Bergen Swamp Letterbox Series LbNA #10090 (ARCHIVED)
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Add Location| Owner: | Adoptable |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Aug 14, 2004 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Byron |
| County: | Genesee |
| State: | New York |
| Boxes: | 4 |
| Planted by: | Elba Onions  |
|---|---|
| Found by: | Gracie's HOPE (2) |
| Last found: | Oct 24, 2008 |
| Status: | FFFFF |
| Last edited: | Aug 14, 2004 |
The BERGEN SWAMP is a remnant of the ice-age and the time of the glaciers, as the varied flora and fauna indicates. Bergen Swamp is maintained, monitored and patrolled by the Bergen Swamp Preservation Society. Entry into the swamp is permitted to all, but Off-trail wandering is strictly forbidden! This is both for the sake of the swamp and the sake of the individual. Visitors may not leave the paths. Limited groups and tours can be arranged, but only on a permit basis.
Stay on the trails. This is a delicate area, botanically. Not only that, but one can easily be turned around and get lost in this area. People have been known to be literally lost for days. Bring a compass, even though you are to stay on the trail. Also, this is the only location in Western NY for the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, of which there are no known anti-toxins. Stay on the trail as a snake can easily be seen from the trail, as opposed to one hidden in the ferns or grasses. Also, should a child drop anything on the trail, only an adult may pick it up. Childrens' small fingers fit in the Massasauga Rattle Snakes' mouths much more easily than an adults'. Please note that some of the trails are the old log corduroy type and are subject to be very slippery when wet or damp. Please, proceed with caution. The two trails on Hessenthaler Rd. are open to the public from dawn to dusk. NO PETS ALLOWED!
**Please bring your own pencil and stamp pad**
DIRECTIONS TO THE SWAMP:
From the West:
From the thruway (I-90), take the Batavia (exit 48) exit. Drive NYS Route 98 North to NYS Route 262 (Elba). Turn right onto NYS Route 262. From intersection of Rt 237 in Byron, continue for 1 1/2 miles east on 262. Turn left onto Hessenthaler Rd and take it to the dead end, about 1 mile. Parking during nice weather is at the end of the road as well as in front of the big woods. During winter, we prefer that you do not park at the end as the snowplow turns around there. Please do not park in front of the caretaker's house.
From the East:
From the I-90, take the Leroy (exit 47) exit. Drive NYS Route 19 North through Stone Church and into Bergen to NYS Route 262. Turn left onto NYS Route 262. Take 262 about 4 1/2 miles to Hessenthaler Rd. Turn right onto onto Hessenthaler Rd and take it to the dead end, about 1 mile. Parking during nice weather is at the end of the road as well as in front of the big woods. During winter, we prefer that you do not park at the end as the snowplow turns around there. Please do not park in front of the caretaker's house.
Bergen Swamp Letterbox Series
#1 BERGEN SWAMP
** Please be aware that the caretaker of the swamp may be around to ask and answer questions. She is very knowledgeable but she does not know about this letterbox.**
THE HARD WAY: Park at the end of Hessenthaler Rd and sign in at the entry station. Put on your bug spray and mud boots. Follow the trail through old fields and orchards into the woods. You'll cross over a wooden bridge which spans the exposed area of an underground stream. Continue on until you see the sign for the LOOP TRAIL. Follow the Loop Trail (Which is about 1.5 - 2 miles long)through the varied regions of the Swamp. Red reflective trail markers guide the way. Stay on the trail at all times, following the red markers. Toward the end you'll be in a dry, woody area near a fenced horse pasture. Stay on the trail. When the woods start to open up and you realize the road is before you, look for a tree on the left with a red trail marker on it and a large rock at the foot of it next to the trail (If you pass the small wooden cross on the left you went too far). The box is under the rock. Two people are needed to roll the rock onto the trail. This can be reached entirely from the trail, no wandering in the woods or going off the trail is permitted at any time. Please return the rock to its original position.
THE EASY WAY: Park on Hessenthaler Rd alongside the woods, once the dead end is in sight. The end of the trail is on the right (East) and you'll see the opening in the woods. Go in 50 Onion steps* from the pavement (you'll pass a small wooden cross on the right). There will be a tree on you right with a large rock at the base of it and a red trail marker on the trunk. Roll this rock toward the trail (with someone's help) enough to reach the box underneath. This box is fully accessible from the trail; there is no need to wander into the woods or step off the trail at any time. Please return the rock to its original position.
The Bergen Swamp is a very cool place to see. Take the threat of snakes seriously and hike respectfully, but don't be afraid to go. The snakes aren't lined up waiting for you; they'd rather keep to themselves. The Loop Trail is the family trail and has the smallest snake risk, though occasionally the snakes do wander. You'll be glad you made the effort.
Now that you survived the Bergen Swamp, get back in your car and turn around. The rest of the stamps are related to the Swamp, but are located in area parks.
Bergen Swamp Letterbox Series
#2 COAL SKINK
At the stop sign on Hessenthaler Rd turn right onto Swamp Rd.
Continue west on Swamp Rd past Mud City Rd. You'll see a small park on the right with a large K (Kiwanis) sign on the pavilion. This is Turtle Park.
From the eastern end of the pavilion walk east along the edge of the pond. Find the second bench and walk 43 Onion steps* from that bench. At the water's edge near the small willow find the coal skink hiding in the rotted tree stump.
Please keep the coal skink's box wrapped up in a plastic bag because of the soggy nature of this location.
Now point your car west and continue on.
Bergen Swamp Letterbox Series
#3 SWAMP RATTLER
1 and 2 were easy (depending on which route you took for the first one). Now you'll need your bug spray and mud boots.
From Turtle Park continue on Swamp Rd past the cemetery to the stop sign at Townline Rd (Rte 262). Turn right (west) onto 262 and proceed to the flashing light (4-way stop at Rte 237). Go straight across (when it's your turn) and take the 2nd right, Terry St. Go to the end of Terry St and park in the gravel parking lot. This is the entrance to Trestle Park.
Walk to the gated pathway and cross over the bridge with the orange railings. Walk along and find the road on the right.
Go through the wooden vehicle barricades and bear right around the large pond.
The 4th trail on the right, alongside a little pond, will lead you over a tiny wooden bridge. Go right through the small clearing and follow the trail all the way back until you discover the Largest Oak Tree in Genesee County. Be careful walking these trails as they are obviously used by four wheelers and dirt bikes.
From this Oak look NorthWest to the multi-trunked tree. There are 6 main trunks; one is broken and crosses the trail. Go under this and follow the narrow path NorthWest to the triple-trunked tree. Check the NorthWest crotch; watch out for rattlers!
Please cover him well when you're done stamping in.
Now you're down to one stamp left. For this one, go back to the Largest Oak Tree in Genesee County.
Bergen Swamp Letterbox Series
#4 LADY SLIPPER
From the Largest Oak Tree in Genesee County follow the trail that goes East.
This is a winding, muddy trail leading over a bridge and past a bench.
From the bench take 40 Onion steps* ahead. You'll see a large cluster of rocks on the right. Perhaps a lady lost a slipper here?
This trail leads you right back out toward the wooden vehicle barrier. Go left back down the road, over the orange-railed bridge, into your car away from the mosquitoes.
Thank you for finding the Bergen Swamp Series!! The Elba Onions hope you had fun!!!
*Onion steps? What is an Onion step?
An Onion step is a little bigger than a "girlie step" but probably not as big as the ambiguous "pace". Onion steps allow for adjustments, including leaping over mud puddles and avoiding debris. Count your steps, then add or subtract 3 steps to find the Onion steps.
Onions have fun Letterboxing & hope you do too!!
Stay on the trails. This is a delicate area, botanically. Not only that, but one can easily be turned around and get lost in this area. People have been known to be literally lost for days. Bring a compass, even though you are to stay on the trail. Also, this is the only location in Western NY for the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, of which there are no known anti-toxins. Stay on the trail as a snake can easily be seen from the trail, as opposed to one hidden in the ferns or grasses. Also, should a child drop anything on the trail, only an adult may pick it up. Childrens' small fingers fit in the Massasauga Rattle Snakes' mouths much more easily than an adults'. Please note that some of the trails are the old log corduroy type and are subject to be very slippery when wet or damp. Please, proceed with caution. The two trails on Hessenthaler Rd. are open to the public from dawn to dusk. NO PETS ALLOWED!
**Please bring your own pencil and stamp pad**
DIRECTIONS TO THE SWAMP:
From the West:
From the thruway (I-90), take the Batavia (exit 48) exit. Drive NYS Route 98 North to NYS Route 262 (Elba). Turn right onto NYS Route 262. From intersection of Rt 237 in Byron, continue for 1 1/2 miles east on 262. Turn left onto Hessenthaler Rd and take it to the dead end, about 1 mile. Parking during nice weather is at the end of the road as well as in front of the big woods. During winter, we prefer that you do not park at the end as the snowplow turns around there. Please do not park in front of the caretaker's house.
From the East:
From the I-90, take the Leroy (exit 47) exit. Drive NYS Route 19 North through Stone Church and into Bergen to NYS Route 262. Turn left onto NYS Route 262. Take 262 about 4 1/2 miles to Hessenthaler Rd. Turn right onto onto Hessenthaler Rd and take it to the dead end, about 1 mile. Parking during nice weather is at the end of the road as well as in front of the big woods. During winter, we prefer that you do not park at the end as the snowplow turns around there. Please do not park in front of the caretaker's house.
Bergen Swamp Letterbox Series
#1 BERGEN SWAMP
** Please be aware that the caretaker of the swamp may be around to ask and answer questions. She is very knowledgeable but she does not know about this letterbox.**
THE HARD WAY: Park at the end of Hessenthaler Rd and sign in at the entry station. Put on your bug spray and mud boots. Follow the trail through old fields and orchards into the woods. You'll cross over a wooden bridge which spans the exposed area of an underground stream. Continue on until you see the sign for the LOOP TRAIL. Follow the Loop Trail (Which is about 1.5 - 2 miles long)through the varied regions of the Swamp. Red reflective trail markers guide the way. Stay on the trail at all times, following the red markers. Toward the end you'll be in a dry, woody area near a fenced horse pasture. Stay on the trail. When the woods start to open up and you realize the road is before you, look for a tree on the left with a red trail marker on it and a large rock at the foot of it next to the trail (If you pass the small wooden cross on the left you went too far). The box is under the rock. Two people are needed to roll the rock onto the trail. This can be reached entirely from the trail, no wandering in the woods or going off the trail is permitted at any time. Please return the rock to its original position.
THE EASY WAY: Park on Hessenthaler Rd alongside the woods, once the dead end is in sight. The end of the trail is on the right (East) and you'll see the opening in the woods. Go in 50 Onion steps* from the pavement (you'll pass a small wooden cross on the right). There will be a tree on you right with a large rock at the base of it and a red trail marker on the trunk. Roll this rock toward the trail (with someone's help) enough to reach the box underneath. This box is fully accessible from the trail; there is no need to wander into the woods or step off the trail at any time. Please return the rock to its original position.
The Bergen Swamp is a very cool place to see. Take the threat of snakes seriously and hike respectfully, but don't be afraid to go. The snakes aren't lined up waiting for you; they'd rather keep to themselves. The Loop Trail is the family trail and has the smallest snake risk, though occasionally the snakes do wander. You'll be glad you made the effort.
Now that you survived the Bergen Swamp, get back in your car and turn around. The rest of the stamps are related to the Swamp, but are located in area parks.
Bergen Swamp Letterbox Series
#2 COAL SKINK
At the stop sign on Hessenthaler Rd turn right onto Swamp Rd.
Continue west on Swamp Rd past Mud City Rd. You'll see a small park on the right with a large K (Kiwanis) sign on the pavilion. This is Turtle Park.
From the eastern end of the pavilion walk east along the edge of the pond. Find the second bench and walk 43 Onion steps* from that bench. At the water's edge near the small willow find the coal skink hiding in the rotted tree stump.
Please keep the coal skink's box wrapped up in a plastic bag because of the soggy nature of this location.
Now point your car west and continue on.
Bergen Swamp Letterbox Series
#3 SWAMP RATTLER
1 and 2 were easy (depending on which route you took for the first one). Now you'll need your bug spray and mud boots.
From Turtle Park continue on Swamp Rd past the cemetery to the stop sign at Townline Rd (Rte 262). Turn right (west) onto 262 and proceed to the flashing light (4-way stop at Rte 237). Go straight across (when it's your turn) and take the 2nd right, Terry St. Go to the end of Terry St and park in the gravel parking lot. This is the entrance to Trestle Park.
Walk to the gated pathway and cross over the bridge with the orange railings. Walk along and find the road on the right.
Go through the wooden vehicle barricades and bear right around the large pond.
The 4th trail on the right, alongside a little pond, will lead you over a tiny wooden bridge. Go right through the small clearing and follow the trail all the way back until you discover the Largest Oak Tree in Genesee County. Be careful walking these trails as they are obviously used by four wheelers and dirt bikes.
From this Oak look NorthWest to the multi-trunked tree. There are 6 main trunks; one is broken and crosses the trail. Go under this and follow the narrow path NorthWest to the triple-trunked tree. Check the NorthWest crotch; watch out for rattlers!
Please cover him well when you're done stamping in.
Now you're down to one stamp left. For this one, go back to the Largest Oak Tree in Genesee County.
Bergen Swamp Letterbox Series
#4 LADY SLIPPER
From the Largest Oak Tree in Genesee County follow the trail that goes East.
This is a winding, muddy trail leading over a bridge and past a bench.
From the bench take 40 Onion steps* ahead. You'll see a large cluster of rocks on the right. Perhaps a lady lost a slipper here?
This trail leads you right back out toward the wooden vehicle barrier. Go left back down the road, over the orange-railed bridge, into your car away from the mosquitoes.
Thank you for finding the Bergen Swamp Series!! The Elba Onions hope you had fun!!!
*Onion steps? What is an Onion step?
An Onion step is a little bigger than a "girlie step" but probably not as big as the ambiguous "pace". Onion steps allow for adjustments, including leaping over mud puddles and avoiding debris. Count your steps, then add or subtract 3 steps to find the Onion steps.
Onions have fun Letterboxing & hope you do too!!