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.

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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.

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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).

Walking into Destiny

JANUARY 14, 9:00 AM-NOON AND JANUARY 15, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM – Destiny USA provides some of the best options for mid-winter walking in CNY. For those who like to stay warm, traveling the perimeter of the 4 retail floors of the mall is about a 5K walk. Others, who prefer to brave the winter elements, have the option of walking to the Inner Harbor area and a portion of the Creek Walk and Empire State Trail, weather permitting.

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!

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Skaneateles 5K

DECEMBER 10, 9:00 AM-NOON AND DECEMBER 11, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM – Join us for our December Folksmarch. The check in table will be at St. James Episcopal Church on Route 20. The walk route will take your down the main street of Skaneateles where you can stop by various shops. The Dickens Christmas is 12-4 Saturday and Sunday.

See the route map (PDF) and instructions for turn-by-turn directions.

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Wrapping Up the Year in a Holiday Village

DECEMBER 10, 9:00 AM-NOON AND DECEMBER 11, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM – Join us as we wrap up 2022 in a walk through a charming Holiday Village. Skaneateles is always a fun place to visit but can be especially magical at holiday time.

Our Folksmarch will be taking place during the Village’s 29th presentation of Dickens Christmas. The festival runs every weekend in December on both Saturday and Sunday from Noon – 4:00 p.m. So get your Folksmarch walk in and then stick around for the fun! Grab a coffee, a treat, and do some shopping.

Thanks to St. James Episcopal Church for providing space for Folksmarchers to sign-in. The church is located at 96 E. Genesee St., (a/k/a US Route 20) Skaneateles, NY 13152. Restroom facilities will be available during our walk hours and parking is available across the street at the First Presbyterian Church. We appreciate both the churches for allowing us a place to check in and park. They also make a great start and end point for our walk!

We will also do our Annual Folksmarch Membership Meeting on Saturday, 10-December at 11:00 AM. Whether you are just finishing your walk or just starting out, join us for a brief update on the year, hear some plans we have for future walks, and vote on our nominees for the board of directors. We will also serve coffee and donuts to celebrate our members.

A reminder there are 2 ways to become a member: (1) Purchase an Annual Membership Pass ($40) for 12 monthly walks, prepaying for 10 and getting 2 free. You receive a yearly passport membership card (record book), voting rights and eligibility to participate in any trips organized by Folksmarch.  (2) Purchase a Yearly Passport membership card ($10) and pay for walks separately each month. With your yearly passport membership card you do still have voting rights and eligibility to participate in any trips organized by Folksmarch.

Find out more in our December Folksmarch Footnotes newsletter.

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