News

Introduction:

Hammond Hill State Forest is my home.  I have lived 36 years of my life surrounded by her peace and beauty, learning from her, nurtured by her generous spirit.  I have raised a family here: three sons who have each in turn left, only to return to live near her.  There is an incredible loving energy here that draws you in, soothes your soul and replenishes your spirit.  I have read of areas that supposedly possess energy vortices:  spiritual places where the energy is right to facilitate prayer, meditation and healing.  I am convinced that Hammond Hill is such a place, but you don't have to take my word for it.  Come yourself and walk her paths, discover for yourself if you can feel what I feel.  Over the course of time, I will share her stories with you; perhaps through those you can catch a glimpse of her own special magic. 

News:

Hammond Hill State Forest is currently up for a Unit Management Plan Review, together with her sister forest Yellow Barn State Forest.   The two make up the section know as Twin Sheds, due to their straddling two water drainages.  Further information can be accessed via the NYS DEC website.  I hope to have links to this proposed UMP shortly.

Adopt A Natural Resource:

The Friends Of Hammond Hill is an AANR partner with the NYS DEC, working closely with the DEC to care for the forest, primarily through trail maintenance and light upkeep.  We are a very informal conglomeration of hikers, snowshoers, cross country skiers, mountain bikers, equestrians, snowmobilers, dog walkers, orienteers, birders, geocachers, ... you name it, we have at least one enthusiast in the bunch.  We gather once or twice a year, sometimes more often depending on what nature threw our way by way of storm damage to trails.  Mike Ludgate (of Ludgate Farms) runs a Bike-Ski list serve that will alert people to our activities, Also the various trail groups such as Cayuga Nordic Ski Club, Central New York Orienteers, The NYS Horse Council and others will alert their club members to trail activities.  I tend to be the one who sets a schedule, and in the past have notified a small core group of folks who I know will get the word out. These folks then notify their club base of what is happening when.  So far it's worked pretty well this way, but I will try to do better in future, as often I hear from people who want to help but aren't in any formal group and hence do not get a heads up. I will ATTEMPT to post here on my website (under News) things that are up and coming.  I tend to get too busy and fall behind with my good intentions, however, so bear with me.    
 

cheers! Ann