VENUE INFORMATION: North Syracuse Junior High School, 5353 W. Taft Road North Syracuse, NY 13212
WHERE AND WHEN: Let's meet in the parking lot NLT than 9:50 A.M. so that we are ready to join our guide promptly at 10 A.M.
WHAT TO BRING: Best to be prepared for weather conditions- dress in layers (maybe hat and gloves too) and expect some muddy areas so appropriate footwear is advised. We will be walking on a mostly level, mostly dirt (unpaved) trail through a small woodlot in a suburban setting and you won't be too far from the parking lot at any point so bring whatever you think you may need and can comfortably carry to make your walk enjoyable (possible suggestions: small water bottle, light snack, sunglasses, Kleenex, camera, binoculars)
ADMISSION: Free. (this is a public event)
One of the most significant natural and historic sites in Onondaga County is this oak grove containing some of the largest and oldest trees in Onondaga County. We will join Clay Historical Association and Tom Howard on a walk through the grove. Most of the leaves are still on many of the trees and are just changing color (which is considered very late this year!)
The Wizard of Oz Oak Grove is a seven-acre stand of pristine old-growth forest located behind the running track of North Syracuse Junior High School. Never plowed or completely cleared, it preserves a mix of native trees typical of the forests that blanketed this area prior to European settlement. It is one of the only such sites in Onondaga County. The grove has been owned by the North Syracuse Central School District since 1950.
Its name reflects the view that this grove was probably L. Frank Baum’s inspiration for the Great Forest of Oz. It is located not far from Roselawn, Baum’s childhood home in nearby Mattydale, and it is known that he played in the grove and knew its then-owners.
The grove includes large old trees named for historic figures, from Baum and his mother-in-law, freethinker and suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage, to Harriet Tubman, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, and many others. The Baum tree is a red oak alive since 1860; the Gage tree is a white oak alive since 1820.
OPTIONAL LUNCH/REFRESHMENT STOP: The walk will conclude around noon so anyone looking to grab a bite to eat after - there are a number of good places nearby. I plan on going to one of my favorites and you are welcome to join me at : CoreLife Eatery which is part of Chuck Hafner's Nursery at 7265 Buckley Rd ~ about 1 mile west of the Wizard of Oz Oak Grove.
HOW TO FIND US: Enter driveway (aka Teacher's Dr.) to the Junior High from W Taft Rd (at traffic light- driveway is across street from the Sweetheart Corner's Rite Aid). Keep right and park in far end of parking lot on right nearest the ball field.
RSVP and Cancellations – IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ
Please respect the trip leader and update your RSVP if you sign-up but then are unable to attend. Please also RSVP early, especially if there are only a few signed up. Events may be cancelled due to lack of attendance, as well as changes in weather or other circumstances. So be sure to RSVP and share your cell phone number when asked, as events may have changed and you will not receive notification. If you must cancel at the last minute, call or text the event host/trip leader, as not all leaders have access to the Meetup app on their phones (let her know who it is who is calling/texting). Contact information is included in your registration confirmation. Be sure to copy down the address, directions, and trip leader contact information to bring with you as there might not be good cell service at the event location.
This free event is open to members and non-members of Women Outdoors. Non-members are invited to join us on two events to see what you think. The third time's a charm - we'll ask you to join Women Outdoors at that point. You can join now by clicking on Join Us
