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Genesee County Park & Forest

Genesee County Park announces upcoming walks and programs

By Press Release

Press Release:

Come enjoy the spring season at the Genesee County Park and Forest! Join us this March, April, and May for a variety of walks, hikes, and environmental education programs.

Programs include:

  • Saturday, March 23 - Amphibian Adventure
  • Saturday, April 6 - Eclipse Stories, Myths, and Science Walk
  • Sunday, April 7 - GeneSEEtheEclipse Story Time and Craft
  • Sunday, April 7 - Springtime Woods Walk
  • Monday, April 8 - Exploring the Eclipse at the Genesee County Park
  • Saturday, April 13 and May 4 - Guided Dog Walks
  • Saturday, April 13 - Indoor Lecture: Stewardship at Home
  • Wednesday, April 17, April 24 and May 8 - Migration Morning Walks
  • Saturday, April 20 - Earth Day Spring Sweep Cleanup at DeWitt Recreation Area (Free)
  • Saturday, May 18 - Genesee Valley Birding Cup (Free)
  • Saturday, May 25 - Full Moon Owl Prowl

Walks are led by a guide who takes you through forest, meadow, and wetland habitats. Each will explore a different topic. Walks are approximately 1 - 2 miles long over easy terrain and are family-friendly. 

Cost is $5 per person or $10 per family (unless otherwise noted). Please pre-register to receive the exact meeting location and full details! Please pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/GenCoParkRegistration or by calling 585-344-1122.

For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Claudia Nusstein at Claudia.Nusstein@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Preparing for eclipse visitors with ramped up staffing, new parking fee at county park

By Joanne Beck
Paul Osborn and Laura Wadhams
Genesee County Deputy Highway Superintendent Paul Osborn and Assistant Engineer Laura Wadhams discuss plans to deal with an expected surge in traffic and visitors for the April 8 eclipse. 
Photo by Joanne Beck

If you’re planning to visit Genesee County Park to see the total solar eclipse on April 8, you might want to take some refreshments, a blanket, and for certain — Alexander Hamilton.

County Highway officials have suggested charging $10 per vehicle for parking that day due to the expected surge in visitors and the need for additional staffing, overtime, traffic control, and related additional expenses. 

“So we're on the list with the Chamber of Commerce. We're also on the list with Rochester Museum and Science Center. We received a telescope from them, and then we also received eclipse glasses, 1,000 eclipse glasses to hand out, so we'll be doing that at the gate when we collect the fee to park,” Deputy Highway Superintendent Paul Osborn said during Tuesday’s Public Service meeting. “Since it's April 8, it's a month earlier than we normally would open the park, so we have to turn the water on ahead of time. Plus, we're going to have it at three o'clock when the actual event takes place. So we have staff that has to do traffic control and whatnot, so we're gonna have additional overtime.”

Parking will be directed to fill several lots, he said, and on Memory Lane, with no clearcut way to know just how many visitors will actually come to the park that day.

“There’s no perfect thing. I mean, we’re anticipating a quarter of a million people added to the county area, so we’re hoping that it could be less, it could be more,” he said. 

Assistant County Engineer Laura Wadhams added that the Chamber of Commerce staff has said to expect the day to be busy.

“The Chamber of Commerce is telling us they are expected to come to this region that day, they’ll be split up between Rochester and Buffalo and all those places, but Genesee County is in the path of totality,” she said.

The path of totality — when the moon completely covers the sun, creating a total eclipse -- will provide a few minutes of eerie and atypical darkness for the region, given it will be around 3 p.m. in the afternoon. 

The park’s path will be one-way in and out, from Bethany Center Road in and out the Raymond Road entrance, Osborn said. The parking fee is to generate $14,000 of revenue for the county park, which would offset that extra staffing expense, he said.

“So there has been a lengthy process with the Rochester Museum and Science Center and the Transportation Authority, looking at how many cars came into the one out west in 2017. And the traffic patterns in and the traffic patterns out, along with the fact that we are a day trip from the greatest population centers, and all of the hotels in Rochester and Buffalo are already booked out,” Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein said. “That kind of supports the math that has gone into their estimates.”

If you check out most charts of the path of totality for the impending eclipse, it travels from the southwest United States and hits nearby locales of Rochester and Buffalo, though Genesee County Chamber staffers have listed several local sites for viewing, including Alexander, Batavia, Bergen, Corfu, East Bethany, Oakfield, Pembroke and Stafford.

For more information about the eclipse, additional viewing locations and related events, go HERE.

Genesee County Park winter walks kick off on Saturday

By Press Release

Press Release:

Come enjoy the winter season at the Genesee County Park and Forest! Join us this January and February for a variety of walks, hikes, and environmental education programs. 

Programs include: 

  • Saturday, Jan. 20 - Morning Bird Walk
  • Wednesday, Jan. 24 - Winter Woods Walk
  • Saturday, Jan. 27 - Moonlight Snowshoe Hike
  • Saturday, Feb. 3 - Groundhog Day Walk
  • Saturday, Feb. 17 - Great Backyard Bird Count
  • Saturday, Feb. 24 - Moonlight Snowshoe Hike

Walks are led by a guide who takes you through forest, meadow, and wetland habitats. Each will explore a different topic. Walks are approximately 1 - 2 miles long over easy terrain and all are family-friendly. Cost is $5 per person and $10 per family. 

Snowshoe Hikes include snowshoe rental, cost is $5 per person and $15 per family. Please pre-register to receive the exact meeting location and other details!

Please pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/GenCoParkRegistration or by calling 585-344-1122 For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Claudia Nusstein at Claudia.Nusstein@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122. Like us on Facebook at: Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry.

ACORNS group offers first hike of 2024 for free on Jan. 1

By Press Release

Press Release:

What better way to greet the New Year than with a hike in the forest? 

On New Year’s Day 2024, ACORNS (Association for the Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces) is offering a First Day Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest! Hike starts at 10 a.m. at Pavilion B on Raymond Road at the Genesee County Park & Forest. This FREE guided hike is for you and friends of all ages to welcome the coming year in the outdoors while getting healthy exercise and connecting with nature.

This casual recreational event offers 2 hiking options! Hike 1 is approximately 3 miles over rolling hills with moderate terrain. Hike 2 is approximately 1.5 miles over easy terrain. Both hikes begin and end at Pavilion B and feature time in the forest, beautiful natural scenery and snacks by a fire in an enclosed pavilion. 

Trails are not stroller-friendly and may have tree branches overhead. All ages are welcome, dogs are also welcome and must be on a leash at all times. 

Seize the day and enjoy the natural beauty of the Genesee County Park & Forest! We hope you’ll make hiking a habit for a healthy 2024! Please pre-register by FB message @GeneseeCountyACORNS or by email geneseeacorns@gmail.com. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Birds and bees eat their way through Interpretive Center exterior, new one to cost $250K

By Joanne Beck
2020 interpretive center event
2020 file photo at the Interpretive Center at Genesee County Park & Forest in East Bethany.
Photo by Howard Owens.

While a gathering of bees and woodpeckers have been welcomed visitors by Mother Nature at the Interpretive Center at Genesee County Park & Forest in East Bethany, they weren't so appreciated by county highway staff once they saw the damage.

The woodland creatures ate their way through the Center’s natural siding, and the price for the replacement of that and a new roof left County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens with a bit of shopper’s discomfort.  

“I was a little shocked at the price of the project, to be honest with you, but the low bid we received was $248,350. I think with the original, volunteers did it, and the original siding was cedar lap siding … and the bees and the woodpeckers have just literally destroyed that. I mean, there’s physical holes in the roof. It needs to be done,” Hens said during the county’s Public Service Committee meeting Monday. “The problem from a municipal standpoint is it’s too small of a project for your general construction people to get involved because they have to suck everything out, and they don’t make any money on it. And it’s the subs that would do the work and don’t want to be the (general contractor) because they don’t want to have to take up the bonds, and the insurance is required to be the person in charge. So it’s kind of in this purgatory gray zone area between a big project and a small project.”

The cedar siding would be replaced with a fiber cement siding, which is appropriate for the building, he said. Vinyl could be used, but it wouldn’t really look appropriate on that building, and “you’d lose a lot of the character,” Hens said. Using vinyl would have saved about $10,000, and everyone involved is comfortable spending the extra money “to do it right,” he said.

“It will make it so that it’s maintenance-free for the next hopefully 30 or 40 years,” Hens said.

And the bees and birds should leave it alone since it’s almost like concrete, similar to what’s used at the airport terminal. 

“It’s not prone to bugs and insects and woodpeckers,” he said.  “It’ll be architectural shingles on the roof. They’re going to be rewrapping some of the soffits and aluminum, and then the main part of the building will be shake fiber cement siding, and then the higher part in the center will be a false stone application. It’d be really sharp when it’s done. It’s just the pricing sometimes, in a municipal sense, blows my mind. I saw $240,000. We had $205,000 originally for the budget. I thought we were gonna be great, but this is what it is.”

“We’ve used metal on some of the pavilions and whatnot, but we didn't consider it in this place, just again from the cost standpoint, it's a bigger building, bigger roof, and then Paul wants to keep it kind of a cabin in the woods type of a setting,” he said. “It was put together almost 100 percent by volunteers and by county staff, so it's 25 years old.”

He has recommended Kircher Construction Inc. of Mount Morris for the job and expects it to be completed by this fall. 

Camp hard hat now accepting student registrations and business sponsorships

By Press Release
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Camp Hard Hat 2022

Press Release:

Camp Hard Hat, a week-long day camp that provides local students ages 12-15 the opportunity to learn and participate in community-based construction projects has expanded from two to seven locations for the 2023 summer and has space available at each location in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, and Monroe counties.

As a result of the success of the program over the past decade, 400 students have participated have completed over 10,000 hours of training and learning, organizers decided to expand into Monroe and Livingston Counties and are already working on expanding to even more locations throughout the Western New York region for 2024.

Camp Hard Hat is a collaboration between the Genesee County Business Education Alliance (BEA) and Livingston Associates, a business consulting firm that offers a unique range of specialized business infrastructure solutions. Courses are taught by BOCES Building Trades instructors and past Camp Hard Hat graduates. 

Campers are taught the principles of design and construction, project safety, and the power of teamwork. These skills and hands-on construction practice will propel the campers into future careers. 

“Livingston Associates is an active partner in construction-related workforce opportunities throughout our community and Genesee and Wyoming County officials have built an effective youth workforce model that others want to be a part of,” said Anthony DiTucci President and CEO of Livingston Associates. “Camp Hard Hat provides an opportunity for area youth to learn about the many career path opportunities available in the construction and skilled trades industry.”

The camps run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily on the following dates and locations:

  • July 10 – 14 at the Wyoming County BEC at Perry Park (Warsaw, NY)
  • July 17 – 21 at the Lollypop Farm (Fairport, NY)
  • July 24 – 28 at the Genesee Country Village and Museum (Mumford, NY)
  • July 31 – August 4 at Genesee County Park (East Bethany, NY)
  • August 7 – 11 at Monroe Community College FWD Center (Rochester, NY)
  • August 14 – 18 at Monroe 2 BOCES (Spencerport, NY)
  • August 21 – 25 at Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp (Rush, NY)

The program was originally created by the Genesee County Business Education Alliance in 2013. 

“Our goal as workforce leaders is to introduce students to as many careers and workforce opportunities that they may not even be aware of as a majority of the skills offered through Camp Hard Hat are not available within our local school districts,” said Genesee County BEA Director Karyn Winters.

“Not only are we providing students career exploration opportunities, but also instilling practical life skills that they will take with them whether or not they decide to take on a career in construction or skilled trades.”

Sponsorships opportunities are still available for Camp Hard Hat, which help cover the cost of tools, equipment, instructors, transportation, lunch, and full camp scholarships for individuals that qualify.

There are sponsorship opportunities for the Toolbox ($5,000), Toolbelt ($2,500), Hammer ($1,000) Saw ($500), Flashlight ($250), and Nail ($100) levels. Businesses and individuals may also sponsor a camper.

Registration is open for all seven locations and is offered at $95/camper with full scholarships available to low-to-moderate families that qualify. Visit https://www.camphardhat.org/about-1-1 to learn more or register today!

GC Park and Forest announces Environmental Science Camp for 2023

By Press Release

Press Release:

Spots are still open for Environmental Science Camp at the Genesee County Park & Forest! This hands-on outdoor camp is for students entering 7th - 10th grade. Camp meets Monday through Friday, July 17 - 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest. 

This week-long adventure includes wildlife surveys, field and stream studies, outdoor recreation, a field trip, and more! The cost is $95/camper for the entire week. All materials and a camp T-shirt are provided. 

Transportation is provided from Batavia High School to and from camp each day. Maximum 20 campers. The registration deadline is Wednesday, July 5.

To register, download the registration form. Return completed forms with payment to:

Main Office  
Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center  
153 Cedar St.  
Batavia, NY 14020

Maximum 20 Campers  
Registration ends Wednesday, July 5th.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or  
contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Saturday's walks at Genesee County Park postponed due to anticipated high winds

By Press Release

Press release:

"Tomorrow's Birding Walk and Spring is Here Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest have both been POSTPONED due to high winds and will take place on Saturday March 25th.  The Birding Walk is FREE and will take place from 7 am to 10 am and meet at the pavilion A parking lot.  The Spring is Here Hike will take place from 10 am to 12 pm and meet at the Interpretive Nature Center, $5/person, $10/family.  Call 585-344-1122 to register!"

Two internships open at Genesee County Park

By Press Release

Press release:

New York State’s First County Forest has an Environmental Education Assistant Internship and a Watershed Education Assistant Internship position open for May to August of 2023. Both positions are administered through the Student Conservation Association (SCA) and are located at the Genesee County Park & Forest in East Bethany, NY. Applicants must be a US citizen and at least eighteen years old with a high school diploma or GED. SCA interns earn $175/week and are eligible for an education award of $1,718 that may be used for student loans, tuition, classes or future college costs at upon completion of the internship. Both jobs require 40 hours/week for 14 weeks of service from May through August of 2023. Hours are 6 am to 5 pm Wednesday through Saturday. Flexibility is given to cover prescheduled programs outside of normal working hours within the 40-hour work week.

Interns develop, organize, plan and lead environmental education programs for audiences of all ages in a wide variety of settings under the guidance of park staff. Interns also coordinate the efforts of park volunteers.

Additional job duties include but are not limited to:

  • Providing customer service to park visitors
  • Planning volunteer and park events
  • Writing articles for the parks seasonal newsletter
  • Marketing for park events, programs and resources
  • Providing training and orientation to new park volunteers

Additional benefits:

  • CPR/First Aid/AED certification training provided
  • Experience and on-the-job training in Environmental Education and Volunteer Coordinating
  • Deeper knowledge of natural history and ecology
  • Job duties include recreational volunteer outings
  • Networking with professionals in Environmental Science and Education

The application deadline is March 17, 2023

Apply online at https://www.thesca.org/position/environmental-education-intern-western-ny- regional-candidate-only-po00735001/ for Environmental Education Assistant and https://www.thesca.org/position/environmental-education-intern-western-ny-regional-candidate- only-po00735053/ for Watershed Education Assistant. For additional information contact Shannon Lyaski, Conservation Education Program Coordinator at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us. 

County secures funding emergency vehicle Bethany Fire can use for rescues in County Park

By Press Release

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Press release:

Genesee County Emergency Management Services is pleased to announce the deployment of a MedLite Transport Bed for use by the Town of Bethany Fire Department. This equipment was obtained through the procurement of Homeland Security grant funding, is the property of Genesee County and is being deployed to the Bethany Fire Department for use at the Genesee County Park and Forest.

The State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and the State Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (SLETPP) are the two-core homeland security grant programs in New York State. Every county in the State, along with the City of New York, receives funding under these programs.

“The MedLite Transport Bed was deployed with Bethany Fire Department because they are the first responders to the County Park. The equipment fits their UTV and allows Bethany and Mercy Flight to more efficiently make extractions of injured individuals in the rough terrain of the County Park,” said Gregg Torrey, Genesee County District 6 Legislator.

The MedLite Transport Bed is a medical rescue skid unit for Utility Task Vehicles that has the ability to transport one patient on a long board or stokes basket and one attendant in a seat. The equipment also has the ability to be fully removed from the vehicle in the field. A video of the MedLite Transport System can be seen here.

Paul Osborn, Deputy Highway Superintendent, spoke to the use of the equipment at the Genesee County Park and Forest, “The use of it in a UTV will allow for access into areas of the park that aren’t accessible by a standard vehicle, and ultimately provide more safety for the guests of the park.”

Submitted photo: From left to right, Tim Yaeger (Genesee County Emergency Management Services), John Szmkowiak (Bethany Fire Department), Gregg Torrey (Genesee County Legislator) Paul Osborn (Genesee County Highway), and Jeff Fluker (Bethany Fire Department).

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The 2022 Run for the Acorns is Sunday

By Press Release

Press release:

Enjoy a trail run in the Genesee County Park & Forest this weekend! Join us for the 10th annual Run for the ACORNS 5k/10k trail run and walk this Sunday, Oct 2 at the Genesee County Park & Forest!! Meet at Pavilion B on Raymond Road. In-person registration opens at 8 a.m. or register online at runsignup.com/Race/NY/EastBethany/RuntheAcorns. The price is $35/person and all proceeds benefit ACORNS, the nonprofit friends-of-the-park group. 10k begins at 9:00 am, and 5k run/walk begins at 9:15 a.m.

This 5k/10k trail run and walk is designed for people of all ages and activity levels.

5k and 10k courses are marked with signs and direction arrows. Your start and finish times will be recorded and posted to the results automatically. 10k runners must finish the first 5k of the race in 50 minutes or less or will be disqualified. The courses are on single and double-track trails through the forest, along a creek and up and down rolling hills in the Genesee County Park & Forest, with an estimated 100 feet of climb in the 10K loop. Trails are very wide and easy to negotiate (rocks and roots are clearly marked for safety). The courses start on asphalt and then lead into the woods for a truly beautiful run through the countryside.

Surround yourself with the beauty of the autumn forest on trails through the woods, along the headwaters of Black Creek and over rolling hills.

Awards will be given to the top male and female running finishers in each race and to the top male and female running finishers in each age group. You must be present to receive your medal. Enjoy post-race snacks and drinks as you congratulate your fellow participants.

County Park hosting Full Moon Owl Prowl

By Press Release

Press release:

Explore the secret world of owls on a full moon night! Join us for the Full Moon Owl Prowl at the Genesee County Park & Forest on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn about amazing owl adaptations, listen for the sounds of nocturnal wildlife in the forest and visit owl habitats. Anything can happen on an Owl Prowl! This program is recommended for ages 4 and up. $5/person, $10/family. Pre-registration is required; call (585) 344-1122 or send an email to Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us with your name, phone number and number of participants. d

No GPS? No problem, if you have a compass and a map

By Press Release

Press release:

Learn how to find your way without batteries or a cell phone signal – by using a map and compass!!

Join us as the Rochester Orienteering Club presents Orienteering at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

This free clinic for beginners starts at 9 a.m. Perfect for beginners or those who want to practice their skills.

All materials are provided, and no experience is necessary.

Orienteering is a family-friendly sport for people of all ages and ability levels.

This program will be held outdoors.

Pre-registration is required with the Rochester Orienteering Club online at https://roc.us.orienteering.org/event-4912912. Orienteering is just one more way to have fun in the forest! 

Run for the Acorns at County Park starts Sept. 23

By Press Release

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Press release:

The Run for the Acorns is from Friday, Sept. 23, with the virtual run going to Oct. 1. It includes the following events: 10k Run (In person), 5k Run/Walk (In person), Virtual 10k Run, and Virtual 5k Run/Walk.

Race in person or use the virtual option. Both courses are marked with signs and direction arrows, and the app tracks the courses using GPS points.   Your start and finish times will be recorded and posted to the results automatically.  To join the virtual race run the 5K or 10K course at the park between 8 a.m. Sept.  23, and 5 p.m. Oct. 1, using the RaceJoy tracking app.  Your start and finish times will be recorded and posted to the results automatically. 

The courses are on single and double-track trails through the forest, along a creek, and up and down rolling hills in the Genesee County Park & Forest, with an estimated 100 feet of climb in the 10K loop. Trails are very wide and easy to negotiate (rocks and roots are clearly marked for safety). The courses start on asphalt and then lead into the woods for a truly beautiful run through the countryside. Surround yourself in the beauty of the forest in October on trails through the woods, along the headwaters of Black Creek, and over rolling hills.

Grab a friend for some great exercise and fun in the park!! Meet at Pavilion B for the race start.  This 5k/10k trail run and walk is designed for people of all ages and activity levels.  Awards will be given to the top overall male and female running finishers in each race.   Awards will also be given to the top male and female running finishers in each age group.  Enjoy post-race snacks and drinks as you congratulate your fellow participants!

DETAILS

Starting Times for October 2nd: Check-in 8:00 a.m. 10K Run 9:00 a.m. 5K Run/Walk 9:15 a.m.

Virtual Run:  You must run the 5K or 10K course at the Genesee County Park & Forest between 8 a.m. Sep. 23, 2022, and 5 p.m. Oct. 1, 2022, using the mobile RaceJoy tracking app which you can download when you register.

10K Run: You must finish the first 5K of the race in 50 minutes or less or you will be disqualified.

Shirts: Must register by September 10, 2022, to receive a long-sleeved tech race shirt. No guarantee of a shirt if you register after this date.

Awards: Medals to the overall top two male and female finishers in the 5K and 10K run, to the winning team in the 10K Team Relay event, and to our top male and female finishers in each age group (14 & under for the 5K run, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 & over) – you must be present to receive your medal. No awards to virtual race participants.

Fees: October 2, 2022: $30 in advance (must be received by 5 p.m.  Sept. 25, 2022); $35 late and race day registration.

Virtual Race: $10 in advance for virtual race participation plus a $20 option to purchase a race shirt (order for shirt must be received by 5 p.m. Sept. 10, 2022). 

Packet Pickup: Friday Sept. 30, 2022 4:30 – 6:00 pm at DeWitt Recreation Area 115 Cedar St., Batavia, at Pavilion 1 or on race day.

Register online:  runsignup.com/Race/NY/EastBethany/RuntheAcorns

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens

Watch Monarchs program this Saturday at County Park

By Press Release

Press release:

Capture a summer day with a visit to the butterfly meadow and a journey into the world of Monarch Butterflies with the Watching Monarchs program at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. 

See how butterflies are tagged and released as part of a nationwide Monarch Butterfly conservation project.

This program is recommended for ages 4 and up. Kids explore the meadow with nets and bug catchers!

The cost is $5 per person or $10 per family. Pre-registration is required; call 585-344-1122 to reserve your spot.

Photo: Batavia Swing Band serenades County Park supporters

By Howard B. Owens

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The Genesee County ACORNS sponsored a concert on Saturday evening at the Genesee County Park & Forest to benefit the group's conservation efforts featuring the Batavia Swing Band.

More than seventy people attended.

The band featured post-World War II swing but sampled the scope and history of Jazz music for the audience.

During these photos, the band was playing Glenn Miller's "Moonlight Serenade."

Photos by Howard Owens.

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Camp Hard Hat teaches a trade, improves a park

By Howard B. Owens

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The sixth-to-eighth graders who participated in the 2022 Camp Hard Hat at Genesee County Park & Forest this summer worked hard and exceeded expectations, said Karen Winters, director of the Business Education Alliance, which sponsored the camp.

"You guys are amazing," Winters said. "You really are. I sometimes, when I see how small you are, I kind of think, 'how are they going to be able to build something like (a pavilion)?' I question it, but then by the end of the week, you do something so incredible, and you blow everybody's mind so I can't say enough to you guys about how proud of you I am, as I'm sure your families are, as well."

This was the eighth Camp Hard Hat at the park in the past nine years and the largest number of participants yet.

This year, project leaders worked in some fun events, too, such as geocaching and kickball, which made the overall experience better for the kids, said Paul Osborn, director of Parks, Recreation & Forestry for Genesee County.

"It's been a great opportunity for us to showcase the park to the kids," Osborn said.

The Pavilion the students built replaces one built in the 1980s.  The new one is larger, so it can accommodate larger gatherings and it will eventually have electrical outlets.

One of the goals of the program is to expose students to building trades and perhaps get them interested in a career working with their hands.

"One of the things that we always have a difficulty with is hiring trades individuals, kids out of college or out of high school, they don't always have the skills," said Osborn. "I think nowadays we're seeing that the trades are just as important as any colleges. In fact, most of the time the kids that go into the trades will do much better monetarily and but also produce something every day."

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Karen Winters.

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Winters with Lukas Volkmar (Churchville) and Jackson Ciravolo (Bergen), two students back for their third years at the camp, this time as leaders and counselors.  This was the first year students returned in those roles.

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Ribbon cutting.

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Proud mom Missy Midkiff with her son Ayden, both of Batavia.

Batavia Swing Band booked for free concert August 6 at County Park

By Press Release

Press release:

Enjoy a free concert on a summer night at the Genesee County Park & Forest on Saturday, Aug. 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Meet us at Pavilion D for a concert featuring the Batavia Swing Band.

Bring a lawn chair and your favorite people. First come, first served seating at picnic tables.

Pre-registration is required. Call 585-344-1122. Space is limited. This concert is FREE. Made possible through generous funding by the Association for the Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces (ACORNS). 

Genesee County officials recognize Parks and Recreation Month

By Joanne Beck

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This year’s theme for Parks and Recreation Month, assigned and organized by the National Recreation and Park Association, is to “Rise up” in support of the many parks and recreational activities throughout the country, and especially for those that help to make it all happen.

Genesee County Legislature heeded that call Wednesday and presented a proclamation to Deputy Highway Superintendent Paul Osborn and Conservation Education Program Coordinator Shannon Lyaski in honor of July’s Parks and Recreation Month designation.

Lyaski acknowledged how much volunteers "have added to the facilities and programs" within the parks and recreation department.

“We appreciate that, and how many opportunities there are to enjoy those blessings we have, and that natural environment,” Lyaski said during the Legislature’s meeting at the Old Courthouse. “It means that the community supports us and appreciates us. Thank you very much for your support.”

Both county employees have worked on Genesee County Park and Forest to ensure that its seven programs and grounds, including the Interpretive Nature Center, are well maintained and operate smoothly. County history cites that, for more than 30 years the park has developed because of the interest and dedication of community groups and organizations such as 4-H, Boy Scouts, BOCES, Jaycees, Lions Club, Sertoma and Vietnam Veterans. These groups planted trees, constructed pavilions and playgrounds, cleared hiking trails, and placed memorials.

There is also DeWitt Recreation Park on Cedar Street, complete with grounds, a walking path, pavilions, and a pond.

Thanks to those volunteers and committed employees Osborn and Lyaski, residents can enjoy DeWitt's popular offerings and 430 acres of forest and rolling hills, which includes over 10 miles of trails, five ponds, and a variety of wildlife, trees and woodland plants.

Osborn has a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture from the State University of New York College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry. He has been with Genesee County for more than 23 years and said that none of his department’s success could have happened without ample support.

“We’ll continue to do that with your support, and with the support from the cities, towns, villages, the state and the federal government,” he said.

The National Recreation and Park Association established the Rise Up theme to recognize all of the professionals “who build strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation.”

“This July, we are bringing attention to how important it is to rise up and support our field because every day, park and recreation professionals rise up for their communities in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being,” the organization’s website states.

“There’s no better way to celebrate Park and Recreation Month than by highlighting the people who faithfully serve their communities all year long. Join us this July as “We Rise Up for Parks and Recreation.”

According to county history, did you know that …
Genesee County Park & Forest, at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany and which attracts thousands of visitors each year, was established in 1915 and is recognized as the first County Forest in New York State?

The land was originally purchased in 1882 in order to supply wood to the County's Poor House for cooking and heating.

The County Forest was created through the efforts of George Fleming, County Home superintendent, who initiated the planting of 31,000 trees. During the 1920s, New York State helped by providing the evergreens and manpower to plant additional trees. By 1935 over 169,000 trees had been planted.

The first proposal for the creation of a County Park was entertained in 1949; however, the project was not started until 1966, when the thinning and pruning of trees began. As the park expanded so did the need for forest management. In 1971, the County Legislator appointed the first full-time Park Supervisor-Forester.

In 1998, an Interpretive Nature Center was erected in the park. Constructed by volunteers and funded by environmental grants, the Nature Center is open year-round. The Nature Center houses several environmental education displays and plays host to a variety of interpretive programs. An environmental educator is on staff to assist residents and coordinate volunteer efforts.

For more information about county parks, click here

Photo: Genesee County Legislator Brooks Hawley looks on as Shannon Lyaski says a few words of gratitude and thanks, and Paul Osborn stands to her right during the county Legislature meeting Wednesday. Photo by Joanne Beck.

Registration open for environmental science camp at County Park

By Press Release

Press release:

Spots are still open for Environmental Science Camp at the Genesee County Park & Forest! This hands-on outdoor camp is for students entering 7th – 10th grade. Camp meets Monday through Friday, July 18th – 22nd from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest. This week-long adventure includes survival skills, wildlife and stream studies, outdoor recreation, a field trip and more! Cost is $95/camper for the entire week. All materials and a camp T-shirt are provided. Transportation is provided from Batavia High School to and from camp each day.

To register, download the registration form (pdf).

Return completed forms with payment to:

Main Office
Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center 153 Cedar St.
Batavia, NY 14020

For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122. 

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