Local online newspaper the Madison County Courier has a column written by self described "city slicker" Linda Haley.  This week's column highlights the great things happening at the Great Swamp Conservancy in Canastota.  Here is Linda's column as it appeared in the paper this week. 

(Lenox, NY) It started innocently enough: “Dear Linda, we’ve been told the City Slicker should come out and do a story on the Great Swamp Conservancy, when are you available?”

Uh, SWAMP? Did they write SWAMP? I don’t do swamps. Wet, dark, creepy, full of spiders? Wrong writer, I play farm, not swamp! Curiosity got the best of me: “Why do you want me at this Swamp? Why is it great anyways?”

“Because we’ve got a ton of stuff going on here, and no one knows about it! You like trying new things right? C’mon out, then tell folks so they’ll visit, too, and find out for themselves!”

Huh. OK, but NO SPIDERS, got me? I can take wet, cold, dark, snakes, critters and all the mud ya’ got, but I’m allergic to spiders! Laughing, they promised to keep me safe.

I readied my GPS for another adventure. Turns out it was RIGHT there off the Canastota exit, just past Dick & Bert’s Diner on North Main! There’s a swamp in the middle of Canastota? Who knew?

My GPS was still acquiring satellites. And yes, of COURSE I stopped at the diner – I was going to a swamp people. Can you say ‘last meal?’

Shockingly, it was bright, open, green, diverse and inviting. This is a swamp? What’s going on here? At the cheery visitor’s center I receive a hearty welcome from Mike and Rusty Patane, the visionaries behind the Great Swamp Conservancy or GSC.


 
 

In Madison County, we are quite lucky to have a portion of the North Country Scenic Trail.  It is a network of trails that extends from North Dakota to Crown Point, NY.  When fully complete this trail will be the longest foot trail in the world.  In Madison County, the Link Trail is part of the system.  It runs from the Finger Lakes Trail in the southwestern portion of the county all the way to the Erie Canal Towpath in Canastota.  Today the NY Times travel section featured an article about the trail and a person who has been working his way across America on it.  This will be a perfect weekend with temps in the 70's and 80's for you to get our and explore the link trail yourself or with a group of people.

 
 

Is it really the end of summer?  Boy I hope not, but I have been seeing more and more maple trees with orange in their palate of leaves.  Well the Labor Day weekend is traditionally a time to have that last summer BBQ and enjoy friends and family.  This year is no different and I have some great ideas for you this labor day weekend.
1. The weather is going to be outstanding, so why not check out one of the great parks in Madison County.  From Chittenango Falls to Oxbow Falls there are plenty of places to light a BBQ grill and start a softball game or take a hike.  In fact, Oxbow Falls even offers a disc golf course which is a perfect family activity.
2. Pick up all the supplies you need from beef to beefsteak tomatoes at a farmer's market.  This is the best time of year to visit the farmer's markets in Canastota, Cazenovia and Hamilton on Saturday.  All of the produce is in season and the farmers will sell you the freshest direct from their fields.
3. While in Cazenovia check out the business district as they take it to the curb.  This first time event allows visitors to show off their sidewalk art skills.  Shops will provide the chalk you provide the artistic inspiration and maybe even find some back to school bargins.
4. Start the weekend right by stopping by the Colgate Inn tonight for live music fromMyoclonic Jerk.  They will perform from 7-10 and the Inn will have end of summer dinner specials.
5. On Sunday in Canastota it is the annual Labor of Love.  This is an all day event to raise money for the Erick D Stevens scholarship fund. Live Music, Food , Basket Raffle, Quilt raffle and Auction. 11am to 9 p.m. At ZEMS ICE CREAM on Main Street in Canastota.

Whatever you decide to do this weekend, remember to do it safely and make your own special occasion right here in Madison County.

 
 

Madison County is blessed to have a large number of great parks.  Everyone knows about Chittenango Falls State Park, but I recently had the chance to explore Oxbow Falls County Park.  Now  had been there for a ball game and a couple of picnics over the years, but I had never really explored the park.  I took my camera with me and decided to see what the trails were like.  I was very impressed.  The park offers a wonderful panoramic view of the northern part of the county, including Oneida Lake.  The trails are very well maintained and the take you past three waterfalls, which unfortunately were dry in mid-July.  I intend to make my way back there this fall as I'm sure when the leaves start changing color it will give an outstanding opportunity to take stunning pictures.  Enjoy some of the photos I took below and find some time to explore this park for yourself.

 
 

August 7-10th, The NCTA will hold its annual conference right here in Madison County and Cazenovia. The North Country Trail begins in New York and stretches all the way to North Dakota! This year marks the 40th Anniversary of The National Trails System. The conference will bring trail enthusiasts from all over the Country. Activities and events will include, hiking, canoe trips, biking, workshops, and an in depth look at the history of the area. For some, this will be a return trip to the area, as the conference was held in Cazenovia back in 2001. The event goers were so impressed with the area that they were ecstatic to hear it is being held here again. Those attending the event will stay, eat and attend workshops right at Cazenovia College. Event goers are given the option to stay at local establishments as well. This is a great event for our area to host. We're glad you chose Cazenovia to hold this very exciting conference. 

 
 

Now that spring is here, it is the perfect time to get out an explore the Link Trail.  The trail runs from the Finger Lakes Trail in the southern part of the county to the Erie Canal Towpath in the north.  It covers a variety of terrain and offers a great way to explore the county.  The trail is maintained by the volunteer of the Central New York Chapter of the North Country Trail Association.  Click below to read their spring newsletter.

North Country Trail Newsletter
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