Hadley Mountain in the Adirondacks

by Jackie Pierangelo, Port Washington News, link to original post

On what may have been the last gasp of summer recently, it was the official beginning of a completely new and beautiful addition to our waterfront. Port North Mayor Bob Weitzner officiated at a ribbon cutting for the Bay Walk, which is part of Phase I of an extensive waterfront beautification project that was recently completed along some of the commercial property on Manhasset Bay.

The Bay Walk includes roughly one-half mile of trail that runs from the Gulfway Marina to the Pellegrino Park. Mayor Weitzner pointed out that they removed the sidewalk that was right up against Shore Road and most of the utility poles that littered the shoreline. “We’ve also moved the trail closer to the water to enhance its beauty. We’ve added benches, lighting, landscaping, and created a path that has charm and character where you can actually see the water. We have also rebuilt the old pier that used to transfer heating oil under Shore Road to the oil tanks that existed where Stop & Shop currently resides,” said the mayor.

Phase II of the project will consist of creating the new Bay Walk Waterfront Park at the open space next to the pier, and reconstructing the existing Pellegrino Park. The new park will consist of benches, sunshades, a children’s play area, parking with handicap accessibility and a drop off area, and a kayak ramp. The mayor advises, “We have funding for the planning and will be seeking more grant monies for construction. Also in the works is Nassau County repaving the entire stretch of Shore Road and Old Shore Road, and the placement of brick crosswalks, handicap ramps, and countdown signals along and across Shore Road as part of the Port Washington North Local Safe Streets and Traffic Calming program. Once completed, we will offer our community an active waterfront to use and enjoy.”

The mayor also advised that the village will be holding a grand opening in the spring on 2010 dedicating the Port North Pier, the new Barbara Johnson Park and numerous pieces of art created by Port residents that will line the trail.

Join Pack, Paddle, Ski for a frolic in the forest under the full moon and admire the beauty of the moonlight sparkling on the snow. This is your chance to get a real feel for the fun of snowshoeing. We’ll explore on and around the trails of High Tor Wildlife Management Area and along the way we’ll stop to enjoy an intimate campfire. There’s nothing quite like cooking s’mores in your snowshoes! If there is not enough snow we will still hike.

Meets at High Tor, Naples, NY (south end of Canandaigua Lake)
Saturday, January 30th, 5:30PM – 8:30PM
$59/person includes snowshoes, instruction, hot drinks and s’mores
To Register – Call Now! Contact the Pack, Paddle, Ski office at 585-346-5597!

StarGazette.com, link to original article

The Finger Lakes Land Trust has received a gift of 11 acres of privately owned woodland in the heart of the Finger Lakes National Forest in Hector, Schuyler County, the organization announced Tuesday.

The property was received from Nancy and Charles Cladel of Hummelstown, Pa., who contacted the Land Trust after reading about the organization acquiring nearby property from the Egan family. That property had been advertised for sale, and the Land Trust had acquired it at the request of the U.S. Forest Service. The Cladels decided to donate their land to the Land Trust with the understanding that it would ultimately be conveyed to the Forest Service when funding is available. The parcels are on opposite sides of Potomac Road near the Backbone Trail, and nearly surrounded by lands that are part of the National Forest.

Lands in and around Finger Lakes National Forest have been identified by the Land Trust as a priority for protection due to their value as wildlife habitat. The National Forest is recognized by the National Audubon Society as one of New York’s Important Bird Areas. The Forest is also located within the Emerald Necklace, a proposed semicircular greenbelt intended to ultimately link 50,000 acres of public open space within the forested hills encircling Ithaca.

For a guide to the hiking trails in Finger Lakes National Forest, pick up “Take A Hike – Family Walks in New York’s Finger Lakes Region.” Bicycling routes are detailed in “Take Your Bike – Family Rides in New York’s Finger Lakes Region.” Or, go visit the waterfalls, using “200 Waterfalls in Central & Western New York – A Finders’ Guide.”