Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Saturdays & Sundays from 10am to 5pm from January 5th to April 7th.

This citizen science project, sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is easy to do for experienced bird watchers and beginners alike! Learn about the lives and habits of our common feeder birds, and find out how you can become a citizen scientist at home. Count days are every Saturday and Sunday until April 7th.

Learn about the forms and lifetstyles of our scaly neighbors.

Ages 6-12 on the 4th, 15th, and 25th

Ages 12+ on the 11th

This program is geared towards home school families with children ages 6-12. Offering one program per month for families with children ages 12+. Each month will focus on a different theme. Programs are free of charge, and pre-registration is not required but appreciated. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the entire program. Home Ecologist is at the Humphrey Nature Center.

Photo exhibit by Ross Eatman and Paula Sharp: Friday, April 5th - Sunday, April 28th. Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

The photos in this exhibit are part of a 3 year project by nature photographer Ross Eatman and photojournalist and writer Paula Sharp to document some of the wild bees inhabiting New York's Rockefeller State Park Preserve and nearby Stone Barnes Center for Food and Agriculture. The spectacular clarity of these photos allows you to see the fine details of beach bee, and together they tell a story of the bee's interconnectedness with our planet's health. Along with the photos, enjoy observing pinned bee specimens and other artifacts.

Parade Grounds Entrance on State Route 436. Bring a lunch. 3 hours, 1 mile.

Explore the world of rotting logs and stumps to better appreciate the role of fungi in forest ecology. Learn to recognize which fungi rot which wood. Visit communities of lichens and mosses on the surface of bark. Three different woodlands will be searched. This is a continuation of a theme from three workshops held this past winter on fungi, lichens and mosses.

Lower Falls Restaurant Parking Lot. Bring a flashlight. 2 hours, 1 mile.

In a less familiar realm of sights and sounds, experience the changing colors and moods in the blending zone of daylight and nightlight. Star watching will follow programs, weather permitting. May car pool.

Park and meet in the trail map in front of the Genesee Waterways Center in GVP off Elmwood Rd. (43.122845, -77.636344)

Offers scenic vistas of the Genesee River and landscapes of GVP (4.6 miles, 1.2 miles to trail marker round trip)

4 hours.

Meet at Silver Lake State Park Boat Launch. Will car pool. 2 hours, 1 mile.

In a less familiar realm of sights and sounds, experience the changing colors and moods in the blending zone of daylight and nightlight. Star watching will follow programs, weather permitting. Flashlight recommended.

Lower Falls Restaurant Parking Lot. Bring a lunch. 3 hours, 1 mile.

Explore the world of rotting logs and stumps to better appreciate the role of fungi in forest ecology. Learn to recognize which fungi rot which wood. Visit communities of lichens and mosses on the surface of bark. Three different woodlands will be searched. This is a continuation of a theme from three workshops held this past winter on fungi, lichens and mosses.

This program is designed to allow children ages 3-6 (must be accompanied by an adult) to explore the natural world. Themes change with each program, and activities may include storybook reading, crafts, or a short nature walk. Registration appreciated by calling 585-493-3680. This program will be held the first and third Mondays of each month (April 1st to June 17th), from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth State Park.

Join Douglas Bassett to different spots each week near the Humphrey Nature Center as unique individual giants spanning 200 to 300 years in age are pointed out and enjoyed up close as we learn about the hidden life of trees and old growth ecosystems. Bring a lunch (2-3 hours).

Silver Lake Outlet Bridge, one mile north of Perry Exit on Main Park Road. 3 hours, 1 mile.

Become more familiar with our many native wildflowers and the role of their surroundings, including the other plants and animals in their daily lives. Enjoy the fascinating variation in floral structure and folklore.

Join Douglas Bassett to different spots each week near the Humphrey Nature Center as unique individual giants spanning 200 to 300 years in age are pointed out and enjoyed up close as we learn about the hidden life of trees and old growth ecosystems. Bring a lunch (2-3 hours).

Mt. Morris Entrance Gate. Will car pool. 2 hours, 1 mile.

Learn to recognize by sight and sound some of the rich diversity of our local bird life. Binoculars recommended.

Parade Grounds Parking Lot. Bring a lunch. Will car pool. 2 hours, 1 mile.

Become more familiar with our many native wildflowers and the role of their surroundings, including the other plants and animals in their daily lives. Enjoy the fascinating variation in floral structure and folklore.

Parade Grounds Parking Lot. Will car pool. 2 hours, 1 mile.

In a less familiar realm of sights and sounds, experience the changing colors and moods in the blending zone of daylight and nightlight. Star watching will follow programs, weather permitting. Flashlight recommended.

Silver Lake Outlet Bridge, one mile north of Perry Exit on Main Park Road. Bring a lunch. 3 hours, 1 mile.

Join Douglas Bassett to different spots each week near the Humphrey Nature Center as unique individual giants spanning 200 to 300 years in age are pointed out and enjoyed up close as we learn about the hidden life of trees and old growth ecosystems. Bring a lunch (2-3 hours).

Portageville entrance gate. 3 hours, 1 mile or more.

Learn to recognize by sight and sound some of the rich diversity of our local bird life. Binoculars recommended.

Find out about your friends that live in Letchworth State Park.

Ages 6-12 on the 2nd, 20th and 23rd

Ages 12+ on the 16th

(as part of the Spring Knap-in by Genesee Valley Flinktknappers Association) Highbanks Tent and Camping Area - May 3rd to 5th

Friday after 4pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday until 1pm. Various spear-throwing competitions for target accuracy (International Standard Accuracy Contest (ISAC), NYAA contests (Individual, Animal, European, International and European). Open to the public with demonstration equipment available on Saturday (atlatl - the spear thrower; dart the spear).

Register
Start time for all projects: 8:30am
End time for all projects: 1:30 PM

Meeting Location for all projects: Middle Falls ShelterParking Instructions: Volunteers should enter via the Castile and Portageville entrances and park at the parking areas near Middle and Upper Falls. Ages for all projects: All ages welcome

Volunteer Project #1: Landscape clean up, Playground Maintenance (staining and fall material additions), trail maintenance. Please bring: Garden gloves, rakes, tarps, square/flat shovels, water

Volunteer Project #2: Invasive plant removalPlease bring: Garden gloves, pointed shovels, nipping shears, hedge trimmers, hand pruners, water

We can accommodate: Large Groups, small groups, college student groups, Boy or Girl Scouts Questions? Call: 585-314-9139 Email: crathbunFOL@gmail.com

Upper St. Helena parking area. Will car pool. 3 hours, 2 miles.

General nature walks highlighting the spring season and what is met along the way.

This program is designed to allow children ages 3-6 (must be accompanied by an adult) to explore the natural world. Themes change with each program, and activities may include storybook reading, crafts, or a short nature walk. Registration appreciated by calling 585-493-3680. This program will be held the first and third Mondays of each month (April 1st to June 17th), from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth State Park.

Meet at the Museum. 3 hours, 1 mile.

Become more familiar with our many native wildflowers and the role of their surroundings, including the other plants and animals in their daily lives. Enjoy the fascinating variation in floral structure and folklore.

Join Douglas Bassett to different spots each week near the Humphrey Nature Center as unique individual giants spanning 200 to 300 years in age are pointed out and enjoyed up close as we learn about the hidden life of trees and old growth ecosystems. Bring a lunch (2-3 hours).

Park and meet at the parking lot off Brook Rd (43.077376, -77.710080). See remnants of GVC & lock #2.

4.3 miles, 1.7 miles to trail marker round trip. 2 hours.

Meet at the Humphrey Nature Center. 2 hours, 1 mile.

Become more familiar with our many native wildflowers and the role of their surroundings, including the other plants and animals in their daily lives. Enjoy the fascinating variation in floral structure and folklore.

Meet at the Humphrey Nature Center. 2 -3 hours.

In a less familiar realm of sights and sounds, experience the changing colors and moods in the blending zone of daylight and nightlight. Star watching will follow programs, weather permitting. Flashlight recommended.

Join Douglas Bassett to different spots each week near the Humphrey Nature Center as unique individual giants spanning 200 to 300 years in age are pointed out and enjoyed up close as we learn about the hidden life of trees and old growth ecosystems. Bring a lunch (2-3 hours).

Castile Entrance Gate. Will car pool. 3 hours, 1 mile or more.

Learn to recognize by sight and sound some of the rich diversity of our local bird life. Binoculars recommended.

Castile Entrance Gate. Will car pool. 3 hours, 1 mile or more.

Learn to recognize by sight and sound some of the rich diversity of our local bird life. Binoculars recommended.

Meet at the Parade Grounds Parking Lot. 3 hours, 1 mile.

Become more familiar with our many native wildflowers and the role of their surroundings, including the other plants and animals in their daily lives. Enjoy the fascinating variation in floral structure and folklore.

Camps open 9:30am to 4:30pm. Battles at 1:30pm. This Civil War Encampment in the Highbanks Recreation Area will have living history and battle re-enactments featuring Union, Confederate and civilian participants.

Friday, May 17th is Education Day 10am to 1pm and is open to local schools.

Saturday, 7pm, blue & Grey Dance with Citty Fiddle, at the Highbanks Recreation Area.

Contact Tim Buckman at 585-507-6847.

Mt. Morris Entrance Gate. Bring a lunch. Will car pool. 3 hours, 2 miles.

General nature walks highlighting the spring season and what is met along the way.

This program is designed to allow children ages 3-6 (must be accompanied by an adult) to explore the natural world. Themes change with each program, and activities may include storybook reading, crafts, or a short nature walk. Registration appreciated by calling 585-493-3680. This program will be held the first and third Mondays of each month (April 1st to June 17th), from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth State Park.

Join Douglas Bassett to different spots each week near the Humphrey Nature Center as unique individual giants spanning 200 to 300 years in age are pointed out and enjoyed up close as we learn about the hidden life of trees and old growth ecosystems. Bring a lunch (2-3 hours).

(Before and after the Learn to Catch a Fish & Kids Conservation Day at Trailside Lodge).

Friday after 4pm, Saturday before and after the Kids Conservation Day, and Sunday until 1pm.

Various spear-throwing competitions for target accuracy (International Standard Accuracy Contest (ISAC), NYAA contests (Individual, Animal, European, International and European). Open to the public with demonstration equipment available on Saturday (atlatl - the spear thrower; dart the spear).

Friday 6:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 6:00pm and 6:30pm, Monday 6:00pm.

Six massed balloon flights, launching from Archery Field near the Castile Entrance, weather permitting. (Friends of Letchworth fundraiser food/souvenir stand on weekend afternoons).

This beautiful and challenging course follows the Letchworth Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail along the eastern rim of Letchworth gorge from Mount Morris Dam to Letchworth State Park Parade grounds. Shorter runs are offered on Sunday.

Registration required; for details visit: www.yellowjacketracing.com

Come on down to the Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area for some family fun to kick-off the summer. This is a great way to enjoy a beautiful Sunday with children's activities, food and lots of fun! FREE family event!

Meet at Mt Morris Dam Visitor Center. Take the Mt Morris Dam Entrance Road located 2 miles south of Mount Morris off of SR 408. Call 585-658-4790 for more information.

Parking lot past Cabin Area B. 2 hours, 1 mile. Geology, history and nature lore are the subjects of a walk into the changing path of the Lower Falls. Lots of steps and muddy spots.

Inspiration Point parking Lot. 1 hour, 1/4 mile.

Follow short, paved, handicap-accessible walk ways. Comprehensive introduction to Letchworth State Park as viewed from Inspiration Point which covers geology, glacial and human history plus plant and animal lore.

Meet at the Museum. 2 hours, 1 mile.

A general history and nature walk. We will visit the historical memorial trees that have been planted on the Glen iris Estate, and also view State and National Champions!

Meet at the Parade Grounds entrance off Route 436. Will car pool. 4 hours, 2 miles.

Letchworth State Park has over fifty miles of boundary lines that traverses many scenic hills and dales. Ten miles in five sessions will be explored. Long pants, sturdy footwear (for mud, pricklers, poison ivy and stream crossings) and packed lunch or snacks are all recommended.

Castile Entrance Gate. Will car pool. 3 hours, 1 mile or more.

With 25 species, Letchworth State Park may have more nesting species of wood warblers than anywhere else in the world! Each week, actual nesting sites will be visited, and we will search for a third of the park’s nesting warbler species, as we study the factors that yield such diversity. Binoculars are recommended.

Lowest St. Helena parking area. Bring a lunch. 3 hours, 2 miles.

General nature walks highlighting the spring season and what is met along the way.

This program is designed to allow children ages 3-6 (must be accompanied by an adult) to explore the natural world. Themes change with each program, and activities may include storybook reading, crafts, or a short nature walk. Registration appreciated by calling 585-493-3680. This program will be held the first and third Mondays of each month (April 1st to June 17th), from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth State Park.

Junction of Pennycook Road and state Route 436 (1/4 miles east of Parade Grounds Entrance). 4 hours, 2 miles.

Letchworth State Park has over fifty miles of boundary lines that traverses many scenic hills and dales. Ten miles in five sessions will be explored. Long pants, sturdy footwear (for mud, pricklers, poison ivy and stream crossings) and packed lunch or snacks are all recommended.

Parade Grounds Parking Lot. Brush, water and muddy spots. Will car pool. 2 hours, 1 mile.

In a less familiar realm of sights and sounds, experience the changing colors and moods in the blending zone of daylight and nightlight. Star watching will follow programs, weather permitting. Flashlight recommended.

Join Douglas Bassett to different spots each week near the Humphrey Nature Center as unique individual giants spanning 200 to 300 years in age are pointed out and enjoyed up close as we learn about the hidden life of trees and old growth ecosystems. Bring a lunch (2-3 hours).

We will explore the life in and around Trout Pond.

Ages 6-12 on the 6th, 17th, and 27th

Ages 12+ on the 20th

This program is geared towards home school families with children ages 6-12. Offering one program per month for families with children ages 12+. Each month will focus on a different theme. Programs are free of charge, and pre-registration is not required but appreciated. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the entire program. Home Ecologist is at the Humphrey Nature Center.

Meet at the Portageville Entrance at Griffith Rd. Will car pool. 3 hours, 1 mile.

With 25 species, Letchworth State Park may have more nesting species of wood warblers than anywhere else in the world! Each week, actual nesting sites will be visited, and we will search for a third of the park’s nesting warbler species, as we study the factors that yield such diversity. Binoculars are recommended.

Park on south side of Route 20 just west of 5 & 20 junction west of Avon (42.917272, -77.784453). Vistas of the Genesee River and remnants of lock #5.

6.5 miles, 4.8 miles to trail marker round trip. 4 hours.

Mt.  Morris Dam Snack Bar. Bring a lunch. Will car pool. 6 hours.

Car-pool through the Park on east or west sides of the river visiting many different habitats that will enable observers to locate over 75 species of birds. Sponsored by the Rochester birding Association.

Meet at the Parade Grounds Parking Lot. Will car pool. 3 hours, 1 mile or more.

With 25 species, Letchworth State Park may have more nesting species of wood warblers than anywhere else in the world! Each week, actual nesting sites will be visited, and we will search for a third of the park’s nesting warbler species, as we study the factors that yield such diversity. Binoculars are recommended.

Castile Entrance. 4 hours, 2 miles.

Letchworth State Park has over fifty miles of boundary lines that traverses many scenic hills and dales. Ten miles in five sessions will be explored. Long pants, sturdy footwear (for mud, pricklers, poison ivy and stream crossings) and packed lunch or snacks are all recommended.

Lowest St. Helena Parking Lot. 2-3 hours, 1-2 miles.

In a less familiar realm of sights and sounds, experience the changing colors and moods in the blending zone of daylight and nightlight. Star watching will follow programs, weather permitting. Flashlight recommended.

Join Douglas Bassett to different spots each week near the Humphrey Nature Center as unique individual giants spanning 200 to 300 years in age are pointed out and enjoyed up close as we learn about the hidden life of trees and old growth ecosystems. Bring a lunch (2-3 hours).

This program is designed to allow children ages 3-6 (must be accompanied by an adult) to explore the natural world. Themes change with each program, and activities may include storybook reading, crafts, or a short nature walk. Registration appreciated by calling 585-493-3680. This program will be held the first and third Mondays of each month (April 1st to June 17th), from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth State Park.

Castile Entrance. 4 hours, 2 miles.

Letchworth State Park has over fifty miles of boundary lines that traverses many scenic hills and dales. Ten miles in five sessions will be explored. Long pants, sturdy footwear (for mud, pricklers, poison ivy and stream crossings) and packed lunch or snacks are all recommended.

Join Douglas Bassett to different spots each week near the Humphrey Nature Center as unique individual giants spanning 200 to 300 years in age are pointed out and enjoyed up close as we learn about the hidden life of trees and old growth ecosystems. Bring a lunch (2-3 hours).

Join Douglas Bassett to different spots each week near the Humphrey Nature Center as unique individual giants spanning 200 to 300 years in age are pointed out and enjoyed up close as we learn about the hidden life of trees and old growth ecosystems. Bring a lunch (2-3 hours).

Perry Entrance. 4 hours, 2 miles.

Letchworth State Park has over fifty miles of boundary lines that traverses many scenic hills and dales. Ten miles in five sessions will be explored. Long pants, sturdy footwear (for mud, pricklers, poison ivy and stream crossings) and packed lunch or snacks are all recommended.

Meet at St. Helena Upper Shelter. 6 hours, foray in various nearby sites.

Special program of the Rochester Mycological Society to which the public is invited Saturday, June 29th (focus on summer boletes and other mycorrhizal fungi). These are morning forays followed by a public display of the mushrooms in the afternoon.