the Zoar Valley nature society

White Water Rafting
Saturday, March 25, 2006
10:00 - 4:00
The Zoar Valley Canoe & Rafting Company will guide us on a white water rafting adventure through the Main Gorge canyon of Cattaraugus Creek. This is a spectacular way to see the gorge, and gain boating experience to return for a quieter, lazy summer or fall paddle when the forest is in full leaf. Please see http://www.zoarvalleyrafting.com for important details on what to wear, what to bring, and what to rent. There is a fee of $40 per person, and nominal fees for wetsuit rental. The Rafting Co. provides soup and warm drinks during the day on the creek and pizza afterwards. Advance registration is required so we'll know how many guides are needed.

The American Chestnut Foundation's Planting and Maintenance Day at Zoar -and- Nature Walk on adjoining private forest area
Saturday, April 29, 2006
10:00 - 1:00
Help in the effort to restore the American Chestnut tree to our forests and celebrate National Arbor Day (4/28) by taking part in Spring Planting Day at the William W. White American Chestnut Plantation at Zoar. Have you heard about TACF's success so far with blight-resistant American Chestnut seedlings? Meet at the Vail/Unger Rd. parking area. This is a rain or shine event. Bring a lunch and join the campfire roast afterward.

2:00 - 4:00
This is a rare opportunity to explore a large tract of private land adjacent to the public land. A local naturalist and Zoar landowner has given us permission to explore acres of nearby forest. This will be an easy to moderate outing over flat to gently rolling and moderately hilly upland terrain east of the chestnut plantation. Scott Taylor, who grew up in the area exploring the woods, will lead the walk.

Bird Watching
Sunday, May 7, 2006
7:00 - 9:30 a.m.
It's migratory bird season, and Tim Baird, President of the Cattaraugus County Bird Club and former President of the NYS Ornithological Association, will lead the walk (easy terrain - flat to low hills). Prepare to be thrilled when you spot a Bald Eagle or Hawk on the wind. Last year we encountered more than 50 species, including the beautiful Indigo Bunting, Scarlet Tanager and Black Throated Green Warbler, and the rare Red Shouldered Hawk. Meet at the Vail/Unger Rd. parking area. Bring binoculars if you have them.

William P. Alexander Preserve
Saturday, May 13, 2006
10:00 a.m.
We'll join the Nature Sanctuary Society of Western New York on a walk through the Alexander Preserve in the middle canyon area of Zoar Valley. Frank Hugar, Preserve Co-Manager, will lead the walk. We'll take in the Virginia Bluebell's in bloom and other spring wildflowers. Membership in the NSSWNY is required to be on the Preserve (a nominal registration fee of $5/yr. per person).

Old Growth Forest Field Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park & the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest (North Carolina)
June 2 - 10, 2006
Camping, backpacking, hiking, and enjoying the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest (western North Carolina). These forests have some of the largest trees east of the Mississippi. The Smoky Mountains are the only other place in the eastern United States with taller old growth forests than Zoar. We'll explore the Ramsey Cascades area, Porter Flats, Albright Grove and more. A great way to celebrate National Trails Day (6/3). Those wanting to go will get together in April to plan the trip.

Orienteering
Sunday, August 6, 2006
12:00 - 3:00
Never get lost at Zoar again! Learn how to navigate the terrains of Zoar Valley using map and compass. The Buffalo Orienteering Club will lead this fun and valuable adventure. Please bring a compass if you have one. Maps will be provided. The teaching element requires limited class sizes, so pre-registration is a must.

Cattaraugus Creek Clean-Up -- International Water Clean-Up Day
Saturday, September 16, 2006
11:00-2:00
South Branch Cattaraugus Creek clean-up. Join in this annual world-wide effort to restore and protect our waterways. Sadly, after the long summer season, the South Branch is usually pretty littered and needs a lot of TLC. Enjoy the spectacular sites in the gorge while giving back to the living planet that gives us so much. We'll meet at Forty Road parking area. Plan on getting your feet wet.

The American Chestnut Foundation's Fall Harvest Day at Zoar
Early October 2006 - TBA
Join in this community effort to help The American Chestnut Foundation with the important work of harvesting seeds for their research efforts to restore the American Chestnut tree to its native eastern woodlands. Wear thick gloves for gathering the chestnut burs. This is a rain or shine event. Meet at the parking area by the chestnut plantation on Vail Road at the Unger Road intersection.

Fall Splendor Ancient Forest Hike
Sunday, October 15, 2006
12:00-3:00
We'll explore the ancient forest and be inspired, amazed and rejuvenated. Learn about this rare and important old growth forest ecosystem. We'll hike the South Rim old growth. Meet at the Valentine Flats trail head.

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
Nature's peace will flow into you,
as sunlight flows into trees.
The winds will blow their own freshness into you
and the storms their energy,
while cares will drip off like autumn leaves."

~ John Muir, naturalist and founder
of the National Park System