Saturday, July 15, 2023, 9:00 am

Carl and Susan Albers Woodlot, Wilbur Creek Road, Bath, New York

In October of 2022, Carl Albers, Forest Landowner and Amateur Nut Grower spoke to us about his adventures in his woodlots. He graciously accepted our request to host a woodswalk and show us first hand all he has accomplished with family and friends.

Some of the highlights we can expect:

1. a much improved skid trail system;

2.results of an ongoing hemlock harvest...lots of tops;

3. an emerging fern problem; and

4. some crop tree release.

In Mr. Albers words, “this is a work in progress, far from where we'd like our woodlots to be”. I believe every woodlot is a “work in progress” and we can never stop learning how to manage for our goals.

We will be heading into Steuben County, onto Wilbur road near Jellystone Park of the Finger Lakes. Mr. Albers has provided detailed directions, no address number is assigned to the location.

Directions:

Take Exit 39 off of Route 86 (formerly 17) and head south towards Risingville on County Route 11 (Babcock Hollow Road) for approximately 2 miles. Once off the highway and again heading south you will pass Wagner Hill Road, Nash Road, and East Union Road on your right (west). Across from the Jellystone Park of the Finger Lakes is Wilbur Road (the 4th right,) turn onto it and proceed west for approximately eight tenths of a mile. The Albers woodlot is on the left (south) side of the road. High clearance vehicles can venture down the driveway to the flat area next to Wilbur Creek - well drained gravel. If your vehicle doesn't have good ground clearance (waterbar) please park on the left (south side) of Wilbur Road just past the driveway entrance. Our tour will require us to walk across Wilbur Creek which can be problematic if we receive a lot of rain prior to our Woods Walk, however, if so we will visit another woodlot we own farther west on Wilbur Road.

There is spotty to no cell phone coverage on Wilbur Road. Woodswalks take place rain or shine, so be prepared for either situation. The first location has an outhouse, the second does not. Bring a bag lunch if you like. It is very peaceful next to Wilbur Creek so bring your camp chairs if you wish to sit and relax.