Tag Archives: Friends of Webster Trails

News from the Friends of Webster Trails

24 Apr

The current Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) newsletter popped up in my email box the other day, my quarterly reminder of how lucky we are to have this organization in our community.

I know that most of you are not FWT members, so when I get my newsletter I like to share pieces of it with you, highlights from all of the amazing things these dedicated volunteers do to make our trail system something Webster can be proud of.

One of the Friends’ main points of focus this year is the Hojack Trail, a five-mile long former railroad bed that stretches from Lake Rd. at Forest Lawn to Phillips Rd.

Recently the Friends put out a survey to residents who use the trail to get their take on how it might be improved. They received 230 responses (thank you to everyone who participated), which helped them focus their future plans.

Last year they threw their hat in the ring for part of the New York Forward Grant program to improve the Hojack’s North Ave. trail head by enhancing the crosswalk, creating a gateway feature and providing recreation amenities at the start of the trail. More recently, they’ve applied for another grant to specifically address improving the stretch from Holt Rd. to Drumm Rd., improving its subsurface, surface and drainage, and adding new plantings and signage highlighting the trail’s connections to other trails and points of interest to showcase the historic nature of the trail.

In response to the survey responses and email feedback, the Friends will also be looking at making safer road crossings, adding other historical and other signage, and improving parking. 

Efforts to improve the Hojack Trail are just a small part of what the Friends of Webster Trails are planning to accomplish this year. Here are a few highlights from the newsletter:

  • In just its first year, the Friends have created and developed the new Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest with several trails, puncheons (mini-boardwalks), a kiosk, bench and parking lot. Plans this year are to improve the boardwalks, add more benches and realign some trails. Stay tuned for news about an official ribbon cutting and community hike later this year.
  • At the Bird Sanctuary Trail, several new puncheons will be added this year to make the gushier spots easier to hike through.
  • At Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve, look for a new bridge and boardwalk later this year, thanks in large part to the support of five WRNP new trail stewards.
  • Trail stewards at Finn Park will continue to cut back the multiflora rose and pick up garbage this spring. 

The Friends are adding and updating Trails at such a rapid pace, you want to make sure to check the online interactive trail map before you head out to see what’s new. And click here to check out the newsletter for yourself for more details about all of this stuff, updates on the Habitat Preservation Project and the ongoing Re-Tree initiative, and upcoming trail workdays (when they can always use some extra hands).

And by the way, if you are indeed one of those people who are still not members of the Friends of Webster Trails, please consider becoming one. Check out their beautiful new website, and when you’re there, PLEASE hover over that “become a Friend” tab and drop $10 (or $15 per family) to become a member and help the Friends of Webster Trails continue to do great things for our 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 4/24/2025)

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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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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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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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News from the Friends of Webster Trails

5 Apr

Got my quarterly newsletter from the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) a few days ago, which is always good for a blog post. Even though I’ve been a member of the Friends for years, it always amazes me the untiring effort this group puts in every day of the year — not just in the warmer months — to not just maintain our current trails but build more.

You can read the whole newsletter here, but I’ve pulled out some tidbits which I found particularly interesting:

  • For starters, the Friends have a brand new website. The one they had before was pretty good, but this newly updated site is a big improvement. The great maps are still there, plus there are more photos, news about the trails, an interactive event calendar, and more integration with social media. (Click here to read the blog I wrote about the new site in February.)
  • Couple of opportunities to meet some of the volunteers and learn more about the Friends: on Saturday April 13, the Friends will have an information table set up at Community Arts Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can learn about some of the plans they have for 2024 and learn more about volunteer opportunities.
  • Also on Saturday April 13, the Friends will be presenting a program on Trail History at the Webster Public Library from 11 a.m. to noon. You’ll hear a brief history of the more than 20 miles of trails in Webster, and discover some hidden gems in the trail system. Registration is requested.
  • On Saturday April 20, Earth Day, the Friends will be working at Gosnell Big Woods Preserve clearing vines and dense foliage along the split rail fence. They’ll also be doing some tree and shrub potting at the ReTree Nursery. Both projects could use a lot of hands, so check the newsletter for details about how you can help.
  • The Friends will be attending the Webster Public Library’s Summer Reading Kickoff Party on June 21 at Charles Sexton Park from 5:30 to 7 p.m. They’ll have an information table there and will be revealing a Kids Summer Reading List related to trails.
  • Denise Bilsback, Membership Chair, reports that the membership total is down a bit, but only because she cleared out some deadwood. (Hint hint: make sure you renew your subscription!) But, she says, “we continue to get a steady stream of new members monthly.” (Yay!)
  • Want an easy way to help out? The Friends need some mowers. The FWT will provide the mowers and the volunteers just need to do the mowing and put the mower back in the trailer for Parks and Rec to pick up. Should be just a few hours a month. Email contact@webstertrails.org for more information.

I didn’t even get into the individual reports from the trail stewards, most of which reported all kinds of work clearing trees, replacing boardwalks and gates, and much more. The work continues nonstop so that we all can fully enjoy the great natural resources that Webster offers.

According to a new trail counter recently purchased by the Friends, use of the trails is huge. The Bird Sanctuary Trail, for example, had more than 900 hikers during one week last December. So it’s great to hear that new members continue to join the Friends, but memberships still are a small percentage of those who actually enjoy the trails.

So please, check out the new website, and when you do, PLEASE hover over that “become a Friend” tab and drop $10 (or $15 per family) to become a member and help the Friends of Webster Trails continue to do great things for our 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 4/5/2024)

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