The loop is an easy 1.3 miles long, and includes a stop for socialization and hot cocoa.

The trail will start at the west side of the Parks and Rec building and be marked by lights along the way. This is not a guided event. You are responsible for finding your way to the hot cocoa and back by following the marked path.

Participants are asked to leave the parking lot between 7 and 8 p.m., to arrive at the hot cocoa stop by 8:30 p.m. Please leave your dog at home; you can bring them back to enjoy the trail another time. Please bring a flashlight and your own travel mug. This is a carry-in carry out event.

There’s no cost, but please register here so the Friends know how many people to expect.

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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 10/22/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

8 Oct

Time to pile up those leaves

The Webster Highway Department will begin their annual fall leaf collection in mid-October, depending on how many leaves have fallen and the weather. Crews will begin working in Zone 1 to Zone 5, and then back to Zone 1. (Click here to see the zone map.) Highway crews make several passes throughout the season.

Announcements will be made ahead of the final pass. After the final pass, any leaves will need to be taken care of by residents through their refuse collection company or another means. The best way to stay updated on the leaf collection season is to sign up for notifications from the Highway Dept. Use this link to do that.

Pumpkins on Parade is back

One of the best events of the autumn season, Pumpkins on Parade, returns to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

I’ll be writing up a more detailed blog about this soon, but for those of you who have never experienced it, basically, that evening the Chiyoda Trail — which stretches for a mile around and behind the Rec Center — will be lined with brightly glowing jack-o’-lanterns. Visitors can walk along the trail and enjoy all the creativity and spookiness. Then afterwards, there’s free cider and donuts, and lots of family activities. It’s definitely one of my favorite events of the year.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive. (By the way, they’re always looking for jack-o’-lanterns donations because they need a LOT of them. So get your carving knives out and get ready to get creative.)

What’s happening at the library?

Here’s your monthly run-down of all (OK, most) of the great events happening at the Webster Public Library. For more information about any and all of these, visit the library’s webpage or Facebook page.

  • Celebrate Diwali, Wed. Oct. 23, 7 to 8 p.m. :An evening of family fun celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali, or festival of lights. Enjoy a casual reception with Indian food and music, and learn about the Diwali festival. Registration is requested.
  • Library Trick-or-Treat, Friday Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bring the whole family and trick-or-treat through the entire library with a spooky maze at the end. No registration is necessary.
  • Bilingual Storytime, Saturday Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to noon. Join special guest Ms. Mariposa for a reading of Sebi and the Land of Cha-Cha-Cha. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • T(w)een Halloween Night, Wednesday Oct. 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m. A night of spooky fun, with activities, treats and more. Costumes are encouraged. For teens grades 4-12. Registration is required.
  • Rochester Theater Organ Society, Thursday Oct. 10, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The RTOS presents “Rochester’s Best-Kept Secret: Unveiling the Mighty Wurlitzer!” Registration is required.
  • Diamond Magnet Art for teens and tweens, Saturday Nov. 9, 1 to 2 p.m. Come make fun diamond art magnets in the teen room. All supplies will be provided. For grades 4 to 12. Registration is requested.
  • This month’s Donation Station is for Keeping Our Promise, a resettlement program for Afghan, Iraqi and Kurdish interpreters and support personnel. See the flyer below for their needs.
  • This month’s community exchange is SPOOKY STUFF. New or gently used costumes, Halloween/fall decor, etc. Drop off your unused stuff and find something new to you!

Women’s Club of Webster hosts Card/Game Party “Fun-Raiser”

The Women’s Club of Webster’s 2024 Card/Game Party will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Glendoveers, 2328 Old Browncroft Rd. Participants can join new friends and old to play cards — or any game — and enjoy danish, coffee and a delicious buffet lunch.

The event will feature door prizes raffle baskets, 50/25/25 raffles , and much more, so bring plenty of extra cash, because all proceeds benefit local charities and s cholarships. Bring your favorite card game, dominoes, Euchre, Scrabble or any other fun game you prefer. It’s a great way to meet people! (And don’t forget to vote before or after the games!)

Donation is $40, and reservations are required by Wednesday, October 30. Sorry, no walk-ins.

For reservations, send a check made payable to “WCW” and mail to Diane Miller, 428 Seneca Park Ave., Rochester, NY 14617.  Please include your name, phone number, email address and, if playing with friends, include their names.  For information, phone Diane at 585-230-6042.

Walk and Bike Webster event

If you’re a fan of getting around Webster on two feet or two wheels, or are interested in helping brainstorm ideas to improve walking and biking opportunities in Webster, then this meeting is for you.

On Monday Nov. 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (time yet to be confirmed) there will be a Walk and Bike Webster event held in the Community Room at the Webster Public Library.

Right now the plan is to have Jesse Peers from Reconnect Webster show a short film, followed by a panel discussion including Webster Town Council member Ginny Nguyen and Matthew Isles of Walk/Bike Irondequoit. Nguyen will talk about how the Town of Webster is promoting safe walking and biking, and Isles will talk about what Walk/Bike Irondequoit is doing.

Free dinner for veterans

Veterans and active duty service personnel and their families are invited to Spry Middle School for a free dinner in their honor.

On Thursday, November 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., students will be serving up a pasta dinner in the Spry Middle School cafetorium, 119 South Avenue. Veterans and activity duty service personnel and their families living within the Webster Central School District boundaries are invited to enjoy a spaghetti dinner complete with salad, bread, and dessert. Take out is available as well. Either way, reservations are required by calling (585) 216-0093.

Crafters needed

This notice from Webster NY Hope:

Attention Webster crocheters! Webster Hope is in need of crafters to make dishcloths for their holiday collaborative program.

Their plan is to give away dish soap and a handmade reuseable dishcloth to each family along with holiday food. This project works best with cotton yarn as acrylic doesn’t absorb well. They’re trying to save on paper towels and give a handmade gift made with love.

Their goal is 150 cloths by mid-November. That sounds very do-able, knowing our Webster community.

Dishcloths can be dropped off at Webster Library or during Webster Hope open hours.

Check the image below for some helpful hints:

Webster Chamber offers health insurance enrollment assistance

Finally, this important notice from the Webster Chamber of Commerce:

Health insurance enrollment periods are starting in October and November, and the Webster Chamber of Commerce is available to help all New Yorkers with the process. 

The Medicare Insurance annual enrollment period is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and the Individual & NYS Marketplace Insurance period is Nov. 16 to Dec. 15. Plans change annually and your needs change annually, so it’s important to take a close look at your coverage every year. In particular, for 2025 there are significant changes in Medicare Advantage, including the discontinuance of plans. It’s important to take action before the December 7 deadline or you may lose Medicare Advantage Plan benefits. The Chamber can help. 

The Webster Chamber’s health insurance enrollment service has been a no-fee service since 1938, offering the choice of a virtual or an in-office appointment. Due to the many insurance changes for 2025, requests for appointments will increase, so call soon to reserve your time:  585-265-3851. Before your appointment, visit here to prepare.

Health insurance selection and enrollment is very detailed and complicated. See an enrollment service to assist you in this process. And pay attention to the deadlines noted above to avoid penalties.

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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 10/8/2024)

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Natural beauty and history combine in FWT’s Cars Along the Creek hike

30 Sep

Of all of our town’s beautiful trails, perhaps my favorite are the ones which wind through Four Mile Creek Preserve at the corner of Lake and Phillips roads. Not only is the landscape beautiful, especially during the fall, but the trails serve up some very interesting history.

Scattered along the Four Mile Creek trails are seven rusted-out old cars, including a 1949 Nash Ambassador Custom Airflyte, a 1950 Chevrolet Deluxe Bel Air, a 1956 Nash Rambler and others.

On Saturday Oct, 5 from 1 to 3 p.m., the Friends of Webster Trails‘ trail steward Dennis Kuhn, will lead a guided Cars Along the Creek tour, filled with anecdotes and fun facts. Hikers will also have stops at the overlook to identify the “Blue Ribbon” trees of the preserve. Organizers promise snacks and prizes.

The family-friendly two-hour hike will begin at 1 p.m. at the Four Mile Creek Preserve parking lot, corner of Phillips and Lake roads. This is a very popular hike, so PLEASE register here (it’s very quick and easy).

Here’s a bit more background about the cars, from Dennis Kuhn:   

The cars were driven onto the property from Lake Road across a bridge that accessed farmland where the cars were last driven. It seems that some local youths decided to create a racetrack somewhat off the beaten path to have some fun cavorting around the open fields that were available at the time. If you traverse the land as it is now, you’ll have to use your imagination to see a relatively treeless landscape that existed sometime in the nineteen fifties or early sixties.

Nevertheless, the youths of the day had a ton of fun going around in circles until they ran out of gas or had a flat tire or wrecked the transmission.

The cars you’ll see include:

* 1951 Chevrolet Styleine Deluxe Bel Air
* 1961 Ford 500 Galaxy Club Victoria
* 1959 Nash Rambler
* 1959 Chevy Bel Air
* 1954 Plymouth Belvedere Suburban
* 1949 Green Nash Airflyte

Click here to learn more about the Friends of Webster Trails.

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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 9/30/2024)

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Get out, get hiking, win prizes

25 Sep

The Webster Recreation Center has come up with YET ANOTHER fun challenge to keep us healthy, and this one has the added benefit of spotlighting our town’s beautiful trail system.

They’re calling it their Two-Week Trail Challenge, and it’s based on the brand new Hit the Trail Passport, recently updated in conjunction with the Friends of Webster Trails.

This newly updated passport is a whopping 40 pages long, and includes 32 trails and trail spurs in all, spanning Webster from west to east, measuring more than 36 miles of incredible natural beauty. Each page features a different trail, detailing its individual spurs, their length, difficulty and approximate hiking time.

For the Two-Week Trail Challenge, hikers are encouraged to walk all the trails in the passport between Oct. 5 and Oct. 20. The challenge doesn’t include Webster Park or Bike Trail, but it’s an added bonus if you do them too.  Hikers will record their progress on an online form (emailed to all registrants) and will receive a completion certificate and a keepsake pin as well as social media and website recognition.

Please register for program #301204-A either online or by calling 585-872-7103, option 0. You can pick up one of the new Hit the Trail Passports at Webster Parks and Recreation on Chiyoda Dr., or at Wegmans (Holt Rd. or Eastway) You can also see the passport and download it here.

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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 9/25/2024)

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Alan McBeth bridges the mud at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve

26 Jul

A few days ago I posted a blog about the new and improved Wegmans Hit the Trail Passport, a terrific program brought to you by the Friends of Webster Trails. It’s a fun way for you and your family to get out and explore all of our local hiking trails.

The 40-page passport features 32 trails and trail spurs, measuring more than 36 miles of incredible natural beauty. The challenge is to hike each trail, and along the way make a rubbing into the passport of the trail marker you find on each one. (Click here to get more details.)

In today’s follow-up to that blog, I want to highlight a young man whose hard work has helped make our Webster trails the treasures that they are.

Alan sitting on the bridge
The completed bridge

Recently, Boy Scout Alan McBeth of Troop 115 in Mendon, assisted by a team of volunteers, built a bridge from Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest and the Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve.

The bridge, spanning nearly 60 feet, stretches over a muddy pass between the two trail systems, keeping walkers, runners and bikers out of what could potentially be knee-deep mud, while also preserving the habitat.

Alan built the bridge as part of his Eagle Scout project, and was mentored by Friends of Webster Trails Scout coordinator Pat Fulkerson.

Many thanks to Alan for a job well done, from a grateful Webster hiking community.

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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 7/26/2024)

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Here’s a fun way to explore all of Webster’s trails

17 Jul

I got an email from the Friends of Webster Trails the other day with some exciting news: the Wegmans Hit the Trail Passport has been updated.

The passport program began at least five years ago as a way to encourage families to get out and discover our area’s beautiful trails, using a passport to record their completed hikes. Each trail has a marker post somewhere along it, which participants use to make a rubbing into the passport.

This newly updated passport is a whopping 40 pages long. It includes several new trails which the Friends have added since the last printing — the Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest, State Rd. Nature Preserve, Michael Johnson Nature Trail and the Hickory Bark Trail — plus the Bike Trail. There are 32 trails and trail spurs in all, spanning Webster from west to east, measuring more than 36 miles of incredible natural beauty.

Each page features a different trail, detailing its individual spurs, their length, difficulty and approximate hiking time. The location of each marking post is clearly indicated, and there’s even a short description of each trail’s unique features. (A sample page is below.)

Basically, it’s a fun and educational way for the whole family to explore our amazing trail system. And if you’ve completed the passport program before, there are so many new trails to explore, it’s time to do it again!

You can pick up one of the new Hit the Trail passports at Wegmans (Holt Rd. or Eastway) or at Webster Parks and Recreation on Chiyoda Dr. You can also see the passport and download it here.

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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 7/16/2024)

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