17-year Cicadas What’s Big about Uniquely American native November 1? insects rebound with our Help us make the move eastern woodlands. to a trailhead location. READ MORE ON PAGE 4 READ MORE ON PAGES 11 & 12

Summer 2013 - Conference — Connecting People with Nature since 1920 www.nynjtc.org Two Storms Lead to One New Bridge at Minnewaska Preserve Hurricane Irene made this trail project necessary; Hurricane Sandy provided the material for the solution.

n 2011, flood waters brought by Hurri- newaska in March, where Trail Conference cane Irene resulted in the destruction of volunteers went to work stripping the tree Ithree much-used trail bridges over the of its bark. It was then transported by truck Peters Kill at Minnewaska State Park by park staff along the Lower Awosting Preserve as well as one carriage road cross- Carriage Road to the trailhead. From there, ing. Replacement of these bridges was put Walsh and volunteers guided it with cables on hold pending completion of disaster and winches downhill to the stream. reporting and relief funding by state and New abutments and steps were needed federal officials. for the new bridge. Volunteers, including In May, the Blueberry Run Trail bridge those from our Jolly Rovers technical rock over the Peters Kill was the first of the crew, built these using stone on site. bridges to be replaced. The one-log crafted The project was co-funded by the Palisades crossing is an innovation in our area that Interstate Park Commission and the Trail was proposed by trail consultant and Trail Conference, with funds donated for post- Conference alumnus Eddie Walsh, princi- Irene bridge and trail repairs in our region. pal of Tahawus . But it required just Thanks go to PIPC staff, Tahawus Trails the right log. and Trail Conference volunteers Dave That was unexpectedly provided when Webber, Jim Gebhart, Chris Ingui, Roch Hurricane Sandy downed a black locust at Boucher, Doug Comeau, Les Jesberger, Rockland Lake State Park last October. Georgette Weir, Patty Lee Parmalee, Mike Black locust, says Walsh, is the first choice Garrison, and Joan James. in our area for trail structures. It is a native tree whose heartwood is very long-lasting. Updates on Other “Some people say it lasts one day longer Minnewaska Trail Bridges than rock,” Walsh jokes. The 30-foot trunk, weighing an estimat- High Peters Kill Trail Bridge ed 3,000 pounds, was transported by park With the Blueberry Run Bridge complete, WALSH EDDIE Sarah Heidenreich guides daughter Lucy Walsh across the new trail bridge at Minnewaska. officials from Rockland Lake S.P. to Min- continued on page 6

1991. A hiker, he quickly discovered that tors and immediately became its “point Volunteer Spotlight: the Trail Conference was a great resource. person” on conservation and advocacy “As newbies to the area, my wife and I matters. In 2009, looking to support a Seth McKee, began in the , in the “fantastic group of volunteers who had Shawangunks and the Catskills. We got all been doing really good work in isolation Preserving Land the maps. We got our kids out on the trails. with each other,” he became first chair of I became aware of the Trail Conference as a the Conservation & Advocacy Committee to Preserve Trails real power in this region for making natu- (now simply the Conservation Commit- ral areas accessible in a low-impact way.” tee). “That was one of the most rewarding People tend to think of Trail Conference Seth’s work at Scenic Hudson brought things in my experience, working with volunteers as “out there with a mattock him into professional relationship with the these incredibly passionate and knowledge- building trails.” And of course, we are. Trail Conference on land protection efforts able people—people like Andy Garrison, But we are also people like Seth McKee, in the East Hudson and Sterling Forest Jakob Franke, Dick Katzive—really great a land protection professional who has vol- areas. “That’s when I first met Jane and hands-on people who are the engines of unteered with the Trail Conference since Walt Daniels, and JoAnn Dolan, and I was direct conservation work.” 2005, putting his expertise and extraordi- tremendously impressed by their passion, During Seth’s tenure, multiple proper- nary organizational skills to work protecting expertise, and incredible commitment to ties—particularly along the Shawangunk the lands on which our trails run. mission. That is really one of the Trail Con- Ridge Trail and Long Path, where conserva- Seth, Land Conservation Director for ference’s great strengths—that commitment tion volunteers have been especially Seth atop Noonmark Mtn. in the Adirondacks. Scenic Hudson, Inc., based in Poughkeep- to mission.” active—were protected; hundreds of acres sie, NY, moved to the Hudson Valley in In 2005, Seth joined our board of direc- were transferred to the NY Dept. of Environ- Seth, now vice-chair of the Land Trust mental Conservation for permanent Alliance’s New York Advisory Board, is protection; our partnerships with other agen- stepping down from his Trail Conference “What is unique about the Trail Conference’s cies—Open Space Institute, Orange County position after more than seven years of land protection work is its laser focus on trail connections.” Land Trust, and NY DEC—flourish. service. Board Chair Chris Connolly says, “I work with a lot of land trusts in the “As board member and committee chair, Hudson Valley,” Seth says, “and what is Seth has been that rare wise counselor unique about the Trail Conference’s land respected for his sound judgment, sure VOLUME XL, NUMBER 3 ISSN 0749-1352 protection work is its laser focus on trail grasp, and steady hand.” connections. It’s the only one that focuses Executive Director Ed Goodell says, “We on making sure those linkages are there, as are sorry to see Seth move on, but are very well as the scenic views and public access— grateful for the extensive knowledge and and it does it without land protection staff. extraordinary organizational skills he has The committee has filled that void, and contributed to protecting our trail net- volunteers deserve a lot of kudos for the work. We expect to continue working with work they have done. We are always look- continued on page 9 ing for volunteers.” Page 2 Summer 2013

Feedback REI Supports Our Catskills VOLUME XL, NO.3 SUMMER 2013 From a Wheelchair Trail User GEORGETTE WEIR EDITOR April 25, 2013, Dear Trail Conference: LOUIS LEONARDIS GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lean-to Program Yesterday my chief enabler took me on my TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970-100) wheelchair to the top of Bear Mountain In May, outdoor gear retailer REI (ISSN 0749-1352) is published quarterly by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as a along the beautiful crushed stone, handi- announced a $10,000 grant to our benefit of membership. Subscriptions are cap access trail. I felt like I was on top of Catskills Lean-to Repair, Rehabilitation, available to libraries only at $15.00 a year. the world. I greatly admired and appreci- and Reconstruction Program. Periodical postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., and This grant will allow us to expand our additional offices. Postmaster: Send address ated all the planning and manicured changes to the address below. Opinions expressed execution that went into making this trail program of improving, repairing, and by authors do not necessarily represent the policy a reality for disabled people like myself. It Jane Daniels, NY Trail Worker of 2013 rebuilding 29 lean-tos and their privies or position of the Conference. Contributions of stinks to be in a wheelchair. … I was even along the 200 miles of Trail Conference- typed manuscripts, photos, and drawings are welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style inspired to get out of my wheelchair a cou- consistent support for trail planning, maintained trails in the . and length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines. ple of times, taking a few careful steps into development, or maintenance. They rec- Solidly built lean-tos and privies provide Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKER the woods. The seamless, blended-natural- ognize the commitment and efforts of backpackers and day hikers with safe on- are January 15 (Spring issue), May 15 (Summer ly-into-the-surroundings trail gave me the private or public sector individuals work- trail shelter while minimizing distress to issue), August 15 (Fall issue), November 15 (Winter issue). Unsolicited contributions cannot feeling that I was on a hike in the woods. ing for enhanced trail recreation in their the surrounding environment. be acknowledged unless accompanied by SASE. No doubt what the designers had in mind. local area/state. The Trail Conference currently main- For information on advertising rates, please write I just wanted to let everyone know how Jane Daniels, in addition to being a tains 29 of the 32 lean-tos in the Catskill or call. Park. Our top project areas in the next year Copyright 2013 by: successful a job was done. member and volunteer of the Trail Confer- New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. One comment: It took us a while to ence since 1979, including serving as chair are the German Hollow Lean-to, the Dev- 156 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202) find the trailhead. Then while on the trail, of the board of directors from 2001-2007, il’s Acre Lean-to, and a new lean-to Mahwah, NJ 07430 without having a map, my enabler, more has been involved with trails from the local between and Plateau 201-512-9348 than once locked my wheelchair, going to regional and state level over the past Mountain. A number of privies will also be email: [email protected] editorial email: [email protected] ahead on his own to see where the path three decades. Her ever-present dedication completed as part of this program. We will World Wide Web: www.nynjtc.org was leading and gauge how difficult it to the trails community is evident in the work with the New York Dept. of Environ- would be to push me back to our car. So, many positions she’s held, efforts she’s mental Conservation to prioritize all another suggestion is to have a map of the organized, trail books she’s authored or upcoming lean-to and privy projects and trail at the trailhead, along with the large edited, and most recently her leadership in develop a work schedule for the rest of the sign that shows where it is and who creat- the Yorktown Community Trails project. 2013 field season. ed this gift to mankind. Our Catskills Lean-to Repair, Rehabili- We even met some other handicap tation and Reconstruction Program has people in the parking lot. We asked them been a key initiative of the Trail Conference if they knew where this trail started. since 2011. The program began in 1999 They knew nothing about it, but I’m with the repair of several lean-tos and the Mission Statement sure if there was a clear large sign near reconstructions and replacement of the The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a the handicap parking places, it would John Robb Lean-to on Hunter Mountain. federation of member clubs and individuals soon be heavily traversed by wheelchairs We have completed rehabilitation projects dedicated to providing recreational hiking and their enablers. at the Mink Hollow Lean-to, the Echo opportunities in the region, and representing the interests and concerns of the hiking community. —Dovid Kaplan Lake Lean-to, and the Diamond Notch The Conference is a volunteer-directed public Lean-to. service organization committed to: Three Cheers! from American Trails Last year at the • Developing, building, and maintaining Mink Hollow hiking trails. • Protecting hiking trail lands through Lean-to, the Trail support and advocacy. Conference, the • Educating the public in the responsible David Day, New Jersey co-award winner Catskill 3500 Club, use of trails and the natural environment. supporters of the Board of Directors David and Monica Day are 30-year vet- Chris Nowack Chris Connolly Chair Memorial Fund, and the local Forest Gaylord Holmes Vice Chair erans of the Trail Conference and are the James Gregoire Treasurer Trail Crew Chairs of the West Jersey Ranger, Christine Nelson, hiked up more Daniel Chazin Secretary Crew. Thanks to their dedication they than 700 pounds of cedar shingles, lumber, Directors have forever changed the condition of and other materials and then put on the Robert Boysen Richard Katzive Skip Card Richard Levine New Jersey’s trails for the best. new shingles, put down the new floor Walter Daniels Edward Saiff The 2013 awards announcement was boards, re-stained the sides of the lean-to, Charlotte Fahn Dave Stuhr Daniel Hoberman Daniel Van Engel made in April at the organization's annu- and stained the new lean-to floor. al international symposium. Lean-to projects have traditionally Staff Monica Day, New Jersey co-award winner Edward Goodell Executive Director drawn large numbers of volunteers, as the Joshua Howard Deputy Executive The Trail Conference celebrates three of work is a unique trail volunteer experience. Director our most dedicated volunteers on the We expect our expanded program to mobi- Don Weise Development Correcting an Omission Director occasion of their recognition as State Trail lize more volunteers as a result. In 2012, Workers of the Year by American Trails, The great photo of volunteer Gene Giordano volunteers visited lean-tos for work more For a full list of staff visit the national trails advocacy and support on page 6 of the Spring 2013 edition was than 200 times and spent approximately www.nynjtc.org/content/staff organization. taken by member Andrea Minoff. 1,000 hours working on the general main- The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a Jane Daniels, of Mohegan Lake, NY, was tenance of lean-tos in the Catskill Park. volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It is named State Trail Worker of the Year in a federation of 103 hiking and outdoor groups, Send Us a Letter and 10,000 individuals. New York and Monica and David Day of Email it to [email protected]; in the subject To learn more about our lean-to program Highland Park, NJ were honored as State line, put “letter to TW editor”; or send it to in the Catskills, please visit: Trail Workers of the Year in New Jersey. nynjtc.org/catskill-leantos printed on recycled content paper Trail Walker Letters, NY-NJ Trail Confer- The State Trail Worker Awards recog- ence, 156 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah, PLEASE RECYCLE TRAIL WALKER nize individuals who have demonstrated NJ 07430. outstanding contributions and provided Follow NYNJTC! From Tenafly Nature Center

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In between Trail Walker issues, you can keep up with trail news by subscribing to e-Walker, our twice a month (usually) In March, Tenafly Nature Center honored Trail Conference volunteers at its annual electronic newsletter. dinner (photo above). After Hurricane Sandy, 100% of the trails at Tenafly Nature Center in New Jersey were designated as “closed.” “On February 20, 2013, thanks to Go to our website and the tireless efforts of the NY-NJ Trail Conference crew that helps TNC staff to monitor and maintain our trails, 100% of our trails are ‘open.’ We’re grateful for their work click the blue “Get Our clearing over 275 trees from our trails!” Pictured are, left to right: Karl Soehnlein, E-Newsletter” button. Jack Driller, Chris Connolly, Mark Liss, TNC Executive Director Jennifer Kleinbaum, TNC President Michael Neus, Suzan Gordon, Peter Tilgner, Ed Goodell. Summer 2013 Page 3

From the Executive Director Trail Conference’s values, • reduces our organization’s carbon foot- print with energy efficiencies throughout, Ready to build, • functions as both a training facility and with a little visitor center, and • serves as flexible and productive office help from space for our volunteers and regular staff. our friends As we strive for this goal, it is important The campaign for a for you to know that most of the project permanent Trail Con- funding so far has come from outside the ference headquarters at the Darlington Trail Conference. The early individual sup- Schoolhouse in Mahwah, NJ got a major porters and grants from the State of New boost this spring, two boosts actually. First Jersey, the County of Bergen, professional the Bolger Foundation of Ridgewood, NJ pro bono work, and now the Bolger match challenged us to raise $1 million in dona- will amount to almost two-thirds of the tions and pledges during the eight months total project cost – from acquiring the between March 1st and November 1st of property to moving in. These outside funds Why has the number of staff grown? ing speaks volumes about our care and 2013, and promised, if we are successful, to and donations of time have allowed us to Again, we have been growing to meet the stewardship of trail lands. match it with another $500,000. (See page move the project forward using a mini- increasing needs of park and trail managers 12 for details.) Added to the $1 million in mum of Trail Conference resources. for our support. We are proud that our rep- Isn’t $2.5 million a lot to spend on grants and commitments already on hand, As I write this in early June, we have utation for providing park and trail a headquarters? this $2.5 million total will cover the esti- secured almost half of the $1 million we managers with that effective support makes At well over 8,000 square feet, this mated costs of construction and move-in. need to complete our capital campaign. This us their partner of choice. I measure the amounts to approximately $300 per square The second boost was the unanimous leaves more than $500,000, at a minimum, degree to which our organization is per- foot. Renovating an historic building is approval of the site plan by the Mahwah that must be raised from our members and forming effectively and efficiently by key more expensive than building new, but zoning board of adjustment. This was the the Bergen County community. While this indicators like the total volunteer hours, keep in mind that the local community last major permit needed prior to begin- is a relatively small proportion of the overall the number of trail miles protected, main- and the state of New Jersey consider this a ning construction. costs, it is still a significant amount, and we tained and improved, and the trail system precious resource worth preserving and As many longtime readers know, this are aiming to exceed the minimum so we information published. All of these meas- they have helped us fund it. We received project has been moving forward one slow, can create a facility stewardship fund to take ures have increased significantly over the more than half of the total funds from State steady step at a time since the property was care of ongoing maintenance. past decade along with staff. And it’s not and County preservation grants. purchased as parkland with state and coun- Now we are asking Trail Conference sup- just staff filling our office space. The num- ty grants in November 2007. Outside grants porters to contribute the final funds that ber of volunteers working in the Doesn’t this fundraising mean we funded a preservation plan to guide the will bring the campaign over the top. As we office—helping to package our publica- will have less for regular programs? building’s renovation, and pro bono legal talk with you about the project, some tions, maintain records, research Often a capital campaign will temporarily grants—has doubled since 2001. impact regular annual giving. This is why we are asking our regular donors to main- “Most of the project funding so far has Why is the Schoolhouse the right tain their regular giving and make a come from outside the Trail Conference.” place for us? one-time gift to the campaign. We also are It is right for several reasons. Mahwah, NJ is seeking new donors from the Mahwah centrally located to our area of operations area. Frequently, new donors to a campaign and engineering efforts helped us successful- members have posed good questions about on the eastern escarpment of the High- become regular donors to the organization, ly navigate an array of complicated state and it. Recognizing that others may share these lands. The Schoolhouse sits at the entrance resulting in increased support for program local permit requirements. Knowing that a questions, I’m going to try to answer a few to Bergen County’s Ramapo Valley Reserva- over the longer term. variety of architectural or permitting com- of the more common questions here. tion, contiguous with more than 100,000 In a multitude of ways, this capital cam- plications might preclude us ever being able acres of public open space in both New paign has the potential to make your Trail to inhabit the building, we minimized costs Why do we need a headquarters? York and New Jersey, including Ringwood, Conference stronger and more effective by relying on grants, pro bono services, con- We have been growing our organization— Sterling Forest, Wawayanda, and Harriman than our founders ever dreamed possible. I tributions from early supporters and, of both volunteers and staff—to meet the State Parks (see maps on page 11). An invite you to stand with us and support us course, lots of volunteer time. increasing needs of park and trail managers immediate neighbor is Ramapo College, during this exciting and all-important But now, the main obstacle to moving for public support. Every computer station with 3,000 students living on campus and phase of our Trail Conference history. into our permanent new headquarters is to and workspace in our current rented office an outstanding resource for connecting us finish raising $1 million in pledges to earn is occupied, every room packed to capacity. with more young people. The building is the Bolger challenge gift. We are no longer Small meeting rooms and spaces have been distinctive, architecturally significant, and holding back, no longer asking for patience converted to work areas. Committees and will draw positive attention to us and to our as permits are reviewed. Rather, we will be workshop attendees compete for use of our work. But you don’t need to be an architec- asking all of our members and neighbors to single remaining large meeting room, tural historian to appreciate the fieldstone — Edward Goodell help us in every way possible this summer, which is now only available on nights and and timber building’s street appeal, and the Executive Director to move into a building that: weekends because it is occupied during reg- fact that it just looks like it was made for us. [email protected] • architecturally embodies many of the ular working hours. Our care and stewardship of this old build- Long Awaited Catskill Interpretive Center Gets State Funding

Catskill Mountain region advocates are Today the Interpretive Center is a pri- excited that the long-promised but much vate/public partnership led by DEC, the delayed Catskill Interpretive Center along Catskill Center for Conservation and Route 28 in Mount Tremper may soon Development, and the Friends of the become a reality. New York State’s 2013 Catskill Interpretive Center. The Trail budget includes $1 million in funding for Conference is represented on the Friends the project, and designs for an approxi- group by Jeff Senterman, our Senior Pro- Update on the Palisades mately 2,000-square-foot facility are being gram Coordinator. finalized by the Dept. of Environmental While pressing for construction of the Conservation (DEC). Hopes are high that center, the group oversaw the installation of the building will be constructed shortly. an interpretive kiosk on the site, with 16 panels of information about the Catskills. CHAZIN DANIEL The Center will be staffed by a group of As of the deadline for this issue, litigants, In April and May, Protect the Palisades, a We are designing a trail to non-profit organizations, including the which include the Trail Conference, in the coalition of individuals and organizations, Trail Conference, and volunteer support dispute over the height of a proposed LG including the Trail Conference, dedicated the ridgetop above the site will be key in providing interpretive servic- Electronics building on the historic Pal- to protecting the Palisades, that offers a commanding es. The building will feature large open isades were in mediation and prohibited by circulated petitions, organized rallies, and spaces for interpretive displays, public rest- a judge’s order from further comment or conducted public information campaigns view of the Esopus Valley. rooms, space for educational and training action on the issue. about the issue. The New Jersey State Fed- events, and many acres for hiking trails and In October 2012, the Borough of Engle- eration of Women’s Clubs, which waged other outdoor activities. The Trail Confer- wood Cliffs, NJ, amended its zoning code the first campaign, in the early 1900s, to The project began more than three ence is designing a trail to the ridgetop to permit construction of buildings 150 preserve the Palisades, rededicated itself to decades ago, when interpretive centers were above the Interpretive Center site that offers feet in height in an area along the Palisades the preservation cause during a rally on being designed and built in the Adirondack a commanding view of the Esopus Valley Interstate Park. The limit was previously 35 Mother’s Day weekend. Park. The state purchased land for the cen- and Romer Mountain across the valley. feet. The change would detrimentally Trail Conference Executive Director ter and completed initial site work, but Former Congressman Maurice Hinchey impact this iconic and environmentally attended and spoke at the event. “If the LG progress came to a stop when priorities secured more than $350,000 in federal sensitive landscape. The park is listed as a building is given the go-ahead, it will be the changed. Nevertheless, local organizations funding for the project, and the center will National Historic Landmark and the Pal- first step in an extended ribbon of high-rise and activists continued to push for comple- bear his name. isades are a National Natural Landmark. development along the Palisades from the tion of the project, which promises to The suit was prompted by a proposal to George Washington Bridge northwards, promote tourism and economic benefits to build a new, 145-foot tall headquarters for destroying the magnificent legacy left by ear- the Catskill Mountain region. LG Electronics. lier generations,” Goodell told the crowd. Page 4 Summer 2013 Trailside Nature Words of Encouragement from 17-year Cicadas a Peripatetic Trail Volunteer Uniquely American By Mary Dodds Native Insects First, GET OUT AND HIKE! By Edna Greig After I retired, I was determined to hike as often as possible. I started out by printing hike descriptions, mostly by Daniel Chazin (volunteer), from the Trail Conference website. In May and June of 2013, you probably Next came purchasing maps and books, including Walkable Westchester. I met the author, heard their deafening din. On the trails, Jane Daniels (volunteer), who is a neighbor, and got involved with the Yorktown Trails they may have fallen from trees and Project, of which she is a guiding force. NEAL ZIRING NEAL bopped you on the head. Or, you may have Cicada on the grass Jane introduced me to East Hudson Trail Chair Geof Connor (volunteer), who recruit- heard and felt them crunch beneath your ed me for the Ward Pound Ridge trail crew led by Fred Stern (volunteer). Before I knew feet. They were 17-year cicadas. These century has brought a resurgence of the it, I had my own crew, the Westchester Trail Tramps (volunteers). stocky, red-eyed, winged insects are mem- periodical cicadas. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that all that hiking resulted in curiosity and concern about bers of the genus Magicicada and are also Forest trees suffer little ill effects from the the plants (and birds, animals and insects) I encountered on my hikes, so I got involved with called periodical cicadas. periodical cicada adults. Cicadas do most the Invasives Strike Force (volunteers). Periodical cicadas in our area live hidden of their feeding during their 17 years as How did this happen? Why did this happen? And should it happen to you? underground as nymphs for almost 17 nymphs, and the trees seem to have adapt- Right about now, you are probably answering these questions with the usual suspect years, feeding on the sap of tree roots. In ed to the annual small loss of sap that excuses, the same ones I had at the beginning of my volunteer life: year 17, the nymphs synchronously emerge results. When the cicada adults emerge, from the ground in huge numbers, under- they’re more interested in mating than in But I know nothing about trail maintenance, invasive plants, go a final molt (look for shed skins), and fly food and do very little feeding. Damage blazing trails, yada yada. off as adults to seek mates. Males gather does occur to tree twigs from the adult The Trail Conference has Trail U courses which provide instruction on trail maintenance, trail tread, building trails, identifying invasive plants, yada yada. Additionally, many crew supervisors are willing to go out with you and show you the maintenance ropes. But I dont feel comfortable going out on a trail and doing all this work by myself. You don’t have to go out alone. Crews for specific jobs are advertised on the Trail Con- ference website every week. Additionally, there are scheduled crews which meet regularly and go out for several hours. Dear to my heart are my crew, the Westchester Trail Tramps, a peripatetic group that goes out every Wednesday, and Fred Stern’s crew, the WPRR Trail Maintainers, who maintain on Fridays. I want to be alone. You can sign on as a solo trail maintainer with a specific trail or section of trail to main- tain. Most volunteers chose a favorite trail or one close to home. I can go out my back door and hike to my trail. My responsibility for this trail includes lopping vegetation that blocks the trail, ensuring the trail is properly blazed, and doing minor saw work. I report problems that would require a chain saw or other crew work. I don’t have the time. I do my solo maintenance at least once each season and after storms. However, it can be done as little as twice a year. As noted, there are sporadic crew dates which might also work for you. Or you might, for example, find yourself with a free Wednesday or

BUNDSCHUH Friday and chose to go out with the Trail Tramps or WPRR maintainers. Helpful Hint: Cicada Brood II on a finger tip Going out with a crew provides an excellent opportunity to meet people in the high in the trees and emit loud, beckoning females ovipositing. By summer, tree twigs community and learn about how interesting and enjoyable trail work can be. calls to attract females. When a female may start to visibly brown and die off, a approaches, the male woos her with a condition called flagging. Scientists have I hate paper work. courtship song, and, if pleased, the female estimated that this twig damage causes only Don’t we all. If you are a solo maintainer, you will be required to report your mainte- responds by clicking her wings. After mat- a slight reduction in tree growth during a nance hours, travel time, and summary of work done to your trail supervisor. There is ing, the female oviposits her eggs into slits cicada emergence year, and normal growth a form (of course), but for those of you who are paper work phobic, supervisors are she makes in tree twigs. The adult cicadas resumes the following year. Tree growth willing to assist. then die, usually only 2 to 4 weeks after may even increase in the years following a emergence. The eggs hatch after about 8 cicada emergence. The twig pruning weeks, and the young nymphs fall to the caused by the cicadas may actually be good ground, burrow into the soil, and settle for the tree. Trees and understory plants Who forgot the into an area by a tree root where they will also get a beneficial fertilizer boost from the rock bars? spend the next 17 years. dead cicadas that litter the forest floor. There are 12 different broods of 17-year cicadas that occur in specific geographical The regrowth of forests regions, each following a different 17-year life cycle. The broods are labeled with in the last century Roman numerals. Our area’s 2013 adults has brought a were from Brood II. If you’d like to see periodical cicada adults nearby before resurgence of the Brood II’s next emergence in 2030, look for Brood X in 2021. Brood X has a more periodical cicadas. westerly range but it does include parts of New York and New Jersey. The eastern US also is home to about a Periodical cicadas are the world’s longest- dozen species of annual cicadas, relatives of lived insects and occur only in the eastern the periodical cicadas. Annual cicada adults and midwestern US. People have long been emerge every year in July or August but in amazed by and fearful of the brief, explosive far smaller, and quieter, numbers than the I....can...do...this Happy crew with cool tools—loppers, episodes of periodical cicada adult emer- periodical cicadas. Their raspy songs are a mattocks, shovels, saws, yada yada. gences. People likened the periodical cicadas pleasant accompaniment to midsummer to crop-destroying locusts (grasshoppers) and autumn days. and mistakenly called them 17-year locusts. To learn more about periodical cicadas, How did I In fact, periodical cicadas fare poorly in visit www.magicicada.org. get into this? agricultural lands because there are few trees for the cicadas to complete their life cycles. Edna Greig is a regular contributor to Trail When much of the eastern forests were con- Walker. Find a link to her blog, Eye on verted to farmland in the 18th and 19th Nature, on our website. centuries, periodical cicada populations dwindled. The regrowth of forests in the last

Decked out (and very ambitious) solo Article author Mary Dodds studies HAVEN OFF THE HUDSON maintainer with loppers and saw a trail problem. Friendly, historic 3-season wooded community in Westchester County. Co-op offers hiking, tennis, pool, wifi café, organic community garden, social activities. Beautiful Hudson riverfront nearby. Studio, one-and two-bedroom cottages, $25,000-$160,00. AND finally, if you are not ready to maintain, you can still give back by monitoring www.reynoldshills.org/bungalowshop Contact Mel: 347-307-4642 or [email protected] conditions on the trails you hike and reporting any problems that you find. Just go to this page on the website, Report a Trail Problem: http://www.nynjtc.org/webform/trail- problem-report, and fill in the blanks. You can also find lots of links to ways to get involved. Hope to see you outside soon! Summer 2013 Page 5 HIHIKERSKERS’’ ALMALMANACANAC A Sampling of Upcoming Hikes Sponsored by Member Clubs

Find many more hikes at www.nynjtc.org. Click on Scheduled Hikes under Go Hiking!

July Sunday, July 21 Sunday, August 4 Monday, September 2 NYHC. White Trail to Great Kills, Staten Island, NY. Leader: NYR. Irvington, Greenburgh, and Tarrytown, NY. Leader: Eileen NYHC. Manhattan Walk – Battery to 14th St., East River Side, Thursday, July 4 Bettye Soffer, call 7-9pm to confirm and register for hike; 718-612- West, [email protected]. Meet: 9am at GCT for 9:20 NY. Leader: Ray Krant, 718-435-4994. Meet: 10:30am in front of AMC-NYNJ. East , NY. Leader: John 6284 on day of hike. Meet: Take 10:30am ferry to Staten Island. Hudson Line train (OW Irvington). Drivers park at Irvington Staten Island Ferry Terminal. Moderate 5 miles. Easy walk along Denkowski (212-865-5052, 8-9:30pm). Meet: contact leader for Meet leader in Staten Island in the rear of the terminal at the train station to meet incoming 10:06 train. Leader meets group at the East River. details. 10 miles with steep hills. Scenic hike at a brisk but station steps. Moderate 4-5 miles. A little woodland walking, then Irvington station. 12 miles at an unhurried pace. From Irvington Saturday, September 7 compassionate pace. Moderate and steep climbs rewarded with out to the beach of Gateway Park & Crooke’s Point. train station, hike to Halsey Pond, Irvington Woods, Taxter Ridge IHC. Cranford to Summit, NJ. Leader: Craig Nunn, 551-206- great views. Hiking boots and at least 2 quarts of water required. Preserve, Glenville Woods, Buttermilk Ridge, and Tarrytown Thursday, July 25 6823, [email protected]. Meet: Email or phone leader a week Rain cancels. Reservoir, using road walks to connect these Westchester AFW. Millstone Hill, NJ. Leader: Call 973-644-3592 for info and before the hike for meeting time and place. Strenuous 8-12 miles Saturday, July 6 County preserves. registration or visit www.adventuresforwomen.org. Meet: with substantial hills, including some rocky trails. This is eighth in ADK-LI. /Burnt Knob, Catskills, NY. 9:30am; register for details. Moderate hike at a moderate pace; NYHC. Manhattan Walk, Lower Half, West Side, NY. Leader: a series of hikes crossing the Garden State. Walk though various Leader: Sue Kenyon, [email protected] or 917-613-2042; out by 1:30pm. Bob Ward, 718-471-7036. Call after 8pm. Meet: 11am in Staten parks and along streets from Cranford to the Watchung register with leader by July 4. Moderately strenuous but leisure- Island Ferry Terminal, downstairs in front of the escalator. Saturday, July 27 Reservation, cross the Reservation, then continue along streets ly paced 7 miles; elevation gain 2,000 feet. Escarpment Trail with Moderate 4 miles. Walk through Battery Park, around Battery and parks to Summit. Awful weather cancels; contact leader after AMC-NYNJ. State Park, NY. Leader: Bill many fine views; shuttle required. Park City, and through and The High Line, 7am morning of hike if uncertain. Hladky (914-874-4640, NCA 9pm, [email protected]). Meet: Sunday, July 7 ending at 31st Street and Eighth Avenue. contact leader for details. Moderately paced 7 miles with moder- Sunday, September 29 AFW. Sterling Lake, Sterling Forest, NY. Leader: Call 973-644- ate hills. A long sustained up, equally so down. This one can take Tuesday, August 6 IHC. Mountain Lake to Ghost Lake, NJ. Leader: Ursula & Patrick 3592 for info and registration or visit your breath away. Ridge with fascinating geology and flora. ADK-LI. , Adirondacks, NY. Leader: Michael Davis, 973-786-7087, cell 973 670-5584 morning of hike only. www.adventuresforwomen.org. Meet: 9:30am; register for Respect the heat; bring 3 quarts of water. Vaughan, [email protected] or 631-495-6888 before Meet: 9am at Ghost Lake parking, 174 Shades of Death Rd.; Great details. Easy to moderate hike at a moderate pace; out by 1:30pm. July 9 or 518-637-9495 after July 10; must preregister. Hike 3.3 Sunday, July 28 Meadows, NJ. Strenuous 9 miles. This hike will take us through Tuesday, July 9 miles, 2900 feet ascent from the ASRC (Atmospheric Sciences lovely woods overlooking Mountain Lake and on the fairly new AMC-NYNJ. Harriman State Park Lake Hike, With Blueberries, Research Center) parking lot and 5 miles, 3400 feet descent to AFW. Valley of Boulders, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Call connector ridge trail through Jenny Jump State Forest with its NY. Leader: Tom Parliment (845-634-4116, NCA 10:30pm, Connery Pond parking lot. Possible alternate is to return to ASRC 973-644-3592 for info and registration or visit www.adventures- beautiful views ending down at Ghost Lake. Shuttle required. [email protected]). Meet: contact leader for details. Moder- with side trip to Esther (adds about 2.5 miles RT of level hiking). forwomen.org. Meet: 9:30am; register for details. Moderate hike Rain cancels. ately paced 9 miles with moderate hills. Harriman has a number Raindate is August 7. at a moderate pace; out by 1:30pm. of magnificent backcountry lakes and we will visit several of NYR. Arden-Hogencamp Mine, Harriman State Park, NY. Saturday, August 10 Saturday, July 13 them. Long lake lunch stop. Blueberries likely. Leader: Lee Ruelle, [email protected]. Meet: 8:15am at PABT IHC. The High Line, Hudson River Park, Governor’s Island & for Hikers Special 8:30 Short Line Bus (RT Arden). Cars meet AMC-NYNJ. Blueberry Hike in Harriman State Park, NY. NYR. Sloatsburg to Mt. Ivy, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: East River Cruise, NY. Leader: Craig Nunn, 551-206-6823, group in Elk Pen parking lot at 9:25am. Leader arrives on bus. Leaders: Nancy & Art Tollefson, [email protected], 212-727- Ian Hochstead, [email protected]. Meet: 8:55am at Penn [email protected]. Meet: Email or phone leader a week over Green Pond Mountain, passing idyllic 8961; call before 9:30pm. Meet: contact leaders for details (public Station NJ Transit ticket windows for 9:11 MidTown Direct train; before the hike for meeting time and place. Moderately strenuous Island Pond, through Lemon Squeezer. Long Path, and woods trans. available). Moderate 8 miles, with rocky trails and some change at Secaucus (OW Sloatsburg). Pine Meadow Trail to Stony 8-12 miles at brisk pace; on city streets and trails. From Penn road to Greenwood and Surebridge mine sites to view their piles, hills. Blueberries! (But not every berry on the bush; it’s still a hike.) Brook Trail, hiking it in its entirety. Briefly use HTS, then Tuxedo- Station we’ll walk the High Line, then Hudson River Park to the trenches, and water-filled shafts. Arden-Surebridge Trail to Bad weather forecast may cancel; call eve before if in doubt. Mt. Ivy and Seven Hills Trails to access Buck Trail, passing Monitor Battery. Catch free ferry to Governor’s Island and circumnavigate Dunning, pass remains of Pine Swamp and Hogencamp mine Rock. Hike entire Buck Trail to connect with Long Path. Out to Mt. ADK-LI. Schunemunk Mountain State Park, NY. Leader: Bill the island. Then take the East River Ferry (approx. $4) for a cruise sites. Then Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail over Black Rock; out to Elk Ivy on the LP, admiring the views from Big Hill Shelter. Long hike Schneider, [email protected] (preferred) or 516-378-3043; on the East River to Long Island City for optional barbeque Pen. Time permitting, side trail for vista at Stahahe High Peak. register with leader before 9pm on July 12. Strenuous but with possible late return. (subways back to Manhattan). Awful weather cancels; contact NYHC. Fort Tryon and Inwood Hill Parks, Manhattan, NY. moderately paced 7 miles; elevation gain 1,100 feet. Ridge walk on NYHC. Manhattan Walk, Lower Half, East Side, NY. Leader: Bob leader after 7am morning of hike if uncertain. Leader: Bob Ward, 718-471-7036. Call after 8pm. Meet: 11am in unusual “puddingstone” conglomerate smoothed by glacial Ward, 718-471-7036. Call after 8pm. Meet: 10:30am in front of Sunday, August 11 front of 190th Street Station, upper level on terrace, for a walk action. Many fine views. We’ll also visit the Megaliths, huge stone Rusk Institute at 34th St., east of First Ave. (Take M34 bus going through Fort Tryon and Inwood Hill Parks, possibly seeing the blocks that split off from the bedrock. east from any subway.) Moderate 4 miles. We will walk south AMC-NYNJ. Harriman State Park Lake Hike, With End of remains of an Indian settlement, an extremely large Gingko tree, along the East River to South Ferry (not stopping at the South Season Blueberries, NY. Leader: Tom Parliment (845-634-4116, Sunday, July 14 an almost hidden stone arch resembling the one in Washington Street Seaport). before 10:30pm, [email protected]). Meet: contact leader AFW. Watchung Reservation, NJ. Leader: Call 973-644-3592 for for details. Moderately paced 8 miles with moderate hills. Harri- Square Park, and the only farm house left in Manhattan. info and registration or visit www.adventuresforwomen.org. August man has a number of magnificent backcountry lakes and we will Moderate 3 miles. Meet: 10am; register for details. Easy to moderate hike at a visit several of them. Long lake lunch stop. Blueberries possible. leisurely pace; out by 2pm. Saturday, August 3 IHC. Highlands Hike & Swim, NJ. Leader: Mac McCaulley, 973- Saturday, August 24 IHC. Cannonball Trail End to End, NJ. Leaders: Al DiCianni, Find many more hikes on our website: 398-3002, [email protected]. Meet: 9am at Roland May ADK-LI. Panther Mountain, Catskills, NY. Leader: Sue Kenyon, [email protected]; Dennis Balance, [email protected]. nynjtc.org/content/scheduled-hikes Eves Mt. Inlet Sanctuary, 445 Lakeside Ave/Northwood Rd. [email protected] or 917-613-2042; register with leader Meet: 9am at Cannonball parking, 157 Barbara Drive, Pompton (Rt-609), Hopatcong, NJ. Strenuous hike. We will hike on a by August 22. Leisurely paced 7 miles; elevation gain 1600 feet. Lakes, NJ; shuttle required. Strenuous 10.5 miles. We will start at section of the Highlands Trail followed by a swim and picnic at Panther is one of the Catskill 3500 peaks and there are many fine Ramapo Valley County Reservation and hike to Bear Swamp Lake, the end of the hike at leader’s place. Bring bathing suits and a views from both Giant Ledge and Panther. then continue on Cannonball Trail. Rain cancels. dish to share. Heavy rain cancels. Sunday, August 25 NYHC. Manhattan Walk, Battery to 14th St. along Hudson The activities listed are sponsored by member clubs of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. All hikers are welcome subject to club regula- River, NY. Leader: Ray Krant, 718-435-4994. Meet: 10:30am in tions and rules of the trail. You are responsible for your own safety. Wear hiking boots or strong, low-heeled shoes. Bring food, water, front of Staten Island Ferry Terminal. Moderate 5 miles. Walk rain gear, first aid kit, and a flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe through Battery Park and Hudson River Park. cannot complete the hike or is not adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. More than 100 clubs belong to the Trail Conference, and many of our affiliate groups sponsor hikes not listed in the Hikers’ Almanac. September For a descriptive list of Conference clubs, consult our website or send a SASE with your request to NY-NJ Trail Conference. Sunday, September 1 Club Codes IHC. Cataract Park to Long Valley, NJ. Leaders: Guy & Jennifer Only those clubs with hikes offered in this issue are listed below. Please call numbers listed to confirm. Percival, 973-590-7437, [email protected]. Meet: 9am at Long Valley Brew Pub, Fairmount Rd. (Rt. 517), Long Valley, NJ. ADK-LI ADK Long Island Chapter IHC Interstate Hiking Club Moderately strenuous. We will explore a new and partially AFW Adventures for Women NYHC New York Hiking Club completed section of the Patriots’ Path. Yes, there will be some AMC-NYNJ AMC New York-North Jersey Chapter NYR New York Ramblers road walking along with some new sights to see. Ending at Long Valley where those that wish can visit the famous Long Valley Clubs wishing to have hikes listed in Hikers’ Almanac should send their schedules to [email protected] or to the Trail Conference Office. Brew Pub! Shuttle required. Rain cancels. Member Andrew Quinn of Montclair, NJ The deadline for the Fall issue is August 15. amidst mountain laurel on a June hike.

But what is a Walkabout? Member Club News Is it a rite of passage? A time apart from everyday life, to reconnect us with ourselves and to the world Find links to all Trail Conference member groups online under the Community around us? These things are told in Australia, and in a tab at www.nynjtc.org. smaller way they are also true here in Hyde Park. The Hyde Park Walkabout leads to the special places and Hyde Park (NY) Trail Partnership stories that run throughout the Town’s landscape. The Walkabout invites you to walk at least five of With an array of national, state, local, and not-for-profit parks and preserves right in or Hyde Park’s trails within a year. Keep track of your close to a densely populated community, the Town of Hyde Park is fortunate in its walks on a free checklist, and when you have completed at least five trails, turn in your opportunities for outdoor recreation. It is also fortunate in its tradition of collaboration list to receive a reward: a free, sew-on patch. Each year, a new Walkabout trail patch fea- among the various land managers. tures something special about Hyde Park. This year it is Bard Rock, the beautiful The Hyde Park Trail Partnership was founded in 1988, although the idea of a network promontory on the Hudson River at the Vanderbilt National Historic Site. If you haven’t of trails in the town can be traced back to 1977. The original committee comprised rep- been there lately, a great trail goes right by it. resentatives from the Town of Hyde Park, Scenic Hudson, the Winnakee Land Trust, the Six of our trails have free, downloadable podcasts that tell the stories of the people and Dutchess County Council of Boy Scouts, the , and the Mid-Hud- places of the landscape. Download them from the web (www.nps.gov/vama and click on son Chapter of ADK. Since then, the committee has expanded and now includes the “Photos and Multimedia”). Or listen by cell phone, right from the trail. Taconic Region of New York State Parks, the Dutchess County Health Department, and the NY-NJ Trail Conference, among others. How to begin your Walkabout The first phase of Hyde Park Trails opened with a formal ceremony on June 1, 1991. Pick up a Walkabout brochure at any of the local National Park Service visitor centers, In 1992, the Hyde Park Trail was the first designated Hudson River Greenway Trail. In at Hackett Hill Town Park, or at the State Park headquarters in Staatsburg. We also try 2006, the Hyde Park Healthy Trails Walkabout began. to keep brochures available at each of our trailhead kiosks. Or you can download the map and see more information at www.hydeparkny.us; click on “Recreation.” Page 6 Summer 2013 Trail Mix: People Getting Out to Give Back

NEW BRIDGE AT MINNEWASKA continued from page 1 Trails Camp Gets Attention A Week in the Catskills Building Trail SONA MASON SONA

Volunteers and summer trail interns have been tending to some big clean-ups and repairs at our Harriman State Park Trails Camp. The camp is a seasonal home for many at work on trail projects in our region. Crews of volunteers have included cadets from nearby West Point Military Academy as well as our own dedicated member volunteers. Projects are ongoing and help will be needed throughout PATTY LEE PARMALEE (WORK PHOTOS) (WORK PARMALEE LEE PATTY the summer. Those with skills in carpentry and plumbing work commenced on replacing the High Peters Kill Trail can enjoy making an especially big impact. Learn how you bridge. As before, this crossing will consist of two bridges, can help by going to http://www.nynjtc.org/content/ a 24-foot span and 40-foot span, both Pratt-style truss harriman-camp-crew. bridges built of 2x4 and 2x6 lumber. Both bridges were planned to be completed in June. Bear Claw Crew Leads Effort to Improve Ramapo Reservation In our first back-country extended service trip (the project area is Mossy Glen Trail Bridge worked on Cross Mountain in the Catskills for a week in June. Their Plans for replacing the bridge on this popular trail were still Entry Trail Volunteers from two of our crews–the Long Path Crew and our Lon in development as of press time. rock work projects that help prevent erosion in steep areas–are involv new trail and hardened some erosion-vulnerable trail sections. Anyon Making a Better come to join future outings. New participants are welcome. Day- Wanaque Ridge Trail supplied. Check the crew calendar on nynjtc.org for details.

Sona Mason Tapped to Coordinate Han West Hudson Trail Programs Pro Sona Mason (pronounced Hank Sonia) discovered how satis- door fying it is to drill and break advoc rocks on the Bear Mountain New project a number of years Confe ago, and has since been a trail coord maintainer and supervisor at Hudso Thanks to the efforts of Crew Chiefs Rich Raschdorf and Harriman and Storm King tion f Frank Schoof, Bear Claw Crew members, our summer trail parks respectively. She used to be a travel agent in her for- and p interns, and high school students from Mahwah, Ramapo mer life, and reignited a love of wilderness and nature while Westc Valley County Reservation now has a new entry trail. Ero- travelling to various global biodiversity hotspots. She then York C sion has been a problem on the high-use trail for quite some became a full time student of ecology at Columbia and tory a time. The crew excavated the area, and installed the timber Rutgers Universities, and dabbles as a volunteer-trainer in the G steps and temporary sand back fill. Matthew Grev and the stream monitoring, deer management, and promoting board fantastic folks at the county provided the necessary materi- native plant life in her spare time. She loves the Trail Con- Philip als. Our interns later hauled, spread, and tamped stone that ference’s ethos of preserving and promoting wilderness and Highl had been brought to the site. The efforts of everyone getting people immersed and invested in it, and hopes to ence involved should guarantee a comfortable entrance and exit accomplish the challenging task of filling Larry Wheelock’s assista The Jolly Rovers, pictured above, our volunteer technical to and from the park for years to come. Sadly, this was impressive shoes. at Co rock work trail crew, repaired an eroded section of the Rich’s farewell crew project for us, as he has moved out of Point Wanaque Ridge Trail in Ramapo Mountain State Forest, our area. menta NJ, one May weekend. 18 crew members quarried and installed 22 stone steps up an eroded gully near the final approach to the ridge from Back Beach Field. Their work Searching Out Invasive Plants makes the trail more enjoyable for hikers and helps protect the environment from further erosion. Thanks Rovers! The Invasives Strike Force (ISF) Trail Crew has been busy this spring with removal work days at Worthington State Scouts Earn Eagle Forest NJ, Bear Mountain NY, and Flat Rock Brook Status for Trail Projects Nature Center in Englewood, NJ. We’ve had more youth involved in our projects and have enjoyed some beautiful Erik Synol and Sean Saint days. We removed piles of barberry bushes at Bear Moun- Jacques were both awarded tain in the course of several outings. At Flat Rock Brook the rank of Eagle Scout for Nature Center, our crew, pictured at right, did a massive their work on Trail Confer- garlic mustard pull, removing 18 40-gallon garbage bags ence trails. Erik rerouted the packed full. badly worn Hewitt-Butler ISF trail surveying volunteers are also busy again this Trail up to Wyanokie High year. As of this spring, we had completed surveys on 375 Point in Norvin Green State miles of trail. Our goal this year is to reach 600 miles, and Forest. Sean rebuilt a section of the Appalachian Trail over with more than 80 volunteers already signed up to survey, a wetland area at Ferguson Fields in Wantage, NJ. Trail we are off to a great start. More than a dozen of our expe- Conference volunteers involved with the projects were rienced volunteers also took advanced training this spring invited to the March award ceremony. Pictured, left to to learn additional invasive plants to keep watch for on our right: Bob Jonas, Estelle Anderson, Paul Makus, Erik Syn- trails. Training for new ISF surveying volunteers is being ol, Sean Saint Jacques, Alan Breach, and Jill Arbuckle. offered throughout the season. Many of the workshops are being taught by Linda Rohleder, the ISF project coordina- tor, but Denise Hewitt, one of our experienced ISF volunteers, will also be teaching some training sessions in New Jersey. ISF training workshops are being supported by the Zofnass Family Foundation and Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc. Summer 2013 Page 7 Tool Tips for Trail Volunteers The Ultimate Blazing Machine THE RIG Story and photos by Les Ferguson

Well, OK, it’s not really a machine, but it 2 can sure let you paint beautiful, neat trail blazes as if it were! I recently had the pleasure of working 1 with Fred Schneider, AT Trail Maintainer for the section north of Rt.17A/. Fred, a certified sawyer, 4 was helping us clear some Hurri- cane Sandy blowdowns. We also 3 needed to blaze a newly re-rout- ed section heading southbound toward New Jersey. 5 As we got ready to do the blaz- D ing, Fred went to his truck and E pulled out his amazing, blazing FR bucket. A marvel of homemade Ger- man engineering, this simple set-up sent me scurrying for my camera so that I could 6 share this with our loyal readers. The rig consists of a standard 5-gallon 7 paint or spackle bucket (make sure it has a handle) that holds your tools and supplies and also supports the paint tray. The inge- nous paint tray is just a large round pie or serving tin. It is bent in half, crimped around the edge of the bucket and support- ed by a coat hanger that runs across the 1 5-gallon bucket 2 touch-up brush 3 pie tin 4 paint supply several miles from a trailhead), volunteers lived and center of the bucket through two drilled r goal: get the Long Path off roads and into the woods. holes. Fred cuts a Shurline styrofoam paint- 5 styrofoam paint pad cut into 3 pieces 6 scraper 7 coat hanger ng Distance Trails Crew, which specializes in technical ing pad (#01500) into three equal 2” x 3” ved. In this first week, they cleared about 2.5 miles of pieces to use as an applicator. The pads are ne with energy and stamina and a good attitude is wel- very inexpensive so they are great for one- -hikers also are needed to help keep our volunteers time use. Paint is carried in any type of lidded, plastic container and added to the tray as needed. The bucket also contains rags, a touch-up brush and a single-bladed nk Osborn Is New East Hudson paint scraper for preparing the bark for the gram Coordinator blazing paint. The pads make it super-easy to make a k Osborn, an avid out- perfect vertical blaze on the smoothed bark. athlete, educator, and Fred just loads up the pad, presses it onto cate, has joined the the tree to apply the top section of the York-New Jersey Trail blaze, then lifts and presses the bottom of Step 1: Apply to top. Step 2: Apply to bottom. erence as program the blaze and finally smooths it with the dinator for our East edge of the pad. He did a perfect blaze on region. The posi- every time! Check out his technique below. focuses on developing I know I will be putting a rig like his romoting public access to and enjoyment of nature in together for my next blazing foray. Thank chester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties, and New you Fred! City. Hank comes to his new position with a long his- and deep passion for the outdoors. Presently, he chairs Les Ferguson volunteers as a maintainer on Garrison School Forest Committee (since 2006); is a the AT in Orange County and as editor and d member of the NY State Greenway Committee, designer of Trail Worker, our twice-a-year pstown (since 2006); and leads hikes for the Hudson e-newsletter for our trail volunteers. This arti- lands Land Trust (since 2006). Hank has taught sci- cle appeared in the Spring 2013 issue. Find Step 3: Smooth. Step 4: Done! at the Tabor Academy in Massachusetts, served as past issues at nynjtc.org/view/trailworker. ant professor of physical education and rowing coach olumbia University, snowboard instructor at West Military Academy, and general manager of environ- al preservation for Oslands Inc, in Garrison, NY. Carrying Your Baby: can hike even rough almost vertical trails A terrific way to transport your with the saw secure. This does not include precious saw and sawyer gear extra chains, scrench, wedges, lunch, and water, but that is what my swamper By Joel Pinsker, Certified Sawyer (sawyer assistant) is for. When I get done with the hurricane Sandy blowdowns and I am using a Kelty baby carrier for my saw. can go back to normal trail clearing I will The baby carrier is built to carry weight switch to a lighter saw. well, and has a proper suspension with a One of the nice things about baby carri- waist strap and a good frame. The carrier ers as saw carriers is that used baby carriers has a fold out back leg that lets it stand up are cheap. I picked up three of them at for easy loading and unloading of your three different garage sales for $5 each. I ‘baby.’ The back leg is attached to the pack really don’t care if there is some dried drool straps, so it folds in as soon as you pick up on the carrier or if they aren’t spotless, the pack. The saw fits inside nicely and the because for my use they sure won’t stay straps that are meant to go over the baby’s spotless. shoulders go over the handle and keep the power head nice and secure. I have Joel Pinsker was one of 58 volunteer sawyers attached a spare scabbard to the side for an Incredibiliter tremulus suis imputat and swampers who contributed a combined Quadrupei corrumperet apparatus bellis. 2,163 hours to clearing hundreds of post- Chirographi suffragarit cathedras. Saburre Sandy blowdowns from trails in the southern “... the straps that are West Hudson region. meant to go over the extra bar and chain. I drilled a hole in the bottom of the spare scabbard to allow rain baby’s shoulders go to drain out of it. over the handle and As pictured, and fully fueled, the set up comes in at about 40 pounds. Kind of keep the power head heavy for a day of walking, but it gets the gear out there. This carrier keeps the weight nice and secure.” on my hips, and close to my back so that I Page 8 Summer 2013

Nominees for ice on trails and with her club, North Jersey Ramapo ADK. She is an active trail main- TRAIL CONFERENCE SUPPORTERS Board of Directors, tainer at the Tenafly Nature Center in New Delegates at Large Jersey. With Pete Tilgner, she served many years as co-supervisor in Sterling Forest DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND 2013 State Park. Suzan has a master’s degree in February 21, 2013 – May 17, 2013 The Nominations Committee of the Trail special education from Temple University Robin Abrett & Bernard Baron, Thomas & Patricia Accetta, Frank R. & Micheline Ackerman, Anonymous Donor, Conference presents the following candidates and taught special education for 24 years. Patrick J. Applegate, Barbara Arbesfeld, William & Christine Balcerski, Alexander & Margaret Bancroft, Christopher K. for the Board of Directors for three-year terms She is adjunct professor at William Patter- Bastedo, Steven Becker, Larry & Susan Bernstein, Teresa Birrer, Minor Bishop, John B. Blenninger, Ian Blundell, Rita and Delegates-at-Large for one-year terms. son College. Boyd, Ed Brandt, Kenneth Bromberg & Philippa Gordon, Sigrid & Edward Brooks, Corinne & Dennis D. Brown, These nominations will be voted on at the Katherine Brown, Howard Brown & Nancy A. Houghton-Brown, Patricia Buceta, Susan E. Carroll, Matty & Gus Castellano, Chris Christodoulou & Hilary Gomes, Michael Cooney, Peter Coy, Robert W. Cresko, Philip D. Cristantiello Annual Meeting to be held on October 5, Incumbents nominated for new terms PhD, John Dalenberg, Mark J. Dallara, George F. Davenel Jr., William & Virginia Day, Lois N. De Conca, Jerome Dean, 2013 Senasqua Lodge, Croton Point, NY. Denise R. & Dan DeBernardi, John P. Denkowski, Charles A. Dennean, Brigitte Dessauer, Edward DiSalvo, Rosanne T. Watch for details about events and schedule Daniel Chazin, Teaneck, NJ Dobbin, Delight W. Dodyk, Nancy Dougherty & Martin Eisenberg, Stephan Drighes, June Duffy, David & Barbara at nynjtc.org/event/fallmeeting2013 Daniel is a life member of the Trail Confer- Dykhouse, Douglas K. Eads, Bryan English, Cy Esposito, Fred & Ruth Everett, Sheila C. Ewall, Frances Lee Fanger, Sanford Felzenberg, Peter Feniello, Margaret A. Fitzgerald, Robert L. & Judy Foester, Peter I. & Janice A. Ford, Wendy ence. He is a long-time board member and Fowler, Leonard & NanJakob & Gely M. Franke, Sheldon Freidenreich, Neil & Caren Loebel-Fried, Angelika For Board of Directors currently serves as secretary. He chairs the Fuellemann, Henry & Samira Galler, Matthew Garamone & Adrienne Booth, Jane Geisler, William H. Gelles, Frank Edward B. (Ned) Whitney, NYC Publications Committee and has written, Genna & Deborah Padula-Genna, Frances V. Gibbs, Rob Gigliuto, Madeline Giotta, Alica & Peter Giuffra, G. Nigel Godson, Dan Goodman, Glenn S. Gray, Judith Green, Timothy A. Gregg, Lalla R. Grimes, John & Anne Grob, Paul & Ned is a long-time hiker, especially on Trail edited, and managed numerous book and Maria Haggerty, Eileen P. Hanna, Dennis Hardy, Elizabeth Heald, Clayton Hemmert, Lori Hershenhart, Frederick Hodde, Conference-maintained trails in the Hudson map projects. W. Jean Horkans, Don Horne, Richard Howland, Mr. William Jacovina, Ted & Sue Jenner, Shari M. & Raymond B Highlands. He has or is serving on many Johnson, Jeffrey Jones, John Jurasek, Norman & Myrna Kasser, Jodie H. Katz, John & Bradford Keith, Young & Choon boards, including: American Rivers, board Charlotte Fahn, Kim, Charles J. Kircher, Mark Klingenstein, Jonathan Kohn, Alice Kohnert, Henryka Komanska & Chris Bernhardt, E. Hastings-on-Hudson, NY Donald Kress, Robert Krumm, Theresa A. Lahr, Dominic Larche, Richard D. & Faith A. Larson, Youngick Lee, Gary E. member 2002-2012, chair 2006-2011. Leinkram, Ed Leonard, Michael Leonard, Laura Leso, Karen Levine, Kenneth F. Lewaine, Kathryn Lieberthal, William BoardSource: board member 2006-present; A life member of the Trail Conference, Linn, Meyer, Scott Michenfelder, Francis X. Miller, John & Pat Mintzer, Steven & Sophia Mirones, William P. Mitchell & The Wilderness Society: member, President’s Charlotte is active in the Trail Conference Barbara Jaye, Chi & Lourdes Mo, Paul D. Monti & Nikki Sidhu, Thomas C. Moorhead, Elizabeth & Joseph Morley, Lee Mott & Barbara Simmons, Tom & Helen Murphy, Debra Norman, Sara Novak, Patrick Nowak Sr., Andrew K. & Jung Council, 2006-present; Early Music Foun- campaign to Protect the Palisades. She is Rim Park, William F. & Mary H. Penny, Mark & Karen Perreault, Hank Perrine, Winston C. & Betty P. Perry, William & dation: Trustee, President and Co-Treasurer, also active with the Friends of the Croton Georgann Pettenger, Trudy Pojman, Marcus P. Porcelli, George J. Prokopiak, Homer Purcell, Mary Jean Purdy, Stephen 2009-present; Blinken European Institute at Aqueduct. Rant, Roger Roloff & Barbara Petersen, Dr. Zehava S. Rosenberg, Lynn Rosencrans-Morgan & Timothy Morgan, Mike , member, Board of Rossi, Lowell & Rosalie Saferstein, Steven & Lois Salisbury, Michael Sasse, Bradley Scher, Joshua Schickman, Aaron Daniel Hoberman, Montclair, NJ Schneider, Richard F. Schneider, Trudy Schneider, Kyle & Michael Sherry, Carol Silvestro, Norman J. & Kip Smith, Mr. Advisors, 2010-present; Constitution Marsh Harry J. Smith, Chuck Smith, Sara & Christian Sonne, Mike & Peggy Sormani, Mark Soss, Victor & Anna Starshinin, Audubon Center & Sanctuary, member Daniel an attorney of counsel with Rabner Linda & Bob Steiner, Eric Steinhart, Robert Sternhell, John Stockman, Emmanuel Tanner, Richard & Marjorie Taylor, advisory board, 2011-present. Allcorn Baumgart & Ben-Asher, P.C., John B Taylor, Carl E. & Victoria A.D. Thune, John D. Titman, Howard Tokosh, Diana Trebbi, Donald Tripp & Denise Montclair. He serves as Trail Conference Jarvis, Jerome Trupin, Maria Celina Trzepacz, Charles W. Ulrich, John van der Kieft, Nicholas J. Viggiano, Richard E. & Patsy Wooters, Suffern, NY Elizabeth Voigt, F. William Walker, Alfred M. Wanamaker Jr., Larry A. Wehr, Eric R Weiss, Diana Whiteman, John W. board counsel and is a member of the Pub- Wizeman, Hanson Wong, Kutae & Mikyong Yi, Gregory & Kimberly Zdenek, David Zwerling Patsy is a Trail Conference life member and lications Committee. active hiker. Patsy has been active in conser- TRIBUTES CORPORATE, FOUNDATION vation advocacy work in our region since Richard Katzive, Irvington, NY For the Catskill Program & OTHER DONORS 2000, when she joined the Torne Valley Richard is an attorney with DelBello Don- Sibyl Golden Adventures For Women, AIG Matching Grants Program, AMC Delaware Valley Chapter, Avon Products, Inc., BP Preservation Association to oppose two pro- nellan Weingarten Wise & Wiederkehr, For the New Jersey Invasives Strike Force Benjamin Burton Foundation, Catskill 3500 Club, COACH Matching Gift posals to site power plants in the valley. LLP, White Plains, NY. He is an active Program, Conatus Capital Management, Deutsche Bank, From the estate of Carl Schiemann Upon successfully defeating that threat, member of the Trail Conference Conserva- EarthShare New Jersey, Ever Green Hiking Club, Fidelity Suzanne M. Schiemann Charitable Gift Fund, Ford Foundation Matching Gift TVPA broadened its mission to protecting tion Committee. In honor of the Alpine Ski Association Eastern USA Program, IBM Corporation Matching Grants Program, all large parcels of vacant mountain land Jung Sup Kim Matching Gift Center, Nassau Hiking and Outdoor Club, along the Ramapo Pass. Since then much For Delegates-at-Large In honor of my good friend Don Weise Network For Good, Open Space Institute, Orange and land has been protected to the east of the riv- Susan Barbuto Paul Makus Audrey Roco Rockland Utilities, Inc., Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program, Sierra Club Lower Hudson Group, UBS er. Patsy currently chairs TVPA and the Norman Blumenstein Steven Marano In loving memory of Gary M. Grochowsky Foundation Matching Gift Program, Unilever Ramapo Highlands Coalition and is secre- Jane Daniels Mary Anne Massey June B Brogan, Joseph Clinton Foundation, Inc., Verizon Foundation In memory of Richard Warner, who taught me the ropes tary for the Sterling Forest partnership. For Allyn Dodd George Petty Tributes are only printed for donations of $25 or more. the past four years, she has been involved in Jack Driller Karen Rose Robert J. Jonas On behalf of Barbara Socor, myself and my wife the Rockland Water Coalition, which Harvey Fishman Ruth Rosenthal Patricia Finn for the “Phantoms of the Ramapos” book opposes a desalination plant in Haverstraw. Bob Fuller Mellonie Sanborn Jim Wright Patsy retired from a teaching career in 2007. Pete Heckler Frank Schoof Jill Hamell Arnold Seymour-Jones To complete term of Anne Osborn John Jurasek Douglas Sohn DONORS TO THE Suzan Gordon, Tenafly, NJ Rob Lehman Nancy Tollefson DARLINGTON SCHOOLHOUSE FUND Suzan is a Trail Conference life member Mark Liss Robert Ward February 15, 2013 – MAY 17, 2013 with an extensive history of volunteer serv- Alice Luddington-Cantor Jeremy Apgar, Christine Atlee, Michael & Kathy Azzara, John Bradley, Thomas Bugel, Neil DiBernardo, Jennifer Easterbrook, Laura Enos & Greg McAlpin, Don & Phyllis Fairbairn, Caroline Farrior, Joe Gorman, Jacqueline Grant, John & Anne Grob, Donald Grover, Ellie & Martin Gruber, Jane T. Hegarty, Hudson City Savings Bank, Jay & Helen Hesselgrave, Riley R. Hobbs, Charles & Viviana Holmes, Peter L. Kennard, John K. Leigh IV, Ann G. Loeb, Jonathan National Trails Day 2013 Martin & Lindsay Gafford, Jan Keithly & Miklos Muller, Joanne E. Reinhardt, Allen Rochkind, Robert C. Ross, Jeffrey P. Senterman & Maurice Lemire, George J. Shellowsky, Evan Steinberg, William & Len M. Steinmetz, Phyllis A. Long Path North Club Stewart, John Stockman, Janet Waegel & Wayne Miller, Scott & Jennis Watson, Dava Weinstein & Dorothy Calvani, Replaces Bridge Donald L. Weise, Gary Willick, Schwab Charitable Fund Congratulations and thanks to the Long Path North Club for their National Trails Day bridge-building success. With 25 A Bridge Down and Back Up in the Catskills volunteers, they got the 24-footer Ross- man Hill trail bridge done in 2 hours! Great work! Bear Mountain Barberry Blitz The Invasives Strike Force welcomed help from the public at Bear Mountain on National Trails Day. The group focused on pulling barberry from along trails. It was one of several trail projects on the moun- tain that day that were supported by REI and Whole Foods.

Kaaterskill Rail Trail Opens Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers, we quickly removed and are rebuilding the On National Trails Day in Haines Falls, NY, the Trail Conference joined with its partners replica kingpost bridge in that carries the Long Path. We closed the bridge to open the first phase of the Kaaterskill Rail Trail. More than 100 trail enthusiasts came immediately when we spotted a structural issue, and created a short temporary trail out to celebrate and explore the trail. The trail follows the abandoned Ulster & Delaware detour. The new bridge was scheduled to be finished by the print date of this issue Railroad between the Mountain Top Historical Society property in Haines Falls and New (weather permitting). Many thanks to all of the volunteers involved in this project and York Forest Preserve land at the end of Laurel House Road, just above . thanks for making such quick work of the problem! Eventually, the trail will extend to the campground at North/South Lake. Summer 2013 Page 9 Dover and Pawling Book Review hiking shoes. After applying the glue to both surfaces you will need some NY Awarded Stumbling Thru method to compress the surfaces togeth- Appalachian Trail Book One: GEAR er while the glue dries. Shoe Goo was invented in 1972 to Hike Your Own Hike repair tennis shoes, but its uses have Community expanded since then. The product Distinction CHECK description on the bright red tube says An occasional series that will review gear “shoe repair and protective coating” and Dover and Pawling in Dutchess County, appropriate for hiking. reports that the glue “works on leather, NY, have been designated jointly as an rubber, vinyl and canvas.” Besides gluing Appalachian Trail Community by the a rubber rand, I have also used Shoe Goo Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and to seal tears in two down coats. The seal the New York-New Jersey Trail Confer- is not cosmetic, but it has held tight ence. Pawling and Dover, to be known as throughout the winter. (I also used Shoe the Harlem Valley A.T. Community, will Goo to reattach the plastic housing of be the 30th A.T. Community to enter into my side view car mirror more than six the partnership, and the second in New months ago. I supported the mirror with York. Last year, the Orange County Town duct tape while the glue dried.) of Warwick was welcomed into the pro- I have read about hikers whose boot gram, which recognizes and thanks By A. Digger Stolz soles loosened and partially peeled off communities for their part in promoting Follyworks Publishing, LLC, 2013 during a hike, essentially ending or the A.T. as an important local and nation- Reviewed by Robert C. Ross shortening their planned excursion. al asset as well as an international icon. While I would not say Shoe Goo is an Both Dover and Pawling Town Boards This first book by A. Digger Stolz is an essential item to be carried in your back- unanimously approved resolutions to apply instant classic and belongs among the very Shoe Goo pack, I do recommend inspecting your for designation as an A.T. Community. best of all the Appalachian Trail adventure Reviewed by Howard E. Friedman hiking shoes periodically between hikes. Receiving over 35 letters of support from books in my library. It tops my other three For repairs that require gluing, I can rec- elected officials, businesses, educators and favorites: Skywalker: Close Encounters on Shoe Goo can help extend the life of ommend Shoe Goo. organizations in the area, the application the Appalachian Trail by Bill Walker, Hik- your hiking shoes, boots, and sneakers. presented a strong a commitment to sup- ing Through: One Man’s Journey to Peace The product works well, and it costs less Howard E. Friedman, DPM, is an avid port the A.T. through activities such as and Freedom on the Appalachian Trail by than $10—a small investment to extend hiker, a podiatrist in Suffern, NY, and a developing an A.T. appreciation day, and Paul Stuzman, and A Walk in the Woods by the life of footwear that often costs more frequent contributor to Trail Walker. working with each school district to create Bill Bryson. than $100 these days. distinct projects linking K-12 curriculum Stumbling Thru is billed as a work of The glue smells like rubber cement to the A.T. Pawling and Dover fiction: “Names, characters, places and but is transparent in appearance. The Middle/High Schools will also collaborate incidents appearing within are either prod- 3.7-ounce tube I have has lasted for more to establish an inter-school A.T. Service ucts of the author’s imagination or are used than a year. I have used it to repair the Rating: 5 boots out of 5 Learning Club. fictitiously.” Nevertheless, the story is solid- rand, a protective rubber that often sur- Ratings are 1-5 boots, with a 5-boot rank- ly based on fact. Stolz did hike the A.T., rounds the front of shoes or boots, of my ing signifying “This is very good. I like it.” More than 75 volunteers and he gives special thanks to the trail maintainers and volunteers who make hik- spent two and a half years ing the A.T. possible. As he writes, the A.T. is “simply awesome” thanks to their efforts. Grow Support for Trails constructing the route, And, honestly, that phrase applies to this some coming from as novel as well. It follows Walter (aka Bartle- Each Time You Hike! by) on his hike, one that he takes Announcing the Trail Ambassador Initiative far away as Italy and unwillingly, as his “I’d prefer not to” atti- Great Britain. tude changes to “I am compelled to.” In Go Hiking. You can represent the Trail Conference while doing this volume Bartleby covers Springer Mountain to Damascus (460 miles of the what you love. Many hikers don’t realize that our volunteers are “The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has total 2200) together with a large cast of responsible for keeping their favorite trails open and beautiful. already seen a great amount of community characters including Bird, Mops, B-Bop, T- That’s where you come in. effort in supporting the A.T. with the Ball, Hibs, Frizzle, Bawdy, Flutterby, development and dedication of the new Poobah, Coyote, and many more. Grow the Trail Conference. We’ll give you business card-sized boardwalk last year,” stated Julie Judkins, It is this cast of characters, their well- materials to hand out to hikers interested in supporting the community program manager for the drawn personalities, their fascinating Trail Conference. In this way, you will be directly involved in Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The interactions, both on the trail and more 1,600-foot, oak-decked boardwalk often at night in camp, that makes the book recruiting new members and volunteers. includes a 34-foot bridge and carries the so much fun to read. Like a hiker on a new Get Benefits. For every person who joins the Trail Conference A.T. across the Great Swamp in Pawling. trail, the reader can’t wait to see what will More than 75 volunteers spent two and happen next, what’s around that next bend, because of your efforts, you will receive $1 to use in our Trail a half years constructing the route, some how can she top that story—the endless Store. Rack up these TA Dollars to get free maps, books, and gear. coming from as far away as Italy and Great anticipation that every hiker knows so well. Britain. “Building off that enthusiasm and The characters snipe at each other but Visit nynjtc.org/trailambassador to learn more and to sign up! adding new partners to the management display a genuine affection for each other. effort will increase local stewardship and The reader cheers them on through the expand sustainable tourism efforts.” challenges and the monotony of the trail, the simple drudgery of cold and wet and Hikers’ sweat and blisters. As an experienced hiker on seven conti- Marketplace nents, I found this novel resonated strongly SETH MCKEE with me. Glancing through the many posi- tive online reviews by inexperienced hikers, Go Places with Trail Maps and continued from page 1 it is clear that they find the book, though Books from the Trail Conference. fictional, a great introduction to hiking. Stolz has announced that the second vol- ume, Stumbling Thru: Keepin’ On Keepin’ Planning to get fit in 2013? On, will follow Bartleby and his compan- Fit yourself out with the best trail ions as they complete their northbound maps for our region. Get all 11 great trek of the Appalachian Trail. map sets for one discounted price! Awesome! Price: $107.78; $80.84 (members) Robert C. Ross of Franklin Lakes, NJ, is a life (postage/handling$6.00) member of the Trail Conference. This is his Our map combo offers all 11 high-quality first review for Trail Walker. Trail Conference maps at a 5% discount Avid hiker Seth McKee knows trail access (members get an additional 25% discount). requires land preservation. Save big on shipping charges: Just $6.00 when you buy the combo pack! him professionally as the Trail Conference continues to protect the quality of life in Find it on our online store under Combos. our region by ensuring we have public We cover your favorite hiking areas in the New York-New Jersey region, access to open space.” Advertise in including Harriman-Bear Mountain, the Catskills, North Jersey and Jersey Highlands, East and West Hudson Highlands, and more. To learn how you can get involved in pro- Trail Walker. Find all our publications, and select trail guides from others, on our website, tecting our trails through conservation, Our readers: Active, outdoor and get your 25% member discount! contact our Volunteer Coordinator John enthusiasts in the greater Leigh, [email protected]. Visit www.nynjtc.org/panel/goshopping! New York metropolitan area. Or call 201-512-9348 Call 201.512.9348, ext. 26. Page 10 Summer 2013 Support Trails, Parks and Open Space in the New York-New Jersey region by joining the New York- New Jersey Trail Conference.

The Trail Conference maintains 2,000 miles of trails, advocates for parks, protects open space, and provides volunteer service opportunities in the great outdoors.

Your membership supports the trails you love and gives you these additional benefits:

25% Discount on Trail Conference maps, books, and other products

Great Discounts at supporting outdoor retailers and other businesses

Tuition-Free Enrollment in our Trail University BALOGH DAN introductory courses View from the Timp, Harriman State Park Workshops and Seminars on trail maintenance and construction, leadership training, wilderness first aid, chainsaw operation, environmental monitoring and Get the Best AREAS COVERED IN THIS MAP SET GPS operation Trail Maps Access to a wide range of volunteer opportunities on-trail and off-trail For Harriman-

Find links to all these and more at nynjtc.org. Bear Mountain NY-NJ Trail Conference Trail NY-NJ BENEFITS Now Available: 15th edition Join/Renew NY-NJ Trail Conference Membership of the Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails map set. 2,000 miles of trails; your membership helps us expand our horizons. Nearly 200,000 copies have been Included with membership, Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases at many printed since the first edition, making outdoor stores, and 25% discount on all Trail Conference maps and books this map set our most popular, by far. purchased directly from the Trail Conference. Save time and a tree by joining or renewing online at www.nynjtc.org. Just click on the Join/Renew Now button. This two-map set shows trails throughout Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks, MEMBERSHIP TYPE including relocations of sections of the Select one: Join Renew Membership # if available______Appalachian Trail, the Stahahe Brook Trail, and others. Trail features throughout the Individual Joint/Family parks have been updated. Regular $30 $40 Sponsor $60 $75 Also includes: Benefactor $120 $150 • trails in Dater Mountain Nature Park, Kakiat Park, Senior (65+) $25 $30 Cheesecote Mountain Park, and portions of Life $1,000 $1,500 Sterling Forest State Park; • more than 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail A joint membership is for two adults residing at the same address. and more than 27 miles of the Long Path; • UTM gridlines, parking areas, viewpoints, For my membership of $50 or more, send me a: and other points of interest; Trail Conference Cap OR Harriman-Bear Mountain Map Set • printed on waterproof, tear-resistant Tyvek. To purchase a gift membership, call 201-512-9348, extension 26. At only $9.95 ($7.46 for Trail Conference members), Name______this map set is a must-have for enjoying and exploring Address______the rich network of trails in Harriman and Bear Moun- tain State Parks. The map set also makes a great City ______State______Zip ______companion to the revised and fully updated Harriman Day Phone ______Evening Phone______Trails guidebook by William Myles and Daniel Chazin. E-MAIL______Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex To obtain the map set or guidebook shop online Card #______Exp. Date: ____/ ____ at nynjtc.org, call 201.512.9348, stop in at the Trail Conference office or scan the QR code below. Make check or money order payable to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. Visit trailpubs.nynjtc.org and click on the Harriman- Tax-deductible. Dues are not refundable. Bear Mountain Trails cover panel for additional resources, including suggested hikes, park contact infor- mation, and much more!

Special Thanks to volunteer project manager, John Mack.

The map set was produced with support from Campmor, an outdoor store and retail partner of the Trail Conference. Summer 2013 Page 11

BUILT AS A SCHOOLHOUSE... continued from page 12 Where the Trails Meet and Connect New York & New Jersey The Schoolhouse is located on the historic Route 202 in Mahwah, NJ, which follows an ancient About the Building native route that gave Mahwah its Lenape name meaning, “where the trails meet.” Designed by Newport, RI, The trails still meet in Mahwah. In fact, starting from our Darlington site, a trail walker can take architect Dudley Newton, the the following trail route (as just one example) to Maine or Georgia, or the Catskills or Manhattan: Darlington Schoolhouse was built in 1891 as a gift to the • Follow the woods path from Darlington to the • Follow the Highlands Trail (HT) into New York to its Ramapo Valley County Reservation; meetup with the Appalachian Trail (AT) where it Mahwah community by Gilded- passes through Sterling Forest State Park; Age titans Alfred B. Darling • Take the Silver Trail to the Halifax Trail and and Theodore Havemeyer, Ringwood State Park; • From the HT/AT junction, several really long-distance each of whom had farm hikes are possible: • Take the White Crossover Trail to Ringwood estates in the area. • Turn right (east) onto the AT and head north Manor. Near the house, find the Yellow to Maine; According to the nomination Hasenclever Iron Trail; that resulted in the • Turn westward on the briefly co-aligned HT/AT. When these trails split, turn left (south) on the Schoolhouse being listed in the • Turn southwestward on the Hasenclever Iron Trail, following it through Tranquility Ridge County AT to go Georgia or turn right (north) on the HT National Register of Historic Park, to its terminus on the Highlands Trail; to reach the Long Path (LP); Places: “the majority of the • Hike the LP further north to the Shawangunks building remains intact, • At the junction with the Highlands Trail/Sterling and Catskills or south to Manhattan. including chestnut doors, Ridge Trail, turn north; Eastlake-style door hardware, slate chalkboards and rounded- arch, multi-paned windows.” Dorothy P. Guzzo, Executive Director of the New Jersey Historic Trust, said of the building that is to become our home, it’s “the most architecturally significant schoolhouse in New Jersey.”

Resources: our North Jersey Trails and Sterling Forest Trails map sets

(Almost) All trails lead to the Darlington Schoolhouse and future Trail Conference headquarters. We Need Your Support $1 Million From here on out, every dollar pledged before November 1, 2013 will be matched at 50% by the Bolger Foundation up to $500,000.

For example: • a pledge of $5,000 (Bolger Foundation will match at $2,500) • a pledge of $2,500 (Bolger Foundation will match at $1,250) $750K • a pledge of $1,000 (Bolger Foundation will match at $500) • a pledge of $500 (Bolger Foundation will match at $250)

$500K The Trail Conference is a 501(c)(3) conservation organization. and all contributions to create permanent headquarters for the Trail Conference and restore the Darlington Schoolhouse for community benefit are tax deductible. $250K Interested in making pledging over time? Pledges of up to three years will be counted toward meeting the terms of the Bolger Foundation challenge grant.

To learn more about the Darlington Schoolhouse project, to make a gift to help us meet the Bolger Challenge, or to make a pledge, visit our website, nynjtc.org, and click on the Darlington icon, or call Don Weise at 201-512-9348. Page 12 Summer 2013 Built as a Schoolhouse, Made for the Trail Conference Soon to be our headquarters and volunteer training center

Trailhead to our region’s trails

Built in 1891, the historic Darlington We have raised $1 million of the $2.5 million Schoolhouse, located in New Jersey’s construction costs, and need to raise an Highlands Preservation Area and adjacent to additional $1 million by November 1, 2013 to 100,000 acres of parks and open space in New complete the restoration and expansion of Jersey and New York, is listed on the National the Darlington Schoolhouse. When the Trail Register of Historic Places and is destined to Conference meets this challenge, the Bolger become our Trail Conference home. Foundation will make a gift of $500,000 to complete the funding of the capital project With our organization outgrowing its rented and we can call in the work crews. office space in Mahwah and thoughts turning Benefits of the New HQ toward a search for new headquarters, the “We are asking everyone who values to Trail Users in New rustic architecture, trailhead location, and high conservation training, access to open space, York and New Jersey visibility of the Darlington Schoolhouse—just and the preservation and re-use of historic two miles down the road from our current buildings to join with us to meet the Bolger • Our new headquarters will location—beckoned to the imagination of Challenge,” says Ed Goodell, Trail Conference serve as a volunteer training passing Trail Conference members. In true executive director. center, allowing for classroom instruction and immediate Trail Conference form, their big dreams led application of skills out on the to partnerships, planning, and progress. “The response to our efforts to date has been trails, which lie just outside the enormously positive and we are confident we building. With flexible and multi- purpose classrooms, meeting We accept a challenge from the Bolger Foundation: spaces, and training rooms, this “green,” energy-efficient Complete funding by November 1st of this year to earn $500,000. historic building will allow us to train our volunteers with With Mahwah Township, we acquired the will meet this challenge. All gifts are fully tax maximum efficiency. abandoned building in 2007 with state and deductible. We are offering naming gift • It will accommodate and better county grants. We stabilized and completed the opportunities at the restored schoolhouse and support our volunteers and exterior restoration with the help of funds from we welcome your help to reach out to your staff and their work on behalf New Jersey’s Historic Trust and a grant from friends and neighbors to help us meet this of our trails and parks. the Bergen County Historic Preservation Trust challenge,” Goodell said. • It will be a visitors center and Fund, a part of the Bergen County Open Space, gateway for connecting people Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation to nature via trails and Trail Trust Fund. We designed a 21st century office, Conference programs, volunteer training and visitors center that introducing us to more of the trail-using public. respects the building’s history. We have all the necessary approvals, and, with a challenge • It will serve as a superb Volunteers install the example of restoring and from the Ridgewood, NJ-based Bolger banner that proclaims repurposing an architectural the Darlington Foundation, we are poised to finish our capital landmark. fundraising and begin construction. Schoolhouse as our future home. See more photos and learn more inside. Go to page 11.