Welcome to the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park! (FGLSP)
The purpose of the Friends group is to support and promote environmental education programs, assist in park improvement projects, and participate in other activities at Grafton Lakes State Park (GLSP).
Environmental education at GLSP is the utilization of the natural environment (i.e. forests, fields, streams and lakes) as a resource for learning about and developing an understanding and appreciation for the natural world that is so important to our survival on planet Earth. It may include but is not restricted to nature study, astronomy, trail riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, fishing, bird watching, pursuit of graphic arts (i.e. drawing, painting, photography), etc.
Members of the Friends are able to:
- use the Nature Center for special programs
- participate in the conservation and enhancement of the Park
- promote educational activities
- receive Newsletter and informational updates on happenings at GLSP.
FGLSP Current Activities:
See the Calendar page for the FGLSP meeting schedule.
See below for examples of past activities.
************************************************************************************
June 11, 2011: (June 12, 2011 – the gathering was a great success)
A book signing will be held at the Grafton State Park Shaver Pond Nature Center on Saturday from 1-3. The author is Randy Kneer. The book is entitled: I Remember When: the Untold Story of Helen Ellett.
Helen Ellett’s memories of her small-town life in upstate New York reveal a strong woman in often hard times living life to the fullest through the 20th C. She met life’s challenges head on and lived each day with high spirits.
Born in 1914 in Troy, Helen grew up in a hard-working, loving family. The stories from her youth reveal an adventurous personality that followed her throughout life. An avid outdoorswoman, Helen was the second woman fire tower observer in NY State. The image of Helen riding her horse, Smokey, to the isolated tower on Dickinson Hill near Grafton captures her sense of independence and purpose. The years at the tower yield fascinating stories that bring the reader into the tiny world of the 7′ x 7′ tower cab, 60′ high and out into the vast forests she protected. Her memories tell a vibrant, personal story that will resonate with anyone who loves the outdoors.
Today, at the age of 97 after years of work she awaits the restoration of her beloved tower in July 2011.
Over the past two years Randy Kneer, the president of the Friends of Grafton State Park, interviewed Helen and chronicled her life stories.
*************************************************************************************
September 17, 2011 Saturday – Shoreline Cleanup (rain date – 9/18/2011):
9/24/2011 – The Shoreline Cleanup was a big success! Between 9/10/11 and 9/24/11, there were 40 – 50 scouts who participated.
********************************************************************************