www.nynjtc.org Connecting People with Nature since 1920 November/December 2008

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference — Maintaining 1,716 Miles of Foot Trails

In this issue: More Wilderness in Catskills...pg 3 • Remember Our Discount Partners...pg 6 • The Little Plant That Could...pg 7 or Bust! The Highlands Trail Nears a Landmark

he push is on for the Highlands recreation areas for residents. A long-dis - Trail in New Jersey. Volunteers led tance trail through the region would help Tby Glenn Oleksak and Adam bring public attention to the existence and Rosenberg, co-supervisors of the trail, are vulnerability of this extensive swath of on track this fall to develop one of the green. Then TC Executive Director JoAnn trail’s final links through Hunterdon Dolan was an early champion of the idea, County in New Jersey to near the and creating the trail became a Trail Con - Delaware River. If all goes according to ference project. Bob Moss became the trail plan, HT Trail Committee Chair Gary committee’s first volunteer. Haugland says there will be a celebration “In 1994, I retired early and devoted event on the river bank this spring, in many hours to the Sterling Forest preserva - Riegelsville, PA, where the trail will cross tion project,” Bob Moss recalls. “This and continue, developed by Appalachian brought to JoAnn Dolan’s attention that I R

Mountain Club, into the Pennsylvania had some time on my hands, and John A G P

Highlands. Myers [former TC land acquisition con - A Y M

sultant] asked me to start attending E R E meetings of the ad hoc Highlands Trail J Committee, consisting of representatives of “Up hill in both directions” “One of the biggest long-term challenges all the outdoor groups that could be When Bob stepped back from his leadership is making sure that the maintenance of the thought of (Sierra Club, AMC, etc.), New role with the HT committee—he continues trail stays up to TC standards,” Glenn says. S

A Jersey Conservation Foundation, the state, as a maintainer of a section in Hopatcong— “I have continually stated that I would not N O J counties, and active individuals. Soon I was Glenn Oleksak stepped forward to take his concentrate so much on building new trail T R E

B chair pro temp. Next John started sending place as Trail Supervisor for New Jersey. He that the old stuff grows in behind us. O R me out to the field to look at properties and now shares the job of covering the HT from Thanks to Adam Rosenberg’s help, we have HT co-supervisors Glenn Oleksak and Adam Rosenberg potential trail routes, getting information the Hudson to the Delaware with co-super - given as much emphasis on maintenance as from tax maps (which were not available visor Adam Rosenberg. Glenn had joined to building new trail.” A Trail with a Conservation Agenda online quite yet), etc. In 1995, the Trails Bob’s work trips on the trail and says he “got Another challenge, especially this past The Highlands Trail, a combination of co- Council formally created the Highlands bit by the HT bug.” year, has been working to get permanent alignment on established trails, new trails, Trail Committee, and appointed me chair. “There’s some mystique about it. A long- easements for the trail on private property. and road walks, was born in the mid- “I loved the concept of a long-distance distance trail that is kind of obscure—not a “The general problem with long-dis - 1990s, envisioned as a bi-state trail running trail through New Jersey. Equally major route like the AT. I liked that it wasn’t tance trails is landowner agreements,” notes 150 miles from the in New enthralling was the chance to build hiking always up on ridge tops—that it went along Gary Haugland. “Many agreements have York to the Delaware River in New Jersey. trails into new areas. Having lived here stuff like the Morris Canal and old railroad been tenuous in the past. As land changes The idea, says Gary Haugland, grew out of since 1947, and hiked here since 1950, I beds at times. That some sections are lightly hands, agreements may go by the board.” the burgeoning efforts to preserve open thought I knew the state, but there were so built and almost seem sort of secretive.” He That and other changed circumstances space in the Highlands of and many beautiful places that I had no idea of. patrols the full length of the trail at least may result in discontinuities in a trail’s New Jersey in order to protect water It also gave me an excuse to spend half my once a year, “usually as a thru-hike.” continued on page 11 resources, wildlife habitat, and natural time in the woods.”

Trails, New Volunteer Angle Fly Preserve was purchased in Opportunities 2006 through the cooperation of Somers Land Trust, Westchester Land Trust, New in the Future York City Dept. of Environmental Protec - tion, and New York State Dept. of for Westchester’s Environmental Conservation. The recent Angle Fly Preserve Angle Fly Preserve Comprehensive Man - agement Plan articulates the desire for a The NY-NJ Trail Conference is excited to trail network that protects the existing be working with Somers Land Trust, important and sensitive habitats while R I E

Westchester Land Trust, the Town of opening up the preserve for educational W E T

Somers, Teatown Lake Reservation, and and recreational uses. An archeological site T E G R

other key supporters to design and con - survey and an environmental assessment O E struct a network of trails at Angle Fly have occurred and are important resources G Preserve. The preserve, named after the in the trail design and layout process. natural stream running through it, is the On September 28, Somers Land Trust Hike-a-thon Raises $15,000 for Trails last natural brook-trout spawning stream in held its annual membership meeting at Forty-one hikers, both members and non-members of the Trail Conference, raised Westchester County. A mixture of , Angle Fly Preserve. Invasive plant samples over $15,000 in the first-ever Trail Conference Hike-a-thon on October 4 at Bear stream, forest, and upland habitats encom - (taken from Angle Fly Preserve) were show - Mountain State Park. The event, co-sponsored by the Palisades Interstate Park Com - pass the 654-acre preserve. cased, along with information about the mission, aimed to raise funds for trail projects at the park, in particular, for the People impacts of invasive plants on native habi - for Trails interpretive exhibit that is a component of the Bear Mountain Trails Project. tats. Hikes, led by Rod Christie, executive Special thanks go to Eric Fuches-Stengel, Robert Fuller, and the Begin family for lead - director of Mianus River Gorge Preserve, ing the way with pledges and support totaling over $5,500. Pictured are those who took community members through sec - were on hand at the 8 am start of the event, which was marked by an environmental tions of Angle Fly Preserve. This provided leadership award to the Trail Conference from the Global Sports Alliance (GSA). an opportunity to see some of the proposed (Learn more about the award on page 2.) The Trail Conference plans on holding its trail routes and learn about plants, insects, second Hike-a-thon next year on October 3, 2009 to raise money for trail projects in amphibians, and birds along the way. public parks throughout our region. A big thank you also goes out to the NJ Search Somers Land Trust has created the and Rescue and David Lankford and his US Army Cadets for patrolling the course. Friends of Angle Fly group to promote the public enjoyment of these natural lands VOLUME XXXV, N UMBER 6 ISSN 0749-1352 while protecting them. Non-Profit If you are interested in being a part of activ - US Postage Paid Permit No. 1239 N

O ities at Angle Fly Preserve, contact Michael

S Bellmawr, N.J. U

G Barnhart, [email protected], or R E F Christie Ferguson, East Hudson Regional E I T S I Representative, [email protected], to R H C learn about trail building and maintaining Visitors explore a proposed trail route opportunities. at Angle Fly Preserve. Page 2 November/December 2008 From the Board of Directors By Malcolm Spector Pssst... VOLUME XXXV, NO.6 NOVEMBER /D ECEMBER 2008 If You Are Reading This: the Trail Conference GEORGETTE WEIR EDITOR LOUIS LEONARDIS GRAPHIC DESIGNER Most Likely You Are But Wait: You Might Be enables hiking in The TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #1239) a Member of the a Lapsed Member. (ISSN 0749-1352) is published bi-monthly by Trail Conference. Yes, we continue to send the Trail Walker , the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as a our region. benefit of membership. Subscriptions are Perhaps you are one of for a time, to former members, hoping not available to libraries only at $15.00 a year. over 1,000 trail main - to lose them. We wonder: Did we do some - Spread the word. Periodical postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., and tainers, each watching thing to alienate you? What happened? additional offices. Postmaster: Send address over a section of trail, Did you move away or just overlook those changes to the address below. Opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily represent the policy visiting it two or three renewal notices? Saying goodbye is so hard. or position of the Conference. Contributions of times a year (or more) clipping back the Don’t just go away. Talk to us. We are very The Real Nightmare typed manuscripts, photos, and drawings are blueberry, the pesky scrub oak, various proud of our new roles in acquiring and You are NOT reading the Trail Walker welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style weeds and vines and ferns that have no protecting land, advocating for trails because, even though you are one of over and length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines. name, looking for drainage problems, friendly legislation in Trenton and Albany. 100,000 members of clubs affiliated with Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKER are January 15 (Mar./Apr. issue), March 15 blow-downs, carrying out trash. No doubt, What’s not to like? But if you disagree, let the Trail Conference, even though you hike (May/June issue), May 15 (July/Aug. issue), while cutting back last year’s growth, or us know. Give us feedback. Come back. on trails maintained by the Trail Confer - July 15 (Sept./Oct. issue), September 15 repainting blazes or rebuilding cairns, you ence, even though you use maps and books (Nov./Dec. issue), November 15 (Jan./Feb. encountered hikers on “your” trail who You Might Be Reading This published by the Trail Conference, and issue). Unsolicited contributions cannot be Even If You Are Not a TC Member. acknowledged unless accompanied by SASE. thanked you for making it easier for them even though you have probably walked For information on advertising rates, please write to follow a foot path through the wilder - You belong to a hiking club, or you have right over volunteers maintaining the trails or call. ness. (You put in over 32,000 hours of hiking buddies, and after a hike, you are even as you walk on them, you have never Copyright 2008 by: volunteer time doing this last year.) downing a brewski with those smelly feet made the connection between what you are New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. You may be a volunteer in the TC office up on the back porch, reading your doing and what the Trail Conference is 156 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202) Mahwah, NJ 07430 in Mahwah. We are after all a small busi - buddy’s Trail Walker . Why he has not doing. Please wake up. Connect the dots. 201-512-9348 ness and we need all the help we can get, explained to you how important it is to sup - What we do enables you to do what you e-mail: [email protected] fulfilling orders, preparing our packets of port the Trail Conference is beyond me. do. Will someone at your hiking club editorial e-mail: [email protected] publications, sending out notices and Since 1920, the Trail Conference has been please turn on the light? Get involved. World Wide Web: www.nynjtc.org newsletters. Perhaps you have helped the the umbrella organization that advocates for Thank you. publications committee, GPSing trails or and protects the interests of hikers. We field checking maps and books. (You put in build and maintain the trails; we publish Malcolm Spector is a life member of the Trail over 11,000 hours of volunteer time doing the maps and books, we train armies of Conference. He maintains a section of the blue this last year.) volunteers in outdoor stewardship. We have trail at Sam’s Point and has just completed a over 9,300 members. We deserve your sup - nine-year stint on the TC Board of Directors. port. Your buddy should lean on you to join; then you can read your own Trail Walker . Mission Statement The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a federation of member clubs and individuals dedicated to providing recreational hiking TC People: opportunities in the region, and representing the interests and concerns of the hiking community. ‘Too Robust to The Conference is a volunteer-directed public 50 service organization committed to: % • Developing, building, and maintaining be Disheartened’ O † hiking trails. FF • Protecting hiking trail lands through support and advocacy. On October 4th, the New York Team of • Educating the public in the responsible the Global Sports Alliance kicked off the Give the gift that use of trails and the natural environment. first annual Trail Conference Hike-a-thon by honoring the Trail Conference for its makes a difference! Board of Directors leadership in conservation, recreation, Robert Boysen Chair Special gift membership deal during the Chris Connolly Vice Chair stewardship, and education. The award Mac Highet Treasurer commemorated the 85th anniversary of months of November and December. Daniel Chazin Secretary the first completed section of the Directors Appalachian Trail at Bear Mountain at an Purchase a Gift Membership for someone special Henry Atterbury John Gunzler event that raised funds to support the trails Ellen Cronan Peter Kennard at 50% off our regular price! Jane Daniels Seth McKee project at Bear Mountain, which will relo - Matthew Garamone Mary Smart cate and restore a portion of the AT. Josie Gray Malcolm Spector Individual “Supporter” Membership Ann Gruhn Daniel Van Engel Regular Price $30 Now $15!! Staff Edward Goodell Executive Director Joshua Howard Deputy Executive Family “Supporter” Membership Director Regular Price $40 Now $20!! Larry Wheelock NY West Hudson Regional Representative Christie Ferguson NY East Hudson Giftee: R

Regional I E

Representative W

E Name ______T

Brenda Holzinger New Jersey T E G

Regional R Address ______O E Representative G City ______Bill O’Hearn Conservation Global Sports Alliance honors the Director Trail Conference history of service. State ______Zip ______Jeremy Apgar Cartographer Gary Willick Fulfillment The Global Sports Alliance (GSA) is an Coordinator official partner of the United Nations Envi - Gift-giver: Catherine Gemmell Volunteer & Information ronment Program (UNEP). Its mission is Name ______Manager to promote environmental awareness and Membership # if available ______Matt Townsend Bear Mountain action among sports and outdoor recre - Project Manager ation enthusiasts around the world. Address ______Hedy Abad Membership Kevin Trotta, New York team captain for City ______Program Manager GSA, presented the GSA Ecoflag to TC J. Cal Rizzuto Help Desk State ______Zip ______Executive Director Ed Goodell. “It is a great Administrator Day Phone ______Part Time pleasure for me to be here today in the com - Kathy Goldman Office Assistant pany of vibrant people, too engaged in Evening Phone ______living robust lives to be disheartened by the The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a E-mail ______volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It is prevailing doom and gloom felt in some a federation of 103 hiking and outdoor groups, sectors,” Trotta said at a brief ceremony. He Check or money order enclosed and 10,000 individuals. described the Trail Conference as “an organ - Please bill my credit card Visa Mastercard Amex ization founded on the fundamental premise that if you really want something Card # ______good to happen, you roll up your sleeves Exp. Date ______/______printed on recycled content paper and work to make it happen... In light of Make check or money order payable to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, the Trail Conference’s extraordinary volun - and mail to: NY-NJ Trail Conference, 50% OFF Gift Membership, teer-powered public service and truly 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. inspiring accomplishments in defense of Visit Us Today! recreation and the natural world, I present You can also purchase discounted Gift memberships online. you with the Ecoflag as a token of our Go to www.nynjtc.org and click Join/Renew. respect and gratitude.” www.NYNJTC.org †Applies to purchase of gift membership only. Tax-deductible. Dues are not refundable. vo lu W nt e e d er nes Ri cha day re gula rd Zi nn r A an d f pr efe t er Trai l a r lunc s to Co nfe rence h le ad bre . a k way on th th to

SUSAN STERNGOLD SUSAN STERNGOLD PETE HECKLER Be a SUSAN STERNGOLD S Tr TC ish C an por ta Stern tra y hi be Sutter vid rou co tographs C c e Mo un me S November/December I an c ti m to e By x on i e e F ed h ati i onf onf ke, elim ore t pla A m Th Al T d d rs n, r ils e ad cop way amp e r We off ti te T p st o d t on han E d ail membe ple r t , l o b Mountain la of ons in o es ere ere ruc ar f i W gol m e and ma dwa i i the n ou or inate In t i bu n ta n g e of sur m ci f h ul th e bra e in clud ing ce o te th th o ue e k nce nce 20 an in. i n al w th al d ti ld ss the e f dn t of t r w vi ti s, e i e and, plea ti ve t we th o the s l l rd it th s wal nches ng is arran er- and Pr ive ee t y rtu 13, re is a n i B Th the esda the al o a h th e c r h t y e nd e proj ope , mos onge s). ea (t kl lin cam st was G so, ik f k f sure nee proj pr Execut a the a not sto ne 196 ew sum hou Appa and oot e bu y re wn l oo es r tra e P trail m exis ly y oje gi of ogress group n. h Mo unta ec th is eter h t alo to pec d ad e t e a ike nia n stat de ex ect il, H ike ribbons g compl hea 0 mit , gh of tra signi Othe ts affil t aw del g f ti ng so s, Bob ng er he lac or 2008 trem ste ps ike pa i ll l prayin g east s th a l He wa ally ff ma ny s is me v osion ead a ay grou ightful m n P ct hi in a ic the rti o ily i th ive rs tha ne e fi a d tra il. g ab schedu in r s f any proj ck , e ted an wi c Maloney el roup cul hike. a e in pa our ro an fa t te tra w t a are has pa Na t su mm ove, h t y group o o p ler nt wa th ca ce g fin e , that B is rts Director f ar regula Trai wit velled r e hea but op on m s th i 6 om wi ea ts an l ct how su and the y. nd ar a l l ly f gr b of 0 ant is kn argest a le or f ou po r b een fr iend s th ea. or rv d re of b my vy a it. l on o iv d i ett pos es Mo i re own th oth be n g r eyor’ i their rtun im tu a over i sti s rly nte thi to who section it e h d co vi R h s th nd tone e er th st fi on o r meeti n ual ll unta pre ecen sita n o ea a o rs mo s m e ss b res oth e a mem en re in g ff it u Sus s f as sc e D t pp al ong before stee s s the pho pl n y vo Tra Tra B ssiv pr ta tio s ti ever i joys an ope fin un not l ave de ing in th tep a y tly ea fo ete as re o ng n a p lu nt o of re ver n n p d i il ne . g e e e r ------r r at , l s h go e e pr to hi s h e

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GEORGETTE WEIR wil ad man dev th r lic ( Ca and po ad Thi r b bik inc C it app r wid bic ar wil to th bu o tra bil o b F is g n i o Man W as any and wo Spe edu act In wh deg onl c c e b man sta Mas cla th Thi and Looking CP ec ec ec n ppo o o ik or d i e ats e a a ve I Sp • c) b) a d • • • The m d e ild t u ns The e se t n u il i e o l te ts ss de yc r de u de lu e n i t t i e ) he wil e el a r o ci ) c r i e) s ne r k al ng ad di nt iv lo C s, s S r g r I p I I se t ad t st d in wil k ag te ox s i if g o ki I Roa In at ag ti c n a Hu mo th nes e wi tr e e co d u f L ro For B n o ta T C I nc le io n 2 r r ts es n em L r r s p yr a d n o ar e h t ed il r u a g F in g ci ad r ndi B ie f a i tu o s tu i n n r e o de p d n i 0 u cr a e ai w ea ll f l iz e e at a a e ng es t d d MP p fi o i e in lov r g e ls n i s id o a a a l mm co o l r Wi l u k lu f m k i ess ess h r t ne s me s. l r t 0 ys o rnp al l tr o d d , me s t i ia e f a n nd d o nt to e cy l s c P ic e tion, b it ti s, e ind r Pa e h a e i d io pp t en u te a rn e se: he r u 3, e g ww o d, ci e r r e s kh an he ase d st a s l m all an d mp i ne a ( cor P b t ate W n n DEC la h on ough e . e Fore w lt t pl w i t i s old op , in t e h the g 3 - p c n - ld ck ti and ) g rt ma r o e n n ex ty are a e ark i ch ce at ts, a nt ort 2 n ed ik r en le c h N four p a es H H e ood a .2 ose t iv ow rope i e i d fol wi se ss Du w an i h T ve 6 i t c unsui -West al wa Hea n le t ly o w. nal t the 4 , on O nd pub ri n ld p in le en a e ubl ist s l a e th o a ange p 00 For e id wr o to t r A to ea ea as d er ud w t d na P i as e rotec unit . dors c for i l st mil h te s roa t un S l e de M . 0 0 n ffi D rop tc forest va C i gui d re s f 156 ve w s ow hor tr ol ommi i th t la e For es ual n un n as d d t , th sh e rom B St R s n ed on c Pre c re exi T ise roa ic “for rty e l c i t t ge ac t o i In d a h Pre li o E fle c Ca c. t re m si as nni l h n h i p la o Ca r t for g o f - e pot s H W W l ds a i r cr es ud ta ts e ip e st h at re v s c r fou ki r d s ing an os re its ize ie C la w i er g n com ve k' . m d W n s Ro l ck te ai r s io os t i s na ct u e di ds ea e r e t un s, e ) b t o o t b s ti t a i p c y f e s ev l il il s r g e e ab n a t e i ed ev h C s o i h l d n a e . n s ro e d l s l w e le t a .gov/ r e t c e r e n a sk l l r N f s v ng i x e i n u t de d e t s n p ge t : t k r h s , Dom e m x t l d s a n e e t ne n o l r e pl Ne o may s r g W n l n i o a o t t e r ol er o n b P t e i d i a t o i e p b d c y L g t In r i v e m p i e d a c e , o f Wil de rne ss: m i a ot l l 1 n t e v lo e d m s r h D f t d ll d r d l nd rn r e t r g ou oo l l i l d e l ut s e s pr a t o e e l p p t o g on i a r a m th i s w e n a i l o b a n i 4 i i s i a O a i . h th r 1 rg l - a r h n v c c s c - . p od t e n o w c R r l c p n n n a on a on l EC s e u s r st n h f a lan ds w l e es c t f i n t - d We h t l i Pa T d e r oc el as o e ,4 r h d s t e , n a a u te o r c i r na e r o Re h d e s t f d h t b v s i oa a i i T i ne i t c i a e G e o t Ap m e (2 i n na , v n t yc t s s: e d ng i d d a ld i n v e t d s t p n a f u r he f al s y er i v take o nv e 9 l T o t ss h v r f re o d t fo e r u u i e ns r p rom v nd h i d D t d i a La t ge i ( re o e or v a s n e re n c pu c o d gi k ap s C i a a c . s e 5 s s M ro ra il, ” s m d p e l f 3 r u o e M g re l to gh : r p i i to t 4 e yr s c t a o l r r at u e y s s o i r n i , o n es l l a a c n /4 t op i vi i a EC ub k e . l e M e i d s o s h d l . a e ts ol s O p ( a k ve s h r e h 2 u n an a s s f al S a a l s o d t S in t s v e u n m mi les ) i i 4. e s n il a t b s i s t n c e i e a r s , r s e . is n i n s v o re u 301 3 g t s pe re to c Blackhe o p g a s k e ta v g t 19 de : n m re t s v s o a e ( i o m nt r a l d i d i l e h i i 2 k R e s ne t a h o an a n d d l 5 on m a h ma e i ch a e f e t i c t 10 a c D e Wil d r g c n a e s m D c u c s s u h pr n a W n c s t i t l M e 00 n av C e g nt c . In n mm y t o C s t p s ou e e e r il e u n s c a c i H P a c e o e 8 t hi sp l t s - e e m e o r e , s . a i f e cessa ca l ig EC c d b d v e s . a ia rr us d h o a nd r w on e s r c 0 i i r e ou oo e m y s 5 l ol d r i ol g ail abl Page l n i w me pe o u o l v Pr ot n a f i r s) e o 8 t a i in n a e DE s , . .ht ml h r e t s l n vr e L p e Wi i n si - i i cy i n p i a s U a t d un t P f v d ti r tt P t l p l g d c p c mo t n p T o . l t t e u e or t e lo a a a a k c nt a e w u s f i c o u p i n h e s t a an u u i i t t t ie la a at e l a l la a or r e m fo e n ad. n n n i e e s a n n nd n c t ct t n n i s i eh a e h h h he b c r ns ns v b u o o r t i i in i w l ) i - er t e se se e C e z w w i ss e l y s: s it - t t, n n n n n n d d d d d o k l g g y 3 c e e e e e e e r s s s ------t t t t . . , . l Page 4 November/December 2008 Conservation Advocacy & Trail News From the that are only just beginning, and that, as of tions, non-profits, and individuals and Conservation Director: this writing in September, may get consid - the revenues coming into counties and William P. O’Hearn erably worse. municipalities. In other words, there is a Let’s Not Panic in the The good news for the Trail Conference ton of good land on the market, but pre - is that our core business is supporting vol - cious little funding available to buy it. AT Relo in Pawling Face of the Economic unteer trail maintainers on about 1700 But there is some funding out there, On August 18, work on a relocation of the Downturn miles of trails in our two states, which is an and like the two dollars left in the Bailey Appalachian Trail in the Pawling area, extremely cost-effective, low-budget serv - Building & Loan, with some careful between the Telephone Pioneers Shelter ice, both for our state agency partners and management and creativity, we can side trail and Cat Rocks, was completed For those of us who are movie buffs, the for the public at large. As a dirt-cheap stretch these dollars to stay in business. and declared open to hikers—a great latest economic crisis reminds us of the recreation alternative, free trails in no- For example, the Trail Conference has improvement over the steep incline and famous film It’s a Wonderful Life , in which charge state parks look pretty good this fall been using our local contacts in the eroded trail. Many thanks go to the volun - Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, and winter. Southern Gunks to locate desirable prop - teers who helped on this project: AT whose family runs a little building and Even here, though, the collapse of Wall erties near our long-distance trails, and section overseer Ollie Simpson, David loan association in Bedford Falls, New Street and high fuel costs have had an then passing these projects on to bigger Kinosky, Bob Sickley, Walt Daniels, Don York, that provides home loans for work - impact. Many of our trail maintainers are land trusts and state agencies and assist - Owen, Andrew Lee, Jim Haggett, women ing poor in the area. In one memorable retirees on fixed incomes who travel from ing them in closing these deals. from Beacon Correctional Facility, five stu - scene, there is a run on the local banks in urban areas to the backwoods to manage We are looking at a number of possible dents from Roosevelt High School, Chris town, perhaps part of the banking crisis their trail segments, and they tell us that gas property donations, trail easements, rails- Everett, Al Verheggen, Georgette Weir. of 1933, and Bailey uses his honeymoon prices are causing them to look for mass to-trails projects and other low-cost money to pay off the withdrawals from transit alternatives and cut back on the projects that advance the mission of the Work Postponed in Gorge; the Bailey Building & Loan and stay in numbers of trips they take. Trail Conference without incurring any Trail to Stay Open This Season business—with two dollars left in the On the conservation front, the frustra - new debt. So, while you may not see any Construction work on a new water line that company’s vault. tion for us is that the economic crunch is front-page stories on major acquisitions would have closed trails in the Popolopen Like George Bailey, we are now facing making open space less costly and more for a while, rest assured that we are quiet - Gorge this fall and winter has been post - an intense economic crisis that will have available, as I mentioned in an earlier col - ly continuing to protect and expand our poned, owing to budget cutbacks by New direct and negative effects on New York umn, at the same time that it is hammering trail network, one property and one trail York State, state officials announced and New Jersey. And like him, we need to the resources available to take advantage of segment at a time. I think George Bailey September 4. Affected trails include the stay cool and get through the tough times the opportunities—funds held by founda - would be pleased. Popolopen Gorge Trail and co-aligned Timp-Torne, 1777W & 1779 Trails on the Conservation & Advocacy News Notes south side of the Popolopen Brook and along both sides of Queensboro Creek. The Make sure you get Action Alerts from the Trail Conference so that you can help support our region’s trails, parks, work may be rescheduled next year. and open spaces. Set your email program to accept mail from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference! NEW YORK Another development, known as Seven is available: Highlands Council Red Back Loop Revisited: TC Contacts: Peaks on Mountain Road, in the Town of (highlands.state.nj.us); NJ Highlands Park Says ‘Not Open Yet’ West of Hudson Regional Representative Mamakating was described to town plan - Coalition (njhighlandscoalition.org); and Sterling Forest State Park has advised us Larry Wheelock, [email protected], ners in September, though no formal the four-state Highlands Coalition that contrary to notice in the previous Trail 201-512-9348 application for approval has yet been (highlandscoalition.org). Walker , the Red Back Loop is not yet open. East of Hudson Regional Representative made. The proposal calls for of 49 luxury The trail as it stands is considered incom - Christie Ferguson, [email protected], houses on 5-6 acre lots; a 200 room hotel, Fight for ATV Legislation plete and inadequately marked at this time. 201-739-4434 a spa, conference center, and restaurants, in NJ Continues Among the causes for its incompletion are all on 650 acres at the top of the ridge. The Early fall finds the Trail Conference and a fairly recent beaver-caused flooding at Bluestone Mountain Trail Conference had identified the prop - its partners continuing to push ATV leg - one location, where options for rerouting Gateway to Catskills erty as a priority target for protection. islation in New Jersey. Although are both limited and extensive. Stay tuned. The Open Space Institute (OSI) and expectations were that the ATV bills New York State Dept. of Environmental NEW JERSEY would be moving their way through the Conservation (DEC) announced the TC Contact: state Assembly and Senate by mid-Sep - acquisition of nearly 20 acres of prime NJ Regional Representative Brenda Holzinger, tember, the financial crisis diverted recreation land at the southeastern gateway [email protected] or 973-303-3538 attention and slowed progress. The TC to the 300,000-acre Catskill Forest Pre - and its partners used this time to contin - serve. The 19.52-acre Frazer property will West Brook Mountain Preserved ue solidifying the legislation’s base of

be conveyed to DEC and managed as part In July, the New Jersey State Dept. of support with elected leaders and other N E R

of the Catskill Forest Preserve. The parcel Environmental Protection (DEP), Passaic potential allies, and remain optimistic R A W

buffers the Bluestone Wild Forest, a section County, and the borough of Ringwood about legislative success. . H S E

of the Catskills with terrain suited for more banded together to purchase West Brook The deadline for the 2008 ATV Dam - L R A

intensive recreation such as mountain bik - Mountain as state Green Acres property age Photo Contest has been extended H ing, hunting and hiking. Its protection was for $4 million. According to DEP until December 15, 2008, so keep those C strongly supported by local residents and spokesperson Karen Hershey, Passaic photos coming! Correction to SRT Route recreation and advocacy groups. It will per - County Open Space and the borough More information: Trail Conference At Gobblers Knob manently protect a vital conduit—via the each gave $1 million to buy West Brook (nynjtc.org/issues/NJATV.html). From SRT Supervisor Andy Garrison re the historic Wintergreen quarry road— Mountain. The other $2 million came rebuilt trail section of the Shawangunk between the Town of Kingston from the state’s acquisition fund. Power Line Route Choice Ridge Trail over Gobblers Knob in Mount community center and the trail network of Part of the Wyanokie Highlands Green - Faces Opposition Hope (correction is underlined): Directions: the Bluestone Wild Forest, preventing way, West Brook Mountain connects Numerous towns along the proposed Going north from Rt. 211 on Otisville Rd, incompatible development at an important Norvin Green State Forest and Long Susquehanna-Roseland Route B turn right in about 0.3 mi, soon after pass - gateway to the Catskill Preserve. Pond Ironworks State Park. Since the 500,000-volt power line that will origi - ing over the railroad tunnel. The trail climbs acquisition, the new Lake Sonoma and nate in Pennsylvania and stretch 40-50 fairly steep to a nice lookout point, and then Two Large Developments Planned Overlook Rock trails have been built miles from the Delaware River to turns south. The trail passes a low escarp - On across the mountain (see page 12). The Roseland, NJ, demanded additional ment on the right, follows an old woods A Draft Environmental Impact Statement preservation project was spearheaded by information and opportunities for more road for a while, and slowly descends (DEIS) for a proposal to build 354 single- the group Skylands Clean. TC Conserva - detailed question sessions with PSE&G through open woods back to Otisville Rd., family units, two retail developments, and tion Director Bill O’Hearn was a member representatives and others involved in about 0.1 mile before it reaches Indian recreational facilities on an undeveloped of the Ringwood Borough Council and planning the project. A few local opposi - Orchard Road. Be advised that Indian site of 636 acres adjacent to the Basha Kill Open Space Committee and helped the tion groups have formed to fight the Orchard Road changes to South Road when Wildlife Management Area was the sub - deal come together. proposed power line placement for rea - you cross the Deerpark Orange County / ject of public hearings in the Orange sons that include health, safety, and Mamakating Sullivan County line. County Town of Deerpark in August and NJ Highlands Regional alternative routes. PJM Interconnect’s September. The development, known as Master Plan Becomes Law electrical transmission district, which Short, New Iron Mine Trail the Basherkill Subdivision, is bounded by Governor Corzine announced on Sep - includes residents in 15 states and the Opens in Sterling Forest Route 211, Route 62 and Port Orange tember 5 that the Highlands Plan would District of Columbia, has determined The Lakeville Ironworks Trail in Sterling Road in the Town of Deerpark. go forward while signing an executive that a new transmission line linking Penn - Forest State Park opened to the public with The Trail Conference provided com - order to address some of the plan’s flaws. sylvania and New Jersey must be online a ceremony on September 10th. This gen - ments during the scoping phase of the Numerous environmental groups, includ - by May 2012 to ensure reliable electric tle 0.65-mile-long trail, created by the project when it was first proposed in ing the NJ Highlands Coalition, had transmission throughout the region. Hudson Environmental Research Institute 2005. As a member of the Shawangunk urged the governor to veto the plan in an PSE&G is responsible for putting this (HEnRi) and park personnel, provides sev - Ridge Coalition, the TC this time voted effort to strengthen some provisions seen power line into place. eral interpretive signs along the way that to commission an engineering review of as insufficiently protective. Municipalities More information is available: PSE&G include photos and history of the Sterling the DEIS, which identified many defi - and counties in the Highlands Region (pseg.com/companies/pseandg/powerline / Forest Ironworks, active from the mid ciencies in the document. The DEIS is must be in conformance with the new overview.jsp) and Stop the Lines 1700s until 1921. The trail passes skeletons available at townofdeerpark.org, click on plan by December 15, 2009. They may (stopthelines.com). of concrete ore processing buildings, the “Planning Board,” then scroll down to apply for Initial Assessment grants up to flooded opening of the Lake Mine that “Basherkill Subdivision.” The comment $15,000 to help them meet their confor - continued on page 10 period remains open until October 31. mance obligations. More information continued on page 5 November/December 2008 Page 5

METRO TRAILS CREW NEW JERSEY APPALACHIAN TRAIL FIELD CREW Leaders: Joe Gindoff, 718-614-2209, Leader: Gene Giordano, Trail Crew [email protected]; Linda Sullivan 347-721-6123, [email protected] [email protected] Teaching Practical Skills to Second Saturday of Each Month, Schedules No experience is required. We provide the training, April through November Trails Volunteers at Locations tools, gloves and the fun! Please bring a lunch and Work begins at 9am and is finished before 4pm. plenty of water. A day pack to carry your lunch and Covers the entire NJ section of the AT, blue-blazed Throughout the NY-NJ Area November — December 2008 supplies is suggested. Sturdy work boots or other side trails, and shelters. Supplements work by our hiking footwear is mandatory. All participants must individual maintainers as requested and for special November Workshops For the latest schedules and additional sign in to perform trail work. RSVP is a must. work projects. Workers bring gloves, lunch, and details, go to nynjtc.org and click on water; all tools, equipment and training provided. “Trail crews/Work trips.” November 16 (Sunday) Email leader to be placed on email notification list. To register for any of these classes, go to TBD = To Be Determined Alley Park, Queens BEAR MOUNTAIN TRAILS PROJECT our website Trail University Registration For all trips bring work gloves, water, Trail Construction on the White Trail Leader: Joe Gindoff Project Manager: Matt Townsend, page at: www.nynjtc.org/workshops/trailu/ lunch, insect repellent. In some cases, registration.html or phone the office at Meet 10am at Horace Harding South and 233rd St. [email protected] or 201-512-9348 tools are provided. Contact leaders in For info and to register: [email protected], 201-512-9348, ext. 14. advance for meeting times and places. December 5th, 6th, 7th (Friday – Sunday) or call 201-512-9348, ext. 14 Volunteers must become members of Trail Construction & Restoration Harriman State Park/Bear Mountain Second Saturday of Each Month Saturday, November 1 the Conference to participate in these Leader: Joe Gindoff Beginner work trips. Location: Weis Ecology Center, North Jersey projects. A one-time “guest” participa - Camp out and trail maintenance Coordinator: Brenda Holzinger tion is allowed, so bring your friends. Meet at 2pm Ramapo Equestrian Rt 202 Weekly Work Trips Instructors: Monica Day and David Day Carpool from Midtown at noon Scheduled Thursday through Monday NORTH JERSEY WEEKEND CREW Trail Maintenance 101, NJ EAST HUDSON CREW (including on weekends that have workshops) Leader: Sandy Parr, 732-469-5109 Saturday, October 25 Work dates to be announced on website and through Location: Jenny Jump State Park email announcements. Contact the East Hudson Second Sunday of each month Coordinator: Brenda Holzinger Regional Representative if you would like to be Trips start at 9:30 am; call for location and Instructors: Bob Jonas and Estelle Anderson put on the East Hudson Trail Crew email list: details during the week before the scheduled trip [email protected]. Also see the Wonder Lake Learn On the Job With a Trail Crew day. Tackle a variety of projects ranging from trail Trail Project for opportunities to build a new trail Work trips suitable for beginners are planned repair to bridge building in northern New Jersey. in eastern Putnam County. In November. NORTH JERSEY WEEKDAY CREW WEST HUDSON SOUTH CREW All Trail Conference crews train on the job and Leader: John Moran, [email protected] welcome newcomers. Check the crew schedule Leaders: Chris Ezzo (Crew Chief): 516-431-1148, this issue to find a project that is right for you. [email protected] This crew covers the NJ Ramapos, Ringwood S. P., Brian Buchbinder: 718-218-7563, Norvin Green S. F., and NJ Palisades area. Its [email protected] purpose is to respond quickly to immediate Claudia Ganz: 212-633-1324, [email protected] needs, rather than to schedule definite events far Bob Marshall: 914-737-4792, in advance. If you’re interested in being on call [email protected] for this work, contact John Moran by email. Monica Day: 732-937-9098, Cell: 908-307-5049, [email protected] WEST JERSEY CREW Leaders: Monica and David Day November 6 (Thursday) Phone: 732-937-9098 Cell: 908-307-5049 TBD Email: [email protected] Leader: Bob Marshall Website: www.trailstobuild.com November 8 (Saturday) Bring your lunch, plenty of water, gloves and sturdy TBD work shoes, and be prepared to get dirty. All tools, Leader: Chris Ezzo materials and training will be provided. Beginners are welcomed on all work trips. November 15 (Saturday) TBD All events begin at 9:00am. Please phone or email Leader: Chris Ezzo TRAIL NEWS the leaders for meeting location and driving direc - tions. There is usually a walk to the work site, so continued from page 4 WEST HUDSON NORTH CREW please be there on time (call the leaders’ cell phone Leaders: Denise Vitale, 845-738-2126, extended 2/3 of a mile under Sterling Lake, if you are coming to an event and are running late). [email protected] and the remains of a once stately stone Rain cancels – if in doubt, call the leaders between Dave Webber, 845-452-7238, [email protected] 6:00 and 6:30 that morning. cable-house. It continues along the hillside past other remnants of the ironworks, November 2 (Sunday) Carpooling: If anyone is interested in carpooling Peters Kill Red Loop Trail, including a wooden house remaining from (offering a ride or riding), please let the leaders know Minnewaska State Park Preserve the mining era and the once rebuilt but and we will try to arrange a shared ride. (Passengers Beginner Work Trip now crumbling iron furnace, believed to please be prepared to contribute for gas.) Leader: Denise Vitale have built in the late 1700s. The trail is reached from the park visitors center via November 15 (Saturday) November 15 and 16 (Saturday and Sunday) the Sterling Lake Loop Trail. Douglas Trail, Worthington State Forest Peters Kill Red Loop Trail, We will continue our work installing water bars and Minnewaska State Park Preserve New Overlook Rock Trail in check dams. Beginner Work Trip Leader: Dave Webber Norvin Green Completed HIGHLANDS TRAIL CREW Volunteers working with the North Jersey Leader: Glenn Oleksak, [email protected] November 23 (Sunday) Weekday crew have completed a new trail, Peters Kill Red Loop Trail, dubbed the Overlook Rock Trail, in We meet on the first or second Sunday of each Minnewaska State Park Preserve Norvin Green State Forest. The trail has month, with additional trips sometimes scheduled. Beginner Work Trip north and south terminal points on the We tackle a variety of Highlands Trail projects from Leader: Denise Vitale trail maintenance to trail building. For details on Hewitt-Butler Trail and links to the new trips, go to www.nynjtc.org and click on “Trail Lake Sonoma Trail (announced in the Sep - crews/Work trips” at left. Please contact leader if tember/October Trail Walker ). See the you are coming on a trip so that you can be notified Featured Hike on page 12 for a hike that of cancellations. covers both of these two new trails and the list of volunteers who made them.

Making a Nice Trail Even Better The West of Hudson South trail crew spent two very hot days in June rerouting a sec - tion of the Sterling Lake Loop trail in Sterling Forest State Park. The original trail ran down a difficult, rocky slope that made passage a real scramble. It also turned into a streambed in wet weather, making passage even harder. The crew made a long switch - back around the area that included a very heavy duty staircase.

Those who came out to help, from left to right: Trudy Schneider, Bob Marshall, John Mack, Roland Breault, Richard Lynch, Lori Maynard, Chris Ezzo, and Kelly Dwyer. Not pictured: Brian Buchbinder, Claudia Ganz, Jim Brown, and Gail Brown. Page 6 November/December 2008 Trail Conference members can take Volunteer Classifieds: Get Involved! advantage of exclusive discounts and benefits with participating Contact [email protected] or 201- Trail Maintainers for 512-9348, ext. 14, to indicate your interest Trails retailers and businesses! or get more information about these or oth - Maintainers are needed for sections of the er volunteer opportunities. Information is Staten Island Greenbelt. Help maintain also available at www.nynjtc.org; click on the trail, clean up litter, trim plant growth, You can recoup the cost of your Volunteer. clean out water bars, refresh blazes, and membership in one visit! work with Trail Conference volunteers, Videographer Boy Scout groups, and park employees to An experienced video artist is needed to repair these beautiful trails! record the unique work being done by trail crews throughout the region. Once Data Entry and Clerical Support spring work begins in 2009, we would Office help needed for the busy times at like to be able to get enough footage to the our office in Mahwah; 2 to 3 hours per incredible work done by diverse groups of day, 1 to 2 days a week. Duties include, volunteers and professionals tackling these but are not limited to, processing and ship - huge jobs. ping retail orders, helping with mailings. Executive Assistant Web Writers: Adopt a Trail Region Trail Conference Executive Director has his New Parks and Regions online database fingers in too many projects and needs resources will complement and expand the someone to help manage it all. Main Trail Conference’s highly regarded Walk requirements are organizational and clerical Books for New York and New Jersey. The Trail Conference is proud to offer a Membership skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office We’ve got New Jersey covered and need

e Benefit Program, which was created to provide our software, and the ability to come into the help with New York. Work from home or members with money-saving discounts at area retailers

c office on a regular basis 4-20 hours a week. in the office. Adopt a region and write and service providers — benefits only available to S about it. Required: a computer, online n Trail Conference members. access, commitment to accuracy, ability to

e be concise, willingness to learn and use As part of your Trail Conference membership, you are

r online tools that are still in development. T issued a card identifying you as a Trail Conference A great opportunity to support trails e member, making you eligible for all program discounts. without getting dirty. f I To receive your member discounts, you must present

n your valid membership card at the time of purchase. Some stores offer the discount only on select items, o so be sure to ask. F C We encourage our members to take advantage of this

l incredible opportunity that comes with a Trail Conference i membership. New discounts and offers are continually E

a being added so be sure to visit our website’s membership

r benefits area at www.nynjtc.org/commerce/discount.html for current offers. T

N 25% Discount on Trail Conference publications and J clothing when purchased directly from the Trail Conference.

N FREE Subscription to the Trail Walker , the Trail E - Conference’s bi-monthly newsletter filled with timely articles and columns that will enhance your hiking experiences. Y Money-Saving Discounts at participating retailers N B and businesses. Volunteer Profile Workshops and Seminars on trail maintenance and construction, leadership training, wilderness first aid, Jay Hughes: chainsaw operation, environmental monitoring and GPS operation. New Volunteer Volunteer Opportunities to “learn by doing” in Jay Hughes of Monroe, CT, was searching areas as varied as trail maintenance, construction, for the missing half of a map when he was publications, environmental monitoring, and cartography. sent into the path of Ollie Simpson, an AT trail overseer in Dutchess County, NY, and Access to the Hoeferlin Library at the Trail adept volunteer recruiter. Conference office that includes more than 1,000 books Jay, who is section-hiking the AT, had in on hiking round the world, along with maps, guides and hand a map he had picked up at the AT a historical archive. train stop north of Pawling, NY. Photo - copied from a portion of the out-of-print Some of Our Discount Partners Dutchess/Putnam Appalachian Trail brochure, the map showed the AT’s route from the Connecticut border to the Tacon - ic Parkway. Jay wanted a map for the other half of the Dutchess/Putnam route and so called the Trail Conference to see how he could get it. The Trail Conference asked Ollie to help him out. “I called Jay and provided immediate information on the phone, sent a follow up email, and later mailed additional informa - tion,” Ollie says. “Later, Jay said that he’d like to give back do whenever he had available time. On his to the trail. I suggested corridor monitoring first day of clipping, he brought his daugh - (walk the AT boundary looking for survey ter, Allison. Again it was hot and buggy. markers, condition of the boundary blazes, But Jay continued to come back until all and encroachments). He agreed. Our day the brush had been trimmed. Now he can was hot and buggy; Jay wore shorts. His walk the trail without clippers in hand.” advice to corridor monitors is to wear long Ollie, a certified chain saw operator, pants due to the bushwhacking involved.” decided to tackle the many blow-downs But Jay decided that corridor monitoring across the trail herself, but she needed a was not for him. He asked Ollie if there “swamper,” trail jargon for chain sawyer were other possible projects, such as clip - assistant. Jay agreed to give it a try. “We had ping. “I suggested the Beekman Uplands an outstanding day clearing 1.7 miles of Loop, once the actual path of the AT and trail plus some prep work for National now a side trail. A reroute in 1998 brought Trails Day,” Ollie reports. “Being a the AT along the shore of Nuclear Lake. swamper is now Jay’s preferred trail work. Since then, what is now called the Beek - And it all started with his need for half VISIT WWW.NYNJTC.ORG/COMMERCE/DISCOUNT.HTML man Uplands Loop has been largely of a map!” FOR COMPLETE LIST OF MONEY-SAVING DISCOUNTS! underused and neglected. It needed exten - sive clipping. This was something Jay could November/December 2008 Page 7

Science & Ecology Sphagna reproduce by means of spores, and you can see the thin stalks, or sporo - Sphagnum: The phytes, which indicate the plant’s fertility. With a hand lens, you can see the unusual “Most Important patterns of each spore capsule—patterns which can differentiate species. Plant on Earth” Different species prefer different moisture By Michael Alcamo zones: SUNY Professor Richard Andrus explains that certain species prefer life at the On your next hike through inconvenient, waterline, like Sphagnum macrophyllum , or wet terrain, take a moment to consider the S. cuspidatum . Others, like S. fallax or S. bog itself. Sphagnum—dense and endless riparium , form carpets slightly above the mats of it—is quite beautiful and can teach water table. S. magellanicum , a brilliant red us a lot about the changing natural world. plant, prefers direct sunlight and a drier site, In fact, a New York botanist has called often on the sides of hummocks. At the top sphagnum “the most important plant on of a hummock, perhaps 50 centimeters earth,” because of the huge effect this small above the water line, you’re likely to find R E

plant has on its environment. Sphagnum fuscum living happily. H C S I

Sphagna are members of a very large genus The most interesting thing about the F N A I

of moss (bryophytes) with unusual chemical sphagnum is the way plants set about mod - T S I R

characteristics. The group includes about 61 ifying their environment. H C species in North America; about 46 of these It was long recognized that Sphagnum Sphagnum angustifolium call New York State home. bogs have a low (acidic) pH: usually 3.3 to 4.5. This had been thought to be due to acid Sphagnum’s acidity discourages bacteria, A 2004 NASA study called sphagnum rain, or to acid producing bacteria (the kind and the plant is a great absorber of liquids. “one of nature's greatest ion-exchangers” that release bad-smelling gas at low tide). For these reasons, it was used as a sterile and proposed using it to purify wastewater But it turned out that it is the Sphagnum dressing for wounds through the Second on the International Space Station. plant itself that lowers the bog’s pH. Within World War. Cree Indians used red peat Blocks of dried peat also provide a fuel the plant’s cellulose cell walls are polyuronic mosses in diapers, but only when it lost its sources (after all, coal itself is just extreme - acids that act as a chemical pump or red color because otherwise it irritated the ly old peat). Peat is mined for many uses, S R

E “exchange matrix.” When water flows past skin. Native Americans in the Chipewyan but the pace at which the ancient bogs are T E P the acid, hydrogen atoms on the acid group tribe used Sphagnum capillifolium to scrub being dug up is staggering, and presents a N A I

T are exchanged into the water for cations, dishes and to insulate cabins. real threat to this finite resource. S I R

K negatively charged, dissolved ions of calci - An excellent field guide is Outstanding Sphagnum magellanicum um, magnesium, potassium or sodium. Mosses & Liverworts of Pennsylvania & Through this quiet, indefatigable chemi - A 2004 NASA study Nearby States , by Susan Munch. You can In physical appearance, the plant is deli - cal reaction, the small Sphagnum plant order the book from Susan directly at cate and beautiful. An individual plant has a causes the waters to part, and the land to called sphagnum [email protected]. A comprehensive mono - main stem covered with stem leaves. At the rise. Some of this land we know as Ireland, graph is Prof. Richard E. Andrus’ 1980 work, top is the “capitulum,” comprising a com - Scotland, and New Zealand. In the low-oxy - “one of nature’s greatest Sphagnaceae (Peat Moss Family) of New York pact cluster of tiny branches. Branching off gen, acidic environment, decomposition State , available on www.amazon.com. are clusters of branches or “fascicles”—usual - slows and stops. Lawns and hummocks of ion-exchangers” and And, a nice gift for your naturalist ly two or three spreading branches, and two peaty moss will form and broaden, then join friends is a 10x hand lens available from to four hanging branches. together and form peaty moorlands. A pre - proposed using it northernwoodlands.org or compleatnatu - The leaves include two kinds of cells: historic animal, or person, could fall into the ralist.com. chlorophyllose , or green, living cells, and bog and be preserved for centuries. hyaline, or large, clear, structural, dead Some scientists estimate that Sphagnum to purify wastewater Michael Alcamo is a naturalist and member cells. These latter cells give the plant its pale occupies 1% of the earth’s surface. By cre - of the Trail Conference and ADK’s Mid- appearance when dry, and also endow it ating these land masses, massive amounts on the International Hudson Chapter. with a great water-absorbent ability. Some of carbon were sequestered out of the species can hold up to 25 times their dry atmosphere—an important precondition Space Station. weight in water. that permitted air-breathers, like ourselves, to thrive.

Ticks: No One’s forests, including hikers. High mortality occurs during this life stage as many ticks Hiking Friend will not find a host to feed on. After feed - By Holly Vuong ing until they are full, larval ticks drop off onto the forest floor and stay in the leaf lit - While hiking through the forests at the ter, where they molt to become an eight Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Mill - legged nymph. brook, NY last June, I noticed a brown These nymphal ticks, which are about 1 speck crawling on my pant leg. Upon clos - mm (1/16th inch) long, remain dormant er inspection, I recognized it as a nymphal for more than six months during the win - black-legged tick ( Ixodes scapularis , formerly ter, and start to seek a host the following enlarged to show detail known as deer tick). Like all ticks, they feed late spring or early summer. They feed on by drinking blood of a mammal, bird, or a similar suite of hosts, and when full, they reptile host. If I hadn’t flicked it off, the tick again fall off into the leaf litter and molt nymph on my pants would eventually have into adult ticks. The adults, which can now gotten onto my skin somewhere, embedded be differentiated into male and female ticks its mouth parts, and drunk my blood. and are an easier to see 3-4 mm (1/4th Black-legged ticks live for two years, in inch) long, climb up vegetation and search which they undergo four different life for their last blood meal host. They prima - ease in many areas), and summer activity. wear light-colored clothing to help see dark stages—egg, larva, nymph, and adult. rily feed on white-tailed deer, although Although adult ticks have greater infectivi - ticks, use repellents, check yourself for ticks Females lay approximately 3000 eggs per these ticks are opportunistic and will feed ty rates, their larger size make them easily after hiking, especially if you are bush - adult in the late winter/early spring. These on various medium sized mammals such as discernable on clothing and their peak whacking through dense vegetation, and be eggs hatch in August and appear as six- raccoons, opossums, and skunks. It is on activity of late October/early November aware of disease symptoms so you can seek legged larvae. These larvae, which are tiny the last host that mating occurs and the coincides with reduced outdoor activity by quick medical attention if sick. So, bask in and difficult to see, stay on the ground or cycle begins anew. people. Larval ticks are essentially free of the sun and enjoy the forests! And remem - climb onto low vegetation and latch onto Many people in the northeast are wary of the bacterium when they hatch from eggs. ber, as Brad Paisley sings in his “Tick” song, passers-by, mostly small mammals, some these little critters. This is because I. scapu - The bacterium is maintained in wildlife he would “like to check you for ticks.” But, birds, but also larger vertebrate hosts in the laris is known to transmit Borrelia because infected nymphal ticks emerge and since he may not be around, do a thorough burgdorferi , the bacterium that causes Lyme feed on hosts and transmit the bacterium check of yourself at the end of a great hike! Ticks can be hard to see disease in humans. Added to that, recent to these hosts prior to the emergence and The dots above the text (below) represent research has found that black-legged ticks feeding of larval ticks. Transmission of B. Holly Vuong is a Ph. D. student in the Grad - the actual sizes of ticks in two of their also harbor emerging pathogens like burgdorferi requires at least 24 hours of uate Program in Ecology and Evolution at sp, which causes a newly recog - feeding by the ticks. different life stages. Anaplasma Rutgers University and Cary Institute of nized disease called ‘anaplasmosis,’ and Black-legged ticks can be a nuisance to Ecosystem Studies. Babesia sp, which causes another serious people who enjoy the outdoors. However, disease called ‘babesiosis.’ the presence of these ticks should not nymphal adult In the case of all these tick-borne dis - restrict folks from their outdoor activities. tick size tick size deer tick eases, the nymphal ticks are the most People who are aware of tick natural histo - (1 mm) (3-4 mm) dangerous stage because of their small size, ry can be forewarned and should be able to high infectivity rates (~30% for Lyme dis - take precautions. The most important are: Page 8 November/December 2008 HI KERS’ ALMANAC A Sampling of Upcoming Hikes Sponsored by Member Clubs

September Saturday, November 8 Tuesday, November 11 Thursday, November 20 MNHP. Jockey Hollow Trail Work Day. Leader: for more informa - GS. Baby and Me Hike – Buttermilk Falls, NJ. Leader: registra - AFW. Blauvelt Mtn., NY. Leader: call 973-644-3592 or visit Saturday, November 1 tion, call Ranger Christopher Sullivan, 908-766-6841. Meet: 9am tion is required; please call 973-635-6629. Meet: 9:30am; call for www.adventuresforwomen.org for details and to register. Meet: UCHC. Watchung Trail Maintenance, NJ. Leader: register by at Jockey Hollow Visitor Center. Become one of the park’s dedi - location. Put your infant in a pack and join a naturalist out on 10am; call for location. Moderate hike; out by 2pm. calling Trailside Nature Center at 908-789-3670. Meet: 9:30am; cated volunteers and help maintain its over 25 miles of hiking Morris County area trails. Out by 11am. $1 fee. call for location. Work until noon. Have fun while giving back to the UCHC. Bearfort Mtn. and Surprise Lake, NJ. Leaders: Carolyn trails. Tools provided. Wear work clothes, including gloves and Wednesday, November 12 and Jim Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 10am at A&P parking in trails, and learn a new skill while working with others outdoors. boots; bring water. We’ll work until noon. No experience needed! Bring gloves, a bag for trash, and clip - RVW. Ferncliff Forest and Fire Tower, NY. Leader: for more Hewitt, NJ. Moderately strenuous 7 miles. Steeply ascend to pers/loppers if you have them. Only severe bad weather cancels. AFW. Norvin Green, NJ. Leader: call 973-644-3592 or visit information, call 845-246-4590. Meet: 9am; call for location. Easy Bearfort Ridge, circle West Pond, then to lookout over Green - www.adventuresforwomen.org for details and to register. Meet: 4 miles, in about 4 hours. wood Lake for lunch. Return via Surprise Lake. UOC. Buck Garden and Natirar Park, Far Hills, NJ. Leader: 10am; call for location. Moderately strenuous hike; out by 4pm. Chris Meadows, 732-745-9074. Meet: call for time and location. UCHC. Cheesequake Park, Matawan, NJ. Leader: Mae Deas, Saturday, November 22 Easy hike on woodland trails, lunch at café in Peapack, then walk UOC. Round Valley Recreation Area, Hunterdon Co., NJ. 908-233-6641. Meet: 10am at first parking lot on left, past visitor AFW. Buckabear Mtn., NJ. Leader: call 973-644-3592 or visit at former private estate. Leader: John Horvath, 732-873-2506. Meet: call for time and center. Easy to moderate hike with some hills and some wet areas; www.adventuresforwomen.org for details and to register. Meet: location. Easy hike along shore and hill trails along a lovely lake. about 5 miles. Mixed terrain of pine barrens, freshwater swamp, 9am; call for location. Moderate hike; out by 3pm. ADK-MH. Locust Grove Walk, NY. Leaders: Bill Beehler and Ellen and sandy soils. May see many species of birds, deer, and red fox. Zelig, 845-473-5557. Meet: 10am at parking lot on Rt. 9 opposite ADK-MH. Appalachian Trail – Rt. 22 to Cat Rocks, NY. Leader: ADK-MH. Black Rock Forest, NY. Leader: John Kolp, 845-496- Beechwood Dr., north of shopping centers in Poughkeepsie. Easy Ollie Simpson, 845-298-8379 or [email protected]. Thursday, November 13 1731. Meet: 9:45am at Black Rock Fish & Game Club lot on Rt. 32 tour of Locust Grove grounds in autumn. Rain cancels. Meet: 9am at AT trailhead on Rt. 22 (train stop), about 3 miles PMNHA. Full Moon Hike, NJ. Leader: must register at 973-334- (junction of Angola Rd./Pleasant Hill Rd., Orange County, NY). north of Pawling, NY; park at DOT lot just north of trailhead. Mod - Moderate 10 miles. Mineral Springs Falls, past Jupiter’s Boulder, ADK-MH. SW Hunter and Hunter Mountains, Catskills, NY. 3130. Meet: 4:30pm; call for location. We’ll begin this moderate erate 6.5 miles. Through woods to top of Corbin Hill, then open then views from Eagle Cliff and Spy Rock before returning on the Leader: Cal Johnson, [email protected] or 845-246-2006; call hike as the sun sets, and watch the full moon rise through the fields to the Dover Oak. Uphill to Cat Rocks on newly relocated trees. Out by 7pm. Ages 7+. $3 fee. Stillman and Scenic Trails. Rain may cancel. before 10pm. Meet: 8am. Contact leader for location. Strenuous trail, returning past the Telephone Pioneers shelter. 9 miles, approximately 2,000' elevation up and down. Hike up UCHC. Johnstown Circular, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: PMNHA. Dog Gone Hike, NJ. Leader: for more information call Devil’s Path to abandoned RR bed to SW Hunter, then back to PMNHA. Family Autumn Hike, NY. Leader: for more information, Ellie King, 908-233-8411. Meet: 10am at Johnstown Rd. parking; 973-334-3130. Meet: 1pm at Pyramid Mtn. visitor center, 472A Hunter Mtn. trail to the fire tower, with its fantastic views. Steady call 973-334-3130. Meet: 1pm at Pyramid Mtn. visitor center, 472A call for directions and to register. Moderate 6 miles. Boonton Ave., Montville Township, NJ. Moderate hike for ages 7+. rain cancels. Boonton Ave., Montville Township, NJ. Easy hike to enjoy the Join other dog owners on this pet-friendly outing; for well- Saturday, November 15 foliage and observe the forest as it prepares for winter. Ages 5+. behaved, leashed dogs only. TLR. The View from Teatown Hill, NY. Leader: must call Teatown SW. Hudson River Saunter, NY-NJ. Leader: Matthew Brozyna, SW. Long Path, NY. Leader: Marvin Malater, 718-376-3608; call to Lake Reservation at 914-762-2912, ext. 110, to register. Meet: 917-912-9533. Meet: 9:15am at information booth in George RVW. Olana, NY. Leader: for information, call 845-246-4590. confirm hike. Meet: 8am at white commuter statue at Port Author - 8:30am in Ossining, NY. Moderate hike to Teatown Hill for a great Washington Bridge bus terminal (178th St./Broadway). We’ll walk Meet: 9am. Easy 4 miles, in about 4 hours. ity Bus Terminal for 8:20 bus (RT) to Nyack (Depew Ave.). 12 mile view and migrating hawks too! All are welcome, free; pre-registra - across the bridge then spiral south along The Palisades, The UCHC. DeKorte Park, Meadowlands, Lyndhurst, NJ. Leader: hike. Squirrel Walker Ridge, with an ascent to Hook Mtn. with its tion required. Cliffs, and the shores of New Jersey, through Hoboken and end - Lynn Gale, 973-763-7230. Meet: 10am at visitor center parking Hudson River vistas; picturesque Shore Path return to Nyack. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS NOV. 2 – ing at newly rebuilt pier near tip of Jersey City, NJ. Visually near security gate. This environmental center has nearly 4 miles TURN BACK CLOCKS ONE HOUR Sunday, November 9 stunning 7+ hour saunter. Return to via PATH train. of salt marsh and upland trails, with lots of birds and wild views, ADK-MH. , NY. Leaders: Jean-Claude much different than our usual hilly woods. Some floating board - Sunday, November 2 UCHC. Farney Highlands, Rockaway Township, NJ. Leader: Al Fouéré ([email protected]; 845-462-0142) and Georgette walk; heavy rain cancels. IHC. Appalachian Trail - Delaware Water Gap - Mt. Minsi, PA. Verdi, 973-263-8569. Meet: 10am at Fisherman’s parking on Split Weir. Meet: contact leaders for meeting place and time, and for Rock Rd.; call for directions. Moderately brisk 4 miles. About 3 Sunday, November 23 Leader: Suzan Gordon, 201-871-3531; no calls after Oct. 30. Meet: carpool arrangements. Strenuous 7 miles. Sweet Clover Trail up hours with no lunch stop, but rests along the way. Rocky terrain UOC. Pine Meadow Lake, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: 9:30am at Lake Lenape lot. Moderately strenuous 7 miles. Hike to Long Path, along the Western Ridge Trail, and then back down and hills, difficult stream crossing over Beaver Brook. Coralyn Gorlicki, 732-548-2315. Meet: call for time and location. up the AT on the Pennsylvania side of the Water Gap for stunning Hollow Trail. Bag the highest point in Orange County on this diffi - Moderate 5 miles. Uphill along Stony Brook to the lake. views, then toward Fox Gap; return on Carriage Road. cult hike with superb views. Limited to 12 hikers. PMNHA. Butler Reservoir, NJ. Leader: for more information and IHC. Car Pond Mountain, Harriman State Park, NY. Leaders: meeting time, call 973-334-3130. Meet: Pyramid Mtn. visitor Pete Tilgner and Suzan Gordon, 201-871-3531. Meet: 9am at center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Township, NJ. Strenuous Southfields, NY, commuter lot at intersection of Rt. 17 and Rt. 17A. 12 miles around the reservoir. Ages 16+. Moderately strenuous hike on five trails to climb and descend four mountains. Short shuttle required. UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Naomi Shapiro, 973-762-1832; call before 9pm. Meet: 10am at UCHC. Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Trailside Nature Center, Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Dave Bennett, 973-701-0248. Meet: 10am at visitor center Moderate 4 miles on some rocky trails. Steady rain cancels. parking. Enjoy a scenic 4-5 miles at a moderate pace in this his - toric park. Steady rain cancels. SW. Astoria, Queens, NY. Leader: Hanna Slome, 718-463-5729; call before 9pm. Meet: 10:30am at Ditmars Blvd., last stop on N or Monday, November 24 W subway; downstairs on street level. 4-5 miles, visiting Lawrence RVW. (3655 '), NY. Leader: for more infor - Cemetery, Lent Homestead, Steinway mansion, St. Irene’s Greek mation, call 845-246-8616. Meet: 8am. Moderately strenuous Orthodox Church, with a late lunch at Greek Taverna (or bring 9 miles plus bushwhack, in about 6.5 hours. Inclement weather your own to picnic in the park). Possible additional walk to date is following Monday. Roosevelt Island to view city at sunset. UCHC. Old Short Hills Park, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Cherryll Monday, November 3 Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Easy 3 miles RVW. Catskill Scenic Trail, NY. Leader: for more information, call on a potpourri of trails, some hilly. 518-895-8474. Meet: 8am; call for location. Moderate 6 miles; Tuesday, November 25 expected to last 4 hours. Inclement weather date is the following K GS. Baby and Me Hike – Dismal Harmony, NJ. Leader: registra - C

Monday. O L

E tion is required; please call 973-635-6629. Meet: 9:30am; call for E

UCHC. Lewis Morris Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Susan H location. Put your infant in a pack and join a naturalist out on Mor - W

Jacobs, 973-402-2555. Meet: 10am at Sunrise Lake, lower park - Y

R ris County area trails. Out by 11am. $1 fee. R ing area. Easy 3 miles on meandering trails past Sunrise Lake. A L UCHC. Anthony Wayne, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Arnie Tuesday, November 4 Fire Tower Trail in Newark (Pequannock) Watershed, NJ Seymour-Jones, 201-768-3864. Meet: 10am; call for directions. AFW. Norvin Green, NJ. Leader: call 973-644-3592 or visit Moderate 7 miles; for experienced hikers. www.adventuresforwomen.org for details and to register. Meet: IHC. Highlands Trail, NJ. Leader: Steve Rikon, 973-962-4149. Sunday, November 16 Saturday, November 29 10am; call for location. Moderate hike; out by 2pm. Meet: 9am at Stonetown Recreation lot, Mary Roth Dr. (off Stone - NYR. Fire Tower Trails, Hewitt, NJ. Leader: Virginia Wolff, SW. Smithtown, , NY. Leader: Quyen Pham, 631-234- GS. Baby and Me Hike – Hedden Park, Dover, NJ. Leader: town Rd.), Ringwood, NJ. Strenuous hike on the rarely used Doty 212-807-0587. Meet: 7:30am at Port Authority Bus Station for 5486; call 8-10pm and morning of hike. Two options: 6 or 10 miles; registration is required; please call 973-635-6629. Meet: 9:30am; Rd. (Wanaque) Trail into Norvin Green State Forest, then on High - 7:45 bus to Hewitt (#197 NJ Transit RT). We’ll use the Sterling both moderate and flat. Meet: 10:48am at Smithtown train sta - call for location. Put your infant in a pack and join a naturalist out lands Trail to Stonetown Rd. Shuttle required. Ridge Trail, Jennings Hollow, Lake to Lake Trail, and others to tion. Hike around beautiful Stump Pond, then on to explore Caleb on Morris County area trails. Out by 11am. $1 fee. SW. Riverside Park to Little Red Lighthouse, NYC. Leader: reach the Fire Tower, then return to Hewitt on Sterling Ridge Trail. Smith State Park. Rain/snow/ice cancels. UCHC. Wawayanda Mtn. and Pochuck Swamp Boardwalk, NJ. Dorothy Lourdou, 212-685-6443. Meet: 10am at 72nd St. and IHC. New Appalachian Trail Route Up Bear Mtn., NY. Leader: UCHC. Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Leader: Dave Hogenauer, 973-762-1475. Meet: 9:30am at Riverside Dr. by Eleanor Roosevelt statue. Flat walk at a brisk pace Dave Sutter, [email protected]. Meet: 9:30am at Bear Mtn. Inn, Betty Mills, 973-538-4922; no calls after 8:30pm. Meet: 10am at Appalachian Trail crossing at Rt. 517. Moderate 7 miles, for along the Hudson River through Riverside Park. Steady rain/ice Rt. 9W, Bear Mountain, NY. Moderately strenuous 7 miles on the visitor center parking; call for directions. 4-5 miles at moderate experienced hikers. may cancel; call 7:30-8am morning of hike if in doubt. much heralded new relocation of the AT on Bear Mtn. pace; out by about noon. Steady rain/snow/ice cancels. UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Jenn Friday, November 7 Sunday, November 30 Chen, 732-548-7230. Meet: 10am at Trailside Nature Center, Coles PMNHA. Singles Hike, NJ. Leader: for more information call 973- RVW. Catskill Maintenance Hike, NY. Leader: for more informa tion, Ave. at New Providence Rd. Moderate 4-5 miles with some rocky 334-3130. Meet: 1pm at Pyramid Mtn. visitor center, 472A Boonton ADK-MH. Red, White and Blue Loop, Harriman State Park, NY. call 607-363-7267. We’ll work on the Thomas Cole section of trail. trails. Rain cancels. Ave., Montville Township, NJ. Moderate hike for ages 18+. Looking Leader: Russ Faller, 845-297-5126; call before 9:30pm. Meet: con - for someone to hike with? Our singles hike may be the answer. All tact leader. Difficult 10 miles in a less frequented area of the park. Saturday, November 15 adults are welcome. Viewpoints overlook Owl Swamp, Silvermine Lake, and the Hud - UOC. Plainsboro Preserve, NJ. Leader: Mimi Wolin, 732-249- son River. TLR. Navigation with Map and Compass, NY. Leader: call 9166. Meet: call for time and location. Easy morning hike Teatown Lake Reservation at 914-762-2912, ext. 110, to register; IHC. Storm King Mountain, NY. Leader: Chris Davis, 609-924- sponsored by Plainsboro and NJ Audubon. One of the largest pre-registration required, $5 fee. Meet: 1pm in Ossining, NY. This 2563. Meet: 9am at Anthony Wayne parking area (north), lakes in the area and great diversity of wildlife. 1.5 hour program combines basic compass and map reading skills Harriman State Park. Strenuous hike using new trails from Rt. to help you better navigate in the woods; indoor and outdoor 218, just 200' above the river. Best views west of the Hudson! The activities listed are sponsored by member clubs of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. All hikers are welcome subject to club regula - activities, for adults only. Shuttle required. tions and rules of the trail. You are responsible for your own safety. Wear hiking boots or strong, low-heeled shoes. Bring food, water, rain gear, first aid kit, and a flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe UCHC. Pyramid Mtn., Montville, NJ. Leader: Jay Dibble, 908- PMNHA. Turkey Mountain, NJ. Leader: for more information call cannot complete the hike or is not adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. 289-8813. Meet: 10am at Pyramid Mtn. parking. 4.5 miles at 973-334-3130. Meet: 1pm at Pyramid Mtn. visitor center, 472A moderate pace, with some steep sections. See Bear and Tripod Boonton Ave., Montville Township, NJ. Moderate hike for ages 7+. More than 100 clubs belong to the Trail Conference, and many of our affiliate groups sponsor hikes not listed in the Hikers’ Almanac. Rocks plus some pretty views. Out by about 12:30pm; rain cancels. Burn off some extra calories before the holiday season. For a descriptive list of Conference clubs, consult our website or send a SASE with your request to NY-NJ Trail Conference. Club Codes Monday, November 17 December RVW. Trapps Trail to Millbrook Mtn., Minnewaska State Park Only those clubs with hikes offered in this issue are listed below. Please call numbers listed to confirm. Saturday, December 6 Preserve, NY. Leader: call 845-246-4590. Meet: 8:30am; call for ADK-MH ADK Mid-Hudson Chapter PMNHA Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area location. Moderate 5 miles, in about 4 hours. Inclement weather UCHC. Watchung Trail Maintenance, NJ. Leader: register by call - AFW Adventures for Women RVW Rip Van Winkle Hiking Club date is following Monday. ing Trailside Nature Center at 908-789-3670. Meet: 9:30am; call GS Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center SW Shorewalkers for location. Work until noon. Have fun while giving back to the Tuesday, November 18 trails, and learn a new skill while working with others outdoors. No IHC Interstate Hiking Club TLR Teatown Lake Reservation GS. Baby and Me Hike – Schiff Natural Lands Trust, NJ. Leader: experience needed! Bring gloves, a bag for trash, and clip - MNHP Morristown National Historical Park UCHC Union County Hiking Club registration is required; please call 973-635-6629. Meet: 9:30am; pers/loppers if you have them. Only severe bad weather cancels. NYR New York Ramblers UOC University Outing Club call for location. Put your infant in a pack and join a naturalist out Clubs wishing to have hikes listed in Hikers’ Almanac should send their schedules to [email protected] or to the Trail Conference Office. on Morris County area trails. Out by 11am. $1 fee. The deadline for the January/February 2009 issue is November 15, 2008. November/December 2008 Page 9

SW. Piermont to Upper Nyack, NY. Leader: Marvin Malater, 718- UCHC. Lewis Morris Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Gail 376-3608. Meet: 8am at white commuter statue at Port Authority Waimon, 973-467-4761. Meet: 10am at Sugarloaf area parking; Bus Terminal for 8:22 bus (OW) to Piermont, NY. Moderately call for directions. Moderate 5 miles with several good climbs; brisk-paced 9 miles. We’ll hike the Old Erie RR bed, Long Path, for experienced hikers. Member Club Profile Upper Nyack Trail, and Hudson River Shore Path on this portion Tuesday, December 16 of the Batt-to-Bear Trail. The Trail Conference comprises 10,000 individual members and more than 100 AFW. Turkey Mtn., NJ. Leader: call 973-644-3592 or visit UCHC. Pyramid Mtn., Montville, NJ. Leader: Angela Coble, 908- www.adventuresforwomen.org for details and to register. Meet: member clubs with a combined membership of 150,000 hikers. We invite club 686-5958. Meet: 10am at Pyramid Mtn. parking lot. Brisk hike of 10am; call for location. Moderate hike; out by 2pm. 4-5 miles; some rocky trails and steep hills. Hiking boots required. representatives to submit photos from hikes or maintenance outings or other events UCHC. Sterling Forest, NY. Leader: Arnie Seymour-Jones, 201- Rain cancels. 768-3864. Meet: 10am at Sterling Forest visitor center. Moderate (please set your digital camera for highest resolution). Email your photos, along with UOC-Barnegat Lighthouse, NJ Shore. Leader: George Pitcher, 5-6 miles; for experienced hikers. complete caption information to: [email protected]; put “TW club photo” in the subject line. 732-828-1890. A winter birding trip, walking on sand and jetty. We Saturday, December 20 have seen Long-tailed and Harlequin ducks, Scoters, Mergansers, Eiders, Horned Larks, and Red-throated Loons on this annual AFW. Ramapo Valley Reservation, NJ. Leader: call 973-644- favorite trip. Call for time and place of meeting/carpooling. 3592 or visit www.adventuresforwomen.org for details and to register. Meet: 10am; call for location. Moderate hike; out by 2pm. Sunday, December 7 ADK-MH. Vassar Campus Walk, NY. Leader: Sue Mackson, 845- AFW. Merrill Creek, NJ. Leader: call 973-644-3592 or visit 471-9892. Meet: 1:30pm at Collegeview entrance. Tour this www.adventuresforwomen.org for details and to register. Meet: landmark in Poughkeepsie’s Arlington section. No more than two 10am; call for location. Moderate hike; out by 2pm. hours. IHC. Sterling Forest, Hewitt, NJ. Leader: Jim McKay, 973-538- GS. Family Holiday Nature Hike, NJ. Leader: registration is 0756. Meet: 9:30am at Sterling Ridge Trail (south end), Rt. 511 in required for this free event; please call 973-635-6629. Meet: 1pm; Hewitt. Moderate 6-8 miles on Hasenclever Iron Trail and woods call for location. Lose some of the holiday stress with a quiet walk roads to Sterling Ridge Trail. in the woods of the Great Swamp in Chatham, NJ. Learn about PMNHA. Whale Head Rock, NJ. Leader: for more information call winter wildlife; great for all ages. 973-334-3130. Meet: 1pm at Pyramid Mtn. visitor center, 472A

UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Mae G Boonton Ave., Montville Township, NJ. Strenuous hike for ages R O .

Deas, 908-233-6641. Meet: 10am at Trailside Nature Center on R

16+. Join this hike to one of our lesser known “rock stars.” A S

Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Moderate 4-5 miles; mixture of J N SW. To Hoboken and Beyond, NJ. Leader: Edward Leibowitz, 201- . level, easy walking and some hills on rough terrain. Steady W W

332-1709. Meet: 10:45am at Exchange Place PATH station, top of rain/ice cancels, but if deep, good snow, we’ll cross-country ski. W escalator. Easy 5 miles (4-5 hours) along the Hudson River from Volunteer practice their rescue skills in local parks Sunday, December 21 Exchange Place to Stevens Institute of Technology. Rain/snow cancels. IHC. Ramapo Mtn. State Forest, NJ. Leader: Carol O’Keefe, 973- New Jersey Training occurs at monthly meetings 328-7395. Meet: 9am at Ramapo Mtn. State Forest upper lot, (first Wednesday of each month), and UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Naomi Skyline Dr., Oakland, NJ. Moderate 7 miles on this shortest day of Search and Rescue Shapiro, 973-762-1832; call before 9pm. Meet: 10am at Locust the year. Some climbs to nice views and a visit to the Castle. there is a full team drill each month as Grove parking, corner Glen Ave. and Lackawanna Pl., across from Steady rain, snow, or ice cancels. If, in the wilds of New Jersey, New York well. Special teams, such as the canine RR station. Brisk 5 miles in little over 2 hours; steep hill at start. (including the Adirondacks), or Pennsyl - unit, technical rock rescue, or Steady rain cancels. PMNHA. Winter Solstice Hike, NJ. Leader: must register at 973- 334-3130. Meet: 3pm; call for location. Moderate hike. Join us and vania, you get so lost that a ranger can’t snow/avalanche rescue, may train more Wednesday, December 10 watch the sun set on this shortest day of the year. Ages 7+. $3 fee. find you or have a medical or rescue often. Volunteers come from all walks of AFW. The Palisades. Leader: call 973-644-3592 or visit SW. Bridges of Brooklyn, NY. Leader: Cy Adler. Meet: 10:30am at emergency, chances are that trained vol - life and are not all technical climbers or www.adventuresforwomen.org for details and to register. Meet: Municipal Building Plaza, Chambers St., across from City Hall, 10am; call for location. Easy hike at moderate pace; out by 2pm. unteers from New Jersey Search and even hikers. “To many it’s a family affair,” Manhattan. 6 miles. We’ll walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, then Rescue (NJSAR) will come to your aid. says Bryan. “There are spouses, a father Thursday, December 11 under Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges through DUMBO, Vinegar UCHC. Elk Pen (Arden), Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Dave Hill, Brooklyn Navy Yard area, and Ft. Greene Park. End with walk NJSAR is an all-volunteer emergency and son. “My girlfriend became a lieu - Hogenauer, 973-762-1475. Meet: 10am at parking off Arden Valley under and then over Williamsburg Bridge. response group—members usually num - tenant on the incident management Rd., about 2 miles north of Red Apple Restaurant in Southfields. UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Eck Khoon ber between 60-70—that responds to team. Now we’re married and our 2 ½- Moderately strenuous 8 miles. Up the AT, across rock ledges of Goh, 908-790-0939. Meet: 10am at Locust Grove parking, corner calls in the wilderness. It is a full member year-old son comes with us.” Lichen Trail with its view over Island Pond; return on Nurian Trail Glen Ave. and Lackawanna Pl., across from RR station. Fairly brisk of the Mountain Rescue Association In addition to their regular jobs, the past Green Pond. 5 miles with some rocky trails. Rain or falling snow/ice cancels. (MRA), the national accrediting body for volunteers log hours training in the class - Saturday, December 13 Thursday, December 25 search and rescue teams across America, room and field, bivouacking in all types AFW. Black Mtn., Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: call 973- IHC. Holidays in the Woods, NY. Leader: Larry Spinner, 845-356- one of just four accredited groups east of of terrain and weather, including three 644-3592 or visit www.adventuresforwomen.org for details and 5219. Meet: 10:00am at commuter lot in Sloatsburg, NY, off Rt. 17. to register. Meet: 10am; call for location. Moderately strenuous Colorado. (There are 76 such teams in winter days in the Adirondack Region. Join us as we celebrate Chanukah and Christmas in the woods. and west of Colorado.) High-Line rescue drills are practiced in hike; out by 2pm. All levels, including beginners, welcome on this moderate outing. PMNHA. Holiday Hike, NJ. Leader: for more information call 973- Leader brings cookies and hopes others will bring treats to share. Bryan Enberg is a captain with the most New Jersey-area parks, making the 334-3130. Meet: 1pm at Pyramid Mtn. visitor center, 472A Boonton Snowshoes/crampons may be needed. Inclement weather may Mahwah-based group and one of the lead - NJSAR orange and black uniform famil - Ave., Montville Township, NJ. Moderate hike for ages 7+. Take a cancel; call after 7am if in doubt. ers of its Mountain Rescue unit. He notes iar to many of our local hikers. break from the season’s hustle and bustle and enjoy a quiet hike. Friday, December 26 that “90 percent of searches are settled by Formerly part of the NJ Forest Service, Sunday, December 14 SW. Along the Raritan Canal, NJ. Leader: Oliver Wayne, 917-415- one ranger on a phone with someone who and incorporated on its own in 1987, AFW. Kay Environmental Center, NJ. Leader: call 973-644-3592 2167; call to confirm hike. Meet: 8am at white commuter statue at is late for dinner.” But when “late for din - NJSAR works extensively with state, or visit www.adventuresforwomen.org for details and to register. Port Authority Bus Terminal. 16 flat miles from Boundbrook to ner” extends into a possible crisis situation, county and local police agencies, respond - Meet: 10am; call for location. Easy hike; out by 2pm. Kingston. “that’s when they call us.” ing round-the-clock to lost person/rescue ADK-MH. Fishkill and Scofield Ridges, East , Saturday, December 27 NJSAR specifically trains to be able to requests dozens of times each year, at no NY. Leaders: Russ Faller, 845-297-5126 (call before 9:30pm) and PMNHA. End of Year Hike, NJ. Leader: for more information call rescue the high-end hikers in our area, the cost to the taxpayer. In addition to being Jean-Claude Fouéré and Georgette Weir, 845-462-0142. Meet: 973-334-3130. Meet: 1pm at Pyramid Mtn. visitor center, 472A contact leaders for meeting place and time. Strenuous, but mod - Boonton Ave., Montville Township, NJ. Moderate hike for ages 7+. people who hike the 3500-foot Catskills, the first high performance mountain res - erately paced, 9 (+/-) miles. We’ll visit South Beacon Mtn. and Bald Join us for the last scheduled hike of 2008. the peak baggers. “Who would come find cue team of its type in New Jersey, Hill. Snowshoes/crampons may be required; limited to 12. SW. Great South Bay and Bayard Arboretum, Long Island. you if you have a problem in those areas?” NJSAR provides expert command per - GS. Great Swamp Stress Relief Hike, NJ. Leader: registration is Leader: Quyen Pham, 631-234-5486; call 8-10pm or morning of Bryan asks. “DEC rangers, certainly. But sonnel; highly-trained extraction and required for this free event; please call 973-635-6629. Meet: 1pm; hike. Meet: take 9:14am LIRR train (RT) to Great River; meet at the goal of our highest end response is to medical teams; expert K9 teams trained in call for location. Take a break from holiday shopping and relax Great River RR station at 10:37am. Moderately brisk, flat, option be able to climb a Catskill or Adirondack critical search specialties; and experienced while walking the trails of the Great Swamp in Chatham, NJ. of 6 or 11 miles. Fantastic views of Great South Bay from Hecksch - Appropriate for ages 10+. er State Park; end the day exploring the beautiful arboretum. high peak in winter, search, rescue, camp ground search and tracking personnel. TLR. Popolopen Torne, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: call Rain/snow/ice cancels. overnight, and continue the rescue the The rescue squad gets no funding from Teatown Lake Reservation at 914-762-2912, ext. 110, to register; UCHC. Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: next day. We want to be able to spend 48 government or park agencies; “it all preregistration required, $5 fee. Meet: 10am in Ossining, NY. Mod - Betty Mills, 973-538-4922; call before 8:30pm. Meet: 10am at vis - hours living out of a backpack in those comes out of our own pockets,” says erately strenuous, 4-hour hike up this very noticeable feature of itor center parking. Moderate 4-5 miles; out by noon. Steady kind of conditions. That’s what we train Bryan. New members are welcome. the Hudson Highlands. From the craggy summit enjoy panoramic rain/snow/ice cancels. to do.” Find more information at NJSAR.org. view of Hudson River, Bear Mtn. and surrounding hills. Adults only. Sunday, December 28 IHC. Bill Myles Memorial Trail, Dunderberg Mtn., Harriman State Park. Leader: Dave Sutter, [email protected]; check with TRAIL REFLECTIONS leader before hike, as parking lot may not be plowed or may be * * under construction. Meet: 9:30am at Jones Point lot, Rt. 9W, just Attention All Trail Stewards: Maintainers, Crew Members, Monitors, etc: south of Bear Mtn. Bridge. Moderately strenuous 7 miles with Have you enjoyed a good day on the trail while volunteering? Share hills; not recommended for beginners. A leader’s favorite with surprises at every turn. your experience with words or a photo. Send your contributions to UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Trail Walker editor Georgette Weir at [email protected]. Eck Khoon Goh, 908-790-0939. Meet: 10am at Trailside Nature Center on Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Fairly brisk 4-5 miles Metro Trails Co-Chair Liz Gonzalez writes about with some rocky trails. Rain/snow/ice cancels. Monday, December 29 a project in Pelham Bay Park in : GS. Eagle Watching, NY & PA. Leader: registration is required; “Look at what we accomplished on Sep - please call 973-635-6629. Meet: 9am; call for location. Join our van trip up the Delaware River into NY and PA to view wintering tember 13th! Thanks to John Grayley, our Bald Eagles. Bring bag lunch, warm clothing, and binoculars. All- natural area manager, for his guidance. day event, transportation included; $20 fee. Ages 18+. This new six-section footbridge allows safer UCHC. Deer Paddock, South Mtn., NJ. Leader: Joe McLaughlin, travel in wet weather. Our youth maintain - 973-263-2799. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Fairly level 3 miles ers worked hard! Erin was impressive to Washington Rock. Rain/snow/ice cancels. handling the drill and Marc showed his Tuesday, December 30 skill in aligning and hammering planks. UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Dave Several joggers and hikers thanked us and Hogenauer, 973-762-1475. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Moder - provided feedback while we worked.” R I ately paced 6-7 miles. Frozen waterfalls and great lookouts on E

W The volunteers have been building foot -

E both western and eastern ridges. Snow on ground will shorten T T

E the hike. bridges in wet areas on the trails in Pelham G R

O Bay Park this fall. The footbridges, built in

E Thursday, January 1 G Dover Stone Church in New York’s SW. New Year’s Day Hike in Manhattan, NY. Leader: Cy Adler. sections, not only provide a safer traveling Dutchess County. Learn more at Meet: Noon at George Washington Bus Terminal information surface for hikers, but also protect the sur - townofdover.us/Stone_Church.cfm booth, at 178th St. and Broadway. Explore the and rounding environment. woodsy north end of Manhattan, including Inwood Hill and High - Metro Trails Co-Chair Liz Gonzalez keeps bridge Parks. Hills, woods, historic sites, and shoreline. a smile on her face as she hammers away. Page 10 November/December 2008 DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND New Edition of July 1, 2008 to September 26, 2008 GIFTS Aqueduct Trail Map Available Christine & William Balcerski, Ken Bald, Gail A. & Clarence H. Biggs, Walter Bogdewicz, Bruce Borofsky, Rob Brownstein, Kathleen Bubniak, Ted Chambers, Anne L. Chase, Adolph O. Cherot Jr., Kenneth S. Chi, Neil & Katherine Cohen, Rita Cohen The Friends of the Old Croton Aque - & Richard Stern, Chris Connolly, Christopher Crow, Andrea J. Damato, Mary DeBiasio, Christopher Ezzo, Eric Feldbaum, duct announce publication of the second Janice L. Fink, Stephen Flintosh Jr, B. Harrison & Phyllis Frankel, Merrill Lee & Richard Fuchs, Matthew Garamone & Adrienne Booth, Emily L. Granrud, John & Marianne Gunzler, Robert Hamann, Brian D. Hoeft, Abdeen M. Jabara, Robert edition of their map and guide of Old J. Jonas, Randi Koenig, Bryan Lees & Paula Whitlock, Ann G. Loeb, John & Karen Magerlein, Robert F. Marshall, Patricia Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, Martin, Roland B. McIntosh, Walter A. & Diane Metzger, G. Gail Neffinger, Mark E. Neirick, William & Stephanie O’Donnell, the 26.2-mile part of the aqueduct in William F. & Mary H. Penny, Willie Picaro, Gregory B. Pietrzak, Frederick J. Pinkney, Elizabeth & Jim Posillico, Anne P. Priest, J. Cal Rizzuto, Marc J. Sabel, Linda Schutz, Ollie Simpson, Marek Stycos, Carol Surash & John Krumdieck, Chris Westchester County. Tausch, Larry B. Trachtenberg, Daniel & Lynne Van Engel, David B. & Adrienne K. Wiese The Old Croton Aqueduct is the brick tunnel that brought New York City its DARLINGTON SCHOOLHOUSE FUND ZIMMERMAN/DOLAN FUND first supply of pure, plentiful water, Robert & Rose Marie Boysen, Andrew T. Lehman, H. Peter Stern, Herbert Shulman beginning in 1842. Today it is a Nation - George Sutton, Chris Tausch TRIBUTES al Historic Landmark, and the footpath In honor of Dr. Dan Van Engel In honor of Donald Derr Lynn Carter and Lynn Vogel atop it is a treasured recreational trail Herbert Shulman through the river towns of Westchester PEOPLE FOR TRAILS In memory of Bertha Prichard and New York City parkland. Michael Gaughan, Jack & Morgan Melnikoff, on the anniversary of her passing The new edition adds routes and fea - Erika Mosier, Jennifer Vincent John A. Prichard In memory of Harry Nees & Fred Schub tures to the original full-color map, MATCHING GIFTS Hebert Shulman published 10 years ago, while maintain - AIG Matching Grants Program, American Express In memory of Nason Gordon ing its clarity and user-friendliness. As Foundation, Avon Matching Gifts Program, Earth Share, Peter Tilgner & Suzan Gordon before, on one side is a detailed map of Fortunoff, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., JPMorgan Chase In memory of Shelley Norton the trail. On the reverse side is a narrative Foundation Matching Gifts Program, Pfizer Foundation Dorothy Hanlon Matching Gifts Program, REI, The Environmental Fund for about the aqueduct and brief descrip - NJ Inc., United Way of Bergen County, United Way of NYC, In memory of William & Berthe Myles tions of 55 sites of interest along the way. Verizon Foundation Erwin Conrad The new edition also has improved inset maps—enlargements that help guide In memory of Zemri Allen Enos LAND ACQUISITION Daniel B. Hulse walkers through the more obscure parts of the trail—as well as narratives about AND STEWARDSHIP FUND newly featured sites of interest along the trail. John & Marianne Gunzler, H. Neil Zimmerman Tributes are only printed for donations of $25 or more. Non members may order maps for $5.75 ($5.00 for map plus $.75 postage). Send check payable to Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct to: FOCA, 15 Walnut Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 An order form can be printed from the Friends’ website, www.aqueduct.org. CONSERVATION & ADVOCACY The Keep it Green Coalition kicked off continued from page 4 its fall Garden State Preservation Trust campaign just as news about the looming Keep It Green Campaign financial crisis broke. Acknowledging the Hunting Seasons 2008 Just in as this issue goes to press: Parks deepening fiscal challenge, the KIG Coali - funding is under attack again! The tion launched a statewide education NEW YORK Hunting is not allowed in Bear Mountain- NJDEP is asking counties to take over campaign to support its efforts and help Deer Seasons: Regular and Archery Harriman State Parks. However it is maintenance and operations in some parks convince state legislators and the governor Southern Zone allowed in parts or all of other state parks. and forests across the state. At the same that keeping the GSPT fully funded is not (includes Hudson Valley and Catskills) Call parks for details. time, the department has also asked state only a public priority, but a necessity for Regular: Nov. 15 – Dec. 7 Black Rock Forest (845-534-4517) closes park offices to close two days a week during every citizen of New Jersey. In particular, Bow: Oct. 18 – Nov. 14, Dec. 10 – Dec. 18 the winter months and recommends those the coalition favors a water user fee because to all hikers from Nov. 15 through Dec. 7. days be Saturday and Sunday. Finally, it this funding mechanism has been identi - Westchester County For more info about deer season looks like the $9 million that was promised fied as most strongly supported by the Bow only: Oct. 18 – Dec. 31 in New York State, go to for parks and forests fiscal year 2009 during public in a poll conducted last summer. Suffolk County www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28605.html. the summer budget negotiations may now More information: Keep It Green Bow only: Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 For info about all big game hunting sea - be split to cover multiple years. Stay tuned! Campaign (njkeepitgreen.org). sons and regulations in New York, visit www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/10003.html.

NEW JERSEY For the complete set of deer season reg - In New Jersey, the safest course in the ulations, go to www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw, fall is to hike only on Sundays, when then click on Hunting, then Deer. hunting is prohibited throughout the Go to the same site for other hunting state. Otherwise, hunting seasons vary seasons and information. by weapon and geography.

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If the Trail Conference We could earn a lot of money! How? It’s as easy as choosing the right search engine! Goodsearch, a search engine powered by Yahoo!, will donate money to the Trail Con - Had a Penny for Every ference for every click you make. If 100 people search two times every day, the Trail Internet Search… Conference can earn $730 a year. If 1,000 people searched using Goodsearch two times a day, the Trail Conference could earn $7,300 a year! Please visit www.goodsearch.com and either download the search toolbar or make Goodsearch your homepage. Be sure to choose the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as the “Cause I Search For,” and every time you click, you’ll make a difference in our work! November/December 2008 Page 11 Book Review DELAWARE RIVER OR BUST! ning and all of her meetings with town, continued from page 1 state and county officials. She has done site Catskill Peak Experiences As the title suggests, Catskill Peak Experi - route, which generally results in a road walks on land where we got permission to Mountaineering Tales of Endurance, ences is a collection of stories by hikers. walk to connect the dots. A large develop - build trail, (many where she alone got the Survival, Exploration & Adventure There are more than 100 true stories by ment in Chester, NY, for example, has permission) and brought her crew on HT members of the Catskill 3500 Club. Any - closed a section of the HT that previously work trips. She has spent many hours out from the Catskills 3500 Club one who has hiked in the Catskill linked to the Appalachian Trail on Bellvale with her crew building and maintaining the Edited by Carol Stone White Mountains can relate to the adventures Mountain. Pending a new woods route, a HT in Hunterdon County.” chronicled in the book. Perhaps you may road walk now links the pre-existing trail The HT’s route, Glenn notes, has been recognize a name of one or more of the segments. In Byram, a section of trail was fluid. “The route we settled on differs quite contributors, and, like me, you may even lost around Lake Lackawanna. Expansion a bit from the original planned route. Hav - know some people personally. (To my sur - of hunting activity at privately owned ing said that, the new trail has been largely prise, I found my own name included in Hudson Farms, also in Byram, will require completed in Clinton Wildlife Manage - one account.) Some of the stories may a reroute of the trail there. “At one point ment Area, built and currently being blazed bring back memories of your own experi - this year,” says Glenn, “I got so discouraged between Tower Hill Reserve and Jugtown ences while hiking. that I said ‘every time we add a mile at the Mountain Preserve, blazed through NJAS The book is divided into 10 sections: south end, we lose a mile in the middle.’” Deerpath Sanctuary, site walk done in Sep - Marathon Hikes, Misadventures (includ - “Up hill in both directions,” has been tember in Sweet Hollow Preserve, and the ing “The Hike from Hell”), Wildlife proposed as an HT slogan. Perhaps the very long-awaited extension of the HT to Encounters, Wild Weather, Winter Adven - proposer was thinking of the planning the east end of Musconetcong Gorge Pre - turing, Lost in the Wilderness, Navigating process rather than the trail itself. serve has been completed. This connection in the Wilderness, Reminiscences, Catskill is crucial to the route. Mountain Highs, and Catskill Mysteries. Press, 2008 Planning to Hike the HT? “In Morris County, we have been work - The author sets the stage in a brief intro - ing on filling in the gap between the HT in Reviewed by Salley Decker duction that covers the beginning of the The blaze of the Highlands Trail is a teal Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson Catskill Forest Preserve and the birth of the colored diamond. There is no discrete and the HT in Sparta. This route is half When I met Carol Stone White and her Catskill 3500 Club, and then turns the map of the HT, which for much of its built – the rest has been stalled waiting for husband, David, at a Ramble outing in pages over to the personal voices of hikers. length is co-aligned with other trails. permission from Jefferson Township. I have September 2007, Carol asked me for sug - Besides being entertaining, this book is a The trail is indicated on relevant Trail also done site walks on the continuously gestions for stories that could be used in good resource for hikers who would like to Conference maps (North Jersey, Ster - growing Patriot’s Path between Schooley’s what became Catskill Peak Experiences . By learn more about the Catskills. Even non- ling Forest, West Hudson). Maps and Mountain Preserve and Stephens State the end of the outing, I was able to provide hikers will enjoy the tales of wilderness updates about HT segments are avail - Park. We have permission to co-align with a couple of sources for such stories. adventure in our “local” mountains. able online at www.highlands-trail.org. this largely completed route.” The co-aligned sections bear blazes of Recently, Glenn welcomed Adam Rosen - both trails, except for the Appalachian berg as co-supervisor on the HT. Adam files Keep It Going: The HT East of the Hudson and Allis Trails, which have plastic GPS reports on the trail, keeps up the web - site (highlands-trail.org), and helps to run Highlands Trail logos only at critical crew work. Says Adam: “I ran into Glenn at points. Hikers must pay attention at On the Highlands Trail a charity hike on the HT at Hudson Farms atop Storm King intersections as the Highlands Trail where we both led a hike together. After often leaves one trail to join another. complaining about the blazing in the recent - Mountain, NY Camping is not permitted along the ly lost Lake Lackawanna section, I was Highlands Trail. Thru-hikers must stay recruited as a maintainer. After a couple of at bed-and-breakfast facilities along the years of work doing this, picking up a sec - route, or at established state park camp ond section, and numerous work crews, we grounds. For more information, call the discussed the co-supervisory slot.” Trail Conference office. No fires, hors - “It is so inspiring to work with TC volun - es, bikes, or motorized vehicles are teers like Glenn and Adam—but it is also a permitted on the Highlands Trail unless challenge,” says Brenda Holzinger, New Jer - R

specifically allowed by local regulations. sey Regional Representative, who works E K C

closely with the HT co-supervisors to create E D N

a permanent, protected route for the trail. “I U R E I

Fortunately, Glenn replaced his discour - find myself putting in more and more hours B B E

agement with an agenda. “We have been just trying to keep up with them! D working on a very ambitious goal of filling “In addition to their work, family, and Plans are afoot to extend the Highlands Trail across the Hudson gaps in the trail and extending the HT in other volunteer commitments,” she con - Hunterdon County from the current end- tinues, “these guys dedicate enormous River from its current end point in Cornwall at the base of Storm of-trail at Black Brook, where it has been amounts of time to the HT effort. Recent - King Mountain, through Putnam County and into the Highlands of stalled for years, to the far side of Mus - ly, Glenn even took some vacation time so conetcong Gorge Preserve. This will get the he could concentrate on trail building in Connecticut. Gary Haugland is spearheading this effort, scouting trail to about five miles from the Delaware Hunterdon County before the weather River.” Those last five miles, he says, will be deteriorates.” Holzinger concludes, “The possible trail routes and negotiating with land owners and managers mostly road walk. HT is my highest priority for NJ during in Putnam. For hikers who do not carry a kayak on their back in Glenn gives a lot of credit for recent the next fiscal year, and I am really excited progress to Suzanne Wilder, president of the about finalizing the route, reaching out for which to paddle across the river, Gary says a road walk will lead from Musconetcong Mountain Conservancy, new members and volunteers to help us who he says has done most of the planning maintain the trail, producing a new HT Cornwall, north to and across the Newburgh-Beacon bridge, then of the HT’s route through Hunterdon brochure and statewide map, and celebrat - south toward Cold Spring. In due time, this will be the subject of a County. “I couldn’t even begin to guess ing its official opening.” where we would be without all of her local The HT bug, it seems, is catching. future story. Hunterdon County knowledge and plan -

Allamuchy Mountain HT Acknowledgements view from the New Jersey DEP, and the Passaic, Morris, Byram Township , especially Margaret Highlands Trail and Hunterdon County Park Depart - McGarrity, currently employed by the in New Jersey ments were critical in permitting the HT to township, has been as supportive and cross their jurisdictions and in giving gener - helpful as the counties and state. al support. Al Kent of the Morris County Parks in particular was helpful and submit - Suzanne Wilder, president, and the ted the application, in competition with his Musconetcong Mountain Conservancy , own pet project, the Liberty-Water Gap for taking a lead role in Bethlehem Town - Trail, that got the HT designated as New ship, Hunterdon County. Jersey’s Millennium Trail. Estelle Anderson and Bob Jonas , for The Newark Watershed Conservation planning and building a substantial and Development Corporation: Jon section of HT between Norvin Green Rosenberg, who at the time was the State Forest and Windbeam Mountain. property manager, not only ensured access in the watershed, but also helped John Moran for re-routing and improv - gain access to private properties such as ing miles of the HT/ Stone Town one owned by Lakeland Bank (now Circular off of the road in Ringwood and Green Acres property), and the Mission - into the woods. He never fails to consid - ary Society of St. Paul the Apostle, which er the HT in his planning.

R still hosts about two critical miles (mean - E K

C ing no viable alternative) of the trail. Dozens of volunteers who have worked E D N

U thousands of hours on the trail since its R E I inception. B B E D Page 12 November/December 2008

HOW TO GET THERE THANK YOU: Route 287 to Skyline Drive. Take Skyline Danielle Bouchard, Chris Connolly, Vin Featured Hike Dr. to end and make right onto Greenwood Dryer, Jakob Franke, Cliff Konnerth, Lake Turnpike (County 511).Take Green - Andrew Konnerth, Larry May, John By Brian Sniatkowski wood Lake Turnpike to Burnt Meadow Rd Moran, Natalie Nass, Craig Nunn, Mark (.5 mile west of junction with East Shore Nordyke, Terri Russeau, Karen Schoof, A New Circuit Hike in Passaic County Rd). Make left onto Burnt Meadow Rd Frank Schoof, Bob Simpson, Brian (white house on corner). Go 2.8 miles to Sniatkowski, Michael Williams, and Hank trailhead on Burnt Meadow Rd., 50 feet Zulauf. In addition, the nearby Shiloh Turn right on the Hewitt-Butler (it is south of junction with another dirt road that Bible Camp in Hewitt volunteered 15 1.75 miles to the northern endpoint of the comes in from right. Look for orange blazes. members of its Force for Good, who con - Overlook Rock Trail), following the trail as tributed more than 80 hours of trail work it negotiates a rocky area and a woods road, on National Trails Day. Thanks to all! then crosses under the power lines and back into the woods. You are now heading north on a recently relocated section of the Hikers’ Hewitt-Butler, running parallel to, but just out of sight of the power lines it once fol - Marketplace lowed. The trail soon crosses a rock outcrop with an outstanding westerly view. NY-NJ TC member? YES NO JOINING NOW Member #______Shortly after passing a segment of private I Please order by circling price Retail Member P/H Total K

S property, the trail joins up with an old W O

K Official Conference Maps Order 8 or more and get discounted expedited shipping!

T woods road. Look for the white-blazed A I

N Catskill Trails (2005) & see combo $14.95 $11.21 +$1.65 ______S northern junction of the Overlook Rock N A I Trail, which comes in from the right. Turn NEW!! East Hudson Trails (2008) $10.95 $ 8.21 +$1.50 ______R B Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails (2007) & see combo $ 9.95 $ 7.46 +$1.50 ______Enjoying the view from Overlook Rock Trail. right (east) onto the Overlook Rock Trail, cross under the power lines again, and fol - Hudson Palisades Trails (2005) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$1.50 ______low the woods road downhill until it turns Kittatinny Trails (2005) & see combo $12.95 $ 9.71 +$1.65 ______The new Overlook Rock (1.5 miles) and right off the road. It soon reaches a rocky North Jersey Trails (2007) $ 9.95 $ 7.46 +$1.50 ______Lake Sonoma Trails (2 miles) in Norvin outcrop with a gorgeous easterly view. NEW!! Shawangunk Trails (2008) & see combo $10.95 $ 8.21 +$1.50 ______Green State Forest were completed on The trail then descends from the outcrop South Taconic Trails (2006) $ 4.95 $ 3.71 +$1.10 ______September 1 (see Trail News, page 4) and and heads downhill, where it meets up with NEW!! Sterling Forest Trails (2008) $ 7.95 $ 5.96 +$1.30 ______provide hikers with several options for loop another pleasant woods road and follows it West Hudson Trails (2006) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$1.50 ______hikes using all, or parts of the new trails, a until the road disappears. It then crosses a recently relocated section of the Hewitt- seasonal stream and makes a short climb to Books Butler Trail, and other nearby trails. where it meets a heavily eroded woods road. Appalachian Trail Guide to New York $19.95 $14.96 +$3.00 ______This 7.25-mile hike starts at Burnt Continue following the white blazes uphill; & New Jersey (2007) Meadow Road on the new, orange-blazed the trail soon rejoins the Lake Sonoma Trail Hiking the Jersey Highlands (2007) $22.95 $17.21 +$3.50 ______Lake Sonoma Trail. From the trailhead it about 150 feet north of Overlook Rock. New York Walk Book (2005) & see combo $22.95 $17.21 +$3.50 ______heads westward following a ridge line, then Turn left here on the Lake Sonoma Trail New Jersey Walk Book (2004) & see combo $19.95 $14.96 +$3.50 ______crosses a second ridge with a decent wester - and retrace your steps back to your car. Circuit Hikes in Northern New Jersey (2003) $11.95 $ 8.96 +$3.00 ______ly view. It then descends through an area Day Walker (2002) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______with fascinating rock formations, eventual - Harriman Trails Guide (1999) & see combo $16.95 $12.71 +$3.50 ______ly reaching scenic Lake Sonoma, where it NEW!! Hiking Long Island (2008) $22.95 $17.21 +$3.50 ______skirts the shore offering nice views of the Iron Mine Trails: NY/NJ Highlands (1996, rev. 1999) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$3.00 ______lake through the trees. Kittatinny Trails (2004) & see combo $18.95 $14.21 +$3.00 ______The trail then climbs West Brook Moun - Long Path Guide to NY/NJ (2005) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______tain, joining the white-blazed Overlook Scenes & Walks in the Northern Shawangunks Rock Trail just before the trail ends at (2006) & see combo $13.95 $10.46 +$3.00 ______Overlook Rock. Here you will find one of Doodletown: Hiking Through History in a the finest views in the region and a great Vanishing Hamlet on the Hudson (1996) $12.95 $ 9.71 +$3.00 ______place to stop for lunch. After enjoying the Nature Walks in New Jersey (2003) $14.95 $11.21 +$3.00 ______view, turn south on the Overlook Rock Trail and continue to where it meets the AMC Catskill Mountain Guide (2002) $19.95 $14.96 +$3.00 ______blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail. There is NEW!! ADK Catskill Trails (2008) & see combo $19.95 $14.96 +$3.00 ______another nice view here if you walk out onto ADK Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons (2002) $12.95 $ 9.71 +$3.00 ______the rocks just west of the junction. Shawangunks Trail Companion (2003) $18.95 $14.21 +$3.50 ______Moon Take a Hike NYC (2006) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______Walking Manhattan’s Rim (2003) $13.95 $10.46 +$3.00 ______NEW!! 50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley (2008) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.50 ______50 Hikes in New Jersey (2006) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.50 ______Best Hikes w/ Children in New Jersey (2005) $15.95 $11.96 +$3.00 ______Best Hikes w/ Children in the Catskills & Join the volunteers who Hudson River Valley (2002) $14.95 $11.21 +$3.00 ______bring you the great outdoors! Hudson to Delaware: The Great Valley (2004) $75.00 $56.25 +$5.50 ______Combo-Packs 1,700 miles of trails; your membership helps us expand our horizons. Catskill (5-map set & ADK book) $30.35 $22.69 +$3.00 ______Included with membership, Trail Walker , 10% discount on purchases at most Harriman (2-map set & book) $23.40 $17.55 +$3.50 ______outdoor stores, and 25% discount on all Trail Conference maps and books NY & NJ Walk Books $38.60 $30.95 +$4.50 ______purchased directly from the Trail Conference. Shawangunk (3-map set & Scenes & Walks book) $21.65 $16.23 +$3.00 ______Kittatinny (4-map set & book) $27.80 $20.85 +$3.00 ______Save time and a tree by joining or renewing online at www.nynjtc.org. Just click on the Join/Renew button. The Personal Touch Note Cards: TC Collection $12.00 $ 9.00 +$3.00 ______MEMBERSHIP LEVEL DUES Long-sleeve Denim Shirt Circle: M L $29.90 $22.43 +$5.50 ______Senior Individual (65+) $25 Polo Shirt (Forest Green) Circle: S M L XL $19.90 $14.93 +$5.50 ______% Senior Family (65+) $30 Trail Conference Baseball Cap $ 5.00 $ 3.75 +$2.10 ______50 † Supporter $30 Trail Conference Logo Patch $ 2.50 $ 2.50 postpaid ______FF Family $40 Long Path Logo Patch $ 2.75 $ 2.75 postpaid ______O rships *Sponsor Individual $60 Membe Trail Conference Logo Decal Circle: Inside Outside $ .85 $ .85 postpaid ______Gift 2 *Sponsor Family $75 e page Se ils. *Benefactor Individual $120 Subtotal ______or deta f *Benefactor Family $150 Postage/handling from above ______*Life Individual $1,000 New Jersey residents add 7% tax* ______*Life Joint $1,500 TOTAL ENCLOSED $ ______Name ______Method of Payment: Address ______NAME Check or money order enclosed City ______State ______Zip ______Visa Mastercard Amex ADDRESS Day Phone ______Evening Phone ______Card #______E-MAIL ______CITY STATE ZIP Exp. Date: ___ /___ Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex Signature: ______EMAIL TELEPHONE Card # ______Exp. Date: ____ / ____ Make check or money order payable to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, Make check or money order payable to NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. For a full descriptive catalog, please write or call 201-512-9348. *Tax must be paid on books, maps, misc., but not on clothing or shipping, by customers *New Sponsor, Benefactor, and Life Members may elect to receive a with NJ ship-to (not billing) addresses. Prices are subject to change. (11/08) Trail Conference cap. Check here if you would like us to send you a cap. Tax-deductible. Dues are not refundable. YOU CAN ALSO ORDER AT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.NYNJTC.ORG