Events

Meet at Canawaugus Park (43.018206, -77.747897).
(2 miles)

Meet at 9280 Oakland Rd, Nunda, NY 14517.

Please join us on April 16 to hear Jules Hoepting, Environmental Educator for New York State Parks in the Genesee Region, explore the canal’s history and modern-day significance.

What remains of the Genesee Valley Canal is a ditch, often swampy or filled in by ecological succession, running through forests and along the edges of backyards, farmlands and canyons. A new person might see it as a scar on the land, but a trained eye will see it as a faded tattoo with a fascinating backstory. Like the plot of a soap opera, the process of building the canal was long and drawn out with unexpected twists, fueled by illogical ambition. Seemingly overnight, the canal was replaced by a railroad to carry on the transportation storyline. So, why go through all that effort? And how is the corridor relevant today?

Explore former Onödowá’ga’ (Seneca, Haudenosaunee) reservations near the Genesee Valley Greenway. This outing focuses on Canawagus, birthplace of historically significant figures such as Handsome Lake and Cornplanter. Learn about the site from pre-European contact to the present. Up to 1 mile.

Before the foliage unfurls, explore remaining ruins of the Genesee Valley Canal locks. Journey along the Genesee River to Lock 5 while enjoying wildlife along the way. Approximately 3 miles.

Discover fascinating stories where they happened. Walk past a little-known cemetery that predates the Genesee Valley Canal and explore remnants of canal locks and a repurposed reservoir. Approximately 1 mile.

Explore spring wildflowers along this scenic gorge in Sonyea State Forest. After a steeper descent, follow a former railroad bed through this hidden gem of the Greenway. Carpool to trailhead. Bring lunch. Approximately 4 miles.

A naturalist-led birding walk along the Genesee Valley Greenway. Learn bird identification techniques and explore wildlife along the trail. Approximately 2 miles. Meet at Bull St Parking Area, Cuba, NY.