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:

FGLSP is sponsoring a Dance at the Park event on July 28, 2013. It will be held at the Deerfield area in the park from 4 – 10 PM. Come and join the fun – there will be dancing, dance lessons, raffle prizes, and food.

Here are a few photos from a walk in the park. You may be able to capture better ones as you hike your own path.

 

The Butternut Trail was opened last fall (2012). Here are a few photos from the event:

NEW!  Check out the Links page for the new meetup page link and information.

See below for some examples of past activities.

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June 11, 2011: (Note on 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. 

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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.

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October 23, 2011 Sunday, 1:00 PM- Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Fire Tower

This ceremony is in honor of Helen Ellett, the last NYS Fire Observer at this site. She is now 97 years young and has shared her memories in a recently published book entitled I Remember When: The Untold Story of Helen Ellett, 

by Randy Kneer.

Summary of the event:

Sunny, clear day with light refreshments – event was intimate really focusing on Helen and her bond to the Fire Tower. We had Helen cut a ribbon to the tower and Randy spoke on behalf of Helen. Melissa Miller (Park Director) made the announcements for our next stages of construction and Dick thanked the fire tower volunteers.

Participants

We had the trail riders come on horseback (Helen was a founding member of this group) ~We had the volunteers of the Fire Tower, and the historical society group.

Total of 42 participants

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Monday, June 4, 2012

          8:00 PM – Full moon hike at Grafton Lakes State Park

Explore the woods by moonlight. Bring the family out for some fresh crisp evening air on this hike through the park’s trails with light provided by the full moon. Enjoy the night sky, look at the stars, the moon, and don’t forget to bring a flashlight or headlamp. The hike should last approximately 2 hours.

Sunset is 8:29 PM. We will meet at 8:00 PM at the parking area near Second Pond. Hike to Shaver Pond and go from there. This is an easy hike with 1 small hill to Shaver Pond from the parking area and one on the return. There is minor elevation changes along the route. Appropriate hiking footwear is recommended.

Minimum age is 8 (8-17 yrs.  must have a participating adult with them)

• please be dressed for the weather, nights are cool in Grafton
• wear appropriate hiking footwear
• headlamp or flashlight
• please bring water, snacks and any personal medicines you may need as well as bug repellant
• camera and binoculars if you have them
• directions to the parking area: Take Route 2 East to North Long Pond Road (Grafton Lakes State Park Winter Entrance). Follow the sharp bend in the road, approximately 1/2 mile from the maintenance/park office entrance to the park. There will be parking at the pull off near Second Pond and at the Second Pond parking area.

Please call the Grafton Lakes State Park Office at 279-1155 to register for this hike. A member of the Friends Group will be your guide.

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