RAIL ALKER TNEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE — MAINTAININGWOVER 1,600 MILES OF FOOT TRAILS MARCH/APRIL 2005 In this issue: Spring Trails Workshops...pg 3 • How Do Trails Come to Be?...pg 7 • Foot Tips for Hikers...pg 8 • Favorite Hike...pg 10

Building a New and Improved by Alison Beeghly New Versions of Three TC Appalachian Trail on Bear Mountain Guidebooks In September, the -New Jersey and December 2004. To gain a more comprehensive under- Trail Conference embarked on an innova- In preparation for the first public sessions, standing of Bear Mountain State Park, the Now Available tive trail design journey when it asked 29 the students spent one month collecting and students used advanced GIS applications The flagship publication of the Trail Rutgers University landscape architecture analyzing data on the park and the AT. They that analyzed environmental factors such as Conference, the New York Walk Book, has students to apply their skills to redesign a were introduced to functional aspects of the slope, aspect, hydrology, and geology. been thoroughly revised and updated portion of the Appalachian Trail (AT). The park by Ed Goodell, Trail Conference Another important source for information under the leadership of Daniel Chazin, project, which the students tackled as part executive director, and Karen Lutz, regional came from white papers submitted by editor, and Ruth Rosenthal, project man- of their junior design studio, will lead to a coordinator for the Appalachian Trail experts on local geology, ecology, and his- ager. It is one of three new versions of permanent, sustainable route for the por- tory, as well as papers on the trails of Bear TC guidebooks recently released. tion of trail that runs through New York’s Mountain, trail construction, trail reloca- Although the new printing of the New Bear Mountain State Park. Through the tion options, the AT and AT Conference, York Walk Book adheres to the format of the use of traditional landscape architecture and interpretative methods. The students 2001 seventh edition, changes have been methods and advanced GIS (Geographic found that one month did little justice to made to nearly every chapter. In particular, Information Systems) applications, the stu- truly understanding the site. However, the trail descriptions in chapter 15, “Storm dents produced, by the end of December, from their exploration they were able to King and Black Rock Forest,” have been analyses of the environmental and aesthet- grasp the depth, diversity, and richness of expanded and updated to better acquaint ic considerations of the project as well as a continued on page 6 the reader with the magnificent trails in vision for the project’s design. this area. Many changes have been made to The AT at Bear Mountain State Park is Major trail rehabilitation at Bear Moun- chapter 16, “Bear Mountain-Harriman estimated to be the most heavily used sec- tain, including the historically important State Parks,” to reflect the various new and tion of the entire 2,175-mile National first section of the Appalachian Trail, is a relocated trails in this very popular hiking Scenic Trail. Visitors who attempt to hike priority project of the Trail Conference, area. Chapter 18, “Sterling Forest,” has this section of the AT to the summit of A redesign of the AT at Bear Mountain targeted for support in its current $2.5 been completely rewritten and reorganized Bear Mountain today find portions of the will better handle heavy traffic. million capital campaign. The project to take into account the many new trails trail severely degraded. In response, the will not only improve the quality of that have been established in this park. Jack New York-New Jersey Trail Conference ini- Conference. Students became familiar with hiking for both experienced and novice Fagan has contributed several new sketches, tiated a project to design and implement a the park’s terrain on exploratory hikes of hikers, it will function as a school for and the maps accompanying the book have permanent trail route suitable for this heav- current trails and possible re-routing options hands-on learning of trail-building skills been updated. ily trafficked area. They asked for the help led by Trail Conference volunteers Fred by volunteers. For information about In addition, the Publications Committee of the Rutgers students to organize the Polvere, Glenn and Jane Collins, and Gail getting involved, contact Trails Director announces that a new second edition of design process and to present their recom- Neffinger. For some of the students it was Larry Wheelock ([email protected] our popular Hiking guidebook mendations to the community at two their first time on the AT; for others it was or 201-512-9348). and a revised edition of the Long Path public sessions, scheduled in November their first experience hiking. Guide are also now available. Working with project manager George Petty, author Lee McAllister has updated Hiking Long Island region’s trail lands and protect its trails. to include a number of new and expanded Ask Not What Trails Can Do for You... With a membership that includes more trails that have been recently established on If you are wondering why you are receiving and to leaders of the member clubs. As part than 9,200 individual members and 92 Long Island. The revised Long Path Guide, this issue of the Trail Walker, you are of a drive to raise awareness about volunteer member clubs (see list on page 8), the prepared by Herb Chong, includes various probably a member of a Trail Conference opportunities, we are expanding the NY-NJ Trail Conference represents more relocations to this popular trail. member club. mailing, for this issue only, to include the than 130,000 hikers. We need more of this All three books can be ordered from the Typically, this newsletter is mailed only to members of our member clubs (with club number to become volunteers for hiking. Trail Conference, with TC members individual members of the Trail Conference approval). We invite all who receive this Opportunities to get involved are at hand: eligible for a 25 percent discount. For publication to check out Trail Conference skills workshops are planned for the spring; prices and ordering details, see Hikers’ activities. There is an opportunity for each trail crews have set their work schedules. Almanac on page 12. For information on person to contribute, learn new skills, Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any of volunteering with the Publications exercise unsuspected muscles, have fun, the contacts listed in this newsletter, or with Committee, please contact Volunteer enjoy camaraderie, and get the kind of Volunteer Projects Director Josh Erdsneker Projects Director Josh Erdsneker satisfaction that comes from doing work ([email protected] or 201-512-9348) for ([email protected] or 201-512-9348). that is needed. more information. Or visit our website, If not for volunteers, hiking in the New www.nynjtc.org. York-New Jersey region would be a much poorer experience. Volunteers affiliated with VOLUME XXXII, NUMBER 2 ISSN 0749-1352 PERMIT #970-100 the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference— either as individual TC members or as members of TC-member clubs—are responsible for maintaining 1,600 miles of trails. Volunteers are also the ones who pro-

JOSH ERDSNECKER duce the maps we hikers use, the See page 3 for info on getting hands-on guidebooks we refer to, and the energy and trail work lessons this spring. spirit that fuel efforts to conserve our TRAILWALKER FROM THE CHAIR VOLUME XXXII, NO. 2 MARCH/APRIL 2005 GEORGETTE WEIR EDITOR LOUIS LEONARDIS GRAPHIC DESIGNER

The TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970- Dreadlines 100) (ISSN 0749-1352) is published bi- The title of my bimonthly column is not a time did not necessarily seem imminent. • The land has something wrong with it, monthly by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as a benefit of membership. typo. It’s a deliberate pun, however bad. Today, however, the pressures of develop- i.e., is polluted; Subscriptions are available to libraries only at It’s about how we can best prevent a dead- ment are everywhere evident. Farm land is • The price of land is unaffordable. $15.00 a year. Periodical postage paid at line—for everything from a column for this being converted to housing developments; Land acquisition is a crucial component Mahwah, N.J., and additional offices. newsletter to a land save that protects a hik- woodlands on steep slopes are being razed of our trail protection mission; this is why Postmaster: Send address changes to the address below. Opinions expressed by authors do not ing trail—from becoming a dreadline, a for McMansions; our trails are displaced, or the board of directors designated this an necessarily represent the policy or position of point of no return on our agenda. lost, in the process. important objective of our capital campaign. the Conference. Contributions of typed People react to deadlines differently. I have heard some Trail Conference We are all being asked to support this cam- manuscripts, photos, and drawings are welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style Some wait to the last minute, needing the members say that in putting so much of paign as best we can. The Trail Conference and length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines. pressure of an imminent deadline to com- our resources into land preservation, we are has more than 9,000 individual members, Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKER plete a task. Personally, I dread tight turning away from the focus of our mis- some of whom have given sums far larger are January 15 (Mar./Apr. issue), March 15 deadlines and try to give myself plenty of sion: trails. Yet if we don’t protect the lands than I would ever be able to do. But as The (May/June issue), May 15 (July/Aug. issue), July 15 (Sept./Oct. issue), September 15 time. Every two months I confront a Trail our trails cross, our trails themselves are Nature Conservancy and Move-on have dis- (Nov./Dec. issue), November 15 (Jan./Feb. Walker deadline. By being proactive and endangered. To deny or ignore this is to be covered, many individuals doing what they issue). Unsolicited contributions cannot be staying ahead, the pressure is lessened and I short sighted. We need to and must make can add up to a big difference. One contri- acknowledged unless accompanied by SASE. can enjoy the process more. sure we protect trail lands so that genera- bution came from a member who indicated For information on advertising rates, please write or call. But there are other deadlines that we tions after us are able to enjoy hiking. that, even on a limited income, she was going Copyright 2005 by: hikers face that have more significant We are at the point of dreadline in this to find a way to give. It was an amount some New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. consequences if they are not met: Time is effort: Land is not made any more (except would consider modest, but in my view was 156 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202) Mahwah, NJ 07430 running out for protecting land for trails. in Hawaii and a few other volcanic places), generous. Her contribution came from the 201-512-9348 This is not a new alarm. In the 1930s, but it is disappearing. If we don’t think or heart and goes to nourish the soul of what we e-mail: [email protected] the New York Walk Book lamented that act fast enough with respect to land acqui- love to do—hike. editorial e-mail: [email protected] places to hike were becoming fewer. In the sition we will face several unlikable results: If you have not already contributed to World Wide Web: http://www.nynjtc.org 1930s, farms and privately owned wood- • Fewer, less enjoyable trails; our capital campaign, please consider lands were still major features of our • No new trails because land is not avail- doing so. We need to meet this deadline region’s landscape and hiking trails often able or has already been built upon; well before the situation becomes dreadful. NEW YORK - NEW JERSEY crossed these lands, with owners’ permis- • The available land is undesirable or TRAIL CONFERENCE sion. The threats to hiking trails at that unsuitable for hiking; – Jane Daniels, Chair, Board of Directors Mission Statement The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, founded in 1920, is a federation of member that are eligible under the 2005-2006 land clubs and individuals dedicated to providing acquisition category include: Shawangunk recreational hiking opportunities in the region, A DVOCACY and representing the interests and concerns of CONSERVATION Mountains, Sterling Forest, Schunemunk the hiking community. The Conference is a Mountain, Catskill Mountain region, and volunteer-directed public service organization 655 Acres Preserved Putnam County that will fill a gap in the the Highlands Greenway Corridor. committed to: in Putnam Highlands & State Park. An 18-acre The critical amount for backcountry • Developing, building, and maintaining hiking trails. The Open Space Institute announced in parcel near the Westchester County border stewardship has been increased from last • Protecting hiking trail lands through January that it had purchased 200 acres from was donated to the trust by Bevis and Clara year’s $5.75 million to $7.45 million, support and advocacy. the 102-year-old in the Longstreth. The trust hopes to transfer the a very significant increase. • Educating the public in the responsible use of trails and the natural environment. Hudson Highlands of Putnam County and property to the state park early this year. The new EPF provides $5 million in acquired a conservation easement on a con- Trail Conference East Hudson Crew Chief matching funds for Quality Communities Board of Directors tiguous 455 acres. The easement will restrict Walt Daniels notes that the property would grants for local land use planning. The Jane Daniels Chair future development on the site. “Surprise Lake add a link to the 5,500-acre park along the Partnership was told that a special portion Peter Kennard Vice Chair Daniel Chazin Secretary Camp was one of the last large tracts of open Hudson Highlands, a range that stretches of this funding was earmarked for Herb Hochberg Treasurer space in Putnam County,” said OSI President, from Bear Mountain Bridge north to hamlets/towns in the Adirondack and Directors Joe Martens. He described its location as just Newburgh. Catskill State Parks. Robert Boysen John Moran beneath the historic escarpment of Breakneck The $150 million EPF does include $20 Ellen Cronan Robert Newton Ridge. It is surrounded by Hudson Highlands 2005-2006 NYS Executive million in General Fund offloads for DEC Mary Vance Duggan Anne Osborn John Gunzler Mary Smart State Park; one mile away is Clarence M. Budget Proposal and State Park capital projects that legally Gary Haugland Malcolm Spector Fahnestock Memorial State Park. OSI officials In response to lobbying by the Trail do not belong in the EPF. The state Senate Tom Humbach said their eventual hope is that they could Conference/Adirondack Mountain Club and Assembly have for the last three years Staff acquire additional property to fill in the gaps Partnership, Governor Pataki proposes to worked with us to remove these offloads Edward Goodell Executive Director and connect the two parks. The landscape is increase the total amount of the Environ- and re-direct the money to open space and Larry Wheelock Trails Director Joshua Erdsneker Volunteer Projects largely forested and contains important mental Protection Fund (EPF) in the other traditional EPF projects. The Director wildlife habitat, especially for the endangered 2005-2006 state budget from $125 million Partnership will strongly oppose these Edwin McGowan Science Director Timber Rattlesnake, as well as mountain to $150 million, a 20 percent increase over offloads as we have done in previous years Richard Benning Land Protection streams, including the Breakneck Brook. last year’s level. and continue to advocate for increases in Specialist Eric Yadlovski GIS Specialist The land acquisition appropriation in land acquisition and stewardship funding. Gary Willick Fulfillment Staff Trail Gap to Be Filled his proposal has increased from last year’s Lisa Cargill Development In Hudson Highlands $30 million to $40 million with an Associate The Hudson Highlands Land Trust has additional $15 million for farmland Nayarid Barahona Product Manager Anne Dyjak Administrative acquired land off South Mountain Pass in preservation projects. Open space projects Director Ramon McMillan Administrative Assistant finally finish it! I have some good news to Part-time Staff add—I gave birth to a baby boy on Errata: In the January/February issue Diana Bregman Coordinator, November 3. We named him Nicholas in Shawangunk of Trail Walker, the byline for the article Ridge Coalition honor of my Dad. We’re all very well and John Myers Land Acquisition hope you are too. And I hope that your New “Sudden Oak Death” was inadvertently Director Letters Remembering Nick Styranovski Year is filled with peace, joy, laughter, and Eddie Walsh, Jr. Trail Projects omitted. The author was Joan Coordinator May 22, 2004: It’s the two-year anniversary lots of time in the woods. Neil Woodworth Counsel, Trail of my father’s accident and death and I woke Ehrenfeld, professor in the Dept. of Conference/ADK up thinking about it. And I thought of how –Tina Styranovski-Schmidt Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Partnership I could observe the day and the Trail Con- Scotch Plains, New Jersey Resources at Cook College, Rutgers The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a ference came to mind. I thought a donation volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It University, and a member of the Trail is a federation of 92 hiking and outdoor groups, in my father’s name would be a good start Longtime Trail Conference member Nicholas and 9,200 individuals. December 29, 2004: This letter has been Styranovski died May 22, 2002, while hiking Conference Science Committee. sitting on my desk for months and I want to on Schunemunk Mountain.

2MARCH/APRIL 2005 TRAILWALKER From the Executive Director Every day, innumerable hikers in this more essential. In particular, we have seen will be moved to volunteer and get region are enjoying lands and trails that for- requests for help planning and building involved. If only an additional 1percent of trail con-fer-ence mer Trail Conference members took the trails skyrocket. We need more people to members of Trail Conference member time to fight and care for. The fights are not volunteer with trail crews, and we can organizations would volunteer, it would over. In fact, this decade is the crux of the always use more trail maintainers, especial- double the number of volunteers and make (tral kon´f r-ee ns) n. struggle for open space activists and nature ly in the far-flung Catskills, Kittatinny, and a dramatic difference in the quality and 1. A formal association of people lovers in this region. The historic surplus of . And the fact that our pace of open space protection, trail building and groups of people working open space is dwindling to the absolute stewardship role is expanding off-trail into and stewardship, environmental monitor- together to expand high quality hiking minimum (and beyond) needed to provide the environmental monitoring realm ing, and hiking book and map production. opportunities: She volunteered with clean water, clean air, habitat, and outdoor means there are increasing opportunities Some adjectives for Trail Conference vol- the Trail Conference. recreation. The final pattern of connected for science volunteers. unteers are: happy, dedicated, interested, open space and long-distance hiking In 2004, 1,227 people volunteered under involved, excited, eager, cheerful, practical, We are trying something different with this opportunities will be decided in the next the auspices of the Trail Conference for a committed, devoted, enthusiastic, engaged, issue of the Trail Walker. In addition to decade. The Trail Conference needs volun- total of 38,320 hours. According to our busy, connected. Become a part of it; you’ll sending it to individual members of the teer activists and new trailblazers to tip the auditors and based on U.S. Department of be glad you did. Trail Conference, we offered to send it to balance toward a more livable landscape. Labor statistics, this volunteer effort had a the members of member organizations. Paradoxically, as total open space dollar value of $711,882. And those are just About 20 member organizations took us declines, more is coming into public own- the hours that we were able to record! up on our offer. ership, spreading land managers even more That is a huge expenditure of time and Why, you thinly in their stewardship role. The sup- effort for the benefit of all. Even so, it is not – Ed Goodell might ask, have port they get from volunteer organizations enough, which is why I am hoping that [email protected] we done this? The like the Trail Conference becomes ever some of the club members reading this issue answer is simple. We want to spread the word that there is an Spring Trails Workshops: Novice to Experienced easy way for hikers and nature Workshops for beginner level trail main- how to solve them. You should take this limited to 20 students. If you can bring lovers to give back to the lands and trails tenance, introductory trail construction, class if you are interested in becoming a your own GPS unit, please indicate this that have provided them with wonder and layout and design of new trails, and the maintainer or enhancing your skills. on your registration form. enjoyment over the years. basics of using Global Positioning Sytem The foreword of Palisades, 100,000 Acres (GPS) and Geographic Information April 24, Trail Construction and in 100 Years by past Palisades Interstate Systems (GIS) for trail building and Restoration Techniques: If you have Park Commission (PIPC) Executive Direc- management will be presented by the wanted to help on a trail crew or do some tor Robert O. Binnewies acknowledges Trail Conference on two consecutive heavy repairs on a trail, this is the work- “…the extraordinary work of volunteers, weekends in April and May. All courses shop for you. Workshop participants will notably the trail maintainers from the New will be taught by experienced Trail restore a section of a trail by constucting York-New Jersey Trail Conference. The Conference trail managers, builders, steps, waterbars, and side hilling, basic [hundreds of] miles of trails in the park are maintainers, and designers. The work- elements of many hiking trails and tech- their responsibility and we could not oper- shops are open to Conference members, niques often used to restore eroded trails. ate without them.” members of Conference clubs, and peo- The availability of high quality, diverse ple from nearby communities. Attending April 30, Trail Layout and Design: This hiking opportunities in this region is clearly a class is a good way to determine course will be devoted to establishing the result of many volunteers working in whether you would like to be a maintain- guidelines for laying out a safe, exciting, long partnership with park agencies. Yet, it er, trail crew member, or a trail designer. and ecologically sound trail with special seems that the general public and even many Instruction will be held at the Newark attention paid to digital route making, hikers are unaware of these circumstances. Watershed Visitors Center in West dealing with sensitive environmental and For example, I had been hiking and Milford, NJ, easily accessed via route 23 archeological conditions, designing for backpacking regularly for 20+ years before in the north-central part of the state. single and multiple user groups, and Each day will begin with bagels and coffee a conversation with an Appalachian Trail Registration is required for all work- designing for a fulfilling hiking experi- at 9 am. Workshops will begin promptly at maintainer in the Smoky Mountains shops. Simply fill out the coupon below ence. Registrants for this course will be 9:30 and will include classroom lecture, dis- National Park made me aware of the effort and send it to the Conference office by given priority for the GPS/GIS for Trail cussion, field work, and material to take and care that went into maintaining prim- April 16, along with an $8 registration fee Manangement course on May 1. Registra- home. At 3:30 all participants will regroup itive trails. Before then, I assumed that for non-members or a $5 fee for Trail tion will be limited to 20 students. If you for course review, socializing, and sharing park employees built trails and people’s Conference members. Additional infor- can bring your own GPS unit, please their experiences. These workshops will feet maintained them. Given the enor- mation will be provided to all applicants indicate this on your registration form. involve field time on nearby trails and will mous pleasure that hiking had provided about one week prior to the scheduled be held rain or shine. me over the years, I resolved to volunteer workshop. Sign up is first come, first May 1, Global Position Systems (GPS) as a trail maintainer when I returned served. Past workshops have been oversub- and Geographic Information Systems home. It was then that I discovered the scribed, so send in your registration early. (GIS) for Trail Management: This day Sign up today! Trail Conference. of training will provide a basic level of Like many others, I wasn’t familiar with Workshop details skills for using these technologies to aid in Past workshops have been the Trail Conference and, if I had heard the April 23, Trail Maintenance 101: This trail layout, design, and inventory keep- name or seen the maps, I assumed it was a training session teaches maintenance ing. Those registered for Trail Layout and over subscribed, so send in hiking club or some sort of quasi-govern- techniques, standards, and what Design on April 30 will be given priority your registration early. mental agency. It took me a while to problems to expect on the trails and for this course. Registration will be understand that the Trail Conference didn’t lead hikes or organize recreational events like its member organizations. Rather, it Registration Form: Registration can also be done online at www.nynjtc.org/workshops/index.html focuses solely on providing a forum for people to work together to protect and Trail Maintenance Workshops Do you currently maintain a trail? Yes No enhance area hiking opportunities. Please check the session(s) you want to attend: If yes, do you work as an individual or with a club? In 2004, the Trail Conference had 91 April 23: Trail Maintenance 101 member organizations with a combined April 24: Trail Construction and Restoration Techniques Name of club, if applicable: ______membership of well over 130,000 hikers April 30:Trail Layout and Design Name of trail you maintain: ______and nature lovers. It is a diverse group unit- I will bring my own GPS unit. ed by an interest in stewarding trails and May 1: GPS and GIS for Trail Management Check here if you have questions open space and a belief that we are more I will bring my own GPS unit. and would like someone to call you. effective working together than independ- Name ______Return by April 16. One form per person. Registration fees—$5 for ently. Our focus is on the projects that are Address______Trail Conference members, $8 for non-members—are per person (one either too large for an individual club or or more courses), not per course, payable to NY-NJ Trail City/State/Zip ______better managed by an umbrella group Conference. Send mail registrations to: NY-NJ Trail Conference, Trail where the interests of all users are taken Day phone______Eve. Phone ______Maintenance Workshop, 156 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah, NJ 07430. into account.

TRAILWALKER MARCH/APRIL 2005 3 RAIL Trail Crew Schedules T For the latest schedules, go to nynjtc.org April 17 (Sunday) April 23 (Saturday) and click on “Trail crews/Work trips.” Begin construction of the new bridge Whitehorse Mountain, TBD = To Be Determined framework. Storm King State Park NEWS April 30 (Saturday) Joint with West Hudson North. For all trips bring work gloves, water, Begin construction of the new bridge Leader: Claudia Ganz lunch, insect repellent. In some cases, deck and railings. New, Restored Bridges tools are provided. Contact leaders in May 1 (Sunday) April 24 (Sunday) In Harriman/Bear Mountain advance for meeting times and places. Complete construction of the new bridge Whitehorse Mountain, The previously proposed bridge near the Volunteers must become members of the deck and railings; finish the approaches Storm King State Park Route 9W trail head of the 1777 Trail in Conference to participate in these and retaining structures. Joint with West Hudson North. the northern portion of Harriman/Bear projects. A one-time “guest” participation Leader: Chris Ezzo Mountain State Park, is now a reality is allowed, so bring your friends. thanks to Eagle Scout Clint Aylward and WEST HUDSON NORTH CREW April 30 (Saturday) Scout Master George Cartamil of Troop HIGHLANDS TRAIL CREW Leaders TBD 97, New City, NY. Contact the leader for details, no more Denise Vitale (Crew Chief): Leader: Bob Marshall In the southern section of the park, the than one week before the scheduled work 845-738-2126, [email protected] Stony Brook Bridge, located just below the date. All projects are TBD. Dave Webber: 845-452-7238, May 5 (Thursday) Cascade of Slid on the Pine Meadow Leader [email protected] Stahahe and Nurian Trail, Brook, was restored thanks to the efforts of Bob Moss: 973-743-5203 Harriman State Park Trail Conference volunteers Chris Connolly, Join us as we work on the picturesque Leader: Bob Marshall Joe Ginsdoff, Pete Heckler, Peter Hibbard, April 24 (Sunday) Gertrude’s Nose Trail in Minnewaska Herb Hochberg, and John Mack, and May 15 (Sunday) State Park. All skill levels and newcomers May 7 (Saturday) Palisades Interstate Park Commission are welcome. Since we are still a relatively TBD Rangers Mickey Cahill and Joe Langdon. new crew, we provide training on each Leader: Brian Buchbinder NORTH JERSEY CREW work trip. For these outings, meet at The On Again, Off Again Leader 9 am at upper parking lot at Lake Hasenclever Trail Sandy Parr: 732-469-5109 Minnewaska (gates open at 9 am). EAST HUDSON CREW In December, a portion of the Hasenclever Second Sunday of each month. Leaders Trail in the area of Peter’s Mine in Ring- Trips start at 9:30 am; call for location April 16 and 17 (Saturday and Sunday) Walt Daniels, 914-245-1250 wood State Park was again closed to the and details during the week before the April 16 joint with West Hudson South. Chris Reyling, 914-428-9878 public. The 5-mile trail links Ringwood scheduled trip day. Tackle a variety of Gertrude’s Nose Trail, John Magerlein, 914-243-4714 Manor and the Long Pond Ironworks in projects ranging from trail repair to Minnewaska State Park MaryAnn Massey, 914-967-8774 West Milford. The closure is the result of bridge building in northern New Jersey. Using a highline setup to build rock steps Jack Seirup (tel. contact), 914-232-4871 the discovery of an industrial dump site in several steep areas. near the trail, which was newly opened last Leader: Denise Vitale The East Hudson Trail Crew has some year. After a brief closure in October, WEST JERSEY TRAIL CREW exciting projects this season with immediately following the dump discovery, Leaders April 23 and 24 (Saturday and Sunday) opportunities to build several new trails. the trail was reopened by Ringwood State David Day and Monica Resor: Whitehorse Mountain, The East Hudson region has a new super- Park authorities when they determined it 732-937-9098, cell 908-307-5049 Storm King State Park visor for trails in Westchester County. did not present an imminent threat to [email protected] Joint with West Hudson South. These will include trails in Kitchawan hikers. In December, however, New Jersey (See WHS schedule for details). Preserve, George’s Island, and Montrose State Environmental Commissioner Help build a bridge at Worthington Point, which need work to bring them Bradley Campbell closed the trail and State Park Dunnfield Creek/Blue Dot May 8 (Sunday) up to Trail Conference standards before pressured the Ford Motor Co., which is Trails Gertrude’s Nose Trail, they can be turned over to maintainers. responsible for clean-up, to begin work. This spring, we have a special project to Minnewaska State Park Several other new trail possibilities are in Excavation of the site began in January. start off our season. Part of the damage Celebrate Mother’s Day by tending to our the process of getting approvals and will The 3/4-mile section of trail that is done by Hurricane Ivan was the destruc- Mother Earth. be announced when the permissions closed is approximately 1.5 miles from the tion of all the bridges over Dunnfield Stabilize a talus slope by moving rocks, are in place. There are several small Ringwood Manor access and 4 miles from Creek in Worthington SP. The first cutting back brush in the trail corridor, projects where a few people (preferably Long Pond Ironworks. There is currently bridge on the Dunnfield Creek Trail and side-hill benching mid-week) can do the work. We make a no reroute and a time frame for clean-up needs to be replaced as soon as possible, Leader: Denise Vitale special effort to arrange pickups at the completion was not set as of the deadline as it has cut off the primary route to nearest Hudson Line train station. for this issue. For additional information, much of the eastern half of the park. We call the Ringwood State Park Superinten- have set an intensive schedule to kick off WEST HUDSON SOUTH CREW Weekdays dent at 973-962-7031 ext. 0. this season with a new bridge. Leaders TBD All trips begin at 9 am at the Dunnfield Chris Ezzo: 516-431-1148, Leader: Walt Daniels Storm King Now Completely Open Creek parking area, just off I-80. There is [email protected] The Army Corps of Engineers finished its a walk of about a third of a mile to the Brian Buchbinder: 718-218-7563, March 26 (Saturday) work clearing ordnance from Storm King work site, so please be there on time. Call [email protected] TBD State Park on Jan. 2. The “closed” signs or email leaders for meeting place details Claudia Ganz: 212-633-1324, Leader: Walt Daniels have been removed, and the park is now and other questions. Heavy rain in the [email protected] completely open. morning will cancel; if in doubt, call Robert Marshall: 914-737-4792, April 9 (Saturday) leaders that morning. [email protected] TBD Old Mine Road Reopened Leader: Walt Daniels Old Mine Road at Worthington State Forest April 9 (Saturday) April 16 (Saturday) in New Jersey, closed after Hurricane Ivan’s Site preparation and construction of Gertrude’s Nose Trail, April 16/17/23/24/30/May 1 fury, has been repaired and is open again. new stone pilings and approaches to the Minnewaska State Park TBD new bridge. Joint with WH North crew. Bear Mountain Inn Closes for Renovations April 10 (Sunday) (See WHN schedule for details). Hikers accustomed to rendezvousing or Site preparation and construction of Leader: Denise Vitale 845-738-2126 enjoying post-hike R&R at the Bear new stone pilings and approaches to the For The Latest Schedules Mountain Inn should be aware that the new bridge April 21 (Thursday) And Info, Log On To Inn is now closed and undergoing renova- April 16 (Saturday) Tiorati Connector Trail, tion work that is scheduled to last until Construction of new stone pilings and Harriman State Park spring 2006. Overnight accommodations approaches to the new bridge. Leader: Bob Marshall www.NYNJTC.org will be available at the four stone lodges

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4MARCH/APRIL 2005 TRAILWALKER Our Changing Forests in tree gaps or occasionally on a larger scale now represent more than half. This fire-sensitive species like red maple. Other after disturbances. But most of our region canopy-understory contrast portends a human activities have changed the chemical By William Schuster, PhD has insufficient tree regeneration. Detailed major forest composition change. makeup of the landscape, including our Most forests in our region are dominated records from the Black Rock Forest, atmosphere, waters, and soils. Global trade by oak trees and have been for thousands of located 50 miles north of , and transportation have greatly enhanced years. But it would be a mistake to con- indicate some of the changes occurring in the spread of invasive species from other clude that all is well with our forests. The forests of the Highlands. A so-called continents. The chestnut blight, Dutch elm column on sudden oak death in the previ- “reverse-J” distribution, with abundant disease, gypsy moth, hemlock woolly adel- ous TrailWalker (XXXII: 1) described how smaller trees and increasingly fewer trees in gid, and introduced earthworms have all this alien pathogenic organism may pose sequentially larger diameters, typified the substantially modified our forest ecosystems. significant future threats to our forests. The Black Rock Forest from the 1930s to the Another major factor has been “decapita- column on white-tail deer in the issue 1960s. But now the majority of all trees are tion” of the food web as humans before that (XXXI: 6) pointed out that larger than four inches in diameter at breast eliminated populations of carnivores like populations of this native forest animal are height with very few in the zero to four- wolves and mountain lions. Populations of imbalanced and causing other problems. inch diameter range. There are 4,000 tree their main herbivore prey, including deer, seedlings per acre, on average, but nearly all have subsequently exploded. These under knee height. For many decades herbivores preferentially browse oak almost none of these have survived to grow Deer browsing of young oaks means seedlings, a major factor in skewing the age into full-sized trees. fewer oaks will reach maturity. demographics of oak populations. In one Size distribution analysis of the cleared and unfenced area studied at Black dominant red, white, and chestnut oaks You may also see regeneration of trees Rock Forest, over the past 33 years not a indicates aging populations. These trees are that seem out of place because they are, his- single tree has reached even one inch in most abundant in the larger size classes (10 torically speaking. Seedling and saplings of diameter as it has turned into a dense inch diameter and up) and there are few the alien and extremely fast growing tree-of- blueberry patch. smaller oaks to replace them in the future. heaven, and Norway maple in some places, The long-term consequences could be Over the past 75 years oaks have had are spreading along edges and in disturbed serious. We depend on forests not only for WILLIAM SCHUSTER mortality rates five to eight times as high as areas. Black Rock Forest’s records document recreation and scenery, but also provision Since the 1960s, researchers have their recruitment rates. While oaks still the arrival of several new tree species in the of clean water and air, soil retention, measured the impact of deer foraging on tree past half century including southern species control of nutrient cycling and local development by using deer exclusion fences. dominate the canopy in most places, their absolute density has been decreasing dra- that are expanding to the north as well as climate, timber and other forest products, Closer analysis reveals that our forest matically. Oaks once comprised more than invasive exotics such as slippery elm, red and also to sustain a host of native plants, ecosystems have been profoundly altered. half of the Black Rock Forest’s understory mulberry, catalpa, and tree-of-heaven. Over animals, fungi, and microbes. Examination Change is an inherent feature of our trees, but they now constitute less than 10 the same time period a few species of recent small-scale disturbances suggests forests, although it often takes place slowly percent. Natural forest succession should have disappeared completely, including a transition from oak to red maple on a human time scale. But some of the lead to replacement by longer-lived and northern-forest relicts such as black spruce dominated forests. More severe distur- current changes have been taking place rel- more shade-tolerant species like sugar and paper birch, and American elm and, bances show evidence of increasing exotic atively rapidly and can be recognized by maple and beech, but these have also not before that, the American chestnut. species which will likely lead to reductions hikers who take the time to look for clues. regenerated well. Instead, the ubiquitous The causes of these changes are in native biodiversity. A healthy, self-replacing forest has trees and faster-growing red maple, along with numerous. One factor has been enhanced in several size classes, especially sufficient black birch in some cases, has been the only fire suppression, substantially changing seedling, saplings, and smaller trees. These species to regenerate in significant the disturbance regime and ecological must successfully replace the canopy trees numbers. These once numbered less dynamics. Fires favor regeneration by oaks, when they die, either one or a few at a time than 10 percent of the understory, but while fire suppression favors thin-barked,

and that those already preserved be SCIENCE properly managed. Supporting organized Red maples (left) are replacing oaks E COLOGY land acquisition efforts, such as the Trail in many of our forests. Collective Action Conference’s Green Corridors Project, is &By Edwin McGowan, Science Director, PhD one way to directly effect these goals. There are ways we can try to manage the Donations to this project go towards situation. For example, we could allow As I revisit the precise wording of purchasing critical land linkages–for both small-scale fires to reduce brush loads, “One of the penalties of an Leopold’s prose for this column, I realize hikers and wildlife--which are later trans- recycle nutrients, and favor native species ecological education is that one lives with some optimism how much our ferred to state entities under conservation regeneration. But this will be difficult near alone in a world of wounds. Much of nation has changed since his time. The agreements. Recovered expenses are then populated areas. We could take further the damage inflicted on land is quite trained ecologist is no longer “alone” but put into additional parcels, completing steps to reduce deer herds, perhaps enhanc- part of a much larger community of like- the cycle. ing the increase of predators such as bear, invisible to laymen. An ecologist must minded people who recognize the value For those interested in taking a more coyotes, and bobcats, though we are either harden his shell and make of natural systems, pristine landscapes, and hands-on approach, we also offer unlikely to ever see the return of the top believe that the consequences of a healthy environment. Environmental opportunities to help manage the natural deer predator, the wolf. We can manage science are none of his business, or he laws, the expansion of parks, preserves, and resources found on conservation lands. forests and sustainably extract timber must be the doctor who sees the marks wilderness areas, and the public’s desire Citizen Science opportunities at the Trail products by minimizing disturbance, leav- to find remedies to poor planning Conference aim to educate participants ing seed trees and protecting regeneration. of death in a community that believes and uncontrolled growth suggest the about local ecology while generating Fencing large areas to exclude deer and itself well and does not want to be emergence of a much needed land ethic. much needed data on the status of plants, allow successful seedling maturation could told otherwise.” As hikers, we have a special stake in animals, and natural communities. For be successful, though unattractive and – Aldo Leopold, Round River, protecting the integrity of the wild places many participants, these projects are an expensive. To manage the biogeochemical p. 165. From a collection of Leopold’s we roam. By joining hiking organizations introduction to ecology. We hope they changes we would need to reduce acid rain, writings published after his death in 1948. and donating time and resources, we will also serve as a catalyst for further ozone, and greenhouse gas emissions. Min- have made an important contribution to ecological education. (See the Science imizing the impacts of the spread of exotics the environment. Local lands originally section of the Annual Report in this issue will also be difficult, though we will Aldo Leopold’s grim view of early 20th- preserved for hiking and outdoor recre- for examples of Citizen Science opportu- certainly benefit if we can learn how to century America reveals the weariness of ation are now recognized as being among nities with the Trail Conference.) gauge their seriousness in advance, and an observant witness to widespread the most ecologically significant in our Leopold lamented the singular burden wage only the battles that make sense. ecological loss: the extinction of species, region. The conservation of these lands of being an ecologist in his day. While an Change has always been ubiquitous in the felling of vast forests, the careless in perpetuity is a legacy to be proud of. ecologist’s eye can still detect many forests, but never more so than at this destruction of natural treasures, and Still, there is much more that needs to wounds in the land today, it is through present time. Enjoy your next walk in the perhaps most important, the wanton be done to advance our collective collective action that healing and woods but recognize that, if we want to practices of a society lacking a “land interests, especially at this critical time of solutions will and are being made. keep them healthy, we will all need to be ethic.” As a trained ecologist, I remember unprecedented suburban growth and part of the solution. being moved by this quote when I first expansion. We need to remain vigilant Visit the new TC Science web page at came across it some 15 years ago, and it and demand that additional conservation nynjtc.org/science for more science news and William Schuster is executive director of the has often entered my mind since. lands be set aside for future generations volunteer opportunities. Black Rock Forest Consortium

TRAILWALKER MARCH/APRIL 2005 5 Volunteer Classifieds: Get Involved! Getting from Point A to Point B: The Making of TC Maps Are you looking for new challenges and opportunities to get involved with Trail You see them everywhere there are hikers in job of the Map Committee, a sub-com- Conference activities? Please review the the New York-New Jersey region, from mittee of the Publications Committee; its TC Volunteer Classifieds for exciting and outdoors stores to backpacks to coat pockets: first decision is to choose whether to interesting ways for members to become Trail Conference hiking maps. The New York reprint the set as is, revise an existing involved with the Conference’s efforts. – New Jersey Trail Conference has been analog map set, or convert the map set to Become an active part of our family and publishing professionally drawn topographic digital format. get more involved. If you are interested in hiking maps since the early 1980s. They are volunteering with the TC through any among our signature products and services to Like Maps? of the jobs listed below, or some hikers. As with everything the Trail Whether the map subcommittee decides to other, contact the Volunteer Projects Conference does, our map-making depends revise an analog map or convert it to a Director Joshua Erdsneker by email TOM DUNN on volunteers. The following is a brief descrip- digital map, finding a volunteer map ([email protected]) or telephone (201- National Trails Day tion of the current procedures, considerations, manager to coordinate the project is 512-9348, ext. 15), and he will find Registration Assistants and resources that go into producing a Trail essential. The map manager oversees all a way to get you involved. The Trail Conference has 10 National Trails Conference map. If you like maps, you can aspects of map production, with the objec- Day events scheduled throughout the New find unusual opportunities for volunteering tive of producing a high quality map Workshop and Training Coordinator York-New Jersey area. We are hoping to through the Map Committee. within a budget and in a timely fashion. Volunteers are the heart and soul of this draw a significant number of attendees. We The work of a map manager is never dull. organization. Without them, our trails are looking for help collecting and process- With the assistance of the committee and fall into disrepair, our maps become ing the registrations for these events. staff; they develop a budget and production outdated, our website stops loading, etc. Participants will be able to sign-up for an timelines, appoint and coordinate volun- To support our volunteers, the Trail event online, mail-in registration form, and teers such as the field coordinator and map Conference offers a variety of training at selected local retail stores. Interested back editor, work closely with the cartogra- programs, from Trail Maintenance 101 to persons should be comfortable with com- pher, obtain approvals from park and land teaching computer skills. We are looking puter data entry and general mailing tasks. managers, work with printers, draft a press for a person to help coordinate these train- release for the marketing committee, main- ing sessions. Interested persons should Project Management Training tain a list of volunteers and others involved, have excellent coordination skills, be able With a wide variety of ongoing projects, and eventually, upon publication, write to plan in 12-month intervals, have good the Trail Conference would like to help and send thank you notes with compli- communication skills, and be willing to its volunteers and staff. We are looking mentary map copies to everyone involved. work with Trail Conference staff and for an individual who can train others in The field coordinator and map back volunteers to maximize the impact of our project management, teaching staff and editor, appointed by the map manager, are workshops and training sessions. volunteers how to run effective meetings, separate volunteer opportunities within the avoid pitfalls, planning techniques, and map production process. The map back Tough Reputation to Uphold more. If you are a qualified project editor oversees the production of the text Safeguard the mystic and rugged beauty of manager, please contact Jane Daniels at: and information printed on the backs of the hiking trails in one of the nation’s most [email protected]. the maps. S/he must review the current highly touted outdoor recreation areas. map back and decide what needs updating, The hiking trails in the Catskills have been Other Opportunities: and coordinate changes with the layout praised by hikers all over the world; help • Assistant to the Executive Director The decision to produce a map set begins artist to determine the layout of the map keep the praise coming. Without your • Librarian with the Trail Conference Publications back. The field coordinator is responsible help, these magnificent trails will fall into • Publication Indexer Committee, which tracks and analyzes for overseeing the collection of field data, disrepair. Join our dedicated Catskills Trail • Outreach Events Coordinator sales trends and creates annual map pro- primarily Global Positioning System (GPS) Committee and help keep the trails open. • Tabling Event Representatives duction schedules. Producing maps is the data of hiking trails and trail features. The field coordinator is also responsible for appointing field checkers. A field checker BUILDING A NEW AT ON BM lights was a three-dimensional, bird’s-eye, park and organization officials could initi- is another fun volunteer opportunity. Their continued from page 1 fly-through of the mountain created in ate the re-alignment of the AT and trail objective is to survey trails, assigned by the GIS. This imagery elicited enthused “oohs renovations at Bear Mountain State Park. field coordinator, with a global positioning history that encompass Bear Mountain. and ahs,” as well as a few less avid groans As these partners contribute their sugges- system receiver (GPS unit). The survey From this understanding, they were able to induced by waves of motion sickness. Once tions a final plan will emerge, which can includes hiking trails to determine their recognize the issues and exciting opportu- any motion sickness and a few reassuring then be used to start seeking funds, actual location, and identifying features nities that fueled the design process. laughs subsided, the participants discussed, permits, contractors, and to develop an such as trailheads, trail intersections, stream corrected, and expanded upon the data and implementation schedule for work as well crossings, and viewpoints. The resulting analyses in break-out sessions. as training opportunities. As you read this, data is sent to the field coordinator, who The resulting analysis made it clear that the second stage of the planning process is will archive the data, and send the data to the complexity of the issues influencing the under way; we hope to see the first work the cartographer. AT at Bear Mountain Park required a begun by volunteers later this year. The cartographer will produce several broadening of the project scope to include draft versions of the map, which are sent the entire Bear Mountain area. The most Note from the Trails Director out to selected Trail Conference members influential issues were used to develop a list With this vision in hand, the Trail and the involved land managers for review. of design considerations, including: Conference has moved a long way toward a After several drafts are reviewed and all treatment of trail head, trail relocation, consensus goal for the future of the trails on parties are satisfied with the accuracy and park arrival sequence, environmental Bear Mountain. Our next steps will involve aesthetics of the map, it is sent to the print- impact, and sustainability. These factors taking this vision and developing a working er. At this point, all the hard work of the were guidelines from which the students plan to go with it. This plan will then be publications committee, map committee, designed solutions for a sustainable brought to each of the partners involved project manager, map back editor, field AT relocation. seeking their approvals and suggested coordinator, field checkers, cartographer, The designs were presented at a second adjustments. reviewers, and the Trail Conference staff charette on December 5 and 6 at Bear pays off. A beautiful, useful, and accurate The students presented their analyses at Mountain. Through a series of sessions, the Alison Beeghly is a student in Rutgers hiking map is now available for all hikers to a charette session on November 14 and 15 participants and students discussed the University Landscape Architecture school. use as a tool to enjoy the great outdoors! at Rutgers University. (A charette is a pub- designs’ strengths, weaknesses, opportuni- Trail Conference partners in the Bear If you are interested in volunteering in lic participatory process where consensus ties, and constraints. At the conclusion of Mountain project are the Palisades Interstate the map production process please contact about a project is reached through discus- the charette, the students were equipped to Park Commission, New York State Office of Joshua Erdsneker, Volunteer Projects Direc- sion of priorities and need.) The data and develop a single consensus design that Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, tor, at 201-512-9348 or [email protected]. analyses were presented to professionals drew the best features from the six previous the National Park Service, and the who would participate in designing the design scenarios. Appalachian Trail Conference. –Eric Yadlovski, Trail Conference GIS Specialist re-alignment of the AT and construction of The final design was presented on and Edward Goodell, Executive Director other trails. One of the presentation high- December 20 as a master plan from which

6MARCH/APRIL 2005 TRAILWALKER Jim & Carolyn Canfield 3. In Passaic County, NJ, a new trail link in the design of new trails. We are looking By Maureen Edelson How DoTrails between Norvin Green State Park and for volunteers now, so that as we get Ramapo Mountain State Forest in the permission for a new trail there are people Wanaque area. ready to help scout it. Come to Be? 4. In Morris County, NJ, a new trail Or you may just love to go into a new By John Myers along a portion of Green Pond Moun- area and explore it to find the undiscovered Over the past several years, the Trail tain connecting county and state lands. gems that may be hiding there. A trail scout Conference has been making a concerted 5. In Morris County, NJ, an extension of needs to be willing to walk the wild land effort to expand and protect our trail the Four Birds Trail south of Splitrock features without following a trail and network in two major ways. One way is area, through county lands should have some skills with maps, acquiring the “missing links” on our to Berkshire Valley Wildlife Manage- compass, and GPS if possible. To identify a existing long-distance trails through ment Area. route, which can be followed by others acquisitions of privately owned parcels and 6. In Putnam County, NY, an extension who may be doing environmental or arche- then transferring these to public agencies. of the Highlands Trail from the Hud- ological assessments and trail crew leaders The second way is seeking permission from son River to Fahnestock State Park determining structure needs, means that public land managers to create new long- and on eastward through New York the scout must be able to record the route distance trails over existing public lands. City watershed lands and other public so it can be understood and followed later We have recently been very successful in lands to the Connecticut border. on by others. this second effort and have reached the 7. In Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster If you’re interested in doing this type of point where we need new volunteers to Counties, NY, along the Shawangunk volunteer work we want to hear from you! MAUREEN EDELSON help explore and design these new routes. Ridge, including new trails Let us know which areas you’re familiar Jim and Carolyn Canfield of West Milford, These include the seven trail corridors in Minnewaska State Park and a with, so we can contact you for help for NJ, are action figures of the outdoor world: described below: connecting trail from the Shawangunk trail needs in those areas. hiking, mapping, maintaining, leading, 1. In Sussex County, NJ, the 20-mile Ridge Trail down to Port Jervis. To become involved with this exciting biking, skiing, presiding. The Canfields long ridge of mountains running from There are certain skills and knowledge and creative part of trail designing, please may not leap tall buildings, but there’s the Appalachian Trail in Wawayanda that help in being a trail scout and design- contact Josh Erdsneker ([email protected]) always next month. State Park south through the er. One is familiarity with a particular wild or Larry Wheelock ([email protected]) Carolyn had just retired from teaching Hamburg Mountains, along the top of area along the proposed trail route. You or either of them at 201-512-9348. mathematics at West Milford High School Sparta Mountain and into Mahlon- may have intimate knowledge of a beauti- in February 1996 when she sought out Dickerson County Park. ful view, special historic place, or a John Myers is land acquisition director for the weekday hikes with a group called Frost 2. In Warren County, NJ, a proposed 15- significant natural feature, such as a quiet Trail Conference. Valley Trailwalkers. “Of course I remember mile route running from Allamuchy hemlock grove or site of some geological that first hike. It was on the AT out of Bear State Park along the top of Jenny Jump interest. If you have a special knowledge of Mountain Inn, up to Perkins Tower. There Mountain State Park and on into the these areas, you may be an invaluable was ice and snow, and Dave Sutter was the Pequest Wildlife Management Area. resource and may want to become involved leader. I came home and told Jim about it, and started showing him the same hikes on weekends that I would do during the week.” Now both are retired, and the Canfields’ TRAIL NEWS continued from page 4 lives are filled with the work and play of Don Recklies outdoor enthusiasts. Carolyn and Jim by Anne De Sutter and Overlook Lodge. preside and organize: she as president of the Don Recklies is a Brooklynite who relies on For more information or to make Interstate Hiking Club, a TC member public transportation, but that doesn’t keep reservations, contact the Inn at club, and he as trails chair. (IHC maintains him from being an avid hiker and trail 845-786-2731. PIPC intends to make the the Sterling Ridge Trail, and sections of maintainer. Don volunteers with the Trail Inn an eco-friendly building that protects the Long Path and Jessup Trail on Conference’s Metro Trails Committee and and preserves natural resources through the Schunemunk Mountain.) They review can often be found enjoying and maintain- use of environmentally sensitive materials NY-NJ Trail Conference maps and serve on ing trails in the Greenbelt on . and equipment, including a geothermal the NY-NJ Trail Conference Steering The Greenbelt offers a network of 26 miles heating and cooling plant. The plan also Committee for the Appalachian Trail of trails, a green escape from the city calls for the enhancement of the Hiker’s Conference 2007 meeting. (The 2007 within the city that is accessible by public Lounge and Coffee Shop, and the ATC meeting, a weeklong affair involving transportation. installation of a Bookstore hundreds of participants, will be organized Don came to hiking through a love of featuring publications on the environment, and hosted by the NY-NJ Trail Confer- nature as a child and has continued to serve history, and architecture of the region as ence.) Their physicality and curiosity in the his interest by volunteering with Metro well as locally produced crafts and foods. outdoor world, however, truly amazes. Trails and Protectors of Pine Oak Woods, Hiking trips including New Zealand, the an environmental group of volunteers that Matterhorn (technical base), and Carolyn’s cleans out invasive plants, such as the vines favorite lunch spot at Wyanokie High that strangle trees, and replants with native Point (1020') are the stuff of their adven- varieties. Besides keeping him involved tures. The camaraderie of their trips with with nature, Don says he likes to hit the “Parks oughtta do that.” But Parks does not hiking buddies points up what good trails because it keeps him in shape and do that, and Don, like so many other company Jim and Carolyn are, and what makes him feel good. volunteers, realizes that clean and well- enjoyment they find in their outdoor When he hikes, Don prefers to go with maintained trails depend on volunteers. companions. They have spearheaded a groups, often joining the New York “People don’t realize how important volun- multi-year effort to hike the Long Path Ramblers, enjoying outings at nature teers are,” says Don, who urges more northward from Fort Lee, an effort begun centers and preserves, and venturing as far people to volunteer. just before the millennium. The couple is as Harriman State Park and other areas in Don has found enjoyment and satisfac- responsible for maintaining the 1.5-mile the Hudson Valley. An amateur birder, tion in keeping trails available for all to use, Wingdam Trail in Wawayanda State Park. Don also favors outings at Floyd Bennett and we thank him for his efforts. For more Biking has been added to the “let’s have Field near Jamaica Bay and the Gateway information about the Staten Island fun” list of Canfield activities, particularly National Recreation Area, both good spots Greenbelt, and for descriptions of the trails, through the Union County Hiking Club to see both inland and shore birds. He does visit www.sigreenbelt.org. For information (another TC member group). Members not keep a “count,” preferring to maintain about volunteering with Metro Trails, utilize the growing variety of rail trails in a more casual approach to the sport, but contact committee chair Bob Ward at the northeast. he does keep track of sightings on 718-471-7036. On a windswept winter afternoon, the [email protected] and has seen couple graciously sat still for two hours to the boreal owl that currently resides in tell me the story of their involvement Central Park and, closer to home, a great with the New York - New Jersey Trail horned owl in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Conference and its member clubs. Jim and Don says he is often asked by people Carolyn are not just action figures; they are, who see him maintaining his trails if he truly, outdoor recreation superheroes. works for the City Parks Department. When he answers no, they often respond,

TRAILWALKER MARCH/APRIL 2005 7

has occurred. A repetitive activity or stress, for healing. such as hiking uphill for several hours car- Many soft tissue injuries will improve Foot Tips rying extra weight, can cause a foot injury. with resting the affected foot, applying ice Unlike a leg cramp, which may eventually to the area for 5-10 minutes a few times a go away with continued walking, a foot day, a compression bandage, such as an Ace for Hikers injury will only get worse. wrap, and elevating the foot. It is a good idea to take along on hikes a few Ace wraps Common Injuries and several cold packs which can be acti- Injuries due to overuse include capsulitis, vated in the field, when needed. or, inflammation of the soft tissues sur- rounding a joint. This occurs most Those Pesky Blisters frequently around the ball of the foot. Ice and an Ace wrap will not, however, help Symptoms may include pain and swelling, a hiker’s nemesis—blisters. These painful sometimes affecting just one toe. In severe and annoying injuries can easily be pre- cases, a toe may begin to take on the vented. Blisters occur in the presence of appearance of a hammertoe. two conditions: repeated chafing of skin Pain under the heel is also a common foot against a shoe or boot, and moisture or per- ailment in the very active patient. Symp- spiration. Be certain that shoes or boots fit toms also include pain while standing and properly before going out on the trail, and walking, centered in the heel. In some cases, use foot powder to help keep your feet dry. a heel spur may be present. This condition, In addition, socks should always be however, is also an inflammation of the fas- changed if they are wet or even damp. A cia, a ligament-like structure stretching from prescription foot anti-perspirant is available the heel bone to the ball of the foot. for more difficult cases. Early intervention is critical for these To treat a blister, simply lance or open conditions. Prompt treatment includes the blistered skin slightly to allow fluid to

GEORGE B. BRIDGMAN application of a cold pack to the painful drain. Do not remove the blistered skin. area for 5-10 minutes a few times a day, Cover the area with dry gauze and tape or A 72-year-old woman went to her podia- “Think of yourself as an athlete,” her anti-inflammatory medication, and, where a large adhesive bandage. trist recently, after noticing increasing pain podiatrist told her. “If you do not rest your appropriate, corrective arch support placed Failure to keep feet clean and dry can and swelling in her foot. Although she had foot, you may be able to walk through into shoes. More severe cases frequently also result in a skin fungus infection, com- not twisted or injured her foot, she had another moderate hike; however, you may benefit from a cortisone injection. monly referred to as athlete’s feet. This noticed increasing discomfort over the pre- be out for the rest of the season.” In the end, A common injury for hikers on uneven condition will create an itchy, burning sen- vious few weeks. Hiking mostly along the this hiker followed her podiatrist’s advice for terrain is an ankle sprain. A moderate or sation. Some over-the-counter preparations for six to seven miles, usual- rest, anti-inflammatory medication and severe sprain could involve a partial or may help, but the condition often requires ly three times a week, she had trouble some special padding for the bottom of her complete tear of an ankle ligament. Fre- a prescription strength medication for completing her most recent outing. This foot. She sat out a few weeks of hiking, but quently, the more severe injuries involve complete healing. In addition to any med- older hiker had two questions for her foot then returned to her regular schedule. significant swelling and sometimes discol- ication, however, keeping the feet clean and doctor: “What’s wrong with my foot?” and The human foot is well-designed for oration of the surrounding skin. A rapid dry is important to treating this condition “Can I continue hiking?” walking and hiking. The many small joints application of a splint to help reduce the and preventing it from recurring. The answer to the first question was in the foot are able to adapt to changing and swelling and allow the tissues to heal is straightforward after an examination and uneven terrain. Other variables, however, important. The splint also helps prevent re- Howard E. Friedman, DPM, is a podiatrist X-rays. The patient had developed a such as taking a particularly long hike, or injury. Application of an ice pack will help and board certified foot surgeon treating hikers moderate to severe capsulitis, or joint inflam- carrying a heavy backpack, can tip the bal- initially, as will elevating the injured foot. and non-hikers in Suffern, NY. A second arti- mation, in the ball of her foot. The answer to ance in favor of possible foot or leg injury. Hiking on a foot with an acute ankle sprain cle in this series will discuss some more common the second question was more difficult. Foot pain is usually a sign that an injury can significantly increase the time needed foot and leg injuries and their treatments. Long Path Maintenance Your Club Can Get Involved Too! April 23, 2005 Trail Conference Member organizations Scout Troop 273, Boy Scout Troop 50, Boy Outdoor Club of South Jersey, Paddling The Long Path North Hiking Club is are vital partners in our efforts to maintain Scout Troop 8, Brooklyn, Boy Scout Troop: Bares (PAD), Palisades Nature Association, looking for volunteers for a work and protect the hiking trails that we all Iaopogh Camp Maintainence Committee, Passaic H.S. Hiking Club, Protect our maintenance day, Saturday, April 23. The use. Member clubs of the Trail Conference Boy Scout Troop: Northern NJ Council, Wetlands, Water & Woods (POWWW), work will be on section 31of the Long Path have adopted and maintain over 540 miles Bruderhof Communites - Catskill, Camp Protectors of Pine Oak Woods, Ramapo in Albany County. Bring lopers or a bow of trails in New York and New Jersey. Deer Run, Camp Wyanokie Commission, Mountain Ski Club, Ramsey Outdoorsman saw if you have them and a lunch. Contact That’s more that one-third of the trails Campmor Environmental Team, Catskill Hiking Club/Women of Ramsey Outdoor, Clarence Putman at 607-538-9569. under our care! Member clubs have taken 3500 Club, Catskill Mountain Club, Rip Van Winkle Hikers, Rock Lodge Club, responsibility for sections of 93 different Chinese Mountain Club of New York, Sierra Club / Mid-Hudson Group, Sierra trails and several lean-tos. Several trails Cragsmoor Association, East Hampton Club / NJ Chapter, Sierra Club / Ramapo- need maintainers and new trails are under Trails Preservation Society, Inc., Finger Catskill Group, Sierra Club Atlantic construction. If your club is interested Lakes Trail Conference, Flat Rock Brook Chapter Outings Committee, Sierra Club in getting involved and adopting a Nature Association, Folk Music Society of Lower Hudson Group, Somerset County section of trail, please contact our New York, Friends of Glen Gray, Friends of Hikers, Southampton Trails Presv. Soc., St. Volunteer Director, Joshua Erdsneker, the Shawangunks, German - American Benedicts Prep Backpacking Project, at [email protected] or 201-512-9348, Hiking Club, Horace Mann School Outing Sullivan County Audubon Society, extension 15. The following is a list Trail Club, Hudson River Valley Greenway, Sundance Outdoor Adventure Society, Conference Member organizations, 92 as Hunterdon Hiking Club, Interstate Hiking Teatown Lake Reservation, The Catskill of January. Club, Long Island Greenbelt Trail Center for Conservation & Dev., The Conference, Long Path North Hiking Forest Park Trail Maintenance Club, The ADK Albany Chapter, ADK Knickerbocker Club, Mohawk Valley Hiking Club, Highlands Natural Pool, The Outdoors Chapter, ADK Long Island, ADK Mid- Mohonk Preserve, Monmouth County Club, Inc., Thendara Mountain Club, Hudson Chapter, ADK Mohican Chapter, Park System, Morris County Park Torrey Botanical Society, Town of ADK New York Chapter, ADK North Commission, Morris Trails Conservancy, Cortlandt Recreation and Parks, Union Jersey Chapter, ADK Ramapo Chapter, Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club of Greater County Hiking Club, University Outing Adventures for Women, AMC Mohawk N.Y., Inc., Musconetcong Mountain Club, Valley Stream Hiking Club, Hudson Chapter, AMC Mohican Outdoor Conservancy, Nassau Hiking and Outdoor Vroman's Nose Preservation Corp., Weis Center, AMC New York North Jersey Club, Nelsonville Greenway Committee, Ecology Center / NJ Audubon, Westchester Chapter, At Your Own Risk Hiking Club, New Haven Hiking Club, New Jersey Trails Association, Woodland Trail Walkers Audubon New York, Bellvale School - Search & Rescue Inc., New York Alpine Bruderhof Foundation, Boy Scout Troop 2 Club, New York Hiking Club, New York - Middleburgh Otschodela Council, Boy Ramblers, NYC Outward Bound Center,

8MARCH/APRIL 2005 TRAILWALKER ANNUAL FUND CONTRIBUTIONS Capital

GIFTS November 30, 2004 – January 21, 2005 Campaign Robin Abrett & Bernard Baron, Saul and Betty M. Adelson, Shin Aizeki, Diane M. Allison, Robert E. Angland, Steven and Christine Arkin, George M. Aronson, Robert P. and Joan T. Augello, Russ Barlow-Layne, Herman Baruth, William B. Bates Jr., Jonathan D. Beard, Steven Becker, Dr. George L. Becker Jr.*, Paul Bell*, Carol Ann Benton, Tom Bessoir, John B. Blenninger, Reaches Philip Blocklyn, Ian Blundell, John A. Boehning, Harry F. Bott, Robert W. Boyajian, Jonathan Brandt, Paul Brangs, William and Martha Bremer, Walter E. Britt, Han and Afina Broekman, $ Alice M. Broquist, Margaret W. Browar, Howard Brown & Nancy A. Houghton-Brown*, John W. and Eliza L. Burdzy, Annette Burgess, Howie Burke, Daniel M. Byrd, Ferdinand Caiocca, 1.8 Million Evangeline Caliandro*, Russ and Diane Cannizzaro, Scott R. Chappelka, Robert J. Chervy, William Chiappane, Derek D. and Barbara Cocovinis, William S. and Mary Coffin, Ronna Cohen*, Janet Cohen, Marc D Cohen*, Richard Cohn, Chris K Connolly*, Leo F. Cuomo, Kay Barbara Cynamon, Mark J. Dallara, Andy J. Damato, Christopher B. Davis*, David H. Day*, New Donors Peter A. DeBaun, Roy and Mary V. Derstine, John H. and Sara Dewey, Rosanne T. Dobbin, Benjamin and Jeanne Dobrzynski, Erin Dodd, Delight W. Dodyk, JoAnn and Paul Dolan, Paul November 30, 2004 - January 21, 2005 T. Donoghue, Thomas A. Dunn*, Joan Dyer, Earth Share*, Cary Edwards, Joan and David Ehrenfeld & George and Helen Elias, Vincent Ellison Jr., Michael Engel, Charlotte and Stanley ADK North Jersey Chapter, Richard J. Anderson, Michael J. Fahn*, Russell Faller, Frances Lee Fanger, Lou Feeney, David L. Felsenthal, Ruth J. Fischer, Steven A. Fischler, Ronald R. Fontana, Susan Forester, Don D. Fornuto, Jeffrey J and Doreen Ashworth*, Robert P. and Joan T. Augello, Edith Barth*, Frankel, J. Tersoff and Deborah Franzblau, Isaac D. and Ruth B. Freedman, Charles W. Gamble, Donald J. Garber, Ned and Laura JT Gardner, Daivd Gedzelman, Roy C. Geist, Sam Robert E. and Ruth W. Berlin, Sherri Biscan*, Malcolm A. Gellens, William H. Gelles, James G. and Kathleen Gilbert, Timothy E. Gillane, Ronald J. and Mary Gizzi, Jeffrey Glans & Louise Perkins, Barbara Goldberg, Golden Family Foundation, Borg & North Jersey Media Group, Han and Afina Jack Goldwasser, Fred Golomb, Edward Goodell, Rebecca W. and Henry E. Goodhue, Coralyn Gorlicki & Abraham Gorlicki, Richard G. Gramlich, Suzanne F. Greenberg*, Robert W. Grize, Broekman, Howard Brown & Nancy A. Houghton- John Grob & Anne Grob*, Marilyn L. Gross & Kim Hausner, Marvin Grumet, Richard Grunebaum, John Haertlein, William A. and Joan T. Hand, Peter W. Hannan, Jeffrey R. Hartman & Brown*, Howie Burke, Russ and Diane Cannizzaro, Lisa Rachel M. Boylan, Wilhelmina A. Haruk, Nancy G. Hassanein, Edward Z. Hawkes, Peter and Rita Heckler, Sidney B. Heimbach MD, Howard D. Helms, Ludwig Hendel, Kim Hendrickson, C. Caplan*, Neil and Katherine Cohen, Ronna Cohen*, Charles Heuer, Julie Hildebrand, Helene Z. and George J. Hill, C. Walter and Lavonne D. Hirsch, Herbert L. Hochberg*, Leonard Hollander, Ellen Holt, Jay Hui, Paul R. Hundt, Johanna- Ellen M. Cronan*, Robert J. Danetz, Geoffrey Dann & Karen Johannson, Joyce C. Judson & Morris R. Judson Jr., Richard L. and Amy E. Kargauer, Lilo R. Kassel, Robert M. and Linda S. Katz, Richard and Marion Katzive, Daniel S. Kaufman, Lauri Novick-Dann*, John P. Denkowski, Arthur H. and Michael A. Kaye, Don L. and Karen J. Keen, Barbara and Bradford Kendall, Peter L. Kennard*, Howard D. Kessler Jr., Kevin D. Barron, Philip L. and Melinda Kirstein*, Stephen Klepner, Nancy Ebeling*, Joan and David Ehrenfeld, Marc James B. Kobak Jr., Janet C. Kohler, John Kolp & Cinthia Seibels, Charles Kopp, Karen G. Krueger*, Robert Krumm, Stuart J. Kurtz, Dan Kwiatkowski, Vega A. Lalire, Robert J. LaMagna, Elfenbein, Charlotte and Stanley Fahn*, Edward W. Constance E. Lee, Phyllis Lennert, Karl H. Leo Jr., Joel Lester, Judy Levine, Sigrid E. Lindo, Helmuth H. Loddigs, Doris G. Lommel, Dorothy A. Lourdou, Donald P. Lynch, Robert Madden Fanslau, Jakob & Gely Franke, Clifford Norman Gerenz*, & Cynthia Chazotte, John and Karen Magerlein*, John C. Mahle Jr., Eileen T. Mahler, Lon and Martha Maletta, Kenneth H. and Linda Z. Malkin, Lawrence E. Mals, Joel and Ruth Perry Goldschein, Toby Golick*, Edward Goodell, Ann M. Mandelbaum, Marilyn and Peter Marcus, William B. Mather Jr., Fred Mauhs, Kay McDermott, Seth L. McKee & Ellen Butowsky, Wallace McLeod Jr., Philip J. McLewin, Robert J. Meinke, Gruhn & Peter Franaszek, David J. and Glenda S. Haas*, Royal Jay Holly, Gaylord C and Laura M Holmes, Phyllis Howard Meisner, Daniel R. and Peggy E. Miller, Charles H. Milligan, Richard S. Mitnick, Keith Mogerley, Stephanie Mongon, Nikolaos D. and Valerie Monoyios, Richard W. and Barbara A Key, Edward D. Kleinbard*, David J. Klem*, Karen G. F. Moore, Thomas C. Morgan, John Morrison, Mary Dell Morrison, Rhoda D. and Paul E. Morrisroe, Steven R. and Suzanne L. Moses, William J. Moss, Martina Moss, Dagi K. Murphy & Krueger*, Robert Krumm, Philip J. McLewin, Alan John R. Murphy, Hugh H. D. Murray, Hugh H. D. Murray, Andrea Natalie, G. Gail Neffinger, Allen I. Newman, Holger Nissen & Sally French, Daniel North, Edward T. and Barbara O'Brien, Melniker*, Chester L Mirsky & Gloria I Kapilow-Mirsky*, Joseph D. O'Connell, William O'Donnell & the Campmor Environmental Team*, Kenneth H. Oelkers, Olive Bridge Foundation, Barry Olmezer, Joachim and Lila Oppenheimer, Julie Ross D. & Sharon Moore, Andrew Moroz, Lemuel Oppenheimer, Anne Osborn & Fred Osborn*, John Palczynski & Pat Laverty, Lawrence G. Paul, James A. Perry Jr., Dorothy Z. Peters, Dianne T. Philipps, Gale and Louis Pisha, Trudy and Morrison & Helen Serebin, Richard W. and Ada Murray, Louis Pojman, Samuel F. Pryor, III, Esq*, Bob Purnell & Sandy Purnell, Carol A. Quinn & David W. Mayo, Joe Raiola, Jeff S. Raskin, Jonathan R . Ratchik, Laura M. Rice, Karen D. Will Nixon*, Donald Pachner & Pachner & Associates, Richards, Nancy A. Riekert, Neil and Kathryn Rindlaub, Johanna Rioux, Louis W. Rissland, William L. Roach Jr., Douglas H. Robins, Ruth B. M. Robinson, Roger Roloff & Barbara LLC, John Palczynski & Pat Laverty, Lawrence G. Paul, Petersen, David S. and Patricia M. Rosen, Ronald B. Rosen, Jack Rosenbaum, Steve E. Rosenberg & Debi Duke, Victoria Rosenwald, David Roth, Daniel Rouse & Charles Rouse, John Anita Pescow, Peter Policarpo, Timothy M. Rankin*, Rowan, David L. and Kim Rowe, John Rudder, Joan L. Russo, Marc P. Ryan, Nancy Sall & David Brogno*, Harold and Marie Salwen, William Sawyer, James L. and Elizabeth T. Sawyer, William L. Roach Jr., Roger Roloff & Barbara Petersen, Pietrina Scaraglino, Maxine Schacker, Neil C. Schaefer & Harriet Rzetelny, Carl Schiemann, Arlene Scholer, Patricia Merritt Scott*, Deborah Shields & Robert Feldman, Simon and Nancy Karen Rose, Ron S.& Marilyn Rosen, Jack Rosenbaum, Z Sidamon-Eristoff, Ann L. Siebert, Richard S. Siegel, Manny J. Silberberg, S. Aaron Simpson, Norman J. Smith, Joseph A. Smith, Maida Snapper, Alisa Solomon & Marilyn Neimark, David L. and Kim Rowe, Pat and Mike Ruscigno, William Somerset County Hikers, John C. and Patricia Sparkman, Larry Steckman & Anette Schulz, Vicki Steinhardt, Bill Stoltzfus Jr., Virginia Styranovski*, Raymond Sullivan, Joe M. Sullivan, Sawyer, Gideon Alexander Schor, Robert G. and Susan Mark Swanek, Sallie and Wylie Sypher, Gary W. Szelc & Lynn Brown, Mary G. and Michael S. Tannen, Miriam R. Taub, Michael Taylor & Sharon P. Churcher, The Educational Foundation Schuur Ttee*, Steven S. Shaffer, Douglas and Joan Nickel of America*, The Estate of Donald L. Hendrickson, The New York Community Trust Grant from: T. Roland Berner Fund*, Orrin E. and Sarah L. Tilevitz*, Peter Tilgner & Suzan Gordon*, Sohn, Lynn T. Swanson, Nancy and Art Tollefson*, Diana Enrico A. and Evelyn Tissi*, Cynthia A. Tollo, Cynthia A. Tollo, Donald J. Toumey, Diana Trebbi, George Treib, Jeff Uscherle, Christie Van Kehrberg, Christie Van Kehrberg, Matthew Visco Trebbi, Janice M. Vicine, Douglas A. Villepique, Richard & Lisa D. Visco, Ernest and Mary Wagner, William C. Ward Jr., Robert J. Ward, Richard D. and Jo Anne Warden, Richard N. Warner, Leon Wasserman, Peter Weed & Celia Barbour, Larry and Anna Vislocky, Ernest and Mary Wagner, Larry A. A. Wehr, Georgette Weir & Jean-Claude Fouere*, Arnie L. Weitzman, Barbara Westergaard, Cyrus B. Whitney, Scott Jackson Wiley, Diane M. Wilgan, Ed and Gail G. Wojciechowski, Hanson Wehr, Georgette Weir & Jean-Claude Fouere*, Janice S. Wong*, Beulah C. Wood, Franklin W. and Bernice Wortman, George M. Yocher, Henry T. Young, James Zeller, Sarai Zitter, Nancy Zoebelein Wells, Dorothy Wettlin & At Your Own Risk Hiking Club, Lanny S. Wexler, Hanson Wong*, Trudy L. Wood & Jacob MEMORIAL GIFTS SPECIAL GIFTS Goldberg, Jerold S. Yale, Bell Yee In memory of Sylvia Zatal Pamela C. Frasca To the Science Fund To the Open Space Fund In honor of Robert Zuern’s Birthday The State of New York*, The Educational Paul Bell* Dr. George Becker* In memory of Robert R. Joseph Foundation of America* Jane Geisler To the Pochuck Bridge Trust In honor of Eddie Walsh’s graduation To the Shawangunk Ridge Coalition Paul Bell* H. Neil Zimmerman* MATCHING GIFTS David P. Hariton, Leonard Behney Jr., Friends In honor of Brendan Donnelly and *Members of the Raymond H. Torrey Society Alliance Capital Management LP*, HP Employee of the Shawangunks*, Mohonk Preserve*, Dorothy Centrello Charitable Giving Program, IBM Matching Gift program, The Nature Conservancy* Dorothy E. Noe Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program, Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts Program, The New York Times Co. Foundation Matching Gifts Program *Members of the Raymond H. Torrey Society

Let Campmor & the Backpacker Get Out More! Road Team give you trail-tested tips designed to help you spend more time outdoors. March 19, 2005 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Visit Us Today! Campmor, 810 Route 17 North, Paramus, NJ 07653 Join the BACKPACKER magazine Get Out More! Road Team at Campmor. www.NYNJTC.org The Team’s program is packed with tips on getting organized, planning trips, buying gear, selecting destinations–everything you need to better prepare for your next outdoor adventure. Product literature, samples, and door prizes will round out the day. Attendance Note: Contact Campmor at 201-445-5000 for more information.

Get Your Discount Here! Eastern Mountain Sports, Paramus, NJ Hempstead Outdoor Store/Tent City, Trail Conference members Hempstead, NY who show their membership Jagger’s Camp & Trail, Bedford Hills, NY cards enjoy 10% discounts Matt’s Sporting Goods, Haverstraw, NY on in-store purchases at: New Paltz Outfitters, New Paltz, NY Base Camp Adventure Outfitters, The Nickel, Princeton, NJ Basking Ridge, NJ The Outdoor Store, Montclair, NJ Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, Madison, NJ Paragon Sports, New York, NY Campmor, Paramus, NJ Ramsey Outdoor Stores RT 17 South, Ramsey, NJ Catskill Hiking Shack, RT 17 North, Paramus, NJ Wurtsboro, NY Ledgewood, NJ Dover Sports Center, Dover, NJ Ray’s Sport Shop, North Plainfield, NJ

TRAILWALKER MARCH/APRIL 2005 9 FAVORITE HIKE BOOKNOTES By Lee McAllister Mountaineering don’t often see in such books. For example: First Aid: step 1 in the seven-step process for emer- A Winter Idyll on Long Island A Guide to gency response (chapter 2) discusses the Accident Response role of leadership in an emergency; step 4 and First Aid Care discusses the value of tender loving care in The Mountaineers treatment; and chapters 4 and 5 discuss Books, 2004 decision making and rescue planning By Jan D. Carline, beyond dealing with the immediate needs Martha J. Lentz, of the patient. and Steven C. Despite the word “mountaineering” in Macdonald the title, I don’t consider this to be a book Reviewed by designed solely for those who seek high alti- Ron Fields tude. Although situations more familiar to rock climbers and mountaineers are present- When I agreed to review Mountaineering ed, many more medical mishaps that may be First Aid, I anticipated reading yet another encountered by hikers, mountain bikers, adequate textbook on first aid in the back- cross country skiers, etc., are also used to country. What I found was a pleasant illustrate valuable concepts. In short, anyone

LEE MCALLISTER surprise. To begin with, the book is short who ventures into the backcountry would This walk offers early signs of spring and views of Cold Spring Harbor before the trees leaf out. (165 pages) and therefore lightweight benefit from reading this book. (earning a privileged place in my back- A bit of caution, however. As the book Location: Syosset (Nassau County) to Immediately, you cross Stillwell Lane pack). To my way of thinking, the real points out, no book could ever take the Cold Spring Harbor (Suffolk County) and continue on past a hill clad with pitch value of any informative text is its ability to place of a good course in first aid, prefer- Length: About 4.3 miles end-to-end (two pine (miles away from the pine barrens present relevant information in as few ably wilderness first aid. Taking such a cars necessary) where these trees proliferate) and follow an pages as possible, otherwise few will read it course after reading the book, practicing Rating: Moderate, about two hours walk- old railroad grade. This section features and fewer still will carry it around to be the techniques presented, and discussing ing time. hills on the left and a steep drop-off to a used when needed. the principles with like-minded adventur- wooded swamp on the right. The scenery First aid books generally don’t differ much ers would truly be the way to go. Features: Varied woods with lots of moun- impressed me so much that I used it for the in terms of factual information. The steps tain laurel, hills, wetlands, and views when cover of the first edition of my book Hik- for controlling bleeding and the principles of Ron Fields is an Emergency Medical Techni- the leaves are down. ing Long Island. In a short distance you’ll splinting a fractured limb, for example, are cian and wilderness first aid instructor reach a wetland with a meandering brook pretty much universal. The real value of this Terrain: flat to hilly, a couple of wet spots under a wooden walkway. It buzzes with book is how these principles, concepts, and life in summer, and even in winter I have techniques are presented; that is, in a clear, How to get there: Leave one car in the park- seen signs of the renewal to come. The concise, logical, and organized manner that ing lot of Cold Spring Harbor State Park on pointy spikes of skunk cabbage poking is easy to understand. Rte 25A just west of the village of Cold through the ground on December 30th With few exceptions (too insignificant to Spring Harbor. Then drive west on Route were the earliest I have ever seen this har- mention) I found the first aid concepts pre- 25A and, at a traffic light at the top of a hill, binger of spring. Just beyond this spot, the sented to be accurate, and consistent with make a left onto Syosset-Cold Spring Harbor trail parallels Route 108 for a short distance what I believe, teach, and practice. Specifi- Road. Continue a little over a mile and make before crossing the highway. cally, I found the Quick Reference Guide a left onto South Woods Road. In a short dis- From here, the trail goes up and down in the introduction to be a valuable asset in tance, park in the Stillwell Athletic Fields with regularity. The sun hits the west facing looking up information in a hurry. I was parking lot on your left. To reach the Stillwell slopes in the afternoon and you can feel the also gratified to see topics discussed that I Woods Loop Trail, walk across the field with temperature difference while working up a the chain-linked fence on your left. In a few sweat. The trees are mature here, with many hundred yards you’ll enter a transitional area different species. The tallest are the straight of thick shrubby growth. Continue straight, trunks of the tulip tree, which may rise for 60 then bear left onto the mountain bike trail as or 70 feet before having any branches. When it traverses among large spruce trees. Look to the trees are bare, watch to the left for a pret- right for the yellow dots of the Stillwell ty spot with a view down the length of Woods Loop and follow them to the edge of Franklin Pond across Route 108. Further the woods. A sharp left will take you into the along, there is a view to the white steeple of Stillwell Woods. St. John’s Church. You will also see the yellow plastic markers for the Nature Conservancy Watch out for: The occasional mountain trail that merges and then leave again. (That biker and many trail turns, particularly trail connects to Uplands Farm, the Long along the first 1.4 miles of the yellow- Island headquarters for the Nature Conser- blazed Stillwell Woods Loop. There are a vancy.) The mini canyons NSGT three road crossings. circumvents here are more reminiscent of Harriman State Park than Long Island. Hike Description: It has become an annu- After crossing Lawrence Hill Road you Where there’s a Will, al tradition for me to do this enjoyable hike will hike the most deceptive mile of trail on on the Stillwell Woods Loop and Nassau- Long Island. Steep ups and downs with great there’s a Trail Suffolk Greenbelt Trails (NSGT) sometime views over the waters of Cold Spring Harbor between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. (especially with the leaves down) are the hall- When we build them, you hike them. We’ve been You will need to pay attention in order to marks of this section. On a clear winter’s day, building and protecting trails for at least four follow the yellow-blazed Stillwell Woods with the low sun behind you, Connecticut is generations of hikers since 1920. That’s 1,600 miles Loop Trail, as there are many turns. visible in the distance. After returning to Stillwell Woods, where this hike begins, is your car, you might want to visit the quaint in New York and New Jersey to date. Help us keep dominated by chestnut oak (not all that old village of Cold Spring Harbor to reflect, building for the next generation by naming the common in most of Long Island) with a over food and drink, on your time on the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference in your thick understory of mountain laurel. In trail with family and friends. will. A bequest makes a wonderful gift, and it springtime, the observant walker can see lasts beyond one lifetime. trailing arbutus, some a deep pink in color. This hike description is adapted from Lee On my last hike here, we spotted fox tracks McAllister’s new edition of Hiking Long For confidential information and legal language, in the fresh snow. After about 1.4 miles, you Island, published this year by the Trail contact the Trail Conference at 201-512-9348, will turn left onto the white-blazed and eas- Conference. See Hikers’ Marketplace on or by email; [email protected]. ier-to-follow Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail. page 12 for ordering information.

10 MARCH/APRIL 2005 TRAILWALKER HIKERS’ALMANAC A Sampling of Upcoming Hikes Sponsored by Member Clubs

WTW. St. John’s in the Wilderness, NY. Leader: Cliff Harvey, SUNDAY, APRIL 3 - DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS. The activities listed are sponsored by member clubs of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. All hikers are welcome subject to club regulations 973-228-8647 or [email protected]; call to confirm. Meet: Set clocks ahead one hour! and rules of the trail. You are responsible for your own safety. Wear hiking boots or strong, low-heeled shoes. Bring food, water, rain 10:15 am at Sloatsburg RR station, NY. A pleasant, easy hike on Palm Sunday, April 3 gear, first aid kit, and a flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe cannot Sunday. Bad weather cancels. complete the hike or is not adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. NYR. Stonetown Circular, NJ. Leader: Barbra Skarbinski, Monday, March 21 718-389-5536. Meet: 7:30 am at Port Authority Bus Terminal for 7:45 More than 90 clubs belong to the Trail Conference, and many of our affiliate groups sponsor hikes not listed in the Hikers’ Almanac. RVW. Windham High Peak (3524'), NY. Leader: For informa- New Jersey Transit bus (#197). Strenuous hike from Monksville Dam For a descriptive list of Conference clubs, consult our website or send a SASE with your request to NY-NJ Trail Conference. tion, call 845-246-7616. Meet: 8 am at Sawyer Savings Bank, over Board, Bear, and Windbeam Mountains; out on Hewitt-Butler Club Codes 87 Market St., Saugerties, NY. Strenuous 6.6 miles; snowshoes and Trail and Burnt Meadow Road to Rt. 511. Only those clubs with hikes offered in this issue are listed below. Please call numbers listed to confirm. crampons required. Inclement weather date – following Monday. GAHC. South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: ADK-MH ADK Mid-Hudson NYHC New York Hiking Club Wednesday, March 23 Helga Nagy, 201-796-5578. Meet: 10 am at Millburn RR station. AMC-NYNoJ Appalachian Mountain NYR New York Ramblers UCHC. Randolph Trails, NJ. Leader: Jim & Theresa McKay, Moderate hike. 973-538-0756. Meet: 10 am at Freedom Park; call for directions. Club/NY-NoJ Chapter TLR Teatown Lake Reservation IHC. Highland Trail – Schooley’s Mountain, NJ. Leader: About 5 easy miles, with optional lunch at end. Charlie & Anita Kientzler, 973-835-1060. Meet: 9 am at Cooper Mill, GAHC German-American Hiking Club UCHC Union County Hiking Club Thursday, March 24 Rt. 24, Chester, NJ. Moderately strenuous hike on the Patriots’ Path IHC Interstate Hiking Club UOC University Outing Club UCHC. Elk Pen, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Arnie and Highland Trail, past waterfalls and old quarry. RVW Rip Van Winkle Hiking Club WTW Woodland Trail Walkers Seymour-Jones, 201-768-3864. Meet: 10 am at Elk Pen, Arden; call TLR. Catamount Hill Ramble, NY. Leader: For more informa- Clubs wishing to have hikes listed in Hikers’ Almanac should send their schedules to [email protected] or to the Trail Conference Office. for directions. Moderately strenuous hike past iron mines, the Lemon tion, contact Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining, at 914-762-2912, The deadline for the May/June issue is March 15, 2005. Squeezer, Times Square. ext. 10. Meet: 10 am. Cliffdale Farm is the starting point for this hike Saturday, March 26 on one of the nature center’s least used trails. Non-members $3. March UCHC. Turkey Mountain, Montville, NJ. Leader: Terry Kulmane, RVW. Tivoli to Clermont and Return, NY. Leader: For Monday, April 4 908-665-2672. Meet: 10 am at Pyramid Mtn. Visitors Center; call for information, call 845-758-6143. Meet: 10 am at Sawyer Savings RVW. Balsam Lake Mtn. (3600'), NY. Leader: For information call Saturday, March 5 directions. Moderate 5 miles, watching for wild turkeys. Rain/heavy Bank, 87 Market St., Saugerties, NY. Easy 5 miles. Inclement 845-246-7616. Meet: 8 am in Saugerties, NY. Moderately strenuous UCHC. Trail Maintenance at Watchung, NJ. Leader: To snow cancels; call prior to 8:45 am the day of hike if in doubt. weather date – following Saturday. hike: 5.5 miles, 5 hours. Inclement weather date the following Monday. register, call 908-789-3670, ext. 221. Meet: 9:30 am; call for direc- Sunday, March 13 tions. Spend a morning giving back a little, having fun, and meeting IHC. Wyanokie High Point, NJ. Leader: Elinor King, 908-233- UCHC. Jockey Hollow, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Betty Mills, new people while learning a new skill. Some tools provided; IHC. Johnsontown Loop, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Roy 8411. Meet: 10 am at Weis Ecology Center, Ringwood, NJ. Moderately 973-538-4922. Meet: 10 am at visitors center; call for directions. cancelled if snow on ground or severe thunderstorm or rain. Williams, 570-828-6207. Meet: 9 am at Johnsontown Circle, Sloats- strenuous hike along Wyanokie Circular trail, with its ups and downs, About 3 miles; Tempe Wick House and the Primrose Path. burg. Moderately strenuous 8 miles. Tramp through woods and up and past old iron mines, then upward to High Point for lunch, all at Tuesday, April 5 GAHC. Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Tarrytown, NY. down a hill or two. Conditions may require crampons or snowshoes. moderate pace. Conditions may require crampons or snowshoes. Leader: Manfred Janowski, 914-428-4573. Meet: 9 am at Valhalla RR UCHC. Gorge, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: UCHC. Jockey Hollow, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Mary Doyle, station. Moderate hike with possible cross-country skiing. ADK-MH. Stissing Mountain, NY. Leader: Lalita Malik, 845-592- Arnie Seymour-Jones, 201-768-3864. Meet: 10 am at Bear Mountain 908-580-1778. Meet: 10 am at visitors center; call for directions. 0204. Meet: Call leader. Moderate 6-mile hike up to fire tower, along Inn; call for directions. Moderately strenuous 6.5 miles. Climb the Timp- ADK-MH. Doodletown, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Moderate 4 miles in a historic national park. $4 admission fee. ridge to north peak. Crampons may be required. Stop at café afterwards. Torne and visit rehabilitated Fort Montgomery as well as the gorge. Alvin De Maria, 845-255-1704. Meet: 9:30 am at Anthony Wayne Steady rain cancels. parking area, Palisades Pkwy. Moderate hike through Doodletown TLR. Easter Parade Hike, NY. Leader: For more information, Wednesday, April 6 NYHC. Alice Austen/Fort Wadsworth, NY. Leader: Bettye and contact Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining, at 914-762-2912, ext. and returning on the Timp-Torne trail. UCHC. Turkey Mountain, Montville, NJ. Leader: Cherryll Steve Soffer, 718-720-1593 between 7 and 9 pm. Meet: Allow time 10. Meet: 10 am. Leave your Easter hats at home as we search for Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am at Pyramid Mtn.; call for direc- ADK-MH. AT Around Nuclear Lake, NY. Leader: Michele Van to make the 10:30 am ferry from and meet at the train nature’s finery on this 2-hour spring hike. We’ll be on the lookout for tions. About 5 miles. Interesting, easy, loop including Lake Valhalla. Hoesen, 845-691-7442. Meet: 10 am at trail head on Rt. 55 east of station on Staten Island in the rear of the ferry terminal. Photo ID may spring ephemerals that show their flowers before the leaves come out Taconic Pkwy. and Rt. 82. Moderate 4-mile hike with nice views from be required at Fort Wadsworth. Easy 5-6 miles from ferry past on the trees. Non-members $3. Thursday, April 7 ledges around the lake. Hiking boots required. Lighthouse Museum, Alice Austen house, to Fort Wadsworth. NYHC. Cranberry Lake, NY. Leader: Mayer Wiesen, 516-671-2095, UCHC. Schunemunk Mountain, NY. Leader: Carolyn & Jim NYHC. Wave Hill, NY. Leader: Arthur Pierson, 845-462-4654, WTW. Pocono Environmental Education Center, PA. Leader: before 10:30 pm. Meet: 9:30 am Grand Central Terminal near the infor- Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Moderate- before 10 pm. Meet: 11 am inside the main gate of Wave Hill. Easy 2 Leslie McGlynn, 973-252-8122 or [email protected]; call to confirm. mation booth. Moderate 7 miles through woods in a Westchester County ly strenuous 8+ miles. Loop along Long Path and Jessup Trail gives miles with extra walk in Riverside Park if desired. Admission to Wave Meet: 9:30 am at PEEC. Moderate 7-8 miles. park just north of White Plains. Bring lunch, beverage, and extra socks. us views along the ridge and unforgettable conglomerate rock Hill is free on Saturday mornings (until noon). Bring lunch or beneath our feet. beverage or buy at the café. Monday, March 14 Sunday, March 27 Saturday, April 9 RVW. Huckleberry Point, NY. Leader: For information, call UCHC. Lewis Morris Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Lynn WTW. Ramapo Mountain State Forest, NJ. Leaders: Hermann 845-338-8772. Meet: 8 am at Sawyer Savings Bank, 87 Market St., Gale, 973-763-7230. Meet: 10 am at Lewis Morris; call for direc- UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Mimi and Marlene Memmer, 973-267-0539; call to confirm. Meet: 10 am Saugerties, NY. Moderate 4.8 miles; snowshoes and crampons may tions. Moderate hike; some sections are rough with ups and downs. Solomon, 973-379-3910. Meet: 10 am at Tulip Springs; call for at lower parking lot; Rt. 287 north to Skyline Dr. exit, turn left under be required. Inclement weather date – following Monday. directions. 4+ miles for intermediate hikers. Yellow Trail up through highway to trail head on left. Moderate 6-7 miles. Monday, March 28 the pine forest at a moderate to brisk pace; out by about 12:15 pm. Tuesday, March 15 RVW. Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve, Rensselaerville, NY. Sunday, March 6 NYHC. Allenhurst to Spring Lake, NJ. Leader: Ray Krant, 718- UCHC. Randolph to Lewis Morris Park, NJ. Leader: Jim & Leader: For information, call 845-246-4145. Meet: 8 am at Sawyer IHC. Lake Sebago to Big Hill, Harriman State Park, NY. 435-4994, before 10 pm. Meet: 8:40 am near the NJ Transit ticket Theresa McKay, 973-538-0756. Meet: 10 am at Lewis Morris Park Savings Bank, 87 Market St., Saugerties, NY. Moderate 5 miles; Leader: Jim Conlon, 914-591-6079. Meet: 9 am at Lake Sebago windows at Penn Station. 9 flat miles, mostly on boardwalks con- for shuttle; call for directions. 6-7 miles using new trails to Dismal snowshoes and crampons may be required. Inclement weather date parking, Seven Lakes Dr., Sloatsburg. Moderate 9 miles. Once we necting communities along the South Jersey shore, with scenery of Harmony area, then on to Lewis Morris via the Patriots’ Path. – following Monday. pick a direction, we’ll roll right along for about 9 miles over beaches and ocean and other waterways. Bring lunch and beverage. moderate terrain looking for a view, lake, or untracked snow. Saturday, March 19 Tuesday, March 29 Sunday, April 10 Conditions may require crampons or snowshoes. AMC-NYNoJ. Arden, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Nancy & UCHC. Jockey Hollow, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Dave Bennett, IHC. Spring Trail Maintenance, NJ. Leader: Jim Canfield, 973-728- Art Tollefson, 212-727-8961; call before 9:30 pm. Meet: 9:15 am at 973-701-0248. Meet: 10 am at visitors center; call for directions. UCHC. Garret Mountain, Paterson, NJ. Leader: Walter Koenig, 9774. Meet: 9 am at south end of Sterling Ridge Trail, Rt. 511, Hewitt, NJ. Arden Elk Pen parking lot off Rt. 17 or take 8:15 am Shortline Bus from Moderate 5+ miles with some ups and downs. 973-684-5528. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Moderate hike We need everyone’s help for another spring cleanup; bring lunch, water, Port Authority to Arden, NY. Vigorous 9-mile hike with rolling hills; with splendid views of historic Paterson. Optional lunch at Wednesday, March 30 clippers, and good working gloves (can also use tools provided by the crampons may be required. Call eve before hike if bad weather forecast. Libby’s Diner afterwards. UCHC. Old Short Hills Park, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Dave club). No experience necessary. Rain date is Saturday, April 16. ADK-MH. Fahnestock Park, NY. Leader: Rich Forman, Monday, March 7 Hogenauer, 973-762-1475. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. About TLR. Fahnestock Hike, NY. Leader: For more information, contact 845-635-5187. Meet: Call leader. Moderate 6-mile loop at Catfish RVW. Slide Mountain, Catskills (4180'), NY. Leader: For 5 miles; quite hilly. Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining, at 914-762-2912, ext. 10. Meet: Pond; crampons may be required. Minimal elevation gain. information, call 845-246-4145. Meet: 8 am at Sawyer Savings Bank, Thursday, March 31 10 am. Explore the Appalachian Trail on this 2-hour hike over ridge tops, UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Lee Fanger, 87 Market St., Saugerties, NY. Strenuous 6.5 miles; snowshoes and UCHC. Bald Mountain and Timp, NY. Leader: Arnie Seymour- into ravines, and along lake shores. Rain cancels. Non-members $3. crampons required. Inclement weather date – following Monday. 973-376-3160. Meet: 10 am at Locust Grove; call for directions. About 5 Jones, 201-768-3864. Meet: 10 am at Bear Mountain Inn; call for UCHC. Ramapo Reservation, Oakland, NJ. Leader: Jay Dibble, brisk miles just before the official end of winter. Rain, snow, ice cancels. Thursday, March 10 directions. Moderately strenuous hike, with steep climb to Bald Mtn., 908-289-8813. Meet: 10 am at Ramapo Forest; call for directions. UCHC. Anthony Wayne, Harriman/Bear Mtn. State Park, NYHC. Matawan to Lombardo, NJ. Leader: Ray Krant, 718- Cornell Mine and a great view. Another view on the Timp, then return Moderately strenuous 7 miles at brisk pace; not suitable for beginners. 435-4994, before 10 pm. Meet: 8:40 am near the NJ Transit ticket on easier trails. Steady rain cancels. NY. Leader: Arnie Seymour-Jones, 201-768-3864. Meet: 10 am at Monday, April 11 Anthony Wayne parking; call for directions. Moderately strenuous windows at Penn Station. Flat 9 miles on the Henry Hudson Trail, UCHC. Great Swamp, Chatham, NJ. Leader: Cherryll Short, 973- circular with many possibilities. once a railroad line, in Monmouth County. Bring lunch and beverage. APRIL 299-0212. Meet: 10 am at Morris Co. Education Center; call for Sunday, March 20 Saturday, March 12 Saturday, April 2 directions. About 3 level miles along the boardwalk and the Laurel Trail. UOC. Washington Crossing State Park, Washington UCHC. Trail Maintenance at Watchung, NJ. Leader: To UOC. Hartshorne Woods, Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Leader: Tuesday, April 12 Charlie Fox, 732-922-4440. Meet: 9 am at Johnson Park, River Rd., Crossing, PA. Leader: Charlie Severn, 732-246-3387. Meet: 9 am register, call 908-789-3670, ext. 221. Meet: 9:30 am; call for direc- UCHC. Terrace Pond, W. Milford, NJ. Leader: Caroyln & Jim Piscataway, NJ. Easy to moderate hike of about 5 miles. at Johnson Park, River Rd., Piscataway, NJ. Easy 6 miles. tions. Spend a morning giving back a little, having fun and meeting new people while learning a new skill. Some tools provided; Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 10 am at Clinton Rd., parking lot #7; call ADK-MH. Pawling Nature Reserve, NY. Leader: Bob Ellsworth, IHC. Black Rock Forest, NY. Leader: Jane Egan, 973-636-0809; cancelled if snow on ground or severe thunderstorm or rain. for directions. About 7 miles to Terrace Pond; hope for spring flowers. 845-435-5072. Meet: 8:30 am in Poughkeepsie; call leader to no calls after 9 pm. Meet: 9 am at Red Apple Rest, Southfields, NY. Wednesday, April 13 register by March 10. Easy hike to enjoy deep hemlock gorge and wet Moderately strenuous 7 miles. Circle through Black Rock Forest from UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Dave meadows. Crampons may be required. the west side with numerous lakes and views of Schunemunk Mtn. Hogenauer, 973-762-1475. Meet: 10 am at Bramhall Terrace; call for RVW. Rochester Rail Trail, NY. Leader: For information call and the Catskills. Conditions may require crampons or snowshoes. directions. Hike from east to west end of park, with side trip to 845-246-9983. Meet: 9 am in Saugerties, NY. Easy 5-mile walk. ADK-MH. Black Rock Forest, NY. Leader: Russ Faller, Old Short Hills Park. Some rugged areas and two hills to climb. 845-297-5126; call before 9:30 pm. Meet: Call leader. Moderately GAHC. Ward’s Pound Ridge Reservation, , NY. UCHC. Oakdale, South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Hike ends about 1:30 pm. strenuous hike or cross-country ski; all-day event. Leader: Brian Kassenbrock, 718-748-0624; must call leader to reg- Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. ister. Meet: 10 am. Moderate hike with possible cross-country skiing. About 5 miles. Our annual search for the elusive bloodroot (found last year). Continued on back

TRAILWALKER MARCH/APRIL 2005 11 continued from page 11 Saturday, April 23 UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Naomi Thursday, April 14 Shapiro, 973-762-1832; call before 9 pm. Meet: 10 am at Locust UCHC. White Bar & Beyond, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Grove parking; call for directions. Brisk 5-mile hike in a little over 2 HIKERS’MARKETPLACE Al Leigh, 973-471-7528. Meet: 10 am at rear lot of Red Apple Rest, hours; steep uphill at start. Rain cancels. YOU CAN ALSO ORDER AT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.NYNJTC.ORG Southfields; call for directions. Moderately strenuous 8-9 miles with some climbing, including Black Rock, Tom Jones, Parker Cabin, and Sunday, April 24 Carr Pond Mountains. Lunch at Lake Skenonto. Short shuttle required. IHC. Tourne Park, Boonton, NJ. Leader: Marguerite La Corte, NY-NJ TC member? YES NO JOINING NOW 973-625-4379. Meet: 9 am at Torne Park, Boonton. Moderate 5-mile Saturday, April 16 woodlands ramble up and over the Tourne to discover spring wildflowers. Please order by circling price Retail Member P/H Total UCHC. Ramapo Lake, Oakland, NJ. Leader: Micky Siegel, 201-797-7054. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Moderate 5-6 miles; TLR. Earth Day Walk, NY. Leader: For more information, contact very scenic hike with view of beautiful Ramapo Lake. Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining, NY, at 914-762-2912, ext. 10. Official Conference Maps Meet: 10 am. Renew your connection to the earth with this 1 1/2 hour Sterling Forest Trails (2003) $7.95 $5.96 +.80 ______NYHC. Southampton, NY. Leader: Ray Krant, 718-435-4994, walk; we’ll stop along the way to read words of eminent conserva- North Jersey Trails (2002) $7.95 $5.96 +.95 ______before 10 pm. Meet: 9:15 am near the Long Island Rail Road ticket tionists. Non-members $3. windows at Penn Station; fare about $25 RT. Moderate 12 miles, Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails (2003) & see combo $8.95 $6.71 +.95 ______UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Louise mostly on sand, through glamorous, affluent beach areas. Bring East Hudson Trails (2003) $9.95 $7.46 +.95 ______lunch and beverage. White, 973-746-4319. Meet: 10 am at Tulip Springs parking lot; call for directions. About 4 miles through pine forest to Hemlock Falls, West Hudson Trails (2000) $7.95 $5.96 +.95 ______NYHC. South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Judy Levine, then on to Ball’s Bluff, Mines Point; return on woods road along the Catskill Trails (2003) & see combo $13.95 $10.46 +$1.10 ______718-482-9659, between 9 and 10 pm. Meet: 8:45 am at Penn Station Rahway River. Rocky with some steep areas. in the NJ Transit ticket window area for the 9:11 train; fare $8.50 RT. Kittatinny Trails (2000) $12.95 $9.71 +$1.10 ______Monday, April 25 Moderate 9 miles, sometimes hilly, rocky, with some stream cross- South Taconic Trails (1988, rev. 1998) $4.95 $3.71 +.65 ______ings. Bring lunch and beverage. RVW. Westkill Mountain (3880'), NY. Leader: For information call 845-246-7987. Meet: 8 am in Saugerties, NY. Strenuous hike: Hudson Palisades Trails (available late 2005) $7.95 $5.96 +.80 ______Sunday, April 17 7 miles, 6 hours. Inclement weather date following Monday. GAHC. Buttermilk Falls, Appalachian Trail, NJ. Leader: Books Mathias Wuethrich, 908-253-9042; must call to register. Meet: 9:30 UCHC. Boonton Falls, Grace Lord Park, NJ. Leader: Cherryll am. Moderate hike. Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. About A.T. Guide for NY & NJ (2002) w/6 maps $19.95 $14.96 +$2.00 ______3 miles; a treat for the eyes with low water, spectacular with high water. IHC. High and Low along the Hudson, NJ. Leader: Steve NEW!! Long Path Guide to NY/NJ $16.95 $12.71 +$2.00 ______Rikon, 973-962-4149. Meet: 9 am at Englewood Boat Basin, Tuesday, April 26 Day Walker (2002) $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______Palisades Interstate Park, Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Moderately strenu- UCHC. Stokes State Forest, NJ. Leader: Jim & Theresa McKay, NEW!! Hiking Long Island $19.95 $14.96 +$2.50 ______ous 7 miles. From State Line Lookout we descend steeply to Shore 973-538-0756. Meet: 10 am at Stony Lake parking; call for Trail and continue south to Englewood Boat Basin (then shuttle to directions. 6-7 miles from Stony Lake to Lake Wapalanne. Circuit Hikes in Northern New Jersey (2003) $11.95 $8.96 +$2.00 ______start). Shore Trail hugs the shoreline, passing boulders that have Wednesday, April 27 NEW!! Kittatinny Trails (2004) $18.95 $14.21 +$2.00 ______fallen from the cliffs above and several waterfalls. UCHC. Allamuchy State Park, NJ. Leader: Jean & Don McLellan, NEW!! New York Walk Book (2005) & see combo $22.95 $17.21 +$2.50 ______UCHC. Sandy Hook, NJ. Leader: Andy & Dolores Mirolsky, 908-464-6246. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. About 5 miles. NEW!! New Jersey Walk Book (2004) $19.95 $14.96 +$2.50 ______908-707-1178. Meet: 10 am in front of Sandy Hook Lighthouse; call Nice level hike; lunch at beautiful lake. for directions. Level walk about 5 miles from there to visitors center Harriman Trails Guide (1999)& see combo $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______Thursday, April 28 and back; suitable for everyone. Iron Mine Trails: NY-NJ Highlands (1996, rev. 1999) $8.95 $6.71 +$2.00 ______UCHC. Blue Mtn. Lakes Rd. to Camp Road on the AT, NJ. Monday, April 18 Leader: Arnie Seymour-Jones, 201-768-3864. Meet: 9:30 am for Health Hints for Hikers (1994) $5.95 $4.46 +$2.00 ______RVW. Terrace Mountain, NY. Leader: For information call 845- shuttle; call for directions. Moderately strenuous 7.5 miles on the Doodletown: Hiking Through History in a 338-8772 Meet: 8 am in Saugerties, NY. Strenuous hike: 7 miles, Appalachian Trail in the Delaware Water Gap area. 1600’ ascent, 6 hours. Inclement weather date following Monday. Vanishing Hamlet on the Hudson (1996) $12.95 $9.71 +$2.00 ______Saturday, April 30 Catskill Trails: A Ranger’s Guide to the High Peaks Wednesday, April 20 IHC. Cliffs, Ledges, and Views in the Shawangunks, NY. RVW. Trail Maintenance on Black Dome, NY. Leader: For Leader: Ilse Dunham, 973-838-8031. Meet: 9 am at municipal park- Book One: The Northern Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.00 ______information call Donna Wamsley at 845-246-8616. Meet: 8 am in ing lot, Rt. 202 & Rt. 59, Suffern, NY. Strenuous. Not far from Lake Book Two: The Central Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.00 ______Saugerties, NY. Moderately strenuous hike to do trail maintenance: Awosting we’ll find dramatic geological features and spectacular Scenes & Walks in the Northern Shawangunks 7 miles, 5 hours. Barnum Rd. to Thomas Cole Mountain. views; hike along delicious Blueberry Run. Bring $ singles for tolls (1999) (hardcover) & see combo $10.95 $8.21 +$2.00 ______UCHC. Hank’s Pond, Pequannock, NJ. Leader: Cherryll Short, and parking fees. Plan on supper at Gilded Otter in New Paltz, NY. 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. About 5 miles. Hike UCHC. Tourne Park, Boonton, NJ. Leader: Susan Jacobs, Shawangunks Trail Companion (2003) $18.95 $14.21 +$2.50 ______around the pond. 973-402-2555. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Moderate hike past Nature Walks in New Jersey (2003) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______Thursday, April 21 a stream, lake, and other natural beauties; some ups and downs. 50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley (2002) $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______Steady rain cancels. UCHC. Lake Cascade, NJ. Leader: Jim & Theresa McKay, 50 Hikes in New Jersey (1997, rev. 1999) $15.95 $11.96 +$2.00 ______973-538-0756. Meet: 9:30 am at A&P parking on Rt. 511 for shuttle; NYHC. Garrison Loop from Manitou, NY. Leader: Halina call for directions. Moderately strenuous 8 miles; Village Vista Trail Jensen, 212-568-6323, between 9 and 10 pm. Meet: 8:35 am at Best Hikes w/ Children in the Catskills & to AT, then to Cascade Lake. Back on the AT and State Line Trail. Grand Central Terminal near the information booth for train to Hudson River Valley (2002) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.00 ______Manitou; fare $14 RT. Moderate 6 miles with plenty of ups and downs AMC Catskill Mountain Guide (2002) $19.95 $14.96 +$2.00 ______in the woody highlands along the Hudson River. Spectacular views. Bring lunch and beverage. ADK Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons (2002) $12.95 $9.71 +$2.00 ______ADK Guide to Catskill Trails (1994, repr. 1998) $17.95 $13.46 +$2.00 ______Join the volunteers Hudson to Delaware: The Great Valley (2004) $75.00 $56.25 +$4.00 ______Combo-Packs who bring you the great outdoors! Catskill (5-map set & ADK book) $27.80 $20.85 +$2.00 ______Harriman (2-map set & book) $22.40 $16.80 +$2.50 ______NY & NJ Walk Books $35.91 $26.93 +$3.50 ______1,600 miles of trails and counting; your membership helps us expand our horizons. Included with membership, Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases at most The Personal Touch outdoor stores, and 25% discount on all Trail Conference maps and books. Note Cards: TC Collection $12.00 $9.00 +$2.00 ______Long-sleeve Denim Shirt Circle: S M L XL $29.90 $22.43 +$4.00 ______Support the work of the NY/NJ Trail Conference with your membership. Polo Shirt (Forest Green) Circle: S M L XL $19.90 $14.93 +$4.00 ______Membership Level Individual Joint/Family Harriman Map Bandanna $6.95 $5.21 +$1.50 ______Individual $25 $31 Conference Logo Patch $2.50 $2.50 postpaid ______Sponsor $50 $60 Long Path Logo Patch $2.75 $2.75 postpaid ______Benefactor $100 $120 Conference Logo Decal $ .85 $ .85 postpaid ______Senior/Student $18 $24 Life $500 $750 Subtotal ______Postage/handling from above, or $6.00, whichever is LESS ______Name ______For non-clothing items, New Jersey residents add 6% tax* ______Address______TOTAL ENCLOSED $ ______City ______State______Zip ______Method of Payment: Day Phone ______Evening Phone______NAME Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex E-MAIL ______ADDRESS Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex Card #______CITY STATE ZIP Exp. Date: ___ /___ Card #______Exp. Date: ____/ ____ Signature: ______EMAIL TELEPHONE Make check or money order payable to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. Make check or money order payable to NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. For a full descriptive catalog, please write or call 201-512-9348. Tax-deductible. *Tax must be paid by NJ residents on books, maps, misc., but not on clothing. Thank you!

12 MARCH/APRIL 2005 TRAILWALKER printed on recycled paper