2 Free, Guided Park Walks this Weekend

Rockland County residents have a chance to go on guided park walks throughout the year. The September guided park walks highlighted below offer visitors varied terrain, great scenery, interesting discussion points, and different levels of walking (1 sneaker is easy, 2 sneaker is moderate, 3 sneaker is strenuous)

WHAT: Samuel G. Fisher Mount Ivy Park: Rockland’s Mysterious Bayou

WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2014 from 10 am – 12 pm

• Join Docent Jack Bloom, on this moderate (2-sneaker) 3-mile walk on a combination of an old road, open meadows and an abandoned rail road track. There may be some wet spots, especially after rains as the area is a wetland. The trail is relatively flat and wide. Half of the walk is along an old railroad right of way. The other half is a natural trail. The docent will discuss The Pomona/Mt. Ivy Wetlands: Rockland’s Mysterious Bayou.

• No registration required.

• Directions: From Exit 12 off the Palisades Parkway make your way to Route 45. Go south 0.1 mile and make a right into Pomona Road, then right again onto Fireman’s Memorial Drive. Park at the end of the road, but do not block the gate. Please note that parking is limited.

• Meet at the park entrance located just past Fire Training Center on Firemen’s Memorial Drive in Pomona.

• This walk is not stroller friendly, there are no restrooms, and dogs are not allowed.

WHAT: Historic Haverstraw and the Brick Industry: Talk and Walk

WHEN: Sunday, September 21, 2014 from 1 pm – 4 pm. 1pm - 3pm Talk about Haverstraw and Haverstraw Landslide; 3pm - 4pm Walk the streets of Historic Haverstraw

• Join Docent Louise Parnell at the Haverstraw Brick Museum for a Talk and Walk. Using artifacts and charts, participants will learn about the brick industry that started and flourished in Haverstraw. Using pictures from the archives, we will look at life in Haverstraw at that time, the important men whose ingenuity started the brick industy and the 1906 landslide. The walk will be an easy 1.5 mile stroll on the streets around the Village of Haverstraw.

• No registration required. For more information call Louise Parnell at (845) 290-5287

• Directions: From 9W proceed to Main Street in Haverstraw. Make a right turn and proceed to Maple Street. Make a right on Maple and go 11/2 blocks to the free parking lot on the left. Walk back to Main Street.

• Meet at the Haverstraw Brick Museum located at 12 Main Street in Haverstraw, NY (10927), just off West Street. There is free parking behind the museum.

• This event is part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble.

Important general information about the guided walks:

• For more information, call (845) 708-7307 or e-mail rcamericorps@co.rockland.ny.us.

• Please check www.rocklandsteps.org/calendar and click on the walk(s) you are interested in for more information, directions, and any changes to the schedule. Walks are held through out the year - stay tuned by checking out the website periodically for updates.

• Meet in the parking lot, unless otherwise specified. All walks are rain or shine. Wear proper footwear (closed-toe sturdy shoes such as walking shoes/boots or sneakers) and clothing (light-colored) and seasonally appropriate attire such as a jacket or hat, depending on the weather. Hiking boots are preferred. Bring along binoculars, water, sunscreen, a snack, and walking sticks if desired. As with any physical activity program, it is recommended you speak to your physician before starting.

• All guided walks are coordinated and supported in partnership with the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, the Rockland County Youth Bureau’s Conservation Corps program and the Rockland County Department of Health’s Steps to a Healthier Rockland program.

For more information and the schedule visit www.rocklandsteps.org/calendar.