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First week of MAY: Bluebells at MERTENSIA PARK
Plan to visit the first week of May:
Mertensia (bluebells) generally bloom the first week of May in time for Mother's Day. In the past several years the Mertensia have been blooming earlier and are often near the end of their bloom time by Mother's Day. With a colder winter, perhaps the Mertensia will bloom a bit later or stay in bloom longer. In any case, you'll want to plan a visit to Mertensia Park on Mertensia Road in Farmington the first week of May*. You'll find the bluebells along Mud Creek which can be accessed by paths on either side of the tennis courts. Be sure to keep your eyes open for the tree roots and other spring ephemerals as well!
*Because of the other spring ephemeral walks we have planned this year, we will not be meeting as a group to botanize at Mertensia Park.
** Canandaigua Botanical Society's Newsletter: The Vasculum **
Beginning in 2024 Fred Haynes offered to edit a Canandaigua Botanical Society newsletter. The Vasculum is planned to be a quarterly newsletter distributed digitally. We will publish it here on our weblog and members will also receive it as a pdf file via email.
Fred would love to receive
input for future issues from any member who would like to
contribute either a full article, a short text item, or simply an image
or two. The success of any club newsletter is in the diversity of its
content and that is best accomplished with multiple contributors.
The current "Spring 2026" issue is
You are encouraged to submit material to fredmhaynes55@gmail.com.
Summer 2026 submissions should be to Fred by May 10, 2026.
Be sure to let us know how you liked the Wildflower Word Scramble!
We have printed copies of the Vasculum newsletters now available at the Wood (Canandaigua), FLCC, Geneva, Gorham, Naples, and Victor-Farmington libraries.
Here is a chronological listing of archived issues:
Winter 2024; Volume 1, Number 1
Spring 2024: Volume 1, Number 2
Summer 2024: Volume 1, Number 3
Spring 2025: Volume 2, Number 1
Summer 2025: Volume 2, Number 2
Winter 2025: Volume 2, Number 4
Spring 2026: Volume 3, Number 1
Friday Morning Wonder and Wander Walks at Muller Field Station
"Wander & Wonder" walks take place at Muller Field Station at the south end of Honeoye Lake every Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. during FLCC's semesters. Free to attend. No registration required.
Every Friday during FLCC’s semesters, everyone is welcome to Muller Field Station for a Friday morning Wander & Wonder walk. Each week, MFS staff and friends take the same channel trail loop, noting seasonal changes with a fresh perspective of an ever-changing special guest.
The walk begins at 9 a.m. and departs from the Muller Field Station parking lot. We head south along the channel trail, up through old fields, and around back to our main driveway- measuring just under 1 mile. This walk takes 1-1.5 hours, depending on the observations made, both big and small.
No registration needed.
Master Gardener Plant Sale: May 9, 2026
Ontario County Master Gardener's Plant Sale
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Rain or shine, the Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County will hold their annual plant sale. There will be no early inspection.
The sale will feature perennial and annual flowers (including woodland natives). There will also be some tomato and herb plants for you to add to your gardens. Some trees and shrubs and a few houseplants will be available. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and to assist you in plant selection. Bring boxes to carry home your purchases. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the educational outreach of the Homes and Grounds Programming that the Master Gardener volunteers perform for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County.
For more information contact Nancy or call 585-394-3977 x 427 or x 436..
Wildflower Walk at Gannett Hill; Sunday, May 17, 2026
Spring Wildflower Walk at Gannett Hill
Sunday, May 17, 2026: 10-11 AM
Leader: Emily DeBolt
Date and Time: Sun May 17 10 am -11 am
Limit: 20 (registration will be available through the New York Flora Association website - select Explore Field Trips and scroll to the May 17 event)
Difficulty: Easy. ADA accessible trail 0.3 miles loop.
Join
us for an easy walk to enjoy spring wildflowers along the trail. This
will be a level walk along an ADA loop trail with an overlook - offering
stunning views of Bristol Valley to the south and downtown Rochester to
the north on a clear day. Enjoy spring wildflowers along the path such
as fringed polygola (Polygaloides paucifolia), white trillium (Trillium
grandiflorum), mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), and more. The loop trail
is short - 0.3 miles. There are miles more of trails in the park - you
can stay and extend your hike on your own if you like. This is a joint
trip with the New York Fora Association.
This walk will begin at the parking area adjacent to the "jump off" on Gannett Hill Park Drive.
 |
| Meet in parking area marked by yellow |
* Saturday, May 30: HUCKLEBERRY BOG
Finger Lakes Trail: Huckleberry Bog
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On Saturday, May 30, 2026 we will make a trip to Huckleberry Bog on Bean Station Road south of Prattsburg, NY. This is an all day botanizing event. Here's some of what we hope to see:
There is a half mile uphill trail to get to the 3 mile loop trail around Huckleberry Bog - and then the decent on the same trail back to the vehicles on Bean Station Road. We will plan to meet at the trail head at 10 AM and will likely be walking until 2 or 3 PM. Please pack a lunch or substantial snacks and water. A hiking pole is also recommended.
If you wish to carpool from the Sly Street parking lot, please let us know via email by Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The trailhead is on the south side of the road between 7800 and 7818 Bean Station Road, Hammondsport, NY. Look for Canandaigua Botanical signs. Parking is along the north side of Bean Station Road. (42.47789, -77.24228)
* Saturday, June 6, 2026: National Trails Day
Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 10 AM
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We will be meeting at the Ontario Pathways parking area near the water tower in Orleans, NY to walk south and enjoy the Hemlock Grove loop trail. This walk is open to all who wish to celebrate National Trails Day along Ontario Pathways with us.
* Wesley Hill Nature Preserve - Monday, June 15 at 10 AM
Join us at Wesley Hill Nature Preserve to find Platanthera orchids and other delights with Jason Gorman and Bruce Gilman. We will meet at the Wesley Hill Nature Preserve parking area on Gulick Road. This parking area is north of Cumming Nature Center.
Please send an email to Canandaiguabotanical@gmail.com by Saturday, June 13 if you wish to carpool from Canandaigua.
Saturday, June 20: Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Forest Bathing
Forest Bathing: Lilac Nature Connection and Rochester Brainery
June 20 | 9-11am
Quaker Pond Trail at Mendon Ponds Park
More information and registration
THE EXTRAORDINARY CATERPILLAR showing at Dryden Theatre
Click on image to see it as a document.
Use this link for tickets: https://broccololawnandlandscape.com/caterpillar-movie/
* Lehigh Crossing Park, Victor: Sunday, July 12, 2026
We're working to schedule an early morning walk at Lehigh Crossing on Sunday, July 12
...details to follow.
* Tuesday, July 14, 2026: Letchworth State Park
Tuesday, July 14th at 10 AM
Letchworth State Park with Matt Nusstein
The meeting location would be the Octagon parking area (42.588397, -78.015896) of Lower Falls at Letchworth State Park. There is a $10/vehicle state park fee. If you have a person in the car 62 or older you may enter without a fee on weekdays. Wood Library also has State Park passes to borrow for entry any day of the week.
If you wish to carpool from Canandaigua please send an email to canandaiguabotanical@gmail.com by July 11 for the location to leave by 8:15 AM.
Backwoods Project in Perinton
Tentatively set for Saturday, July 25, 2026
Joe Hurley has invited us to check out the Backwoods project in Perinton on Route 31 between Turk Hill and Mason roads. More information to follow.
Saturday, September 19; 10 AM to Noon. USDA Open House
How many apple varieties exist? Why do we need so many? Come visit the USDA Apple, Grape, and Tart Cherry collections at Cornell AgriTech to find out!
The USDA Plant Genetic Resources Unit maintains thousands of unique trees and vines for conservation and research. On Saturday, September 19, 2026 we will host our annual tour at the McCarthy Farm, 2865 County Road 6 (Preemption Road), Geneva, NY, 14456 (across from St. Mary’s Cemetery).
Learn about the value of crop diversity and enjoy a walking tour of the collections from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Please arrive on time. No reservation needed.
Contact Ben Gutierrez at ben.gutierrez@usda.gov or 315-614-9917 for more information.
Please send an email to canandaiguabotanical@gmail.com by Thursday, September 17 if you wish to carpool from Canandaigua.
https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/geneva-ny/plant-genetic-resources-unit-pgru/docs/publictours-apple/
** Membership Donations **
The Canandaigua Botanical Society remains dedicated to advancing knowledge and enjoyment of plants found in the Finger Lakes Region and beyond.
Renew or become a Canandaigua Botanical Society member:
Benefits including:
Membership emails
Our Vasculum newsletters
Field trips and indoor presentations
(some for members only)
Learning about regional plants
Supporting the Finger Lakes Herbarium,
NYS FLORA Atlas and
local conservation projects
Enjoying the outdoors
Meeting people with similar interests
Payments of $10 per individual or $15 per family can be made in three ways:
1. By check to Canandaigua Botanical Society (send to our treasurer: Bill Bross, 31 Alpine Way, Victor, NY 14564)
2. By cash or check at Canandaigua Botanical Society events
3. Through the Canandaigua Botanical Society FLACE account at Canandaigua National Bank
You can expect an email receipt when funds are received and we update our membership list.
We look forward to seeing you in our 152nd year!
** 2026 Canandaigua Botanical Society Events **
This is where you will find Canandaigua Botanical Society *sponsored events* for 2026 as well as community events we think you might appreciate. Check back often to see the latest updates and links to past events. Underlined events have links on our weblog or another community site.
Thursday, January 8 at 7:30 PM: Fun Western NY History - online
Saturday, January 10 at 10:30 AM: Invasive Plants in Your Back Yard - Wood Library
Thursday, January 15 at 6:30 PM: The Making of Flower City - online
* Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 10 AM to noon: PLANNING MEETING
Thursday, February 19; 6-7:15 PM: Plants with an Attitude by Bruce Gilman
Saturday, February 21; 10 AM: Winter Wonderland Walk at Zurich Bog
Tuesday, February 24 at 6:30 PM: CLWA Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants
Saturday, March 21: Forest Bathing at Devil's Bathtub, Mendon Ponds
* Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 1-3 PM: Lesser Celandine Dig at Mertensia Park (weather permitting)
Saturday, March 28: Orchids of Western NY
Friday Mornings: Wander and Wonder Walks at Muller Field Station
Tuesday, April 7: Grassland Birds at Muller Field Station
Thursday, April 9: wild edibles workshop
Friday, April 10: Birds, Butterflies, and Habitats on zoom
Saturday, April 18: Biochar 101 workshop
Thursday, April 23 from noon to 1 PM: Forest Bathing at Highland Park, Rochester
Friday, April 24 at 1 PM: Arbor Day tree planing
***SPRING EPHEMERAL OPPORTUNITIES***
*Crowfield Farm Sanctuary: Saturday, April 25 at 10 AM;
*Breese Park in Henrietta Trillium and Mertensia: Sunday,April 26, 2 PM with VHT;
*Domine Trail in Fishers, NY: Tuesday, April 28 from 10 AM - Noon
* Friday, May 1, 2026: Annual Potluck, Meeting and Presentation
*Bluebells at Mertensia Park: first week of May
*Tuesday, May 5 at 5:30 PM we will have a brief planning meeting in the Hamlin Room B of Wood Library. We will ask for Summer Vasculum submissions to be sent to Fred by May 5.
*Tuesday, May 5th at 7 PM: Sophie Pedzich to speak on Jumping Worms at Wood Library, Hamlin Room B.
Master Gardener Plant Sale; Saturday, May 9, 2026
Sunday, May 17, 10-11 AM: Spring Wildflower walk at Gannett Hill with Emily Debolt
*Huckleberry Bog: Saturday, May 30, 2026- 10 AM
*Ontario Pathways – National Trails Walk on June 6: Park at Orleans and walk south to Hemlock Grove loop trial.
American Columbo – TBD mid June
* Wesley Hill NP – Monday, June; 10 AM
Zurich Bog – mid to late June for orchids (will request registrations to limit group size to 25)
Summer Solstice Forest Bathing: Saturday, June 20 9-10 AM
The Extraordinary Caterpillar at Dryden Theatre: Monday, June 29 at 6 PM
* Lehigh Crossing Park – Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 9 AM
* Letchworth State Park: Tuesday, July 14, 2026; 10AM.
* Backwoods in Perinton - Saturday, July 25, 2026; 10 AM
USDA open house tour in Geneva - Saturday September 19; 10 AM
EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO (information will be added as it is confirmed):
Canandaigua Lake Kayak into West River with CLWA – Woodville/Naples – possibly late July.
Highland Park - August
Wolf Gull revisit
Sterling Nature Center
Burroughs Audubon Nature Club
Clark Reservation State Park
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