Tag Archives: Friends of Webster Trails

Webster community mailbag

2 Mar

Strap in, folks, ’cause this is a long one.

Good food for a good cause

Boy Scout Troop 262 will be hosting their “Famous Spaghetti Dinner” on Saturday March 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Bldg. on Sanford St.

Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 10. You can eat in or take out. And bring extra cash for the bake sale!

News from the Friends of Webster Trails

The Friends of Webster Trails, working with the Village of Webster, are proud to introduce the newly updated informational kiosk where the Hojack Trail meets 250 (North Ave.).

The kiosk was built by Eagle Scout Alex Groff in 2018, and for some years it held temporary postings. But recently, the Village gave the kiosk a professional makeover and it looks great. On one side is an aerial photo of the area from years ago, provided by the Webster Museum, which shows some prominent industries. QR codes are provided if you want to find out even more. On the other side is a map from about the same time, and more photos. It all illustrates the reason for the Hojack railroad and its importance to the area.

New swag at the Museum

If you love the Webster Museum, you’re going to love the new promotional items they’ve just introduced. There’s a nice selection of new mugs and caps, which join an already impressive variety of fun, museum-themed merchandise including stickers, t-shirts, water bottles, aprons, bags and more. (I know you want a WLiWL sticker.)

Click here to see the whole collection. You can’t buy this new merchandise online, so stop by and visit the museum at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Carlsen named CWZ Elementary PE Teacher of the Year

Webster CSD is proud to announce that Danielle Carlsen has been selected as the 2024 Central Western Zone Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. 

The State Road Elementary School PE teacher was recommended for the award by one of her colleagues who felt that Carlsen exemplifies a true professional in the field of physical education at the elementary school level. 

Petitions available for BOE candidates

The Webster CSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates is Tuesday, May 21 at Webster Schroeder High School. Anyone wishing to run for the board of education (BOE) may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, Webster, any weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 22. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will each serve three-year terms beginning July 1.

Questions about candidacy or eligibility may be referred to District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216 0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org.

Here are some important dates to remember:

  • April 16: BOE adopts budget to be put before voters, 6 p.m.
  • May 7: Public hearing on proposed 2024-25 budget, 6 p.m.
  • May 21: WCSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates; polls open 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road.

Webster Chamber of Commerce invites you

The Webster Chamber of Commerce has two events coming up this month, and business owners are all welcome, whether you’re a member of the Chamber or not.

On Wednesday March 6, the next Webster Chamber Eat Drink & Connect will be hosted by Chamber member Monroe Piping & Sheet Metal.

Network with Chamber members and visitors while enjoying refreshments and door prizes. A brief introduction to the business world of Monroe Piping & Sheet Metal will also be provided by the owner and Chamber board director Dan Dunn.

This great networking event will be held at the Webster Chamber office, 1110 Crosspointe Lane (Suite C), from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There’s no cost, but preregistration is requested. Please register here.

Then, coming up on Friday March 22 is the next Monthly Breakfast Program meeting. Network with an many as 90 business and organizational leaders during the monthly Webster Chamber breakfasts. In addition to networking before and during the breakfast, an informative program is always planned, along with a time to “pass-the-mic” so everyone has an opportunity to be visible. Visitors and members are welcome.

These meetings are always held at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Please register here.

A few reminders

Here are some reminders about events I’ve already mentioned in a previous mailbag, but want to make sure you remember them.

  • The Thomas vs. Schroeder Charity Basketball Game will be this Wednesday night March 6 at Webster Thomas High School, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The family-friendly event will pit Thomas/OWL staff and faculty against Schroeder/GOAL staff and faculty in a friendly winner-take-all-bragging-rights game. Concessions will be available. Admission is only $5 (suggested donation), and all proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.  Additional donations would be greatly appreciated as well.
  • The next general meeting and luncheon for the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday March 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd. Janine Sanger, Executive Director of WHEN:DFCC, Webster Health and Education Network will be this month’s speaker. The event begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., followed by a brief meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m., and the presentation. The cost is $24. Send your check made out to WCW by March 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.
  • The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold its third annual Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Thursday March 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The books are priced between $8 and $200. (Prices are firm.) A variety of books on Rochester, World War II, poetry, sports, movies, religion, classics, biographies, juvenile and adult fiction will be available. Many of the books are rare, unusual and in good to better condition. All proceeds from the event will benefit programs of the Webster Public Library.

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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 3/2/2024)

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Latest news from the Friends of Webster Trails

26 Feb

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.

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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 2/26/2024)

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Friends of Webster Trails have a great new website

13 Feb

If you’d asked me last week if the Friends of Webster Trails could do anything better than they’re already doing, I’d have laughed and said, “No way!” But I’ve been proved wrong. This already amazing organization has just updated their website with a new, modern look.

Those of you familiar with the Friends will be relieved to know that all of the information we’ve come to expect from their old website is still there, including maps of each trail, trail length, and details about each trail. But somehow the Friends have found ways to make the website even better.

For starters, the new site provides even more information about each trail, including interesting tidbits like fishing and dog walking regulations, cross country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities, trail difficulty, and details about boardwalks and bridges. There are a lot more photos, and links to several news stories about things like the recent annual meeting, Eagle Scout projects and the ReTree Initiative. The navigation bar across the top leads to even more content, including an interactive events calendar, fun stuff just for kids, how to become a member and how to get involved in other ways.

Why the update? The Friends explain,

With more than 5,000 people using the trails in Webster each week, we wanted to make finding out about them a better experience. With a modern look, easier navigation, and more trail information, the updated site brings the best of Webster’s trails to you.

Friends of Webster Trails has always had some of the best maps and information about the trails, but this new design sweeps out the corners and gives the whole site a fresh look.

They still haven’t put the final touches on the site, so check back regularly to see what’s new. 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 2/13/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

13 Dec

Have your kids had a chance to see Santa this year? If not, no sweat. Santa will be at Never Say Never Stables this Saturday and Sunday Dec. 16 and 17, from noon to 2 p.m. both days, visiting with the kids and the horses. (Including an adorable reinhorse!)

In addition to the chance to talk with Santa, this FREE family-fun event will also feature hay wagon rides, a make-your-own reindeer snack station, a take-home treat for the children, and photo ops with all of the animals, including horses, goats, ducks, chicken, bunny and guinea pig.

Never Say Never Stables, located at 906 Maple Dr., is a small family-owned horse farm offering children’s lessons, fun programs, and parties on a more personal, “not-so-commercial” scale. It is also home to the Never Say Never Foundation, a not-for-profit equine-assisted program that provides life-enriching, horse related experiences to children and teens living with long-term illness, special needs and/or other serious life challenges. 

Spaghetti Dinner

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner on January 5, 2024 at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard Street.

Dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m., and includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, drink and dessert. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for kids 12 and under. You can eat in or take out.

All proceeds go to supporting the WSPS, a local non-profit providing rides for Webster School District Seniors to their medical appointments.

This notice from the Webster Schools:

Families of Young Children Asked to Take Census

Webster CSD is surveying the community to forecast student enrollment for the foreseeable future.

Anyone in the district who has children residing in their household ages birth to 5 years old is asked to
complete the brief online census. Families who don’t have access to a computer can participate by calling Student Registration at (585) 216-0029.

The annual young child census is available now on the district website and will be available through Jan. 6, 2024.

New benches on the Hojack

Shout-out to Cole Featherly, from Scout Troop 262, for his fine work on three new benches he built for the Hojack Trail as part of his Eagle Scout Project.

Cole also installed two similar benches in the new Michael A. Johnson Nature Preserve. Some of the benches have additional small tables.

The project was suggested and funded by the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) using a grant from the Webster Rotary , and supervised by FWT Scout liaison Pat Fulkerson. Keep an eye out for them as you’re hiking the trails this season!

Finally, here are a few final reminders about special events at the Webster Museum and the Webster Public Library.

The museum is holding a great fundraiser which will make a perfect gift idea. It’s called “12 Months of Flowers,” and is being offered in conjunction with Kittelberger Florist.

Purchase a “12 Months of Flowers” card for $40, cash or check only, at the museum during their regular hours, or email jannaujokas1@yahoo.com. You’ll receive one bouquet of flowers, each month, for 12 consecutive months. Bouquets are valued at $15 and must be picked up at Kittelberger Florist, 263 North Ave, Webster. What a great way to brighten every month of the new year for someone special (or yourself)!

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park (just steps off of East Main St.). They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

And don’t forget about the Friends of the Webster Library Holiday Book Sale, happening right now.

There’s a table set up through Dec. 21 (unless everything sells out before then) with gently-used books, DVDs, CDs and puzzles. Stop by next time you’re at the library and check some things off your shopping list.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 12/13/2023)

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900 people. One week. One trail.

1 Dec

That was one of many remarkable statistics I learned at the recent Friends of Webster Trails annual meeting.

According to a trail counter, over a period of just ONE WEEK last summer, 900 people visited Gosnell Big Woods to hike the trails there. That’s a pretty amazing statistic, especially compared to the number of people who have actually become members of the Friends.

That was another statistic which always surprises me. The Friends currently have 245 members, a number which delighted the board members because it finally broke the 200 mark this year. But I think it’s disappointing, given how many people use the trails regularly.

Among those members, only a small proportion do all of the “heavy lifting” to create new trails and keep the current ones hike-able. And they do TONS of work every season, providing their own tools to do so. This year, for example, the Friends volunteers:

  • created a new trail and rerouted an old one at Four Mile Creek
  • supervised the building of a new boardwalk at Four Mile Creek
  • held numerous special events including the Hot Cocoa and Trees Along the Trail hikes
  • planted more than 250 trees and shrubs in five parks as part of the ReTree Project (330 hours of work)
  • Opened the new Michael A. Johnson Trail and expanded the new State Rd. Nature Preserve trails
  • Started planning the also new Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest trails

And there’s always work going on behind the scenes like updating maps, working with the Town to install parking lots, working with Eagle Scouts to build boardwalks, benches and kiosks, and so much more. Given the huge number of people who use the trails, it’s no wonder these volunteers are constantly working to keep them maintained.

The Friends have some funds saved up, and Town helped a little bit for the first time this year, but a good chunk of their funding comes from the individual and family memberships. So …

I don’t want to be obnoxious, but c’mon folks! If you use and enjoy these trails, please show the selfless Friends of Webster Trails volunteers some love this holiday season and join. Then every time you’re out on a hike, enjoying our town’s natural beauty, you can proudly say, “I helped make this so.”

Family memberships are only $15 per year, and an individual membership is only $10 … for the whole year! You can click here to join online or click here to print off the form to send by mail. It makes a great gift idea for the hard-to-buy-for nature lover in your family., by the way.

The annual meeting was held at the Hickory Bark Trail near the Webster Public Library

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 12/1/2023)

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Thank you, ReTree volunteers!

4 Nov

Just a quick shout-out today to the 20 volunteers who helped the Friends of Webster Trails plant nearly 100 baby trees from from the ReTree nursery on the most recent workday, Oct. 21.

It was the Friends’ second annual fall planting event, which this year saw trees planted at Whiting Road Nature Preserve and Gosnell Big Woods.

The Friends’ Webster ReTree Project was begun in 2022 to address the loss of forests to insects and disease, by raising and planting a variety of native trees. The project has two objectives:

  • to improve the ecological resiliency of forested habitat within the Webster Open Space area, and
  • to increase public knowledge of the threats to local forest ecology and ways we can collectively mitigate these risks

Thank you again, volunteers, for all your hard 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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 11/4/2023)

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The next family scavenger hunt hike is this weekend

2 Nov

The weather’s looking pretty OK for the next Family Scavenger Hunt, scheduled for Saturday Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

Participants will explore the one-mile long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center, looking for scavenger hunt clues. Regular scavenger hunt hikers will be delighted with the new twist introduced with this hike. (All I’m going to say is I hope you like jigsaw puzzles!)

Three different skill levels will be offered for kids aged 2 to 12, so children of all ages can participate. Everyone who completes the hike can choose an apple or mini pumpkin as a 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 a.m. and noon. The hunt will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

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

And if you REALLY like hiking, here’s something you might want to try.

That same evening, Saturday Nov. 4, the Friends of Webster Trails’ annual Hot Cocoa Hike will be held at Gosnell Big Woods Preserve (674 Vosburg Rd.).

The hike is approximately 1.3 miles long (start to finish) and will include a stop for socialization and hot cocoa. The trail starts at the parking lot and will be marked by lights along the way. This is not a guided event. You are responsible 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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 11/2/2023)

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Take a hike (with the Friends)

18 Oct

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

The first is a Family Scavenger Hunt on Saturday Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

Participants will explore the one-mile long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center, looking for scavenger hunt clues. Regular scavenger hunt hikers will be delighted with the new twist introduced with this hike. (All I’m going to say is I hope you like jigsaw puzzles!)

Three different skill levels will be offered for kids aged 2 to 12, so children of all ages can participate. Everyone who completes the hike can choose an apple or mini pumpkin as a 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 a.m. and noon. The hunt will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

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

That evening, Saturday Nov. 4, the Friends’ annual Hot Cocoa Hike will be held at Gosnell Big Woods Preserve (674 Vosburg Rd.).

The hike is approximately 1.3 miles long (start to finish) and will include a stop for socialization and hot cocoa. The trail starts at the parking lot and will be marked by lights along the way. This is not a guided event. You are responsible 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.

This last event is a great way to help the Friends out, and give back a little for all they do for us and our Webster trails.

The next FWT work day (and probably last one of the year) will take place this Saturday Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve. The Friends will be planting native trees as part of their ongoing ReTree Project. Many hands make light work, so please consider joining them. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes, and bring gloves, water and a shovel.

For more information about the Friends of Webster Trails and all of the great trails they manage for our enjoyment, 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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/18/2023)

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News from the Friends of Webster Trails

14 Oct

I got my Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) newsletter delivered into my email box a few days ago, and finally got around to opening it today.

This most recent edition, marking the last quarter of the year, is kind a summary of everything the Friends accomplished in the last five months or so. It runs no less than seven pages, which tells you that A LOT got done. Even though I know the FWT volunteers work amazingly hard and to amazing things, but even I was impressed.

Allow me to share some of those accomplishments with you.

  • Seven successful workdays were held over the summer. These are held on the third Saturday of each month during the warmer months, each one focusing on a different trail to complete tasks like picking up garbage, clearing brush and removing invasive species.
  • The Friends hosted five family-fun trail activities, including the most recent Trees Along the Trail Challenge at Four Mile Creek in August, where hikers were encouraged to identify ten different trees along a 2.5-mile trail.
  • “Rebooted” the Wegmans Passport to Family Wellness trail booklet which will be reintroduced next spring
  • Opened the new Michael A. Johnson Trail in June, located about halfway between VanAlstyne Rd. and Drumm Rd. on the Hojack Trail. I explored this one myself; you can read about my experience here.
  • Made great progress on the new State Rd. Nature Preserve trails, including clearing a one-mile loop trail. This new system is located located on the north side of State Rd. between Salt and Harris, just east of the Arbor Creek Townhomes. You can read more about that trail here.
  • Started to plan out the brand new Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest, located at 760 Herman Rd. This 28-acre parcel was recently purchased by the Town and its trail system will eventually connect up with Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve.
  • At Four Mile Creek Preserve, the red trail near the Salt Creek overlook was rerouted, and now offers a  nice view of the valley below and the creek itself.
  • The benches on the John Unger Nature Trail have been revitalized.
  • Received some much-appreciated assistance from community volunteers at Four Mile Creek, including the Webster Thomas Cross Country team, who spread gravel, and Brody Hoffman from Troop 113, who installed several sections of boardwalk on the new orange trail.

If you’ve read this far and find yourself thinking, “Hmmm, I didn’t know there were so many trails in Webster,” what are you waiting for? Visit the Friends of Webster Trails website, download a trail map and get hiking. Now’s a beautiful time of year to explore.

Need some encouragement? Two hiking events coming up on Saturday Nov. 4 are great opportunities to explore and maybe make some new friends.

The first is especially for kids and their adults, a Family Scavenger Hunt along the Chiyoda Trail at the Webster Recreation Center. Participants will find clues scattered along the trail, and put answers on the sheet provided. Return your answers for a fun prize.

Families can sign in anytime between 10 a.m. and noon. Cost is $5 per child, and preregistration is requested (you can pay when you get there).

That evening, the annual Hot Cocoa Hike will take place at Gosnell Big Woods. This will begin at 7 p.m. and is usually a one to two-mile trek through the woods, ending with a steaming cup of hot cocoa. More information to come about that.

And finally, the PSA:

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: we have an amazing trail system in our town, and the Friends of the Webster Trails are the folks to thank for that. If you’re a regular user of any of Webster’s trails, please consider showing them some love by becoming a member of the Friends. It doesn’t cost much (really, just $10 or $15 — check it out here) and the funds they raise go directly to making our trail system better for everyone to enjoy.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/14/2023)

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Introducing one of Webster’s newest trails

24 Sep

I got a behind-the-scenes look at the everything that goes into creating a new hiking trail the other day when I stopped by one of the Friends of Webster Trails’ Saturday workdays. These are held regularly during the summer and fall, a chance for volunteers to work on clearing trails, removing invasive species, and planting new trees.

This particular workday was being held at the relatively new State Rd. Preserve, located on the north side of State Rd. between Salt and Harris, just east of the Arbor Creek Townhomes. I got there rather late in the morning, after most of the volunteers had left, but was able to catch up with Ron Happ and Paul Della Pietra, who were still out on the trail. As we walked through the woods, around a large meadow and past a tranquil pond, they noted how many of the trails needed to be widened, others created, and at least one new bridge built.

The Friends of Webster Trails blazed the first trail through State Rd. Preserve about three years ago, shortly after the Town of Webster purchased the approximately 80-acre parcel from the Arbor Creek developer. Since then, the Friends have slowly been blazing and grooming new trails so they now measure more than a mile, taking hikers through peaceful woods and among abundant wildflowers.

The work party that Saturday had accomplished a lot, widening many of the paths, dragging a huge pile of trash to the roadside, and removing many of the stumps that threatened to trip up hikers. There’s still a lot to be done, though; Ron and Paul discussed adding even more trails to the system, where the bridge would be placed over the creek, and installing a bench near the pond. Eventually the preserve’s trails will be blazed and mapped.

There’s not much parking at the preserve yet. There’s talk of putting in a small gravel lot to accommodate a few cars, but right now, hikers can pull off onto the wide State Rd. shoulder. There’s not any signage yet, either. But don’t let either of those facts deter you. Just look for an opening in the woods on the north side of the road, and start exploring.

And if you like what you see, give thanks the Friends of Webster Trails, who have been working hard to bring this new trail system to Webster.

The Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) is a non-profit organization enthusiastically serving as the volunteer arm of the Webster Parks and Recreation Department. Since it was established in 1997, the Friends have built and currently maintain more than 20 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 

The organization is completely volunteer driven and relies on donations and memberships to fulfill their mission of preserving the natural character of Webster’s open spaces. If you’re enjoying our tremendous trails, please think about joining the Friends. It’s just $10 for a single membership or $15 for a family. Check out the Friends of Webster Trails website, for more information.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 9/24/2023)

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