Connecticut-Westchester Mycological Association
Walk Schedule for 2013

Walks begin at 9:30 am. Directions and walk guides are listed below. Attendees are encouraged to bring field equipment: a notebook, extra pencils, a collecting basket, field labels, wax paper, paper bags, a magnifying lens, a whistle, and a small knife. Some of our members also carry insecticide or repellant containing citronella oil(little or no toxicity), permethrin (generally low mammalian toxicity), or DEET (high toxicity).
When collecting, please obey COMA’s guidelines as well as the policy of the property we are visiting. Note that sometimes the ‘do not disturb wildlife’ policy of parks we visit will have exceptions granted to us for identification purposes. Please remember to ask our walk guides about collection guidelines for these properties. COMA’s guidelines can be found online and will continue to be available for reference during our walks.
Our walks are followed by a communal lunch and a mushroom identification session. Bring your lunch (and something to share) and a mushroom manual to help with the identification of our finds. (COMA cannot be responsible for mushroom identification.)

Sun, April 21 INTRO TO MYCOLOGY WALK at RYE NATURE CENTER
873 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY
a gentle flat hike with a keen eye
Guide: Taro (914)505-0534
Sat, April 28-May12 Member-Only Walks. You may call COMA's walk coordinator for questions regarding these walks (203) 571-8866
Sun, May 19 WHIPPOORWILL PARK
390 Whippoorwill Rd, Chappaqua, NY
rolling hills
Guide: Lisa R (914)403-3266
Sun, May 26 CRANBERRY LAKE PRESERVE
Old Orchard St(500’ E Mt Kisco Rd), West Harrison, NY
gentle trails; bathrooms and picnic tables available
Guide: Zaac (914)428-1005
Sat, June 1 DEVIL’S DEN NATURE PRESERVE CT TRAILS DAY
End of Pent Rd, Weston, CT
sloping trail
Guide: Guide: Doris (203)226-6162
Sat, June 8 SQUANTZ POND
first lot on right(boat launch), 178 Shortwoods Rd, New Fairfield, CT
Guide: Linda (860)354-0265
Sat, June 15 SETH LOW PIERREPONT
50 Barlow Mountain Rd, Ridgefield, CT
gentle slopes
Guide: Djerba comaweeklynews@gmail.com
Sun, June 23 SYLVAN GLEN PRESERVE
Morris Ln and Grant Ave, Yorktown, NY
gentle slope and steep climbs of this former quarry with cliff top views
Guides: Deborah & Michael (646)265-0388
Sat and Sun, June 29-30 THE FUNGUS FAIR at WARD POUND RIDGE RESERVATION
Reservation Rd, Pound Ridge, NY
A choice between the steep slopes or lowland trails on both Saturday and Sunday with overnight camping options available
Guide: Taro (914)505-0534
Sun, July 7 MHMA joins us at the WINNAKEE NATURE PRESERVE
dirt lot behind Pete’s Restaurant, 4204 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY
gently sloped looped trail
Guide: Dawn (917)209-3397
Sat, July 13 CVMS joins us at SOUTHFORD FALLS STATE PARK followed by ID STUDY
175 Quaker Farms Rd, Southbury, CT
mostly flat trail
Guide: Zaac (203)571-8866
Sun, July 21 GREENBURGH NATURE CENTER
99 Dromore Rd, Scarsdale, NY
flat trail; bathrooms/picnic tables available; other activities are available onsite after the walk ends, including Nature's Discovery playground: GreenburghNatureCenter.org
Guide: Lisa S (914)262-3082
Sat, July 27 FAHNESTOCK AT TRAIL
New Parking Location: Park at southern end of Canopus lake
On Right, Cold Spring Tpke(1.6m W of Taconic State Pkwy), Kent, NY
A more moderately sloped hike along the AT
Guide: Chris (724)984-2604
Sun, August 4 QUARRY HEAD followed by ID STUDY
across from 765 Ridgefield Rd, Wilton, CT
A choice of two trails; flat highlands OR quarry cliffs
Guide: Stephanie (914)703-5627
Sat, August 10 BABCOCK PROPERTY
North St(1.4m North of Merritt Pkwy), Greenwich, CT
gentle slopes
Guide: Don donshernoff@yahoo.com (914)761-0332
Sun, August 18 PUTNAM PARK
Putnam Park Rd(200ft from Black Rock Tpke), West Redding, CT
Revolutionary War site & CT’s oldest state park. Easy walk following mostly flat paved path with several gradual slopes. Picnic tables, ample parking, restrooms
Guides: Joe & Kathy h(203)544-9622, m(203)837-0226
Sun, August 25 BULL’S BRIDGE
Bulls Bridge Rd(0.1m West of Kent Rd), Kent, CT
flat and rocky trails along natural limestone beds
Guide: Mike (845)855-9690
Friday, August 30-
Monday, September 2
studious and family friendly. Viva la Champignon!
COMA’S 35th ANNUAL CLARK ROGERSON MUSHROOM FORAY
http://comaforay.tumblr.com
Sat, September 7; Start: 10:30 pm FAHNESTOCK PELTON POND with NYMS for a JOINT WALK/PICNIC/ID
Cold Spring Tpke(0.7m West of Taconic State Pkwy), Kent, NY
flat trail circling a lake; bring food for three or four and beverages; we will supply plates, napkins, and general items
Guide: Morrs (718)636-6348
Sun, September 15 TROUT BROOK VALLEY
Bradley Rd, Weston, CT
Guide: Dianna S (413)727-3369
Sun, September 22 COLLIS P HUNTINGTON SP: BACK ENTRANCE
Old Dodgington Rd(Off Sunset Hill Rd), West Redding, CT
Plenty of marked trails, easy to moderate walk; Parking, restroom, one table
Guides: Joe & Kathy h(203)544-9622, m(203)837-0226
Sat, September 28 MOUNTAIN LAKES
Bulls Bridge Rd(0.1m West of Kent Rd), Kent, CT
flat and rocky trails along natural limestone beds
Guide: Santo sfcemailbox@gmail.com
Sun, October 6 CVMS joins us for THE ED BOSMAN TRICOLOMA WORKSHOP AND JOINT FORAY
KETTLETOWN STATE PARK
Georges Hill Rd(0.6m from Kettletown Rd), Southbury, CT
gentle hills with a thorough eye
Guide: Roz (603)745-3604
Sat, October 12 NEW POND FARM
Park in 3rd Driveway, 101 Marchant Rd, Redding, CT
working farm & environmental education center: historic barns, woods, pond, marsh, vernal pools, and pastures; woodland trails follow gradual slopes (nothing steep); with restrooms and picnic tables.
Guides: Joe & Kathy h(203)544-9622, m(203)837-0226
Sun, October 20 MIANUS RIVER PARK
Park at Red Barn, Merriebrook Ln, Stamford, CT
flat trail along the banks of the Mianus River
Guide: Carol L (203)322-2051
Sat, October 26 MUSCOOT FARM
NY-100 (1.2 m S NY-35), Katonah, NY
gentle slopes
Guide: Elaine (914)276-0548
Sat, November 2 TURKEY MOUNTAIN
Entrance W of Saw Mill River at Croton Heights Rd, Yorktown,NY
hiking the semi-flat woodland
Guide: Don donshernoff@yahoo.com (914)761-0332
Sun, November 3 STATE LINE LOOKOUT
Palisades Parkway N(opposite Exit 3), Alpine, NJ
An expansive view from the highest point of the Palisades Cliffs overlooking the Hudson River and migrating hawks. A gentle hike through the forest within a short distance of the parking lot. After lunch there will be a more be moderately strenuous hike to a recent rock slide. Bring water and good footwear.
Guide: Tom (914)478-1525


Driving Directions for 2012 COMA Walks
BABCOCK PROPERTY
Merritt Pkwy to Exit 31. Go 1.4 miles north on North St to entrance on left. Off North St in Greenwich, CT.
BLUE MOUNTAIN 435 Welcher Ave, Peekskill, NY
From South: Route 9A to 9 North. Exit at Welcher Avenue: turn Right and follow to park entrance. In park veer right to picnic tables.
From North: Route 9 South. Exit at Welcher Avenue. Turn Left and follow to park entrance. Once in park veer right towards parking lot with picnic tables.
BULLS BRIDGE Bulls Bridge Rd(0.1m West of Kent Rd), Kent, CT
From Westchester: I-684N becomes Rt-22 N. After 18 mi, follow right fork to Rt 55 to Webatuck 1.0mi. Turn Right (still Rt 55, one more mile). Left on Dogtail Corners Rd. (Rte 22) for 2.7 mi. It becomes Bulls Bridge Rd. Parking area is just before covered bridge.
From Connecticut: Take Rt 7 N, about 23.5 mi north of 84, Bulls Bridge Rd. on left at traffic light. Cross the covered bridge to parking area.
CALIFORNIA HILL Meet at Palmer’s House: 1121 Peekskill Hollow Rd Carmel, NY
From southern Westchester and NYC: Taconic Pkwy N to Peekskill Hollow Rd. Exit Right off ramp & go 2.3 miles. Address on mailbox on left (Northwest) side of road. Take winding driveway uphill to house. From eastern Westchester and Connecticut: Rte I-684 N to Brewster, Rt 6/22 to exit Carmel. Right on Rt 52 for 1 block. Left onto Rt 301 about 5 miles to Peekskill Hollow Rd. Make left and go about 1 mile. House #1121 is on the right (Northwest side) just past Gordon Rd. Address is on mailbox. Take long winding driveway uphill to house.
COLLIS P HUNTINGTON STATE PARKOld Dodgington Rd (off Sunset Hill Rd), West Redding, CT
From CT-15 N: Exit 42. Immediate Left on Weston Rd, go 400ft, left onto CT-136 East. Go North for 5.2 m, then left on CT-58. After 7.1 m right on Sunset Hill Rd. Pass main entrance to park, and after 1.7 m go Right on Old Dodgingtown Rd. Look Right for (marked) parking lot.
From I-84 E: Exit 4 (Lake Ave), go left (becomes West) to CT- 53 (Main St), go Right. Follow CT-53 (0.8 m), left onto South St (becomes Grassy Plain), 1.8 m, left onto Greenwood Ave/CT-302, 1.7 m to CT-58 S (Putnam Park Road), go Right. In 1.3 m, left on Sunset Hill Rd (keep right on Sunset Hill) go 1.4m, Left on Old Dodgingtown Rd. Look Right for (marked) parking lot.
CRANBERRY LAKE PRESERVE 1609 Old Orchard St, West Harrison, NY
From I-287 W: Take exit 7 towards Taconic. Go straight for one mile. Bear right Broadway/Rt 22 N at light. Go 2 mi. turn right onto Old Orchard St. Entrance is the first right turn.
From 287 E: Take exit 6, Rt 22. Left off exit onto N Broadway/ Rt 22. Follow Rt 22 north 2.9 miles . Go right onto Old Orchard Street. Go 500 feet. Turn right. Go up driveway to parking/
DEVIL'S DEN End of Pent Rd, Weston, CT
From South: CT-15 North to exit 42. Turn right onto CT-57 N for 3.8 mi. Left on CT-57 N for 1.3 mi. Turn right onto Godfrey Rd. In 0.6 mi take a left onto Pent Rd. Parking at end of road.
From North: US-7 S, at Georgetown left on School st for 0.3 mi. Right on CT-57 S for 2.7 mi. Turn left onto Godfrey Rd. In 0.6 mi take a left onto Pent Rd. Parking at end of road.
FAHNESTOCK STATE PARK Cold Spring Tpke, Kent, NY
Pelton Pond (Sept 7): Taconic State Pkwy to Rte 301. West for 0.7mi on Rt 301, past camping area on left to Pelton Pond Parking lot on left.
AT Trail (July 27): Taconic State Pkwy to NY-301. West for 1.6 m on NY-301/Cold Spring Turnpike, passing Pelton Pond parking lot on left. Park after Canopus lake on Right.
GREENBURGH NATURE CENTER 99 Dromore rd, Scarsdale, NY
Bronx River Parkway to Westchester County Center, Exit 22. If coming from the south, turn left onto Central Ave (Rte. 100); if coming from the north, turn right onto Central Avenue. Take Rte 100 south for 2.5 mi. Pass a US Post Office on the right. Turn Left on Dromore Road and drive to parking area.
KETTLETOWN STATE PARK Georges Hill Rd, Southbury,CT
Off Interstate 84: take Exit 15. Go south onto CT Route 67. Take a right at the first traffic light onto Kettletown Road. Continue for approximately 3 miles on Kettletown Road. Take a right onto Georges Hill Road. Park is located on the left approximately 0.6 miles.
MIANUS RIVER PARK Merriebrook Ln, Stamford, CT
Merritt Pkwy North to Exit 33, going South on Den Rd. Go 1/8 mile to sharp right onto Roxbury Rd (look for white church). Left onto Westover Rd. Go 1.2 miles and turn right onto Merriebrook Lane. Park at red barn.
MOUNTAIN LAKES CAMP Mountain Lkes Camp Rd, North Salem, NY
I-684 to exit 6, Katonah/Cross River. Route 35 east 4.1 miles. Turn left at Shell station onto Rte 121 NORTH. Go 4.8 miles to Grants Corners. Small traffic circle on right. Turn Right onto Hawley Road. Go 1 mile. Turn Left onto Mountain Lakes Road. Go to parking area
MUSCOOT FARMNY-100 (1.2 m S NY-35), Katonah, NY
I-684 to exit 6, Katonah/Cross River. NY-35 West 1.5 miles. Left on NY-100 South/Somerstown Turnpike for 1.2 m. Immediately after passing farm look for gravel parking area on right.
NEW POND FARM 101 Marchant Rd Redding, CT
Rt-7 N. Right on Rt 107 junction in Georgetown. Left at Rt 53 and follow for 2.5 miles. Pass John Read Middle School on your right. Take your first left after the school onto Umpawaug Road. Proceed slowly on Umpawaug for .4 miles and take the second right onto Marchant Road. New Pond Farm has the first three driveways on your right. We have a white farm house and yellow barns. Please park in the third driveway (gravel lot).
PUTNAM PARK Putnam Park Rd, West Redding, CT
From White Plains on 287E: Take Exit 11 for Rye and Route 1 (right lane of exit). At stop sign, make a Left onto Rte 136. Go North for 5.2 miles to Rte 58. At Rte 58, Go North 8.8 miles to the intersection of Rte 107 & 58. Putnam Memorial is at the intersection of Route 58 &107.
From West: I-84, take Exit 5 to Rte 53 South for 3.4 miles to Rte 302. Take Rte 302 East for 1.6mi to Rte 58. Take Rte 58 South for 2.8mi. Putnam Memorial at intersection of Rte 58 & 107.
QUARRY HEAD Ridgefield Rd, Wilton, CT
US-7 to CT-33 N in Wilton CT. Go 3.6 miles and look for Quarry head sign on right, directly across from mailbox #765.
RYE NATURE CENTER 873 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY
I-95 to exit 19 toward Rye/Harrison. After 500ft take the ramp to Rye/Harrison. After 200ft turn left onto Playland Access Dr. After 0.1 m turn right on Old Post Rd. After 0.3 m take a sharp left on Boston Post Rd. Destination will be on the left after 0.7m
SETH LOW PIERREPONT 50 Barlow Mountain Rd, Ridgefield, CT
From Purdys, NY: Take 116 E/S for 8.5 miles. Left on Barlow Mountain Rd. After 0.3 miles keep left to stay on Barlow Mountain Rd and look for parking area.
From Ridgefield, CT: Take 116 N for 2.1 miles. Right on Barlow Mountain Rd. After 0.3 miles keep left to stay on Barlow Mountain Rd and look for parking area.
SOUTHFORD FALLS SP175 Quaker Farms Rd, Southbury, CT
I-84 East to Exit 15 (Southbury/Seymour). Take Rte 67 Southeast 2.6 miles to Rte 188. Turn right on Rte 188 to Park entrance.
SQUANTZ POND 178 Shortwoods Rd, New Fairfield, CT
While traveling north on CT. Rt. 39 -go left onto the Beaver Bog Road/Squantz Pond State Park entrance. Go to the immediate right parking lot/ Boat area. Meet there.
STATE LINE LOOKOUT Palisades N(opposite Exit 3), Alpine, NJ
I-287 W over the Tappan Zee Bridge. Take exit 10 for US-9W S. After 7 miles Turn left on Palisades Parkway S. Quickly move to the left lane for a median U-turn (well-marked). Use caution, as you will need to get into the right lane immediately to exit for State Line Lookout.
SYLVAN GLEN PRESERVE Morris Ln/Grant, Yorktown, NY
Taconic Parkway to Rte 202, Yorktown. Go West on Rte 202 1.8 miles. Turn Right onto Lexington Avenue. Go about 0.6 miles. Right onto Morris Lane and follow it straight into the parking area. Continue straight beyond Grant Ave to parking area.
TROUT BROOK VALLEY Bradley Rd, Weston, CT
Merritt Pkwy North to exit 42. Turn right on 57 North/Weston Rd. In .9 miles turn right on Lyons Plain Rd. In approx .10 miles you will be at a 4 road junction—go slightly left onto Valley Forge Rd. In about a mile turn right on Bradley Rd. Drive into our Trout Brook Valley Permit Parking lot.
TURKEY MOUNTAIN Saw Mill River Rd, Yorktown,NY
Taconic Parkway to Underhill Ave. Turn Right and go East on Underhill Ave for Yorktown, NY 1.3 miles to Rte 118. Turn Right, heading South for 1.5 miles. Entrance is on the right, across from sign for “Peter Pratt’s Inn.
WINNAKEE NATURE PRESERVE Behind Pete’s, 4204 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY
Taconic State Parkway North to exit NY-55 W toward Poughkeepsie. After 8.3 mi turn right onto Columbus Dr/Washington St. After 0.7 mi take a slight right toward N Rd. After 0.1 mi turn right onto U.S. 9 N/N Rd. Look for Pete’s Famous Restaurant on right in 4.1 mi. Park in dirt lot behind Pete’s Famous Restaurant. Do not use restaurant parking lot.
WARD POUND RIDGE RESERVATION NY-121 (0.1mi S NY-35), Cross River, NY
I-684 to Exit 6. Take Rte 35 E 4.1 miles to Rte 121. Turn Right (South) on Rte 121 and make an immediate Left into the Park entrance. Go ½ mile to ticket booth where admission will be waived for members of the ‘Connecticut-Westchester Mycological Association.’ Meet in the parking lot at the end of Michigan Road. It is the first paved road that goes off to the right once you have passed the entrance booth.
WHIPPOORWILL PARK390 Whippoorwill Rd, Chappaqua, NY
Saw Mill River Pkwy Northbound: Right Readers Digest Rd(x33)/Roaring Brooke Rd, crossing RR tracks and bearing Right up the hill. Right at light on NY-117 /N Bedford Rd. Take 1st Left on Whippoorwill Rd. After 0.6 miles look for parking on left (it is 0.2 miles past Stornowaye St).
Saw Mill River Pkwy Southbound: Left on Readers Digest Rd, after tracks directions as above.