Tales September 2017

1533 SUNDANCE TRAIL LAKEVIEW, NY 14085

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FOOTHILLS TRAIL CLUB TALES SEPTEMBER 2017

Visit and us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FoothillsTrailClub Officers and Board Members Yahoo! President, Donna Flood Program Chair, Weekend Hikes, Kathy Foote 5010 Salt Road, Clarence, NY 14031 349 Wimbledon Court, West Seneca 14224 759-6442 675-3989 To become a member [email protected] [email protected] of the Yahoo trails news g r o u p , g o t o Vice President, Claudia Lawler Publicity Chair, Ellen Banks www.yahoo.com and 105 Nadine Drive, Cheektowaga 14225 144 Cottonwood Drive, Williamsville 14221 click on Groups (blue 393-3984 435-5105 lettering) and type [email protected] [email protected] “foothillstrail club” into Treasurer, Jim Beardsley TALES Editor, Carol Kobrin the search box. Enter 83 Bryant Street, Apt 9D, Buffalo 14209 6506 Amy Lane, Lockport 14094 in your information [email protected] 912-0370 when prompted. There [email protected] is no cost to you and Secretary, Wendy Edson you can get and post 209 Maple Avenue, Hamburg 14075 Trail Steward Coordinator, Don Bergman the latest information 512-0124 5383 Tonawanda Creek Road, NT 14120 available about trail [email protected] 625-8746 issues. [email protected]

Archivist, Kirk Doyle Trails Administrator, Mike Schlicht 5205 Glendale Avenue, Hamburg 14074 30 Temple Drive, Buffalo, 14225 627-4199 316-4388 [email protected] [email protected] Disclaimers Circulation Manager, Barbara Morrisey Three-Year Director, Sharon Kelly 1533 Sundance Trail, Lakeview 14085 2905 Four Rod Road, East Aurora 14052 As a courtesy to our 627-3878 655-5248 members, we frequently [email protected] [email protected] provide information about events sponsored End-To-End Coordinator, Shari Senefelder Three-Year Director, Dee McCarthy by other organizations. 27 Patricia Drive, Tonawanda 14150 [email protected] Unless published in the 694-4346 Three-Year Director, Marty Ruszaj Foothills Trail Club Membership Chair, Roy Tocha 82 Misty Lane, East Amherst 14051 schedule, these events 11 N. Eaglecrest Drive, Hamburg 14074 689-4177 are not FTC outings. [email protected] [email protected] They are merely items of interest and anyone Program Chair, Tuesday Saunters, Frank Occhiuto One-Year Director, Lori Chiarilli w a n t i n g m o r e 15 Logan Lane, Lancaster 14086 [email protected] i n f o r m a t i o n s h o u l d 651-9877 contact the appropriate [email protected] One-Year Director, Sally Hardenburg organization. 123 Ranch Trail West, Williamsville 14221 Program Chair, Wed Mini Hikes Gayle Syty 260-3676 70 Pheasant Run Road, Amherst 14228 [email protected] 691-6750

TALES is a bi-monthly newsletter devoted to informing club members about club business, activities and hikes, as well as about environmental issues related to trails and hiking, and other items of interest to hikers.

If you have an article of interest, please send it to the TALES editor. Please keep your submissions to a reasonable length and write or type clearly. If an article cannot be included in an issue, every effort will be made to put it in the next issue. Submitted articles may be edited if necessary. Please remember to include your name and contact information with your submitted material.

Deadline for the November issue is October 1st. TALES September 2017

NEWS FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The FTC Board of Directors met on July 24th. Meeting highlights include:

• Membership sits at 204 households. • Planning discussion continues regarding the FLTC weekend which is being hosted by Foothills at Chautauqua Institution the weekend of September 29 - October 1.

The next meeting of the FTC Board will take place on September 25, 2017 at the Reinstein Library on Losson Road.

TRAIL STEWARDS NEEDED M3/CT3 CAMPING AT SPRUCE LAKE AT The role of the trail steward is to hike their section HOLIDAY VALLEY periodically to identify any issues of concern, including such things are proper trail markers and trail obstacles. We are in need of trail stewards for the following Holiday Valley has two lean-to structures at Spruce locations: Lake on M3/CT3 where the trail crosses Holiday Valley property. Hikers are allowed to camp there; however, • Broadway to Sumner (CT8) overnight visitors must register ﬁrst by calling • Shimerville to Niagara Falls Blvd (CT10/CT11) (716)699-2345. Holiday Valley currently does not • South Grand Island Bridge to North Grand Island charge to use the lean-to’s and they welcome Bridge (CT12) responsible overnight campers……those who understand that they must leave no trace. If you are If you are interested or would like more information, considering resting up at Spruce Lake, please please contact Jeanne Moog — [email protected] remember to contact Holiday Valley before doing so. ( 7 1 6 ) 6 5 2 - 6 1 9 0 — o r D o n B e r g m a n — [email protected] (716)625-8746. NORTH COUNTRY FLTC ERV MARKERT FALL NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL HIKE DAY CELEBRATION

This year’s Erv Markert fall hike takes place on The NCTA has designated the last Saturday of each Saturday, October 14, 2017 on Map 29 near Alfred, NY. September for purposes of holding a Trail Day F u r t h e r d e t a i l s m a b e f o u n d a t http:// Celebration. Because Foothills is hosting the FLTC Fall www.ﬂtconference.org/trail/whats-happening/hikes/ Weekend the last weekend of September, we have markert-hike/ designated a hike the week before, on September 23, for this Celebration. Please check the hike schedule for more details.

Foothills Trail Club www.foothillstrailclub.org 2 TALES September 2017

TORNADO DAMAGE ON THE CONSERVATION TRAIL JULY 20, 2017

~ article and photos by Mike Schlicht

I don’t know about you, but I’ve become somewhat immune to the sensationalism of weather reporters and the hype of possible severe weather and snowstorms over the years. On Wednesday, July 19th, I listened to the weather forecast to hear that Western New York was under a “marginal” risk of severe weather limited to downpours and strong winds. Imagine my surprise when western New York was host to not one, but three tornados that touched down around 1pm on July 20th. The second tornado to touch down that afternoon was centered in Holland, NY which is home to the Holland Ravines and where the Conservation Trail was founded back in 1962. As I watched the news that evening it became apparent that the tornado touched down not far from the trail. The next day I found a tornado track of the storm online showing the tornado track heading towards the intersection of Vermont Street and Vermont Hill Road.

I was listening to a radio station the next day that stated that video on their web page showed the actual tornado that came down in Holland and caught a snippet of it showing the school near Vermont Street with the funnel cloud on top of the hill right where the trail is. At that point I had no doubt the tornado passed over the trail so I made plans to venture out on Saturday to see what, if any, damage there might be.

My strategy involved driving up Vermont Street and down Vermont Hill Road to see where the tornado passed over the road to venture where on the trail I should go to assess the damage. Outside of a large tree branch here and there, I couldn’t find any indication of where the tornado crossed the road so I parked the car at the Vermont Street access and ventured down the trail to the tune of chainsaws working away, so I knew I was in the ballpark. Just after the Verbeck Ravine (yes, some of the ravines have names), I saw the first tree down of little significance, then at the Marshall Ravine two more substantial trees blocked the trail, but I was expecting something more significant from an F1 tornado. Finally I saw several crowns totally blocking the trail and fearing I had found what I was looking for, it turned out to be nothing but remnants of logging that is currently taking place in that area (CT6 is currently closed between Vermont and Humphries for logging). A few hundred feet later it was apparent that I found where the tornado passed over the trail

Ground zero turned out to be a section of the Holland Ravines known as the Becker Pond a re a , l i t e r a l l y w h e re t h e Conservation Trail was founded fifty-five years ago. Seven weeks earlier over 50 people came to the dedication of a large sign recognizing the founding members of the Foothills Trail Club and the Conservation Trail. At this point on the trail, a blue trail takes you to the Becker pond and dedication signs, but, strangely enough, not a single tree came down in this area. Everything that came down was spotty, totaling maybe two dozen trees along the CT and the first few hundred feet on each arm of the blue trail that leads to the pond. Unlike the tornado that touched

Foothills Trail Club www.foothillstrailclub.org 3 TALES September 2017

down between Little Rock City and McCathy Hill State Park in 2010 (CT2) that leveled every tree in its path, the Holland tornado was much more picky in deciding what trees it wanted.

I guess if you are going to have a tornado pass over the trail, this is the best outcome anyone could hope for. While there is a lot of work to be done, knowing that a few days’ work with chainsaws, rakes, and elbow grease will be all that is needed to clean up the trail was a welcome relief to everyone within the Foothills Trail Club. My favorite picture and the only one that really shows the power of the tornado that passed overhead is the shaft of a pine tree that the winds stripped oﬀ the bark and left the wood polished. Some folks would state that is a sign……a sign of what is anyone’s guess although the picnic table 20 feet away was untouched.

NCTA Trail Builder Award Tony Orsini Finger Lakes Trail Conference, NY Nominated by Donna Flood and Quinn Wright Tony Orsini has been a one-man crew for several years now, Took 3 miles of road walk between 2 State Forests, and created a “Walk in the Park” inspired to move three miles of Finger Lakes Trail/NCT road over 3 years walk into the woods and ﬁelds onto a park-like setting that he Path begins as shaded path through field lined with trees planted to memorialize created! Every road walk deserves a saint like Tony, who friends and family members, down to a creek obtained permissions and even bought one property in order Next, follows a creek on path surfaced to create the route, then bought trees to line a ﬁeld path, with stones he hauled in by hand, with wooden and stone steps where needed cobbled portions with stones, built a 20 foot bridge, and Ends in picnic area with fire pit, benches, table and fireplace created a lovely campsite, all along an attractive creek, Purchased one parcel, and negotiated with 4 refusing any reimbursement. others to develop section Developed parking area for school to use Trail Builder trail for nature and botany study “one man gang effort … one of our favorite Congratulations, Tony, and thanks for all you do for our Trail. sections of the NCT/FLTC”

Foothills Trail Club www.foothillstrailclub.org 4 TALES September 2017

HIKING INCIDENT REPORT – AN UNINVITED CRITTER

On 7/16/17, ﬁve of us set out to do a pre-hike in We can’t say for sure if this raccoon was rabid. We Chautauqua County for the Fall Outing. It was a certainly did not expect to see a raccoon out during the beautiful Sunday, about 11:30 am, when we entered the day. We reported the incident to 911 as soon as we got trail. About half a mile into the hike a very aggressive back to the car and followed up with Chautauqua baby raccoon came racing down the trail in front of us. County Parks department to let them know as well. He approached each one of us at diﬀerent times. Thankfully we had our hiking poles to protect our legs Our Message: and to push him away. We clicked our poles together Carry a pole. Even if you don’t need it for balance while and blew our whistles, but this did not send him away. hiking, it will come in handy for this type of unusual Since we had only hiked half a mile in, a decision was incident. made to turn around and hike back to the parking lot. We safely made it back to our cars, however the We were glad we had each other to get thru this raccoon followed us the entire time. stressful incident. We will never hike alone!

This has never happened to any of us in our 20 years of ~ Carolyn C., Debbie Harden, Claudia Lawler, hiking. Dee McCarthy, Shari S.

Was this raccoon rabid?

The Top Signs List: • Unexplained aggression or lethargy. • The raccoon looks slow, disoriented or confused. • The raccoon seems to be unaware of noises that would normally send it scurrying to another location. • Loss of raccoons’ leg function due to paralysis.

Cute raccoon picture circa 2012 ~ Carol Kobrin

Remember to Respect Landowner Rights

Stay on the trail, don’t take shortcuts, don’t walk on crops, don’t build ﬁres or camp on private land, NEVER EVER enter landowner buildings…..and don’t park too close to driveways.

Foothills Trail Club www.foothillstrailclub.org 5 TALES September 2017

Congratulations to our one-year director, Lori Chiarilli, on becoming CT6 trail is closed due to logging from Humphries Secretary on the FLT Board. Rd. (access 6) to Vermont Street (access 5). Bypass route is left at Humphries Rd. Then Right on Vermont Hill Rd and right on Vermont Street to trail on left. Closed through mid-September.

HUNTING BEGINS OCTOBER 1ST

The following sections of the Conservation Trail will have closures from October 1 - December 22 for hunting: CT 3, CT 4, CT 5, CT 6, CT 7, CT 8. Refer to the Trail Conditions report on the FLT website at http://www.ﬂtconference.org/trail/go-hiking/trail-conditions/trail-condition-notices/?FLTC_byDate for exact locations on the trail.

Upcoming Events and Activities

September 23, 2017 North Country National Scenic Trail CT2, W. Branch Bucktooth Rd to details this issues, page 2, and Day Celebration Chimney Stone Rd the hike schedule

September 25, 2017 Foothills Board Meeting, 6:30 pm Reinstein Library, Losson Road, all are welcome Cheektowaga

September 29 - FLTC Fall Campout Chautauqua Institution, hosted by details this issues, pages 8 October 1, 2017 Foothills Trail Club

October 14, 2017 FTC Annual Fall Potluck Sprague Brook Park details this issues, page 7

October 14, 2017 FLTC Erv Markert Hike Alfred, NY details this issues, page 2

November 2017 Foothills Board Meeting, 6:30 pm Reinstein Library, Losson Road, all are welcome Cheektowaga

Foothills Trail Club www.foothillstrailclub.org 6 TALES September 2017

Fall Potluck, Hike and General Meeting Saturday, October 14, 2017 Sprague Brook Park – Casino 9674 Foote Road Glenwood, NY 14064

Cost: A donation of $3.00 per person for the use of the building and supplies.

Location: The Casino Drive into the park from Foote Road and take the first left. The Casino is next to the tennis courts. This year Barbara Arber will head up the food portion of our Fall Potluck. Thank you Barbara for volunteering! You may drop off your potluck dish at the Casino around 9:30 am before heading out for the hike. The Casino has a full kitchen with a stove, refrigerator and many electrical outlets. Wine and beer is allowed but please…NO GLASS BOTTLES.

Hikes: First Hike -10:00 am - Fast pace 3-B, moderate terrain 5-6 miles. Meet at Sprague Brook Park Casino. We will be hiking along the top of the ravines of Sprague Brook Park brook. This hike will take us along one side of the ravine and may involve crossing the brook. This will depend on the weather and water levels. In the interest of time, once we hike along the side of one ravine, we will be taking a shorter path back to the casino which may involve road walk and/or wet/ muddy sections of the trail. The trail is relatively flat with no more than 30 feet of elevation change at any one point. Leader: Claudia Lawler 716-572-8497

Second Hike - 10:30 am - Moderate pace 2-B, moderate terrain 4 miles. Meet at Sprague Brook Park Casino. We will hike to the cross-country ski trail and back. Leader: Jeanne Moog 716-652-6190

Third Hike - 10:40 am – Leisurely to moderate pace 2-A, flat terrain about 2 miles. Meet at Sprague Park Casino. This will be an hour road walk to the camping area and then to Sprague Brook Creek. Leader: TBA.

Potluck Lunch: Around 12:00 noon. Please bring a dish to share. Consider inviting a guest. Our guests will be the Landowners on the Conservation Trail. Won’t you join us for our annual event? All you need to bring are your hiking boots, should you wish to hike, and a hardy appetite.

General Meeting: After the Potluck Lunch. Please plan to stay and participate in the club’s decision- making process.

Other Fun Stuff: White Elephant: Bring gently used or unused hiking or camping-related items to sell. All proceeds will be donated to the Foothills Club general fund.

50/50: Hope you are a winner.

Your responsibility: To enjoy yourself and help with set-up and clean up. Any questions contact: Dee McCarthy 716-866-1233 [email protected]

Foothills Trail Club www.foothillstrailclub.org 7 TALES September 2017

FLTC Fall Weekend-Registration Form September 29-30, 2017 and October 1, 2017 - Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, NY On-line registration form and payment available on line at http://foothillstrailclub.org

PLEASE PRINT Name(s): ...... Address: ...... City, State Zip: ...... Cell Phone: ...... Home Phone: ...... Email: ...... Local Hiking Club: ...... Confrmations by email unless USPS requested by checking here

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY NOTIFY: Name: ...... Relationship: ...... Address: ...... Cell Phone: ...... Home Phone: ......

Registration Cost Total Registration Deadline is August 29, 2017 FLTC Member Registration $10.00 $ ...... Sorry, no refunds after August 29, 2017 Non FLTC Member Registration $15.00 $ ...... No Children, No Pets Hike Leader $0.00 $ ......

Bellinger Hall - Dormitory Style Rooms: includes linens, pillow, pillowcase, blanket, towel, and washcloth Room Friday Cost Saturday Cost Total Single w/ Private Bath: $75.00 $75.00 $ ...... Double w/ Shared Bath: $32.50 $32.50 $ ...... Double w/ Private Bath: $37.50 $37.50 $ ...... Triple w/ Shared Bath: $32.50 $32.50 $ ......

Roommates (If none listed, roommates will be assigned): ...... Meals Total Friday Dinner: $21.00 Saturday Breakfast: $11.00 Saturday Lunch: $11.00 $ ...... Saturday Dinner: $21.00 Sunday Breakfast: $11.00 Sunday Lunch: $11.00 $ ...... Please indicate any food allergies or special needs: ...... Lunch Selections: Saturday ...... Sunday ...... Hike Selections: Friday ...... Saturday ...... Sunday ...... Mail checks payable to: Foothills Trail Club Total 5010 Salt Road Clarence, NY 14031 $ ......

Please read and sign the following: Those persons enjoying the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) and/or activities sponsored by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC) or any clubs conducting activities on behalf of, or in support of the FLTC, accept full personal responsibility for their own wellbeing, or, for the wellbeing of a minor when acting in the capacity of a parent or guardian. Further, users of the FLT accept and understand that hiking is a rigorous activity often conducted in rugged outdoor conditions subject to variations in weather and terrain conditions which may involve the risk of injury or death, and that we are fully responsible for our own safety and selecting activates that are consistent with our physical capabilities.

Signature: ...... Print Name: ...... Date: ......

www.FingerLakesTrail.org Finger Lakes Trail News Summer 2017 31

Foothills Trail Club www.foothillstrailclub.org 8 TALES September 2017

A Look Back

A few weeks ago, Shari Senefelder’s aunt gave her a book for a garage sale. In looking through the book, Shari found a copy of the 1966 hike schedule and list of ofﬁcers for Foothills! And as Shari says, her aunt wasn't a hiker, so what are the chances! What a ﬁnd! Thanks Shari for bringing this to the Club, we will place it safely with our Archivist.

Foothills Trail Club www.foothillstrailclub.org 9 FOOTHILLS TRAIL CLUB Hike Rating HIKING SCHEDULE 1 - Leisurely pace or Nature walk A - Flat or very gently rolling terrain Sep/Oct 2017 2 - Moderate pace B - Moderate hilly terrain 3 - Brisk, steady pace C - Steep hills, scrambles possible 4 - Fast pace

Hiker’s Corner ➢ INSURANCE NOTE: Attention members: Foothills Trail Club carries liability insurance to ﬁnancially protect all of us in case a participant in a Foothills activity is injured. As a condition of our insurance coverage, every participant in an activity needs to sign the liability waiver before the activity begins. So please make sure you sign the form!

➢ Hike Leaders and Hikers: Before you commit to lead a club hike or plan a personal hike, check the trail conditions to ensure that the trail is open. This information can be found on the FLT website: www.ﬁngerlakestrail.org. Click on “TRAIL CONDITIONS” and select the map # for your intended hike. Map numbers that appear in ORANGE have trails closures for hunting. Trail conditions are outlined for all the other maps #’s.

➢ HIKER RESPONSIBILITY: We remind you that you, and only you, are responsible for your own actions. Come to our events prepared. Do not participate if the event may present a hazard for which you or your party members are not prepared. If weather is questionable or if you have questions, please call the named hike coordinator; the hike may be canceled. When participating, please respect the coordinator and do not break away from the group without telling them. We suggest you always keep your eye on someone in front of you, and behind you if you are in the lead. Please remember that hike leaders are not guides; they are volunteers, willing to share their knowledge and experience with you. Please give them your cooperation and respect. The leader has the right to refuse anyone who is not prepared for the outing. In addition, if the hike leader does arrange carpooling, passengers are expected to contribute toward the cost of transportation. Finally, since there are RISKS INVOLVED in hiking everyone participating does so at his or her own risk.

➢ REMEMBER TO RESPECT LANDOWNER RIGHTS: Stay on the trail, don’t take shortcuts, don’t walk on crops, don’t build ﬁres or camp on private land and NEVER, EVER enter landowner buildings.

➢ There are hikes scheduled for many days in September and October. Be sure to thank those members who have volunteered to lead these activities.

➢ HIKE COORDINATORS: If you need to cancel your hike or send additional information about your hike to Foothills members via the club’s Yahoo group, please call Kathy Foote (675-3989), Jeanne Moog (652-6190) or Roy Tocha (435-9674). They will send out a group email for you.

Bring lunch on all day hikes The weather may force cancellations. If in doubt, check with coordinator. Always check trail conditions before you hike at: www.ﬁngerlakestrail.org A good hiker leaves NO TRACES For further details visit www.foothillstrailclub.org FOOTHILLS TRAIL CLUB Hike Rating HIKING SCHEDULE 1 - Leisurely pace or Nature walk A - Flat or very gently rolling terrain Sep/Oct 2017 2 - Moderate pace B - Moderate hilly terrain 3 - Brisk, steady pace C - Steep hills, scrambles possible 4 - Fast pace

Saturday, Sep 2 10am 6 mi 2B Boyce Hill State Forest MEET: at Phillips Road and Route 242. We’ll hike to the end of the forest trail at Jackson Road where there is a pond and bivouac area and then back to our cars. We’ll stop by the lean-to for lunch. Please bring hiking poles and water. Call DONNA FLOOD 759-6442

Sunday, Sep 3 1:30pm 3 mi 2B Akron Falls County Park MEET: at Cummings Lodge. Call JOE CHAYA 439-0062

Tuesday, Sep 5 10am 4 mi 1A Goat Island Saunter MEET: at Main and Fourth Streets, Niagara Falls, NY. Possible lunch at Culinary Institute after. Call DONNA FLOOD 759-6442

Tuesday, Sep 5 ***NEW TIME*** 6pm 4 mi 2B Stiglmeier Park MEET: after entering the park at the entrance on Losson Road, turn right and go to the last parking lot (past the playground). Call CAROLYN PRATT 873-0913 or JOE CHAYA 439-0062

Wednesday, Sep 6 9:30am 3 mi 2A Buﬀalo Neighborhood Walk MEET: in Delaware Park at the intersection of Route 198. We will walk through a small “hidden” neighborhood and then the Hamlin Park Historic District. Call KATHY BONI 837-8545 by 5pm Sunday, September 3rd, if you are coming. No calls, no walk!

Wednesday Night Mini-Hike, Sep 6 6:30pm 3-4 mi 2A Erie Basin Marina MEET: by the Hatch Restaurant. Optional: ice cream after the hike. Call DORIS KONAWALSKI 875-9475

Saturday, Sep 9 Work Party Watch for a Yahoo email with the details on where trail work is going to take place.

Sunday, Sep 10 9am 8 mi 2B Conservation Trail MEET: at Allen Road trailhead. Loop hike to Middle Road and back. Call NICK SCARANO 585-365-5807 if you plan on attending. No calls, no hike!

also

Sunday, Sep 10 10am 6 mi 1A Eighteen Mile Creek / Village of Hamburg MEET: in Union Pleasant Elementary School parking lot off Union Street, Village of Hamburg. Union Street is off of Buffalo Street (Route 62). We will walk on sidewalks, roadway and nature trail that will follow Eighteen Mile Creek through the Village of Hamburg with views and/or crossings of the creek at five points along the way. Call WENDY EDSON 716-512-0124

Tuesday, Sep 12 10am 2-3 mi 2B Emery Park Saunter MEET: at south side parking lot. Call JEANNE MOOG 652-6190

Tuesday, Sep 12 ***NEW TIME*** 6pm 4 mi 2B Stiglmeier Park MEET: after entering the park at the entrance on Losson Road, turn right and go to the last parking lot (past the playground). Call CAROLYN PRATT 873-0913 or JOE CHAYA 439-0062

Wednesday Night Mini-Hike, Sep 13 6:30pm 4 mi 2A Ellicott Creek Trailway MEET: in parking lot oﬀ North Forest Rd, just north of Maple Rd. Call ANNE BEITER 835-9728

Thursday, Sep 14 6pm 5 mi 2B Chestnut Ridge Park Evening Hike MEET: in the parking lot by the casino. Rain will cancel hike. Call DAWN GALLAGHER 716-548-1401

Saturday, Sep 16 9:30am 7 mi 2A Rails to Trails – FLTC Weekend Pre-Hike MEET: at Tim Horton’s, Camp Road and Southwestern Boulevard in Hamburg near West Herr Ford. Drive time to hike is 60 minutes. This hike starts on the right-of-way of the Niagara Mohawk Corp. passing through woodlands with a shady canopy of trees while gently climbing the Lake Erie Escarpment oﬀering views of Lake Erie. Call ROY TOCHA 435-9674 or [email protected] also Saturday, Sep 16 10am 3 mi 2B Akron Falls County Park MEET: at Cummings Lodge. Call JOE CHAYA 439-0062

Sunday, Sep 17 10am 5-6 mi 2A Niagara River MEET: at the foot of Porter Avenue near the Buﬀalo Yacht Club. Bring water. No hike if raining. Call TARA WELTY 852-3090. Please, no phone calls the day of the hike. They will not be returned! also

Sunday, Sep 17 Work Party Watch for a Yahoo email with the details on where trail work is going to take place.

Tuesday, Sep 19 10am 4 mi 2B Knox Farm State Park Saunter MEET: in the parking lot oﬀ Route 16 (Seneca Street) near Bowen Road. Call DONNA FLOOD 759-6442

Tuesday, Sep 19 ***NEW TIME*** 6pm 4 mi 2B Stiglmeier Park MEET: after entering the park at the entrance on Losson Road, turn right and go to the last parking lot (past the playground). Call CAROLYN PRATT 873-0913 or JOE CHAYA 439-0062

Wednesday Night Mini-Hike, Sep 20 6:30pm 3-4 mi 2B Williamsville Escarpment to Glen Park MEET: near bottle return area of Wegmans, Sheridan Drive and Essjay Road. Call GAYLE SYTY 691-6750

Thursday, Sep 21 6pm 3 mi 2B Knox Farm State Park - Evening Hike in the Woods MEET: in the parking area by the red barns. Rain will cancel the hike. Call DAWN GALLAGHER 716-548-1401

Saturday, Sep 23 9am 8.5 mi 2B North Country National Scenic Trail Day – W. Branch Bucktooth Rd to Chimney Stone Rd MEET: at the end of Chimney Stone Road oﬀ of Route 353 near Salamanca, NY. From here we will carpool to W. Branch Bucktooth Run Road to start our trek. There are two major climbs on our hike starting right at the beginning (530’) and again on 4th Street (510’). Come see the new reroute through Elkdale State Forest, all the new puncheons put in place last year and the interpretative signs along the Pat McGee Trail. Bring plenty of water, extra snacks and your camera for some great photo opportunities. Call MIKE SCHLICHT 716-316-4388 or [email protected]

Sunday, Sep 24 1:30pm 3 mi 2B Akron Falls County Park MEET: at Cummings Lodge. Call JOE CHAYA 439-0062

Monday, Sep 25 6:30pm Foothills Trail Club Board Meeting The meeting is held at the Julia Reinstein Library on Losson Road (between Borden and Union Roads). Please consider joining us. We always enjoy having members in attendance. If you do attend, please don’t hesitate to ask questions and “speak up” about the topics being discussed. We are very interested in your input. Call DONNA FLOOD 759-6442

Tuesday, Sep 26 10am 3-4 mi 1A Erie Basin Marina Saunter MEET: in front of the Hatch Restaurant. Call GAYLE SYTY 691-6750

Tuesday, Sep 26 ***NEW TIME*** 6pm 4 mi 2B Stiglmeier Park MEET: after entering the park at the entrance on Losson Road, turn right and go to the last parking lot (past the playground). Call CAROLYN PRATT 873-0913 or JOE CHAYA 439-0062

Wednesday Night Mini-Hike, Sep 27 6:30pm 2.5 mi 2A Amherst Mystery Walk MEET: in Tim Horton’s parking lot on Sweet Home Road and Skinnersville Road. Call GAYLE SYTY 691-6750

Thursday, Sep 28 6pm 5 mi 2B Chestnut Ridge Park Evening Hike MEET: in the parking lot by the casino. Rain will cancel hike. Call DAWN GALLAGHER 716-548-1401

Friday, Sep 29th, thru Sunday, Oct 1st – Finger Lakes Trail Conference Fall Weekend at Chautauqua Institution hosted by Foothills Trail Club. See the TALES for details.

Tuesday, Oct 3 10am 4 mi 2B Stiglmeier Park Saunter MEET: after entering the park from Losson Road, turn right and go to the last parking lot (past the playground). Call FRANK OCCHIUTO 651-9877

Saturday, Oct 7 10am 4-5 mi 2B Deer Lick Conservation Area, Gowanda, NY MEET: at the trailhead on Point Peter Road. Take Route 62 to Gowanda. Turn left on South Water Street (1st street south of the bridge over Cattaraugus Creek) which becomes Commercial Street and then Palmer Street. Turn right onto Broadway Road and continue for a about a mile. Turn left onto Point Peter Road and drive about two miles to ﬁnd the parking lot on the left past Forty Road. We will hike this beautiful national natural landmark complete with old-growth forests, peak fall colors and gorge views of Cattaraugus Creek. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather and bring a snack. Call JANET or DAVID KOWALSKI 839-3114

Sunday, Oct 8 9:30am 6 mi 3B Chestnut Ridge Park MEET: at the Eternal Flame parking lot on Route 277 (one mile past the entrance to the park on the right). It has white fencing like a horse corral. We will NOT go to the Eternal Flame. In and out, no car spotting. Please bring hiking poles. We will be crossing the creek a few times. This will be a brisk paced hike. Call CLAUDIA LAWLER 572-8497

Tuesday, Oct 10 10am 4 mi 1A Como Lake Park Saunter MEET: at the ﬁrst shelter upon entrance from Bowen Road. Call FRANK OCCHIUTO 651-9877

Saturday, Oct 14 – Fall Potluck

First Hike – 10am – fast pace 3B, moderate terrain, 5-6 miles Meet at Sprague Brook Park casino. We will be hiking along the top of the ravines of Sprague Brook Park brook. This hike will take us along one side of the ravine and may involve crossing the brook. This will depend on the weather and water levels. In the interest of time, once we hike along the side of one ravine, we will be taking a shorter path back to the casino which may involve road walk and/or wet/muddy sections of the trail. The trail is relatively ﬂat with no more than 30 feet of elevation change at any one point. Call CLAUDIA LAWLER 716-572-8497

Second Hike – 10:30am – moderate pace 2B, moderate terrain, 4 miles Meet at Sprague Brook Park casino. We will hike to the cross-country ski trail and back. Call JEANNE MOOG 716-652-6190

Third Hike – 10:40am – leisurely to moderate pace 2A, ﬂat terrain, about 2 miles Meet at Sprague Brook Park casino. This will be an hour road walk to the camping area and then to the creek. Hike coordinator: TBA

Sunday, Oct 15 10am 6 mi 2B Franklin Gulf County Park MEET: at the parking lot on Larkin Road at the border of Eden and North Collins. Directions: Take the Thruway to Exit 57. Turn left onto Camp Road. Turn right onto Route 62. In about 6 miles turn left onto Sandrock Road. In about 1.7 miles turn left onto Larkin Road. The parking lot will be on the right. Call GUS PHILLIPS 646-5034

Tuesday, Oct 17 10am 2-3 mi 1A Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve Saunter MEET: in the parking lot oﬀ Honorine Drive oﬀ Como Park Boulevard. Call FRANK OCCHIUTO 651-9877

Saturday, Oct 21 10am 4 mi 2B Beaver Meadow Audubon Center MEET: in the parking lot at the road at 1610 Welch Road, North Java. Call BARB MACH 1-585-457-9892

Sunday, Oct 22 10am 8 mi 2B Allegany State Park – Tuscarora to Willow Bay MEET: at the McDonald’s in Salamanca. Call NICK SCARANO 585-365-5807 if you plan on attending. No calls, no hike! also Sunday, Oct 22 1:30pm 6 mi 2A Tonawanda Parks MEET: in River Road parking lot across from the end of Sheridan Drive. We will hike along the Riverwalk to Isle View Park to Two Mile Creek Greenway Trail to Sheridan Park and back to our cars. Call DAVID WITTMANN 823-8156

Tuesday, Oct 24 10am 2-3 mi 2B Emery Park Saunter MEET: in the south side parking lot. Call JEANNE MOOG 652-6190

Saturday, Oct 28 10am 4 mi 2A Ellicott Creek Park MEET: in large parking area in park oﬀ of Niagara Falls Blvd. (across from Paul’s Jewelers). Call GAYLE SYTY 691-6750

Sunday, Oct 29 10am 8 mi 2B Allegany State Park – Bay State Road to Administration Building via Conservation Trail MEET: at the McDonald’s in Salamanca. Call NICK SCARANO 585-365-5807 if you plan on attending. No calls, no hike!

Tuesday, Oct 31 10am 3-4 mi 1A Tillman Wildlife Management Park Saunter MEET: in the parking lot on Shisler Road, near Wehrle Drive. Call FRANK OCCHIUTO 651-9877