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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 15, 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
Deer Management is for the Birds
Thursday, May 14 at Burroughs Audubon Nature Club
White-tailed deer are a very divisive conservation topic in the United States. Traditionally an important food source hunted to near extinction in New York State, deer populations have rebounded in an incredible way. With the number of hunters declining, rural land use changing, and suburbs expanding humans are more in conflict with deer than ever before. Jessica Haggerty, Wildlife Biologist with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will discuss the history of deer management in New York State, how deer populations are affecting songbird habitat today, and what actions we can take now to help restore ecosystem balance.
Jessica Haggerty is a Wildlife Biologist with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation specializing in deer management. Jessica’s career researching and managing a wide variety of wildlife species spans 13 years and 4 states. She has a passion for helping people and wildlife coexist through education and greater understanding.
Following the presentation, we’ll take a short walk around the sanctuary to observe the effects of the local deer population and management practices with Jessica Haggerty.
No registration is required; attendees are welcome to bring a brownbag supper or snack.
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.
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| Meet in parking area marked by yellow |
* Saturday, May 30: HUCKLEBERRY BOG
Finger Lakes Trail: Huckleberry Bog
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Due to the location and duration of this walk/hike, please send an email to canandaiguabotanical@gmail.com by May 28 to let us know if you plan to attend.
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.
Lilac Nature Connection Forest Bathing opportunities
Check out these Forest Bathing opportunities with Lilac Nature Connection:
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Thursday, June 11, 12-1:30pm, Forest Bathing at Washington Grove
https://www.
Saturday, June 20, 9-11am, Summer Solstice Forest Bathing at Quaker Pond Trail at Mendon Ponds
https://rochesterbrainery.com/
Thursday, July 23, 9-11, Berry Bathing at Wild Hill Farm
Saturday, July 25, 9-10am, Forest Bathing at Highland Park
https://www.
https://www.
Sunday, August 9, 10-12pm, Forest Bathing at RMSC Cumming Nature Center
* Wesley Hill Nature Preserve - Monday, June 15 at 10 AM
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| Images by Fred Haynes |
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 at 6280 Gulick Rd, Naples, NY 14512. 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.
Zurich Bog Orchid walk - Saturday, June 20, 2026
Save the date and please send us an email (canandaiguabotanical@gmail.com) if you hope to join us at Zurich Bog on Saturday, June 20 at 10 AM.
* American Columbo, south of Naples - June 22, 2026
We hope to visit the American Columbo on Monday, June 22. If you are interested in joining our adventure to find and appreciate American Colombo please send us an email to canandaiguabotanical@gmail.com and we will share details like location and times.
Paddle with CLWA: Tuesday, June 23
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association invites us to join them on a paddle from the Woodville launch down into the West River. More information will follow.
THE EXTRAORDINARY CATERPILLAR showing at Dryden Theatre
Canandaigua Botanical Society has been asked to help promote the showing of The Extraordinary Caterpillar at the Dryden Theatre on Monday, June 29, 2026:
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
Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 10 AM
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.
Tuesday, August 18, 10 AM: Highland Park tour, Rochester, NY
More information will be added as it is available.
We will have a carpool leaving from Canandaigua by 9 AM.
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/
NATURE APPS
Gone are the days when members carried Newcomb's and Peterson Field Guides. We still have knowledgeable leaders on our walks, but what about when you're botanizing on your own?
THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT!
We are working on a date and location in the fall for FLCC's John Bateman to teach us about various Nature Apps and how to use them.
** 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
Friday Mornings: Wander and Wonder Walks at Muller Field Station
* 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
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
Lilac Nature Immersion Forest Bathing opportunities
*Ontario Pathways – National Trails Walk on June 6: Park at Orleans and walk south to Hemlock Grove loop trial.
* Wesley Hill NP – Monday, June 15; 10 AM
Zurich Bog – Saturday, June 20 for orchids (will request registrations to limit group size to 25)
* American Columbo – Monday, June 22 time TBD
Paddle with CLWA - Tuesday, June 23 from Woodville
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
* Highland Park- Tuesday, August 18; 10 AM
USDA open house tour in Geneva - Saturday September 19; 10 AM
* There's an APP for that! - fall 2026
EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO (information will be added as it is confirmed):
Wolf Gull revisit
Sterling Nature Center
Burroughs Audubon Nature Club
Clark Reservation State Park
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