MAINTAINING 2,165 MILES OF TRAILS IN NY AND NJ

NYNJTC.ORG SUMMER 2018 TRAIL WALKER

NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE • CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE SINCE 1920 United ERIK MICKELSON by Trails

The trail community in the lands accessible to everyone greater metropolitan via blazed trail systems. Near- area is an inspiring movement. ly 100 years later, our legacy We are wanderers, runners, of building, maintaining, and hikers, and riders of all ages, protecting trails and steward- backgrounds, and abilities. We ing parklands as a volunteer- appreciate, respect, and deeply powered organization contin- treasure the wealth of wild ues. Today, we don’t just serve places reachable within just a as the hub of this trail com- few hours of home because we munity, we operate as one big live in one the most amazingly Trail Family. Great trail experiences are made possible through the efforts of our Trail Family. cosmopolitan regions on Like any good family, Earth. Our life experiences the Trail Conference works outdoor experience. may be worlds apart, but on together in good times and The next time you’re out Trail Family at least 94,000 hours of the trail, we are united in bad to get the job done. A on the trail, take a moment Values service to trails and parks our passion to connect with small staff coordinates and to reflect on the hard work of in our region. Find out how nature. supports the work of over 2,000 the Trail Family members who The Trail Conference has you can give back at The founding of this move- volunteers across 25 counties. give so much of themselves been mobilizing volunteers nynjtc.org/volunteer. ment runs parallel with the Together, we contribute to ensure great trails and and advocating for the Your membership also founding of the New York- around 100,000 hours of labor parks remain open, safe, and care of public trails for supports your trail com- New Jersey Trail Conference. each year. We care for 2,165 enjoyable for all. You’ll find nearly 100 years. With your munity. Become a member In 1920, through the spirit miles of trails and the lands their stories throughout the help, we can continue to of our Trail Family and of volunteerism, dedicated through which they pass. The pages of this newsletter. You’ll keep trails and the lands receive great perks like members of local hiking clubs Trail Conference is devoted also find them on the trail, they traverse open and safe discounts in our store and created the Trail Conference to our Trail Family members, day in and day out, caring for for another century—and at participating retail part- to work alongside burgeon- advocating for the interests our lands, our trails, and each beyond. In 2017, more than ners. Learn more at ing park administrations and of trail users and constantly other. Because that’s what 2,100 volunteers donated nynjtc.org/membership. make newly preserved public seeking ways to improve your family does. Volunteers Rally After Storms Damage Trails

JANE DANIELS JANE On May 15, trails throughout the changed dramatically and, for those who love, hike, and maintain those trails, catastrophically. Like many people, my husband and I were prepared, based on forecasts and warnings, for a severe storm and resigned to losing power as usual. Instead we had 15 minutes of lightning, rain, some wind, and then assumed much ado about nothing. Boy, were we wrong. Extensive sections of trails were buried beneath uprooted and sheared trees. In almost all cases, the trees were mature, live, healthy and fully leafed hardwoods. The was especially hard hit at a time when thru-hiking activity is starting to Volunteers worked 80 hours to remove 60 peak. Trails were not only impassable but incredibly difficult to find, even by trees blocking the A.T. in Philipstown, N.Y. those of us who know them well.” Mary Dodds, Trail Tramps Crew Chief

VOLUME XLV, NUMBER 3 ISSN 0749-1352 When trails are threatened, trails damaged by these spring sure affected trails are once the Trail Conference storms. On pages 6-7, we’ve again passable and safe. It’s responds. Across the region, gathered on-the-ground just one more incredible way volunteers like Mary have reports from Trail Conference our Trail Family works hard to been making heroic efforts in volunteers who have been make connecting with nature a remarkably short amount selflessly giving days at a time possible for all who seek to get of time to clear and restore to clear blowdown and make outside and explore.

Efforts to Complete Trail Steward Protecting and Promoting ALSO the Continue Program Expands the Appalachian Trail INSIDE: page 4 page 5 pages 8 and 12 2 | Summer 2018 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org HEATHER DARLEY HEATHER DARLEY

National Trails Day: GEOFF HAMILTON Hikes, Stewardship, and Lots of Trail Love HEATHER DARLEY HEATHER DARLEY by our sponors, food trucks, Park Preserve, our Conser- HEATHER DARLEY communications assistant an origami craft table, and vation Corps crews invited partner organizations encour- volunteers to learn about trail aging year-round engagement building and try their hands at Every day is trails day for the with nature. constructing sustainable trails. Trail Conference. And on Na- At Bear State These Trail Love events, host- tional Trails Day, we add a little Park, trail lovers gathered to ed by our Ramapo, Palisades, extra celebration to our stew- celebrate on the Appalachian and Taconic trail crews, served ardship. On Saturday, June 2, Trail—on the very first sec- as an introduction to the work trail lovers throughout the re- tion of the A.T. built 95 years we do every day and provid- gion joined us to give back to ago by Trail Conference vol- ed a fun opportunity to get a the trails that offer so much en- unteers. More than 45 volun- little dirty and give back. The joyment. National Trails Day, teers picked up litter, helped Ramapo Crew cleared 100 observed every June across the the Invasives Strike Force feet of new trail, the Palisades country, recognizes the power Crew remove nearly 400 inva- Crew built 80 feet of new trail, trails have in connecting peo- sive plants, restored the native and the Taconic Crew set four ple with nature. landscape at the Trails for Peo- stone steps. At Trail Conference Head- ple exhibit, and set three stone The Harlem Valley Ap- quarters, 300 nature lovers steps with the Bear Mountain palachian Trail Communi- and outdoor adventurers cel- Trail Crew during the event, ty (HVATC) celebrated with ebrated at our National Trails co-sponsored by our friends guided hikes and stewardship Day Open House with guided at REI. All their hard work was events at the Pawling Na- hikes and stewardship oppor- rewarded with T-shirts, lunch, ture Reserve (PNR). Hosted tunities next door at Ramapo and raffled gear provided by by The Nature Conservancy, Valley County Reservation. REI. HVATC was joined by the The day included tours of our At Ramapo Reservation, Trail Conference, members of historic Darlington School- Sterling Forest State Park, the PNR, Appalachian Trail house building, prizes donated and Hudson Highlands State Conservancy, Groundworks

HANK OSBORN , National Parks Conservation Association, Si- erra Club Military Outdoors, and The Mission Continues. Forty-five volunteers lent a hand with trail repairs and helped install 10 water bars on a 1-mile section of the A.T. Thanks to everyone who showed their support on Na- tional Trails Day and makes trails an important part of their lives!

TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970- Board of Directors 100) (ISSN: 0749-1352) is published Edward Saiff Chair quarterly by the New York-New Patricia Wooters Vice Chair Jersey Trail Conference as a benefit Rick Levine Treasurer of membership. Subscriptions are Ken Posner Secretary available to libraries only at $15 Daniel Hoberman Counsel Bringing People and Nature a year. Periodical postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., and additional mailing TRAIL WALKER Directors Together offices. Postmaster: Send address Chris Connolly Gaylord Holmes changes to the address below. Volume XLV, No. 3 Summer 2018 Walt Daniels John Magerlein Mary Dooman Beth Ravit Amber Ray Editor Copyright 2018 by: Andy Garrison Dave Stuhr Stop in and let us help you Discover a Refuge in Your Own Backyard! Stephanie Hinderer Designer New York-New Jersey Suzan Gordon Ned Whitney Trail Conference, Inc. 600 Ramapo Valley Road MISSION STATEMENT *Mention this ad and receive a FREE 2LB bag of NO-MESS SEED* Mahwah, NJ 07430 The New York-New Jersey Trail Senior Staff 201.512.9348 Conference is a volunteer-powered Edward Goodell executive director organization that builds, maintains, and Joshua Howard deputy executive director Opinions expressed by the authors protects public trails. Together with Don Weise development director do not necessarily represent our partners, we strive to ensure that Linda Rohleder land stewardship director the policy or position of the Trail the trails and natural areas we share Kendra Baumer volunteer engagement Conference. Submissions for print are sustainable and accessible for all to manager consideration are welcome. Any enjoy for generations to come. Mary Perro operations & finance manager unsolicited material accepted for Amber Ray communications manager print may be edited for style and Will Smith information systems manager length. Submission deadlines for The New York-New Jersey Trail TRAIL WALKER are Feb. 15 Conference is a volunteer, non-profit For a full list of staff, visit (Spring issue), May 15 (Summer 501 (c)(3) organization. nynjtc.org/about-us issue), Aug. 15 (Fall issue), Nov. 15 email: [email protected] 189 South Route 17N, Paramus, NJ 07652 (Winter issue). For information on Printed on recycled content paper advertising rates, please write editorial email: [email protected] (201)-599-0099 www.wbu.com/paramus or call. PLEASE RECYCLE TRAIL WALKER website: www.nynjtc.org nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Summer 2018 | 3

FROM THE provided $27.50 in matching level, be judging ourselves Thank you for funds to fulfill the conditions The amount based on increasing our total EXECUTIVE of our grant. of volunteer time volunteering. DIRECTOR your hours! Public officials are very im- put into a project ... Under these circumstances, pressed when they see so many speaks to the reporting volunteer hours is of their constituents donating not going to go away—but we I’m reading a fascinating book interested their time to a cause. They in- value the public are going to make it easier. by Florence Williams called in the scale terpret it as a good indicator gives a project. We’re working on streamlining The Nature Fix: Why Nature and scope of of the magnitude of public in- Goodell reporting formats to be less Makes Us Happier, Healthier, the efforts of terest. They are also impressed complicated and quicker and More Creative. It says a lot Trail Confer- by the taxpayer savings when to complete. We are also about why people love trails ence volun- volunteers are involved. The developing direct online and are motivated to give back teers. Some scope and scale of the Trail cates its value to others. Simi- reporting options. Our goal is by volunteering. At the Trail of our park Conference’s work is often larly, it is a strong vote of con- to test and perfect these in the Conference, many people say partners need work reports so what gets it a place at the table fidence in the Trail Conference second half of 2018 and make volunteering is fun and even they can provide liability and on important issues. that more than 2,000 individ- them more widely available in more say it is deeply satisfying. workers’ compensation cover- The amount of volunteer uals are volunteering almost 2019. But we hear from very few vol- age to those who serve on their time put into a project speaks 100,000 hours annually. When I hope this gives you a bet- unteers, if any, who like the pa- land. Our work on both the to the value the public gives a someone is thinking about vol- ter understanding of how im- perwork involved. Appalachian Trail and New project. This is the internet’s unteering, becoming a mem- portant volunteer hours have In our efforts to recruit a York State trails are an exam- all-important “social valida- ber, or supporting our efforts, become for the Trail Confer- greater number of volunteers ple of this. tion”—the more people use, it helps to know that they are ence. Thank you for building a to meet the needs of our public Grantmakers often want like, or rank something indi- part of a broader movement. volunteer-powered organiza- trails, we’ve been advised more reports to chronicle volunteer Finally, the Trail Confer- tion with your passion, ded- than once that it might help to hours and accomplishments. Reminder! ence’s strategic plan has made ication, leadership, and … eliminate the requirement to Agencies in New York and total annual volunteer hours reporting! record and report hours of ser- New Jersey recently began al- Reports are due June 30 the organization’s key metric vice. We understand it’s not a lowing grantees to report vol- for maintainers and cor- for volunteer engagement. The desirable part of volunteering, unteer hours to meet matching ridor monitors; July 14 bottom line is that volunteer but we do it because volunteer requirements for funds. So, for for crews, corridor man- hours are a proxy for every- hours are a key measure of the example, every verified hour agers, and supervisors; thing that is good about volun- Edward Goodell Trail Conference’s success. of volunteering with the crew and Aug. 1 for chairs. teering. As a volunteer organi- Executive Director A broad range of entities are at Bear Mountain last year zation, we will, at a very high [email protected]

Trail Symposium Engages Public in Environmental Conservation McHenry Awards Further Research

On April 7 and 8, the Trail Conference hosted in Invasive Species, Local History a Trail Symposium to AMANDA GENTILE COURTESY OF OPEN SPACE INSTITUTE engage current and The Trail Conference has re- bution, and aid in combating future volunteers in ceived a Barnabas McHenry the rapid spread of invasives learning about building, Valley Award by allowing for informed early maintaining, and pro- from the Open Space Institute detection surveys. tecting trails and parks. to support our efforts to com- Another Trail Conference The symposium featured bat invasive species throughout intern, Ramapo College of workshops on sustain- the region. The award funds New Jersey student Zach- able trail design, Leave the work of Robert Celestin, ary Henderson, received a No Trace principles, and who has been serving as a GIS McHenry Award through the invasives species man- associate with the Trail Con- Palisades Park Conservancy. agement, as well as an ference for nearly two years, Zack will be working on Iona advocacy roundtable. By as he builds a comprehen- Island organizing the archives bringing people together sive geographic invasive plant of Major William Welch, who through learning oppor- species database covering the created Harriman State Park, tunities and conversa- Lower Hudson Valley. Robert served as its first general man- tions about the shared is finishing his bachelor’s de- ager, and was the founder of duty of conservation, we gree in information technolo- the Trail Conference. can better work toward gy from Marist College. McHenry awardees Zachary Henderson (left) and We congratulate the preserving the integrity Robert’s work will integrate Robert Celestin (right) attended an awards luncheon awardees and look forward to of our natural world. To several separate sources of in- in May with Barnabas McHenry (center). working with them to preserve find an upcoming stew- vasives data into one dynamic both the rich of ardship event near you, database. The database, inte- other environmental agencies, treatment planning, provide our local ecosystems and the visit nynjtc.org/events. grating information from the will enable more efficient inva- a more robust and accurate history of open space protec- Trail Conference as well as sive species management and view of regional species distri- tion in our region.

In Memoriam Betty Heald book Women with Altitude: for his calm Challenging the Adirondack and enduring Elizabeth (Betty) Heald of High Peaks, which chronicles willingness Paramus, N.J., passed away the experiences of 33 women to dig into on May 21. A life member of who scaled the 46 Adiron- whatever the Trail Con- dack High Peaks. A trailblaz- work was at ference, she er and role model for women hand. Richard’s life was long was a devoted wishing to experience the and interesting. He managed educator, bi- outdoors, Betty was hiking Zinn’s Health Food Store A END cyclist, moun- until the age of 90. in the 1930s, served as a sweet tain climber, communicator on bombers TO YOUR HIKE and horticulturist. As a sci- over Germany during World extraordinary meals baked goods coffees and teas ence teacher, avid naturalist, Richard Zinn War II, and traveled the and environmentalist, Betty world. Richard was known influenced many to carry on Richard Zinn of Teaneck, for leading hikes along the the mission of caring for our N.J., passed away on April Appalachian Trail and other planet. Hiking was her life’s 1 at the age of 94. He is local trails with groups like passion; Betty earned mem- survived by his loving wife Wednesday Hikers into his bership in the Appalachian Helen. Richard was a long- 80s. Richard is remembered Mountain Club’s Northeast time member of the Trail as someone who enjoyed our Dottie Audrey’s Bakery & Kitchen 111, the 100-Highest, the Conference. He was much public spaces to the utmost 549 Route 17, Duck Cedar Plaza ADK-46ers, and the Catskill loved as a volunteer at our and volunteered so future Tuxedo Park, NY 3500 Club (all in winter). She headquarters, where he was generations could enjoy our Between Sterling Forest & Harriman 845.915.3088 | dottieaudreys.com contributed a feature to the known as Richard “Zen” outdoors, too. 4 | Summer 2018 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org Trail Conference STEVE AARON Receives Grants to Protect Long Path

The Trail Conference has been Thacher State Park near Alba- awarded two grants from ny, connecting the most cos- the New York State Conser- mopolitan area in the country vation Partnership Program with the region’s most wild (NYSCPP) to continue our places. The goal is to extend efforts to protect and complete the trail across the Mohawk the Long Path, “New York’s River and Saratoga County to greatest trail.” The Land Trust link with the Adirondack State , as seen from the Long Alliance and state Department Park trail system. Path on in the Catskills. of Environmental Conserva- The Trail Conference will tion (DEC) announced the receive $30,000 for the Long awards, funded by the Envi- Path Acquisition Plan, a proj- transferred to New York State undeveloped parcel in 2017. purchasing key parcels of land ronmental Protection Fund ect that will allow our volun- or other conservation agen- The Trail Conference can now for transfer to state ownership (EPF), on April 24. teers and staff to inventory the cies. The Long Path Acquisi- take the Long Path off a 2.35- not only improves the trail ex- Conceived in 1931 as New approximately 200 properties tion Plan will provide accu- mile road walk and reroute it perience, it aids in the creation York’s answer to the Long Trail across 10 counties that need rate mapping of the targeted through the wooded land and of green corridors that protect in Vermont, the Long Path to be acquired to permanent- parcels with defined acreage, into the Partridge Run Wildlife precious ecosystems while was originally meant to be an ly protect the 430-mile trail estimated cost of acquisition, Management Area. The Trail improving the quality of life unmarked route connecting corridor of the Long Path. For and projected wildlife and rec- Conference will hold the prop- for local communities. These scenic or historic points of in- many years, the Trail Con- reation benefits. erty until it is sold for perma- grants will enable the Trail terest from to ference has been steadfast- Additionally, the Trail Con- nent protection by New York Conference to collaborate bet- Lake Placid. Since 1960, the ly working toward this goal. ference has been awarded State. ter with regional land trusts, Trail Conference has spear- This has largely been a piece- $17,300 to cover the indirect “Support from the New York the DEC, and the Office of headed the effort to maintain, meal project, adding parcels costs of acquiring a 170-acre State Conservation Partner- Parks, Recreation and Historic protect, and complete this one-by-one, slowly but sure- property in Albany County. ship Program helps to ensure Preservation to complete the long-distance trail. ly closing or narrowing gaps The Trail Conference, with the popular Long Path can be Long Path approximately 100 Today, the aqua-blazed Long and re-routing the trails from a generous grant from the enjoyed by the public for gen- years after it was conceived.” Path extends 358 miles from dangerous road walks onto Open Space Institute and sup- erations to come,” said Trail Find more information on 175th Street Subway Station undeveloped land. Ultimate- port from the local Long Path Conference Executive Director the Long Path at nynjtc.org/ in Manhattan to John Boyd ly, ownership of these lands is North Club, purchased the Edward Goodell. “Our work in region/long-path.

TRAIL CONFERENCE SUPPORTERS

February 1 - April 30, 2018

TRIBUTES In memory of Kurt Ramig Kilgallen, Michael Kraus, Henry Lamont, Cheryl & Robert In memory of Glenda Abbott Dan & Gwenna Nielsen Lehmann, Marie Leithauser, Mark & Gayle Lerch, William Myrna & Norman Kasser In memory of Margaret Starmer, a wonderful friend who is Lieblein, Robert G Mackay, Sally Malanga, Brian Markey & In memory of Michael T. De Luca sorely missed Virginia Lincoln, Cathy & Larry Mazzella, Mary McNally, Susan & Stuart Bloom Janet Plattner Marius Medveschi, Thomas Menchin, Patty & Jeffrey Scott, Jeannette Bos In memory of Barbara Suleski, an avid hiker and lover of Sam & Thomas Minnella, Andrew & Marcia Moore, John Maryelizabeth Duffy nature & Claudia Moran, Rob & Tara Morris, Dario Mucilli, John Daniel Googel Helen & Kenneth Ochab Munz, John Nolan, Anne Todd Osborn & Frederick Osborn, Alan & Judy Marcus In memory of William E. Welsh, Jr. Min Seo Park, Brian Pellin, Betty & Winston Perry, Edmund Denis & MaryLee Mullins Paul Whalen W Peters, Gale & Louis Pisha, Paul K Praus, Dan Pupel, Amy James Nono In memory of Richard Wolff Quartuccio, Carol & Tom Rakowski, Bob Ridings, Marvin E Cynthia Van Pelt Christine Buchta Riley, Cathy & Ronald Roberts, Douglas H Robins, Linda In the memory of Michael T. De Luca, who always was Ellen Puhst Campuzano Rohleder & Richard Pillar, Joseph Rondeau, Robert C Ross, ready to kick up his heels to walk with Nature Frances Lee Fanger Ellen & Francis Rudegeair, Frances Sabshon, Gerard L San- Kathleen Leob Edward Goodell & Lynne Katzmann tora, Michael Scrimenti, John & Lynn Seirup, Fred & Marion In memory of John Gunzler Judith King Shaw, Maria & Mark Singer, Aryeh Gershon & Litza Stark, Steven Curwin Julie Zuckerbraun Keith Starlin, Daniel Suffin, Anthony & Nancy Taormina, In memory of David Leseberg In memory of Janis Zucker John B Taylor, John Todaro, Barbara J Traver, Charles W Ul- The Barbieri families on Evans Place (Dino, Patricia & Robert & Rickie Morrison rich, Monika G Vaccaro, Diana Van Buren, Ann C Watts, Maria) In honor of Robert Bartlett Donald L. Weise & Connie Burton, Eric R Weiss, Rosema- Carol Bernhardt Anonymous Donor rie Wellman, Bill & Marlene Wertheim, Diana & Ellsworth Mary Lou & George Berry In honor of Lawrence Rapoport Whiteman, Edmund Wilson & Penelope Giles, Jim & Sandy John & Pierrette Cadou Lois & Peter Weiss Wilson, Marion S Wise, Sherman Wong, Rebecca Young & Barbara Carney In honor of Louie SantRam Sally Cooper, Lydia & Jack Zakim, & John Zidik Wilma N Egg Mohit SantRam Ann & Erwin Ocot In honor of Herbie Dog CORPORATE, FOUNDATION & OTHER DONORS Charles & Antonia Greenwald Judi & Mark Edgerly AmazonSmile Foundation, Ayco Charitable Foundation, Mel & Gale Hendrickson Bank of America Charitable Foundation, BD, Benevity, Sharon Kaiser DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND Catskill 3500 Club, Causecast Foundation, Carroll and Louis & Verne Kiel Joseph Agosta, Noel Albert, Kevin Alward, Anonymous Do- Wieck Charitable Fund of the Community Foundations of Don Kiel nor, Peter Backes, Richard Bascue, Milos Besta, Elizabeth & the Hudson Valley, Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation Larry Kiel Grosvenor Blair, Evalynne & Joseph Braun, Alexander Jac- U.S. Matching Gifts Program, Estate of Judith Weiner, Fi- Kathleen Kiel kowec & Michael Bruno, Kathryn L Bryan, Brad R Caruso, delity Charitable Gift Fund, Geraldine R. Dodge Founda- Barbara Kiel Daniel & Elizabeth Case, Carol Chapman, Stephen Clifton, tion, Girl Scout Troop 95811, Herbert Coles & June Fait Jeffrey & Donna Lanning Martha G Collins, Christopher & Elizabeth Cornell, Joseph Foundation, Interstate Hiking Club, Johnson & Johnson John & Evelyn Leseberg & Marion Costa, William Daley, Donald L Deans Sr., Mary Matching Gifts Program, JPMorgan Chase Foundation Timothy & Laila Louie Donnelly, Milton P Ehrlich, Joseph Ferri & Shari Aber, Ken- Matching Gift & Volunteer Grant Programs, Merck Part- Vicky Macaluso neth & Rehana, Paul G Forgie, Ann France & John Wolosz, nership For Giving, Mohonk Consultations Inc, Network The McPartland Family Adele Garber, Kathleen K Gardner, Jean-Baptiste Gauthier, For Good, Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc., Ralph E. Debra Peluso Jane Geisler, Martha Gingrich, Mildred & Norman Gitting- Ogden Foundation, Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Cathy Schutz er, Katina Grays, Judith Green, Deborah Grimmelmann, Reiner Heating & Air Conditioning, S&P Global Founda- Willow Tepper Margaret Grochalska, Judith & Richard Grose, Bob Gurian, tion, Schwab Charitable Fund, Sierra Club Lower Hudson Frank & Dotte Wojno Geoff Hamilton, David Emanuel & Deborah Hammond, Ei- Group, The New York Community Trust, The U.S. Charita- Aaron Wood leen P Hanna, Peter Heckler, Ludwig Hendel, Royal Jay Hol- ble Gift Trust, Thomson Reuters My Community Program, In memory of Rosemarie Liebmann ly, Mark Horberg & Risa Jaslow, Daniel M Hunt, Peter Jacob- Truist/FrontStream Workplace Philanthropy, Verizon Edward Goodell & Lynne Katzmann son, Sue & Ted Jenner, Amit Joshi, Susan Karecki, Kevin P Foundation, & YourCause (YourCause.com) nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Summer 2018 | 5

Join the Trail NY, NJ Parks Receive Conference, Get Great Deals

Trail Steward Training Check out some of the latest Trail Conference HANK OSBORN HANK OSBORN Retail Partners and their senior program great members-only Hatchet Outdoor coordinator discounts. Visit nynjtc. Supply Co. org/retail-partners for full 15% off The Trail Conference began details on all partner 77 Atlantic Avenue its Trail Steward program as a discounts. Brooklyn, NY 347.763.1963 one-month pilot at Breakneck www.hatchetsupply.com Ridge in 2013. Since then, the program has grown in numerous ways. The first year we trained two Stewards for one location. This May, the Trail Conference trained 35 Stewards assigned to four Liberty Family locations in two states. Thanks 4 Track of Dealerships to a generous $30,000 grant Meet the 2018 Stewards. Bike - Hike - Hobby from REI, sponsorship from 10% off Get dealer’s invoice pricing Hudson Highlands Land 15 Main Street on Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, and Trust (HHLT), and gifts from The Trail Conference is rec- Steward training was en- Blairstown, NJ Genesis vehicles. other supporters, this season ognized as the regional leader hanced this year to include 908.362.5699 www.4trackrr.com Trail Conference Stewards in fielding Stewards; our N.Y. more in-depth Leave No Trace Liberty Subaru are stationed in New York and N.J. state partners sent training, as well as natural re- 55 Kinderkamack Rd. on the Appalachian Trail at more than a dozen park em- source protection instruction Emerson, NJ ; at ployees to the full-day training provided by HHLT. Besides Breakneck Ridge in Hudson at our headquarters in Mah- providing financial sponsor- Liberty Kia Highlands State Park Preserve; wah, N.J., and to site-specif- ship of the Breakneck Ridge 815 Route 17 South and at several locations in ic locations for each Steward Trail Steward program, HHLT Ramsey, NJ the Catskills: , program. State employees were helped facilitate Steward ed- Slide Mountain, North Point, trained to work alongside Trail ucation to promote conserva- Liberty Hyundai & Liberty Genesis and Mountain. In Conference Stewards, supple- tion ethics and proper stew- Wild Birds Unlimited New Jersey, the Department menting and complementing ardship practices. 10% off 305 Route 17 North of Environmental Protection the hard work required at each In June, the Trail Confer- 189 South Route 17 Mahwah, NJ enlisted the Trail Conference location. At Breakneck Ridge, ence welcomed a small team Paramus, NJ 201.599.0099 201.529.2400 for guidance on best practices N.Y. State Parks employees are from New York State’s Excel- www.paramus.wbu.com to deploy their Stewards at now working alongside Trail sior Corps program. These www.libertycarsnj.com Terrace Pond in Wawayanda Conference Stewards every Corps members were sta- MITCHELL BAILEY State Park. Stewards in all weekend; at Terrace Pond, N.J. tioned at Breakneck Ridge Rock & Snow, an outdoor locations are on duty from State Stewards assist visitors, for 10 days, which allowed us retailer in New Paltz, N.Y., has Memorial Day weekend protect the area from dump- to conduct surveys of the in- been supporting the Catskill through November (earlier at ing, and educate the public creasing number of hikers who Steward Program every year some spots). about park regulations. are climbing Breakneck during since its inception in 2015. the week. The Excelsior Corps Since then, the store has custom-fit over 30 Stewards will return to work alongside in top-quality gear designed Thank You, Catskill 3500 Club Trail Conference Stewards for for travel in the outdoors. This Michelle Smith another 10 days at Breakneck year, Rock & Snow outfitted Supporters! Ulster County Tourism during the 2018 Leave No the Catskill Stewards with Seamus Carroll & Trace Hot Spot week in late shirts and rain shells to help For the third year, REI Marie Wieck October. with the unpredictable moun- has generously given lead Dutchess County Tourism Later this summer, the Trail tain weather. The owners support to make the Trail Hunter Foundation Conference will introduce a and employees have all been Conference’s Steward Pro- Catskill Mountain Club volunteer Trail Steward com- exceedingly generous with their time and commitment to gram possible. This year, Fred Osborn ponent to complement the the Catskill Steward Program. we also thank: Mountain Tops current program and provide Thank you! Rock & Snow much-needed additional cov- Hudson Highlands Frost Valley YMCA erage at these high-usage trail- Rock & Snow also offers Trail Conference members a 10% discount. Find them Land Trust Sierra Trading Post heads. For more details, email at 4 Main Street in New Paltz; 845.255.1311; www.rockandsnow.com/store. [email protected].

Orange & Rockland Spon- HEATHER DARLEY Making sors Ramapo Trails Project Orange & Rockland Utili- Great Trails ties has donated $10,000 to support the Trail Conference’s Possible Ramapo Trails Project. This grant funds our work to make Thanks to the following a significant, lasting impact on businesses and foundations the sustainability, navigability, for supporting the work of the and safety of the trail system Trail Conference in 2018. in Bergen County’s Ramapo Valley County Reservation Two A.T. Projects Receive and the adjoining parklands. Grants from ATC and L.L. Bean Harriman Family Founda- Two Trail Conference projects tions Support Work in on the Appalachian Trail have Harriman-Bear Mountain Thanks to L.L. Bean in Paramus, N.J., for donating 25 packs been made possible by grants The Trail Conference is grate- (a value of $2,000) for use by our Conservation Corps crews from the Appalachian Trail ful for the support of the Har- serving in parks throughout the region. And a special thank Conservancy (ATC) through riman Family Foundations for you to Meadtown Cleaners (1483 Route 23 in Kinnelon, funding from L.L. Bean. their generous $10,000 sup- N.J.) for helping outfit our Corps crews by professionally Volunteers will be replacing port of our work on the Spider sewing the AmeriCorps and Conservation Corps patches 1,128 feet of deteriorated Hill House interpretive center on their uniforms and backpacks at nearly half-price. First puncheon planking near at Bear Mountain and for opened in 1978, this family-owned and operated business Vernon, N.J., and will finish their $25,000 support of our provides environmentally friendly, organic dry cleaning, as building steps at the Taconic trail work in Harriman-Bear well as expert custom tailoring. Consider supporting the local Parkway. The grants total Mountain state parks and the businesses that support us! $8,575. West Hudson region. 6 | Summer 2018

PEOPLE FOR TRAILS A Note of Gratitude Trail Conference saw- TRAILS FOR PEOPLE yers are trained for this purpose—to step up and help out where and when our parks need us. It isn’t often we get hit with this kind of crazy weather. Our sawyers have gotten AFTER THE STORM: out in both New Jersey and New York parks and should be extremely proud of the work done. In working with park VOLUNTEERS RESTORE partners, our sawyers have shown the com- mitment we all have to our trail systems and to working with our various land managers. ACCESS TO TRAILS The Sawyer Committee appreciates this work. Our land partners are appreciative. Your work Across the region, Trail Conference volunteers are working hard to clear makes us all look good. and repair trails temporarily closed or damaged by several remarkably Estelle Anderson Chair, Trail Conference strong storms that hit our parks this spring. Here are their stories. Sawyer Committee

EAST OF THE HUDSON RIVER ‘The Thunderstorm Did This?’ 7:30 a.m. and were joined resulting in long sections and structure. MARY DODDS The Damage trail tramps crew chief by the rest of the crew at of trail being completely How many more crews and 9 a.m. Five crew, includng Sawyer Bryan Black- blocked by numerous, fully maintainers will be need- two sawyers, finished the burn kept a tally of the leafed branches. ed to deal with the damage BA Blowdowns: n May 21, Trail clearance at 4 p.m. Just as the blowdown he and his ( “ BA” resulting from these in- Tramp Crew mem- five of us were tackling the subject to interpretation): creasingly common severe fellow volunteers tack- ber Dave Margulis final section of blowdowns, a large tree trunks across or— storms. Many of our main- led on the Oand I determined that ap- pair of hikers caught up with worst-case scenario, running tainers and crews were still proximately a half-mile of us. I advised them that they Trail in just one day, the length of—the trail. dealing with March storm the Sugarloaf Trail in the could not pass and pointed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: BA Hot Mess Blowdowns: damage when this thunder- Unique Area of to their goal, Sugarloaf, dead combination of the first two. storm hit. the Hudson Highlands was uphill to the south. They 24” Tulip There are still trails which essentially impassable. On opted to bushwhack (against 24” Red Oak WHAT WE KNOW: have not been surveyed for May 28, B sawyers Andrew advice) after commenting, 18” Tulip The Sugarloaf Trail and damage. If you encounter Seirup, Walt Daniels, Fred “the thunderstorm did this?” 24” Tulip many sections of the Appala- severe damage while hiking, Stern, and Bryan Blackburn We had just finished clearing 10” Maple chian Trail are now cleared. please report it at nynjtc.org/ were joined by A sawyer Paul the trail when they returned, 12” Red Oak Work is ongoing. contact-us. Bisset to assess the damage. grateful they did not have 12” Dead Hemlock The sides of trails are cov- Trail Tramps Dave Margu- to retrace their off-trail 20” Red Oak ered with removed debris. WHAT WE ARE lis, Connie Stern, Marilyn route up. 16” Red Oak Sugarloaf now has spec- PROFOUNDLY Blaho, and Martha Rabson The penultimate mess re- 16” Red Oak tacular views which did not GRATEFUL FOR: joined Pat Bisset and Bruce moved from the trail consist- 2 x 6” dead Red Oak exist prior to the “thunder- Willing and able crew mem- Lucas as swampers. I led, lit- ed of more than five inter- Top of 12” Red Oak s t or m .” bers, especially sawyers, who erally, since it was up to me twined trees, ranging in size Tops of multiple, have been out every day. I to actually find the trail. (I from about 8 inches to 20 including 16” Red Oak WHAT WE DON’T KNOW: am especially thankful that hate to admit that I actual- inches, including one mas- Twin 12” Red Oak What will replace destroyed sawyer certifications beat ly lost it in one spot and we sive root ball. This is how we Preparations for the mature forest sections, espe- the storm, enabling newly ended up clearing one tree classify our blowdowns: 24” White Oak cially in the short term. B-certified sawyers to go from a private road.) Hot Mess Blowdowns: es- The future effect of exten- out with only one or two Bryan and I started at sentially the crowns of trees, sive debris on trail drainage swampers.

Sawyer/ can saw only under the immediate supervision of a Swamper B-level sawyer. Primer MOE LEMIRE B-Level Sawyer: An The Trail Conference trains intermediate sawyer who select volunteers in the safe may independently saw and responsible removal of (with the assistance of a blowdown requiring chain- swamper) in moderately saws in accordance with the complex situations. United States Forest Service Saw Policy. When you Swamper: A worker who hear our volunteers talking assists sawyers by clearing about their sawyer certifi- away cut tree sections and cation level or swampers, clears brush, limbs, and here’s what they mean: small trees. A swamper remains alert for dangerous A-Level Sawyer: An situations and may also apprentice sawyer who carry supplies. nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Summer 2018 | 7

CHRIS CONNOLLY NEW JERSEY ‘Sawing Up a Storm’

DAVID DAY ley. Many of the downed west jersey trail trees were mature and crew chief large—lots of trees were in the 30-inch range. At the Our sawyers have been “saw- end of May, it was still un- ing up a storm” throughout known how much work re- our regions of New Jersey. mained because no one had Many areas escaped with been able to get through to only minor impact; others make a full assessment. The Chris Connolly and Alec Malyon, pictured, cleared two huge blowdowns on the Marsh were absolutely devastat- trail’s first three-quarters of Trail in Ramapo Valley County Reservation, next to Trail Conference Headquarters. ed. In some cases, our vol- a mile was a nearly continu- unteers have had to shove ous blockage. branches and cut logs out of Tillman’s Ravine in Stokes the way simply to get to the State Forest had dozens WEST OF THE HUDSON RIVER locations where they can be- of similarly large trees, all gin clearing trails. pitched down off the sides of Sawyer Joel Pinsker the ravine landing headfirst worked with our Wawayan- into the stream, totally ‘The Long Path Is a Mess’ da West trail supervisors to blocking access. Sawyer

DAVID DAY clear 12 trees. Meanwhile, Chet Morris worked for days ers to navigate around or water from the swamp. It Bob Jonas working with to get basic access opened. KEVIN McGUINNESS long path south chair through the mess. was too close to the swamp Estelle Anderson in Mor- The West Jersey Crew and This was a formidable job. to cut and clear, so the deci- ristown National Historical its saw teams worked to Who could tackle it? And sion was made to raise and Park cleared 40 trees block- clear Tillman’s Ravine and When experienced New in a timely manner? Only harden the path between ing trails, with Bill Harrison its stream and to rebuild York State Park Ranger Lt. one answer: the tireless the rock slope and the root serving as a swamper on portions of trail tread that Mickey Cahill says part of Long Distance Trails Crew ball. Large rocks were car- some trips. had been ripped out by your trail is a “mess,” it gets (LDTC). Thom contacted ried in to fill the low mud- In Worthington State root balls. your attention. On May 15, the crew, and they did not dy area, and then smaller Forest, our volunteer trails Many other sawyers all Mickey informed the Trail waste time. The LDTC mo- rocks were used to fill in the supervisor Mark Kern and over our N.J. region have Conference about a large bilized and got to work on spaces. Dirt from the root sawyer Greg Bernet joined been working hard as well. number of blowdowns over May 23. Armed with three ball was knocked down to David and Monica Day as We haven’t yet received full a short portion of the Long chainsaws, hand saws, picks, fill and cover the rocks and two saw teams and began reports to mention their ef- Path just north of the Lem- hammers, ropes, a winch, widen the trail space, and working their way up the forts, but all work is greatly on Squeezer, adjacent to the and of course hard hats and any roots that were sticking Dunnfield Creek Trail val- appreciated.

Dismal Swamp in Harriman safety glasses, LDTC mem- out were trimmed back. DAVID DAY State Park. That’s when he bers Erik Garnjost, Marty By late afternoon the used the M-word. Costello, David Booth, and trail had been completely Harriman Long Path Jeff Raskin, led by Crew cleared, cleaned up, and re- volunteer trails supervisor Chief Chris Reyling, were stored. But the LDTC wasn’t Thom Patton and I took joined by Thom and me for finished. On the hike out, quick action. We walked the the clearing and restoration they also cleared several trail together on May 18 and work. blowdowns on the Appa- estimated approximately 30 And boy, did they go to lachian Trail and Arden- blowdowns over less than a work. Besides the number Surebridge Trail. Why? quarter mile. It looked like of blowdowns—some more Because that is what they a tornado had hit this rel- than 3 feet in diameter— do. And the crew got great atively sheltered section of and the tight location, sev- thanks from a couple of Ap- trail; in fact, it was the worst eral trees posed challenges palachian Trail thru-hikers blowdown issue either of us beyond just sawing. One who had started the trail in had seen since Sandy dev- very large tree had grown February and were well on asted portions of the Long on the sloping bedrock im- their way to Maine! Path. Compounding the mediately adjacent to the This is what the Trail situation was the location of trail, and when it fell, it Conference volunteers do. the trail, which runs along not only blocked the trail, This is what your member- an area of bedrock that but the huge root ball also ship supports. This is why The West Jersey Trail Crew has worked tirelessly slopes toward the swamp, pulled up so much of the your trails are blazed, kept to clear major blowdown in several areas. making it difficult for hik- tread that it was filling with clear, and navigable.

Herculean efforts need Report Issues especially when paired with equally large thanks. a geotagged photo, can be The Appalachian on the Trail with very helpful for working to Trail in Dutchess and Avenza Maps resolve the issue. Putnam counties was Thanks to volunteers and hit particularly hard by Whether you are a trail main- staff of the Trail Conference, the spring storms. By tainer, invasives surveyor, or a new user guide to the app the end of May, Chair the average trail user, you provides step-by-step direc- Jim Haggett had tal- can use the Avenza Maps tions for how to report trail lied at least 300 hours app to report issues along issues. It also covers oth- donated by more than the trails. From blowdowns er basics, including how to 20 volunteers working and damaged bridges, to il- download maps and record tirelessly to make the legal ATV use and even map points and tracks, as well as Trail passable again. errors, you can use the app important tips such as how These photos were to mark a specific issue loca- to perform data backups taken on the A.T. north Find our latest tion, take a picture, and send and ways to use battery life Avenza Maps of the Miller Hill Road/ the report to a supervisor or efficiently. Read more about Taconic State Parkway user guide at bit.ly/tc-amug. the Trail Conference office. the Avenza Maps app and its intersection. The location information, features on page 11. 8 | Summer 2018 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org

PROMOTING AND PROTECTING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL Elizabeth Levers Inducted into A.T. Hall of Fame

RON ROSEN her natural leadership abilities, a.t. coordinating resulted in her being elected In this photo taken on one of the A.T. route-finding trips committee chair the first female president of the in October 1982, Elizabeth Levers teaches Ron Rosen Trail Conference in 1970. As and his son Alvin how to make a reed instrument out of On May 4 at the Allenberry president, she was involved in blades on grass. Resort in Boiling Springs, Pa., the leasing of the Trail Confer- the Appalachian Trail Museum ence’s first office at 15 East 40th to conduct a flyover to locate Dutchess County and Putnam Society posthumously induct- Street in Manhattan and hiring the general route for the Trail. County portions of the A.T. in ed Elizabeth Levers as one of the first part-time executive di- She then led work parties the early 1980s, Elizabeth be- four members of the eighth rector (Bob Parnes). on the ground, armed with came the Chair and Land Cor- class of the Museum’s Appa- During the 1970s, Elizabeth walkie-talkies, to flag the 108- ridor Manager for the Orange lachian Trail Hall of Fame. joined many other trail lead- mile route from the borders and Rockland Counties’ A.T. During my time as chair of ership in selecting the perma- ers in lobbying for the passage of New Jersey to Connecticut. Management Committee. the Dutchess/Putnam Appala- nent route of the A.T. in New of the National Trails funding Shortly afterwards, Elizabeth Elizabeth died on Nov. 1, chian Trail (A.T.) Management York once the 1978 amend- amendments. Once Congress worked with NPS realty agents 1998, at the age of 93, then liv- Committee (a Trail Confer- ments to the National Scenic and President Jimmy Carter to personally visit 150 individ- ing near relatives in Laramie, ence trails committee), I orig- Trails Act provided funding to approved the amendments, ual property owners; her en- Wyo. On her death, New York inally nominated Elizabeth for allow the National Park Service Elizabeth represented the Trail thusiasm resulted in almost all State Department of Environ- the award in 2001. This year, (NPS) to acquire a corridor of Conference in a meeting called of the landowners being will- mental Conservation regional I accepted the designation in land for the Trail. Her leader- by NPS in Philadelphia—she ing to sell the required land to forester Fred Gerty remarked, her memory at the awards ship contributions to the Trail was the designated representa- the National Park Service. “Elizabeth’s memorial is the ceremony, and the next day Conference were many: In tive for the state of New York. Elizabeth was recognized A.T. in New York. A tireless made a presentation at the A.T. 1965, she single-handedly “in- The Park Service gave these with honorary life member- lady, she wandered through the Museum in Gardners, Pa., vented” the organization’s Lit- volunteers one month to des- ship in the New York-New Jer- woods for mile after mile work- about Elizabeth’s life and con- ter Day, which became an an- ignate a permanent route for sey Trail Conference and the ing to move the A.T. off the tributions to the Trail. nual event to clear the trails at the Appalachian Trail! Eliza- Appalachian Trail Conference roads. The permanent blazes The nomination was based the start of the hiking season. beth quickly arranged for the (now Conservancy). Once oth- stand as tall, strong, and bright on Elizabeth’s extensive lead- The success of this venture, and New York State government er leaders were found for the as Elizabeth’s dedication.”

Raising ed the Trail Conference at ed and inspired to see their The A.T. Needs Boardwalk in Wawayanda Awareness Appalachian Trail Days in home states represented at You This Season State Park, and our Conser- Damascus, Va. They spread Trail Days. “We had people vation Corps crew’s reroute at Trail Days the word about the Trail running up to our tent saying Throughout the hiking of the original section of Conference’s role in main- how nice it was to see a little season, our trail crews will be the A.T. on Bear Mountain. May 18 through 20, Orange taining and protecting the piece of home in Virginia,” working on several projects Our crews are eager to meet and Rockland Appalachian A.T. through New York and Storm said. Connecting peo- on the Appalachian Trail— people who want to make a Trail Chair Storm (Moe New Jersey, and how our ple with nature and educat- including the Long Distance difference outdoors and to Lemire), Orange and Rock- volunteers built the first 20 ing them about the work and Trails Crew’s rehabilitation of teach you the skills needed to land A.T. Corridor Supervi- miles of the A.T. back in care involved with protecting the Trail on West Mountain help build and repair trails. sor Karma (Tara Spear), and 1923. Native New York and trails is how we create new in Bear Mountain State Park, Visit nynjtc.org/events or Communications Assistant New Jersey thru-hikers and volunteers, members, and the West Jersey Trail Crew’s email [email protected] Heather Darley represent- trail enthusiasts were excit- trail advocates. restoration of the Pochuck for details and work dates. JOHN PAPPAS

GROW YOUR SAVINGS. GROW THEIR FUTURE.

HELP THE NEW YORKNEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Vernon Named Appalachian Trail Community SAVE FOR THEIR FUTURE WHILE YOU ARE SAVING FOR YOURS. On April 29, Vernon, N.J., was officially designated an Ap- Every quarter, Boiling Springs Savings Bank donates money to the New YorkNew Jersey palachian Trail Community—the second A.T. Community in Trail Conference based on the number of their supporters who bank with us. The New New Jersey. Among those presenting the honor during the YorkNew Jersey Trail Conference receives funds for important programs and individuals event at Heaven Hill Farm were Trail Conference Executive get to support them. To learn more about how you can help the NYNJ Trail Conference Director Ed Goodell, Director of the Mid-Atlantic Region for through our Community Alliance Program and the available accounts that will benefit them, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Karen Lutz, Regional Su- visit our website or call 2015129300. perintendent of Northern Division of NJ State Park System Joshua Osowski, and other state and local officials. “We look forward to working with our new friends in the Vernon Trail 17 Offices in Bergen, Essex, Passaic and Morris Counties. Community on raising awareness of the Appalachian Trail 4 East Ramapo Avenue • Mahwah, NJ 07430 and sharing the joys of this natural resource with an even Patricia Langdale, Branch Manager greater number of people,” Ed said. 2015129300 • www.bssbank.com nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Summer 2018 | 9 Working to Give Back to the ALLEGRA MATHEWS Volunteers Who Give So Much

KENDRA BAUMER who participated. Openly Therefore, we will implement shops to expand skills and volunteer engagement sharing your thoughts provid- more recognition programs 32 percent want a better on- manager ed valuable insight that will and we’ll be better about ver- boarding process when people help shape the future of our balizing the gratitude we feel initially volunteer. We intend The New York-New Jersey volunteer programming. We on a daily basis. to provide all volunteers with Trail Conference is an organi- learned a lot and here are some It became clear our commu- the support they need to do zation powered by volunteers. specific highlights of what you nication needs improvement. their job well. Without you, we can’t fulfill told us: The focus group graded our We’re getting to work right our mission to ensure the trails The best parts of volunteering communication skills below away on making updates and and natural areas we share are are the chance to give back and average and stated we need to improvements. As things be- sustainable and accessible for grow. Roughly three-quarters communicate more proactive- come ready, we will openly roll all to enjoy. of volunteers feel there is op- ly. Additionally, the interviews them out. Do you have ideas This means it’s crucial our portunity for growth and 96 indicated a desire for better on how we can continue to volunteer programming sup- percent feel volunteering for opportunities to interact with improve the volunteer experi- ports you and fosters positive the Trail Conference is doing other volunteers. We’ll be in- ence? Reach out to Kendra (our experiences for all volunteers. work for the greater good. creasing volunteer-centric Volunteer Engagement Manag- Over the past five months, We understand you don’t communications and events to er) and Jennifer (our Program we’ve assessed the volunteer volunteer to get recognition, ensure you get the information Assistant) with your thoughts experience through three but your hard work deserves you need in a timely manner, at [email protected]. methods: an online survey resounding gratitude! Eighty as well as network with others Full results of the assess- sent to all volunteers, which percent of volunteers feel they who share your passion. ment can be viewed at bit.ly/ garnered 254 responses; a 20- receive enough appreciation, One of the biggest needs tc-vpar18. participant focus group; and but unfortunately only half voiced is for more training. Thank you again for your We’re working hard to 22 in-person interviews. feel that recognition comes Seventy-two percent expressed participation and ongoing improve your trail—and A BIG thank you to all those from the Trail Conference. interest in additional work- support during this process! volunteer—experience.

Crew News

Staff Update Member Join now at nynjtc.org/ Conservation Check catskillconservation membership. Corps Crews corps.org for upcoming Benefit: Tentative Member events and more details. Guided Hikes Hike Schedule This season, the Trail To thank you for making our July 27: Conference Conservation MEVO Trail Crew work possible, we invite all , N.Y. Corps is comprised of 25 Trail Conference members Sept. 7: AmeriCorps members The Trail Conference and at the Sponsor Level ($75 Delaware Water Gap, N.J. building trails, improving MEVO (Mahwah Envi- individual, $90 joint) and Oct. 12: parks, and teaching volun- ronmental Volunteers Happy Trails to Eric higher to join our monthly Evening Hike: Sugarloaf Hill teers stewardship skills. Our Organization) are teaming Eric Stone has left the Member Appreciation Hikes, and Manitoga, N.Y. trail-building crews can be up for another year of trail Trail Conference to sponsored by L.L. Bean. Come Nov. 9: found in Bear Mountain, building. While the MEVO launch the Rewilding meet your fellow members Sterling Forest, N.Y. Sterling Forest, and Hudson Trail Crew’s core is made up School’s outdoor- and see examples of our Dec. 14: Highlands state parks in of college-age students, all based forest preschool recent work or trails we are Evening Holiday Hike, New York, and in Ramapo volunteers are welcome to program. Eric joined targeting for improvements. Ramapo Valley County Valley County Reservation join them as they tackle trail the Trail Conference as Not a member yet? Reservation, N.J. in New Jersey. Our Invasives projects in several North the Invasive Species Strike Force crew is working Jersey parks under the guid-

Educator and Volunteer FROST VALLEY YMCA in the Lower Hudson Valley ance and training of a Trail Coordinator in 2017 after to protect native habitats. If Conference field manager. three years as a naturalist you’re new to trail building, Search “MEVO” at nynjtc. with Westchester County sign up for a Trail Love day org/events to view their Parks. We thank Eric for at bit.ly/tc-traillove18 for schedule, or email crew his contributions and the perfect introduction to leader Violet Reed directly wish him the best of luck. how trails are made. Want at [email protected]. to help combat invasives? Search “invasives” at nynjtc. org/events for an event near Trail you. Or email volunteer@ nynjtc.org, and we’ll hook Crew

you up with the right crew. This rapidly growing group focuses on work in Essex Let’s take a hike! County parks. Their urban Bearmountainandharrimanhikes.com Catskill setting makes for a unique [email protected] Conservation trail volunteer experience Never Too Young to Serve Outdoors where you can start the day Corps at a coffee shop, move on to Frost Valley YMCA offers three service trips for teenagers blazing telephone poles, and every summer—and one favorite among budding outdoor The Trail Conference then ascend a rugged trail enthusiasts is the Catskill Trail Builder trip, which is available manages the Catskill Con- for views of the NYC sky- Aug. 12-24 for campers entering grades 9-12. During this servation Corps (CCC), line. This is a great crew for adventure, campers join newfound friends in the Forever your portal to volunteer taking your first step into Let’s take Wild Catskills to help maintain the trails and complete trail opportunities in the Catskill trail work. Search “Lenape” work for the area. Earning up to 35 service hours, campers Park. This season, the CCC at nynjtc.org/events or still have plenty of time to explore the best vistas and visit is hosting events for every email crew leader David a hike! local fire towers. To learn more, visit frostvalley.org/camp or interest and skill, from trail DeShazer at djdeshazer@ call 845-985-2291 today! building to litter clean-ups. gmail.com for details. bearmountain andharriman Blue Hole ronmental Conservation down Wild Forest of the cessible to the public, reduc- hikes.com Permitting (DEC) Commissioner Basil in the town ing environmental damage, Seggos announced a pro- of Denning, Ulster County, and enhancing public safety. System posal to establish a no-cost, on summer weekends and As of May 29, DEC was still bearmountainhikes Proposed day use permitting system holidays. This proposal is de- reviewing public comments @gmail.com requiring visitors to obtain signed to allow DEC to strike on the proposal. Find full de- On March 29, New York a permit to access the Blue a balance between ensuring tails and get updates at dec. State Department of Envi- Hole, located in the Sun- state lands are open and ac- ny.gov/lands/109922.html. 10 | Summer 2018 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org

If You Go Young based on ‘Winging It!’ dog’s noses Artists and butter- flies; pencil Featured in value Now on Display studies of Spring Show metallic objects; and colorful, GLENDA HAAS Unlimited in Paramus. surrealist multimedia person- art selection The winners will be an- The Trail Conference hosted al perspectives. These works committee chair nounced at a celebratory party its Second Annual Young showcase their accomplish- for the show on June 28 from Artists Show featuring works ments from the school year. The Trail Conference Gallery 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Refreshments by Project Challenge Art The Project Challenge Art is presenting “Winging It!,” will be provided through gen- students from Mahwah’s Joyce Program serves visually tal- a group exhibition featuring erous donations from Acme What: “Winging It!” Kilmer Elementary School ented students in the Mahwah art and photographs depict- Markets, Inc. and Chicken & group exhibition and Ramapo Ridge Middle Public Schools. This program ing birds and bugs. The show Rib Crib of Mahwah. Wild When: Now through School. Art by 43 students was provides students with the opened June 7 and can be Birds Unlimited will be pro- Aug. 28 during regular on display at our headquar- opportunity to advance their viewed during regular busi- viding a door prize, and Dick ters, May 8 through June 5. artistic potential and abilities, Trail Conference hours, ness hours at Trail Conference Blick and Ramsey Outdoor Student works in the heighten aesthetic awareness, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon- Headquarters. will also contribute gift bags exhibition included enlarged interpret and analyze artistic This is a juried show, with for all participating artists in day through Saturday spring flowers in multi- expression, and deepen their prizes provided by Dick Blick attendance. The reception is Where: Trail Confer- media technique; Northeast- understanding of the imagina- Art Materials. Winners will be open to the public. ence Headquarters, ern butterflies in oil pastel; tive and creative process. This selected by guest judges Tom The Trail Conference will 600 Ramapo Valley landscapes inspired by author year’s show added works from Valenti, noted painter, art in- host additional bird-related Road, Mahwah, N.J. Joyce Kilmer’s own backyard; Ramapo Ridge’s sixth, sev- structor and past president of activities, including a hike and Details: Find more at colorful oil pastel rainbows enth, and eighth grades. Allied Artists of America, and lecture, through the show’s nynjtc.org honoring a retiring teacher; Diane Stripe, Art Selection Scott Gunther of Wild Birds closing on Aug. 28. pencil shading (value) studies Committee Member

Hikers’ Can’t find your club? This list represents all Trail Conference member clubs whose dues are up-to-date. If you have questions about your club’s status, please ask Directory your officers to contact the Membership and Development team at 201-512-9348.

ADK Long Island Closter Nature Center Association Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club of Shelton’s Shooters Sussex 4-H Club http://www.adkli.org www.closternaturecenter.org Greater New York, Inc. http://www.mosaic-gny.org/joomla/ Sierra Club Lower Hudson Group ADK Mid-Hudson Chapter East Hampton Trails Preservation http://www.sierraclub.org/atlantic/ http://www.midhudsonadk.org Society Musconetcong Mountain Conservancy lower-hudson www.ehtps.org http://mmc.nynjtc.org ADK Mohican Chapter Sierra Club Mid-Hudson Group http://www.adkmohican.org Flat Rock Brook Nature Association Nassau Hiking and Outdoor Club newyork.sierraclub.org/midhudson/ www.flatrockbrook.org www.nassauhiking.org ADK North Jersey Ramapo Chapter Somers Land Trust www.hudsonhikers.org Friends Of Garret Mountain The Nature Place Day Camp http://somerslandtrust.org/ http://friendsofgarretmountain.blog- http://thenatureplace.com/ Adventures for Women spot.com/ South Mountain Conservancy Inc. http://www.adventuresforwomen.org Nelsonville Greenway Committee www.somocon.org Friends of Pelham Bay Park VillageofNelsonville.org Alley Pond Environmental Center http://www.pelhambaypark.org/ Southampton Trails Preservation http://www.alleypond.com/ New Haven Hiking Club Society Friends of the Hackensack River Gre- http://www.NHHC.info http://southamptontrails.org/ AMC Delaware Valley Chapter enway in Teaneck http://www.amcdv.org http://www.teaneckgreenway.org/ New Jersey Forty Plus Hiking Club Storm King Adventure Tours https://www.meetup.com/NJ-Forty- http://www.stormkingadventuretours. AMC Mohawk Hudson Chapter Friends of the Old , Plus-Hiking-Club com http://www.amcmohawkhudson.org/ Inc. http://aqueduct.org/ New Jersey Highlands Coalition Sundance Outdoor Adventure Society AMC New York North Jersey Chapter http://www.njhighlandscoalition.org/ http://www.meetup.com/Sun- www.amc-ny.org Friends Of The Shawangunks dance-Outdoor-Adventure-Society http://shawangunks.org/ New Jersey Search and Rescue Inc. Black Rock Forest Consortium Inc. http://www.njsar.org SUNY Oneonta Outdoor Adventure http://www.blackrockforest.org/ Frost Valley YMCA Club https://www.frostvalley.org New York City Audubon Society, Inc. www.oneonta.edu/outdoors Boy Scout Troop 121-Hudson Valley www.nycaudubon.org Council - Rockland District German-American Hiking Club Teatown Lake Reservation http://gah.nynjtc.org/ New York Ramblers http://www.teatown.org Boy Scout Troop 8, Brooklyn http://www.nyramblers.org Greener New Jersey Productions, Inc Tenafly Nature Center Association Boy Scouts of America-Northern NJ http://www.greenernewjersey.org The Outdoor Club, Inc. www.tenaflynaturecenter.org Council www.outdoorsclub.info http://www.nnjbsa.org Hilltop Conservancy, Inc. Thendara Mountain Club http://www.hilltopconservancy.org Outdoor Promise www.thendaramountainclub.org BSA Troop 21 - Hudson Valley Council https://outdoorpromise.org/ http://www.suffern21.mytroop.us/ Hudson Highlands Gateway Task Force Town of Lewisboro http://www.TownofCortlandt.com Palisades MTB www.lewisborogov.com/parksrec Byram Township Environmental Com- www.facebook.com/groups/pali- mission Hudson River Valley Greenway sadesmtb Trail WhippAss http://www.byramtwp.org http://www.hudsonrivervalley.com http://www.trailwhippass.com Protect Our Wetlands, Water & Woods Canal Society of New Jersey Hunterdon Hiking Club (POWWW) TriState Ramblers http://www.canalsocietynj.org/ www.hunterdonhikingclub.org http://box292.bluehost.com/~poww- http://TSR.nynjtc.org/Schedules.html worg Catskill 3500 Club Interstate Hiking Club University Outing Club http://www.catskill-3500-club.org www.interstatehikingclub.org Rip Van Winkle Hikers http://www.universityoutingclub.org http://newyorkheritage.com/rvw The Catskill Center for Conservation Little Stony Point Citizens Associa- Urban Trail Conference, Inc. & Development tion Rock Lodge Club www.urbantrail.org http://www.catskillcenter.org www.littlestonypoint.org http://www.rocklodge.com Valley Stream Hiking Club Catskill Mountain Club Long Path North Hiking Club RPH Cabin Volunteers www.meetup.com/vshclub http://www.catskillmountainclub.org http://www.schoharie-conservation. rphcabin.org org Wappingers Greenway Trail Committee Chinese Mountain Club of New York SAJ - Society for the Advancement www.cmcny.org Mohonk Preserve of Judaism Westchester Trails Association http://www.mohonkpreserve.org http://www.thesaj.org/ http://www.westhike.org Church Communities Foundation - Platte Cove Community Morris County Park Commission Salt Shakers Trail Running Club Yeshiva University High School http://www.bruderhof.com/ http://www.morrisparks.net http://www.saltshakersrun.com Outdoors Club nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Summer 2018 | 11

more than 70 Trail Conference ommending it to fellow trail format, provided as separate ue expanding our catalog of Navigate maps, including several maps users whenever possible! Re- maps. We now offer combined digital app maps, and we will that are only available as digi- cently, we’ve expanded our of- maps of the Catskills, North soon offer additional free the Trails tal app maps. When combined ferings of maps to include new Jersey, Harriman-Bear Moun- maps. The app itself will also with the GPS capabilities of “combined” maps that piece tain, Kittatinny, and East Hud- continue to be improved, es- with Just a your device, you can pinpoint together maps that are, in print son. The app itself has also seen pecially in the coming months your location on the map, many improvements, in- as enhancements to the app’s Few Swipes record points and tracks, cluding better ways to man- Map Store search will make it measure distances, and age and export point and much easier to view our full Have you checked out our app even report trail issues. track data, improvements catalog of maps. If you have maps on Avenza Maps yet? If You can learn more at to managing your account suggestions for app maps or not, you’re missing out on a nynjtc.org/pdfmaps. and purchased maps, and feedback about the app, you very popular and helpful way If you have been using behind-the-scenes fixes to can use our online contact to use our high-quality trail the Avenza Maps app, improve performance and form (nynjtc.org/contact-us) maps right on your phone or thanks for your support, reliability. to let us know what you think. tablet. You can choose from and please continue rec- We expect to contin- Jeremy Apgar

The Must-Have trails in Harriman and Bear Maps and Mountain state parks. Updated Harriman-Bear Books for Hudson Palisades Trails Your Next map set – Available in early summer, our sixth edition Mountain Map Set Adventures of this map set becomes the latest map to feature You count on the Trail junction-to-junction trail Conference for the best trail mileage numbers. It cov- Available This Summer maps and guidebooks in the ers more than 100 miles region—and we’re working of marked trails and bike Bear Mountain Trail and oth- hard to provide you with the paths along the western side JEREMY APGAR cartographer er trails, and improvements to most up-to-date information of the Hudson River from trail mileage numbers to make possible. Our Publications Fort Lee, N.J., northward to them even more useful for trip Committee is in the middle Haverstraw, N.Y. The revised 18th edition of planning. Additional adjust- of a very busy map- and our Harriman-Bear Mountain ments make this 18th edition book-making year. Here’s Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails map set, available in our most accurate map yet a roundup of the latest Trails map set – Available early summer, is a must-have covering these popular parks. publications you can buy in early summer, our 18th for enjoying and exploring the All maps also include park- now, and a look forward to edition of this map set large network of trails in New ing areas and public transpor- what you can expect in the includes several important York’s Harriman and Bear tation information, viewpoints months ahead. updates. Check out the arti- Mountain state parks. This and other points of interest, cle to the left for details. two-map set covers more than UTM gridlines, and tables of East Hudson Trails map 230 miles of marked trails, in- detailed trail information. set – Our 12th edition ar- Westchester Trails map cluding the Appalachian Trail The map will be available in rived in January with brand set – A brand new map set and Long Path, and features print format in vibrant color new trail mileage numbers featuring some of the best trail mileage numbers and de- on waterproof, tear-resistant and improved elevation trails in Westchester County tailed elevation contour lines. Tyvek by shopping online contour lines. Check out this is on target to be available The 18th edition includes at nynjtc.org or visiting our popular three-map set fea- soon. the latest trail updates, headquarters in Mahwah, turing more than 150 miles such as a relocation of the N.J. It will also be available in of marked trails in portions Catskill Trails map set – Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail digital format on Apple and of Dutchess, Putnam, and A revised 12th edition of our near the Timp, a new- tion of recently acquired Android devices through the Westchester counties. largest map set is expected ly marked side trail to Tom parklands, additional view- Avenza Maps app. Learn more in late summer or fall. This Jones Shelter, the addi- point stars along the Suffern- about our GPS-enhanced Harriman Trails: A Guide important tool for exploring maps at nynjtc.org/pdfmaps. and History book – A the Catskills features several revised fourth edition of this trail updates and map im- Special thanks to the volunteers comprehensive guidebook is provements. and park partners who helped available now with signif- Visit the Trail Conference produce this map revision! icant updates to the 2010 Marketplace online at This map set is sponsored by edition. Grab this must-have nynjtc.org/shop to browse Ramsey Outdoor, a retail part- book to learn about all the available maps and books. ner of the Trail Conference.

YOUR PLANNED GIFT TO THE TRAIL CONFERENCE WILL: Help us protect trails and trail lands for future generations. Preserve people’s connection to the natural world. Create a personal sense of responsibility for our wild places. Please consider including the Trail Conference in your will or as a beneficiary in an investment account or insurance policy today. You can make a bequest by sharing the following sample language with your attorney:

I bequeath to the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, with principal offices located at 600 Ramapo Valley Health LifeStyles Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430, the sum of $______(or ______%) for its general unrestricted environmental conservation purposes. AT THE VALLEY CENTER FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

TO LEARN MORE AND GET MATERIALS, CONTACT: Don Weise, Development Director CALL OR STOP BY TODAY! [email protected] | 201.512.9348 x813 1400 MacArthur Boulevard, Mahwah | 201-389-0839 ValleyHealthLifeStyles.com way through our region. July “bubble”thru-hiker makes its and engaging visitors as the border maintaining Trail the ter Gap to Connecticut the force from Delaware the Wa volunteers out be will infull through our region. A.T. Our sponsibility to protect its route 1923—it is our re everyday Mountain state parks in Trail through Harriman-Bear built first the section the of Trail Conference volunteers lachian Trail’s birthplace— our website at bit.ly/tc-athikes. A.T. hike options on described explore one, afew, or of all the courage adventure-seekers to follow it. This summer, we en- well-maintained for who all iconic, white-blazed path is and New York, ensuring the Trailthe through New Jersey A.T.! volunteers Our care for ofour the section 174-mile Thru-HikerClass of 2018 to comes Appalachian the Trail The ConferenceTrail wel Trail MagicMonth July IsAppalachian 12 |Summer 2018 As stewards of Appa the Trail Conference Trail Conference. the New York-New Jersey space inthe region by joining trails,Support parks, andopen communications HEATHER DARLEY

BENEFITS assistant Join now atnynjtc.org/membership. off-trail. Checkoutnynjtc.org/volunteer. details atnynjtc.org/trailu. environmental monitoring, GPS operation, andmore. Find construction, leadership training, wilderness first aid, Access Workshops andSeminars Free Enrollment Great Discounts 25% Discount these additionalbenefits: Your membership thetrails supports you love andgives you volunteer service opportunities inthegreat outdoors. trails, advocates for parks, protects openspace, andprovides The Trail Conference maintains more than2,100 miles of retail-partners. other businesses. See ourfulllist of partners atnynjtc.org/ discount onTrail Conference logogoods. Visit nynjtc.org/shop. purchased directly from theTrail Conference. Get a10% - - - - to awiderange of volunteer opportunities on-and More to Explore used section of A.T. the section used into a help us turn oldest, the most- aboutlearn building trail and or whole the weekend!—to job! Stop by for afew hours— yourneed help finishingthe Appalachianthe Trail, and we tion project to place take on most ambitious rehabilita- Mountain. Thisthe is biggest, reroutethe of A.T. the on Bear crew workingtion Corps on invited to visit our Conserva for Appalachian the Trail is with apassion20-22, everyone 6-7 Appalachian Trail. season to improve the working throughout the all ourtrail crews Putnam counties. through Dutchess and theTrail’spart route blowdown severed when unprecedented sprang into action Conference volunteers On Checkout onTrail Conference books andmaps when to learn how Trail inourTrail University introductory courses. at supporting outdoor atsupporting retailers and page 8 TRAIL WALKER •NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE , read about pages ontrail maintenance and

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offerssome trail magic! monththe as our Trail Family at A.T. throughout trailheads an impromptu tailgate or two tomaraderie. spot And expect bonus of camping out and ca worktrail with added the party N.Y.,—another Fishkill, East Julyand barbecue 13-15in annualtheir work weekend in Volunteers holding be will @nynjtc.org for more info. tc-attmw18, or emailvolunteer tion Center. Sign up at Tower to Welch Trail Educa summit at Perkins Memorial from A.T. the Mountain Bear weekend,the shuttles run will each night!beque Throughout er, and join us for bar afree tent lakeside. Grab ahot show- our bunk house or pitch your and night’s get agood rest in encouraged to azero take day a campout. Thru-hikers are not far from Trail the itself, for Center inHarriman State Park, at Welch the Trail Education project July 20-22is welcome teers Mountain on Bear the work, volun who everyone - sustainablemodern, trail. Also in July,Also RPH the - Cab In exchange for your hard tc-athikes. descriptions, at bit.ly/ hike options and hike N.J., including great route through N.Y. and Appalachian Trail’s Find details about the Adventure Find Your A.T. For my membership of $60ormore, send mea: Select one: MEMBERSHIP TYPE Email ______Day Phone______Evening Phone ______City ______State ______Zip______Address ______Name ______and mailto: 600Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ, 07430. Make checkormoney order payable to theNY-NJ Trail Conference Card #______Expiration Date: ______/______Save timeandatree by joiningorrenewing onlineatnynjtc.org. 10% discount onlogogoodspurchased directly from theTrail Conference. outdoor stores, and25% discount onTrail Conference maps andbooks and Included withmembership: Trail Walker, 10%discount onpurchases atmany access to open space for everyone. We maintain more than2,100 miles of trails. Your membership helps usprovide Checkormoney order enclosed Trail Conference HatOR Join/Renew Trail Conference Membership bit.ly/ To purchase agiftmembership, call 201-512-9348, ext. 828. - - -

A joint membership for is two adults residing at the same address. (65+) Senior Benefactor Sponsor Regular Mountain from theA.T. inNew Jersey. The popularPinwheel’s Vista onWawayanda Join others atnynjtc.org, andget your memberdiscount! Find allof ourpublications andselect trail guides from HIKERS’ MARKETPLACE store underCombos. Find itonouronline maps atonegreat, low price! Get thecomplete set of trail charges! Save bigonshipping additional discount). (members get an maps atadiscount Trail Conference all of ourhigh-quality Our mapcombo offers BOOKS FROMTHETRAIL CONFERENCE GO PLACES WITHTRAIL MAPS AND

Renew Harriman-Bear Mountain MapSet OR CALL I ndividual VISIT Visa $35 $150 $75 $40 Membership #ifavailable ______

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