GSC’s Fall Migration Antique Show Celebrates Conservancy’s new Trail System

(Canastota, NY) Two-day event features animal petting exhibit, birds of prey, nature rides and more

Submitted by Rusty Patane

The public is invited to the Great Swamp Conservancy’s annual Fall Migration Antique Show and Kids Konservation Days to be held Sept. 19th and 20th from 10 am -4 pm each day.

The Antique Show will feature collectables such as Canastota’s Ideal Cut Glass, and local dealers from Central New York displaying and selling their wares.

Saturday features include grand opening/ribbon cutting of the GSC’s 115-acre trail system across the road from the office/barn at 10 am.

The Madison County Dairy Princess, Arica Casarotti from Eaton will be serving “healthy” dairy refreshments, and a few dignitaries will also be on hand for the ribbon cutting.

This land/project was made possible by the combined cooperative efforts of Bob Blazer, The Nature Conservancy, NYS Parks and Recreation and Historical Preservation, the Gorman Foundation, WalMart, Canastota Community Chest, and UPS Foundation. All that participates in the trail opening celebration will receive a small token for attending.

ACT for Youth of Madison County Youth Bureau will be providing interactive games for children and young adults from 11-3am.

In celebration of Fall Migration “Friends with Feathers” will be educating the public about raptors. Ron Walker is bringing these live birds of prey program to the GSC from 11 am until 4 pm. Ron is a retired biology teacher, and a nature interpreter. For 25 years he’s helped students of all ages to understand their natural environment. Friends with Feathers will inform and enthrall the public with the natural history of birds of prey and bird migration.

Guitarist Christina Godneck will be tuning up at 11am. Both days: Small World animals petting exhibit. Don’t miss the Bob White Quail program and release at 1 pm. Adopt a Quail or become a Quail watcher and let the GSC know if you have sighted any Bob White Quail.

Tractor/wagon rides will be taken to the overlook every hour on the hour (weather permitting) to see if any migrating birds are there resting and feeding for their long flight.

In the Kids Konservation Nature Area there will be an Obstacle Course, Family Frog Fun-catch and release program at GSC pond at 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m., Grape Stomp at 1:30 p.m., make a toy or bird feeder out of recycled material, at 2:00 pm.

Children will be taught how wildlife /nature artist Tom Leanweaver became a wildlife artist. Children can view some of his work, and then do a small art project with the artist.

Power point presentations on “Nature at the Great Swamp” and “Bird Calls” can be viewed at the Great Swamp table/area.

Red Fox Farm of Munnsville will be selling Pride of NY Jams and Jellies.

Boy Scout Troop 43 from Canastota will be camping out and demonstrating camping skills. Trout Unlimited, Madison County Chapter will be present demonstrating fly tying and casting. Alverna Heights will have a display.

Discover a better backyard bird feeding experience from the Wild Bird Center of Manlius booth.

Sunday Woodcreek Reptiles will be attending from 10 am -4 pm.

The Utica Zoo Mobile will have a booth with live native animals from 12-2pm, and at noon listen to Tom Parlato playing the Highland bagpipe.

Come and enjoy this fundraising effort for the benefit of the Great Swamp Conservancy. Suggested donation for this event is $4 adults, $3 for GSC members, and $1/child under 12 years. Help celebrate the miracle of migration.

The Great Swamp is now taking ink and toner cartridges for recycling, which in turn the GSC receives rewards towards our office supplies. Just deposit the cartridges in the wood duck box marked (ink/toner here) on the front porch of the office building. We are also taking 5 cent deposit bottles and cans. Starting October 1st all deposit bottle and can businesses will be taking water bottles marked with the 5 cent return!! So start checking water bottles for the NYS 5 cent return. At the front barn entrance, a large cardboard barrel can be found to put your returns. We thank you for recycling and helping out towards our mission.

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GSC’s Fall Migration Antique Show Celebrates Conservancy’s new Trail System

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