Genesee Naturalist

The Genesee Naturalist GeneseeThe Naturalist Volume 27 Issue 3 Genesee State Park Region Mark Thomas, Western District Director Richard Parker, Assistant Regional Manager Roland Beck, General Park Manager Brian Scriven, Historic Site Manager Snow Bunting 585-493-3617 LETCHWORTH STATE PARK TABLE OF CONTENTS SILVER LAKE STATE PARK CONESUS LAKE STATE PARK Cover Feature Article Doug Kelly, Park Manager Meet the Dogwoods (Part 1) .....2 585-493-3605 HAMLIN BEACH STATE PARK Park Interpretive Program ...... 6 Kate Gross, Park Manager Winter Programs ...... 10 585-964-2462 LAKESIDE BEACH STATE PARK Calendar...... Center OAK ORCHARD MARINE STATE PARK Thomas Rowland, Park Manager Humphrey Nature Center 585-682-4888 Highlights ...... 24 DARIEN LAKES STATE PARK Chad Work, Park Manager TGN News...... 25 585-547-9242 Kids’ Corner...... 27 GENESEE VALLEY GREENWAY STATE PARK Kristine Uribe, Park Manager Area Nature Centers ...... 28 585-493-3614 Editorial Board Patrons...... 30 Douglas Bassett, Lisa Burns, Prose ...... 34 Karen Ferguson, Elijah Kruger, Mike Landowski, Karen Russell, Brian Phones: Scriven, Steph Spittal and Sandy Wallace 585-493-3600 General Park Information Design & Typesetting and Reservations Suzanne M. Coogan, Metro Graphics 585-493-5272 Fax Wildlife Illustrations 585-493-3625 Park Naturalist, Douglas Bassett Douglas K. Bassett 585-493-3637 Bus Tour Information, Field Trip Information Dear Reader: 585-493-3680 The Humphrey Nature Center Welcome to the 107th edition of The Genesee New York Relay Service Naturalist. Its pages are open to your HEARING 1-800-421-1220 ideas, inquiries, observations, responses, Websites: nysparks.com articles, sketches, photos, news clippings, reserveamerica.com quotes, poems, etc. For example, “Stump the letchworthparkhistory.com Naturalist,” “Readers Write,” and “Nature friendsoﬂetchworth.com Sprouts” (contributions from our youth) are fogvg.org articles created to feature your questions Visit us at Facebook.com/LetchworthStatePark and letters. The deadline for materials to be and Facebook.com/pages/Genesee-Valley- included in the spring issue is FEBRUARY 1st, Greenway-State-Park/475076135976335 2018. Pease contact: The Genesee Naturalist P.S. Please advise us of any corrections needed on your mailing label (spelling or address). 1 Letchworth State Park Castile, NY 14427 Also, take note of the expiration date.

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Cover Feature Article Meet the Dogwoods (Part 1)

Many people are familiar with the Flowering Dogwood, a small tree that produces showy blossoms in late spring that has been used in landscape plantings all over the world. There are approximately 58 species of dogwood in the genus Cornus, in the plant family Corna- ceae, originating on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Many grow as spreading shrubs with less noticeable flowers. They are often divided into 4 groups: 1) The large-bracted group with 7 species including flowering dogwood; 2) The cornelian cherry group, with 6 species. [A new cornelian cherry species was discovered in China in 2002 and differs from the others in being evergreen.] 3) The “bractless” group have showy, white flowers arranged in branched clusters with no bracts and small fruits that are white, blue or black. 4) The dwarf dogwoods or bunchberries, characterized by being tiny versions only a few inches tall. All produce fruit, berry-like drupes with 1 or 2 seeds, that are valuable foods for many animals, especially birds in migration or wintering over. Some European and Asian species fruit are eaten by people. All dogwoods have simple, untoothed leaves, with distinctive veins that curve parallel to each other, following the outline of the leaf edge and joining at the tip. Most have opposite leaves and branches; a few are alternate. Dogwood flowers have 4 parts and are often small, carried in open clusters. In other species (like flowering dogwood) the actual blossoms are tightly packed and lack showy petals, but are surrounded by 4 to 6 large petal-like bracts. The origin of the name “dogwood” is uncertain. One legend says that a medicine to treat dogs afflicted with mange was brewed from the leaves. Another story tells that dogwood is derived from “dagger- wood” and that hard, dense dogwood twigs were uses like daggers or skewers in cooking meat over campfires. Historically, use of the wood of Cornus species was limited by the small size of most members, suiting it to become tool handles, shuttles for weaving, small wheels for moving furniture and for recreation as roller skate wheels and golf club heads. The first laminated wood tennis rackets were made

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of thin strips of dogwood. The bark of most Cornus species is rich in tannins and has been used as a substitute for quinine to reduce fevers. During the Civil War, confeder ate soldiers, unable to obtain more accepted medicine, made tea with dogwood bark to reduce pain and used crushed dogwood leaves as dressings on wounds. At least 6 native dogwoods can be found in Letchworth State Park. In addition to these, 1 Asian and 1 European species were in- troduced historically. Those with fruit that persist into early winter will be covered in this article and those with summer fruit will be addressed in the Spring feature.

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) Flowering Dogwood is one member of the gen- era that generally grows in typical tree form, one trunk with spreading branches at the top. It can reach 30 feet in height and grows in de- ciduous woods as an un- derstory tree, able to survive in the filtered light Flowering Dogwood under the taller cano- (15 mm fruit) py trees. Bark is grey to grey-brown, rough and in older trees, divided into irregular, square plates. Younger bark as on branches is smoother textured and has scattered round lenticels, or air pores. Branches and leaves are opposite. Leaves are up to 5 inches long and 2½ inches wide, oval, tapering to points and smooth on the edges. Each has 4 to 6 veins on either side of a central vein; these curve gradually following the shape of the leaf to join at the tip. Autumn leaf color is an attractive deep red to maroon. The flowers that give the tree its common name is misleading. What appears to be a large white or pink flower with a yellow center is in fact, a cluster of small, four-petal yellow flowers surrounded by four white bracts (petal-like modified leaves). These

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bracts each have a notch at the tip that is a remnant of their function as bud scales protecting the flower buds through the previous winter. The true flowers develop into clusters of ½ to ¾ inch long, bright red drupes that shine at the tops of the trees calling birds to come and eat and plant new dogwood trees far away. At least 35 species of birds eat the fruit, which contain both calcium and fats. 10 or more mammals, from chipmunks to black bear also dine on the drupes. Deer and rabbits browse on bark and foliage. Many smaller creatures also use flowering dogwood as well as other Cornus species, both food and home. The slug-like caterpillars of the spring azure butterfly feed on dogwood leaves. The caterpillars excrete a sweet liquid that attracts tiny ants which defend the caterpillars from parasitic flies. Several species of moth larvae, sawfly larvae that look like caterpillars and beetles also feed on foliage. Club-shaped swellings on twigs are caused by dogwood clubgall mites (Mycodiplosis clavula) that feeds inside the gall into autumn. All this insect nibbling may also cause the trees to be vulnerable to attack by parasitic fungi, especially the anthracnose Discula, which can kill the tree. Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa) Gray Dogwood is a shrub that col- onizes old fields and wood edges, forming thickets that are cloned plants growing in a dome form with oldest, tallest stems in the center and younger, shorter ones around the edges. Each trunk is usually 3 to 8 feet tall, though they can sometimes reach over Gray Dogwood (7 mm fruit) 10 feet, and become branched. [The state record Gray Dogwood lives on the River’s floodplain at Lee’s Landing and is 11" in circumference and 32' tall.] Bark is gray to gray-brown and roughened with lenticels. Leaves are opposite and untoothed, lance-shaped with pinnate veining. They are longer than wide and darker green on the upper leaf surface than the lower. [If a leaf is creased in half and gently torn apart, the two halves can be stretched apart for more than an inch due to the stretchy fibers of the fibro-vascular bundles within the leaf veins – this is a feature characteristic to most of the dogwoods, but the park record of 15⁄8 inches is held by the Gray Dogwood.] Small white flowers ¼ inch across are produced on domed panicles 1½ to 2½ inches across and tall. The panicles are cream colored when flow-

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ering but become red as the white drupes ripen and are very noticeable in the fall. Each drupe, or fruit has 1 or 2 seeds. Gray Dogwood is common in fields no longer cultivated, roadsides and powerlines. Many of the animals that feed on dogwoods use any species available. Gray Dogwood’s nectar and pollen attract a wide variety of bumblebees, cuckoo bees, carpenter bees, flies, wasps, butterflies and moths. Aphids, plant bugs, caterpillars and sawfly larvae feed on the leaves and several beetle species tunnel under the bark or in the twigs. The fruit are eaten by many birds and seem to be especially favored by Ruffed Grouse. Mammals, from Black bears to chipmunks also feed on the berries, and deer and rabbits browse the branches and leaves. In winter, dried leaves attached to twigs by silk may hide the cocoons of white-marked tussock moths and brown, papery, 3-inch-long cocoons attached lengthwise to twigs belong to Cecropia Moths. Many songbirds nest in the cover of the dense thickets provid- ed by colonies of Gray Dogwood. Goldfinches, Gray Catbirds and Yellow warblers all weave nests around the multiple branches. In winter, these nests, no longer used by birds, may be taken over by White-footed Mice, who pile soft plant down atop the nest cup to create cozy hiding places and food caches.

Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus stolenifera) Red-osier Dogwood is another shrubby, thicket forming member of the Cornus group. An osier is a small, flexible European willow used for basketry, and the thin, flexible stalks of this small dogwood reminded settlers of what they were familiar with. Red- Red-osier Dogwood (9 mm fruit) osier is easily identified by its red stems and branches and its opposite leaves with their parallel veining like other dogwoods. Red-osier grows in wetlands and swamps and along shorelines, cloning and growing in clumps that are generally smaller, shorter and less dense than those of Gray Dogwood. How red the stems and branches become is dependent on how much sunlight they are exposed to, becoming brightest in full sun; its increasing color is considered a sign of spring. The same anthocyanin pigments that redden leaves in Au- Continued on page 8

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Park Interpretive Program Overview lation of 10,000 cop- The Interpretive ies and is received Program at Letch- by more than 450 worth State Park of- schools and libraries fers various activities in a ten county area. and an array of inter- More than 100 not- pretive materials and for-profit organiza- displays throughout tions as well as area the year. Numerous recreation depart- projects also include ments, senior groups, inventory, research, special populations, resource management, audio-vi- and tourism promotion agencies sual aids, and a clearinghouse are also included. Distribution of nature and historical infor- also includes 100 media outlets mation. Guided activities are a and the network of state parks major part of the program and throughout New York. In addi- are offered to the public. Please tion, another 12,000 program feel free to contact the park to calendars are circulated annu- arrange guided field trips or ally. Civic groups and organiza- tours for organizations or school tions may request a bulk ship- groups, or for a program at your ment of these calendars. facility. For more information Financial Support contact: Individuals may pick up a copy Park Interpretive Program of The Genesee Naturalist at Letch- 1 Letchworth State Park worth, Hamlin Beach, Lakeside Castile, NY 14427 Beach or Darien Lakes State or phone 585-493-3625. Parks while supplies last. To be The Genesee Naturalist sure you receive a copy, you may In its twenty-fifth calendar join the mailing list at one of the year, we are pleased to bring you following levels: The Genesee Naturalist as a means DONATION: ($6.00) Four of sharing information about our quarterly issues. local natural history. The Genesee SUPPORTER: ($12.00) Four Naturalist, has an annual circu- quarterly issues, supporter patch,

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color lithograph (see below), special supporter’s picnic and hike in Spring of 2018. PATRON: ($25.00) All supporter beneﬁts plus your name will be further information. listed for one year in The Genesee Volunteer Support Naturalist. Readers wishing to volunteer Gift orders of The Genesee Natu- ralist for the Park Interpretive Pro- are also available. gram can be matched with ac- Lithograph: The 2018 litho- tivities that suit their interests graph is a 16” x 20” depiction of or abilities. Past projects have in- a Mountain Lion Cub. cluded: site improvements, trail Supporters may marking or maintenance, secre- pick up their tarial support, audio-visual or lithograph at brochure assistance, and deliv- the park (be- ery of programming. Other proj- ginning with ects may also be developed in- the picnic in cluding coordination with other May 2019) or, departments. We like to think of Supporters may our Volunteers of the Interpretive send a total of Program as V.I.P.s because they $15.00 (for postage are “VERY IMPORTANT PEOPLE.” and packaging) and the litho- Interested readers should con- graph will be mailed in January tact: 2020. Patrons may pick up their Park Interpretive Program lithograph or it will be mailed in 1 Letchworth State Park January 2020 unless instruc- Castile, NY 14427 tions are received to do other- or phone 585-493-3625. wise. —dkb All checks must be made pay- able to Natural Heritage Trust and delivered to The Genesee Naturalist, 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427. Please call 585-493-3625 for

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tumn cause the stem color. The color becomes less intense through the summer and fall. Red-osier Dogwood may blossom twice, in mid- May to early June and again in July to early August. As with Gray Dogwood, individual flowers are small, in a flat to shallowly convex, branched cluster 1 to 2 inches wide, made up of 40 to 150 cream white blossoms. The flower clusters are fragrant and have lots of nectar and attract many insects. Andrenid and halictid bees and syrphid flies are probably the main pollinators, though bumblebees and long-horned beetles also visit the flowerheads frequently. The fruit resulting from the pollinated flowers are berry-like drupes each containing 1 seed. They start out green and turn white as they ripen. The first flowering produces fruit in July and the second round of fruit matures in September and October and may linger on the shrub into late fall and early winter. The fruit are eaten by many birds, including Black Ducks, Mallards, Wood Ducks, Ruffed Grouse, Ring-necked Pheasants, Wild Turkeys, woodpeckers and Eastern Kingbirds. Songbirds feeding on Red-osier fruit include Robins, Gray Catbirds, Cedar Waxwings, Warbling Vireos, Cardinals and other grosbeaks. As with the other dogwoods, more than the fruit are eaten by various animals. Small clusters of bubbly froth in the angles of twigs and branches show where Dogwood Spittlebugs (Clastoptera prote- us) have been sucking sap and releasing the extra water in a sudsy mass that hides them from predators. Tiny moth larvae in the genus Antispila feed within the leaves, making blotch mines. Larger moth caterpillars, including those of the Dimorphic Bomolocha (Bomolo- cha bijugalis) and the Dark-spotted Palthis (Palthis angulalis) feed on the leaves more directly, from the outside. Several inchworm moths also feed on dogwoods. Birds like Gray Catbirds, Yellow Warblers and Alder and Willow Flycatchers nest in Red-osier Dogwood. Not only are they hidden by the thick branching and leaves, but the wetland habitat provides lots of insect food for their young. Several cultivars of Red-osier are available for landscape plantings, where the red stems provide color in late winter.

Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) Silky Dogwood is another shrub species that grows in wetlands. It is more shade tolerant than Red-osier and often is found in mixed communities with Red Maple, Alder species, Winterberry and Spice- bush. Young stems could be confused with Red-osier since they may

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have a greenish-red color to the bark, which turns darker pur- ple, with vertical brown lenticels (pores). Older bark becomes thin and gray. Stems grow as multiples from the ground and often arch. They rarely grow larger than 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Leaves are like other dogwoods and have fine Silky Dogwood hairs on both surfaces. Twigs are (9 mm fruit) also covered with fine hairs and it is the presence of these hairs that gives the name “Silky”. An alternate common name is “Swamp Dogwood” for its preferred habitat. Flowers are white to cream, 4 petalled, in flat to convex clusters. Flower stalks are green to pale red and are also hairy. The fruit, or drupes, ripen to a silvery blue and usually droop, while other dogwoods hold the fruit clusters upright. As with the other dogwoods, many birds feed on the fruit, including, woodpeckers, cardinals, sparrows and robins. Birds also nest in its arching, branching stems. Deer and rabbits browse the foliage and twigs. Many of the insects that feed and nectar on other dogwoods also come to Silky Dogwood, including the beautiful Spring Azure butterfly. The shrub is used in streambank stabilization and is often planted as part of wetland restoration projects. Dogwoods are an interesting and valuable group of woody plants. There will be more to come in the Spring issue of The Genesee Naturalist.

The Book of Swamp and Bog: John Eastman; Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburgh, PA; 1995 The Book of Forest and Thicket: John Eastman; Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA; 1992 wow.com/wiki/Cornus_(genus) minnesotawildflowers.info/shrub/silky-dogwood /shrub/gray-dogwood /shrub/red-osier-dogwood /flowering-dogwood illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/flowering_dogwood.htm /gray_dogwood /red-osier_dogwood /silky_dogwood

WINTER 2018 9 The Genesee Naturalist Interpretive Program Descriptions

WINTER 2018 This season’s schedule offers road for 1½ miles to the HNC cross-country nature ski hikes, (turn right, before Inspiration indoor programming and a va- Point). In addition to the facilities riety of winter nature walks at at the HNC and Trailside Lodge, Letchworth State Park. Come comfort stations will also remain wander into Winter’s Wonder- open at Inspiration Point at the land “under the wing” of park south end of the park and at the interpretive staff (Douglas Bas- Highbanks Recreation Area and sett, Elijah Kruger, Gary Lamiti- Camping Contact Station at the na, Mike Landowski and Steph north end. There is no entrance Spittal). charge this winter and Trail- PLEASE NOTE: Many inter- side Lodge will not be staffed on pretive programs meet at the weekends, but patrons may con- Humphrey Nature Center or tinue to use their own personal Trailside Lodge, but some sec- inﬂatable tubes only on the slid- tions of the park road are closed ing hill. in the winter. To reach the HNC Snowmobile trail maintenance area, travel 3 miles south of the continues to be made possible Village of Castile on Route 19A, from a grant from the Snow- turn left at Denton Corners mobile Trail Development and Road, travel 2 miles to Castile Maintenance Fund and Trailside Entrance of Letchworth State Lodge serves as a stopover along Park, turn right, follow the park the route through the park.

The following RELATIVE RATING SYSTEM is applied to the programs. Most are appropriate for families. Terrain: l easy (shortest time, near level, on trail) n more difﬁcult (intermediate) u most difﬁcult (longest time, steeper banks, or off trail) Presentation of subject matter (geared to audience) I introductory level II secondary level

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PROGRAMS AT GENESEE VALLEY GREENWAY STATE PARK First Day Hikes l I Genesee Valley Greenway State Park will be participating in the First Day Hikes this year with 5 offerings. Contact number (for inquiries) (585) 493-3614 Please leave a message as to the number 1) Canawaugus Park, 3) Rt 305 parking lot, Belfast Scottsville (43.018318N, (42.303581N, 78.164427W) – 77.747698W) – 11:00 am 1:00 pm a) North to Rt 383 and back If we have snow and skiing (2 miles roundtrip, 1 hour) enthusiasts, or those who want a longer hike, we will b) South to the intersection offer two hikes along the with the Lehigh Valley Trail same route. and back (4 miles roundtrip, 2 hours a) Shorter (4 miles roundtrip, 2 hours) 2) Rt 408 parking lot, Mt. Morris (42.726213N, b) Longer (7 miles roundtrip, 77.872375W) – 11:00 am 3-4 hours) Group will head north from the parking lot on Rt 408 to the bridge spanning the Genesee River. The bridge offers a beautiful view of the river (2 miles roundtrip, 1 hour)

Red Fox print

Grey Fox print

Fox tracks

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PROGRAMS AT The Humphrey Nature Center Winter hours: Thursday-Monday 10am-5pm INDOOR PROGRAMMING NATURE TABLE PROJECT l I Naturalists are available FEEDERWATCH throughout the day to discuss l I Saturdays & Sundays, Nature Table topics. 10:00am – 5:00pm). January This citizen science project, Animals in Winter – Find out sponsored by the Cornell Lab how different forest critters of Ornithology, is easy to do survive a long, cold winter. for experienced bird watchers February and beginners alike! Learn Winter Tree ID – With many about the lives and habits of trees losing their leaves before our common feeder birds, and winter, learn to identify them by ﬁnd out how you can become a their bark, buds, and twigs. citizen scientist at home. Count March days are every Saturday and Maple Sugaring – Discover the Sunday until April 8th. process of making maple syrup, a sweet seasonal favorite.

Black-capped Chickadee

Marten

Downy Marten Woodpecker front & rear track

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NATURE LECTURE SERIES l I Sundays, 1:00pm – 2:30pm at the Humphrey Nature Center January 7th – Giant Hogweed by Patty Wakefield-Brown, Finger Lakes Institute Learn the history, control, look- a-likes and how you can help Otter the DEC’s efforts to find and eliminate this “Magnificent” yet federally noxious invasive plant. engaging, and family-friendly program will focus on Native January 14th – Seneca Army American lifestyles prior to the Depot White Deer arrival of European settlers by Dennis Money when Haudenosaunee lived in The world’s largest herd of white, longhouses and survived using whitetail deer started in 1949 at the Natural Resources of NYS. the former Seneca Army Depot. The presenter for this session Listen to Dennis Money talk is Perry Ground, a Turtle Clan about the military and civilian member of the Onondaga history of the depot and how the Nation, who has been a white deer will now become an storyteller and educator for over economic stimulus to the Finger 25 years. For teachers seeking Lakes region. Money is a well- professional development or CEU known conservationist, and has credit, a letter of attendance will been involved with peregrine be available. falcons, sturgeons, kestrels, January 28th – Letchworth river otters, and the white deer Beyond the Turnouts of the depot. by Keith Walters January 21st – Life in the Join us as Keith Walters Longhouse Village discusses his 2017 photo- by Perry Ground narrative project, “Beyond the Turnouts,” in which he spent This artifact-filled presentation the year documenting areas of will present a broad overview Letchworth State Park that are of the history, culture & less traveled by most visitors. traditions of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) People. The lively,

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Surveying/Assessment Crew, and Environmental Education and Outreach crew. The Education/Outreach crew spends 10 months traveling the state of New York as they provide campgrounds with Spring Peeper environmental educational programming, build interpretive February 4th – Salamanders, trails for parks and perform Peepers and Pools other environmental educational by Jim Kernan, SUNY Geneseo work across the state. Vernal pools are unique February 18th – The Scent ecosystems that are critical to of Death and a Woodland amphibian reproduction. SUNY Salamander Geneseo geography professor by Aaron Sullivan, Houghton Jim Kernan will discuss the College importance of vernal pools in Anti-predator behaviors revolve regional biodiversity. around two simple truths: February 11th – 1) virtually all animals are Environmental Education predators and prey at some and Outreach – Excelsior point in their lives, and 2) Conservation Corps traits that make an animal by Leah Cantor, SCA Excelsior an efﬁcient predator may Conservation Corps increase their danger of becoming a meal. Because the SCA’s Excelsior Conservation risk of predation is high (for Corps was started in 2015 as nearly everyone), prey should Governor Cuomo’s initiative to maximize their sensitivity to create a modern day Civilian stimuli from predators in the Conservation Corps. The ECC is environment. In our research, a 10-month residential program we investigate how some prey which employs 50 AmeriCorps species (salamanders) respond members aged 18-28. There to chemicals from predators are ﬁve distinct crews in this (snakes). program: Mixed Stewardship crews (2), Infrastructure and Sustainability Crew,

Spotted Salamander

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February 25th – Maple March 18th – Mushrooms Sugaring by David Wolf, Rochester Area by Greg Zimpfer, Mycological Society Zimpfer’s Maple Products The world of fungi and their Making maple syrup is a time- mushrooms is a mystery to honored tradition in Western many people. Join us as David New York. Come learn the Wolf highlights some common history and process of maple mushrooms in our area, and sugaring from a local producer shares natural history notes who helps keep New York State of some of our little forest the #2 producer of maple syrup treasures. in the country. March 25th – All About March 4th – Studies on Bluebirds – and More Conservation and Natural by John Rogers History Join us as John Rogers explores by Various Students, the life history of the Eastern SUNY Geneseo Bluebird, as well as other birds SUNY Geneseo students will that nest in bluebird boxes, nest showcase their research in this box management, and more! poster exhibition. Each student While the focus will be on will provide a brief introduction bluebirds, John will also share to their work. Afterward, the his passion for the natural world audience can visit the posters in hopes that the audience will and ask questions. SUNY take away some broader and Geneseo geography professor deeper messages about nature – Jim Kernan will introduce the and life. exhibition. March 11th – So You Think You Want an Exotic Pet? by Karin Fires, Wildlife Educators Coalition Come meet some real live exotic pets! Find out what life is like with an unusual mammal, tropical bird or big reptile. Enjoy up close and personal encounters with some beautiful beasts. Eastern Bluebird

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KNEE-HIGH in Letchworth State Park. NATURALISTS PROGRAM Programs are held on Sunday by volunteer Annie O’Reilly afternoons at 2:30 pm and last for two hours. l I The Knee-High Naturalists program is designed to allow This winter, learn about plant children ages 3 – 6 (must be galls and their instigators, accompanied by an adult) to lichens, moss, and the role of explore the natural world. fungi that decay wood. These Themes change with each indoor programs are good program, and activities may primers for some upcoming include storybook reading, outdoor walks. “Search for crafts, or a short nature walk. Hidden Creatures” is scheduled Registration appreciated by in March. “Mushroom and Moss calling (585) 493-3680. Walks” are planned for later this spring (April). This program will be held every other Monday (January Plant Galls and Gall Makers 8 – March 19), from 10:30am February 4. Dozens of galls will – 11:15am in the Humphrey be available for study. The focus Nature Center at Letchworth will be on the more common State Park. ones that can be found on woody plants in the winter. NATURE UP CLOSE l I The Nature Up Close pro- Overwintering Mushrooms grams allow participants a more February 25. Over 100 dried detailed study of a topic with specimens will be available for comparison of hands-on speci- study. The focus will be on those mens and/or various audio-vi- species that aid in the decay of sual aids and handouts. All wood especially the conspicuous workshops meet in the Hum- polypores which will be phrey Nature Center located presented in a new taxonomic order.

Hollow Oak Apple Gall Mink Skull

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Skulls and Tracks and bluebird trails. This is an March 4. Dozens of replicas will excellent primer for the Morning be available for study. The focus Bird Walk on April 26th or will be on those species that can for anyone who would like to be located in our area. volunteer as a helper during Bluebird Homes our 23rd season of maintaining March 25. Learn about the life our Bluebird Trail. [To date, of our state bird, as well as more than 1100 bluebirds have some basics of nest box design ﬂedged from our boxes.]

BOTH INDOOR & OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING HOME ECOLOGIST maple sugaring, from sap to syrup. Programs cover history l I 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (on site) of maple sugaring, how maple Home Ecologist is a program syrup is made today, maple tree geared towards home school identification, and even some families with children ages 6 - samples! 12. Each month will focus on a different theme, with three NYS MAPLE WEEKENDS programs per month. Programs l I March 17-18 and March are free of charge, and pre-reg- 24-25, from 10:00 am – 4:00 istration is not required but pm on the two Saturdays, and appreciated. Children must be 10:00 am – 1:00 pm on the two accompanied by an adult for the Sundays. entire program. Join us for a weekend full of January: Animals in Winter - maple activities! Continual Thursday (11), Monday (15) & demonstrations of three different Thursday (25) maple sugaring techniques will February: Birds of Prey - be going on, including Iroquois Thursday (8), Monday (12) & stone boiling, iron pot fire pit Thursday (22) boiling, and the use of a modern March: Maple Sugaring - evaporator. Hourly walks led by Thursday (8), Monday (12) & park naturalists will highlight Thursday (22) maple tree identification, how to tap a tree, and more! MAPLE SAPTURDAYS Pancake breakfasts will be l I Saturdays March 3,10 & 31, available thanks to the Friends 10:00 am – 1:00 pm of Letchworth State Park from Learn the entire history of 10:00 am – 1:00 pm each day.

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OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING – SKIING, SNOWSHOEING and WALKING

FIRST DAY HIKES 2) EXPLORATORY WALK 4 choices on New Year’s Day Winter Wander between the The hikes are scheduled Ponds: Using deer trails and to begin at 1:00 pm at the other paths this 1½ mile journey Humphrey Nature Center. explores the area between Trout Participants are urged to arrive Pond and Pine Pond. half an hour early to register. 3) FAMILIES WITH OLDER Hot Chocolate & Cookies will CHILDREN follow at 3:00 pm along with Winter Nature Walk with high- First Day Hike stickers. Four light: Exotic Trees from Other levels to choose from: Lands and State & National 1) FAMILIES WITH YOUNGER Champions: Two-mile loop to CHILDREN Inspiration Point the Glen Iris Winter Nature Walk with high- Fountain and Middle Falls with light: Letchworth CSI – Who more than 200’ descent and Done It: Journey on a wooded 200’ ascent along trails, roads loop less than one mile on near- and stairs. ly level terrain near the HNC 4) FASTER PACED, LONGEST past, frozen bogs and the Trout HIKE Pond. Winter Hike to view the Great Bend Gorge: Three or more mile outing to view the Park’s deep- est canyon from several vantage points along the Gorge Trail. WINTER WONDER WALKS – 6 offerings Limber Pine l I Family programs (one-hour duration) are held at 2:30 pm on various natural history themes meet at the Humphrey Nature Center. Saturdays Jan 6th through February 10th.

Douglas Fir

18 WINTER 2018 The Genesee Naturalist

CROSS COUNTRY NATURE SKI HIKES AND SNOWSHOE WALKS Experience the beauty and mystery of winter with the aid of your cross-country skis or snowshoes. Search for winter greenery and the hidden life on bark. Learn to read the animal stories in snow. Pro- grams are held every Saturday and Sunday afternoon January 6th through February 10th. Call ahead for snow conditions, 585-493- 3680. NATURE SKI HIKES NATURE SNOWSHOE l I Each nature ski hike meets WALKS at Trailside Lodge and will con- (The Bigfoot Experience) sist of a review of cross country l I Slower paced journey in skiing basics and maneuvers search of animal stories in the before exploring a mile or more snow and the hidden life on tree of winter wonderland. These ski bark. Each nature snowshoe hikes will be nature walks and walk meets at the Humphrey will meet at the Humphrey Na- Nature Center and will consist ture Center if the snow does not of a review of snowshoe types provide adequate ski conditions. before exploring a mile or so of If you have any questions or winter wonderland. These snow- need other information, please shoe walks will be nature walks call ahead. if the snow does not provide Novice Ability on near level adequate snow depth. We also terrain Sundays at 1:00 pm. have some snowshoes that may January 7, 14, 21 & 28. be borrowed. If you have any Intermediate Ability on rolling questions or need other informa- terrain Sundays at 2:30 pm. tion, please call ahead. January 7, 14, 21 & 28. Novice Ability on near level terrain Saturdays at 1:00 pm. January 6, 13, 20, 27 and February 3 &10.

Peromyscus track

Peromyscus Mouse

WINTER 2018 19 The Genesee Naturalist

BLUE MOON NATURE SKI HIKE n I On Wednesday evening, January 31 at 6:00 pm, a special moonlight ski hike will begin at Trailside Lodge. This ski hike will be in two parts. The ﬁrst part reviews some evening precautions and skiing techniques followed by a one- Great Horned Owl mile loop over sparkling snow another hour. If adequate ski and gently rolling terrain. If the conditions do not exist, a two- challenge of evening perception hour, one-mile nature hike will and balance suits you, after replace the ski hike. a short intermission part two consists of a different loop for

MORE OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING at LETCHWORTH STATE PARK – SKIING, WALKING and TREKKING Adventure Nature ing points. These walks search Ski Hike out the nature lore of the win- n I to u I On Sunday at 10 am, ter season as we examine trees, January 21, a three or ﬁve mile winter weeds and fungi and dis- ski hike for the advanced skier cover animal signs and tracks. will meet at the Camper Con- (“In person” track makers are al- tact Station, opposite the Perry ways a possibility.) For all of the Entrance. Skiers will be follow- hikes, it is suggested you dress ing the Big Flats Trail and sec- for the weather. If snow gets tions of the Smokey Hollow Trail “knee deep”, you may ﬁnd it help- and the Park Road. The hike will ful to also bring your own snow- include long up and down hill shoes. (We will have a few snow- runs, which may require ski re- shoes that may be borrowed.) moval. If adequate ski conditions Family Nature Walks do not exist, a two-mile nature l I Family-oriented walks of hike will replace the ski hike. less than one mile and two hours Winter Nature Walks in duration are held on Sundays n I Refer to calendar for start- at 10 am.

20 WINTER 2018 The Genesee Naturalist

Three Sisters Waterfalls. Nearby Excursion to January 7. View the Three Genesee Valley Park Sisters waterfalls dropping over March 3 (Saturday), 3 hours. 500 feet along the western rim Explore the planting of this of the Great Bend Gorge. County Park where several of the Letchworth Arboretum. early planting have grown big January 14. Walk beneath enough to be the largest in the towering forest trees from state. Bring a lunch. around the world, which were Winter Waterfalls Walk planted in various combinations l I March 4 (Sunday) 6:00 in the early 1900’s. pm, 3 hours. Visit the Middle Denton Brook. and Upper Falls as they are res- January 28. Explore the woods cued from winter’s clutches by the brook drains before it the melting shadows of the eve- plummets 500 feet to meet the ning sky. Bring a ﬂashlight. Genesee River. Signs of Spring Walk Frozen Bogs. l I March 21 (Wednesday) February 4. Enjoy the area and 2:00 pm, 3 hours. General na- unique plants surrounding ture walk will explore forest and several small frozen bogs. ﬁeld in search of vernal greet- Pine Pond. ings. February 11. Venture across former farmland to a natural Search For Hidden series of ponds, now surrounded Creatures l I March 25 (Sunday), 2-3 by pines. hours. Explore the world of insect ecology and discover signs of insects at work. Find myste-

Meadow rious plant galls and study in- Vole sect feeding behaviors. Also see Indoor Ed-Ventures listed previ- ously. Once In A Blue Moon Walk n I March 31 (Saturday) 6:00 pm. View the moonrise above the Great Bend Gorge as the second Blue Moon of 2018 occurs.

Opossum

WINTER 2018 21 The Genesee Naturalist

Bald Eagle

Pileated Woodpecker WINTER TREKS n I to u I Refer to calendar for starting points. These 10 am hikes are for those who wish the thrill of a more demanding nature walk over hill and dale and often in the remote reaches of Letchworth State Park. Bring a lunch and be prepared for the weather during the several hours outing.

JANUARY FEBRUARY Wolf Creek Valley Lee’s Landing January 4 (Thursday) 3 hours. February 1 (Thursday) 4½ Creep down to the freshwater hours. Venture into the valley creek named after the Deer Wolf that separates the beginning of - they made their dens in this the Great Bend Gorge and the valley more than 150 years ago. end of the Portage Canyon. Gardeau Valley Dishmill Creek January 10 (Wednesday) 3½ February 7 (Wednesday) 4 hours. Breathe nature and hours. Journey into the valley history during a descent into and examine its crystalline the Jemison Homeland. waterfalls. St. Helena Valley – East Sycamore Trail January 18 (Thursday) 3½ February 21 (Wednesday) 3½ hours. Hike a loop across hours. Travel to the heart of the several ravines on the eastern Gardeau Valley and ponder the slope above the former village park’s largest tree. site. Dehgayasoh Valley Hogsback February 25 (Sunday) 3 hours. January 24 (Wednesday) 3 Seek the valley of the “Nameless hours. See this unique landform Spirits” with its tall pines and from the western rim of the ancient hemlocks. canyon.

22 WINTER 2018 The Genesee Naturalist

MARCH the Northern End of Letchworth Silver Lake Outlet Valley State Park, downstream of the March 1 (Thursday) 4 hours. Mt. Morris Dam. Traverse the valley of the park’s Bear Hollow Trail largest tributary. (Brush and March 29 (Thursday) 4 hours. stream crossings between the Great vistas from the east bank Gibsonville Road and the Perry of the Smokey Hollow Valley. Gate.) Kisil Point March 7 (Wednesday) 4 hours. Witness the junction of the Silver Lake Outlet and Genesee River. Fiddler’s Elbow March 11 (Sunday) 4½ hours. Enjoy spectacular views of the Gardeau and Smokey Hollow Valleys. Mt. Morris Canyon – West March 21 (Wednesday) 3½ Eastern hours. View ﬂoodplain scenes of Cottontail

Interpretive Programs are of- guage interpreter. fered throughout the year. These The interpretive trail programs include field trips at Inspiration Point is and lectures for schools and wheelchair accessible and has organizations. For more in- interpretive signage for the visu- formation, please contact The ally impaired. Please contact the Humphrey Nature Center, 585- above number for information 493-3680 or write to: Park Inter- on audiotapes and Braille pam- pretive Program, 1 Letchworth phlets for self-interpretation at State Park, Castile, New York Inspiration Point. 14427. Letchworth State Park is part Please contact the above of the statewide system of parks, number for program partic- recreation and historic sites of ipants requesting informa- the New York State Office of tion on a sound amplification Parks, Recreation and Historic system for the hearing impaired. Preservation. The Genesee State Contact should be made at least Park Region administers seven one week in advance for those state park facilities requiring an American Sign Lan-

WINTER 2018 23 The Genesee Naturalist

Home Ecologists with a Snake Root patch. Humphrey Nature Center Highlights The start of the school year brought many field trips to the Humphrey Nature Center this autumn, including almost all school days in October. Students from kindergarten up to high school were engaged in hands-on learning by park interpretive staff on a variety of topics, including geol- ogy, forest study, and Native American history. Thanks to the Connect Kids to Parks grant through New York State, many of the local schools that have visited have had all their field trip costs reimbursed. New school-age programming, called Home Ecologists, was also started this school year that targets homeschool families with children ages 6-12. Each month has a different theme, and families can pick the program date each month that fits their schedule best. This past autumn alone the Home Ecologists programs reached around 200 children and their parents. The HNC began its second Project FeederWatch this past autumn. Continuing through early April, patrons are invited to help keep a tally of birds observed at the feeders outside the building. This FeederWatch season started very slowly, however, as not many birds were observed at the feeders in the first few weeks of counting. This could possibly be at- tributed to the milder weather we experienced, meaning there was still plenty of food in the wild for birds to find. However, several flocks of Pine Siskins and one group of Red Crossbills were seen near the HNC. In November, local professional photographer Keith Walters opened his exhibit “Beyond the Turnouts” in the HNC. Keith spent a full year photographing scenes around Letchworth State Park that are observed only by exerting more effort than simply pulling the car over on the side of the road, and put those photos on public display. When the photo exhibit is over, Keith has graciously decided to donate all the photos to the HNC and Letchworth State Park. Looking ahead to future programming, the HNC purchased a maple evaporator to help beef up its maple sugaring program. This evaporator will help nature center staff educate the public on the process of turn- ing sap to syrup. Note the maple programs coming up in March! —ek

24 WINTER 2018 The Genesee Naturalist TGN News

Sightings in the Field Sightings reported in 2017 continued patterns noted in 2016. Black Bear sightings were reported 14 times with several being of a large bear with 2 or 3 smaller, presumably a mother with cubs. There were also 2 sightings of a large single bear, perhaps a lone male. Most bear sightings Red Fox were of smaller individuals, perhaps ju- veniles out looking for a spot for their own. They all were ﬂeeting glimpses as animals crossed roads and disappeared into cover. So far, Letchworth bears are being good bears and staying away from campsites and dumpsters. Not so for smaller animals. At least 1⁄3 of all the sightings were re- ports of raccoons and skunks raiding campsites and cabin areas, getting into coolers left out and eating or ruining unsecured food. There are posters all over the camping loops and cabin areas warn- ing about leaving food accessible to animals; perhaps the skunks and raccoons can read and were instructed. The instructions didn’t seem to work on people as well, since they continued to leave food out. Red Fox were very observable, especially at the Humphrey Nature Center, where one visited the bird feeding area often to feast on the peanut butter and birdseed smeared on pinecones by visiting children. A nearby den had a trail camera on it and pictures can be viewed at the HNC. The fox feels at home in that neighborhood and leaves territory marking scat on the sidewalk most mornings. Despite the summer being rainy and cool, many black rat snakes and garter snakes were seen, including a large gravid female garter who was often seen sunning on the outdoor classroom rocks at HNC. Timber Rattlesnake sightings were down, though, with only 4 snakes reported through these logbooks. Bald Eagles, both mature birds with white heads and tails continued to be sighted every month and 2 or 3 Black Vultures were seen soaring on their own or with Turkey Vultures. A more unusual bird sighting was made in late June by some folks dining at the Glen Iris who saw a partly white or leucistic Ruby-throated Hummingbird gathering nectar from ﬂowers near their table. —ss TGN News continues next page

WINTER 2018 25 The Genesee Naturalist

Opportunities with Friends of Letchworth State Park The Friends of Letchworth State as countless other projects. Mem- Park are seeking members who bers are always welcome to con- would like to Promote, Protect, and tribute their help in various his- Preserve our favorite state park! torical and environmental areas. We are on Facebook at “Friends Look for us at our booth at the of Letchworth State Park.” We of- next park event. fer many areas to serve, includ- If you are interested in more ining trail maintenance; staining formation, call Carol Rathbun at and maintaining benches and 585-314-9139, contact Friends of playground equipment we donat- Letchworth State Park at www. ed through our fund raising; help- friendsoﬂetchworth.com or email ing with gardening projects at the [email protected]. —kr&cr Humphrey Nature Center; as well

Volunteer News Have you always wanted to “go edge! From September through behind the scenes” at your favor- November, 62 volunteers put in ite park and get involved? Volun- 700 hours – some at the Hum- teers are always needed, and can phrey Nature Center, some lead- participate in programming by ing hikes, some with the Friends helping with school groups, lead- of Letchworth events, some doing bus tours, stafﬁng information ing trail work, and some doing re- stands, serving as a museum do- search & clerical work. Call Karen cent, helping with ofﬁce tasks, or Russell, Volunteer Coordinator at by presenting roving interpreta- 585-493-3616 or email her at Kar- tion.You get to learn more about [email protected] to learn Letchworth State Park and then how to get started with your vol- try out your new-found knowl- unteering opportunities. —kr

The Mount Morris Dam Winter Discovery Series “American Innovation” runs every Saturday at 1pm January 6th through March 25th. This event features exciting guest speakers and a great excuse to get out of the house! Jan 6 Michael Keene, Author; “THE PSYCHIC HIGHWAY: How the Erie Canal Changed America” Jan 13: Jeffrey Fischer, Musician; “1960s MUSIC INNOVATION “ Jan 20: John Adamski, Photographer; “NATURE IN A NUTSHELL: A Beginner’s Guide to Wildlife Photography” Jan 27: Amie Alden, Livingston County Historian; “FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: In a Flick of a Switch” Continued page 33

26 AUTUMN 2017 The Genesee Naturalist

Kid’s Corner

Winter Tree ID So, how do you identify a dogwood tree in the winter? By its bark, of course! OK, old joke, but for many people, figuring out what species a tree is without leaves, flowers or fruit can be a challenge. Bark can provide clues, but bark on a young tree looks a lot different from bark on an older specimen. One of the most consistent things to look at are the leaf and flower buds and the protective scales that cover them that are already formed on the twigs, waiting for spring, and the scars on the twig left by the last year’s leaf scales. One of the coolest flower buds to look for in winter is that of the Flowering Dogwood tree. They stand upright on the twigs, are large and round, with a point on top. Think of a mini- Hershey’s Kiss on a twig to identify Flowering Dogwood in winter. Many other trees have distinctive buds and scales. They may be a topic on programs this winter as we explore the woods of Letchworth State Park. Flowering Dogwood Come join us —ss

AUTUMN 2017 27 The Genesee Naturalist Area Nature Centers

Arrowhead Outdoor Education Genesee Country Village & Museum Center Nature Center 111 East Jefferson Road 1410 Flint Hill Road Pittsford, NY 14534 Mumford, NY 14511 585-383-4590 585-538-6822 Sarah Mikiewicz, Program Coordinator Melissa Marszalek – Manager of Group Please call for information about programs and Natural History Programs and activities for groups. Chris Kieber – Naturalist Admission: $5 (members free) Beaver Meadow Nature Center Season: Please call or visit our website Buffalo Audubon Society at www.gcv.org for hours of operation 1610 Welch Road and information about programs. North Java, NY 14113 Group tours are available by 1-800-377-1520 reservation. Loren Smith, Director Information: 175 acres with over 5 miles Admission: Donation requested: of nature trails. Cross country ski and $2/individual or $5/family snowshoe rentals available weekends Season: Open year-round only during January and February. Per- Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9am - manent orienteering course, 3 letterboxing 5pm, Sunday 1 - 5pm, trails and a Story Walk trail. Events and Monday CLOSED. presentations throughout the year. Trails are always open. Information: 326 acres with over eight Genesee County Park & Forest miles of trails, including a handicap acces- Interpretive Nature Center sible boardwalk. Guided hikes on Sunday 11095 Bethany Center Road at 2pm (May-Oct). Children’s programs, East Bethany, NY 14054 x-country skiing, snowshoeing, interpre- General: 585-344-1122 tive center and school programs. Group Pavilion Reservations: tours or programs by appointment. Obser- 585-344-8508 vatory with a 20” dia. Astronomical tele- Paul Osborn, Park Supervisor scope open to the public on the ﬁrst Sat- Shannon Morley, Conservation urday of April through October. Hours for Education Programs Coordinator Observatory are dusk to 10pm. Judy Spring, Education Coordinator Observatory telephone 716-773-5015 Admission: Free (Fee for school/scout programs) Cumming Nature Center Season: Park is open year round 6472 Gulick Road May 1 - Sept 30 - 9am-9pm, Naples, NY 14512 Oct 1 - April 30 - 9am-5pm 585-374-6160 Interpretive Center open: Dave Gotham, Director Mon - Wed by appointment only, Admission: $3 per person; $10 per Thurs - Fri 10am-4pm, Sat - Sun family Noon - 4pm Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, Environmental Education Programs 9am - 5pm. are offered through the partnership Closed Monday and Tuesday of the Genesee County Parks and the Information: 5 trails, 6 miles. Genesee County Soil and Water Con- servation District.

28 WINTER 2018 The Genesee Naturalist

Information: 18 miles of trails for hik- Tinker Nature Park ing, mountain biking, horseback riding, Hansen Nature Center x-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Sled- 1525 Calkins Road ding hill. Programs for schools and scouts PO Box 999, Henrietta, NY 14467 by reservation. Events and presentations Phone: 585-359-7044 throughout the year. Fax 585-359-7045 [email protected] Helmer Nature Center Email: 154 Pine Grove Avenue Website: http://sites.google.com/site/hansen- Rochester, NY 14617 naturecenter/home 585-336-3035 Karen Mazzola, Contact Person Tim Pratt, Programming and Educa- Admission: Free tion, Hansen Nature Center (Memberships available) Admission: Free (Fee for school/scout Hours: Grounds open from Dawn programs) to Dusk (7 days) Season: Park is open year-round from Information: Special programs may be ar- sunrise to sunset. ranged by calling the center. 45 acres of Nature Center open: Tuesday - varied habitat. Saturday 9am - 4pm. Information: 68 acres with a variety of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge habitats – pond, marsh, fields, woodland. 1101 Casey Road 3 trails. ADA accessible. Fitness Course. Basom, NY 14013 Tables for cold picnics. No fires and no 585-948-5445 pets. Programs for schools and scouts Robert Lamoy, Refuge Manager by reservation. Events and presentations Admission: Free throughout the year. Snowshoe and cross Season: Headquarters open country skiing rentals available. year-round Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - Twin Cedars Environmental Area 4pm. Trails always open. 6274 East Avon-Lima Road Information: Presentations and guided Avon, NY 14414 walks are available upon request with 585-226-2466 two weeks prior notice and a minimum of Admission: Free ten people. Season: Open year-round Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm (exhibit center) Information: Two miles of trail, twenty- acre fishing pond and exhibit center. Group programs may be scheduled.

WINTER 2018 29 The Genesee Naturalist

Patrons

Since the debut issue of The Genesee Naturalist in the summer of 1991, the following patrons have gifted $1,000 or more and are henceforth recognized as:

BENEFACTORS In Memory of Churchill Green, Jr ‘12 James Hopkins ‘11 Norma & Sherrill Puckett ‘13 In Memory of Peter & Nancy Whitcombe ‘11 You, too, can make a difference and support The Genesee Naturalist or other State Park or Historic Site of your choice through the Natural Heritage Trust, a 501(c)(3) public beneﬁt corporation. Your contribution will help strengthen our rich heritage, New York’s State Parks and its natural resources. You may also visit nysparks.com or call 518-474-2997. (Since 1991 all the TGN contributions have gone into the Natural Heritage Trust which has funded The Genesee Naturalist for more than 25 years.)

Since the debut issue of The Genesee Naturalist in the summer of 1991, the following patrons have contributed beyond the “call of duty” of $500 or more (year of accomplishment follows name) and are henceforth recognized as: LIFE PATRONS

Anonymous (1) David Goldman ‘13 Dodie Baker ‘14 Ralph & Georgia Guenther ‘14 Maxine Barber ‘08 In Memory of Bob Havens ‘08 Robert Begg ‘16 Maxine Insera ’17 Robert Bradley ‘07 Timothy & Ann Jackson ‘15 ' Roberta Call ‘01 Lonnie & Bonnie Kratts ‘14 Kathy Clem ‘15 In Memory of Janet Kucaba ‘10 John D’Andrea III ‘14 Dan & Barb Lipstein ‘16 Taddy Dann ‘14 Dick & Sue Ann Logar ‘11 Henry Davis ‘09 In Memory of Barbara Lovett ‘00 Anthony D’Imperio ’17 Denise & Joseph Maguder ‘17 Judy & John DeGrood ’17 Mary Ann & Mike Marso ‘04 David & Cecilia Deuel ‘15 Pat Martin ‘06 Dr. Peter & Terry Finlay ‘13 Patricia Muscarella ‘11 Ron & Suzanne Foley ’17 Roland Nafus ‘11 Joan Fox ‘05 Wilfred & Maria Oliver ‘06 Louise French ‘09 Suzanne Olson ’17

30 WINTER 2018 The Genesee Naturalist

Merle & Sheila Palmiter ‘01 Charles Schleigh ‘09 George & Linda Parlato ‘04 Joan Schumaker ‘16 Frank Passamonte ‘09 Steph Spittal ‘97 William Reed ‘05 Ann Stear ‘11 Harold & Kay Remmler ‘07 David & Grace Strong ‘13 In Memory of Clark Rice ‘09 Robert Thomas, MD ‘07 Louis & Karen Root ‘08 Don & Donna Traver ‘13 Paul & Joan Schaefer ’17 Dietmar & Linda Wietz ‘07

Since the debut issue of The Genesee Naturalist in the summer of 1991, the following patrons have contributed $200 or more and are henceforth recognized as: SUSTAINING PATRONS

Anonymous (1) In Memory of Ralph Engelbrecht ‘13 In Memory of William Anderson ‘15 Cheryl & Todd Esposito Balloons Over Letchworth John Fiegel Jerry & Carolyn Barnhart Mary Ann Fink Marlene Bassett John Fitzmorris James & Ruth Berg Margaret Francis In Memory of Deborah & Bruce Richard & Anne Freitas Bergstrom ‘10 Linda French Loise Bickel Ellen Gendreau Roger Billyard In Memory of Paul Gibson ‘11 William & Alice Bowman Betty Grant Paul Budzynski Peggy Grayson Thomas & Barbara Byrnes Alan & Kathleen Gregg Joy Caldwell Susan Hengelsberg Brock Carmichael Roger & Melanie Hubbard Christopher & Edythe Clapp Mary & Joseph Hughes Joan & Bob Clar Jerome Huff Joann Colaizzi Peter & Sally Humphrey Doris Connelly David Hurd Tom & Anne Cook Stephanie Inglis Emily Crawford Jackie Isgro Jerry Crissy Eleanor Jacobs & David Shearing Taddy Dann In Memory of Emily Johnson ‘04 Alfred Daum June Johnston Cal DeGolyer Dave & Sandy Junkin In Memory of Marydith DeGolyer ‘12 Ken & Kim Kaufman Rick & Michele DeJonge Charlotte Keating Leo & Angie Downey H. L. Keating Eric, Tiffany, Sean & Eliza Drum Elizabeth Keenan Ginny Durbin Terry & Ellen Kimbrough The Ende Family Continued next page

WINTER 2018 31 The Genesee Naturalist

Cynthia Kiss Lewis & Clelia Serventi John Kucaba John Servo Steven Lakomy, MD Jan & Sid Shapiro Rick & Dayle Lavine Heather Shaw-Stillman Jerald & Anne LeBlanc William Shearing Dorothy Leschander Bob & Ruth Shone Allen Loomis Steven Shraeder Michael & Nancy Magee Ronald & Christina Shrewsbury Barbara Mahood Steve Singer Bill & Pat Maier Clare Sloat In Memory of Eric Mathieson ‘02 In Memory of Dr. Alden E. Smith ‘10 John & Bonnie Mendes Ronald Smith Sue Mercer Robert & Mary Spahn Metro Graphics In Memory of Doris Stickney ‘05 In Memory of Mary M. Miskell ‘09 Dave & Helen Swanson Mary Miskell & Terry Clar Jeff Swanson John & Barbara Mongiovi Irene Szabo Ann McMican & John Mould Jr. Joyce Tantillo David Morey John & Cathy Lee Thomas Shirley & Ted Munson Roland Thompson Keith & Bryce Murphy Virginia Tiede Nature Study Guild Publishers Paul Tilly Barbara Newton In Memory of Harriet Toan ‘11 John & Martha Osowski In Memory of Michael Tritto ‘14 George & Joyce Parker Candice & Thomas Unger Vera Parmiter Bob & Jane VanAlstyne Tom & Beverly Pedlow George D. VanArsdale Leon & Erma Perkins Jan & Bonny Vrooman Lucy & Mike Petrik Sr. Maria & Richard Walczak Susan Potenza George & Barbara Weaver Mary Jane Proschel Marie Weber Mariana Rhoades Clarence Welch John & Bernice Roll Henry Welnicki In Memory of Frank St. George ‘03 Richard & Julia White Kathleen Sapienza Laura Whitten Neal & Ruth Schlesinger In Memory of Victor Yates ‘11 Ralph & Susan Scicchitano

As of November, the following kind souls have each contributed $25.00 or more to as- sist with the cost of producing The Genesee Naturalist. Thank you very much! PATRONS Anonymous (1) Kathy Bannister Barb & John Adams Steve Barnett Mr. & Mrs. S.T. Auburn Paul Basinski Paul & Hetty Auburn Norma Platt & John Boettcher

32 WINTER 2018 The Genesee Naturalist

Mark Calicchia & Carol Nickol Rob Mrowka Niels & Barb Christiansen Linda & Steve Nesbitt Patricia Culver Matthew Nusstein Darryl & Mary Dickinson Roger & Susan Odell Joseph Fanucci & Myra & Gary Passamonte Katherine Desinger Robert & Nancy Pierson Karen Findling RAMA (Rochester Area Mycological Mary Ann Fry Association) Maureen Gardner Carol Rathbun Patricia Gugliotta Claudia Rosen Chris & Helen Haller Betsy Weaver Russell Charlotte Louise Hamon Peter Smith The Hauser Family Brad & Lucie Swett Thomas Heineman Kim Alexander-Thomson & Susan Hengelsberg Rob Thomson Susan Herrnstein JoAnn Waldon Wilfred Howe James Wallace Frank Insera Dave & Terry Weagley John Kastner Phil & Ann Wegman Angelo Lamitina Dan Wood Paul Maclean Jr. David Wood Sandra & Rick Meyers Raymond Yelle Steven Mickletz Laura Fulton & Martin Zemel

TGN News, continued from page 26

Feb 3: John Muchler, Shawmut Historical Society; “THE PITTSBURG, SHAWMUT, AND NORTHERN RAILROAD: Then and Now” Feb 10: Craig Braack, Allegany County Historian; “BICENTENNIAL ERIE CANAL CELEBRATION” Feb 17: Alex Pierce, Local Historian; “CHANGE IN THE WATER” Feb 24: Rich Hamell, Geologist; “ALTERNATION, METAMORPHOSIS, UPHEAVAL AND BREAKTHROUGH” Mar 3: Steve Clarke, Genealogist; “TECHNICAL GENIUS IN THE HOLLY FAMILY: Engineers and Inventors” Mar 10: Joan Schumaker, Local Historian; “THE TRANSITION OF A CANAL TO NEW YORK’S LONGEST LINEAR PARK” Mar 17: Tom Cook, Historian; “WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT?: Ten Innovations that Changed Small Town Life (1850-1950)” Mar 24: Max Szemplenski, Railroad Historian; “THE IRON HORSE” This is a fun and FREE event! Join us for the Winter Discovery Series at Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area, 6103 Visitor Center Rd. Mount Morris, NY 14510 (located 2 miles south of Mount Morris off of Rt 408S/Chapel St). (585)658-4790 www.lrb.usace.army.mil

WINTER 2018 33 The Genesee Naturalist

Prose

Red Ball Burns

The incandescent ﬁery red ball burns… a laser-edged hole… through the low-angled blue-gray sash… beneath a glowing speckled ceiling of fractocumulus; and below the blazing orb... a wooded toothy horizon fringes… the view over a vast shallow valley… lightly crusted with frozen pinkened patches… that accentuates the silhouettes… of scattered, solitary and aggregated, arboreal forms

—dkb

34 WINTER 2018 The Genesee Naturalist

Hit the Palmiter’s Garden Nursery •Hardy Perennials — trail Hundreds of Varieties • Rock Garden Plants with • Ornamental Grasses • Dwarf Evergreens EMS Tonawanda • Clematis Vines 1701 Niagara Falls Blvd. 716-838-4200 • Herbs EMS Pittsford Merle and Sheila Palmiter 3349 Monroe Ave 585-383-1140 2675 Geneseo Road (Rt. 39) • Avon, NY 14414 585-226-3073

• 3 Great Locations to choose from – Letchworth State Park, Zoar Valley, or the Salmon River • Class II/III Water = Great Family Fun • BBQ Trips & Camping Packages Available • For more info, call: 1-888-270-2410 WWW.ADVENTURE-CALLS.COM

WINTER 2018 35 After exploring the falls and exceptional views of the park, come enjoy the

Glen Iris Inn at Letchworth State Park

Formerly the country estate of William Pryor Letchworth, the Glen Iris Inn has welcomed guests as a country inn since 1914. The Inn overlooks magnificent Middle Falls on the Genesee River and is surrounded by the beauty of Letchworth State park. Get the full experience, come dine and stay with us right in the park.

D INING | LOD GING | WEDDINGS GIFT SHOP | CATERING

The Glen Iris Season: April through October 7 Letchworth State Park | Castile, NY 14427 585.493.2622 www.glenirisinn.com