www.nynjtc.org Connecting People with Nature since 1920 September/October 2007

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference — Maintaining 1,700 Miles of Foot Trails

In this issue: Is There an Age Problem?...pg 3 • HT Threat in Chester....pg 4 • Fall Crew Schedule...pg 5 • Best Hikes with Dogs...pg 11 New Catskill Trail Connects LP to Devil’s Path A Day in the Life By Pete Senterman, Catskills trails chair ofa(New)AT olunteers in the northern Catskills have opened up a new three-mile Corridor Monitor trail that connects the Warner V By Ollie Simpson and Bernd Lohner Creek Trail/Long Path directly to the Devil’s Path on Plateau Mountain. For Some trail volunteers swing a Long Path hikers, this extension over Daley Ridge eliminates a five-mile detour sledge hammer or brandish that included a road walk along Rt. 214. It loping shears. But not all. Bernd also creates a 23-mile section of Long Path Lohner of Cortlandt, NY, recently from Phoenicia to Platte Clove without a road crossing. found his volunteer niche as an The new extension picks up in Silver AT corridor monitor, an ideal Hollow Notch and heads north, steeply match for this fan of geocaching zig-zagging up to the relatively flat top of Daley Ridge. From the tranquil evergreen and bushwhacking. On May 26 N summit of Daley Ridge the trail drops A Bernd met Ollie Simpson, AT M R E down into a narrow col from which it T Supervisor for the Nuclear Lake N E S ascends the south slope of Plateau Moun- R section, on the AT in Dutchess E T

tain through the “Dark Woods,” a very E P County to begin his on-the-trail dense fir and spruce section of forest. It The three-mile path extends over Daley Ridge, above, and offers great wilderness views. soon joins the existing Devil’s Path. job training. Below, Ollie docu- The new trail leads to many beautiful A day loop is possible by parking a car at The new trail required a five-year ments their treasure hunt for wilderness views of Olderbark Mountain the end of Notch Inn Road. Hike up the approval process in Albany; the go ahead and the headwaters of Warner Creek, nev- old eroded road to the Long Path-Warner was given in early 2006. Most of the trail witnesses and monuments (see er before readily accessible. On the highest Creek trail crossing in Silver Hollow Notch was scouted and flagged that year, with definitions) and Bernd reflects viewpoint many of the Catskill high peaks, (about 0.75 mile). Take the blue-marked opening delayed by the April 15, 2007 ice on his first trail volunteer experi- from to Belleayre, can trail left (north) to the Devil’s Path and storm. Blow-down had to be removed be seen over the top of Daley Ridge. The Plateau Mountain. Turn left (west) on the before final connections could be made to ence (see page 3). natural beauty of the region with its shad- Devil’s Path to Route 214 and the Devil’s the existing trails at each end this spring. ed hardwood terraces, dark fir-spruce Tombstone state campground. Walk south Cal Johnson and Doug Egeland deserve Definitions: A monument is a survey forest, natural rock walls, moss covered on 214 to Notch Inn Road and back to the bulk of the credit for getting the trail in marker, on the AT usually a metal erratics, fern meadows, and a small spring your car. There is a daily parking fee at the place. Chris Olny and his Catskill Moun- medallion stamped with the segment (only water along trail), combined with the campground during the summer months tain Club put in a substantial effort in number, state, and sequence number sound of silence broken only by the when it is open. If more than one car is cutting the trail. Approximately 450 volun- and buried in the ground. A witness is a melody of song birds and breezes, provides available for a short shuttle, the total walk teer hours went into making this a reality. referent point for a monument; on the the hiker with an enjoyable walk. may be just under six miles; the full loop is AT witnesses are typically three marked about eight miles. trees. Tree stands are platforms built in trees from which hunters target prey, usually deer. Such structures are not permitted in the AT corridor, a unit of Ramapo 2007: It’s the National Park Service. Over! It Was Great! Ollie’s Diary By Ellen Cronan 8:00am I brought survey maps, witness info, trowel, tape measure, and Ramapo 2007 was billed as eight days of clipboard with forms for reporting. fun, and although I only participated in Bernd brought his GPS. I explained five of those days, it was the best New briefly how to read the survey map and Jersey (and ) vacation I’ve had in witness info. The goal was to walk as a long time. People traveled from around much as possible the AT boundary west

the country and around the world to E of Nuclear Lake between Penny Road R E

participate in the U and Rt. 55. We would locate and O F

E

Conservancy’s 36th Biennial Conference, D inspect the boundary blazes and monu- U A

hosted in July by the NY-NJ Trail Confer- L ments on the AT corridor boundary. C - N

ence at Ramapo College. The event had a A E J 8:45 packed schedule of workshops, hikes, Hikers from all over explored our region’s trove of trails. Arrive at starting point on Penny excursions, trail work, entertainment, Above, a group on the Crows Nest at Storm King . Road. Begin walking the boundary including a 2000 Miler Reception, and the continued on page 3 biennial meeting of the Appalachian Trail hikers were surprised that the Pennsylvania company” that provides tools and support Conservancy. rocks continue in New Jersey, but aren’t and is a supplier to NY-NJ Trail Confer- I went on three hikes during the confer- quite as razor sharp. ence. It was a tremendous experience ence and met a tremendous bunch of The biennial conference was described in learning from The Expert and even better people. The circuit hike through Harriman local papers as a conference for the gray- to participate in a field demonstration. had two gents from Connecticut who only haired set. While I found this to be true, it The organizers of Ramapo 2007, all vol- stopped talking on very steep climbs. They is a very active set. My oldest hiker was a unteers, are probably relieved that the event had hiked in the area before but were very 79-year-old woman from Tennessee who is over, but I will find it hard to wait for the interested in the history of the park and had no trouble keeping up with the group biennial conference to be back in our neck of read to us from my copy of Harriman despite the rough terrain. And when we the woods. [Editor’s note: The next ATC Trails: A Guide & History. The trip to the were greeted with intense thunderstorms biennial will take place in 2009 in Vermont.] Newark Watershed had a mixed group of one morning, there was still a large group Volunteer puts geocaching skills to work. locals, former locals visiting from out west, of hardcore hikers eager to hit the trail. and eastern seaboard folk. The group was Despite the great hiking, the highlight of VOLUME XXXIV, NUMBER 5 ISSN 0749-1352 delighted with the rhododendron and the event for me was the trail building Non-Profit mountain laurel woods but seemed sur- workshop I attended on grip hoists. It was US Postage Paid Permit No. 1239 prised at the rugged terrain available in run by THE Lester Kenway, the back- Bellmawr, N.J. New Jersey. The most popular hikes were country, trail building innovator from sections of the AT as many section hikers Maine. Mr. Kenway worked in Baxter State attend the biennials to round out their Park for more than 20 years, inventing mileage and simplify their logistics. I led a methods for building trails in barely acces- hike in the Kittatinnies, where the section sible locations. He runs a “hobby Page 2 September/October 2007 From the Chair

VOLUME XXXIV, NO.5 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 The Ultimate Trail Magic GEORGETTE WEIR EDITOR LOUIS LEONARDIS GRAPHIC DESIGNER Most hikers, especially Appalachian Trail Trail magic has garnered so much atten- cannot be rivaled. When you’ve done these The TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #1239) (AT) hikers, have heard the term trail mag- tion, in fact, that these days almost things, you’ve done trail magic for a thou- (ISSN 0749-1352) is published bi-monthly by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as a ic. It refers to unexpected acts of generosity anything you hear or read about the AT sand people, and you’ve helped ensure the benefit of membership. Subscriptions are that aim to help long-distance hikers: giv- mentions it. Laurie noted that one trou- AT’s existence for future generations.” available to libraries only at $15.00 a year. ing a hiker free food, a ride, or bling result is that the importance of Laurie’s words found a receptive audience Periodical postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., and lodging—usually, food. Trail magic is dis- volunteers too often goes unnoticed. “At at Ramapo, where discussions in workshops additional offices. Postmaster: Send address pensed by trail angels, people who love the the ATC headquarters,” she reports, “the centered on the future of volunteerism for changes to the address below. Opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily represent the policy AT and enjoy enhancing the experience of question asked is not, ‘Where is volunteer the AT. But of course her words apply to all or position of the Conference. Contributions of hikers. Their gifts, even the smallest ones, work needed most?’ but ‘Where is trail trails and their builders and maintainers. At typed manuscripts, photos, and drawings are are appreciated and over time they have magic needed most?’ ” The number of trail the Trail Conference, we know that our welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style become an integral part of long-distance angels has increased over time, but the mission of maintaining almost 1,700 miles and length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines. hiking on the AT. number of volunteers has not. of trails, including the AT in New York and Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKER are January 15 (Mar./Apr. issue), March 15 At the general meeting of the As Laurie stated to loud applause, “It is New Jersey, is accomplished by a large and (May/June issue), May 15 (July/Aug. issue), Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) at time to say, in a very public way, Volunteer generous roster of trail angels. We embrace July 15 (Sept./Oct. issue), September 15 Ramapo 2007 in July, Laurie Potteiger, work is the ultimate trail magic. It’s magic the idea that volunteering for trails is the (Nov./Dec. issue), November 15 (Jan./Feb. ATC’s information services manager, for the recipients—hikers. It’s magic for the ultimate trail magic. issue). Unsolicited contributions cannot be acknowledged unless accompanied by SASE. spoke about trail magic. She noted that person doing it—the volunteers. But what – Jane Daniels For information on advertising rates, please write the scale and scope of trail magic along the is more extraordinary is that volunteers Chair, Board of Directors or call. AT—some magic can now even be labeled made the Appalachian Trail possible in the Copyright 2007 by: as events—has increased dramatically in first place. You may get really tired and Find trail magic suggestions at New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. recent years, to the point that ATC has dirty, but the sense of satisfaction that www.appalachiantrail.org/trailmagic 156 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202) Mahwah, NJ 07430 developed “friendly suggestions for doing comes from maintaining a trail, working 201-512-9348 trail magic in the most constructive ways.” on a trail crew, or monitoring a boundary, e-mail: [email protected] editorial e-mail: [email protected] World Wide Web: www.nynjtc.org Indeed, the Appalachian Trail is a shining Trail Conference example of American volunteerism at its Annual Meeting best. DeTocqueville would be proud of us. Saturday, October 20 at This NATIONAL PARK is maintained Camp Glen Gray in Mahwah, NJ entirely by 5,000+ volunteers. At least one The following is a copy of a letter sent to the young attendee at the conference stated 9:00am Pancake breakfast New York Times in response to their July that her favorite three activities of the week 10:00am Annual meeting including story about the ATC Biennial. were “trail work, trail work, trail work.” election of board members – Mary R. Sive and delegates-at-large, I deplore the sneering tone and superficial Montclair, NJ presentation of awards Mission Statement view evident in your story on the 11:30am Hikes The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a Appalachian Trail Conservancy meeting. Send Us a Letter 3:00pm Refreshments and social time federation of member clubs and individuals dedicated to providing recreational hiking You might have said something about the Email it to [email protected]; in the subject opportunities in the region, and representing the vast program presented during the week, line, put “letter to TW editor”; or send it Please RSVP online at www.nynjtc.org or interests and concerns of the hiking community. excursions in addition to hikes and work- to Trail Walker Letters, NY-NJ Trail by calling 201-512-9348 so we know how The Conference is a volunteer-directed public shops, a total of hundreds of events, ALL Conference, 156 Ramapo Valley Rd., many pancakes to make. Directions to service organization committed to: of them planned and run by volunteers. Mahwah, NJ 07430. Camp Glen Gray will be posted online. • Developing, building, and maintaining hiking trails. Nominees for the • Protecting hiking trail lands through support and advocacy. Trail Conference Board • Educating the public in the responsible The Trail Blazer Society Robert Boysen, Daniel Chazin; Ellen use of trails and the natural environment. Cronan; Josie Gray; Peter Kennard; and The majority of the monetary support for the services the Trail Conference provides to the Mary Smart. Board of Directors Jane Daniels Chair public comes from the generosity of individuals who make financial contributions above Robert Boysen Vice Chair and beyond their annual dues. Donations from these dedicated individuals enables us to Nominees for Delegates-at-Large Mac Highet Treasurer continue to train and support the volunteers who carry out our mission of building and Robert Berlin; David Bertollo; Carolyn Daniel Chazin Secretary maintaining hiking trails and protecting the lands they traverse. Canfield; Harvey Fishman; Clifford Directors The new Trail Blazer Society, formerly the Torrey Society, recognizes and honors those Gerenz; Suzan Gordon; Jill Hamell; John Henry Atterbury Seth McKee individuals who support the Trail Conference’s activities with annual donations at the Jurasek; Harold Kaplan; Jeffery Marino; Chris Connolly Anne Osborn highest levels. There are three levels of membership in the Trail Blazer Society and the Peter Kohlberger; Toby Golick; Mark Liss; Ellen Cronan Mary Smart greater your support, the greater the benefits. The levels are: Steve Galla; Margo Moss; George Petty; Matthew Garamone Malcolm Spector John Gunzler Daniel Van Engel Karen Rose; Trudy Schneider; Naomi Sut- Peter Kennard Trail Partner $250 - $999 ter; Peter Tilgner; Robert Ward; Richard Staff Trail Steward $1,000 - $2,499 Zinn; Henry Zulauf. Edward Goodell Executive Director Trail Champion $2,500 or more Joshua Howard Director of Award Nominations Requested Membership & Benefits of being in the Trail Blazer Society include: Members may nominate individuals for Development • An exclusive Trail Conference polo-shirt Trail Conference awards. Award winners are Jack Kloster Operations Director Larry Wheelock Trails Director • Invitations to special outdoor activities honored and recognized at our Annual Bill O’Hearn Conservation & • Complimentary one-year Family Membership Meeting. Cut-off date for recommendations Advocacy Director • And much more is September 12, 2007. Send recommenda- Brenda Holzinger Conservation & (visit www.nynjtc.org/committees/development/ tions (with supporting statement) to: Advocacy Assistant trailblazer.html for a complete listing of benefits)! [email protected]; put “Nominating Director Committee” in subject line. OR mail to: Heidi Adami Volunteer Coordinator The easiest way to become a Trail Blazer is through our new monthly giving program. Nominating Committee, NY-NJ Trail Jeremy Apgar Cartographer This reliable funding provides the Trail Conference with the resources it needs to contin- Conference, 156 Ramapo Valley Road Gary Willick Fulfillment ue supporting the volunteers whose efforts keep your favorite trails open and passable. You (Route 202), Mahwah, NJ 07430-1199. Coordinator can become a Trail Blazer by donating as little as $21 a month. Just complete the form Catherine Gemmell Information below and you’ll automatically become a member of our special giving club. TC Awards are: Manager Eddie Walsh, Jr. Trail Projects Raymond H. Torrey Award: for Coordinator significant and lasting contributions Leslie Rapparlie Bear Mountain This authorization to charge my monthly pledge to my credit card will remain in Ken Lloyd Club Award: for exemplary Project Manager effect until I notify the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference that I wish to end service by an individual to his/her club Katy Dieters Membership & this agreement and the Trail Conference has had a reasonable amount of time to Major Welch Trail Partner Award: Volunteer Associate fulfill my request. Each transaction will appear on my regular credit card statement. recognizes assistance by a non-TC partner J. Cal Rizzuto Administrative Assistant (Please keep a copy of this authorization for your records.) William Hoeferlin Award: for exemplary service to trail maintenance, management, The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It is Please select a monthly pledge amount: and/or trail land protection a federation of 103 hiking and outdoor groups, $84 - automatic enrollment in the Blazer Society as a Trail Steward Paul Leikin Extra Mile Award: for exem- and 10,000 individuals. $21 - automatic enrollment in the Blazer Society as a Trail Partner plary commitment to a 3-5 year project $_____ Other Next Generation Award: for those under printed on recycled content paper age 21 who make a significant contribution Please select a payment method: Visa Amex Master Card to trails Corporate Partner Award: for outstanding Credit Card Number: ______Expiration Date: ______service to hiking community Honorary Membership: recognizes long Visit UsToday! For a complete list of the benefits or to enroll in a monthly giving program, please years of service to the Trail Conference contact Joshua Howard at [email protected] or 201-512-9348, ext. 13, or visit www.NYNJTC.org www.nynjtc.org/committees/development/trailblazer.html – George Becker Jr., Chair, Nominating Committee September/October 2007 Page 3

From the Executive Director diversions, and mass media heightening the as virtual camp counselors, dispensing all fears of over-protective parents has made it the information needed for responsible Indeed, several workshops focused on much more difficult for the average kid to decisions. Back-country ridge runners like “Appalachian strategies for attracting families and youth engage in free play outdoors. It’s not easy we field on the Appalachian Trail in New to volunteering and hiking. being green for a kid these days. Jersey should work with rangers in each Trail Grows Personally, I’m not concerned if our These trends are thoroughly documented park to educate and inform the hiking member/volunteers comprise an older than in Richard Louv’s 2005 book, Last Child in community and make their trips more average demographic. People are most like- the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature- enjoyable and memorable. Older, and So ly to volunteer when they simultaneously Deficit Disorder. In a chapter titled, “Where Right now, we have ample volunteers to have the time and the motivation. People Will Future Stewards of Nature Come make our parks and open space more invit- Do Its Hardy are motivated to get involved at various From?” he cites research showing that envi- ing and enjoyable to a whole new times and for various reasons but it is later ronmentalists’ childhood experiences of generation nature enthusiasts. Our chal- Supporters.” in life that they are more likely to find the nature were “significant precursors for adult lenge is to attract youth, new immigrants time. In an era when work schedules are activism on behalf of the environment.” and other non-hikers to enjoy our open So read the headline of a New York Times longer and commuting more difficult, the Recognizing the importance of the form- spaces and to sustain an environmental story covering the AT Biennial conference logical result is that more of our volunteers ative experiences of childhood, we all must constituency in the future. we hosted at Ramapo College in July. The are retirees and empty-nesters. In fact, I work to ensure that there is a future political The Trail Conference’s unique blend of reporter went on to say that it was “anoth- think the Trail Conference’s volunteer- constituency to follow in the boomers’ foot- full-bodied, sensory experience of the out- er snapshot of the graying of America.” powered mission could be well-served by steps. And, because it is never too late to fall doors with political activism and direct This, in turn, stirred the ire of long-term the current influx of baby-boomers with in love with nature, we need to make sure service has stood the test of time. We are member-volunteers like Mary Sive. (See more free time. that path is welcoming to all that would fol- activists and volunteers and we literally Letter to Editor.) On the other hand, I am very concerned low, regardless of age, ethnicity, or ability. blaze a path for others to connect with In truth, while the reporter’s brief stint about the motivation part of the volunteer Working with our park partners to make nature and to serve it. Thank you, as a Trail during the eight-day conference meant that equation. The number of young hikers, sure there are ways to experience nature Conference supporter, for joining us in the he missed many young participants like the campers, and other foot powered outdoor regardless of the users’ expertise or expecta- important and little recognized effort. 20 teenagers from Ossining, NY, attending enthusiasts seems to be declining. From all tions is a key part of the solution. We need to workshops at Bear Mountain, he did cor- accounts, growing up in the past several provide trails for beginners, as well as oppor- – Ed Goodell, [email protected] rectly state that the largest number of decades has not involved, on average, the tunities for more challenging experiences. attendees were in the 60-69 age range. This quantity and quality of outdoor time as was Most importantly, we need to provide age skew has long been a source of concern, the case in the 1950s and ’60s. A perfect ample information so that hikers can be especially among the aging volunteers. storm of shrinking open space, electronic well-informed. Trailhead kiosks should act

A DAY IN THE LIFE 2:00 We know there is a monument at Both of us enjoyed the day’s challenges return to walk the rest of his area as well as continued from page 1 a stone heap. But which stone heap is the of staying on the boundary and finding paint the boundary blazes and photo- toward the first monument (269-NY- question. Eventually I find two faint yel- the monuments. Our success was due to graph the monuments. I hope he also 46D). Boundary paint is excellent. Found low witness marks. Out comes the witness GPS, persistence, and luck. We walked finds the AT bandanna I lost. two witnesses but could not locate the info and tape measure. As we dig, pieces over five miles and found 32 monuments; monument after digging where it should of flagging tape appear and are an encour- the only “Not Found” was the first. We If you are interested in walking with an AT be. Report “Not Found” and continue. aging sign. Success. used about 500 feet of flagging tape to corridor monitor or becoming one, contact temporarily mark the boundary as well as Heidi Adami at [email protected]. 9:15 Swampy area. So far boundary line the monument locations. Bernd will has been well marked and we’ve found the monuments without difficulty. After the swamp the boundary paint is faded, but we can follow it and also find monuments easily.

10:15 Following a stone fence and see excavation for a new home. It is not encroaching on AT lands but is very close to the boundary. Make note to put up US 2:30 We spot a tree stand inside NPS Boundary marker. property and attached to a tree with a US Boundary marker. Bernd climbs it and 10:25 This monument is in a stone wall. undoes the lock and straps. We leave it on Which rock has it? Time to take off back- the adjoining property with a note “No packs and get out witness info and tape Hunting” and a NY-NJ Trail Conference measure. After measuring, Bernd says “It Volunteer business card. should be right under your backpack!” And it was. 3:00 The clues to monument locations have disappeared along with almost all 10:30 Time for a snack. I learned that paint on the boundary axe blazes. The Bernd was born in Munich a few weeks GPS greatly helps. This monument was Bernd Lohner (left) learned how to monitor a trail corridor while hiking with Ollie Simpson. before my eldest son was born in Augs- almost missed. As we searched for clues, burg, Germany. And that Bernd is a Bernd finally saw the edge of a US software tester, which was my work before Boundary sign under a rotted tree trunk retirement. on the ground. Nearby, he found the Bernd on Learning the Ropes monument. 12:00pm Faded paint has been replaced As a kid growing up in Germany close to the Alps, my parents dragged me all over the with axe blazes with a little red paint, from 4:00 This monument is in a stone heap. mountains. That was enough for me for a long time. early ’80’s survey, and sometimes faint yel- We search for axe blazes and check for But over the last few years I rediscovered a passion for hiking and the outdoors. This low. Time for a quick lunch as the insects stone heaps that look man-made. Bernd was aided by geocaching. For me hiking and geocaching are the perfect combination— bite when you are still. checks the witness info; one witness is a getting me outdoors and helping me to discover great new areas. It wasn’t long until I twin oak. Bernd finds a twin oak with an joined the Trail Conference, and about two years ago I started saying to myself, “I would 1:30 Axe blazes have little or no paint and axe blaze. Then we find another axe blaze like to give back, maybe volunteer.” The thought came and left multiple times— are difficult to follow. Sometimes they are nearby. The monument must be between I always argued with myself, ending with, “Not now, later in life will be time for it.” close together and other times we lose the the two. Bernd digs at a stone heap and Then in April of this year I stumbled across an email looking for AT corridor moni- boundary and have to search to relocate it. finds it—the most time consuming one to tors. Reading the description I immediately got interested and Googled for more Fortunately, Bernd has his GPS, so we can find today. information. What I read really appealed to me. It looked like an opportunity to do keep the appropriate direction and know useful work outdoors for the Trail Conference, get me away from the beaten path when we are close to the next monument. 5:00 We are dirty, sweaty, and tired. The (did I mention that I love to bushwhack?), and let me employ my map reading and next monument is at a right angle turn. GPS skills (the latter turned out to be extremely useful). So I replied. We find an axe blaze in the new direction. Thanks to my spam-filter I didn’t get the first response back from Ollie Simpson, but Walking back to the corner, Bernd spies she tried again and I caught the second email. Ollie volunteered to train me on the job. some old flagging tape on the ground. When I arrived at the Rt. 55 AT parking area shortly before 8:00am that Saturday in He quickly uncovers the monument May, I didn’t have a clear idea of what would await me, but I had my hiking boots, (269-NY-24). a pack with food and water, and my GPS. Ollie was already there and gave me a warm and friendly welcome. She explained the basics while we were in the lot, handed me 5:01 We decide to walk east to Beekman survey maps, witness charts, and legends, and off we went in her car to the other end of Uplands Loop Trail to get back to the Rt. what would become “my” boundary line. 55 parking area. Bernd is ready for his rib She showed the first survey monument to me and explained more as we went along. dinner and I want a shower. We saw the I had a wonderful time learning and exploring, coupled with immediate success when I work of Millbrook Scout Troop 31 on the found the first buried monument myself. By the end of the day we had walked about half trail; thank you for trimming brush and the boundary and I was hooked. I knew this was the right assignment for me and removing the logs across the trail. that I had found a way that I could give back. I returned the very next Saturday and continued along the line—almost finished the first walkthrough. Bernd locates boundary markers using GPS 5:40 Bernd gives me a ride in his convert- There is a lot more work to be done—a lot of fading paint to be refreshed, pictures technology and survey records (above) and ible (top down) to my car at Penny Road. to be taken, and the boundary to be monitored—and I am looking forward to it. posts signs (next column). – Bernd Lohner Page 4 September/October 2007

Given this dark side of human nature, it scenic outlooks that don’t cost anybody Conservation Advocacy was refreshing to attend my first anything. As a hiker, your willingness to Appalachian Trails Conservancy Biennial walk and your ability to read a map and & Conference at Ramapo College this July. follow a system of blazes is the price of From the Conservation men exploited this common resource so Being surrounded by thru-hikers who admission. And, out in this “commons” of & Advocacy Director: relentlessly that they destroyed the ability have made the 2,175-mile AT trip from open space, there is no one there to tell William P. O’Hearn of cod to replenish their numbers, and thus Georgia to Maine or the reverse, I was you what to do or to enforce the rules – effectively put themselves out of business. struck by their generosity of spirit and we have to count on you to act responsi- The Tragedy of the Water is the next major resource to find their belief in “trail magic,” or small kind- bly as part of the hiking community that Commons, and the itself on the firing line on a local, regional, nesses provided for others along the trail. cares about the land. Community of Trails national, and international basis as rival They are also incredibly devoted to the The good news is, this decentralized users pump groundwater or divert surface AT, and to sharing their trail values and model of cooperation works extremely Much has been written about what econ- water as fast as they can so that they extract standards with local trail designers to well, and has worked since 1920. So, omists and conservationists call “The their share before the other guy gets his. A ensure that they measure up to the AT. when we are fighting destructive develop- Tragedy of the Commons,” which is the multi-year drought finally convinced The core concept of this trail ethic is to ment and shaking our heads at the greed tendency of human beings to grab as northern New Jerseyans that this free-for- “Leave No Trace,” which means that hik- of some individuals, let’s also remember much for themselves as possible when all over water resources had to end, which ers must leave the trail and surrounding this loose network of maintainers and hik- confronted by a resource that is not is why the state legislature passed and Gov- area cleaner and better for the next person ers, quietly watching over a huge system owned by a single individual or entity. A ernor McGreevey signed the Highlands Act to come through. In a similar fashion, the of pathways through the forest, preserving good example of this is the cod fishery off in August 2004 to limit new development goal of our trail designers and maintainers them for visitors they will never see and the coast of New England, where fisher- in critical water resource areas. is to provide million-dollar views from for future hikers they will never meet. Conservation & Advocacy News Notes Get timely news about trail issues by subscribing to the TC monthly e-newsletter and/or action alert list. Go to www.nynjtc.org/emaillists/index.html. TC Awarded $15,000 for Highlands Trail Threatened in Chester The Trail Conference has received a $15,000 Land A proposed 157-lot development in Chester would wipe out a section of the Highlands Conservation Transaction grant from the Land Trust Trail in Orange County. Not only does the Highlands Trail (HT) run right through the Alliance (LTA) Northeast Program to assist in the middle of this proposed development just south of Goose Pond Mountain State Park, clean-up of our LaFarge property along Route 209 but some lots are planned to completely obliterate the HT where it runs along McGui- in Mamakating, Sullivan County, New York. This nessburg Mountain Road, not far from the Appalachian Trail. After a presentation by western spur of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT) TC staff member Brenda Holzinger at its July 18 meeting, the Chester Planning Board lies at the confluence of the D&H Canal and the agreed that the project’s Draft Scoping Document must “address preservation of the abandoned Port Jervis branch of the New York, existing Highlands Trail through the project site.” Contact Brenda Holzinger at the Trail Ontario & Western (O&W) Railway. The rail-trail runs south through Wurtsboro Ridge Conference office ([email protected]. or 201-512-9348, ext. 25) if you would like State Forest and meets the SRT just north of Route 17. This funding will allow the Trail to be part of the effort to protect the Highlands Trail in Chester. Conference to remove garbage and other dumping from the site so that it can be sold and turned over to NYS DEC and added to the state park system. Westchester, Putnam Counties Get New Open Space Tool The New York State Legislature has passed the Community Preservation NJ Voters Must Approve Preservation Trust Act (HVCPA), which authorizes towns and cities in Westchester and Putnam counties While the legislature failed to place a full renewal of Garden State Preservation Trust on to establish community preservation funds through the imposition of a small real estate the ballot this November, they did pass legislation the third week in June that provides transfer fee, of up to two percent, on the portion of the sale price over the municipali- one year of stop-gap funding to maintain the widely popular and successful Green Acres, ty’s median price. (At the time this article is being written, the Governor has not yet Farmland Preservation, and Historic Preservation programs, as well dedicate funds to signed this legislation into law.) The local tax must be approved by voters through a ref- begin the Blue Acres program, which will purchase flood-prone properties. This legisla- erendum. The legislation originally included Orange and Rockland counties but these tion places a question on this November’s ballot that asks voters to authorize the state to counties were written out of the legislation late in the session. The legislation can be issue $200 million in general obligation bonds to continue to fund these vital programs amended in next year’s session to include these counties and others if there is enough for one year. While we work to secure a dedicated funding source for the long-term, we support. The Trail Conference and ADK strongly advocated for this legislation. The low- also need to ensure that this November’s ballot question passes overwhelmingly. Not only er Hudson Valley has been particularly affected by rapid growth and development. This will its passage secure $200 million in funds, but it will send a clear message to the state legislation will allow the voters in these communities to decide their future direction legislature that the renewal of the Garden State Preservation Trust is a top priority of the themselves. Five communities on eastern Long Island already have this opportunity. residents of New Jersey. For more information about these and other trails related More $$ for NY Environment Projects issues, go to www.nynjtc.org/issues/advocacy.html New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) will increase from $250 million to $300 million by 2009. On July 18 Governor Spitzer signed the EPF Enhancement Act Contributors to this column: into law, which provides for additional deposits from the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) Brenda Holzinger, Marisa Tedesco to be made to the EPF. The legislation passed the Senate and Assembly in late June. The Trail Conference and ADK strongly advocated for the passage of this important legislation.

Trail Conference area supervisor John Short Reroute on Blue Disc Trail Mack reports that according to project man- Due to heavy clearing activity on the agers, the trails will generally remain open, pipeline in Harriman State Park (see first though they may be disturbed. Construc- previous item), a 200-yard length of the Trail News tion may require occasional trail closures. Blue Disc Trail has been temporarily For information about the status of specific rerouted a short distance to the west of the trails on specific days, call the park superin- right-of-way. The reroute begins a few tendent’s office: 845-786-2701. hundred yards uphill from the Johnson- At the June 14 meeting of Trail Confer- town Road trailhead, across from the ence delegates, PIPC Executive Director pipeline distribution station, where the Get timely trail news by subscribing Jim Hall noted that the typical construc- trail is identified with a laminated sign to the TC monthly e-newsletter. tion work area within the two parks will be posted on a tree. Blue flagging tape leads Go to www.nynjtc.org/emaillists/index.html 75 feet wide; this area will be cleared and from there, roughly parallel to the pipeline, graded to create a safe work zone. Accord- to reconnect to the current Blue Disc Trail Pipeline Work Underway in Sterling ing to a project newsletter, an additional 25 at the top of the hill, where there is anoth- New HTS extension is between the arrows. Forest & Harriman State Parks feet of ungraded temporary storage space er sign posted for hikers arriving from the A natural gas pipeline that extends through will be used to stockpile logs, branches, north. Hikers are requested to use the tem- HTS Trail in Harriman Extended portions of Harriman and Sterling Forest brush and excess rock. Within the 25-foot porary reroute and avoid the pipeline. Also In order to reduce hiker confusion, mishaps State Parks is being replaced this summer as temporary storage area, ground distur- note the possibility that the reroute will be around the Ramapo Torne, and inadvertent part of the Millennium Pipeline project. bance will be minimized, and Millennium extended from the pipeline station south to walking into homes in Sloatsburg, the Some trails may be disturbed and occasion- intends to avoid removal of any mature Johnsontown Road between the stream Hillburn-Torne-Sebago Trail (HTS) (orange ally closed during this project, which, trees. The pipeline corridor through the and the current trailhead location to avoid blazes) has been extended to be co-aligned according to a Millennium newsletter, is parks is on nearly eight miles of right-of- the short road walk that now experiences with and to overmark the unofficial “Old expected to continue in the parks this sum- way and associated construction areas. some traffic. Red” trail, which had been marked red or mer and fall. The Millennium consortium also says red with a white border. The HTS exten- In Harriman, the following trails either that after the pipe is installed and the All Catskill Trails Open sion, length 0.8 miles, now extends west cross or are immediately adjacent to the trench is backfilled, they will complete Pete Senterman, Catskills trails chair, from the top of the Ramapo Torne, descends pipeline at one or more points: Kakiat, Tri- rough and final grading and standard reports that blow-down from the April 15 steeply down the western slope, and then angle, Ramapo-Dunderberg, Blue Disc, restoration of the construction work area. ice storm in the Catskills has been cleared turns north on a woods road. It then contin- Pine Meadow, Stony Brook, Seven Hills, This includes re-grading the construction and all trails are now passable. ues north on the woods road, without any Hillburn-Torne-Sebago, Raccoon Brook work area to preconstruction contours as elevation gain, until it ends at the Seven Hill, and Suffern-Bear Mountain Trails. In close as practicable; dispersing rock and Bridge Finished at Storm King Hills Trail, where the latter comes down off Sterling Forest, the Allis Trail and Sterling brush; installing permanent erosion and The Stillman Trail Bridge in Storm King Ramapo Torne and turns sharply north on Valley Loop will be affected. The AT also sediment control devices; fertilizing, seed- State Park is now passable, having been its way back to the Pine Meadow Trail and will be affected but not closed. ing and mulching the construction work rebuilt by the West Hudson North crew. the Reeves Meadow Visitors Center. area. Some of this work will be completed in 2008. continued on page 10 September/October 2007 Page 5

NJ HIGHLANDS CREW WEST HUDSON NORTH CREW Leader: Glenn Oleksak, 973-283-0306, Leaders: Denise Vitale, crew chief: TrailCrew [email protected] 845-738-2126, [email protected] Dave Webber: H: 845-452-7238, First Sunday of each month [email protected] Teaching Practical Skills to Schedules Trips start at 10am. Call, email, or check www.nynjtc.org crew calendar for directions Storm King State Park Trails Volunteers at Locations and details of work trip. This fall, we will be completing the Stillman Trail Throughout the NY-NJ Area bridge-stairs project. We will put the finishing September – October 2007 METRO TRAILS CREW touches on the bridge that crosses a land breech Unless otherwise noted, register by For the latest schedules and additional Leader: Joe Gindoff, 914-760-3568, beside a cliff. From the bridge, we will be building contacting: Heidi Adami, Volunteer details, go to nynjtc.org and click on [email protected] steps to scale a nearby ledge. Rock shaping/ drilling and carpentry skills will be helpful as well Coordinator, at 201-512-9348 ext. 26, “Trail crews/Work trips.” September 15 (Saturday) TBD = To Be Determined as some traditional stone footing and stair build- [email protected]. Staten Island Greenbelt ing skills. Rock climbing harnesses and rigging For all trips bring work gloves, water, We will continue trail repairs on the Blue Trail, will be needed during some phases of construc- lunch, insect repellent. In some cases, south of the driving range tion. There are also project tasks that can be tools are provided. Contact leaders in Meet: 9am at the S.W. LaTourette Golf Course accomplished by all skill levels. advance for meeting times and places. parking lot (front lot) Volunteers must become members of September 9 (Sunday) October 20, (Saturday) September 22 (Saturday) the Conference to participate in these Alley Pond Park, Queens October 28 (Sunday) projects. A one-time “guest” participation We’re working on erosion prevention on the White Trail November 10 (Saturday) is allowed, so bring your friends. Meet: 9am at the back of PS213, 233rd St. and November 17 & 18 (Saturday and Sunday) 67th Ave. NORTH JERSEY WEEKEND CREW EAST HUDSON CREW WEST HUDSON SOUTH CREW Leader: Sandy Parr, 732-469-5109 Work dates to be announced on website. Sign up Leaders: Chris Ezzo (Crew Chief): 516-431-1148, for email notification at New volunteers for the AT Natural Heritage [email protected] Second Sunday of each month www.nynjtc.org; click on Trail Crews, then Sign-up monitoring project got a lesson in plant Brian Buchbinder: 718-218-7563, Tackle a variety of projects ranging from trail repair for Trail Crew at top of page. identification during a Trail U workshop in June. [email protected] to bridge building in northern New Jersey. Claudia Ganz: 212-633-1324, [email protected] NEW JERSEY APPALACHIAN TRAIL FIELD CREW Trips start at 9:30am; call for location and details Annual Fall Workshops Set Robert Marshall: 914-737-4792, Leader: Gene Giordano, during the week before the scheduled trip day. Trail Conference club and individual members, [email protected] [email protected] as well as non-members, who are interested in Monica Day: 732-937-9098, Cell: 908-307-5049, acquiring or upgrading a working knowledge of NORTH JERSEY WEEKDAY CREW Leader: John Moran, [email protected] [email protected] Second Saturday of Each Month, basic trail maintenance or other advanced skills April through November are encouraged to attend our workshops. There will September 20 (Thursday) Work begins at 9am and is finished before 4pm. be lectures indoors and field work on hiking trails This crew covers the NJ Ramapos, Ringwood S. P., northern Wyanokies, and NJ Palisades, among Wildcat Mountain, Sterling Forest State Park Covers the entire NJ section of the AT, blue-blazed in the vicinity. Advance registration is required and Leader: Bob Marshall side trails, and shelters. Supplements work by our class size is limited. An information packet will be other areas. Its purpose is to respond quickly to immediate needs rather than to schedule definite individual maintainers as requested and for special sent to all registrants shortly before the workshop September 22 (Saturday) work projects. Workers bring gloves, lunch, and dates. Unless otherwise noted, the workshops will events far in advance. If you’re interested in being on call for this work, contact leader by email. Triangle Trail, Harriman State Park water; all tools, equipment and training provided. be held rain or shine. Leader: Claudia Ganz Email leader to be placed on email notification list. To register, call the Trail Conference office, 201-512- WEST JERSEY TRAIL CREW BEAR MOUNTAIN TRAILS PROJECT 9348, or visit www.nynjtc.org/workshops/maintainers/. Leader: Monica and David Day September 29 (Saturday) Contact: Heidi Adami Sign-up is on a first come, first served basis. Phone: 732-937-9098 Cell: 908-307-5049 Triangle Trail, Harriman State Park Email: [email protected] Leader: Chris Ezzo [email protected] or 201-512-9348, ext. 26 Saturday, October 13 Website: www.trailstobuild.com Maintenance 101 October 11 (Thursday) Individuals as well as organized groups are welcome, Location: In the Shawangunks TBD Bring your lunch, plenty of water, gloves and Wildcat Mountain, Sterling Forest State Park sturdy work shoes, and be prepared to get dirty. Leader: Bob Marshall regardless of experience level, to the work trips below. To get involved, register online or contact Sunday, October 14 All tools, materials and training will be provided. Heidi Adami. Join one day or a string of days. Water Control Workshop Beginners are welcomed on all work trips—and October 13 (Saturday) Location: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation are especially invited to our ‘Try-A-Trail-Crew’ days Triangle Trail, Harriman State Park September 1 – 3 (Saturday–Monday) (Westchester) (see the schedule below). All events begin at 9am. Leader: Chris Ezzo Please phone the leaders for meeting location and Help with the work of the day. October 19–22 (Friday through Monday) driving directions. There is usually a walk to the October 20 (Saturday) September 7 – 10 (Friday–Monday) Stone Cribbing Intensive Workshop work site, so please be there on time (call the lead- R-D on Black Mountain, Bear Mountain S. P. Help with the work of the day. Location: Bear Mountain Trails Project ers’ cell phone if you are coming to an event and Leader: Monica Day are running late). Rain cancels; if in doubt, call the leaders between 6 and 6:30 that morning. October 25 (Thursday) September 13 – 17 (Thursday–Monday) Wildcat Mountain, Sterling Forest State Park Work alongside the ATC Mid-Atlantic Trail Crew September 8 (Saturday) Leader: Bob Marshall building stone retaining walls, splitting stone, and Terrace Pond North Trail, Wawayanda S. P. moving rock and materials with highline and by We will begin work on a relocation of the section November 3 (Saturday) traditional methods. of the trail that currently runs in the pipeline right- R-D on Black Mountain, Bear Mountain S. P. of-way. Leader: Chris Ezzo September 21, 22 (Friday, Saturday) 2007 Meet: 8:30 am at Cul de Sac on Perkins Drive Try-A-Trail-Crew Day November 8 (Thursday) Use an overhead rigging system to quarry stone September 22 (Saturday) Major Welch Trail, and to construct a tall stone crib wall. AWARD Warren Trail, Jenny Jump State Park Leader: Bob Marshall We will continue work constructing a reinforced September 20 – 24 (Thursday–Monday) RECIPIENT side-hill tread for the trail as it descends Jenny November 10, (Saturday) Work alongside the ATC Mid-Atlantic Trail Crew; Jump Mountain below Rt. 611. R-D on Black Mountain, Bear Mountain S. P. see above. Leader: Brian Buchbinder September 29 (Saturday) October 4 – 8 (Thursday–Monday) Dunnfield Creek Trail, Worthington State Forest November 15 (Thursday) Work alongside the ATC Mid-Atlantic Trail Crew; We will begin work on a step-stone crossing of Major Welch Trail, Bear Mountain State Park see above. Dunnfield Creek at the site of one of the bridges Leader: Bob Marshall that was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. October 12 – 15 (Friday–Monday) November 17 (Saturday) Help with the work of the day. September 30 (Sunday) TBD Dunnfield Creek Trail, Worthington State Forest Leader: Chris Ezzo October 26 – 30 (Friday–Tuesday) We will continue work on the step-stone crossing Joint project with the Adirondack Mountain Club of Dunnfield Creek at the site of one of the bridges Volunteer Trails Program that was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. Try-A-Trail-Crew Day Trya Trail Crew! October 13 (Saturday) Terrace Pond North Trail, Wawayanda State Park Interested in joining a trail crew? We will continue work on the relocation of the section of the trail that currently runs in the Throughout the Hudson Valley and pipeline right-of-way. Central Jersey we are planning October 27 (Saturday) day-long programs to give you the Warren Trail, Jenny Jump State Park opportunity to experience trail We will continue work on the Warren Trail. K

C work first-hand. Work side by side O L

E November 3 (Saturday) E

H with crew members and learn the

W Dunnfield Creek Trail, Worthington State Forest

Y

R We will continue work on the step-stone crossing R basics of trail building. No experi-

A R L

of Dunnfield Creek at the site of one of the bridges E G I

that was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. E ence is required; training, tools, Gene Giordano (left), AT trail chair for New T T O P Jersey, accepts an award on behalf of the and fun are provided! Contact Katy E I

November 4 (Sunday) R

Trail Conference from National Park Service U A

L Dieters at [email protected] or by Ranger Johnny Carawan at the ATC Biennial Dunnfield Creek Trail, Worthington State Forest Learn a variety of trail building skills while Conference at Ramapo. The plaque honors We will continue work on the step-stone crossing phone 201-512-9348, ext. 17 for working alongside experienced volunteers— the hard work and dedication of trail of Dunnfield Creek at the site of one of the bridges that was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. Free! dates and registration. volunteers for the AT in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Page387 6 VolunteersSeptember/October 2007 Made Ramapo 2007 Happen PHOTOS BY GEORGETTE WEIR EXCEPT WHERE NOTED Thank You Putting on ATC’s Biennial Conference Ramapo 2007 was a lot of work, but it was fun. I wish I could personally thank the 387 people who volunteered to make the event a success, some contributing in multiple ways. While the bulk of the volunteers were hike leaders, excursion chaperones, or workshop presenters, the steering committee members, along with members of the committees for hikes, excursions, and workshop, contributed the bulk of the time. It is safe to say that without the many volunteers, the conference R E G I would not have happened. E T T

O I would like to especially thank three people who were available to help me in a count- P

E I less ways: Carolyn and Jim Canfield, in addition to running excursions, did many special R U A

L projects for me, sometimes on short notice; and my husband Walt, who not only did the website, but was a source of ideas, helped solve problems, and answered questions. Thank you, all.

– Jane Daniels, Chair, Ramapo 2007 R E G I E T T O P

E I Hospitality

R – Chair: Phyllis Stewart U A L Volunteers: May Deas, Phyllis Key, Terry Kulmane, Chair – Jane Daniels Hikes – Pete Kohlberger Reena Mancuso, Phil McLewin, Loretta Menger, Loanis Chair: O’Neil, Carol Panzarino, Rebecca Pressman, Marilyn Special Projects – Volunteers: Carolyn Canfield, Committee Members: Ellen Blumenkrantz, Suzan Siskind, Mary Sive, June Slade, Alsa Tilgrath, Charles Jim Canfield, Walt Daniels, Salley Decker Gordon, Patrick McGloin, Richard Seibel, Pete Tilgner, Tighe, Lanny Wexler Richard Zinn Author’s Table – George Petty Housing & Food – Chairs: Andy and Hanna Benesch Campfire – Chair: Gene Giordano Hike Leaders: Kathryn Abdis, Paul Abdis, Lisa Acosta, Logo Goods Estelle Anderson, Jill Arbuckle, Henry Atterbury, William – Salley Decker, Maureen Edelson, Peter Kennard Committee Members: John Pappas, Rich Cahayla Badinelli, Ralph Balfoort, Diane Bamford, Doc Bayne, Silent Auction – Chair: Barbara Kohlberger Andy Benesch, Hanna Benesch, Ellen Blumenkrantz, Publicity – Chairs: Diane Bamford, Katya Hanson Volunteers: Henry Anderson, Sam Anderson, Keelian Committee Member: Catherine Gemmell Kraetschmer, Spirit Wing, Drew Baumgardt, James Ralph Blumenthal, Phil Botti, Kevin Boyce, Robert Volunteers: Henry Atterbury, Carolyn Canfield, Walt Cahayla-Wynne, Michael Cahayla-Wynne, Andrew Boyle, Bob Boysen, Lynn Brown, C. Burntwood, Ken Daniels, Sally Decker, Loren Edlin, Steve Edlin, Brian Volunteers: Barbara Ackerman Giordano, Laura Giordano, Ed Haffy, Joe Higgins, Janet Card, Dan Chazin, Charlotte Chew, Collins Chew, Roger Liszewski, Larry Luxenberg, Georgette Weir, Lanny Transportation – Bob Ward McPhee, Luis Pi-Sunyer, Bob Randhare Coco, Glenn Collins, Sarah Collins, Chris Connolly, Wexler, Chew Wong Ellen Cronan, Bob Danetz, Jane Daniels, Walt Daniels, Technology – Walt Daniels Camping – Chair: Gene Giordano Katy Dieters, Frank Dogil, Dave Doxsey, Jack Driller, Matt Treasurer – Allen Grunthal, Herb Hochberg Counsel – Daniel Hoberman; Chris Connolly Elling, Mike Feller, Jean-Claude Fouere, Charlotte Fahn, Volunteer Recognition – Salley Decker Entertainment – Chairs: Steve Kelman and John Pappas Jakob Franke, Robert Fuller, Matt Garamone, James Gebhard, Jim Gell, Catherine Gemmell, Clifford Gerenz, Workshops – Chair: Dan Hoberman Security – Alan Lash Joe Gindorf, Gene Giordano, Suzan Gordon, Jim Committee Members: Pete Beck, Walt Daniels, Betty Volunteers: Larry Brody, Lewis Chap, John Jurasek, Gregoire, Marty Grossman, Lynn Groves, Steve Gruber, Heald, Carol O’Keefe, Barbara Rall, Karen Rose, Dan Katie Kainsbury, Rich Klein, Jeff Raskin, Avery Fred Hafele, James Haggett, Katya Hanson, Carolyn VanEngel, Lynn VanEngel Rosenfield Harting, Gary Haugland, Pete Heckler, Joe Higgins, Dan Hoberman, Dave Hogenauer, Brenda Holzinger, Joshua Presenters: Jack Adams, Dick Anderson, Laura Howard, Mark Hutchison, Alison Jewett, Bob Jonas, John Belleville, Danielle Bernstein, Nancy Bristow, Margie Jurasek, Mary Ellen Kaza, Phyllis Key, Renée Kornbluth, Coffin-Brown, Jane Daniels, Walt Daniels, Don Ned Kuhns, Paul Labounty, Alan Lash, Colin Lauder, Desrosiers, Katy Dieters, JoAnn Dolan, Marty Dominy, Kathie Laug, Mark Lee, Nancy Lentner, Jane Levonson, Peggy Dressel, Fran Dunwell, East Coast Greenery, Steve Terry Loughrey, John Mack, Paul Makus, Harold Elkinton, Ted Elliman, Mike Feller, Richard Flynn, John Marciari, Pat Marcotullio, Paul Margiotta, Leslie Gebbards, Joe Grizzanti, Katya Hanson, Dave Hardy, McGlynn, Jim McKay, Seth Mckee, Mario Meier, Despina Gary Haugland, John Hedrick, Jennifer Heisey, Rita Metaxatos, Bob Moss, Terry Murphy, Natalie Nass, Gail Hennessy, Daniel Hoberman, Brenda Holzinger, Neffinger, Carol Niedzialek, Bob Novick, Craig Nunn, Quilt Raffle – Carolyn Canfield J.T. Horn, Pete Irvine, John Jacoby, James Johnson, John William O’Hearn, Carol O’Keefe, Don Pachner, Tom Volunteers: Barbara Ackerman, Patricia Gaburo, Jurasek, Lester Kenway, Gary Knackmuhs, MD, Carl Parliment, Guy Percival, Jennifer Percival, Jason Katya Hanson, Alfred Leigh, Ann Mattei, Theresa McKay, Knoch, Lauren Lang, Ed Lenik, John Lopes, Joe Phillips, Priscilla Pogact, Andrew "Driftwood" Racz, Jeff Macasek, Jeanne Mahoney, Rich Malizia, Jeffrey L. Excursions – Carolyn and Jim Canfield MaryDell Morrison, Monika Murphy, Joanne Patchin, Chairs: Raskin, Sarah Reinhardt, Nicholas Reitter, Jane Restani, Marie Taranto, Janice Vicine, Gail Waimon, Joan Weiss Marion, Ed McGowan, Hawk Metheny, Michele Miller, Committee Members: David Bennett, Eck Khoon Mona Reynolds, Cal Rizzuto, Ronald Rosen, Weiland Brian Mitchell, Brian Morrell, Bob Moss, Margo Moss, Goh, Elinor King, Arnold Seymour-Jones, Alice Taylor Ross, David Rudman, Joe Schachtele, Fred Schneider, Sally Naser, Eric Nelson, Edward Nieuwenhuis, MD, Darlene Nowak, Don Owen, Lawrence G. Paul, Bob Excursion Chaperones: Ralph & Jenni Aaron Schoenberg, Luise Schwabe, Richard Seibel, Deanna Selizeta, Joanne Sheron, Bob Sickley, Ollie Proudman, Carol Rakowski, Tip Ray, David Rudman, Blumenthal, Susan Clark, Katy Dieters, Wayne Frey, MD, David Ryan, Gail Schneider, Paul Shubert, Mike Clifford Gerenz, Eck Khoon Goh, Kathlene Grifone, Simpson, Ike Siskind, Mary Sive, Brian Sniatkowski, Betty Soffer, Stephen Soffer, Malcolm Spector, Chuck Schwartz, Kent Schwarzkopf, Kim Simpson, Debra Stephen Gruber, John Hayes, Howard Helms, David Smith, Kerry Snow, Morgan Sommerville, Ed Speer, Hogenauer, Anita Kientzler, Charles Kientzler, Elliott Stead, David Steinberg, Susan Sterngold, William Strong, Linda Suarez, Alta Sumner, Rich Sumner, Gary Dave Startzell, Matt Stevens, J.R. Tate, Eddie Walsh, Koppel, Roy Messaros, Monika Murphy, Gail Neffinger, Larry Wheelock, Roger Williamson, Hal Wright Kerry O’Brien, Carol O’Keefe, Guy Percival, Jennifer Szelc, Chris Tausch, Richard Taylor, Charlie Tighe, Pete Percival, Paul Schubert, Mary Sive Tilgner, Andrew Tokash, Daniel Van Engel, Shawn Volunteers: Andrea Hoberman, Julie Somers Viggiano, Denise Vitale, Bob Ward, Dave Watson- Youth Program Excursion Leaders: David Bennett, Rita Cohen, Eck Hallowell, Annette Weber, Richard Weiler, Georgette – Chair: Sue Eilers Khoon Goh, Jane Levenson, Hank Perrine, David Sutter, Weir, Geoff Welch, Eileen West, Larry Wheelock, Gary Volunteers: Marty Cohen, Keith O’Sullivan, Doug Sohn Naomi Sutter, Lanny Wexler Willick, Gary Wiltshire, Jim Wright, Ken Zadeck, Richard Exhibits – Chairs: Eli Luxenberg and Larry Luxenberg Zinn, Steve Zubarik, Hank Zulauf For their efforts and support, Volunteers: Adina Luxenberg Registration – Chairs: Karen and John Magerlein Ramapo 2007 also thanks Volunteers: Kathryn Abdis, Ralph Balfoort, Bill ATC Staff – Katherine Edelen, Karen Kinney, and all Ramapo 2007 Stats Barton, Gerry Barton, Danielle Benesch, Danielle current ATC staff members who have contributed their Benesch, Jenni Blumenthal, Ralph Blumenthal, Lisa ideas, time, and energy Caplan, Eck Khoon Goh, Nancy Goldner, Dave Ramapo College 856 attendees Hogenauer, Ellie King, Bruce Lucas, Priscilla Lucas, – Pinese Harris and the staffs of Events 161 hikes with 1,762 hikers (individuals hiked more than once) Tom Magerlein, Ed McGroarty, Joel McKenzie, Mary and Conferences, Athletics, Facilities, Residence Life, Dell Morrison, Mona Reynolds, Marilyn Siskind, and Security and 180 hike leaders Julie Somers, Charlie Tighe, Gail Waimon, Joan Weiss, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference – staff liaisons 28 excursions with 252 different people registered Nancy Zoebelein Liz Bleiweiss, Cal Rizzuto, Larry Wheelock, and the rest of the TC staff (on average) for 2.2 excursions each Give Away Bags Assembly – Coordinator: Gene Giordano Sponsors – Bergen County Parks, Campmor, 78 workshops, including 22 at Bear Mountain Volunteers: Sue Loughrey, Ashley Renshaw, Ramsey Outdoor 52 exhibitors Breanna Renshaw, Dana Loughrey, Daniel Loughrey, Katie Kingsbury, Lisa Renshaw, Wendy Rothlauf, Girl Scout Troop 568, Girl Scout Troop 283, Girl Scout At the Bear Mountain Trails Project: Troop 58, Boy Scout Troop 96 57 different volunteers Safety – Chairs: Rick Savino and Jack Shuart Contributed 867 hours of service to build, approximately: Medical Volunteers: Tutta Heiliger, Sandra Kovarsky, Mike Sternick, Glenn Catennacci, Frank 300 feet of new southside trail, Piccione, Bob Garofano, Alan Breach, Joyce Breach, 180 square feet of stone crib walls on east side, Jonny Arroyo, Ryan Miskerg Signs – Chair: Lanny Wexler 20 feet of new trail completed on east side, and Volunteers: Ken King, Melissa Shumer, Larry 10 feet of handicapped-accessible trail Wheelock, Walt Daniels September/October 2007 Page 7

Science & Ecology Within the plant kingdom, ferns are the A unique chemical receptor appears to last plants before we get the seed-bearing have developed to allow the fern to photo- Getting to Know plants, but they are no less complex. synthesize amid the limited wavelengths of What you see of a fern is almost entirely light available in the forest understory. the Ferns a leaf or leaves. The “stem” is unobtrusive, Thus, ferns quietly but effectively live their By Michael C. Alcamo often running underground as a rhizome. two-stage lives in the shadow of the flower- The blade (or frond) includes the stipe (the ing plants—which the uninformed As you pass them underfoot, you may not lower, stem-like portion), the rachis (the sometimes refer to as the “advanced” plants. realize that ferns are among the oldest liv- “stalk” between the leaflets), the pinnae Ferns are highly diverse in their appear- ing things on earth. (the leaflets themselves), and the pinnules ance, habitat, and behavior. They can be Long before the dinosaurs, the earth was (the more intricate elements of the leaflets). soft, spiky, or leafy. lush with these plants, many growing 160 Underneath, you’ll see the diversity and In our area, several are noteworthy. Asple- feet tall or more. In fact, the Carboniferous complexity of the two-stage fern reproduc- nium rhizophyllum, or “Walking Fern,” is Period (360 million–286 million years ago) tive process. frequently found in calcium-rich areas like is sometimes called the “Age of Ferns”; it’s rock outcroppings. The tip of its fronds carboniferous because layers of ferns and may bend over gradually and touch the fern-like plants accumulated and formed About 100 common ground, whereupon the tip will then devel- the carbon deposits that today we call op a root-like structure. It thus forms a new “fossil fuels.” species of fern live in the fern plant a few feet away, and in this way, Later on in the geologic record, a catas- “walks” away from its base. trophe about 65 million years ago wiped northeastern United States Cliff walls are home to ferns called cliff- out the dinosaurs and most other life. This brakes, which love the rocky substrate and event is indicated by a layer of clay. Follow- the sunlight they can find in such a habitat. ing that layer, the record includes a “fern For example, at the top portion of certain Pellaea atropurpurea (Purple-stemmed Cliff- Polystichum acrostichoides, the “Christmas spike”—as the earth was reforested by the fronds of a Polystichum acrostichoides brake) is a stiff and wiry fern you’ll find on fern,” showing the sori on the underside at forebears of today’s ferns. You just can’t stop (Christmas fern), you’ll find many orange the sides of such cliffs. It has a beautiful deep the top of the frond. these ferns. They are indefatigable. dots clumped together. These are the repro- purple rachis, and small, wing-like pinnae. Botanically speaking, a fern is “a vascular ductive tissue, or sporangia. Sixteen Underneath, the brown sporangia are found genera; however, its lowest two pinnae plant with large, complex leaves with branch- sporangia together form a “sorus” (pl. sori). at the very outer margin of the pinnae, droop downward noticeably. ing venation, and that reproduces by spores.” Since each sporangium contains 64 spores, which curl over slightly to shelter them. One of the tallest spleenworts you’ll find each sorus contains 1,024 spores. These In semi-marshy areas, you’ll likely see in shady woods or well-drained soils is develop under a layer called the indusium. Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive Fern), so Asplenium platyneuron (Ebony Spleen- At particular moisture and temperature named because after the first hint of a frost, wort). It stands tall and has a black or conditions, the indusium bursts, sending it will be the first plant to fade. Interesting- brown rachis; some of its fronds will be fer- spores the size of a grain of sand flying ly, it has dimorphic leaves: its spores are all tile (bearing sori), and some will be sterile. throughout the area to begin their life cycle. on a separate spore-producing structure. There are about 100 common species in The fortunate spore will land on moist In woody areas, you can find three species the northeastern United States. A good soil and develop into a prothallus (or game- of Thelypteris. Thelypteris noveboracensis guidebook like Peterson’s provides an excel- tophyte), a small, green, heart-shaped (New York Fern) has fronds that taper both lent survey. object about half the size of a penny. at the end and at the base. (A good way to Beneath the prothallus, two tissues devel- remember this is that “New Yorkers burn Trail Conference member Michael C. Alcamo op: the antheridium releases spermatazoids, the candle at both ends.”) It likes sunny is an amateur naturalist who has previously which in the presence of water swim to the woodland areas. Thelypteris palustris (Marsh written for Trail Walker about lichens. egg produced by the archegonium. The fer- Fern) is similar but appears in marshy areas. Pteridium aquilinum, tilized egg will then grow into what we Thelypteris simulata (Massachusetts Fern) is commonly known as bracken recognize as a fern. very similar to its sisters in the Thelypteris A Trail to Every Classroom Restoration Begins on The Appalachian Trail was the subject for sixth-grade art stu- dents from LaGrange Middle School in Dutchess County, NY, Beacon Fire Tower By Andrew Tokash who hiked the trail this past academic year and learned drawing and painting techniques as well as the history and purpose of the Hike to the summit of South Beacon Mountain for one of the best views of the Hudson AT, its value, and its needs. They also learned about the art of River Valley. The lie along the northwest horizon and on clear days a John Audubon and how nature was his inspiration. Their art glance southward reveals the Manhattan skyline. The summit provides hikers another teacher, Kathryn Paulsen, is co-leader of the school’s hiking attraction—the Mt. Beacon Fire Tower. group, and brought students to hike on the AT at Nuclear Lake. Erected in 1931, this 60-foot steel structure was used for decades as a lookout for fires in This project is the result of Ms. Paulsen’s attendance at “A the local area. Newer technologies made the tower obsolete, and 20 years ago it was Trail to Every Classroom, Summer Institute 2006,” organized surplused by the Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC). It was destined for disman- Teacher Kathryn by Rita Hennessy, Outdoor Recreation Specialist with the tling until local volunteers joined together to restore the tower. Paulsen with student AT National Park Service, and co-sponsored by the NPS and “I couldn’t bear to see the tower destroyed,” says Katy Bell Behney, one of the original artwork displayed at a Appalachian Trail Conservancy. volunteers. Like many local residents, she has strong ties to the mountain. “My relatives trail kiosk. The students’ beautiful wildlife paintings are on display at had a farm on the mountain, my father’s ashes are on the mountain, and my great-uncle two new AT bulletin boards, at Nuclear Lake and at Route 52. was the forest ranger who worked in the tower.” And like many hikers, she knows the The paintings feature animals, insects, and plants that a hiker tower offers a special reward to those who visit the summit. might see along the trail. The restoration group formed in 2001. After several years of limited fundraising, the group received two state grants (initiated by State Senator Stephen Saland, and Assembly- If the Trail Conference men Tom Kirwan and Joel Miller). The physical restoration began last year, with Earth Center volunteers fixing the tower footings and prepping the anchor bolts. In May 2007 the Had a Penny for Every group purchased 72 galvanized steel steps. On a cool Sunday morning in June, a work crew replaced two flights of deteriorating wooden steps. Internet Search… Open House What’s next for the group? They will replace seven more flights of stairs, as well as the landings between each flight. They will restore the cabin that tops the tower. They will We could earn a lot of money! How? It’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory is one assess the structure’s cross members, handrails, and fencing, and do whatever work is as easy as choosing the right search of the world’s leading research centers required. They are also considering installing an information kiosk and picnic tables on engine! Goodsearch, a search engine examining the planet from its core to its the summit. powered by Yahoo!, will donate money outer atmosphere, across every continent Once reopened, hikers will be able to to the Trail Conference for every click and every ocean. From global climate climb to the top to enjoy the spectacular you make. If 100 people search two change to earthquakes, volcanoes, environ- views. “The tower will become a legacy for times every day, the Trail Conference mental hazards and beyond, Observatory my children, their children, and future can earn $730 a year. If 1,000 people scientists provide the basic knowledge of generations,” says Ms. Bell Behney. “It’s searched using Goodsearch two times a Earth systems needed to inform the future the least I can do for the mountain that has day, the Trail Conference could earn health and habitability of our planet. given me so much over the years.” $7,300 a year! The group hopes to finish the restoration Please visit www.goodsearch.com and Saturday, October 6 by Columbus Day, and is looking for addi- either download the search toolbar or 10:00 am – 4:00 pm tional volunteers (especially people with make Goodsearch your homepage. Be construction and/or steelwork experience). sure to choose the New York-New Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Interested parties can review the group’s Jersey Trail Conference as the “Cause I of Columbia University website—www.beaconfiretower.org—or Search For,” and every time you click, 61 Rt. 9W - Palisades, NY 10964 email Andy@beaconfiretower.org. you’ll make a difference in our work! Check our website Andrew Tokash is a TC trail maintainer and (www.ldeo.columbia.edu) for event the chairman of the all-volunteer Mount schedules as information becomes Beacon Fire Tower Committee. available or call 845-365-8998. Volunteer Mike Fasano installs a sign on the Mt. Beacon Fire Tower. Page 8 September/October 2007 HIKERS’ ALMANAC A Sampling of Upcoming Hikes Sponsored by Member Clubs

September UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Ed ADK-MH. , NY. Leader: Marge Velasquez, PMNHA. Autumnal Equinox Hike, Boonton, NJ. Call 973-334- Leibowitz, 201-332-1709. Meet: 10am at Locust Grove parking 845-888-2853. Moderate loop hike of 6-7 miles at Minnewaska 3130 to pre-register (required); $3 fee. Meet: 5pm at Pyramid Saturday, September 1 across from Millburn RR station. Moderate hike on a variety of State Park Preserve with some climbing. Rain cancels. Mountain Natural Historic Area visitor center, 472A Boonton Ave., ADK-R. , Orange Co., NY. Call leader at trails; rain cancels. Sunday, September 16 Montville Township. Celebrate the start of autumn on this 2-hour, 973-835-2832 for details. Strenuous hike. moderate hike; for ages 10 and up. ADK-MH. Appalachian Trail Riverwalk in CT. Leader: Pete IHC. Sourland Mountain Preserve, Somerset Co., NJ. Leader: UCHC. DeKorte Park, Meadowlands, Lyndhurst, NJ. Leader: McGinnis, [email protected]. 12 miles on the AT from CT Rt. 341 to James Schlenker, 908-561-0228. Meet: 9am; call for directions. UCHC. Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange, NJ. Leader: Lynn Gale, 973-763-7230. Meet: 10am at visitor center parking. Broadloaf Mountain trailhead on US 7. Moderate elevation gain. Moderately strenuous hike in this recently preserved tract; visit Peter Wolff, 973-731-0602. Meet: 10am; call for location. Easy Easy hike. This environmental center has 4 miles of salt marsh Meet: 8am at Apple Valley Shopping Center, Rt. 55, LaGrange, NY. Roaring Rocks and The Devil’s Half Acre. 3 miles on the newly marked yellow and blue trails. Rain cancels. and upland trails, with beautiful views, lots of birds, some floating Monday, September 10 ADK-MH. Fishkill Ridge, NY. Leader: Lou Ruidisch, 845-896-9332 boardwalk. Heavy rain cancels. ADK-R. The Osborn Loop, East , NY. Info: RVW. Bearpen and Vly Mtns., Catskills, NY. Info: 845-246-8616. 201-871-3531. Moderately strenuous hike. (after 6 pm) or [email protected]. Moderately strenuous hike Sunday, September 2 of about 6 miles with challenging climbs and scenic vistas. No Meet: 8am. Very strenuous hike and bushwhack. UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, West Orange, NJ. Leader: IHC. Pine Meadow Trail, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: dogs, please. In association with the Hudson Valley Ramble. UCHC. Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Louise White, 973-746-4319; call before 9pm. Meet: 10am at Steve Rikon, 973-962-4149. Meet: 9am at Reeves Meadow Visitor Len Shnitzer, 732-499-9176. Meet: 10am. Easy walk in one of Turtleback Rock parking, Walker Rd. near Northfield Ave. Easy ADK-MH. , NY, for Those New to Hiking. Center, Seven Lakes Dr., just north of Sloatsburg, NY. Strenuous Morris County’s most beautiful gardens. 4+ miles in nicely wooded area. Leaders: Lalita Malick and Ginny Fauci, 845-592-0204, 9 miles, passing Pine Meadow Lake and the Stone Giants. [email protected]. An easy-to-moderate hike up a carriage road Tuesday, September 11 Monday, September 17 PMNHA. End of Summer Hike, Boonton, NJ. Info: 973-334-3130. to the top of this Catskill mountain. Hot chocolate, soup, or Meet: 10am at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area visitor GS. Baby and Me Hike, Morris County, NJ. Call 973-635-6629 RVW. Hunter and SW Hunter Mtns., Catskills, NY. Info: 607-363- dinner afterwards. to pre-register (required); $1 fee. Meet: 9:30am at Kay Center, 7267. Meet: 9am. Very strenuous hike and bushwhack. Inclement center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Township. Say goodbye to Monday, September 24 summer on this moderate, unofficial end of season hike; for ages Chester Twp., NJ. Put your infant in a pack and join a naturalist weather date is following Monday. RVW. Landis Arboretum, Esperance, Schoharie Co., NY. Info: 7 and up. for a 1.5 hour walk on area trails. UCHC. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, Morris County, NJ. 845-246-7174. Meet: 8am. Easy to moderate 5-mile hike. UCHC. Turkey Mountain, NJ. Leader: Terry Kulmane, 908-665- Leader: Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10am at picnic area. UCHC. Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Inclement weather date is following Monday. MaryDell Morrison, 908-850-5068. Meet: 10am at visitor center 2672. Meet: 10am at Pyramid Mountain; call for directions. Easy hike to the pond. UCHC. Great Swamp Nature Center, Chatham, NJ. Leader: Len parking. Moderate 4-5 mile hike in this historic park. Moderate 6 miles. Rain cancels. Tuesday, September 18 Shnitzer, 732-499-9176. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Easy, level Wednesday, September 12 Monday, September 3 AFW. Norvin Green, NJ. Info: www.adventuresforwomen.org. walk along the boardwalk and Laurel Trail. UCHC. The Tourne, Boonton, NJ. Leader: Joe Burns, 973-887- Questions: 973-664-3592. Moderate hike. 10am–2pm. UCHC. Boonton Falls, Grace Lord Park, Boonton, NJ. Leader: Tuesday, September 25 Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10am; call for directions. 8173. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Moderate, pretty hike to GS. Baby and Me Hike, Morris County, NJ. Call 973-635-6629 Easy 3 miles. These falls are a treat with low water; spectacular Birchwood and Crystal Lakes. to pre-register (required); $1 fee. Meet: 9:30am at Pyramid with high water. Mountain, Montville Twp., NJ. Put your infant in a pack and join a Tuesday, September 4 naturalist for a 1.5 hour walk on area trails. GS. Baby and Me Hike, Morris County, NJ. Info: 973-635-6629 GS. Welcome Autumn Walk, Morris County, NJ. Call 973-635- to pre-register (required); $1 fee. Meet: 9:30am at Buttermilk Falls, 6629 to pre-register (required); no fee. Meet: 10am; call for Mendham Twp., NJ. Put your infant in a pack and join a naturalist location. Peaceful walk on the trails with a naturalist; for all ages. for a 1.5 hour walk on area trails. UCHC. Stokes State Forest, Sussex County, NJ. Leader: Joyce UCHC. Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Breach, 973-875-4376. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Moderate Mae Deas, 908-233-6641. Meet: 10am at visitor center parking. 6-7 mile hike with some hills. From Stony Lake, we’ll take the Moderate 6 miles. Mt. Kemble Trail, with lunch in a sunny spot Station Trail, Stony Brook Trail, and AT to Sunrise Mountain with a view of NYC skyline. Inclement weather cancels. Wednesday, September 26 Wednesday, September 5 UCHC. Dismal Harmony Natural Area, Morristown, NJ. Leaders: UCHC. Randolph Trails, Morris County, NJ. Leader: Betty White, Jim and Theresa McKay, 973-538-0756. Meet: 10am at Sunrise 973-989-0790. Meet: 10am at Freedom Park on Millbrook Ave., Lake parking #2 in Lewis Morris Park; call for directions. Moderate Randolph, NJ. Easy 2-hour walk, suitable for beginners. Steady 5 miles on the Patriots’ Path and Dismal Harmony trails. rain cancels. Thursday, September 27 AFW. Tallman State Park, Rockland County, NY. Info: UCHC. Weis Ecology Center, Wanaque, NJ. Leader: Alan Breach, www.adventuresforwomen.org. Questions: 973-664-3592. Easy 973-875-4376. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Moderately hike. 10am – 2pm. strenuous 7-8 miles over rugged terrain with a few steep climbs Thursday, September 6 and spectacular views. Lunch at Chikahoki Falls. D

UCHC. Lake Skannatati, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: R A Saturday, September 29 W

Mike Handelsman, 718-633-6129. Meet: 10am at Lake Skannatati O H

TLR. Hudson Valley Ramble, Ossining, NY. Call 914-762-2912, parking; call for directions. Moderately strenuous 9 miles at a H S

O ext. 110, to make a reservation. Meet: 10am at Teatown Lake brisk pace; for experienced hikers. Scenic ridges on the RD and J Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining, NY. Easy 4 miles Lichen Trails. The view from Ross Dock landing along the Shore Trail in Palisades State Park in New Jersey. past Teatown Lake, through wetlands to meadows and apple Saturday, September 8 orchards of Cliffdale Farm. Climb Teatown Hill for view of the Thursday, September 13 GS. Baby and Me Hike, Morris County, NJ. Call 973-635-6629 UCHC. Watchung Trail Maintenance, NJ. Call Trailside to Hudson and possible migrating hawks. UCHC. Anthony Wayne Area, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: to pre-register (required); $1 fee. Meet: 9:30am at Patriots’ Path, pre-register at 908-789-3670, ext. 3420. Meet: 9:30am; call for Arnie Seymour-Jones, 201-768-3864; must register with leader Mendham Twp., NJ. Put your infant in a pack and join a naturalist UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Joan location. Have fun while giving back to the trails. Great way to the day before the hike. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Moderate- for a 1.5 hour walk on area trails. Lepselter, 908-273-4188. Meet: 10am at Trailside Nature and meet new people while working outdoors. Bring water, work ly strenuous 5-6 miles. Science Center on Coles Ave. and New Providence Rd. 4-5 miles UCHC. Lewis Morris Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Susan Jacobs, gloves, bag for trash, and clippers/lopping shears if you have at a brisk pace; suitable for strong beginners. Steady rain cancels. them. No experience needed; we’ll work till noon. Wednesday, September 12 973-402-2555. Meet: 10am at Mendham overlook; call for direc- RVW. Niles Huyck Preserve, Rensselaerville, NY. Info: 845-246- tions. Moderate 5-7 mile hike with some hills; steady rain cancels. PMNHA. Fall Frenzy Hike, Boonton, NJ. Info: 973-334-3130. GAHC. NJ Shore; Point Pleasant. Call Jean Claude Matz at 732- Meet: 10am at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area visitor 4590. Meet: 8am. Moderate 5 miles. Wednesday, September 19 836-9602 to pre-register. Meet: Pt. Pleasant RR station at 11am. center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Township. Let’s search for Saturday, September 15 Easy hike followed by Octoberfest. Transportation by car or train. UCHC. Sourland Mountain Preserve, Somerset, NJ. Leaders: signs of fall’s arrival as we trek around Turkey Mountain; moder- UCHC. Turkey Mountain, Montville, NJ. Leader: Al Verdi, 973- AFW. Bearfort Ridge, NJ. Info: www.adventuresforwomen.org. Len Shnitzer and Norma Cohen, 732-499-9176. Meet: 10am; call ately strenuous hike. 263-8569. Meet: 10am at Pyramid Mountain parking lot. Questions: 973-664-3592. Strenuous 8 mile hike with ups and for directions. Enjoy this area’s steep slopes, dark woodlands, downs. 10am–4pm. boulder fields, vistas, and rocky trails. UCHC. Grandchildren’s Hike to Turtle Back Rock, West Orange, Moderately brisk 4-5 miles on rocky trails with some hills; not for NJ. Leader: Dave Hogenauer, 973-901-0824. Meet: 10am at Turtle beginners. We’ll pass the old limestone quarry, waterfalls near TLR. , Westchester County, NY. Leader: Thursday, September 20 Back picnic grove, Walker Rd. just in from Northfield Ave. Bott’s Pond, and a wetlands area. Peter Meskin; call Teatown at 914-762-2912, ext. 110, to make a UCHC. Splitrock Reservoir, Farny State Park, Morris County, Grandparents, bring your grandchildren (ages 5+) to this 1.5 hour, AFW. Diamond Mountain, Harriman State Park, NY. Info: reservation. Meet: 10am; call for location. 5 miles on moderate NJ. Leader: Dave Hogenauer, 973-901-0824. Meet: 10am at 1 mile walk. Hike will include telling of the Lenapi Indian story of www.adventuresforwomen.org. Questions: 973-664-3592. terrain. Hike through this mini-Grand Canyon while learning Fisherman’s parking on Splitrock Rd.; call for directions. how the earth was created on the back of a turtle (we will be stand- Moderate hike with nice views. 10am – 2pm. about how it was formed and threats to the towering hemlocks Moderately strenuous 8-9 miles to the Indian cliffs overlooking ing on that spot). Optional visit to the marvelous zoo next door. along its banks. Carpool; rain cancels. the reservoir; lots of hills. Sunday, September 9 AFW. Ramapo Mountain State Forest, NJ. Info: UCHC. Cooper Mill to Kay Environmental Center, Chester, NJ. IHC. NYC Walk: Gracie Mansion to Spanish Harlem. Leader: Saturday, September 22 www.adventuresforwomen.org. Questions: 973-664-3592. Leader: John Gilris, 973-386-1168. Meet: 10am at Cooper Mill. Susan Clark, 973-962-0926; call for details and to register. Nice TLR. Teatown Trail Maintenance, Ossining, NY. Call 914-762- Easy 5 mile hike around Ramapo Lake. 10am–2pm. Easy hike suitable for beginners; mostly flat terrain. About 4 city walk with lots of views and history, using paths along the 2912, ext. 110, to make a reservation. Meet: 9am at Teatown Lake Sunday, September 30 miles, with optional 2-mile extension. Hike along the Black River. Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining, NY. Learn trail river where possible. IHC. Stonetown Linear, Ringwood, NJ. Leader: Susan Clark, Rain cancels. maintenance basics while helping to maintain Teatown’s 15 miles GS. Late Summer Blossoms Walk, Morris County, NJ. Call 973-962-0926. Meet: 9am at Monksville Dam parking, Stonetown ADK-MH. Sam’s Point, NY. Leader: Rich Forman, 845-635-5187. of trails; ages 14 and up; all activity and skill levels welcome. 973-635-6629 to pre-register (required); $3 fee. Meet: 2pm; call Rd., Ringwood. Strenuous hike on Windbeam, Bear, and Board Easy nature walk to identify plants and animals, including a stroll for location. Learn to identify blooms on this walk along the GS. Early Morning Bird Stroll, Chatham, NJ. Call 973-635-6629 Mountains; best views in the area and a surprise ending. to the ice caves. In association with Hudson Valley Ramble. to pre-register (required); $3 fee. Meet: 7am at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge’s Laurel Trail; for ages 12 and up. ADK-MH. Minnewaska Grand Tour, NY. Leader: Jean-Claude Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham, NJ. Rise Fouere, 845-462-0142, [email protected]. Call before and shine to start the day birdwatching on the first day of fall; The activities listed are sponsored by member clubs of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. All hikers are welcome subject to club regula- 9 pm; reserve your place by Sept. 27. A strenuous 9-10 mile loop for all ages. tions and rules of the trail. You are responsible for your own safety. Wear hiking boots or strong, low-heeled shoes. Bring food, water, from Coxing to Trapps to Millbrook Mountain, to Minnewaska to rain gear, first aid kit, and a flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe UCHC. Bearfort Mountain and Surprise Lake, NJ. Leader: Dave High Peters Kill Trail, back to Coxing. Mohonk fee (or membership cannot complete the hike or is not adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. Hogenauer, 973-901-0824. Meet: 10am at A&P parking on Rt. 511, card). In association with Hudson Valley Ramble. West Milford, NJ. 6 miles at moderate pace. Ascend gradual hill to More than 90 clubs belong to the Trail Conference, and many of our affiliate groups sponsor hikes not listed in the Hikers’ Almanac. Surprise Lake; spectacular lookout over Greenwood Lake. October For a descriptive list of Conference clubs, consult our website or send a SASE with your request to NY-NJ Trail Conference. Club Codes AFW. Cooper Mill County Park, Chester, NJ. Info: Monday, October 1 www.adventuresforwomen.org. Questions: 973-664-3592. UCHC. Loantaka Brook Reservation, Morris Twp., NJ. Leader: Only those clubs with hikes offered in this issue are listed below. Please call numbers listed to confirm. Moderate hike with views of the Black River, wooden bridges and Joe McLaughlin, 973-263-2799. Meet: 10am at Kitchell Rd. ADK-MH Adirondack Mountain Club, PMNHA Pyramid Mountain water birds. 10am–2pm. parking near the pond. An easy stroll where you can talk and not Mid-Hudson Chapter Natural Historic Area Sunday, September 23 watch your feet. ADK-R Adirondack Mountain Club, RVW Rip Van Winkle Hiking Club ADK-R. Out by Noon Hike. Info: 845-634-7635. Moderate, short hike. RVW. Lone (3721') and Rocky (3506'), Catskills, NY. Info: 845- Ramapo Chapter TLR Teatown Lake Reservation 658-8606. Strenuous bushwhack: 10 miles, 9 hours. Meet at 7am. IHC. Sterling Forest Sampler, NY. Leaders: Suzan Gordon and Inclement weather date following Monday. AFW Adventures for Women UCHC Union County Hiking Club Peter Tilgner, 201-871-3531. Meet: 9:30am at Sterling Forest GAHC German-American Hiking Club Visitor Center, Tuxedo, NY. Moderately strenuous hike on Sterling Tuesday, October 2 Clubs wishing to have hikes listed in Hikers’ Almanac should Lake Loop, Pine Meadow, Sterling Valley Loop, Bare Rock, GS Great Swamp Outdoor send their schedules to [email protected] or to the Trail Conference UCHC. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, Morris County, NJ. Education Center Office. The deadline for the November/December 2007 issue is Sterling Ridge, Fire Tower, and Connector Trails. Leaders: Jim and Theresa McKay, 973-538-0756. Meet: 10am at IHC Interstate Hiking Club September 15, 2007. picnic area #1, Weldon Rd. off of Rt. 15. Moderate 6-7 mile hike to the fire tower. September/October 2007 Page 9

Wednesday, October 3 AFW. Hook Mountain, Rockland State Park, NY. Info: UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, West Orange, NJ. Leader: www.adventuresforwomen.org. Questions: 973-664-3592. Mod- Louise White, 973-746-4319. Meet: 10am at Turtle Back Rock park- erate hike. 10am–2pm. ing, Walker Rd. just in from Northfield Ave. Moderate 4-5 miles in Saturday, October 20 Member Club Profile this nicely wooded area. TLR. Fahnestock State Park, Putnam County, NY. Leader: Peter AFW. The Palisades. Info: www.adventuresforwomen.org. Meskin; call Teatown at 914-762-2912, ext. 110, to make a reservation. The Trail Conference comprises 10,000 individual members and more than 100 Questions: 973-664-3592. Easy hike. 10am–2pm. Meet: 10am; call for location. 5 miles; moderate/strenuous. Climb member clubs with a combined membership of 150,000 hikers. We invite club Thursday, October 4 Candlewood Hill for fabulous views of fall foliage. Learn about animal behavior and ecology as we hike. Carpool; rain cancels. representatives to submit photos from hikes or maintenance outings or other events UCHC. Autumn Views on the Hewitt-Butler Trail, Hewitt, NJ. Leader: Katya Hanson, 732-530-5213; call before 3pm on Oct. 3. UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Joan (please set your digital camera for highest resolution). Email your photos, along with Lepselter, 908-273-4188. Meet: 10am at Trailside Nature and Meet: 10am at Jennings Hollow parking on Rt. 511 opposite East complete caption information to: [email protected]; put “TW club photo” in the subject line. Shore Dr. Moderately strenuous 9 miles. Science Center, Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Brisk 4-5 miles; suitable for strong beginners. Steady rain cancels. Saturday, October 6 TLR. Teatown Trail Maintenance, Ossining, NY. Call 914-762- Sunday, October 21 2912, ext. 110, to make a reservation. Meet: 9am at Teatown Lake IHC. Trail Maintenance on Schunemunk Mountain Orange Co., Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining, NY. Learn trail NY. Leader: Jim Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 9am at Taylor Rd. maintenance basics while helping to maintain Teatown’s 15 miles parking, Mountainville, NY. Moderately strenuous. Help us of trails; ages 14 and up; all activity and skill levels welcome. maintain our section of the Long Path and the Lower Jessup Trail. Bring lunch, water, clippers (if you have them), and good work UCHC. Farny Highlands, Rockaway Twp., NJ. Leader: Al Verdi, gloves (tools provided). Rain date is Saturday, October 27. 973-263-8569. Meet: 10am at Fisherman’s parking on Split Rock Rd.; call for directions. Moderate to brisk 4 miles with several hills UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: and rocky trails, passing the reservoir, iron furnace, and Beaver Mimi Solomon, 973-379-3910. Meet: 10am at Tulip Springs Brook; not for beginners. parking, Brookside Ave., Millburn. Moderate 2-3 hour hike suitable for intermediate hikers. Sunday, October 7 IHC. Wildcat Ridge, Farny Highlands, NJ. Leader: Jim McKay, AFW. Sterling Forest State Park, NY. Questions: 973-664-3592. 973-538-0756. Meet: 9:30am at Wildcat Ridge parking, Rt. 513, Info: www.adventuresforwomen.org. Easy 4.5 mile hike with easy Rockaway. Moderate 7-mile hike to the ridge and back, passing inclines. 10am–2pm. Bat Cave and Graffiti Cliffs. Monday, October 22 AFW. Stony Lake to Sunrise Mountain, NJ. Info: UCHC. Lewis Morris Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Susan www.adventuresforwomen.org. Questions: 973-664-3592. Jacobs, 973-402-2555. Meet: 10am at Sunrise Lake parking. Easy Moderate+ hike, about 8.5 miles with some part on the AT. 9am–4pm. 3 miles past Sunrise Lake. Monday, October 8 RVW. (3680'), Catskills, NY. Info: 845-246- RVW. Annual Len Sperl Memorial Hike, 8616. Moderate-plus bushwhack. Meet at 8am. Inclement Outdoor Single Friends enjoy a view during a hike at the Delaware Water Gap. weather date following Monday. (3655'), NY. Info: 845-246- 8546 or 845-246-7616. Moderate- public relations chair, says joining the plus hike: 9 miles, 6.5 hours. Meet 8am. Inclement weather date Tuesday, October 23 Outdoor Single club was “one of the smart things I’ve following Monday. UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Eck Friends Tuesday, October 9 Khoon Goh, 908-790-0939. Meet: 10am at Trailside Nature and done in my life. I wanted to be active, UCHC. Stokes State Forest, Sussex County, NJ. Leader: Joyce Science Center, Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Moderate www.outdoorsinglefriends.com and here were all these people who want- Breach, 973-875-4376. Meet: 10am at Sunrise Mountain 5-6 miles, hopefully with beautiful fall foliage. Rain cancels. ed to be active too. The people are just parking. About 5 miles on hilly terrain; for experienced hikers. Wednesday, October 24 Outdoor Single Friends of northern New great. I’ve been to many new places with Appalachian Trail and other trails. UCHC. Ramapo Valley County Reservation, Mahwah, NJ. Jersey was born in the early 1990s when the club. And I’ve met others who enjoy Wednesday, October 10 Leader: Ben Sterman, 201-797-0468. Meet: 10am; park is off a group of outdoor-oriented over-40 sin- travel. I have gone to the Galapagoes with UCHC. Eagle Rock, West Orange, NJ. Leader: Irv Auerbach, Rt. 202 north (I-287 Exit 58). Moderate hike; about 5 miles. A lake, gles, dissatisfied with the meet-and-greets some of the people I’ve met in the club, 973-239-4342. Meet: 10am at restaurant parking; park entrance reservoir, and cascading river. of the usual singles scene, decided to and four of us plan to go to Africa. For is off Eagle Rock Ave. Moderate hike, about 5 miles, through this Thursday, October 25 create a club that met their own needs. me it’s been wonderful.” lovely park with a great view. UCHC. Sterling Ridge Fire Tower and Beyond, Sterling Forest, Sixteen years later, 160+ members enjoy a OSF meets the second Sunday of each NY. Leaders: Carolyn and Jim Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 10am Thursday, October 11 broad range of activities both outdoors month. Guests are welcome to attend UCHC. Wawayanda State Park, Sussex/Passaic Counties, NJ. at Sterling Ridge trailhead off Rt. 17A, Greenwood Lake, NY. Leader: Kathleen Grifone, 201-891-5161. Meet: 9:30am at Moderately strenuous 8+ miles from Hewitt to Rt. 17A. and in, primarily in Morris, Sussex, and two events, after which they are asked to Wawayanda ranger station. 7 miles on the Appalachian Trail Saturday, October 27 Warren Counties. Hiking is a mainstay of join for a modest fee of $25 per year. over the Bearfort Ridge; shuttle required. Moderate climb with AFW. Schunemunk Mountain, NY. Questions: 973-664-3592. Info: the OSF schedule, with offerings suitable On Sunday, September 9, OSF plans nice views. www.adventuresforwomen.org. Strenuous hike. 9:30am–4pm. for beginners through experienced. In a picnic at Mahlon Dickerson Reserva- Friday, October 12 Sunday, October 28 addition, members get together to enjoy tion and invites potential new members RVW. Maintenance Hike on Thomas Cole, Catskills, NY. Info: IHC. and Mt. Taurus, Hudson Highlands biking, boating, picnics, and trips to to participate. Entry is $5 for members 607-363-7267 or 845-338-8772. State Park, NY. Leader: Roy Williams, 570-828-6207. Meet: plays, concerts, and museums. and guests. For additional information Saturday, October 13 8:30am at Anthony Wayne parking, Harriman State Park, NY, OR Carol Reese, a Sussex County resident, please call 973-663-5822 or visit UCHC. Watchung Trail Maintenance, NJ. Call Trailside to 9am at Breakneck Ridge parking, Rt. 9D, Cold Spring, NY. Strenu- OSF member for three years, and current www.outdoorsinglefriends.com. pre-register at 908-789-3670, ext. 3420. Meet: 9:30am; call for ous climbs to two peaks above the with spectacular location. Have fun while giving back to the trails. Great way to views this time of year. meet new people while working outdoors. Bring water, work GAHC. Mt. Peter, Greenwood Lake, NY. Leader: Helga Nagy, gloves, bag for trash, and clippers/lopping shears if you have 973-772-2119. Meet: 10am at Greenwood Lake; call for directions. them. No experience needed; we’ll work till noon. Easy and moderate hikes. Put Your Teenagers UCHC. Willowwood Arboretum/Bamboo Brook, Morris and UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Lee Somerset Counties, NJ. Leader: Lynn Gale, 973-763-7230. Meet: Fanger, 973-376-3160. Meet: 10am at Locust Grove parking across 10am at Willowwood parking; call for directions. Easy 3-4 mile from Millburn RR station. Steady paced 4-5 miles on uneven in This Picture walk through two estates with interesting gardens, with terrain. Rain cancels. woods/fields in between. Steady rain cancels. AFW. Pyramid Mountain, NJ. Info: www.adventuresforwomen.org. Hike’n’Serve Venturing Crew AFW. Wildcat Ridge, NJ. Info: www.adventuresforwomen.org. Questions: 973-664-3592. Moderate 5 mile hike. 10am–3pm. Questions: 973-664-3592. Strenuous hike. #100 Open House Monday, October 29 RVW. Hand Hollow Conservation Area, New Lebanon, NY. Info: UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Joe Sunday, September 16, 2-4 pm 845-758-6143. Easy hike: 5.5 miles, 4 hours. Meet: 9am. McLaughlin, 973-263-2799. Meet: 10am; call for location. Easy, Camp Glen Gray, Mahwah, NJ Inclement weather date following Saturday. fairly level walk to Washington Rock; about 3 miles. Sunday, October 14 RVW. Eighth Annual Halloween Club Costume Hike at the IHC. Allamuchy North, NJ. Leader: Ursula Davis, 973-786-7087. Esopus Creek Conservancy, NY. Info: 845-246-8616 or 845-247- Meet: 9am at south end Sussex Branch Rail Trail, Waterloo Rd., 0664. 3 miles. DRESS IN COSTUME. Meet: 9am. Inclement Hike’n’Serve Venturing Crew #100, in partnership with the Friends of Glen Gray and Stanhope, NJ. Moderately strenuous hike in Cranberry Lake area. weather cancels. the NY-NJ Trail Conference, provides learning, leadership, and fun activities for the GAHC. Westmoreland Sanctuary, Mt. Kisco, NY. Leader: Tuesday, October 30 next generation of trail maintainers. Come to the open house and join up. Afternoon Manfred Janowski, 914-428-4573; please call to pre-register. UCHC. Terrace Pond Fall Foliage, NJ. Leaders: Carolyn and Jim includes a free college counseling presentation by Barbara Gottesman of College Helps! Meet: 10am at Sanctuary parking lot. Easy and moderate hikes. Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 10am at Clinton Rd. Terrace Pond For young men and women aged 14-20 who have completed the eighth grade; $75 UCHC. Lewis Morris Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Louise trailhead. Moderately strenuous 7 miles to Terrace Pond to enjoy annual fee. Contact Crew Adviser Judy Murphy for more information, 973-699-5735. White, 973-746-4319; call before 9pm. Meet: 10am at Lewis the color changes. Morris Park, Sunrise Lake, upper parking lot. Moderate hike with Wednesday, October 31 More Venturing Crews Forming in Newark, NJ: some hills and rough spots. UCHC. Trick or Treat at Jockey Hollow National Park, NJ. Mountain Mitzvahs – a temple-based Hike’n’Serve Crew AFW. Breakneck Ridge and Mt. Beacon, NY. Info: Leader: Carol O’Keefe, 973-328-7395. Meet: 10am at visitors AdVenture Crew – Travel-oriented hiking crew sponsored by the Robert Treat Hotel www.adventuresforwomen.org. Questions: 973-664-3592. center. Moderate 4-5 miles in this historic park, looking for ghosts Strenuous hike. 9am–4pm. of the past. Bring a treat to share or you may be tricked! For more information, contact Maureen Edelson, 973-632-4895. Monday, October 15 RVW. Fir (3520') Big Indian (3700') and Eagle (3600'), Catskills, NY. Info: 607-363-7267 or 845-338-8772. Strenuous Use Your IRA to Some restrictions apply: To inform the Trail Conference that you bushwhack and trail hike. 7 miles, 6 hours. Meet 8am. Inclement • You must be 70 1/2 years old. are making an IRA distribution, please weather date following Monday. • Tax benefits apply for gifts up to contact Joshua Howard, the TC’s member- Tuesday, October 16 Make a Tax-Free $100,000 per person. ship and development director, at UCHC. Palisades Interstate Park, Alpine, NJ. Leader: Carol • This federally tax free distribution is [email protected] or 201-512-9348, ext. 13. O’Keefe, 973-328-7395. Meet: 10am at park administration Gift to the TC only available though 2007. Accord- parking just east of underpass (Palisades Parkway Exit 2; follow ing to the law, after that, this window signs to police headquarters). 6 miles along top of the Palisades Hudson Valley Ramble above the Hudson River, with steep descent to the river and Time is running out for you to take advan- of opportunity will be closed. several outstanding viewpoints. tage of the Pension Protection Act of 2006. • Your gift distribution must be made Hikes and other activities over three This unique opportunity allows you to directly to the Trail Conference. Wednesday, October 17 weekends in September: 15-16, 23-24, UCHC. Wildcat Ridge, Farny Highlands, Rockaway, NJ. Leader: make an annual gift to the Trail Conference • Only outright charitable gifts can be Susan Jacobs, 973-402-2555. Meet: 10am at parking on Upper from your IRA, free from federal taxation. made (not to a donor advised fund or 29-30. Hibernia Rd. off Rt. 513. Hike up to the hawk watch on the ridge for This great opportunity allows your char- income gifts such as charitable gift Many hikes are led by members of an early lunch on the trail; spectacular view. Steady rain cancels. itable distribution to satisfy all or part of annuities). the NY-NJ Trail Conference and its Thursday, October 18 your required minimum IRA distribution You should consult with your financial member clubs. UCHC. Storm King Mountain, NY. Leader: Joyce Breach, 973- for the year. You can use your IRA to make adviser or accountant to see how the 875-4376. Meet: 10am at parking on Rt. 9W, 8.5 miles north of your charitable gifts this year and avoid fed- Pension Protection Act can help you. For the full list of activities, go to Bear Mountain Bridge; must register with leader the day before the hike. Moderately paced 4-5 miles with fair amount of climbing eral tax on your required IRA distribution. www.hudsonrivervalley.com/ramble and great views of the Hudson Valley; optional visit to Storm King Museum/Sculpture Gardens after the hike. Page 10 September/October 2007 DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND Volunteer Classifieds: Get Involved! May 22, 2007 to July 20, 2007 GIFTS Steven Alt, Robert & Joan Augello, Jeff Baker, Sue Barbuto, Walter & Elizabeth Barrett, William Bates Jr., Edward M. Behrens, Robert Bender & Loretta Nash, Barbara J. Benjaminson, Walter Bogdewicz, James Canfield, Charity Runners, Trail Maintainers Inc., Daniel Chazin, William Chiappane, Ray Cimera, Julie Clemons, Neil & Katherine Cohen, Michael Crowley, Robert Volunteer Opportunities Denzau, Henry Diaz, Allyn Dodd, John Ellingboe & Page Hartwell, Timothy Gallivan, George & JoAnn Gentsch, Mark We are looking for individuals, couples, Goldfield & Mary Hatch, Gary Grasselena, Timothy Gregg, James Gregoire, Kenneth Griffin, John & Marianne Gunzler, Unless otherwise indicated, contact Heidi and families who are willing to adopt a sec- James Haggett, Peter Hannan, Kim Hendrickson, Robert Hersh, Robert Houghton, Robert Jonas, Janet Junge, Judy Keith, Adami at [email protected] or 201- tion of trail. Maintainers are expected to William & Christina Kelly, David Jonah Klein, Susan Kornacki, Charles M. Gordanier, Brian R. Kunisch, Virginia Kurshan & David Landy, Judy Krusell, Constance Lee, Andrew Lehman, James Lydon, John & Karen Magerlein, Virginia Mattice, 512-9348, ext. 26. visit their assigned section a minimum of Linda McCauley, Lawrence & Doris Merson, Dennis Morgan, Brian Mulraney, Douglas Myer, Herbert Persky, Dorothy twice a year, keeping it passable by cutting Peters, Robert Philpot & Mary Ganim, Johanna Rioux, Roger Roloff, Barbara Petersen, Charles Scheidt, John W. & Quartermaster, Tool Czar back brush, ensuring it is well marked and Patricia Sheppard, Shop.com, Richard Smith, Mike & Peggy Sormani, Richard Sparrow, William Steinmann, Marek The Trail Conference is looking for a consci- free of trash, and submitting bi-annual Stycos, Jan Summers, Chris Tausch, Peter Tilgner & Suzan Gordon, Howard Tokosh, Alice Tufel, Alan. VanAntwerpen, David & Adrienne Wiese, Thomas & Edith Williams, Patsy & Roy Wooters, Westchester Trails Association entious soul to help us inventory and track reports of their work. We have openings in our vast storehouse of tools and equipment. several regions, including Catskill Forest HONORARY GIFTS DARLINGTON SCHOOLHOUSE FUND This includes rock bars, grip hoists and incli- Preserve, Ward Pound Ridge, West For a healthy and beautiful baby Allyn Dodd, Andrew Lehman, Chris Tausch nometers but also GPS’s, video projectors and Hudson North ( and Juaiying Kwong In honor of George Becker tabletop displays. All of these are purchased Minnewaska State Park), Central Jersey, Barbara Anne Becker and David Bolotsky with our member’s charitable donations, so West Jersey, the Long Path and more! MEMORIAL GIFTS In memory of Nat Levin In memory of Colin Fletcher we want to make sure they are being put to Norman Karger Robert Jonas Appalachian Trail Corridor Monitor good use and in good condition. If you enjoy In memory of David Deblinger NEW LIFE MEMBERS keeping good records and have a few hours Looking to get off the beaten path? Margaret E. Chapman, David and Ann Reiner Robert Havelena, Bernd Lohner per month, we want to talk with you. Monitors are needed to patrol and watch In memory of Berthe and Bill Myles the Appalachian Trail Corridor to protect Edwin Conrad MATCHING GIFTS TW Advertising Wizard against misuse and illegal activities. Avon Products Foundation, Inc., Earth Share, We are looking for a volunteer to manage the Responsibilities include: walking the Prudential Foundation, The New York Times Company communication between Trail Walker staff corridor boundaries 2 to 4 times per year, and our current advertisers, solicit new adver- verifying boundary markers along the tisers, and maintain the commitment to corridor, reporting evidence of trespassing Outreach Intern Wanted excellence that the Trail Walker staff has estab- and misuse, such as dumping, logging, lished. Interested volunteers should be ATVs, etc, assisting Corridor Manager During the first half of 2007, Trail Conference recruitment efforts were expanded and comfortable working with deadlines, outgo- in handling problems discovered, and diversified. We now seek an intern to learn the ropes of recruitment. A three month (one ing, personable over the phone, and patient. meeting trail neighbors and easement semester) commitment is required, with a negotiable work schedule. Work can be done Previous advertising and sales experience is not holders annually. from remote locations. Responsibilities include: necessary, but helpful. Two to three hours per • Provide administrative support for the Education & Outreach Program when necessary. month. Training will be provided as necessary. Data Entry and Clerical Support With over 104 member clubs, 10,000 • Assist in the coordination of community engagement projects and grant initiatives in Bear Mountain/Harriman individual members, and 1,300 volun- collaboration with other Education & Outreach staff. Camp Volunteers teers, the Trail Conference office in • Contact local education agencies and departments with regard to the Bear Mountain Help us create a great camp experience for Mahwah, NJ is a pretty busy place! Come Trails Project, trail crew recruitment, and projects as needed. our Bear Mountain Trails Project volun- join us during the week and put your data • Assist in the implementation of outreach events and activities. teers. Our new camp at Lower Twin Lake management and clerical skills to good in Harriman State Park will be a home use. We seek individuals with database • Participate in regular Outreach staff meetings. base for our volunteers, some of whom experience to assist with running short • Review department website and make content changes when appropriate. travel far distances to donate their time programs that check data entry for accura- • Maintain internet based recruitment program. and energy and stay for multiple days, and cy as well as entering membership info, • Stay informed on station activities and cooperate with all departments. a place of relaxation during their free time. provide assistance with shipping retail The Trail Conference has several ways in orders, and help coordinate mailings. • Other related duties as assigned by the volunteer and membership associate. which you can make our camp a special Contact us today! place for all volunteers. You can volunteer Interested? Contact Katy Dieters at [email protected] or by phone at 201-512-9348, your time or make a donation (See ext. 17 to set up an interview. “Amenities” list in next section.) • Drive volunteers to and from public trans- Stuff That Would Help the Cause portation and/or camp • Cook meals for volunteers at the end of a Transportation! TRAIL NEWS long workday The Trail Conference needs an eight- continued from page 4 • Help renovate the camp passenger vehicle and a pick-up truck to New 3-Mile Trail in Catskills • Help clean-up/maintain the camp move tools, volunteers, and materials. See page 1. • Participate in a work day or work trip Without these much needed resources, we are limited in what we can offer. If you have New Blazed Trail at Minnewaska Spread Word of the a used vehicle(s) that you would be willing Dave Webber, Shawangunks trails supervi- Trail Conference! to donate, or access to vehicles that could be sor, reports that a new 0.6-mile Outreach volunteers are needed to attend leased, please contact: Joshua Howard at Visit UsToday! white-blazed trail at Minnewaska State community events, information tables and 201-512-9348, ext. 13 or [email protected]. Park Preserve connects the Peters Kill park- health fairs this fall. If you are interested in www.NYNJTC.org ing area to the High Peters Kill Trail near bringing new people to the Trail Conference Amenities for Our Bear Mountain Dickie Barre. The trailhead for what has and informing the public of our work, please Project Base Camp been named the Bull Wheel Trail is about contact the office. If you can donate any of the following, 0.1 mile from the parking area along the please contact: Leslie Rapparlie at Peters Kill Loop trail. The Bull Wheel Trail Coordinator, Historic Sign [email protected] or 201-512-9348, appears on the Shawangunk Trails map Installation Project ext. 28. #105 as an unmaintained path. In this project, a volunteer is need to coor- • Books, decks of cards or board games for dinate the installation of interpretive signs volunteers to enjoy during down time developed by the NYS Historic Sites • A radio Interpretation Unit for the 1777 & 1779 • Folding chairs or beach chairs Trails in Harriman/Bear Mountain State • Bicycles Parks. The trails retrace the routes taken • Sporting equipment like soccer balls, by the opposing armies during the Frisbees, etc. Revolutionary War. The signs will be • Water sport equipment such as kayaks, available in early October and need to be canoes, inflatable toys, PFDs, etc. installed by the end of the year. There are • Camping equipment like tarps, tents, volunteers available for the installation. sleeping bags, sleeping pads, etc. • Firewood for late night campfires It’s all About People • Tools for use on the trail Is there an HR professional out there with • Food for volunteer meals the time and talent to help build a great • A van or pick-up truck for transportation organization? With so much demand for what the Trail Conference delivers, we are Old Pack Frames interested in exploring ways to apply our Our Trail Crews need help hauling heavy scarce revenues to staffing in the most tools to work sites. You can volunteer your effective ways possible. Get in touch with back OR donate an old pack frame—in us if you are interested in helping the Trail good condition please!—that is suitable Conference attract and retain the best for converting to heavy-duty use. team possible. Contact: Larry Wheelock at [email protected] or 201-512-9348, ext. 16. September/October 2007 Page 11 Book Review It will purify 16 ounces of water in 48 seconds and up to one liter of water in 90 Best Hikes with Dogs Hiking the seconds. The user selects the shorter or New Jersey By Mary Jasch Road to Ruins GEAR longer purification cycle, and the device turns itself on when fully immersed. It automatically shuts off when the cycle is Best Hikes with Dogs completed, and it can be used in any type CHECK of container, such as a plastic or metal and An occasional series that will review gear cup, pot, or water bottle. appropriate for hiking. SteriPEN has been repeatedly tested Beyond By Tammy McCarley both in the laboratory and in the field. Hikers have been using it on long-dis- tance thru-hikes, including on the Appalachian Trail. Although calibrated for use with clear water, new research demonstrates the device to be effective even in turbid water. However the time By David A. Steinberg . C Rivergate Books, 2007 N

I required for purification may increase,

, N

O and the manufacturer recommends fil- Reviewed by John Mack T O H

P tering out particulate matter (such as - O R

D leaves or other debris). SteriPEN does A good description of David Steinberg’s Y H not treat or remove toxic chemicals (such new guide is provided on its cover: “Day SteriPEN, portable water purifier as lead or mercury). However, neither do Trips and Camping Adventures to Iron Suggested retail price: $129.95 other accepted purification methods, The Mountaineers Books, Mines, Old Military Sites, and Things Reviewed by Howard E. Friedman, DPM such as iodine tablets or boiling. both published 2007 Abandoned in the New York City Area and I used SteriPEN to purify water from Reviewed by Susan Sterngold Beyond.” The 23 chapters describe outings The first time I dipped my 10-ounce different water sources on several visits within a two-hour drive of New York City, plastic mug into a cold stream in to Ramapo Mountain State Forest. I Hiking with dogs is surprisingly controver- ranging from easy to challenging and of 1 Ramapo Mountain State Forest and tried to draw water from a flowing sial in the New York-New Jersey metro or 2 miles to 10 miles in length. An excep- treated it with the SteriPEN water puri- source and avoided standing or turbid area. A dog owner who is just beginning to tion is the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal trip fier, I paused before taking a drink. I water. In each case, I found the device hike with groups can be shocked to learn between Washington D.C. and Cumber- peered into the cup to look for any tiny easy to use, quick, and lightweight. that dogs are unwelcome on most club land, Maryland, written as a bike and organisms still swimming in my drink- The product I tested uses two lithium hikes. These two books, both well written camping trip of 184.5 miles each way. ing water. Not seeing any, I drank the batteries. SteriPEN recommends using and well organized, provide support and The author has clearly spent years and entire cupful. Even with my nervous rechargeable batteries and estimates they guidance for such hikers who therefore many trips exploring and searching for the pause, from dipping to drinking took will be good for 40-50 treatments of a choose to go out on their own or with numerous features to which he guides us. just a couple of minutes. 16-ounce size container (100 treatments friends and wish to explore new areas. Each chapter includes a sketch map of the The SteriPEN Adventurer device is a with non-rechargeable batteries). The The New York book covers New York hike and sharp black-and-white photos, four-ounce battery-powered ultraviolet manufacturer also offers a carrying case, City, Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Ulster, primarily of the various mines and sites light device verified to kill 99.99% of which includes a solar panel for recharg- and Rockland Counties, and Long Island. rather than of broad scenery. the bacteria, viruses, and protozoa ing a second set of batteries. For more Coverage is most comprehensive for Turn-by-turn directions are provided, responsible for causing water-borne information about SteriPEN, go to Westchester, Putnam, and Long Island. plus GPS locations for the features. Paths sickness (including E.coli, staphylococ- www.steripen.com. The New Jersey book tries to cover the to features tend to be convoluted, and in a cus, giardia, and cryptosporidium) whole state, but most hikes are north of couple of the chapters the narrative is diffi- without affecting the taste of the water Princeton. Both authors have done their cult to follow; the sketchy maps, without in any way. homework, and it is obvious they have done scale, do not always clarify matters. Rating: 5 boots out of 5 a good deal of local hiking with their dogs. Although faint paths are helpfully noted, What makes a good hiking book and and guidance is provided, some confusion what needs to be added in order to make it in the field can be expected. In planning to useful to dog owners? Much of what is follow these excursions, it would be advis- written in these guides is good common able to first study the descriptions carefully, sense and would be included in any hiking compare them with a current map (the book—be considerate, leave no trace, info author at times refers to maps now outdat- on ticks and snakes, tips/lists on gear and ed), be sure to take with you the book, the clothing. Features that make these books map, and a compass, and plan extra time. useful for dog owners include noting the While neither serious nor confusing, some presence of water, the suitability of trails for errors were noted in the maps (e.g, the most dogs in good health, and dog-relevant Catskill Aqueduct labeled as the Croton rules and regulations of area parks. Aqueduct in Chapter 6). Each book describes 50 (or more) hikes. Steinberg’s guide is useful and enjoyable; I thought the hike descriptions, maps, and the author employs a pleasant, conversa- details in both were well done. In her New tional style, as if he were with you. Books York book, Tammy McCarley suggests that such as this help answer the question: hikers write down the phone number of Where might I plan a hike for next week- the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary end? The seven chapters of trips with hospital in the area where they plan to hike; which I am not familiar have made me she also lists these facilities in each hike want to go, and the others encourage me to description. The New Jersey guide does not return. Several references are provided, and include this very useful and important praise of the Trail Conference maps is gen- information. I know of recent incidents in erous. Recommended if you agree with the which dogs were hurt on hikes, one by a author “that hiking to goals is more reward- snake and one in a fall. ing than just ambling around a circuit.” No book can be everything to every person. I recommend both these books John Mack is trail chair of the West Hudson for both new and experienced hikers who South committee and an avid explorer of “Undoubtedly the have dogs. ruins, including our region’s iron mines and Mayan ruins of Central America. He was best book of its kind Susan Sterngold hikes with her Belgian instrumental in developing the Hasenclever on the market today.” sheepdogs and the dog friendly group Iron Trail in northern New Jersey and is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/harrimanhike. helping to define the route of the planned — TrailWalker Iron Belt Trail in the Jersey Highlands.

Moon Take a Hike New York City details 75 spectacular trails within two hours of Manhattan.

Available through NYNJTC’s Hikers’ Marketplace and at major bookstores.

Get your copy, then get hiking. Visit www.nynjtc.org Page 12 September/October 2007

Are you a three-season hiker who’s tired of watching your gear gather dust for five months out of the year? The Winter Mountaineering Favorite Hike School may be just what you’re looking for. Our dedicated, all-volunteer group of instructors have been helping hikers enjoy the mountains in By Georgette Weir winter for over 50 snow and ice filled years. This year’s program will be based out of the Ups and Downs on Storm King ADK Loj. Check out our website for program details, gear lists, photos, and more. Come join the fun! Weekend Day Hikes: Jan. 4-7; $310.00 No sign welcomes visitors to Storm King Start at the bottom of the mountain at a Weekend Backpacking: Jan. 4-7; $275.00 State Park. It’s possible, in fact, to whiz parking area on Route 218 across from the Combo Section (Day Hikes & 3-night Back- pack): Jan. 4-10; $375.00 along Route 9W north of West Point, trailhead for the Stillman Spring Trail. Take www.winterschool.org admiring the scenery and quick views of that trail (blazed white and to the north of or call 518-523-3441 the Hudson River 1,300 feet below and the dripping spring and commemorative, remain unaware that you are looking out engraved stone) 0.7 mile to the blue-blazed through a state park at all. Howell Trail. Turn north onto the Howell Yet with its combination of woods and Trail and follow it up 700 feet and 0.9 mile Hikers’ exposed primeval rock that arcs precipitous- to the saddle between Butter Hill and ly into the Hudson River, Storm King State Storm King. Turn left on the yellow- and Marketplace Park is one of our most dramatic parks. teal-blazed Stillman/Highlands Trails to Those who enjoy stretching their legs on reach the summit of Butter Hill and a 360- NY-NJ TC member? YES NO JOINING NOW Member #______rugged rambles will be rewarded with some degree view that includes the Shawangunks, Please order by circling price Retail Member P/H Total of the best views anywhere, not just in the Catskills, Schunemunk Mountain, and Hudson Valley. Don’t take my word for it; Hudson River and its Highlands. Official Conference Maps Order 8 or more and get discounted expedited shipping! several hikers from Virginia who joined our Backtrack to the previous intersection Catskill Trails (2005) & see combo $14.95 $11.21 +$1.35 ______ATC-Ramapo 2007 hike on July 15 and follow the trail marked teal and yellow East Hudson Trails (2006) $10.95 $ 8.21 +$1.20 ______declared the views from Storm King some to the summit of Storm King and more NEW!! Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails (2007) & see combo $ 9.95 $ 7.46 +$1.20 ______of the best they had ever seen—and this on spectacular views. At the intersection with Hudson Palisades Trails (2005) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$1.20 ______a day when high humidity and ozone the white trail, turn right onto it and begin Kittatinny Trails (2005) & see combo $12.95 $ 9.71 +$1.35 ______blocked the usually more expansive views heading down and back to the blue-blazed NEW!! North Jersey Trails (2007) $ 9.95 $ 7.46 +$1.20 ______north to the Shawangunks and Catskills. Howell Trail. Descend it through the Shawangunk Trails (2005) & see combo $10.95 $ 8.21 +$1.20 ______Loops of various lengths separately Clove, and turn right when you return to South Taconic Trails (2006) $ 4.95 $ 3.71 +.80 ______explore the twin high points of the park, the intersection with the Stillman Spring Sterling Forest Trails (2005) $ 7.95 $ 5.96 +$1.00 ______Storm King Mountain and the north slope Trail. Here the Howell Trail is a woods road West Hudson Trails (2006) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$1.20 ______of Crows Nest. The Howell Trail extends blazed blue. Follow this up another 700 Books up and down the long, steep sides of the feet—not as steep or as rugged as the first NEW!! Appalachian Trail Guide to New York $19.95 $14.96 +$2.50 ______clove that separates these two high zones climb up Storm King Mountain. Keep a & New Jersey (2007) and links them, making possible this stren- look-out for the turn-off left toward the NEW!! Hiking the Jersey Highlands (2007) $22.95 $17.21 +$3.00 ______uous day-long hike of about 7 miles with a exposed ridgetop. (If you miss the turn-off, New York Walk Book (2005) & see combo $22.95 $17.21 +$3.00 ______total elevation gain of 1,700 feet. as we did on our first outing here, you will New Jersey Walk Book (2004) & see combo $19.95 $14.96 +$3.00 ______find yourself on the white-blazed Bobcat Circuit Hikes in Northern New Jersey (2003) $11.95 $ 8.96 +$2.50 ______Trail.) You will traverse areas of grass and Day Walker (2002) $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______blueberries (in season) before returning to Harriman Trails Guide (1999) & see combo $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______woods, with fabulous views all along. The Hiking Long Island (2005) $19.95 $14.96 +$3.00 ______descent back to the springs and parking is Iron Mine Trails: NY/NJ Highlands (1996, rev. 1999) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$2.50 ______very steep. Kittatinny Trails (2004) & see combo $18.95 $14.21 +$2.50 ______Long Path Guide to NY/NJ (2005) $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______Highlights: Fabulous, fabulous views; var- NEW!! Scenes & Walks in the Northern Shawangunks ied landscapes; strenuous (2006) & see combo $13.95 $10.46 +$2.50 ______Health Hints for Hikers (1994) $ 5.95 $ 4.46 +$2.50 ______Notes: Parking areas are limited. Toilet Doodletown: Hiking Through History in a facilities are nonexistent. No maps on site. Vanishing Hamlet on the Hudson (1996) $12.95 $ 9.71 +$2.50 ______Hunting is restricted. Dogs permitted but Nature Walks in New Jersey (2003) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______must be leashed. AMC Catskill Mountain Guide (2002) $19.95 $14.96 +$2.50 ______ADK Catskill Trails (2005) & see combo $19.95 $14.96 +$2.50 ______Access: Trailhead parking for Stillman ADK Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons (2002) $12.95 $ 9.71 +$2.50 ______Spring Trail is on Route 218, about one Catskill Trails: A Ranger’s Guide to the High Peaks mile north of the Lee Gate at West Point. Book Two: The Central Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______R I

E There are small parking areas on both sides Shawangunks Trail Companion (2003) $18.95 $14.21 +$3.00 ______W

E

T of the road at the spring and additional Moon Take a Hike NYC (2006) $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______T E

G ones both north and south of the trailhead. Walking Manhattan’s Rim (2003) $13.95 $10.46 +$2.50 ______R O E

G 50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley (2002) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______On a clear day, the view north extends over Map: # 113 of the West Hudson Trails set 50 Hikes in New Jersey (2006) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______Newburgh Bay to the Catskill Mountains. (2006, NY-NJ Trail Conference publisher) Best Hikes w/ Children in New Jersey (2005) $15.95 $11.96 +$2.50 ______Best Hikes w/ Children in the Catskills & Join the volunteers who bring you the great outdoors! Hudson River Valley (2002) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______Hudson to Delaware: The Great Valley (2004) $75.00 $56.25 +$5.00 ______1,700 miles of trails; your membership helps us expand our horizons. Combo-Packs Catskill (5-map set & ADK book) $30.35 $22.69 +$2.50 ______Included with membership, Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases at most Harriman (2-map set & book) $23.40 $17.55 +$3.00 ______outdoor stores, and 25% discount on all Trail Conference maps and books. NY & NJ Walk Books $38.60 $30.95 +$4.25 ______Save time and a tree by joining or renewing online at Shawangunk (3-map set & Scenes & Walks book) $21.65 $16.23 +$2.50 ______www.nynjtc.org. Just click on the Join/Renew button. Kittatinny (4-map set & book) $27.80 $20.85 +$2.50 ______MEMBERSHIP LEVEL DUES The Personal Touch Note Cards: TC Collection $12.00 $ 9.00 +$2.50 ______Senior Individual (65+) $25 Long-sleeve Denim Shirt Circle: S M L XL $29.90 $22.43 +$5.00 ______Senior Family (65+) $30 Polo Shirt (Forest Green) Circle: S M L XL $19.90 $14.93 +$5.00 ______Supporter $30 Harriman Map Bandanna $ 6.95 $ 5.21 +$1.85 ______Family $40 Conference Logo Patch $ 2.50 $ 2.50 postpaid ______*Sponsor Individual $60 Long Path Logo Patch $ 2.75 $ 2.75 postpaid ______*Sponsor Family $75 Conference Logo Decal $ .85 $ .85 postpaid ______*Benefactor Individual $120 Subtotal ______*Benefactor Family $150 Postage/handling from above ______*Life Individual $1,000 New Jersey residents add 7% tax* ______*Life Joint $1,500 TOTAL ENCLOSED $ ______Name ______Address______Method of Payment: NAME City ______State______Zip ______Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex Day Phone ______Evening Phone ______ADDRESS Card #______E-MAIL ______CITY STATE ZIP Exp. Date: ___ /___ Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex Signature: ______Card #______Exp. Date: ____/ ____ EMAIL TELEPHONE Make check or money order payable to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, Make check or money order payable to NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. For a full descriptive catalog, please write or call 201-512-9348. *Tax must be paid on books, maps, misc., but not on clothing or shipping, by customers New Sponsor, Benefactor, and Life Members may elect to receive a with NJ ship-to (not billing) addresses. Prices are subject to change. (9/07) Trail Conference cap. Check here if you would like us to send you a cap. Tax-deductible. Dues are not refundable. YOU CAN ALSO ORDER AT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.NYNJTC.ORG