CPF Events

Event Calendar

Recurring Events

  • Each first Saturday in June, CPF holds an event to help promote awareness of, and encourage people to discover our 13+ miles of local trials and share their excitement for the outdoors.

  • Each spring and summer, CPF hosts series of community education events, including birding walks, kids’ discovery series, and fishing clinics.

  • Each August, CPF invites you to pack your picnic basket and join us for our annual outdoor concert with Symphoria.

  • Cazenovia’s history comes alive for a special three-night event each October in historic Evergreen Cemetery. Brave guests will be led by lantern light amongst the gravestones, meeting several “ghosts” along the way who will share their tales of adventure and intrigue.

  • This family-friendly 5K takes place each Thanksgiving morning at 9:30 a.m. on CPF’s Gorge Trail.

  • We host free guided snowshoe hikes the 2nd and 4th Sundays of January through March. Snowshoeing is a family-friendly social activity that gets you outside to enjoy the natural beauty of winter in Cazenovia. All experience levels and ages are welcome!

Trail Work Thursday
Apr
25

Trail Work Thursday

People carrying a lot while working on a trail.

Every last Thursday of the month, April through October, you can join CPF board-members, staff, and other volunteers for an hour or two of beautifying your community trails, then maybe grab some refreshments at one of the local establishments. We meet up, collect tools, divide into work crews, and go! Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and bring work gloves.

2024 Dates:

April 25
May 30
June 27
July 25
August 29
September 26
October 24 (3rd Thursday of Oct., so we don’t conflict with Halloween)

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Walk 'n Talks: Birding Series—Global Big Day
May
11

Walk 'n Talks: Birding Series—Global Big Day

Birding enthusiasts walking through a CPF meadow.

Birding enthusiasts walking through a CPF meadow.

Let’s celebrate Global Big Day—an annual celebration of the birds around you! Join John Pumilio, Director of Sustainability at Colgate University and former director of ornithology workshops at the National Audubon Society, for an early morning walk through the Fairchild Hill property. We will be on the lookout for chickadees, juncos, sparrows, tanagers, orioles, hummingbirds, bluebirds, warblers, hawks, woodpeckers, and other species who also make Cazenovia their home.

Just bring your enthusiasm, comfortable footwear that you don't mind getting muddy, and a pair of binoculars. All levels and abilities are welcome.

We will meet in the dedicated trail parking lot, behind the brown building across from the south end of Cazenovia Lake and the intersection of Routes 20 and 92.

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CPF Annual Meeting & Celebration
May
14

CPF Annual Meeting & Celebration

Please join us to recognize this year's service and restoration award recipients, celebrate CPF's 2023 conservation successes, elect officers and board nominees for the coming year, and learn more about exciting projects and upcoming events. Light refreshments will be served.

Open to all members of the community.

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Walks 'n Talks: Fishing Series—Stream Invertebrates
May
18

Walks 'n Talks: Fishing Series—Stream Invertebrates

  • Creekside Park (behind Cazenovia Public Library) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS
Man fly fishing on a creek.

Join natural scientist, Mat Webber, for this second event in our 2024 Fishing Series, to learn about the stream invertebrates in our local waters that every angler should know. This session will help you improve your fly tying and give some tips about choosing which flies to use.

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Trail Work Thursday
May
30

Trail Work Thursday

People carrying a lot while working on a trail.

Every last Thursday of the month, April through October, you can join CPF board-members, staff, and other volunteers for an hour or two of beautifying your community trails, then maybe grab some refreshments at one of the local establishments. We meet up, collect tools, divide into work crews, and go! Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and bring work gloves.

Next Trail Work Thursday Dates:

June 27
July 25
August 29
September 26
October 24 (3rd Thursday of Oct., so we don’t conflict with Halloween)

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Walks 'n Talks: Fishing Series—Learn to Fish/Learn to Fly Fish
Jun
15

Walks 'n Talks: Fishing Series—Learn to Fish/Learn to Fly Fish

CPF has teamed up with Madison County Trout Unlimited and the Shane Pinard Future Fisherman’s Foundation to host a fishing event at Fenner Conservation Pond. This clinic is open to anyone of any age and ability. Depending on your interest, instructors will show you basic fishing or fly fishing techniques. You can bring your own rods and lures, or use the ones that we will have available.

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Trail Work Thursday
Jun
27

Trail Work Thursday

People carrying a lot while working on a trail.

Every last Thursday of the month, April through October, you can join CPF board-members, staff, and other volunteers for an hour or two of beautifying your community trails, then maybe grab some refreshments at one of the local establishments. We meet up, collect tools, divide into work crews, and go! Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and bring work gloves.

Next Trail Work Thursday Dates:

July 25
August 29
September 26
October 24 (3rd Thursday of Oct., so we don’t conflict with Halloween)

View Event →
Trail Work Thursday
Jul
25

Trail Work Thursday

People carrying a lot while working on a trail.

Every last Thursday of the month, April through October, you can join CPF board-members, staff, and other volunteers for an hour or two of beautifying your community trails, then maybe grab some refreshments at one of the local establishments. We meet up, collect tools, divide into work crews, and go! Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and bring work gloves.

Next Trail Work Thursday Dates:

August 29
September 26
October 24 (3rd Thursday of Oct., so we don’t conflict with Halloween)

View Event →
Trail Work Thursday
Aug
29

Trail Work Thursday

People carrying a lot while working on a trail.

Every last Thursday of the month, April through October, you can join CPF board-members, staff, and other volunteers for an hour or two of beautifying your community trails, then maybe grab some refreshments at one of the local establishments. We meet up, collect tools, divide into work crews, and go! Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and bring work gloves.

Next Trail Work Thursday Dates:

September 26
October 24 (3rd Thursday of Oct., so we don’t conflict with Halloween)

View Event →
Trail Work Thursday
Sep
26

Trail Work Thursday

People carrying a lot while working on a trail.

Every last Thursday of the month, April through October, you can join CPF board-members, staff, and other volunteers for an hour or two of beautifying your community trails, then maybe grab some refreshments at one of the local establishments. We meet up, collect tools, divide into work crews, and go! Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and bring work gloves.

Last Trail Work Thursday is Next Month:

October 24
(the 3rd Thursday of Oct., so we don’t conflict with Halloween)

View Event →
Trail Work Thursday
Oct
24

Trail Work Thursday

People carrying a lot while working on a trail.

Every last Thursday of the month, April through October, you can join CPF board-members, staff, and other volunteers for an hour or two of beautifying your community trails, then maybe grab some refreshments at one of the local establishments. We meet up, collect tools, divide into work crews, and go! Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and bring work gloves.

Note: This Trail Work Thursday will be on October 24th, so we don’t conflict with Halloween.

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Walks ‘n Talks: Fishing Series—Intro to Fly Tying
Apr
13

Walks ‘n Talks: Fishing Series—Intro to Fly Tying

Did you know that instead of using bait, such as live worms, fly fishing relies on crafting a lure or “fly” using thread, fur, feathers, and other materials? It can be tricky to make a fly that is good enough to fool a fish!

Join CPF and members of the Madison County Chapter of Trout Unlimited to learn the basics of tying flies. Our instructors will provide the materials and step-by-step instructions. Beginners are welcome!

This activity is recommended for ages 12 to adult. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

A $5 donation to help offset the cost of the materials would be greatly appreciated.

Please RSVP by Saturday, April 6, using the button below, or by emailing us at admin@cazpreservation.org.

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Snowshoe Sundays
Mar
24

Snowshoe Sundays

Mother Nature finally came through for the last Snowshoe Sunday of the season! Join us for snow, sunshine and blue skies. Meier's Creek Brewing Company will have the firepits going on patio so that we can enjoy our post-snowshoe BOGO draft beers.

Snowshoes available to borrow (adult, youth and kids' sizes) on a first-come, first-serve basis thanks to our partner at FROSTY (Friends of Stoney Pond). Plan to arrive a little early (by 11:45) if you want to borrow gear.

See you there!

Snowshoe Sundays are a free and family-friendly way to enjoy the natural beauty of winter. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced winter hiker/shoer, this is a great way to meet new people, get outside for some fresh air and exercise, and discover, or re-discover, the Fairchild/Burlingame Trails. (If there's not enough snow, we'll call it a winter hike instead!)

Location: This year, we will start and end Snowshoe Sundays at Meier’s Creek Brewing Company at 33 Rippleton Rd, Cazenovia, NY.

Special BOGO Bonus: After snowshoeing, you can relax, have a snack and enjoy Meier’s Creek Brewing Company's buy one, get one draft beer special for all Snowshoe Sunday participants. 

FAQs

How long do you hike?

We meet at 12:00 p.m. to get geared up and then hit the trails. You can follow along with a CPF guide for a group snowshoe walk or strike out on your own route. We typically finish up around 1:30 p.m., but you can head back earlier or stay out longer. It’s up to you!

Can anyone snowshoe?

All ages and experience levels are welcome—especially beginners! Come by yourself, bring a friend, or bring your family. We’ve had kids as young as four years old on hikes. Depending on the number of attendees, we can split into groups according to ability level.

What should I wear?

Dress for the weather (dress in layers and avoid cotton) and wear comfortable winter footwear/hiking boots.

What if I don’t own snowshoes?

That’s no problem! Thanks to FROSTY (Friends of Stoney Pond), there are shoes you can borrow in a range of adult, youth, and kids’ sizes.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs on leash are allowed on CPF trails. For snowshoe events, it tends to work well if you and your dog(s) walk ahead of/behind the main group to ensure that other shoers aren't getting tripped up. It's possible that someone else may bring a dog, so if you know that your pet tends to prefer people over other dogs, perhaps it's best to leave Fido at home for this one.

What is there is no snow?

Even if there is not enough to snowshoe, we will still host a winter hike, unless the trails are too icy. Be sure to check the CPF website event page before heading out on the day of your event. We’ll post any cancellations due to weather or trail conditions by 10 AM.

An important PSA for all winter trail users:

When winter trails are groomed or there are well-established ski tracks, we appreciate it when snowshoers, walkers, and their leashed dogs (when possible) can refrain from walking in the ski tracks to preserve the quality of the skiing experience.  Thank you for sharing the trails.

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Bluebird House Installation
Mar
21

Bluebird House Installation

Eastern Bluebird sitting on a branch

UPDATE: Due to the forecast of wind for this Thursday, we’ve decided to postpone our bluebird house installation. Stay tuned for a new date!

Have some fun and join us in putting up our new bluebird houses, recently built by volunteers! We'll meet at St. Peter's Church parking lot at 10 Mill Street on Thursday, March 21 at 4 pm, then head out to install them on CPF property.

Please RSVP to admin@cazpreservation.org. (We want to be able to let you know in case we need to reschedule due to weather conditions.)

View Event →
Snowshoe Sundays
Mar
10

Snowshoe Sundays

Well, the snow probably won’t get here in time for Snowshoe Sunday, but we’ll head out for a winter hike at noon today. Short loop (about 1 mile) or longer option (about 4 miles). Hope to see you there!

Snowshoe Sundays are a free and family-friendly way to enjoy the natural beauty of winter. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced winter hiker/shoer, this is a great way to meet new people, get outside for some fresh air and exercise, and discover, or re-discover, the Fairchild/Burlingame Trails. (If there's not enough snow, we'll call it a winter hike instead!)

Location: This year, we will start and end Snowshoe Sundays at Meier’s Creek Brewing Company at 33 Rippleton Rd, Cazenovia, NY.

Special BOGO Bonus: After snowshoeing, you can relax, have a snack and enjoy Meier’s Creek Brewing Company's buy one, get one draft beer special for all Snowshoe Sunday participants. 

FAQs

How long do you hike?

We meet at 12:00 p.m. to get geared up and then hit the trails. You can follow along with a CPF guide for a group snowshoe walk or strike out on your own route. We typically finish up around 1:30 p.m., but you can head back earlier or stay out longer. It’s up to you!


Can anyone snowshoe?

All ages and experience levels are welcome—especially beginners! Come by yourself, bring a friend, or bring your family. We’ve had kids as young as four years old on hikes. Depending on the number of attendees, we can split into groups according to ability level.


What should I wear?

Dress for the weather (dress in layers and avoid cotton) and wear comfortable winter footwear/hiking boots.

What if I don’t own snowshoes?

That’s no problem! Thanks to FROSTY (Friends of Stoney Pond), there are shoes you can borrow in a range of adult, youth, and kids’ sizes.


Can I bring my dog?

Dogs on leash are allowed on CPF trails. For snowshoe events, it tends to work well if you and your dog(s) walk ahead of/behind the main group to ensure that other shoers aren't getting tripped up. It's possible that someone else may bring a dog, so if you know that your pet tends to prefer people over other dogs, perhaps it's best to leave Fido at home for this one.

What is there is no snow?

Even if there is not enough to snowshoe, we will still host a winter hike, unless the trails are too icy. Be sure to check the CPF website event page before heading out on the day of your event. We’ll post any cancellations due to weather or trail conditions by 10 AM.

An important PSA for all winter trail users:

When winter trails are groomed or there are well-established ski tracks, we appreciate it when snowshoers, walkers, and their leashed dogs (when possible) can refrain from walking in the ski tracks to preserve the quality of the skiing experience.  Thank you for sharing the trails.

View Event →
Snowshoe Sundays
Feb
25

Snowshoe Sundays

There’s no snow out there, but there’s plenty of blue sky and sunshine! Join us at noon today.

Snowshoe Sundays are a free and family-friendly way to enjoy the natural beauty of winter. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced winter hiker/shoer, this is a great way to meet new people, get outside for some fresh air and exercise, and discover, or re-discover, the Fairchild/Burlingame Trails. (If there's not enough snow, we'll call it a winter hike instead!)

Location: This year, we will start and end Snowshoe Sundays at Meier’s Creek Brewing Company at 33 Rippleton Rd, Cazenovia, NY.

Special BOGO Bonus: After snowshoeing, you can relax, have a snack and enjoy Meier’s Creek Brewing Company's buy one, get one draft beer special for all Snowshoe Sunday participants. 

FAQs

How long do you hike?

We meet at 12:00 p.m. to get geared up and then hit the trails. You can follow along with a CPF guide for a group snowshoe walk or strike out on your own route. We typically finish up around 1:30 p.m., but you can head back earlier or stay out longer. It’s up to you!

Can anyone snowshoe?

All ages and experience levels are welcome—especially beginners! Come by yourself, bring a friend, or bring your family. We’ve had kids as young as four years old on hikes. Depending on the number of attendees, we can split into groups according to ability level.

What should I wear?

Dress for the weather (dress in layers and avoid cotton) and wear comfortable winter footwear/hiking boots.

What if I don’t own snowshoes?

That’s no problem! Thanks to FROSTY (Friends of Stoney Pond), there are shoes you can borrow in a range of adult, youth, and kids’ sizes.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs on leash are allowed on CPF trails. For snowshoe events, it tends to work well if you and your dog(s) walk ahead of/behind the main group to ensure that other shoers aren't getting tripped up. It's possible that someone else may bring a dog, so if you know that your pet tends to prefer people over other dogs, perhaps it's best to leave Fido at home for this one.

What is there is no snow?

Even if there is not enough to snowshoe, we will still host a winter hike, unless the trails are too icy. Be sure to check the CPF website event page before heading out on the day of your event. We’ll post any cancellations due to weather or trail conditions by 10 AM.

An important PSA for all winter trail users:

When winter trails are groomed or there are well-established ski tracks, we appreciate it when snowshoers, walkers, and their leashed dogs (when possible) can refrain from walking in the ski tracks to preserve the quality of the skiing experience.  Thank you for sharing the trails.

View Event →
Snowshoe Sundays
Feb
11

Snowshoe Sundays

We're on for today! The trails have dried out quite a bit in recent days, so grab your hiking boots and join us for a walk. We'll be sure to have you back in plenty of time for pre-game festivities!

Snowshoe Sundays with CPF are a free and family-friendly way to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of winter. This low-impact outdoor exercise will get you out on our trails, no matter how wintery the weather. (If there's not enough snow, we'll call it a winter hike instead!)

Location: This year, we will start and end Snowshoe Sundays at Meier’s Creek Brewing Company at 33 Rippleton Rd, Cazenovia, NY.

Special BOGO Bonus: After snowshoeing, you can relax, have a snack and enjoy Meier’s Creek Brewing Company's buy one, get one draft beer special for all Snowshoe Sunday participants. 

FAQs

How long do you hike?

We meet at 12:00 p.m. to get geared up and then hit the trails. You can follow along with a CPF guide for a group snowshoe walk or strike out on your own route. We typically finish up around 1:30 p.m., but you can head back earlier or stay out longer. It’s up to you!

Can anyone snowshoe?

All ages and experience levels are welcome—especially beginners! Come by yourself, bring a friend, or bring your family. We’ve had kids as young as four years old on hikes. Depending on the number of attendees, we can split into groups according to ability level.

What should I wear?

Dress for the weather (dress in layers and avoid cotton) and wear comfortable winter footwear/hiking boots.

What if I don’t own snowshoes?

That’s no problem! Thanks to FROSTY (Friends of Stoney Pond), there are shoes you can borrow in a range of adult, youth, and kids’ sizes.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs on leash are allowed on CPF trails. For snowshoe events, it tends to work well if you and your dog(s) walk ahead of/behind the main group to ensure that other shoers aren't getting tripped up. It's possible that someone else may bring a dog, so if you know that your pet tends to prefer people over other dogs, perhaps it's best to leave Fido at home for this one.

What is there is no snow?

Even if there is not enough to snowshoe, we will still host a winter hike, unless the trails are too icy. Be sure to check the CPF website event page before heading out on the day of your event. We’ll post any cancellations due to weather or trail conditions by 10 AM.

An important PSA for all winter trail users:

When winter trails are groomed or there are well-established ski tracks, we appreciate it when snowshoers, walkers, and their leashed dogs (when possible) can refrain from walking in the ski tracks to preserve the quality of the skiing experience.  Thank you for sharing the trails.

View Event →
Snowshoe Sundays
Jan
28

Snowshoe Sundays

We’re “on” for today! It’s been warm, so plan for mud on the trails and select your footwear accordingly. If we’re lucky, any rain will have switched over to a dusting of snow by the time we head out. See you soon!

Snowshoe Sundays with CPF are a free and family-friendly way to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of winter. This low-impact outdoor exercise will get you out on our trails, no matter how wintery the weather. (If there's not enough snow, we'll call it a winter hike instead!)

Location: This year, we will start and end Snowshoe Sundays at Meier’s Creek Brewing Company at 33 Rippleton Rd, Cazenovia, NY.

Special BOGO Bonus: After snowshoeing, you can relax, have a snack and enjoy Meier’s Creek Brewing Company's buy one, get one draft beer special for all Snowshoe Sunday participants. 

FAQs

How long do you hike?

We meet at 12:00 p.m. to get geared up and then hit the trails. You can follow along with a CPF guide for a group snowshoe walk or strike out on your own route. We typically finish up around 1:30 p.m., but you can head back earlier or stay out longer. It’s up to you!

Can anyone snowshoe?

All ages and experience levels are welcome—especially beginners! Come by yourself, bring a friend, or bring your family. We’ve had kids as young as four years old on hikes. Depending on the number of attendees, we can split into groups according to ability level.

What should I wear?

Dress for the weather (dress in layers and avoid cotton) and wear comfortable winter footwear/hiking boots.

What if I don’t own snowshoes?

That’s no problem! Thanks to FROSTY (Friends of Stoney Pond), there are shoes you can borrow in a range of adult, youth, and kids’ sizes.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs on leash are allowed on CPF trails. For snowshoe events, it tends to work well if you and your dog(s) walk ahead of/behind the main group to ensure that other shoers aren't getting tripped up. It's possible that someone else may bring a dog, so if you know that your pet tends to prefer people over other dogs, perhaps it's best to leave Fido at home for this one.

What is there is no snow?

Even if there is not enough to snowshoe, we will still host a winter hike, unless the trails are too icy. Be sure to check the CPF website event page before heading out on the day of your event. We’ll post any cancellations due to weather or trail conditions by 10 AM.


An important PSA for all winter trail users:

When winter trails are groomed or there are well-established ski tracks, we appreciate it when snowshoers, walkers, and their leashed dogs (when possible) can refrain from walking in the ski tracks to preserve the quality of the skiing experience.  Thank you for sharing the trails.

View Event →
Snowshoe Sundays
Jan
14

Snowshoe Sundays

Men and women dressed in winter gear, snowshoeing up a hill

We're on for today! No showshoes needed, but we'll plan for a winter hike. After this band of snow squalls passes, it should be pretty in the woods with a little fresh dusting.

Snowshoe Sundays with CPF are a free and family-friendly way to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of winter. This low-impact outdoor exercise will get you out on our trails, no matter how wintery the weather. (If there's not enough snow, we'll call it a winter hike instead!)

Location: This year, we will start and end Snowshoe Sundays at Meier’s Creek Brewing Company at 33 Rippleton Rd, Cazenovia, NY.

Special BOGO Bonus: After snowshoeing, you can relax, have a snack and enjoy Meier’s Creek Brewing Company's buy one, get one draft beer special for all Snowshoe Sunday participants. 

FAQs

How long do you hike?

We meet at 12:00 p.m. to get geared up and then hit the trails. You can follow along with a CPF guide for a group snowshoe walk or strike out on your own route. We typically finish up around 1:30 p.m., but you can head back earlier or stay out longer. It’s up to you!

Can anyone snowshoe?

All ages and experience levels are welcome—especially beginners! Come by yourself, bring a friend, or bring your family. We’ve had kids as young as four years old on hikes. Depending on the number of attendees, we can split into groups according to ability level.

What should I wear?

Dress for the weather (dress in layers and avoid cotton) and wear comfortable winter footwear/hiking boots.

What if I don’t own snowshoes?

That’s no problem! Thanks to FROSTY (Friends of Stoney Pond), there are shoes you can borrow in a range of adult, youth, and kids’ sizes.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs on leash are allowed on CPF trails. For snowshoe events, it tends to work well if you and your dog(s) walk ahead of/behind the main group to ensure that other shoers aren't getting tripped up. It's possible that someone else may bring a dog, so if you know that your pet tends to prefer people over other dogs, perhaps it's best to leave Fido at home for this one.

What is there is no snow?

Even if there is not enough to snowshoe, we will still host a winter hike, unless the trails are too icy. Be sure to check the CPF website event page before heading out on the day of your event. We’ll post any cancellations due to weather or trail conditions by 10 AM.

An important PSA for all winter trail users:

When winter trails are groomed or there are well-established ski tracks, we appreciate it when snowshoers, walkers, and their leashed dogs (when possible) can refrain from walking in the ski tracks to preserve the quality of the skiing experience.  Thank you for sharing the trails.

View Event →
2023 Turkey Trot
Nov
23

2023 Turkey Trot

Join us for CPF's annual family-friendly Thanksgiving morning 5K on the Gorge Trail. The course is out-and-back on a gravel converted rail-trail. A one-mile fun-run course is also marked. Parking is at Burton Street Elementary School.

Details:

  • Register online at RaceSignUp.com. (Highly recommended.)

  • Day-of registration: Opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 9:00 a.m. 

  • Race starts at 9:30 a.m.

  • Please bring a non-perishable food donation for Caz Cares.

  • Costumes are encouraged!

  • Prizes will be award to the top three finishers in each category; men, women, and youth.

  • Light refreshments served after the race.

PLEASE NOTE: No dogs or strollers will be permitted on the trail during the race. There are no bathroom facilities at the trailhead. The Clark Street bridge will be closed 8:00 - 11:00 a.m.

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Music in the Meadow
Aug
19

Music in the Meadow

Pack your picnic basket and grab your lawn chairs and join CPF and Symphoria for Music in the Meadow 2023. We’ll provide updates a little later in the spring when ticket sales go live. Picnic grounds open at 5:30pm. Concert begins at 7:00pm.

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