Genesee Land Trust invites people of all ages and abilities for a special January 1st cocoa toast to celebrate the return of the fisher to Brookdale Preserve in Chili. The fisher – a very important member of the forest – was once hunted nearly to extinction for its thick dark fur. But now, thanks to decades of conservation, we’re finally starting to see the fisher again.
Start your new year with this fun-for-everyone stroll to look for signs of the fisher and learn more about this special tree-climbing critter, like why it’s sometimes called a “fisher cat” when it doesn’t eat much fish and isn’t a cat at all!
Genesee Land Trust will provide warm drinks and light snacks – please bring a mug for cocoa. They will also be collecting nonperishable items for the state park food drive.
The stroll will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, January 1, at Brookdale Preserve, 66 Brook Road, Rochester. Set out at 10 a.m. on the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail at Brook Road and go north toward Black Creek. Your outdoor adventure can be up to four miles – it’s two miles to the scenic double-arched stone culvert over the water, then two miles back. Move at your own pace and for as long, or short, as you like.
Participants should dress warmly and wear boots. Depending on snowfall, bring snowshoes if you have them. Registration is appreciated but not required and can be made at tinyurl.com/2025cocoa.
Detailed accessibility information about parking and trail terrain can be found at the site listed above. Those with a disability or medical condition that impacts participation are asked to contact Genesee Land Trust at info@geneseelandtrust.org or use the registration form to share ways organizers can help make their First Day experience an outstanding one. Given holiday staffing, early requests for an ASL interpreter are appreciated. An ADA porta potty will be in the parking lot, and some spaces will be reserved for accessible parking.
Learn more about the Brookdale Preserve by visiting https://www.geneseelandtrust.org/public-spaces/brookdale-preserve.
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