Today was was major push for The Erie Canal Neighbors Association and the Oxbow Park is well on the way to becoming a beautiful spot to relax, go kayaking and fishing. Thankfully, the weather was cool, there were no wasps and no one got hurt!
Most of the shoreline has now been cleared of Honeysuckle, Ragweed, Locust and Bittersweet vine.
I was astonished to see we’d found a new nest of old tires in the shoreline ragweed.
The Gavelis family pulled out an entire wire fence and a tarpaulin and these electrical outlet boxes, remnants from the cottages.
Doug Kucmerowski and George Kimmich cleaned up the stand of willows near the bridge. They were overgrown with reed grass and ragweed.
The willows cleaned up. Here’s Doug talking to Eagle Scout Ever Gavelis
More shoreline exposed! The views are phenomenal!
Sarah Sennet cleaned out one section near my boat docking spot, and Bill Forster worked incredibly hard to chop up a fallen tree and take down a ton of Bittersweet vine.
Nate Ruder and his family were very busy along the shoreline pulling Ragweed and junk from the banks.
Our first new kayaker!
Joe Kiel visits with his fishing Kayak. We told him about the project and he’s signing up as a volunteer. Thanks Joe!
We’re about two thirds done along the shoreline, and we’ll organise another get together shortly to finish that task.
If anyone wants to help besides volunteering. We are going to rent a mulcher for the day, and dispose of all the brush etc. And buy, borrow or beg some gravel to help fill the potholes in the trail.
Chip in a few bucks into our kitty please. here — https://www.gofundme.com/d2mfgs-ecna
The Oxbow Blog 
Thank you Melissa. Yes, I’ve heard many of the stories about how unsavory the Oxbow was at one time. Speakeasy’s, bar brawls, murders and more. Must be some nice ghosts wandering there on Halloween!
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I have to admit I got sucked in to following progress by opening Michael Caswells posts about the embankments (he always uses creative headers to entice you to open his posts). Having said that, I must say that I admire and respect all of your dedication and very hard work. It looks absolutely beautiful! Kudos to all of you. I grew up in Fairport and when I was just a little girl (am 55 now), the Oxbow was not a place you wanted to go. Due to all your hard work, it is now a peaceful, beautiful area! Bless you all and keep up the great work!
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