We hope you’ll join us for the public opening of Deer Creek Woods, the 19th nature preserve created by Genesee Land Trust! Thank you so much to the 1,000+ donor members supporting our critical work - It’s only possible to create and care for Deer Creek Woods and other preserves because of you!
Deer Creek Woods is a unique property in the Town of Ontario with two public areas (West and East) bookending private properties (these have also been protected from development, but are not open to the public.) Please follow all trail markers and postings.
About the Event:
A large tent with tables and chairs, an ADA porta potty, and transportation from the parking lot to the tent and potentially around the property is available upon request. Please let us know when you RSVP if you have any questions or need support to participate.
Current Schedule:
1 pm - Deer Creek Woods opens! Light refreshments at the tent.
1:40 pm - Brief remarks
2 pm - Haudenosaunee ceremonial planting of the White Pine tree of peace
2:30 pm (approx.) - Guided preserve tours will begin following the ceremony
4 pm - Celebration ends
Parking: Off-street Parking for the Deer Creek Woods Opening Celebration will be available in a mown field across the street thanks to our generous preserve neighbor. Type in the preserve address (600 Lake Road in the Town of Ontario) and then look for the gravel driveway between the houses at 577 Lake Road and 605 Lake Road (43°16'13.9"N 77°21'03.8"W), across the street from Deer Creek Woods. There will be signs and volunteers to help direct you to the proper location. Accessible parking will be located in the parking lot at the preserve (600 Lake Road). A gator and golf cart will be available for anyone that needs support getting from their vehicle to the tent.
Accessibility: Please let us know if you need support to attend. We will be holding spaces in the parking lot, and will have transportation to the tent for folks that need help. An ADA porta potty will be on site, and we’ll be setting up chairs along the trail to offer spots to rest.
An ASL interpreter will be available during the remarks and tree planting, and for one of the guided tours. When you RSVP please let us know if you would like to join that walk specifically.
The trails at Deer Creek Woods are still limited and rough. Please contact Elliotte (info below) with any questions and to discuss how we can support you attending.
**Deer Creek Woods is currently CLOSED and not ready for the public to visit until Sept. 21. Construction will be happening throughout the summer to install parking and work on trails. It will be an ongoing process of improvements to make Deer Creek Woods more accessible as resources become available. We appreciate your patience and support as we get the preserve ready for the public. Thank you!
If you would like to volunteer and/or sponsor the event, please get in touch with our Director of Communications, Elliotte Bowerman - 585-450-3938 or ebowerman@geneseelandtrust.org.