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ASP News Summer 2016

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Allegany State Park News

Page 1

Summer 2016

park map inside!

Welcome Home! Park News summer 2016

ESIGNERS, JENNIE ACKLIN 716-699-4062

upcoming events June

June 27 – Weekly Environmental Education And Interpretation Programming Begins Schedules at www.facebook.com/ Alleganystatepark

July

July 3 – Quaker Fireworks – Quaker Beach Area July 16 – Allegany Interpretive Hike (TBD) July 22 – Rock The Park – Quaker Beach Area

August

August 19 –Annual Beach Party with Fireworks Red House Beach Area August 20 – Allegany Interpretive Hike (TBD)

September

September 2 - Weekly Environmental Education And Interpretation Programming Ends September 17 – Allegany Interpretive Hike (TBD) September 26 – National Public Lands Day (Red House Area)

October

October 15 – Allegany Interpretive Hike (TBD) Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Alleganystatepark

New Outdoor Seating for the Park Restaurant Did you notice anything different when you pulled up to the Red House Administration Building? If you’re looking for an unbeatable view and a new way to enjoy the park, look no further than the Park Restaurant’s outdoor patio, celebrating its grand opening this spring. The Park Restaurant, located in the Red House Administration Building, is a great evening destination or gives park guests a break from cooking over the campfire. But, up until recently, the fare had to be enjoyed indoors. Now everyone can enjoy a meal under the sun or under the stars on the all-new outdoor patio, located in front of the Administration Building, overlooking Red House Lake. Take in views of the lake while you dine under umbrellas. Come evening, string lights transform the patio to a relaxing hangout space to grab a bite and catch up with friends. The patio seats approximately 45 people, with room for a possible future expansion. Allegany State Park. The Park Restaurant offers a selection The Park Restaurant is open Mondaysto suit every taste. Stop in Friday evenings Saturdays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays for the famous haddock fish fry. Jump out 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day. of bed Sunday morning for the extensive Open Fridays through Sundays from final Park Restaurant logo 4-20-16 breakfast buffet. Treat yourself to a variety Labor Day to early November. of appetizers to share, hearty sandwiches, healthy salads, steaks, seafood and so much more, with daily specials complementing the already-full menu. Whatever you’re craving, whether you want to choose the comfort of the indoor space or the excitement of the outdoor space, you’re sure to have a fabulous meal AT ALLEGANY STATE PARK at everybody’s home away from home,

The Park

Restaurant

New Quaker Bathhouse Ready for Beach Season

Photos by Paul Crawford

When you enter the park’s Quaker area for the first time this season, you’ll notice a brand-new bathhouse overlooking Quaker Lake, where the former bathhouse, built in 1970, once stood. The old structure was torn down last fall, and construction on the new building began soon afterwards. The new bathhouse consists of one wing with lifeguard, first aid, storage and snack bar areas, with another for restrooms, including a men’s group bathroom, women’s group bathroom, and two family restrooms. The new bathhouse also includes a third center section that includes a multipurpose room which will be used for interpretive and nature lectures, Friends Group meetings and programs, staff training and private events. This yearround event room, which park staff will also be a popular location for weddings, will be rentable through the park’s rental office. The building will feature a large kitchen and seating to accommodate such groups, and the park will soon begin a partnership with Dina’s of Ellicottville to provide catering services. The bathhouse snack bar also makes its return, providing much-needed munchies for hungry beach-goers. Guests will be able to find all the staples, like ice cream, burgers and fries, and plans to add in some more healthy options are in the works. Along the exterior of the building, three exterior shower towers have been added for patrons to rinse off, as well as new cluster seating and all new playground structures. The total footprint of the new building is just over 10,000 square feet, about 1,500 square feet larger than the original building. The total cost of the Quaker Bathhouse project was $4,031,000. The breakdown of funding includes $2,250,000 of NY Parks 2020 funding, $1,750,000 which was provided by the LWCF (Land and Water Conservation Fund) and an additional

The new Quaker Bathhouse $31,000 that was provided by the Allegany Region. The project was accomplished via four prime contracts awarded to an electrical, mechanical, plumbing and general contractor, each using numerous subcontractors as needed. Those who are familiar with Quaker beach know that there is plenty of parking, and that, too, has gotten a facelift. The lower parking lot will receive new LED lighting, new concrete curbing and sidewalks along with a complete new pavement once all the building is completed. The upper parking lot will be used for overflow parking as needed. Of course, this fantastic new structure is just a stop on your way to the scenic lake, where you can sprawl out on a blanket, catch some rays, build a sandcastle and cool off in the tranquil summer water. Beach season at the park starts in late June, and the new bathhouse is on schedule to open just in time for it.

The old Quaker Bathhouse

New playground


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Allegany State Park News

Summer 2016

Boathouse Adds to Fleet If you’ve been by Red House Lake in the summertime, chances are you’ve seen people having a blast out on the water, making their way around in bright kayaks and funky paddle boats. These modes of transportation are available for rent at the Boathouse, located adjacent to the Red House Beach. What you might not know is that these aren’t the only ways you can enjoy the lake. The Boathouse also offers canoes, row boats and standup paddleboards (SUPs) for those who want to mix it up. If enjoying the lake from the shore is more up your alley, you can also rent bikes and a four-wheel pedal bike called a Prime Kart. The Boathouse is open daily through Labor Day weekend, weather permitting. Come and play on the lake! Rates are as follows: Watercrafts (kayaks, paddleboats, row boats, SUPs, canoes) $15.95 for the first hour, $10 each additional hour Bikes $8.95 for the first hour, $5 each additional hour Prime Karts $10.95 for the first hour, $5 each additional hour

Park Shops Have Lots in Store This Season What’s a trip to ASP without a stop or two at the stores? There are many to choose from, including a gift shop and a general store on each side of the park. There’s always something new at all the stores, and the upcoming season is no exception. If it’s that perfect gift or souvenir you’re after, check out the Red House gift shop, located inside the Red House Administration Building. The product mix is ever-changing, and whether you’re looking for a t-shirt, mug, picture frame or anything in between, you’ll score unique finds that you won’t find at big-box stores, many of them made in the USA. Great gifts can also be found at the Quaker Gift Shop, located in the same building as the Quaker Museum on ASP 3. This building got a face lift this year with new fixtures and slat wall, as well as a new roof. If you’re staying in the park, but forgot one of those essential camping staples, look no further than the Red House General Store, located on ASP 1 across from the Red House camp sites. The store is stocked with marshmallows, bug spray, camping chairs and everything in between. New this year is the Bear Paw Mining Company, where kids of all ages can choose a rock bag and then “mine” for content to fill it. The activity comes after the soaring popularity of polished rocks in the store over the year, and the 12-foot water tower with plenty of rocks to be had is sure to be a hit with families. At the Red House General Store, located across from the Red House campsite loops, guests can check out the all-new Bear Paw Mining Company, a fun activity for kids and adults. The Quaker General Store, located across from the Quaker Registration Building on ASP 3, also offers a variety of camping necessities, as well as some quick refreshments like burgers and hot dogs. The outdoor ice cream window is a popular summer destination for park-goers. This

Photos by Paul Crawford

Red House Gift Shop

The new Bear Paw Mining Company, located inside the Red House General Store

year, hungry campers have another option to choose from as well—the all-new Bear Paw Fudge Company, which will offer a variety of fresh-made fudge. If it’s a quick bite you’re after, other snack bars are located at the new Quaker Bathhouse (opening in late June) and at Red House beach.

Quaker Gift Shop


Allegany State Park News

Summer 2016

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Adventures Are Waiting for You at Allegany State Park!

Rentals at the Boathouse on Red House Lake Kayaks, Canoes, SUP’s, Paddleboats & Rowboats

taurant logo 4-20-16

NOW OPEN FOR THE SEASON Your Summer Fun Headquarters for Water Rentals

The Park

Bike Rentals for Adults and Kids of all ages. (Life Jackets and Bike Helmets included.) Ice & Bait available.

Restaurant

Open daily through Labor Day final Park Restaurant logo 4-20-16

AT ALLEGANY STATE PARK

The Park

Casual Family Atmosphere

Restaurant AT ALLEGANY STATE PARK

Friday Fish Fry serving Icelandic Fish Popular Sunday Breakfast Buffet Great Burgers • Entrees • Sandwiches

Be Sure to Visit The Park Restaurant Friday Fish Fry serving Icelandic Fish Popular Sunday Breakfast Buffet Great Burgers • Entrees • Sandwiches

Daily Specials • Great Service • Gift Shop

Daily Specials • Great Service • Gift Shop

NEW Outdoor Patio

NOW OPEN NEW Outdoor Patio overlooking Red House Lake

The Year-Round Park -

Camp, hike, bike, boat

The Year-Round Park - Camp, hike, bike, boat For more information, call (716)354-9121 or (716)354-9163 Like Us on Facebook, Allegany State Park Shops Restaurant

Red House and Quaker beaches open daily June 25 through Labor Day weekend.

For more information, call (716)354-9121 or (716)354-9163

Come and Explore ASP! Like Us on Facebook, Allegany State Park Shops Restaurant

The Park Restaurant Menu

Great Outdoors Starters & wings

cabin trail burgers & summit sandwiches

Beer Battered Onion Rings

The Patty Melt

Quesadilla

A large flour shell grilled an stuffed with plenty of cheddar jack cheese. 7.99 Add chicken 8.99 Add beef 9.99

Served with our own zesty dipping sauce. 5.99

Allegany Nachos

Served with our own chili and cheese. 9.99

Buffalo Chicken Wings

Fried Mozzarella

Always made fresh for you!

Whole milk mozzarella, battered, lightly fried and served with marinara sauce. 7.99

Loaded Fries

Served with plenty of chunky bleu cheese dressing & celery sticks.

We start with fresh potatoes, cut and fry them, then top with cheese, smoked bacon and salsa. Served with a side of sour cream. Great for sharing. 8.99

Lumberjack Pizza Logs

Mozzarella, pepperoni and sauce stuffed in a pizza crust and fried. Served with marinara. 7.99

Choose your sauce: Mild • Medium • Hot • BBQ Garlic Parmesan • Honey Mustard Sweet Asian • Chili Rubbed Choose your serving: 6 wings 7.99 • 10 wings 11.99 • Add fries 2.99

Campfire soups & fresh greens Soup of the Lodge

Caesar Salad

Ask your server what great soups are made daily. 3.99 Fresh romaine tossed with a classic Caesar dressing. 9.99 Add chicken or salmon 12.99

Baked French Onion

This favorite is made of fresh onions and a rich beef stock, topped with melted Swiss and provolone. 4.99

Chili

Our own recipe topped with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. 4.99

Chef Salad

Tomato, red and green peppers and onions. 9.99

Taco Salad

Iceberg lettuce served with taco meat, shredded cheddar cheese, tomatoes, sour cream and salsa. 11.99

Chili

Pittsburgh Steak Salad

Fresh greens, tomato, red onion, red and green pepper, cheddar cheese, fresh fries, bacon and grilled 6 oz. NY strip steak. 14.99

House Salad

Served with our own fresh made French fries

Rye, Swiss, sauteed onion and Thousand Island dressing. Made famous at the 1940s roadside diners. 10.99

Beef on Weck

A Western New York favorite! Slow roasted beef thinly slices and served on a salted bun with a side of au jus. 10.99

Grilled Bologna

A Buffalo favorite! Grilled slices of bologna topped with grilled onions and cheese served in a hard roll. 7.99

Garden Burger

A healthy choice burger served with lettuce, tomato and onion. 9.99

French Onion Sandwich

Sliced beef topped with sauteed onions, Swiss and provolone. 9.99

hungry hungry bear bear entrees entrees All entrees served with a house salad and one side.

“Boathouse” Fish Fry

Our famous 10 oz. fish fry, served with coleslaw and French fries. Beer battered, broiled or Cape Cod style. 14.99

Sirloin Steak

With choice of dressing 3.99

An 8 oz. USDA Choise American grain-fed sirloin, aged for flavor and tenderness. 18.99

House Caesar Salad

A 12 oz. USDA Choice American grain-fed strip,

Romaine lettuce with a classic Caesar dressing. 3.99

Outfitters NY Strip

Chicken Breast Sandwich Grilled or crispy friend. 8.99

Polish Reuben

Kielbasa, sauerkraut, Swiss, Thousand Island dressing and a hint of BBQ gives a different twist. 9.99

Lodge Fish Sandwich

Lightly breaded haddock on a toasted roll. 9.99

Build Your Own Burger

10.99 Start with a fresh, juicy, half pound burger! Your Choice of Cheese: Swiss • Jack • Provolone • American Your Choice of Toppings: Lettuce 8 Tomato • Sauteed Onions Bacon • Mushrooms • Sunny Side Egg Chili

The West Texas

A grilled chicken breast topped with an orange whiskey glaze. 14.99

Holiday Roast Beef Dinner Slow roasted beef, carved and served with plenty of mashed potatoes and rich brown gravy. 15.99

Science Lake Grilled Salmon Grilled salmon topped with a local maple glaze. 17.99

aged for flavor and tenderness. 22.99

Southern Baby Back Ribs Slow cooked until tender. Memphis dry rub or our own zensty BB. Half 15.99 • Full 21.99

Slow-Cooked Pot Roast

Served with a hearty portion of vegetables, mashed potatoes and brown gravy. 15.99


J-CON PARK CONCESSIONS

TONE DESIGNERS, JENNIE ACKLIN 716-699-4062 LOGO

LOGO

LOGO

1 Red House Gift Shop

LOGO

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©2013 KEYSTONE DESIGNERS, JENNIE ACKLIN 716-699-4062

1st floor Administration Building

2 Park Restaurant

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©2013 KEYSTONE DESIGNERS, JENNIE ACKLIN 716-699-4062

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©2013 KEYSTONE DESIGNERS, JENNIE ACKLIN 716-699-4062

1 2 3

©2013 KEYSTONE DESIGNERS, JENNIE ACKLIN 716-699-4062

2nd floor Administration Building

3

LOGO

Patio

Front, Administration Building 6

©2013 KEYSTONE DESIGNERS, JENNIE ACKLIN 716-699-4062

4

Boathouse

Watercraft & Bike Rentals

5 Red House Beach Snack Bar 6 Red House General Store

LOGO

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©2013 KEYSTONE DESIGNERS, JENNIE ACKLIN 716-699-4062

Store, Laundromat, Bear Paw Mining Co.

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Quaker General Store

Store, Food Court, Ice Cream Bar

LOGO

8 Quaker Outdoor Movie Area

LOGO

9

Quaker Beach Snack Bar & Event Center

10 Art Roscoe XC Ski Area/ Ski Shop

Ski Rentals and Snack Bar Mountain Bike Trails

11 Quaker Gift Shop Store and Laundromat

Photos by Paul Crawford

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©2013 KEYSTONE DESIGNERS, JENNIE ACKLIN 716-699-4062

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©2013 KEYSTONE DESIGNERS, JENNIE ACKLIN 716-699-4062


Allegany State Park News

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Summer 2016

Be a Friend of ASP

COMING THIS SUMMER!

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS

WATCH MOVIES ON THE BIG SCREEN AT QUAKER GENERAL STORE Weather permitting. Schedule available at park shops and at www.facebook.com/Allegany-State-Park-Shops-Restaurant.

Movies start at dusk.

The Friends of Allegany State Park is a non profit organization whose mission is to work with the state of New York to promote, preserve, and maintain Allegany State Park. The park has been enjoyed by people of all ages for almost 100 years. The Friends pursue this mission by serving as ambassadors and advocates for the park and the wider community. This is accomplished by recruiting friends and volunteers and by developing corporate and community partners. The Friends strive to network with the talent, knowledge, and enthusiasm that is needed to keep the park relevant and vital. The Friends will strive to preserve, maintain, and interpret the historic character and natural beauty of the park. Friends of Allegany State Park was started as a result of inquiries as to how folks could give back something to the park that has given so much to us. Due to tight budgets and the immense size of the park, some areas have fallen into neglect. This is where we hope to fill the void. Through volunteerism and donations, we have monthly events to help clean up and maintain all areas of the park. We will meet the first Saturday of each month through the months of May through September, and the places and projects will be posted on the various ASP Facebook pages well in advance. Thank you for visiting and liking our page. We hope to make a difference in the park we know and have grown to love. Call us at (716) 253-1209 for more information. www.friendsofallegany.com info@friendsofallegany.com

Save the Red House Sawmill Raffle

The Friends of Allegany State Park are proud to announce the second raffle fund raiser for the renovation of the Red House Sawmill. This raffle will be for a three night stay at a Bova Cottage December 2,3 & 4, 2016. The cottage was generously donated by Allegany Partners, the developers who built both the Bova and Parallel Cottage loops. Tickets will be available at the Red House Gift Shop and are $5 each or 5 for $20. All proceeds will benefit the restoration of the mill, which was shuttered in 1997. This Friends project is in cooperation with Allegany State Park management. Thank you J-Con Parks your cosponsorship of this event!

2016 Artist in Residence July 4 – July 8: Panfils Monday: 7:30pm Quaker Amphitheater Tuesday: 7:30pm Red House Admin. Bldg Lawn Wednesday: 1:30pm Quaker Amphitheater Thursday: 1:30pm Red House Beach House Friday: 7:30pm Quaker Amphitheater July 11 – July 15: Sunset Bluegrass Band Monday: 7:30pm Quaker Amphitheater Tuesday: 7:30pm Red House Admin. Bldg Lawn Wednesday: 7:30pm Quaker Amphitheater Thursday: 1:30pm Red House Beach House Friday: 7:30pm Red House Beach House July 18 – July 22: Sean Patrick McGraw Monday: 7:30pm Quaker Amphitheater Tuesday: 7:30pm Red House Admin. Bldg Lawn Wednesday: 4:30pm Quaker Amphitheater Thursday: 1:30pm Red House Beach House Friday: 7:30pm Quaker Beach Area July 25 – July 29: Jamie Haight

Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday:

7:30pm Quaker Amphitheater 7:30pm Red House Admin. Bldg Lawn 7:30pm Quaker Amphitheater 1:30pm Red House Beach House 7:30pm Quaker Amphitheater

August 1 – August 5: Ken Hardley Monday: 6:30pm Quaker Amphitheater Tuesday: 6:30pm Red House Admin Bldg Lawn Wednesday: 6:30pm Quaker Amphitheater Thursday: 1:30pm Red House Beach House Friday: 6:30pm Red House Beach House August 8 – August: 12: Kevin McCarthy Monday: 6:30pm Quaker Amphitheater Tuesday: 6:30pm Red House Admin Bldg Lawn Wednesday: 6:30pm Quaker Amphitheater Thursday: 6:30pm Quaker Amphitheater Friday: 1:30pm Red House Beach House August 15 – August 19: Dave Stayner Monday: 6:30pm Quaker Amphitheater Tuesday: 6:30pm Red House Admin Bldg Lawn Wednesday: 6:30pm Quaker Amphitheater Thursday: 1:30pm Red House Beach House Friday: 6:30pm Red House Beach House August 22 – August 26: Davis & Eng

Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday:

6:30pm Quaker Amphitheater 6:30pm Red House Admin Bldg Lawn 6:30pm Quaker Amphitheater 1:30pm Red House Beach House 6:30pm Quaker Amphitheater

Other Concerts: Quaker Fireworks (7/3): Goodbye Dawn Rock the Park (7/22): Artist in Residence: Sean Patrick McGraw

Headliner: Roadhouse Rebels Beach Party (8/19): Artist in Residence: Dave Stayner

Headliner: Kokomo Time Band

Join us July 3 for fireworks at Quaker Beach 9th Annual Beach Party & Fireworks LOGO

August 19, Red House Beach

The Saw Mill is located behind the Red House Recycling Center.

Sally’s Hootenanny Celebrates 45 Years! This year marks the 45th anniversary of Sally’s Hootenanny, a park tradition! Come summer, every Thursday night at 8 p.m., dozens of park-goers gather in the Quaker Amphitheater for a high-energy singalong, led by the one and only Sally Marsh. Be sure to check out the special display in the Quaker Museum, sponsored by the Allegany State Park Historical Society, highlighting Sally’s 45 years doing the Hootenanny. “I have three boards of memories and two shadow boxes for the display,” Marsh said. “Everyone should be as lucky as me for such wonderful memories!” The Hootenanny season kicks off on Thursday, June 30, and runs through Thursday, Sept. 1. Last year, money raised from a special Hootenanny event celebrating Smoky Bear’s birthday, went toward a new projector, bringing Friday night movies back to the Amphitheater. Enjoy a movie under the stars with friends old and new and relive your childhood! See the schedule of movies below.

Friday Night Movies @ Quaker Amphitheater Friday, July 1 Johnny Shiloh Friday, July 8 Absent Minded Professor Friday, July 15 Bedknobs and Broomsticks Friday, July 29 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Friday, August 5 Ghost and Mr Chicken Friday, Aug 12 Snowdogs Friday, Aug 26 Jungle Book

ONLINE STORE

©2013 KEYSTONE DESIGNERS, JENNIE ACKLIN 716-699-4062

www.ebay.com/alleganystateparkonline Check out our online site! Fast shipping • Lots of ASP souvenirs & gifts • New items & clothing • Books & lots more!

Friday, September 2 The Nutty Professor All movies start at dusk


Allegany State Park News

Summer 2016

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Stay in the Park

Cottage on Fancher Trail

Camp Site on Red House Loop C

Camp site on Cain Hollow

Cabin on Kaiser Trail

Group Camp 5

Group Camp 12

Allegany State Park offers hundreds of options to best fit your stay inside the park. Numerous camp sites for tents or campers can be found in the Red House Campgrounds on ASP 1, at Cain Hollow, behind Quaker Lake, and on the Diehl Trail on Quaker. Choose from a variety of cabins. Within the park, you’ll find very bare bones cabins with one room and no electricity, to electrified cabins with multiple rooms and full size kitchen appliances. Some are close to the action and to one another, while others are in more private, wooded settings. Do you want to be able to easily access the paved bike path? Do you need a bathroom on your trail? Do you want to back up to the woods? Are you hoping a creek runs behind your site? If a certain location or type of site is a deal breaker for you, take a drive around and jot down some sites or cabins you like. If you really want to live it up, book a stay at one of the park’s full-service cottages, located on the Bova (Red House) and Parallel (Quaker) trails. There are 15 cottages on Bova and 13 on Parallel, five of which on each trail are pet-friendly. Full service means you really just need to bring your personal items. Amenities include sheets/pillows, towels, kitchen supplies, two bedrooms (one with a full bed, one with two twin beds), a full bathroom with shower, two futons, forced air heat, stove, refrigerator, blankets, utensils, coffee machine and a toaster. Cottages also include two picnic tables and outdoor grills. The cottages, many of the cabins and the “prime” location camp sites are very popular during peak season, , which runs from the end of June to the end of August each year. During peak season, cabins and cottages are reservable for 7 or 14-day minimums. During peak season, a camping party and their equipment may occupy a site for a maximum of 14 continuous days, after which, the camping party and equipment must leave the site and facility for two days before registering again for another site. The popularity of these cottages means you need to make your plans early, as fall dates are already booking up. Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance at www.reserveamerica.com. Walk-ins are welcome in the off-season and guests can rent one at either rental office in the park. To insure fairness for all NY customers, any reservation with departure dates outside the 9-month Maximum Window cannot be changed or cancelled until 18 days after the reservation was made.

Looking to reserve for just one night? If you make your reservation within three days of your arrival, you can book a onenight stay online or through the Call Center. This applies only to campsites. Walk-In Campers If you decided on a whim to camp, and didn’t make plans ahead of time, walk-ins are welcome when space allows. From Labor Day to July 1, cottage, cabin, campsite renters without reservations must arrive at the Quaker or Red House registration buildings prior to 4:30 p.m. Saturday through Thursday and prior 7:30 p.m. Fridays, or call the park for the most up to date office hours. Bear Notice: Be advised that you will be camping in bear country. Please do not leave food, garbage, coolers or other containers unattended as these items are an attractant to bears. Please keep fire pits clean by not burning garbage in them. Literature regarding Allegany State Park wildlife policy will be given out upon check-in. Group Camps ASP boats two group camps. Group Camp 5 is located on Quaker, accommodates up to 72 people in 18 electrified heated cabins (some with shared porch) with four bunks and mattresses per cabin. The Mess Hall is equipped with a commercial refrigerator, freezer, hot water heater, sinks, shelves, and gas cooking range. Heat available in Mess Hall. Central building with showers, flush toilets and coin operated laundry. Pets allowed. Campers must furnish all bedding and camping equipment. NO individual tents. The Park reserves the right to refuse any reservation if Park determines a noncompliance with any rule. Group Camp 12, located on a rural stretch of ASP 2 on the Red House side, consists of 14 total cabins, two of which are singles and six of which are doubles (adjoined by a center porch). There are four additional bunks located in the mess hall bedrooms. Group Camp 12 accommodates up to 60 people. The cabins are primitive with no source of heat. The Mess Hall is equipped with one walk in cooler, hot water heaters, a three-well sink, storage room, gas cooking range with double oven. 14 table/benches, fireplace, 2 bedrooms with bunks and pay phone. Two shower buildings and pit latrines provided. Group Camps 5 & 12 can only be reserved for 7 days. No longer or shorter reservations will be honored. The fine print: Valid reservations allow one vehicle free entry at tollbooths. Any additional vehicles must pay the first time through and will be issued car passes upon registration. All Cabins are equipped with four cots Beehunter trail (cabins have six cots except #’s 5, 6, 7, 31-34). NO Tents allowed in Cabin Areas. Smoking is NOT permitted in any cabins, cottages or group camp areas. Peak season: A person may be the primary site occupant for 14 total days of camping within a 16 day period. S/ he must leave the park for 48 hours once they have stayed the maximum number of days allowed before beginning a new reservation. Wood sold to wood heated cabins only. Only two pets per site are permitted. Current rabies certificate required. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 ft. at all times. Please contact park for additional information prior to making a reservation.

Full Service Cottages in the Park Year-found, full services cottages located on Bova (Red House) and Parallel (Quaker) trails 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, great room and bathroom with shower All linens, dishes, kitchen utensils included Porch, picnic table, fire pit Photos by Paul Crawford

Reserve up to nine months in advance at www.reserveamerica.com


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Allegany State Park News

Summer 2016

PARK CONTACT INFO

Enjoy Winter at the Park Allegany State Park is a year-round park where four seasons’ worth of great fun awaits. Make your plans now to visit in the winter months!

Park Concessions J-Con Parks Main Office and Info....(716) 354-9163 Summit Ski Shop (weekends only)...(716) 945-0523 Red House Gift Shop..........................(716) 354-9282 Park Restaurant...................................(716) 354-2030 Boathouse ............................................(716) 354-9166 Camping reservations ........................800-456-CAMP www.reserveamerica.com Red House Rental Office....................(716) 354-9121 Quaker Rental Office..........................(716) 354-2182 Administration Office ........................(716) 354-9101 Park Police ...........................................(716) 354-9111 or 911

In case of fire or medical emergency DIAL 911

Daily Summer Programming Starts June 27

Miles of groomed cross country ski trails Snowshoe and hiking trails Winterized cabins and cottages Snowmobiling Ice fishing Close to downhill skiing in Ellicottville, NY Minues from Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca

Explore the Junior Naturalist Program at Allegany! Can you really eat ants? What other things are edible in the great outdoors? Do y o u know what Poison Ivy looks like? Or what about Stinging Nettle? You could learn the answers to these and many other nature questions by becoming one of the Junior Naturalists of Allegany State Park. Allegany State Park has a great program for every kid, young and old, to take part in— a graduated program where children ages 5-16, working w i t h adults/parents, complete a designated number of tasks relating A brave group of girls tries eating ants. to the programs and activities within the park. Some tasks include a plant scavenger hunt, bird/wildlife watching, a stream study, and recycling. After completing the requirements, the 5-11 year old participants achieve the rank of Jr. Naturalist, a certificate and a colorful bandana. The 12-16 year olds, besides completing the requirements, must also deliver a five-minute interpretive talk about something they have learned during their stay at the park. They will then receive the title of Naturalist-in-Training (NIT). They will also receive a bandana and a certificate and be allowed to assist park naturalists on guided hikes. NIT programs are great for teens that may be thinking of pursuing a career in outdoor education or environmental studies. This program will focus on skills needed to become a qualified naturalist. Salamanders, birds, butterflies and dragonflies will be some of the species studied throughout the summer. Data collected from these studies will be used by colleges and other organizations across the country such as Monarch Watch and the NYSDEC. The tasks are outlined in a book called The Junior Naturalist Notebook, which costs $5. The books can be purchased at Nature Book Store located in the Administration Building, Quaker Rental Office and the Quaker Museum. Once you have completed the Jr. Naturalist book, try one of the supplements. This year the subject is black bears. Each participate will receive a rub-on bear tattoo with their purchase of the Bear Book. The books are $3, with all proceeds used to develop the Jr. Naturalist Programs. The goal of the program, besides encouraging fun while learning about nature and the park, is to help kids develop a lifelong understanding and appreciation of their natural surroundings and the environment so they will become responsible stewards of the land as they mature.

A new summer season is about to begin at Allegany State Park. Many park visitors enjoy the park as a place to camp, hike, swim, or just relax. In addition, the park offers a wide variety of nature walks and learning activities throughout the year. Walks are offered on numerous topics, with some being traditional favorites and others conducted according to the interests and expertise of the park’s seasonal naturalists. The following are the ten most popular programs with our park visitors. • The “Tour of the Bear Caves” is offered two days a week. The program consists of a short hike from the parking area, near Kaiser Cabin Trail, up the hill to the rock ledge. There are three small caves in the rocks, two of which the naturalists explore with the hike participants. The caves are NOT inhabited by bears. The program includes information about the rocks formations as well as the North American black bear. • The “Tour of a Beaver Colony” is scheduled for the evening hours, 7:30 PM during June and July, and 7:00 PM during August. Beavers become active about an hour before sunset. There are numerous active ponds in both the Quaker and Red House areas of the park. Tours are scheduled in both areas of the park to reduce travel time, but park visitors often have favorite ponds. Beavers move periodically, usually because of a shortage of food. Look for many ponds close to the road on ASP route 2. Tours of the Beaver Colony are scheduled at least once per week. • “Salamanders” is a program about one of our favorite amphibians. Due to the area’s diverse forest and freshwater ecosystems, NYS is home to a variety of salamander species. Allegany boasts 15 different kinds from the huge Hellbender to the common Red Eft. Life cycles are discussed along with threats to these important creatures in our ecosystem. A children’s version of this program is called the “Frog Game”. • “Creek Critters”, a summertime favorite, is also a favorite of school groups in the spring and fall. What fun to wade in the creek and catch crayfish, minnows and insect larvae. Small microscopes provide an opportunity to inspect some of the smaller critters that live in the water. Favorite locations for this program include the picnic areas and Science Lake. • The “Tour of Thunder Rocks” gives park visitors an opportunity to learn about this favorite park attraction. Thunder rocks are located on one of the highest ridges in the park. The rock is not as ancient as the Devonian bedrock common to this area. Information about plants and trees in the area is included in the tour. • “Raccoon rangers” is a program for children ages 5 to 12 years. The activities are meant to be fun and to teach children a little about mammals, birds, trees and other living things. A popular activity is the bear education segment, in which the children learn what happens to park bears that get into garbage. Why is feeding the bears bad? What happens to bears the park traps? Are you curious? The naturalist offer an adult version of the program, called “Black Bears of ASP.” • “Butterflies and Insects:” Along with their cousins the moths and skippers, butterflies make up the second largest family of insects, beetles being the most numerous with over 300,000 different species. Park visitors have the opportunity to catch, identify and observe different butterflies and any other insect they choose to swoop into their large nets. Late August, the most widely known butterfly, the Monarch, is caught, tagged and recorded for the Monarch Watch program. • With over 250 kinds of birds moving through Allegany State Park during the year, programs about some of our biggest birds are favorites among visitors. Osprey, owls, hawks and even Canada geese are talked about in separate programs over the summer. Learn about the different biology of each of these unique birds, their life cycle, migration, favorite foods. Ospreys’ nests are common in the park and viewed during the program. Another program called “Birds of ASP” deals with how to identify birds by field markings, size and song. • Kids both big and little love the “Fossil Hunt.” The challenge is to teach them what a fossil is, and what their existence means. Bedrock in the park is Devonian age, 350 to 400 million years old. Most of the rock is sandstone and shale, perfect materials for preserving the shapes, and sometimes the structure of sea creatures from the past. The most common fossils are brachiopods, creatures that look similar to clams. They had a different internal structure, however, that sets them apart from the mollusks. Crinoids, also known as sea lilies, were animals related to starfish. They are found more often at the fossil hunts held in Red House. Other treasures occasionally come to light, an octopus-like creature with a coiled shell, known as a cephalopod, a sea fan, even part of a trilobite. • The “Edible Wild Plants” nature walk will give park visitors a taste of the plant life of Allegany State Park. Many things that grow outdoors can be eaten, but be sure you know what you have. The program deals with many common plants that most people would recognize. One naturalist likes to start the program in an area “like your backyard” to look at familiar things like dandelions, burdock, and clover. Methods of preparing some plants are included in the talk. Join the naturalists this summer for some information about your favorite topic, or just to have a good time. Programs are offered Monday through Saturday. Programs start June 27th and will end Labor Day weekend. We hope to see you this summer. For more information about these programs, visit our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/alleganystatepark or call the Environmental Education Department 716- 354-9101 ext 236. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 65 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $1.9 billion in economic activity annually and supports 20,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.


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ASP News Summer 2016 by Community Source - Issuu