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Genesee County Park & Forest

Explore and enjoy the outdoors at GC Park & Forest on Saturday: three activities to choose from

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Explore and enjoy the outdoors this Saturday, May 18th, at the Genesee County Park & Forest!

Morning Guided Dog Walk

Bring your best friend and join us for a guided dog walk through the Genesee County Park & Forest onSaturday May 18th, Saturday June 8th and Saturday July 13th from 10 to 11 a.m.!

This guided walk is great for socialization and healthy exercise! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Current license or proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination is required.

Aggressive dogs will not be allowed to participate. Cost is $5/dog. Preregistration is required! Call (585) 344-1122 to register!

Afternoon Pond Discovery

Dive into some wild creature encounters with Pond Discovery from 1 to 3 p.m. Be prepared to get muddy and wet!

You will be using a net and sharing a bucket of water to catch animals, and then identify and learn about them from a Naturalist Guide. Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center at Genesee County Park & Forest. All equipment is provided, just bring yourself and a camera!

Cost is $5/person, $10/family, call 585-344-1122 to register!

Evening Full Moon Owl Prowl

Explore the secret world of owls on a full moon night with our Full Moon Owl Prowl Hike from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Listen for the sounds of nocturnal wildlife and learn about owls! Hear full moon folklore and visit owl habitats.

Anything can happen on an Owl Prowl! Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center at Genesee County Park & Forest.

Cost is $5/person, $10/family, preregistration is required! Call 585-344-1122 to reserve your spot!

Preregistration is required for all programs. To register call (585) 344-1122.

For more information visit our website here, or email Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or phone (585) 344-1122.

Preregister for upcoming programs at GC Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Here are three upcoming programs offered at Genesee County Park & Forest:

Bluebird Nest Box Monitoring

How can you help baby birds? Join us at Genesee County Park & Forest for Bluebird Nest Box Monitoring from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday March 23rd.

Come discover NestWatch -- a nationwide nest monitoring program that helps scientists track wild bird populations. Help bluebirds at the park and learn how to keep them healthy in your own backyard!

Dress for the weather and meet at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest. Learn about the secret life of the Eastern Bluebird, then head outside to prepare next boxes for nesting season 2019. This event will go on, rain or shine.

This program is FREE. Please preregister by calling 585-344-1122.

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website here, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Amphibian Adventure

Listen to the chorus of spring and get to know your small, slimy singing neighbors with Amphibian Adventure at the Genesee County Park & Forest from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday April 13th.

Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center to learn how to identify our pest-eating pals. Then we will venture into the wetlands and forest at night to search for amphibians in their habitat! Hear their many calls as they welcome spring and find out what you can do to help your tiny big-eyed friends.

Dress for the weather, amphibians love rainy nights and this program will go rain or shine! Cost is $5/person, $10/family. Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122 to reserve your spot.

Summertime Environmental Science Camp for Seventh- through 10th-graders

Registration is open for Environmental Science Camp at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

This hands-on outdoor camp is for students entering seventh through 10th grades. Camp meets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 8th – 12th at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

This weeklong adventure includes wildlife surveys, field and stream studies, outdoor recreation, a field trip and more.

Cost is $95/camper for the entire week. All materials, lunch and snacks are provided each day along with a camp T-shirt.

Maximum 25 campers, registration deadline is Monday, June 24th.

To register, download the registration form from our website here.

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 here, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Winter Wonderland Hikes planned at GC Park & Forest, must preregister

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Discover the wonders of winter with hikes at the Genesee County Park & Forest! Track the secret lives of wild animals and seek out the brave birds that spend winter in Western New York! Winter Wonderland Hikes are held on Saturdays from 1:30 pm to 3 p.m.

  • Saturday, Jan. 19th: Animal Tracks & Signs (*Bad weather date: Saturday Jan. 26th)
  • Saturday, Feb.16th: Winged Wildlife (*Bad weather date: Saturday Feb. 23rd)

Hikes will go, snow or no snow. Hikes begin at the Interpretive Nature Center and end with hot chocolate and snacks. Snowshoes may be used, weather permitting, and are available for rent or you may bring your own. Snowshoeing lesson provided, no previous experience needed! Rental is included in the price, $5/person, $15 max/family. Recommended for ages 3 and up! Pre-registration is required, call 585-344-1122! If cancelled due to weather, hikes will be rescheduled to bad weather dates as listed above.

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the forest on a full moon night! Naturalists lead you on a peaceful Moonlight Snowshoe and Winter Fun Hike on Saturday, Jan. 19th and Saturday, Feb. 16th from 7 to 9 p.m. Meet at Pavilion B on Raymond Road. Hikes will go, snow or no snow. Hikes begin and conclude with refreshments by a warm fire in Pavilion B! For ages 18 and over.

Snowshoes may be used, weather permitting, and are available for rent or you may bring your own. Snowshoeing lesson provided, no previous experience needed! Rental is included in the price, $5/person, $15 max/family.

Make a memory this winter with your own Private Group Snowshoe Hike! A Naturalist guides your group through peaceful woodland trails and open meadows. Listen to winter’s quiet beauty and find signs of wildlife in this 431-acre park. Private hikes are available on Saturdays in January and February from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. by reservation only at the Interpretive Nature Center. No previous experience is needed; snowshoes provided or bring your own. Rental is included in the price, $5/person, minimum group fee is $75. Call 585-344-1122 to book your own adventure!

Snowshoe Rentals are available at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 12 – 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays December through March, weather permitting. Snowshoes must be used in the park. Fee is $5/pair and all proceeds go to ACORNS, the nonprofit organization that supports the parks!

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit the website here, or contact Shannon Lyaski atShannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Photos: Create-A-Critter at Genesee County Park

By Howard B. Owens

Kaylee Brown, 5, with her father Chris Brown, shows off the reindeer she made at yesterday's Create-A-Critter session at the Genesee County Park Interpretive Center.

A couple of dozen children showed up over two sessions yesterday where the kids could create small little animals out of corncobs, pine cones, thistle pods, and other natural materials.

Below, Rhowen Torrey, 4, with Gregg Torrey.

Inaugural 2018 Remembrance & Hope event is Sunday at Genesee County Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Charles Raymond Sutherland looks seaward in September 2017 from a jetty on Pierpont Beach, Ca. A friend took the picture five months before his death due to an accidental drug overdose. He was the youngest son of Billie Owens.

 

Bright Futures Genesee is holding its inaugural Remembrance & Hope event from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14, at Genesee County Park & Forest.

You are invited to this special time to remember loved ones we have lost as well as to share hope for those in recovery.

"There's so much meaness out there, and shame," said Bright Futures Director Sue Gagne. "We wanted to do something where people can share their pain and feel supported. We want to give people hope."

Individuals, friends, family members and allies of recovery are welcome.

Walk through the park, reflect, and enjoy live music.

Feel free to bring a picture of your friend or loved one to share with others and remember.

For your comfort, you are welcome to bring a lawn chair.

The 2018 Remembrance & Hope event will be based at Pavilion B on Raymond Road. The county park is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road in East Bethany.

For more information, please contact via email:   info@brightfuturesgenesee.org

About Bright Futures Genesee

Bright Futures Genesee is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established in July 2015. It is a grassroots organization whose mission is to serve individuals and families in our community through programs and support to ensure an immediate and lasting change. Its tagline, so to speak, is "Rebuilding, Restoring & Renewing." Sue Gagne was instrumental in starting it; she currently serves as its unpaid director. She was formerly director of the Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties.

Editor's Note: Of the photo above, posted Sept. 26, 2017 on his Facebook page, "Chuck" said: "I was just looking at a pod of dolphins and it looks like I was thinking about some great question." He died Feb. 22, two weeks after turning 35, leaving his 9-year-son, Charlie Jay Sutherland, fatherless.

The song below, John Prine's "Summer's End," was first announced on its creator's Facebook page on Feb. 8, 2018 -- the day Chuck turned 35. It was performed at Chuck's funeral service overlooking the coastal City of San Buenaventura one month later, on March 8.

Run for the ACORNS at GC Park & Forest is Sept. 30

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Enjoy a trail run in the Genesee County Park & Forest this fall! ACORNS 5K/10K trail run and walk takes place there on Sunday, Sept. 30th.

Grab a friend for some great exercise, fun and free stuff!

Race signup includes coupons and special offers from local businesses and restaurants, including a free drink chip from Eli Fish Brewing Company. Meet at Pavilion B for 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.

Sign up for the Kids Fun Run, free to youth 10 & under! Must register on race day. This run takes place on a grassy playing field and has age-appropriate categories and distances. Everyone is a “winner” and gets prizes to take home and enjoy! 

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. Walk or run 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 (minimal rocks and roots). The course starts on asphalt and then leads into the woods for a truly beautiful run and walk through the countryside. Enjoy post-race snacks and drinks as you congratulate your fellow participants!

Be part of this unique trail run through the forest with a 10K option for nonprofit fundraising.

All proceeds benefit the ACORNS, the non-profit organization that supports the Genesee County parks with a mission to enhance the visitor experience and foster environmental stewardship and education.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. The 10K run begins at 9 a.m.; the 5K run/walk begins at 9:15 a.m. Kids Fun Run begins about 10:30 a.m.

Registration is required! Fee is $30 through Sept. 26th at 5 p.m.; $35 after Sept. 26th at 5 p.m.

Register by Sept.16th to get your long-sleeved race tech shirt.

Register online here, or at check-in on the day of the race.

Enjoy the morning in the forest and Run for the ACORNS – You’re “NUTS” if you don’t! See you there!

For more information visit this website or call 585- 344-1122.

'Watching Monarchs' is Sept. 8 at a butterfly meadow in GC Park & Forest, must preregister

By Billie Owens

Monarch butterflies, masters of migration, come through New York during the month of September.

Seize the last few days of summer with a visit to a butterfly meadow and a journey into their world!

Join us at the Genesee County Park & Forest for "Watching Monarchs" 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8th.

See how these regal butterflies are tagged and released as part of a nationwide Monarch conservation project. Conservationists at Genesee County Park & Forest plan to tag and release live Monarch butterflies during this program as part of a national effort to track their migration and populations.

Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center. Learn all about their fascinating lives and discover what you can do to help them out!

Price is $5/person, $10/family. Space is limited; preregistration is required. Call 585-344-1122.

Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road in East Bethany.

Lost? Find your way using just a map and compass, learn orienteering Sept. 15 at GC Park & Forest, free, must preregister

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Come explore the active and adventurous sport of orienteering at the Genesee County Park & Forest! Learn how to find your way without batteries or a cell phone signal, by using a map and compass. All materials provided, no experience necessary! Orienteering is a family friendly sport for people of all ages and ability levels.

Join us for the Orienteering Event with the Rochester Orienteering Club on Saturday, Sept. 15th, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This program is FREE.

Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest. Beginner class and basic training will be given from 9 to 10 a.m. Orienteering start is open 10 a.m. to noon.

All courses close at 1:30 p.m. Perfect for individuals and families who love the outdoors!

Come have some fun and find your way in New York State’s First County Forest. More information on the sport of orienteering and the Rochester Orienteering Club can be found here.

Please preregister online here or by calling 585-344-1122.

For additional information on programs at the Genesee County Parks visit our website here, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or 344-1122.

New moon meteor shower and stargazing to be held outdoors at GC Park & Forest on Friday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Enjoy the view of a dark sky on a new moon night at the Genesee County Park & Forest! Join us for “New Moon Meteor Shower and Stargazing” from 9:30 to 11 p.m. this Friday, Aug. 10th.

Meet at the Interpretive Center and catch a front row seat for nature’s annual meteor shower! Learn about this astronomical phenomenon and hear the stories behind summer’s constellations.

This program will be held outdoors. Bring a blanket or a chair for your spot in the meadow, far away from city lights.

Program is $5/person, $10/family. Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122 to sign up!

For more information visit our website here, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Camp Hard Hat team will dedicate new wooden walkway in GC Park & Forest tomorrow

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Twenty-two students entering eighth, ninth and 10th grades are leaving their mark this week at Camp Hard Hat at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

The Camp Hard Hat Class of 2018 is working as a team, and building raised wooden walkways for the General Conservation Trail at Genesee County Park & Forest. In addition to completing this project for the community, campers use math, process-thinking skills, and battery-powered tools to improve their community while learning about careers in Building Trades.

Parents, friends and family of the campers are invited to the dedication of the wooden walkway, which will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3rd.

Camp Hard Hat is presented in partnership with Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry, the Business Education Alliance of Genesee County, the Business Education Council of Wyoming County, and GVEP Batavia Building Trades.

Instructors Rich Monroe and Jared Radesi teach campers the principles of design and construction, project safety, and the power of teamwork. All materials, equipment and lunch are provided each day, along with an optional overnight experience at Genesee County Park & Forest and a camp T-shirt.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this camp possible! The generosity of sponsors helps cover the cost of materials, instructors, transportation and provides the opportunity for camp scholarships.

For more information contact Karyn Winters at kwinters@geneseeny.com or call 585-343-7440, ext. 1025.

Memorial to longtime ACORNS volunteer Dennis Wood to be dedicated Saturday

By Billie Owens

File photo (submitted) of Daisy Klein, Lee Johnson, Barbara Easton, George Squires, George Wood, Jennifer Wood and Sharon McWethy.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4, the memorial created in May 2017 to honor the late Dennis Wood, an artist, professor and longtime ACORNS volunteer, will be dedicated.

ACORNS is a nonprofit "friends of the park" group that enhances the public’s experience at the Genesee County parks and fosters environmental stewardship and education.

His widow, Jenny Wood, announced that the ceremony will take place at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center. It is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road in East Bethany.

Everyone is welcome; feel free to bring picnic goodies and stay for brunch or lunch!

Dennis Wood was known to be very generous and good friend of the Genesee County Parks in many ways.

He gave his time by participating in ACORNS meetings and field trips, and attending many educational programs. Dennis donated some of his own collections to the Interpretive Nature Center and funded the purchase of children’s field binoculars for use during kids' programs at the park.

Dennis was a very talented artist, and he provided beautiful note-cards for the ACORNS to sell as a fundraiser. The cards feature some of his landscapes and wildlife paintings, and are available for purchase at the Interpretive Center.

Dennis loved to share the joys of art as a professor at GCC, and taught a beginner drawing class to the ACORNS as a volunteer training day. Dennis was a delightful person to be around and is remembered for his quiet way of making people smile and laugh.

His memorial is a fully functional artist's easel that was paid for with funding from ACORNS and a donation from Jenny Wood. It is located in the ACORNS Outdoor Learning Center at Genesee County Park & Forest.

The easel's design was created by Paul Osborn, parks supervisor, and Kurt Schwab, Genesee County Highway Department sign maintenance mechanic. It was then laser cut by Oxbo International. Genesee County Highway welder Rob Barone adapted the donated easel to install the newly created art platform, which was then painted by DJ Desjardins in the paint shop.

Full 'Buck Moon' hike at GC Park & Forest is Saturday, must preregister

By Billie Owens

Long ago each full moon was given a name to mark the season of the year. Join us for the Full Moon Hike: Full Buck Moon on Saturday, July 28th, from 9 to 10:30 p.m.!

Explore the forest by moonlight on a warm midsummer night, listen for animals and find out how the buck moon got its name!

Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest and dress for the weather; hike will go on rain or shine! GC Park & Forest is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road in East Bethany.

Cost is $5/person, $10/family. Preregistration is required! Call 585-344-1122 to reserve your spot!

For more information visit the website here, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us OR call 344-1122.

Spots still open for Environmental Science Career Exploration Camp, deadline is July 9

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Spots are still open for Environmental Science Career Exploration Camp at the Genesee County Park & Forest! Explore 10 different careers in Environmental Science with outdoor activities guided by professionals.

This program is intended for students entering eighth, ninth, 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the fall.

This weeklong adventure includes wildlife surveys, wetland studies, a K9-assisted investigation, a field trip, and more. Camp meets Monday through Friday, July 16th – 20th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

All materials, lunch and snacks are provided each day along with a camp T-shirt. Cost is $95/camper for the entire week. Registration deadline has been extended to Monday July 9th.

To register, download the registration form from the website here.

Return completed forms with payment to:

Main Office
Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center

153 Cedar St.
Batavia, NY 14020

Registration ends Monday, July 9th.

For more information visit here, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or 344-1122.

Photos: First 'Paws Park' in Genesee County Park

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee County Park hosted its inaugural Park Paws dog walk event today and only three canines participated, though several more dog owners signed up who didn't show up.

While in the park, we also came across a group of riders on horseback (photos below).

'Park Paws' dog walk at GC Park & Forest, must preregister

By Billie Owens

Bring your best friend and join us for Park Paws Dog Walk at the Genesee County Park and Forest from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday May 26th!

This guided walk is great for socialization and healthy exercise! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center in Genesee County Park & Forest.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Current license or proof of rabies vaccination is required. Aggressive dogs will not be allowed to participate.

Cost is $5/dog. Preregistration is required! Call (585) 344-1122 to register!

Meet at Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

Call 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at here, or contact Shannon Morley at:  Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or 344-1122.

Reminder: Earth Day Celebration at DeWitt, Night Hike at county Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Earth Day Celebration at DeWitt on Saturday

Earth Day is your chance to take care of your planet and your wild neighbors! Join us at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia for our “Earth Day Celebration” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21st.

Help clean up the park to keep the habitat safe and healthy for wildlife! Learn to make cool stuff from recycled materials. Enjoy wild games and a naturalist-guided hike to see where animals live and discover what good things you can do for them!

Scouts can earn badge requirements and service hours! Help keep the community ecologically healthy and undeniably beautiful! Meet at Pavilion 2 for all activities. Celebration is FREE and open to the public.

Please preregister for activities by calling 585-344-1122!

Earth Day Night Hike at Genesee County Park & Forest

Celebrate the magic of spring with our Earth Day Night Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21st!

Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center and explore the forest by moonlight as we search for animals, hear nature folklore and listen to the wild chorus of the night. Visit the headwaters of Black Creek and find out why April’s moon is called the Fish Moon.

Create a memory this Earth Day! Cost is $5/person, $10/family. All ages welcome. Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122 to register!

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

Register for evening Amphibian Adventure at GC Park & Forest April 14, meet 'slimy, singing neighbors'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Welcome the arrival of spring with Amphibian Adventure on Saturday April 14th from 7 to 8:30 p.m.!

Hear the frog chorus in full surround-sound effect and get to know your small, slimy, singing neighbors at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center and learn how to identify your pest-eating pals up close and personal. Then venture into the wetlands and woodlands to search for, find and listen to your amphibian neighbors in their natural habitat!

Don't miss this magical season of renewal for your tiny, big-eyed friends!

Cost is $5/person, $10/family. Perfect for ages 4 and up.

Call 344-1122 to register today.

For more information visit the website here, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Two summer camps offered at GC Park & Forest for teens to explore careers

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center is pleased to offer two summer camps for area youth in 2018. They are Camp Hard Hat and the Environmental Science Career Exploration Camp.

  • Camp Hard Hat -- registration opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 9th

Students entering eighth, ninth and 10th grade have the opportunity to leave their mark and work in a team environment. Camp Hard Hat Class of 2018 will build a raised wooden walkway for a park trail at Genesee County Park & Forest and get hands-on experience with plumbing and electric.

Campers use math, process-thinking skills, and battery-powered tools to improve their community while learning about careers in Building Trades. Camp Hard Hat runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 30th to Aug. 3rd.

This program is presented in partnership with the Business Education Alliance of Genesee County, the Business Education Council of Wyoming County, and GVEP Batavia Building Trades. Instructors Rich Monroe and Jared Radesi teach campers the principles of design and construction, project safety, and the power of teamwork.

All materials, equipment and lunch are provided each day, along with an optional overnight experience at Genesee County Park & Forest and a camp T-shirt. Cost is $95/camper for the entire week. To register for Camp Hard Hat click here. (All registration pages are disabled on the site until the first day of registration, Monday, April 9.)

Sponsors make this camp possible! The generosity of sponsors helps cover the cost of materials, instructors, transportation and provides the opportunity for camp scholarships. To become a Camp Hard Hat sponsor, contact Linda Leblond at lleblond@wycobec.org or (585) 786- 5001.

  • Environmental Science Career Exploration Camp -- registration ends Friday, June 29th

Are you interested in protecting wildlife and habitats? How about sampling streams, soils, and trees? Thinking of a career in Environmental Science?

Explore all of this and more with Environmental Science Career Exploration Camp July 16th - 20th at the Genesee County Park & Forest. Students entering eighth – 12th grade will explore different Environmental Science jobs as they gain outdoor field experience while guided by professionals.

This weeklong adventure includes wildlife surveys, wading through wetlands and streams, a field trip, and more. Camp meets Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Interpretive Nature Center at Genesee County Park & Forest.

Transportation is available from Batavia High School to and from camp each day. All materials, lunch and snacks are provided each day along with a camp T-shirt. Cost is $95/camper for the entire week.

To register, download the registration form from our website here.

Return completed forms with payment to: 

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

Paid summer internship available at Genesee County Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

New York State’s First County Forest has an Environmental Education Assistant Internship position open for May – August of 2018.

The position is administered through the Student Conservation Association (SCA) and is located at Genesee County Park & Forest in East Bethany. Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED and be a U.S. citizen.

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

Job duties include but are not limited to:

  • Assisting the Conservation Education Program Coordinator with programs for schools, senior groups, scouts and the general public

  • Providing customer service to park visitors and program participants

  • Planning volunteer and park events

  • Writing articles for the parks seasonal newsletter

  • Marketing of park events, programs and resources

  • Scheduling and coordinating volunteers to assist with park events and projects

  • Recruiting, orientation and training of volunteers

SCA interns earn a stipend of $125/week while serving and are eligible for an education award of $1,538 that can be used to repay student loans, tuition, classes or cover future college costs.

This position requires 12 weeks of 40 hour/week of service from May until August of 2018. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Flexibility is given in order to cover the prescheduled programs that are outside of the normal working hours within the 40-hour work week.

Application deadline is April 15th.

To apply: Send email or resume to Shannon Morley, Conservation Education Program coordinator, at:  Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us.

Online application is available here.

Additional benefits:

  • First Aid/AED/CPR training provided;

  • Experience and on-the-job training in Environmental Education and volunteer coordinating;

  • Deeper knowledge of natural history and ecology;

  • Job duties include volunteer outings (kayaking, hiking);

  • Networking with professionals in Environmental Science and Education.

Enjoy moonlight hikes and winter walks at GC Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the forest on a full moon night! Naturalists lead you on a peaceful Moonlight Hike and Winter Walk from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb, 24th.

Meet at Pavilion B. Hikes begin and conclude with refreshments by a warm fire in Pavilion B! For ages 18 and over. Snowshoes may be used, weather permitting, and are available for rent or you may bring your own. Snowshoeing lesson provided, no previous experience needed! Rental is included in the price, $5/person, $15 max/family. Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122!

Make a memory this winter with your own Private Group Snowshoe Hike! A Naturalist guides your group through peaceful woodland trails and open meadows. Listen to winter’s quiet beauty and find signs of wildlife in this 431-acre park. Private hikes are available on Saturdays in February from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. by reservation only at the Interpretive Nature Center. No previous experience is needed; snowshoes provided or bring your own. Rental is included in the price, $5/person, minimum group fee is $75. Call 585-344-1122 to book your own adventure!

Snowshoe rentals are available at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 12 – 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays December through March, weather permitting. Snowshoes must be used in the park. Fee is $5/pair and all proceeds go to ACORNS, the nonprofit organization that supports the parks!

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website here, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

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