Trip to the Baker Woods Preserve and the Peacock and Pony Farm

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.

Matt Carney at the entrance to the Baker Woods Preserve, which he stewards with his family

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.

The Master Gardeners enjoyed the pollinator gardens near the entrance to the preserve, with their last fall flowers, and admired the beautiful wetland from “Doris’ Deck.” Matt has seen river otters from this spot in winter, enjoying the Upper Indian River which snakes through the tract of land. The deck, benches, steps, and handmade wooden signage are reminders of the vision and considerable work of many individuals.

The Carneys maintain over nine miles of trails for hiking in summer, and four miles for skiing and snowshoeing in winter in this area that sees substantial snowfall. The woods, home to abundant wildlife, transitions from bog and wetland to mature native coniferous and hardwood forests.

To show people sking past a large rock at the preserve — Skiers admire an impressive rock formation at the preserve.

A canoe and kayak put-in makes exploration of the Upper Indian River and the trails across the river from Doris’s Deck possible. Though we didn’t bring canoes, the woods on the other side beckoned and Matt testified that those trails are some of the preserve’s best.

Canoe in the BWP — Don’t forget to bring a canoe to enjoy trails on both sides of the Indian River!

I definitely recommend a walk, paddle, or ski at the Preserve. Plan your trip with information about the BWP on All Trails.

After our walk, Linda and Matt’s son, Liam Carney (on the far right) showed us his mushroom cultivation set-up at the Peacock and Pony.

To show Liam presenting to the MGVs — Liam shows the Master Gardeners Volunteers his mushroom cultivation area

Liam sells log-grown shiitakes and oysters mushrooms. We got to see both species in different growth stages, and learned about the practices he uses, including how he sterilizes straw and uses it as a medium for growing oysters.

To show how oyster mushrooms are grown in hanging bags — Oyster mushrooms growing in hanging bags of sterilized medium

In addition to these, he also sells foraged chaga mushrooms as well as pasture-raised poultry, free-range eggs, and organically grown veggies, all under the name the Peacock and Pony. He sells at area farmers markets, to restaurants and to individuals.

And last but not least, we glimpsed the peacocks and ponies that give the farm its name.

Thanks to the Carneys for an inspiring visit!

to show a picture of two ponies at the peacock and pony farm — Generations of ponies have enjoyed life at the Peacock and Pony farm.

Note: Although they live in Lewis County, the Carneys completed their Master Gardener training in St. Lawrence County and continue to be involved in SLC Extension work. They are also currently in training to become Master Naturalists through Cornell University.

Erica LaFountain is Community Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener Coordinator for St. Lawrence County. She has a background in organic vegetable farming, gardening, and orcharding and has a homestead in Potsdam, NY.