In early October, Linda and Matt Carney hosted their fellow Master Gardener Volunteers at the Baker Woods Preserve, where they are caretakers, and at their own neighboring hobby farm, the Peacock and Pony, both in Natural Bridge NY.
The leaves were in their prime as we took in the peaceful woods on a short loop walk and learned about the land-use history and the diverse ecosystems of the preserve.
Part of the Indian River Lakes Conservancy, the 354-acre Baker Wood Preserve is named for the former owners, Doris and Norman Baker, a New York City couple who summered in the North Country until they passed away. Their gift of this wild land, and the dedicated stewardship of it by the Carney family has made the preserve a beautiful public resource. Read more Trip to the Baker Woods Preserve and the Peacock and Pony Farm