Feb 1, 2012
A new, free brochure is now available from the Genesee County tourism office called the "War of 1812 Bicentennial Peace Garden Trail" map. It encompasses three New York tourism regions -- Greater Niagara, The Finger Lakes, and Thousand Island-Seaway Trail.
Production of the brochure was a collaborative effort between the International Peace Garden Foundation and the tourism offices of Niagara, Erie, Monroe, Wayne and Oswego counties.
The full-color trail map highlights 16 U.S. and three Canadian permanent historical sites, commemorating 200 years of peace between the United States and Canada. It identifies the specific location of each peace garden along with the historic significance of each one.
Special programming is being developed around the gardens to include concerts, art shows, reenactments, festivals and events.
A special audio component at the gardens allow visitors to tune in at any point to get more information about the site. Many sites will also display interpretive story boards.
All gardens are expected to be in bloom this Spring and will bloom annually from May through October. They are all open to the public and admission is free. Special arrangements can be made for groups by calling in advance.
Anyone who would like a free brochure should stop by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, located at 210 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia. Hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Genesee County businesses that would like a free supply should call the chamber office at 343-7440. Questions may be directed to Tourism Marketing Director Kelly Rapone at ext. 23 or via email at <krapone@geneseeny.com>.
The International Peace Garden Foundation is the umbrella organization coordinating the development of the trail. A portion of the gardens along the trail are Honorary Peace Gardens. They contain special artwork and have more extensive landscaping. The sites are identified on the map.
The foundation is nonprofit and was established in 1992 to honor nations for their peace-keeping achievements and to develop peace gardens worldwide. More information can be found at www.ipgf.org.
