August Walk at Dwyer Memorial Park and Annual Picnic

AUGUST 12, 9:00 AM-NOON (followed by picnic) AND AUGUST 13, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM – Dwyer Memorial Park in Preble. Prior to the 1930s there were legends galore regarding Little York Lake and its surrounding peaceful rural setting. The land was purchased by Cortland County in the 1950s and became Dwyer Park in 1959 – named for William Dwyer, a well-respected county official. 

Probably more well-known than the park itself is the Cortland Repertory Theatre situated directly in front of, and seems to now be a part of, Dwyer Park. It is located on ancestral land of the Onondaga and Tuscarora nations. The summer theatre house opened in 1972 and usually produces 3 musicals and  3 non-musicals per season.

As you enter the park grounds, go past the theatre that will be on your right; go straight down the road for a very short distance and over the bridge. You will see a playground on your left and Pavilion 1 will be kitty-corner on your right. The pavilion does not have electricity, but has grills, picnic tables, trash cans and nearby restrooms. Cars can be parked on the edge of the ball field just across the road. Besides the nature trails, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, the wading pool and more. The trails throughout the park are mostly paved or hard-packed dirt. There could be a couple of muddy spots if we have a lot of rain prior to our Folksmarch. Well behaved, leashed dogs are allowed with clean-up from the owner, of course.

After your walk on Saturday, we hope you will stay for the annual Folksmarch picnic which will start at Noon. We plan to have some great food and friendly conversations. We will provide the hotdogs and rolls. Please bring a dish to pass. RSVP at cnyfolksmarch@gmail.com and let us know what you will be bringing. 

Find out more in our August 2023 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter. Park Map

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Griffiss International Sculpture Garden

JULY 8, 9:00 AM-NOON AND JULY 9, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM – NOTE OUR LOCATION CHANGE: Griffiss International Sculpture Garden and Nature Trail (Starting at the Stewart’s Shop, 1373 Floyd Ave., Rome NY 13440)

Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome, NY includes a lovely trail and sculpture garden that will be the focus of this month’s Folksmarch. Griffiss was a well-known Air Force base that provided maintenance and repairs for aircraft throughout WWII and beyond. It was reorganized for public use in 1995 and is now considered an economic hub in CNY. The artwork was added in 2008 and now includes 20 sculptures, benches, birdhouses and recently a group has erected a very moving Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the park.

Get Your Annual Membership Pass

Annual Membership Pass: Our 2023 Annual Pass includes the 12-monthly walks across CNY to meet other walk enthusiasts! Regularly priced at $40.

But wait….

HALF-YEAR HALF-PRICE SPECIAL! Just $20 includes the Yearly Passport Membership card and 6-monthly walks (July-December, normally $4 per month without Annual Membership Pass). It’s like getting free Folksmarches! You can even purchase online and pay by credit card. PURCHASE ONLINE

Find out more in our July 2023 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

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Great Swamp Conservancy

JUNE 10, 9:00 AM-NOON AND JUNE 11, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM – Great Swamp Conservancy https://www.greatswampconservancy.org

A restored farmhouse will be our sign-in location for the June Folksmarch at the Great Swamp Conservancy in Canastota. The staff maintains seven miles of trails that go through fields, beaver ponds, forested lands and flooded wooded swamps. 

Get Your Annual Membership Pass

Annual Membership Pass: Our 2023 Annual Pass includes the 12-monthly walks across CNY to meet other walk enthusiasts! Regularly priced at $40.

But wait….

HALF-YEAR HALF-PRICE SPECIAL! Just $20 includes the Yearly Passport Membership card and 7-monthly walks (June-December, normally $4 per month without Annual Membership Pass). Savings of $8–it’s like getting 2 free Folksmarches! You can even purchase online and pay by credit card.

Find out more in our June 2023 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

202306jun_news_4pageDownload

May Folksmarch Among the Apple Trees

MAY 20, 9:00 AM-NOON AND MAY 21, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM – Critz Farms

Our May Folksmarch will include various levels of intensity that can appeal to just about everyone. If we get much rain the week prior, certain areas on the trails might be somewhat muddy. You may choose the easier Trillium Trail with a portion of the path along an old railroad bed. The more challenging Blue Loop is covered with leaves and several branches and other moderate challenges, including a couple of short, but slightly steep hills. A walking stick would be helpful in a few spots. It’s also very possible to create your own route, taking in the view from the hill near the Tasting Room, then down and around the animal barns and the play area.

Still time to get your 2023 Annual Membership Pass ($40) or a Yearly Passportmembership card ($10). The price for these has remained the same for 2023. The $40 Annual Membership Pass includes a Yearly Passport membership card (regularly $10) and the remaining monthly walks ($4 per walk). 

Find out more in our May 2023 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

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Folksmarch along the Canal Trail in Jordan

The Jordan-Elbridge Community Center (a/k/a Jordan Elbridge Gathering Enclosure) will be our sign-in location for this month’s Folksmarch. Weather permitting, we may set up in the outdoor pavilion located right behind the center and just adjacent to the trail. From the center, you will head west along a portion of the old Erie Canal. You will pass Lock 51 and cross into Cayuga County before reaching the turn-around spot we’ve indicated for those seeking a 5k walk. This portion of the Canal Trail consists of light gravel and packed dirt that could be somewhat muddy if we have a lot of precipitation in the days preceding the Folksmarch weekend.

Still time to get your 2023 Annual Membership Pass ($40) or a Yearly Passportmembership card ($10). The price for these has remained the same for 2023. The $40 Annual Membership Pass includes a Yearly Passport membership card (regularly $10) and the remaining 10-monthly walks ($4 per walk). 

Find out more in our April 2023 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

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Folks-MARCH-2023

MARCH 11, 9:00 AM-NOON AND MARCH 12, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM – We chose a late winter Folksmarch in the Village of Manlius partly so our walkers could duck into a shop or café along the route to warm up from the cold March weather. But who knows this year. Instead, we might want to stop at SnoTop for an ice cream. Another advantage in Manlius is that part of our route includes the woodsy area at Perry Springs which has a trail that is maintained by the Village even in the winter.

Folksmarchers will sign-in at Christ Church which is on the main drag (Route 173 a/k/a E. Seneca St.) about 3 blocks and on the same side of the street as the Manlius Art Cinema. The parking lot is in the back of the church off North St.

Still time to get your 2023 Annual Membership Pass ($40) or a Yearly Passport membership card ($10). The price for these has remained the same for 2023. The $40 Annual Membership Pass includes a Yearly Passport membership card (regularly $10) and the remaining 10-monthly walks ($4 per walk). That’s a savings of $10 per person!

Find out more in our March 2023 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

202303mar_news_4pageDownload

Indecisive February Weather

Our February Folksmarch couldn’t make up it’s mind. Saturday had a light dusting of snow and Sunday was bright and sunny. Typically our Saturday walk gets the most participants. But the Sunday incredibly warm, sunny and spring-like weather brought out walkers in near record numbers.  All the trails at Beaver Lake Nature Center were open with almost no snow or ice and only a few wet spots mostly on the Lake Loop, at least on Saturday, that required attention and slower, cautious steps.  Some walkers saw a good-sized herd of deer while others soaked in the quiet with a tree-lined ramble of the environs.  The inside of the building has had some changes since the last time Folksmarch was there, with beautiful new decoration in the observation area and an inside grill/snack area where several people on Saturday were able to indulge in a Hofmann’s hotdog or coney prepared by volunteers. 

Thank you to Erin C. and Lori N. for some great pictures!

Winter Walk Around Beaver Lake

FEBRUARY 11, 9:00 AM-NOON AND FEBRUARY 12, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM – Beaver Lake Nature Center. Join us as we explore the many trails available at Beaver Lake Nature Center. 

Unless we get totally bombarded with snow, BLNC boasts at least 3 of their trails are likely to be open – even in February. The tree coverage along the trails is so dense that even during the snowy winter months some of the trails are walkable. 

Another option might be to bring your own cross-country skis where you’ll have access to even more trails. Snowshoes are also approved. You can use your own or rent them for $5 per hour.

The usual Folksmarch rates will be in place, but we are pleased that BLNC has graciously offered to waive their typical $5 parking fee.

Don’t forget…it’s that time of year when you’ll want to motivate yourself (and get a good deal) by purchasing a 2023 Annual Membership Pass or a Yearly Passport membership card. The price for these has remained the same for 2023. The $40 Annual Membership Passincludes a Yearly Passport card (regularly $10) and all 12-monthly walks ($4 per walk). That’s a savings of $18 per person!

Find out more in our February 2023 Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

202302feb_news_6pageDownload

Destiny Empire Trail 5K

JANUARY 14, 9:00 AM-NOON AND JANUARY 15, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM – The weather forecast for Folksmarch weekend calls for low 30s and snow, but if you’re up for an outdoor walk in winter, the Empire Trail follows a path that should be clear.

If you are not up for the weather and temperatures, the mall offers a decent alternative. Walking the perimeter of all floors is conveniently 3 miles [Syracuse.com article] [Step to It at Destiny USA]. The indoor walk is also potentially more accessible and easy to modify if you can’t or don’t want to do the whole 3-mile walk. We hope to see you there!

Folksmarch will once again be setting up on the first floor of the Canyon area of the mall near the entrance to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Don’t forget…it’s that time of year when you’ll want to motivate yourself (and get a good deal) by purchasing a 2023 Annual Membership Pass or a Yearly Passport membership card. The price for these has remained the same for 2023. The $40 Annual Membership Pass includes a Yearly Passport card (regularly $10) and all 12-monthly walks ($4 per walk). That’s a savings of $18 per person! Got kids? What a great way to get them outdoors and walking! Get them their own Children’s Annual Membership Pass and all 12-monthly walks for just $20 (ages 6-18).