Camaraderie and Teamwork Brighten the Baker Woods Preserve

Spring has heralded a surge in hikers and paddlers at the Baker Woods Preserve (BWP). Neither rain nor black flies have prevented dozens of folks from visiting us in the past few weeks and enjoying Adirondack-like trails with easy access to the Indian River headwaters. Adventurers who enjoy our trails the most are those who come well-prepared! Those visitors utilize a map, pay attention to signage and come prepared with water, snacks, appropriate clothing and bug repellent.

Meanwhile, the Carney / BWP Stewardship Team has been busy stewarding the preserve. Our trails are regularly maintained and improved but the annual Spring BWP Stewardship Day, which occurred on Saturday, May 11, provided some welcome additions. An enthusiastic group built a retaining wall for our pollinator garden, weeded, planted, stained, mowed and added a new trail. We now have a total of nine miles of hiking paths on nearly 600 acres of protected land.

Our family and friend stewards accomplished all this while simultaneously weathering the height of black fly season. But stewardship at its best should include an element of fun and a surplus of camaraderie. After a hard day’s work participants were treated to a cookout, campfire and a cold beverage at the nearby Peacock and Pony Farm hosted by the Carney Family.

The Baker Woods Preserve trail system and facilities are open to the public from dawn to dusk. Please join us for a walk or paddle...on the wild side.