RAILWALKER TNEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE — MAINTAINING 1,669 MILES OF FOOT TRAILS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 In this issue: Clubs Are Us...pg 3 • A Moldering Privy...pg 4 • Community Trails Campaign...pg 5 • Avoid Back Pain...pg 9 • 50 Hikes in NJ...pg 10 Estelle Anderson: New Long-Distance Hiking Loop NJ Parks Volunteer of the Year Dedicated in Orange County Trail Conference member Estelle Anderson (at left, below) received the The NY-NJ Trail Conference joined with Volunteer of the Year Award in members of the Hudson Valley Conserva- September from the NJ-DEP Depart- tion Corps of the Student Conservation ment of Parks. Association (SCA) in September to dedi- The loop involves no Estelle, of cate a new long-distance hiking route in new trails or blazes, West Milford, the Wallkill Valley region. but links existing trails NJ, was given The project was led by Mike Knutson, the award in an intern with the SCA on assignment with into a coherent route. recognition of Scenic Hudson in Poughkeepsie. Original- her work as an ly from Corning, NY, Mike moved to our Assistant area in December 2005 for his SCA assign- Supervisor in Norvin Green State For- ment. “I thought it was flat,” Mike says of est. The award comes just five years after his preconceptions. “I didn’t realize that she took the Conference’s Maintenance New York had long-distance hiking trails.” 101 course and followed up by volun- In looking for a service project, Mike teering to maintain a section of the decided to focus on a project that would Highlands Trail. raise people’s awareness of the natural beau- Estelle’s zeal for trail work and Norvin ty and outdoor recreation possibilities in Green quickly led to greater involve- Orange County. ment. She has cultivated excellent The result is the Wallkill Valley Loop, a relationships with our state trail part- 117-mile-long route that follows sections of ners, and with the law enforcement the Appalachian Trail, the Shawangunk and public works departments of the Ridge Trail, the Long Path, and the High- surrounding communities. She has set lands Trail to make a circuit of the valley. It up and worked with community service connects points such as Schunemunk programs such as Ramapo College’s Mountain, Greenwood Lake, the Shawan- Erony Whyte (left) and Jolene Johnson take a break on Schunemunk Ridge. The two were among the relay teams of Student Conservation Association interns who completed a circuit Community Service Center and Passaic gunk Mountains, and the Highland Lakes. of the new Wallkill Valley Loop. County’s SLAP program. “Estelle is a The route, Mike notes, involves no new devoted advocate for the preservation of trails or blazes, but links existing trails are limited opportunities to camp and On September 30, 15 SCA interns, this natural environment and loves into a coherent package. He adds that the park cars. These facts, he hopes will raise operating in rotating teams of two, com- every living bird, animal, and plant in route also highlights the fact that a good awareness of the need to protect the open pleted an eight-day relay hike and bike of Norvin Green State Forest,” comment- portion of the LP section in the county is space and provide basic amenities that the Wallkill Valley Loop, ending at Lion’s ed Robert Jonas, Area Supervisor for the a road walk, and that throughout, there support such trails. continued on page 2 Trail Conference. Trail Conference Protects 200 Acres of Long Path North Corridor

In late August, the Trail Conference closed The Good Tidings property is a hilly, on the acquisition of 205 acres along the heavily forested parcel with significant Long Path just north of the Catskill Pre- wetlands and some small streams. It is con-

S serve. This property, which was owned by sidered excellent wildlife habitat and is a A L N L

the Good Tidings Bible Conference, was designated aquifer recharge area. E O J D O T subdivided off of a larger parcel to provide Working together with DEC, the Trail R O E G B

a buffer to the Long Path as it moves from Conference has previously protected nearly D O R R the Catskills north toward the Mohawk 400 acres in this area. The Trail Conference A

Estelle is pictured here with a hiking W D group she led during this past River and ultimately the Adirondacks. currently owns a total of 332 acres, which E spring’s Great Wyanokie Outing. The Trail Conference identifies this por- will all be transferred to DEC. The Trail Conference has protected this forested parcel along the Long Path in Greene County. tion of the Long Path as the “Ginseng continued on page 10 This love inspires her to get people Ridge Assemblage”; the goal in this area, out on the trails. She leads hikes up which extends north of Route 23, is to pro- VOLUME XXXIII, NUMBER 6 ISSN 0749-1352 PERMIT #970-100 Assiniwikam Mountain in the Wyanok- tect a four-mile trail segment of the LP ie Mountains for the “Great Wyanokie with a mix of New York State Dept. of Outing,” sponsored each spring by the Environmental Conservation (DEC), New towns of Caldwell, North Caldwell, York City Dept. of Environmental Protec- West Caldwell, Fairfield, and Roseland, tion, and Durham Valley Land Trust lands which collectively own Camp Wyanok- in the towns of Durham and Windham in ie in West Milford, NJ. Greene County. RAIL ALKER T W FROM THE CHAIR VOLUME XXXIII, NO.6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 GEORGETTE WEIR EDITOR LOUIS LEONARDIS GRAPHIC DESIGNER

The TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970- 100) (ISSN 0749-1352) is published bi-monthly by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as Changing Times Requires a New Kind of Board of Directors a benefit of membership. Subscriptions are available to libraries only at $15.00 a year. Each year at our Annual Meeting (this year set goals for the organization. The board amount that each decides is appropriate. Periodical postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., and held October 21) a slate of candidates is maintains a bird’s-eye view of the organiza- People come onto the board through a additional offices. Postmaster: Send address elected to the Trail Conference board of tion, rather than a worm’s view, while nomination process which begins when the changes to the address below. Opinions expressed directors. All boards, no matter the size of continuing to pay close attention to fiscal president selects a nominating committee of by authors do not necessarily represent the policy the organization or the board, or whether details. Trail Conference board members five people. These individuals have a great or position of the Conference. Contributions of typed manuscripts, photos, and drawings are the board focuses on fundraising or is have always been asked to take on responsi- deal of responsibility and influence over the welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style deeply involved with running programs, bilities in addition to their board duties. direction the Trail Conference will take. and length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines. have responsibilities for the fiscal and Some function as trails chairs, others chair They are responsible for finding people who Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKER strategic oversight of the organization and committees or serve on several committees. can accomplish the goals the board has set. are January 15 (Mar./Apr. issue), March 15 for ensuring that the organization is meet- Successful boards have members who As we embark on our new fiscal year with (May/June issue), May 15 (July/Aug. issue), July 15 (Sept./Oct. issue), September 15 ing its mission. work, provide wisdom, or bring wealth. our newly composed board of directors (see (Nov./Dec. issue), November 15 (Jan./Feb. The Trail Conference board is no differ- The Trail Conference goes one step further the complete list in the masthead at left), we issue). Unsolicited contributions cannot be ent. Yet over the years, as our organization and looks for people who provide two out can all be proud of the achievements and acknowledged unless accompanied by SASE. has grown and taken on new responsibilities, of the three. As in the past, today’s board ambitions of previous boards and their con- For information on advertising rates, please write our board has changed. Ten years ago, the members are hikers. As recently as five fidence and skill in overseeing the or call. Copyright 2006 by: board would decide such details as where the years ago, we paid little attention to recruit- organization. Board members give enor- New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. Annual Meeting would be held, how many ing board members with specific skills, mous amounts of their time, energy, 156 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202) copies would be printed of a book, and if it instead focusing on the geographic distri- knowledge, and financial resources to the Mahwah, NJ 07430 were okay to relocate a trail. Today the board bution of our board members. Now, to Trail Conference and to the hiking commu- 201-512-9348 delegates all of those questions to commit- accomplish tasks of larger magnitude, it is nity. For all of us, I say to them, Thank you. e-mail: [email protected] editorial e-mail: [email protected] tees. Instead, we discuss whether the Trail necessary to have a mix of skill sets. Since World Wide Web: www.nynjtc.org Conference should undertake a capital cam- the capital campaign, all board members – Jane Daniels, Chair, Board of Directors paign, we approve land purchases, and we are asked to make a donation annually, an

NEW YORK - NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Mission Statement working on producing a completely new Editor: Below is a short course in Trail The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, digital edition of our North Jersey Trails Blazes 101. founded in 1920, is a federation of member clubs map set. To obtain the necessary data, a and individuals dedicated to providing recreational hiking opportunities in the region, core of dedicated volunteers hiked the var- Letters ious trails shown on the maps and recorded and representing the interests and concerns of the hiking community. The Conference is a Why No Maps of SRC and LP? trail data with a GPS receiver. Then, under volunteer-directed public service organization I’m curious as to why the Trail Conference the leadership of John Mack, project man- committed to: doesn’t publish maps for the Shawangunk ager, our cartographer, Allison Werberg, • Developing, building, and maintaining hiking trails. Ridge Trail and the Long Path. I own and created the map over a period of nearly a • Protecting hiking trail lands through use the maps for the Catskills, Shawan- year. It has been estimated that almost support and advocacy. gunks, and Harriman, all of which contain 2,000 hours of volunteer and staff time has 1. A single blaze (left) indicates “contin- • Educating the public in the responsible parts of the LP. I also own the Long Path gone into the production of this map set, ue straight ahead.” use of trails and the natural environment. Guide, which is fine for what it is, but which should be available in November or 2. Double blaze (one above another): Board of Directors which has inadequate maps. I would love December. The publications committee When the top mark is to the left of the bot- Jane Daniels Chair to have one good map of the entire Path, with has many projects on its calendar, several of tom one, a left turn in the trail is indicated; Peter Kennard Vice Chair just the corridor and important connector which are on hold owing to a lack of volun- when the top mark is to the right of the Daniel Chazin Secretary trails around it. We all know that the Long teers. We welcome new volunteers and bottom one, the trail turns right; when Herb Hochberg Treasurer Path is still flawed and incomplete. I do offer training and support. Contact me at they are directly in line, this indicates con- Directors believe though that a good map of the [email protected] or call the Trail Confer- fusing turns, junctions, or areas requiring Robert Boysen John Moran whole thing might encourage use and draw ence office, 201-512-9348. hiker alertness. Chris Connolly Anne Osborn Ellen Cronan Mary Smart attention to efforts to improve, extend, and 3. Triple blaze: Marks a trailhead. When John Gunzler Malcolm Spector protect the LP. I urge my fellow members Please Interpret Trail Blazes the point of the pyramid is on top, this indi- Seth McKee Daniel Van Engel and the Trail Conference as a whole to at I enjoy the Trail Walker almost as much as cates the start of a trail; when the point is at Staff least consider this. I enjoy hiking the trails. Could you do me the bottom, this marks the end of a trail. Edward Goodell Executive Director —Matt Corsaro a favor? I still do not understand the rules Joshua Erdsneker Operations Director New Paltz, NY which govern the system of blazes which The Trail Walker welcomes letters to Larry Wheelock Trails Director are supposed to guide us on our way. A the editor. Send them via email to Bill O’Hearn Conservation & [email protected] or mail to: Advocacy Director Daniel Chazin, Publications Committee short article and explanation would help. I chair, responds: The short answer is: lack of am sure you have done this before, but Trail Walker Editor, NY-NJ Trail Heidi Adami Volunteer Conference, 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Coordinator resources. The production of a new map set some guys like myself don’t get it on first Mahwah, NJ 07430 Allison Werberg Cartographer/ requires significant efforts on the part of try. Thank you. GIS Technician both volunteers and staff. We try to focus —Rudolf Walter Gary Willick Fulfillment Coordinator our efforts on maps that have the greatest Scarsdale, NY Elizabeth Bleiweiss Accounting & demand. Currently, for example, we are Operations Manager Catherine Gemmell Information Manager NEW HIKING LOOP Eddie Walsh, Jr. Trail Projects continued from page 1 Coordinator Field in the Village of Greenwood Lake, Part-time Staff where they greeted well-wishers and John Myers Land Acquisition Director distributed information about the loop. For more information on the Wallkill The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It is Valley Loop, including detailed directions, go a federation of 103 hiking and outdoor groups, to: www.nynjtc.org/trails/newtrails/wvl.html. and 10,000 individuals.

Mike Knutson, the SCA intern who came up with the idea for the long-distance Wallkill Valley Loop.

2 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 TRAILWALKER From the Executive Director bring your club’s activities to the attention New Scenes and Walks in the Northern Shawangunks of more people by listing selected outings Clubs Are Us in Trail Walker (Hikers’ Almanac), and The Publications Committee is pleased to announce the publication of a third edition of publicizing your group’s contributions to Jack Fagan’s book Scenes and Walks in the Northern Shawangunks. The book combines an Recently, while try- trail work. incisive description of the foot trails and carriage roads of the area with more than 100 ing to update our 2. Trail Construction and monitoring: magnificent illustrations by the author. The text highlights the unusual rock formations Trail Conference The original reason that clubs came togeth- and other interesting features of the Mohonk Preserve, stationery, we con- er to create the Trail Conference was to Minnewaska State Park Preserve, and Sam’s Point Preserve, fronted a problem develop a system of marked trails. This work and the accompanying illustrations demonstrate the extraor- that we are happy continues today, with the Trail Conference dinary beauty of this special area. The book is a to have—how to working with open space managers must for anyone wishing to explore the scenic delights of the fit the names of throughout our region to plan trail routes Shawangunks! our 103 dues-pay- and reroutes, keep existing trails open and This third edition includes trail changes and descriptions of ing, organizational accessible, and recruit and train the volun- new trails on lands in the Shawangunks recently acquired by members on our letterhead. teers needed to maintain a network of nearly the State of New York, and the cover incorporates a new About 60 percent of Trail Conference 1700 miles of trails. We have increased our color illustration by the author. The book retails for $13.95, organizational members are traditional training opportunities (now offered under with Trail Conference members entitled to a 25% discount. hiking clubs; the rest are a diverse array the heading of Trail University, see page 5) To order your copy, go to the Hikers’ Marketplace on page 12. of nature centers, preserves, advocacy and invite our member organizations to groups large and small, and even a few connect their members—including fami- municipal agencies. (See annotated list at lies—to our workshops and gain new www.nynjtc.org/clubs.html.) volunteers for themselves and for trails. 3. Advocacy: It is fair to say that many of $25,000 Grant to TC Will Our region’s hiking our clubs and their individual members have been at the forefront of every major advocacy effort the Trail Conference has Fund Farny Trails Study community comes been involved in. From protecting open space for trails to lobbying government together in the Trail officials for adequate funding for parks facilities and protection, the Trail Confer- A $25,000 grant to the Division of Parks and Forestry, as well as Conference, which ence and its member clubs can focus a the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, broad-based constituency on important Trail Conference from the with valuable information about the facil- counts 100+ member trails issues. (We calculate the combined federal Recreational Trails ities under their management and assist membership of member organizations at all of us in raising funds to improve access organizations. 150,000 individuals in our region, a very Program of the Federal and management of these public lands. significant interest group!) The Trail Con- ference is the hiking clearinghouse in our Highway Administration The grant is intended to cover the cost of: In my five years with the Trail Confer- region, where vital information is shared. was announced in October. • Two global position system ence, we have been able to increase the We seek to strengthen this vital partnership data collection units number of member organizations from 77 by providing leadership on key conserva- The money will be used to implement a • Required accessories and to more than 100, but I am quite sure that tion issues. pilot program to conduct a comprehen- interfacing software we have not been able to increase their The great promise of the Trail Confer- sive inventory of existing and undefined • Various data management software involvement in Trail Conference activities by ence is that we can accomplish more trails at Farny State Park, centered on • Staff time needed to complete and a comparable measure. To reverse that trend together than we can separately. Our col- Split Rock Reservoir. manage the program for one year. is a worthy challenge for the next five years. lective influence—on getting people The study area is roughly bordered by I see three areas where the Trail Confer- outside, informing and promoting action the Berkshire Valley road on the west, The first stages of this program will ence and our member organizations could on political fronts related to trails and open I-80 on the south, Kinnelon Road on the begin with data collection by the staff and strengthen our partnership in achieving space, and doing the hands-on volunteer east and Route 23 on the north. This area volunteers as soon as possible. This will our shared goals. work of building and maintaining trails— has approximately 30 miles of main- take approximately 30 days of field work 1. Getting people outdoors: A variety testifies to the breadth, depth, and tained trails and may have up to 20 spread over approximately nine months. of economic and lifestyle trends are making engagement of the hiking community. additional miles of proposed and These nine months for the data collection it less likely for the average family and espe- I invite you to share your thoughts with unmaintained trails. There are no up-to- process may be necessary in order to cially kids to go hiking on a regular basis. me about how we can build and strength- date trail maps of this region available. make optimum use of leaf-off conditions The outdoor activities and education pro- en our traditional partnerships. This award will support the develop- in the fall, winter, and spring. This data grams of our member organizations are ment of a new set of North Jersey trail will be downloaded using various data probably the most important ways to maps, now scheduled for completion in management software and will then be counter such trends. Our new Communi- 2007. It will also provide the New Jersey sorted and managed through Geographic ty Trails Program (see Bill O’Hearn’s Dept. of Environmental Protection, Information Systems. column, page 5.) will make trails more visible and accessible. We can also help – Ed Goodell, [email protected]

V OLUNTEER P ROFILE the Publications Committee. Ruth helped including, in October of this year, trails in produce a brochure on the East Hudson Provence, France. Ruth Rosenthal Highlands, and she currently is the Project Ruth is especially pleased that the Trail By Daniel Chazin Manager for George Petty’s new book, Conference, in recent years, has embarked Hiking the Jersey Highlands, which is upon a program of acquiring land to Ruth Rosenthal’s concern for the well- scheduled to be published by the Trail preserve existing hiking trails and create being of our natural world has been an Conference within the next few months. new ones. As she explains: “There is an important factor throughout her life. She “It’s a wonderful Highlands reference and enormous need for dedicated citizens, rec- trained and worked as a botanist and field guide,” Ruth explains, “and I’m sure it will ognizing the fragile ecology of the natural biologist, and then became a teacher. prove to be much appreciated.” world, to advocate for land preservation Upon her retirement several years ago, With an apartment in New York City and for changes in the earth-destructive Ruth was able to devote more time to the and a home in Putnam County, Ruth habits of our national culture.” causes that she holds dear. She has volun- divides her life between the two places. Her Ruth’s volunteer efforts on behalf the teered for the Natural Resources Defense weekend hiking is mostly on the east side of Trail Conference are a source of much Council, the Open Space Institute, the the Hudson, but she also favors hikes in the satisfaction. As she puts it: “Being a part of Trust for Public Land, Environmental Shawangunks. Farther afield, she’s hiked the Trail Conference, and working with its Defense, Transportation Alternatives, Ruth Rosenthal with her longtime with her husband, Michael, in California, dedicated members, volunteers, and staff is and—last, but certainly not least—the hiking companion, Mickey. Colorado, Nevada, and Utah—and even in a great pleasure.” Ruth has made valuable Trail Conference. Iceland. Sadly, her cherished canine hiking contributions to the Trail Conference over Ruth has volunteered with the Trail Corridor Monitor in Dutchess County, companion, Mickey, recently passed away. the years, and we hope that she will contin- Conference in many capacities. Her first and she continues to serve in this position. But she and her husband are resuming their ue to do so for many years in the future. assignment was as an Appalachian Trail More recently, she has become active with hikes, exploring trails that are new to them,

TRAILWALKER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 3 Mud Pond Trail to Trail Crew Schedules Reopen Thanks to Private Landowner November – December 2006 WEST JERSEY CREW WEST HUDSON SOUTH CREW For the latest schedules and additional Leaders: Monica and David Day Leaders: 732-937-9098 cell: 908-307-5049 Chris Ezzo, Crew Chief: and NY State details, go to nynjtc.org and click on [email protected] 516-431-1148, [email protected] “Trail crews/Work trips.” Brian Buchbinder: TBD = To Be Determined Nov. 4 (Saturday) 718-218-7563, [email protected] Anyone who has enjoyed the dramatic Dunnfield Creek Trail, Worthington State Forest. Claudia Ganz: 212-633-1324, sight of Verkeerder Kill Falls, on the route For all trips bring work gloves, water, Final touches on the rock steps of the relocation. [email protected] of the Long Path between Sam’s Point lunch, insect repellent. In some cases, Robert Marshall: 914-737-4792, [email protected] Preserve and Mud Pond in Minnewaska tools are provided. Contact leaders in Nov. 18 (Saturday) Monica Day: 732-937-9098 State Park Preserve, owes a debt of thanks advance for meeting times and places. Appalachian Trail, Worthington State Forest. Install additional drainage and erosion controls. Nov. 4 (Saturday) to private landowners Theresa and Les Volunteers must become members of TBD Concors. The couple owns the land that the Conference to participate in these Leader: Chris Ezzo includes the falls and the area below and projects. A one-time “guest” participation EAST HUDSON CREW just east of it, and graciously permit hikers is allowed, so bring your friends. Leaders: Nov. 9 (Thursday) Walt Daniels, 914-245-1250 TBD access via crucial sections of trail that connect the Verkeerder Kill Falls Trail to METRO CREW Michael Bongar, 914-788-0616 Leader: Bob Marshall Leaders: Josie Gray, 845-831-5786 the High Point Trail. It is also a critical link Joe Gindoff, 914-760-3568, [email protected] MaryAnn Massey, 914-967-8774 Nov. 11 (Saturday) in the Long Path. Lizbeth Gonzalez, 646-319-5159 Patrick McGloin, 631-223-2164 Bare Rock Trail Leader: Monica Day Tools and gloves will be furnished, feel free to bring If you are coming by train, be sure to let the your own. Mass transit and carpooling are possi- leader know so that we wait for the train. Nov. 18 (Saturday) ble. Check website for possible additional dates. Major Welch Trail, Bear Mountain S.P. Weekdays Leader: Bob Marshall Leader: Walt Daniels

Dec. 2, 3 (Saturday, Sunday) L

Meet: 9 am, TBD L Idlewild Park, Queens Nov. 18 (Saturday) E D

Work varies Major Welch Trail, Bear Mountain S.P. O

Leader: Joe Gindoff O Meet at Springfield Park, Park House, 147th Ave. Leader: Chris Ezzo G D

WEST HUDSON NORTH CREW R

and Springfield Blvd., Queens. We will build new A

Leaders: W

trails to and around the marshes. D Denise Vitale, Crew Chief: BEAR MOUNTAIN TRAILS PROJECT E A view of Mud Pond from the long-closed NJ HIGHLANDS CREW 845-738-2126, [email protected] Project Manager: Eddie Walsh Leader: Glenn Oleksak: Dave Webber: 845-452-7238, trail in Minnewaska State Park Preserve 973-283-0306, [email protected] [email protected] Registration required; contact [email protected] that is due to be reopened. or 201-512-9348, ext. 26 First Sunday of each month Nov. 4 (Saturday) It is expected that this section will once Storm King State Park Fridays through Tuesdays in November Trips start at 10 am. Call, email, or check NY-NJ again reconnect with the trail that extend- TC website calendar for directions and details of Leader: Denise Vitale Work opportunities include stone crib wall con- work trip. TBD. Meet: 9:30 am; place TBD struction, stone step construction, stone splitting, ed to Mud Pond. Closed for years, that spreading crushed stone for trail surfacing, land, known as the Awosting Reserve, was NORTH JERSEY WEEKEND CREW Dec. 2, Dec. 3 (Saturday, Sunday) and material moving with highlines (rigging). purchased by the state of New York and Leader: Sandy Parr, 732-469-5109 Trailhead Jessup/Highlands/Sweet Clover Trails, became part of Minnewaska State Park Schunemunk State Park Sundays in November Preserve in March 2006. In his first week Second Sunday of each month Leader: Denise Vitale (No trip Nov. 26) Trips start at 9:30 am; call for location and details Build rock steps and crib wall in slope above the Trail closure (obliteration) and ecological on the job, the new Preserve Manager, during the week before the scheduled trip day. seasonal drainage. Meet: 9:30 am; place TBD restoration project. Marc Talluto, announced that the trail Tackle a variety of projects ranging from trail linking Mud Pond to the falls could be repair to bridge building in northern New Jersey. Nov. 11 (Saturday) Womens Work Trip officially reopened as soon as it can be NORTH JERSEY WEEKDAY CREW Leader: Denise Vitale and SCA Leaders refurbished and reblazed. Stay tuned. Leader: John Moran, [email protected] Theresa and Les Concors are representa- Nov. 25 (Saturday) tive of those special individuals who go out This crew will cover the NJ Ramapos, Ringwood College Day of their way to accommodate and welcome S. P., Norvin Green S. F., and NJ Palisades area. Leader: Dan Hausner hikers on their private land. Please Its purpose is to respond quickly to immediate needs, rather than to schedule definite events far acknowledge their gift by respecting in advance. If you’re interested in being on call their property as you enjoy the sights and for this work, contact John Moran by email. pleasures it offers.

mittee built a new style of composting Cited benefits of the moldering privy include: and was joined by seven volunteers for the The Case of the privy at the Morgan Stewart Memorial • Requires less labor and exposes main- half-day work effort, which involved clear- shelter in Dutchess. Called a moldering tainers to less risk of infection than bin ing and leveling the ground (no pits to dig), Moldering Privy privy, the design was developed through composting systems; building a wooden crib, moving the exist- research by the Green Mountain Club • Much less polluting than pit toilets; ing privy structure to the top of the crib, Human waste happens, even in the woods. (GMC) in conjunction with the • Eliminates the need to dig pits; building steps, and finishing off. Dealing with it safely and in an environ- Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC), the • Can serve a higher volume of users “Everyone pitched in to do whatever mentally sound manner is of ongoing National Park Service Appalachian Trail than pit toilet; needed to be done at that time—shoveling, concern to trail managers and hikers. Park Office (ATPO), and the Vermont • Is relatively inexpensive. hammering, sawing, stapling,” Ollie reports. In September, volunteers with the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recre- Committee member Ollie Simpson of “By noon, we were done! The existing struc- Dutchess-Putnam AT Management Com- ation (VT FPR). Wappingers Falls, NY, managed the project ture with steps was in place on the new crib and the old pit covered. We enjoyed lunch and conversation at the shelter before leav- ing. If anyone needs a moldering privy, you know whom to contact.” Joining Ollie in the work were Gerry Richardson, Carol Richardson, Frank E

B Dogil, Ray Winchcombe, David Kinosky, M

O Jesse Saperstein, and Carol Petricevic. C H

C For detailed information about molder- N I

W ing privies check out ATC’s Back Country Y A

R Sanitation Manual at www.appalachi- : S

O antrail.org/protect/steward. T O H P The team levels the base and Two cribs are built: one will be left The old privy is raised into a new position, starts building the crib. to compost while the other is in use. and steps are put in place.

4NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 TRAILWALKER at Bear Mountain ADVOCACY TRAIL U Trail Skills Trainings &CONSERVATION Workshops November 2006 From the For years, towns have asked us for help The Trail Conference’s Trail University— Trail Design and Layout #84 Advocacy & Conservation Director: in using trails to “connect the dots” our program of classes and hands-on Nov. 18, 19 (Saturday, Sunday) Bill O’Hearn between their existing open spaces, training in trail building and maintenance Site: Major Welch and Appalachian Trails The Community potential open spaces, and local points skills—continues into November at the Bear Mountain, NY of interest. We are uniquely qualified to Bear Mountain Trails Project. To register Instructor: Eddie Walsh and Larry Trail Connections Program, do this because we have experience in for a workshop, contact Heidi Adami at Wheelock defining trail corridors (conservation), [email protected] or call 201-512-9348, Registration fee: $5 for TC members, $8 for A new role for the planning and constructing trails (access), ext. 26. Directions, meeting places, and non-members Trail Conference and local organizing to promote and times will be given upon registration. maintain the trails (advocacy). Women’s Weekend #94 “It’s not enough to buy open space – The overall concept of this campaign Stone Pinning Workshop #92 Nov. 18, 19 (Saturday, Sunday) is to offer municipalities a way to tie Nov. 4 (Saturday) Site: Beat Mountain Trails, you must change the way people their local connector trails and trail heads Site: New Appalachian Trail Route, Bear Mountain, NY feel about the land.” into the Trail Conference’s regional trail Bear Mountain, NY Instructor: Denise Vitale & SCA —Ed Boyer, network. Based on our successes in Instructor: Eddie Walsh Crew Leaders Wappingers Falls, NY, and the Pochuck Registration fee: $10 (TC Membership Required) Registration fee: $10 (TC Membership Required) US Forest Service Boardwalk in Vernon, NJ, we will use several case studies in the next few years Stone Cribbing Apprenticeship The Trail Conference to demonstrate how planning, organiz- Level II # 93 staff and I were ing, and local trail work and promotion Nov. 4, 5, 6 (Saturday – Monday) brainstorming about can provide area towns with many more Site: New Appalachian Trail Route, a theme that would local outdoor recreation opportunities, Bear Mountain, NY tie together the Trail ecotourism possibilities, and improved Instructor: Eddie Walsh Conference’s three quality of life. Registration fee: $10 (TC Membership Required) main trail functions The campaign has already resulted in of access, conserva- two meetings with interested towns, and New Project Seeks to Return Trails to Natural State tion, and advocacy when we hit on the we have had inquiries from several oth- concept of a “community trail connec- ers. If you know of any towns that would This fall, the Trail Conference begins a new era of trail stewardship at Bear Mountain and tions” program. The idea: provide the like to turn their isolated public parks in our region. For the first time, we are systematically restoring abandoned and unofficial connections between our existing into a connected system of trails and trails to a natural state. We will be using traditional techniques such as moving duff network of backwoods trails to potential parklands, please contact me at the Trail (decomposing leaf litter) and downed logs and branches, as well as more expansive ones hikers in urban, suburban, and rural Conference office. We are excited about such as transplanting living plants from areas where new trail is being constructed to the residential settings. In other words, link our ability to deliver new trails to these impacted bootleg trails. Our goal is to erase signs of human presence and give nature her our trails to schools, libraries, museums, communities, and invite your ideas and best chance to rebound and take back the mountain as quickly as possible. Weekly trail ball fields, and other places where suggestions on ways to build and expand restoration trips are scheduled nearly every Sunday in November. Contact Volunteer people gather. this program. Coordinator Heidi Adami ([email protected], 201-512-9348, ext. 26) for more information and to get involved. ADVOCACY & CONSERVATION NEWS NOTES Developer Scales Down Belleayre Plan In late August, the developer of the proposed Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park, Cross- roads Ventures, met with federal, state, and local agencies to discuss moving forward Norvin Green Projects with a scaled-down version of its proposed resort project. The project has faced strong Lead Scout to Eagle Status opposition from governmental agencies, environmental groups— including the NY-NJ Trail Conference and Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK)—and concerned citizens. Erich Bassler of Boy Scout Troop 7, Ridge- The developer has proposed downsizing the eastern portion of its original plan by wood, NJ, came to the Trail Conference in eliminating an 18-hole golf course, reducing the hotel from 150 to 120 rooms, and cut- November 2004 seeking a project for his ting 88 of the original 183 townhouse units. The eastern portion of the project has Eagle Scout candidacy. His choice was a received the most criticism due to its location on the steeply sloped Belleayre Ridge in reroute of the Hewitt-Butler and Mine the heart of the Catskill High Peaks and the New York City watershed. Trails as they ascended Wyanokie High In early August 2006, State Comptroller Alan Hevesi and the U.S. Environmental Point. This section of trail was badly erod- Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 2 office publicly criticized the proposed Belleayre ed and traveled over bedrock exposures that Resort Project. You can read Hevesi’s full report at www.osc.state.ny.us/reports/ became covered with ice in winter. He economic/belleayre.pdf. For more information on the Trail Conference and ADK’s tes- started his project in March 2005, working timony on this project, visit http://www.adk.org/issues/Belleayreresort.aspx with a crew of fellow scouts and friends and Helping hands raise the roof on an cousins almost every weekend. After much information kiosk at Norvin Green. NJ $$ for Open Space Acquisitions clipping, cutting, raking, and blazing, they In August, New Jersey Governor Corzine signed legislation earmarking $80 million for were able to complete and open this new open space preservation in the state. Of the total, $20 million is destined to purchase section in the fall of that year. He then land in the Highlands region, with other money funding urban park acquisitions in offered to build a trail information kiosk at Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Camden, and Union counties. the newly created trailhead, the entrance to The money comes from the Garden State Preservation Trust, approved by voters in Norvin Green’s most popular trails. Super- 1998, set to run through 2029, and funded by revenue from sales and user taxes. visors Robert Jonas and Estelle Anderson later added a patio to the kiosk and paved NYS Land Buy Protects LP Near Albany it with bricks collected over the years by In August, Governor Pataki announced an agreement for the acquisition of 188 sce- past North Jersey Trails Chair Dick Warn- nic acres to expand John Boyd Thacher State Park in Albany County. The acquisition er. The kiosk has been christened the R. N. will provide for the extension of trails, notably the Long Path, a 350-mile trail that Warner Trail Kiosk in his honor. Erich was begins near the George Washington Bridge in New Jersey. The additional acreage will awarded Eagle status in June of this year, increase the size of Thacher Park to 2,155 acres. and Jonas and Anderson proudly received The state is purchasing the land from the Open Space Institute (OSI). According to “Mentor” pins at his celebration. Congrat- the governor’s office, the parcel is adjacent to the northern border of Thacher State Park ulations and thanks to all who participated. and fronts the Helderberg Escarpment with views to the north and east. The parcel Robert Jonas, Scout Erich Bassler, and includes High Point, which is reported to be the highest elevation along the escarpment. Estelle Anderson celebrate a job well done. The Trail Conference-ADK Partnership successfully lobbied for the land acquisition funds from the Environmental Protection Fund that made this purchase possible. continued on page 7

TRAILWALKER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 5 Help Needed: Trail and Hiking Information Outreach Volunteer Classifieds: Get Involved! Be a Trail Conference Ambassador. We receive many requests from members and the general public for information about hiking, especially in the fall. To meet this public need, we seek reliable individuals to answer our phones, assist Are you looking for new challenges and keep shelter free from litter and graffiti, walk-in customers, and do some light data-entry and order fulfillment. Interested per- opportunities to get involved with Trail inspect privy or other sanitation provisions, sons do not need to be all-knowing about hiking in the area, but must be eager to help Conference activities? Please review the and check signs. The maintainer also the public and willing to look up information and follow up with the correct answer. TC Volunteer Classifieds for exciting submits semiannual shelter maintenance We seek enthusiastic Trail Conference members who can make a minimum commit- and interesting ways for members to reports and reports problems and shelter ment of six hours per week in our Mahwah office. Interested individuals may volunteer become involved with the Conference’s misuse to the supervisor and requests help or receive a stipend of $6.15/hour. efforts. Volunteers are the heart and soul for major repairs from the supervisor. To Please send your credentials, availability, and contact information to Operations of our organization. Become an active sign up in Dutchess/Putnam, contact Jim Director Joshua Erdsneker at [email protected] or call 201-512-9348, ext. 13. part of our family and get more involved. Haggett at [email protected] or Please share this notice with someone who might be interested in helping. If you are interested in volunteering with 845-462-2893. the TC and do not see an opportunity that suits you, contact Heidi K. Adami, Can You Spare Two Hours a Week? Meet the Interns either by email [email protected] or Join the fun and come to our Mahwah phone, 201-512-9348, ext. 26, and she office and assist with the packing of map Carol Petricevic joins the Trail Conference from July through Decem- will find a way to get you involved. and book orders, shipping membership ber as an intern with the Student Conservation Association (an cards, and processing membership Americorp program). Carol is supporting the Bear Mountain Trails Trail Maintainers renewals. Keep the Trail Conference’s Project in the office by assisting with volunteer recruitment and in the We are looking for individuals, couples, Orders and Fulfillment Department on field with work trip and workshop coordination. Carol taught science and families who are willing to adopt a track by lending us a hand. With a boom in inner city schools for the last four years in section of trail. Maintainers are expected to in memberships and book and map Chicago and Cleveland. She left the teaching field visit their assigned section a minimum of orders, we need your help. Interested to pursue a year of environmental work before twice a year, keeping it passable by cutting persons should be comfortable working starting graduate study in ecology next fall. Carol back brush, ensuring it is well marked and on a computer. Contact Gary Willick, originally hails from the flatlands of Cleveland; free of trash, and submitting semi-annual either by email, [email protected], or her New York-New Jersey sojourn marks her first reports of their work. We have openings phone 201-512-9348, ext.11. experience living outside of the Great Lakes on several of our Trail Committees: watersheds. Catskills Forest Preserve Indirect Cost Rate Accounting Advisor Metro Trails: Alley Pond and Staten Island The Trail Conference maintains a complex Dan Hausner started volunteering with the Trail East Hudson: Westchester set of financial records and occasionally Conference several years ago on the Twin Forts Central Jersey: Pequannock Watershed, needs some professional advice and guid- project. This year he stepped up his involvement Garret/High Mountains, Pyramid ance. We are looking for assistance in by becoming a Rockland County Americorps intern, working with Mountain, and the Farny Highlands. establishing an Indirect Cost Rate and if the Trail Conference primarily on the Bear Mountain Trails Project. Northwest New Jersey you are familiar with methods for calculat- He is currently a senior at Clarkson University studying electrical The Long Path and Shawngunk Ridge ing federally approved indirect cost rates, engineering. He has lived and hiked in the New York metropolitan Contact Heidi either at volunteers@ or willing to learn, please contact Elizabeth area most of his life. nynjtc.org or 201-512-9348, ext. 26. Bleiweiss at [email protected] or 201- 512-9348, ext. 23. Corridor Monitor The NY-NJ Trail Conference seeks Needed in Orange/Rockland Publications Committee Looking to get off the beaten path? The Project Manager individuals for internships Orange/Rockland AT Committee needs We are looking for individuals to oversee your help. Monitors are needed to patrol the production of maps and guidebooks, Trail Conference interns may gain skills in Some internships come with stipends; and watch the Appalachian Trail Corridor coordinating the work of other volunteers trail building, managing volunteers, and some may earn academic credit. to protect against misuse and illegal activ- and contractors, and ensuring that the administration of projects large and small. To learn more about intern opportunities, ities. Responsibilities include: walking the assigned publication comes out on time A great skills and resume builder! contact Heidi Adami at [email protected], corridor boundaries two to four times per and within the approved budget. We have or call 201-512-9348, ext. 26. year, verifying boundary markers along several exciting projects on hold because the corridor boundary, reporting evi- we do not have Project Managers available dence of trespassing and misuse, such as to ensure their successful completion. If dumping, logging, ATVs, etc., assisting you are interested, please contact Publica- Statement of Ownership, the Corridor Manager in handling prob- tions Committee Chair Daniel Chazin at Management, and Circulation lems discovered, and meeting trail [email protected]. Trail Walker is a bi-monthly paper pub- neighbors and easement holders annually. lished by the New York-New Jersey Trail Space is limited, sign up now by contact- Publications Marketer Conference, 156 Ramapo Valley Road, ing Heidi at [email protected] or The Publications Committee is looking Mahwah, New Jersey 07430. The editor 201-512-9348, ext. 26. for volunteers to assist with the marketing and managing editor is Georgette Weir, at of our publications to bookstores and oth- the same address. The annual subscription Corridor Monitors and Shelter Main- er retail and wholesale outlets. If you have price is $15; contact person is Josh Erdsnek- tainers Needed in Dutchess/Putnam experience in marketing and would like to er; telephone number is 201-512-9348. There are several openings in Dutchess and help us out, please contact Publications The tax status of the organization has not Putnam Counties for AT boundary moni- Committee Chair Daniel Chazin, changed during the preceding 12 months. tors and shelter maintainers. Monitors are [email protected]. As of the filing date of October 1, 2006, needed to patrol and watch the Appalachi- the average number of copies of each issue an Trial Corridor to protect against misuse New Jersey Advocacy Committee – during the preceding 12 months was and illegal activities. Responsibilities Volunteer Activists 9,900; the actual number of copies of the include: walking the corridor boundaries Make a political impact! Volunteer single issue published nearest to the filing Are you a three-season hiker who’s tired of two to four times per year, verifying bound- activists are needed to serve on the NJ date was 9,400. The paper has a total paid watching your gear gather dust for five months ary markers along the corridor boundary, Advocacy Committee, which will work and/or requested circulation of 8,000 out of the year? The Winter Mountaineering School may be just what you’re looking for. Our reporting evidence of trespassing and mis- with the Conservation and Advocacy (average) and 8,012 (actual, most recent dedicated, all-volunteer group of instructors use, such as dumping, logging, ATVs, etc., Director to develop policy positions on issue). The average free distribution for the have been helping hikers enjoy the mountains in winter for over 50 snow and ice filled years. assisting the Corridor Manager in handling ATVs, Highlands Council Regional 12 months preceding the filing date was This year’s program will be based out of the problems discovered, and meeting trail Master Plan, Parks Referendum, and oth- 1,000 (average) and 1,000 (actual, most ADK Loj. Check out our website for program details, gear lists, photos, and more. Come join neighbors and easement holders annually. er hot issues. To get involved, please recent issue). The total average distribution the fun! Shelter maintainers are needed to keep the contact Bill O’Hearn at ohearn@ was 9,900; the actual distribution of the Weekend Day Hikes: Jan. 5-8; $295.00 shelters in excellent shape by visiting them nynjtc.org or 201-512-9348, ext. 22. single issue published nearest to the filing Weekend Backpacking: Jan. 5-8; $250.00 Combo Section (Day Hikes & 3-night Back- frequently (twice a month in heavy usage date was 9,012. pack): Jan. 5-11; $350.00 times). Responsibilities include: trim vege- This information is reported on U. S. continued on page 8 www.winterschool.org tation around shelter, inspect water supply, Postal Service Form 3526 and here as or call 518-523-3441 required by 39 USC 3685.

6NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 TRAILWALKER Plant Hunters: Trail Corridors May Promote Biological Diversity On the Lookout for By Dr. William Schuster, executive director of Black Rock Forest Consortium A recent study of “biological corridors”* additional forest. This contiguity allows the promote ecological connectivity around Invasives in the Woods may have implications for how we can man- area to retain carnivores, hawks and eagles, our region. The Trail Conference’s land age fragmented natural habitats to preserve mink and otter, and owls and forest interi- acquisition program focuses primarily on This past summer, 59 Trail Conference vol- native biological diversity. The study docu- or songbirds. We know that continuous protecting corridors between parks, pre- unteers collected information about the mented that creating corridors, connections habitats such as ridges, lowlands, and river serves, and open spaces, often in areas presence (or lack thereof) of 22 species of that permit relatively complete movement of and stream valleys enhance biotic move- under threat of development. By preserving invasive plants along 66 miles of trail in organisms, between fragmented habitats can hiking corridors through suit- parklands in Harriman and enhance plant diversity. able natural terrain, one is also Ringwood/Ramapo. The exercise was the The study showed that, over five years, likely helping to maintain the first phase of a three-year study that has the patches of open habitat surrounded by native biological diversity of dual aim of tracking the inroads being longleaf pine forests but connected by a those areas over time. In the made by invasive plants in our region and 25-meter wide corridor contained 20 “spoke and wheel” model of trail of the feasibility of using citizen-scientists percent more native plant species than did linkages, preservation or reestab- to monitor their presence. The study is isolated patches, which rapidly lost plant lishment of “spokes” helps being conducted by the NY-NJ Trail Con- species. Increased numbers of pollinating ensure the ecological health of ference and Rutgers University, and is and seed dispersing animals using the the “wheels.” supported by funding from the US Dept. corridors may underlie the results. The Some have questioned of Agriculture. study is especially newsworthy because, whether foot trails can represent The monitors—officially known as Vol- while corridors have been shown to benefit a small-scale form of fragmenta- unteer Invasive Plant Surveyors, or VIPS— some larger animal species, we think of tion. But research by Jean Rothe encountered 17 out of 22 designated plants as being sedentary and thus slow to in the Black Rock Forest, species, with the most prevalent being: respond to changes. supported also by the Trail • Garlic Mustard Fragmenting ecological communities Conference, indicates the effect • Devils Walking Stick into small, unconnected pieces commonly Trail routes also connect biological habitats. is not detrimental, at least to • Japanese Barberry results from human activities such as devel- songbirds. Such studies have examined • O. Bittersweet opment, road construction, and land use ments. It has long been hypothesized that impacts on only a few organisms, but foot • Winged Euonymus conversion. A consequence is often reduced maintaining or re-establishing contiguous trails and trail use must be minor impacts • Privet native biological diversity. Species with corridors between core habitat areas should for many of the resilient organisms that • Honeysuckles large home ranges and those that need to prevent or reverse some negative impacts of have survived previous disturbance in our • Multiflora Rose migrate may not have the resources neces- fragmentation. But the full effects have sel- forests. sary to survive in fragments. Fragmentation dom been rigorously and experimentally When hiking on a trail in large areas of Phyllis Gulino of Staten Island was one reduces the populations of some organ- tested. Concerns, such as the possibility contiguous habitat, you may well enjoy, of the volunteers who patrolled trails in isms, can concentrate prey organisms that corridors might spread disease, have consciously or unconsciously, the biological Harriman State Park. A hiker with a lively making them more easily captured, and been expressed. More studies are needed diversity that remains. In navigating or tra- interest in plants, Ms. Gulino says she vol- can reduce or eliminate gene exchange and many are underway. Nevertheless, versing habitat barriers, you may recognize unteered hoping to increase her plant among neighbor populations. Lowered available evidence suggests that we may at how they might have endangered native knowledge. “And it did,” she says. “It raised productivity, altered chemical cycles, least enhance the preservation of some populations in the adjacent habitats. And my awareness about invasive plants. I and/or lost ecosystem services for humans valuable and rare species by establishing when traveling through preserved habitat learned that sometimes, pulling them out may subsequently result. appropriate corridors. corridors, you might want to pause and can make the problem worse because it Eastern forests have been heavily frag- The importance of biological corridors give thanks to those who preserved them, helps them to spread.” mented, but mountain ranges such as the lends support to the concept of preserving on behalf of our native organisms and eco- Ms. Gulino said she walked her assigned New York-New Jersey Highlands have sig- habitat connections in the landscape. The logical health. trails with a partner, stopping at flagged nificant ecological connectivity. Black Rock Black Rock Forest Consortium, the Trail locations and surveying the area within a Forest’s 4,000 acres, for example, are con- Conference, and land preservation organi- *(Damschen et al., 2006, 10-foot radius of the flag and recording the tiguous to about 100,000 acres of zations work individually and together to Science 313:1284-1286) invasive plants spotted. New recruits for the study will be sought in 2007 and 2008. Contact Heidi Adami at ADVOCACY & CONSERVATION which works to raise awareness and advo- member of SPARC.) Stewart State Forest [email protected] or phone, 201-512- continued from page 5 cate for the protection of the Ramapo now comprises approximately 7,000 acres, 9348, ext. 26, for information or to sign up. NJ Updates State Trails Plan Highlands and the Ramapo Watershed. the second largest open space area in The New Jersey Dept. of Environmental The coalition focuses on protection of the Orange County after Sterling Forest State Volunteer Invasive Plant Surveyors, Protection (DEP) and Dept. of Transporta- Highlands in the Towns of Ramapo, Park. The UMP can be viewed at Class of 2006 tion (DOT) are updating the 1996 version Tuxedo and Warwick in New York, and www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dlf/ Roger Baroody, Lisa Caplan, David Case, of the State Trails Plan. Public meetings on the Township of Mahwah and the publands/ump/reg3/stewart.html. Melanie Chirico, Martha Colby, Neil the plan were held in September. Trail User Borough of Ringwood in New Jersey. DiBernardo, Vincent Dryer, Diane Dugan, Surveys, which are being used to identify Contacts for the coalition are Ray Kane NJ Highlands Master Plan Jane Dupont, Tom Dupont, Corinne trail use patterns and priorities, are being (845-357-0158) and Bob Drennan Set for December Release Egner, Georgette Fazzari, Christie distributed, and it’s important that as many (845-357-3768). The New Jersey Highlands Council has Ferguson, Robert Fouchaux, Melissa Trail Conference members as possible fill it announced that it intends to complete a Gillmer, John Green, Jeremiah Green, out and turn it in. It is available at Plan for Stewart State Forest Released first draft of the Regional Master Plan in Patricia Grove, Phyllis Gulino, Barbara www.njtrailsplan.org. At press time, In June, New York State transferred 1,600 late October, and to begin a series of six Hanson, James Hanson II, James Hanson “visioning workshops” were scheduled to acres in Orange County from the Dept. of public hearings around the Highlands III, Natalie Harris, Dennis Hillerud, Don take place in October, and may stretch into Transportation to the Dept. of Environ- area on November 5. The Regional Mas- Horne, Stephen Howe, Barbara November. Check the njtrails website mental Conservation for inclusion in ter Plan will determine land use policies in Kohlberger, Joanne Korte, Lynn Kushner, for dates and locations. We expect that Stewart State Forest. In October, the DEC the 400,000-acre Preservation Area of the John Lenihan, Deb MacLeod, Brigit Maio, public hearings will take place early in released its Unit Management Plan for the Highlands, and Planning Area towns will Krisztina Marton, Carol Mantell, Elizabeth 2007. For more information, visit site, with public hearings set for that have the option of “opting-in” to the plan Mellen, Gina Mongiello, Robert Morgan, www.njtrailsplan.org or see the Trail month. The UMP calls for prohibiting starting in December and during the next Dagi Murphy, Logan Nelson, Ray Nichols, Conference website. ATV and snowmobile use, allowing camp- 18 months. The Highlands Council held Walter Pettigrew, Robert Rutherford, ing by permit only, expanding public use a series of workshops in September and Suzanne Ryer, Lidya Sanchez, William New Coalition to Protect during hunting season, creating a trail net- October to help develop the first draft of Sanders, Peter Schmidt, Stanley Schmidt, the Ramapo Highlands work, continuing farming, and managing the plan, covering 18 separate subject Joyce Schmidt, Thomas Scuccimarra, Increasingly intense development in the woods and fields for wildlife. The June areas including water capacity, agricultur- Barbara Scuccimarra, Elaine Silverstein, interstate area of the New York/New land transfer was the result of an agree- al protection and stability, scenic values, Miriam Solomon, Nancy Surdoval, Bruce Jersey Highlands has led to the recent for- ment settling a lawsuit against the state smart growth, ecotourism, and threatened Thaler, Joan Thompson, Ruth Ann mation of the Ramapo Highlands brought by the Stewart Park and Reserve and endangered species habitat. The Trudell, Dominic Vellucci, Kim Yousey, Coalition, an ad-hoc committee of local Coalition (SPARC), which sought to Council also released a series of technical and Chris Zeller environmental groups, including the Trail protect as open space buffer lands around reports that are available on the Conference, and concerned citizens, Stewart Airport. (The Trail Conference is a www.highlands.state.nj.us website.

TRAILWALKER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 7 Put Your Holiday Shopping to Work for the Trail Conference Park Supporter Malcolm Borg Do you dislike shopping in crowded malls When you are ready to shop, visit our web during the holiday season or prefer to make page at http://www.nynjtc.org/commerce/ your gift purchases from the quiet sanctity index.html. From this page, you will see a Honored by Friends of Palisades of your home? link to a web page titled greatergood.com. On June 8, Malcolm Borg was honored by Friends of the From this link, you can choose from more Palisades on the occasion of his completion of 31 years of Would you like to shop at more than than 100 brand name retailers. You will dedicated service as a commissioner of the Palisades Inter- 100 major online retailers and help the Trail have access to a variety of merchants such state Park Commission (PIPC). First appointed in 1974 by Conference as you click away? as LL Bean, Land’s End, Amazon.com, Governor Brendan Byrne of New Jersey, “Mac” served the Barnes and Noble, Avon, J. Crew, The Commission with great distinction. During his tenure, If the answer is yes, then take advantage of Gap, as well as home electronics and com- PIPC assumed the management of Sterling Forest State Park the Trail Conference’s Affiliate Program. puter stores, home and bath stores, pet and a greatly expanded Minnewaska State Park Preserve. supply retailers, gourmet food shops, and A dinner honoring “Mac” was held on Ross Dock along the How does it work? dozens more. Hudson River in Fort Lee, NJ. Former PIPC Executive Direc- By entering the Trail Conference’s Com- tor Bob Binnewies flew in from California for the occasion, Park supporter mercial Zone and then connecting to select Please pass this link along to everyone you and the Trail Conference was represented by former TC Pres- Malcolm Borg was a PIPC online retailers through a special link on know, especially with the holiday ident H. Neil Zimmerman. “Mac is and was the institutional commissioner for 31 years. the Trail Conference’s web page, up to 15% shopping season just around the memory of the Commission,” Neil said. “He has a flair for of the price of everything you buy benefits corner. Your purchases can really guiding folks in the right direction and was a key player in the Sterling Forest and New York - New Jersey Trail Conference! help us make a difference. Minnewaska dramas, which were successful in no small part because of his efforts.”

DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND July 21, 2006 to September 27, 2006 GIFTS Carmine M. Alfano, Richard J. Anderson, Estelle Anderson, Steven & Christine Arkin, Robert P. & Joan T. Augello, Geoffrey Barclay, Edith Barth, Carol Ann Benton, Ken Bald, John B. Blenninger*, Ian Blundell*, Murray & Jeanne Bodin, Harry F. Bott, Walter E. Britt, Alice M. Broquist, Howard Brown & Nancy A. Houghton-Brown, Ferdinand Caiocca, Steve C. & Luisa Sia Casey, Philippe Cheyette, William Chiappane, Vincent R. Clephas, Neil & Katherine Cohen, Chris K Connolly*, Kay IN MEMORIAM Barbara Cynamon, Bob G. & Eva B. Davis, Michael L. DeLuca, John P. Denkowski, Donald B. Derr, Michael E. Doehring, Robert Doerr, Richard D. & Joyce Draper, Douglas K. Eads, Joan Ehrenfeld, Susan Erny, Charles Evans Jr, Christopher Ezzo, Peter I. Ford*, Arnold & Elaine J. Forsch, B. Harrison Frankel*, Christopher & Dorothy Freeman, Timothy Gallivan, Gregory Richard (Dick) Redfield & Samantha Gamble, Matthew D. Garamone, Ira J. Gardner*, William H. Gelles, George Gentsch & JoAnn Abbadessa, Long-time Trail Conference member Dick Arnold Ian Gittell, Alan Glickman, Robert J. Glynn, James C. & Susan P. R. Goodfellow*, Rebecca W. & Henry E. Goodhue, Redfield passed away on August 17, 2006, Gary Grasselena, Judith Green, Estate of Richard K. Greve, John Grob*, Judith E. Grose, John Gunzler*, Thomas & Ann after a seven-year battle with leukemia. Haffy, Margaret M. Haltigan, William A. & Joan T. Hand, Elizabeth Hanson, Douglas Hardison, Paul H. Harrison, Walter P. Hassinger, Elizabeth Heald, Curt Walter & Lavonne D. Hirsch, Richard T. Holden, Phyllis Ianniello & Newton Hydell, George Dick was an avid hiker, and a hard-working A. Kalosieh, Nitin Kapadia, Howard D. Kessler Jr., Felice Kirby, Dave Koehler, Charles Kovacs, Kurt W. Kucsma, Richard Kukle, contributor to the hiking community in Edward Landau, Cathie A. Leo, Linda M. Lesniak & Mark Kraai, Helmuth H. Loddigs, Donald P. Lynch, Eileen T. Mahler, both physical and administrative capacities. Richard Malouf, Brian Markey & Virginia M. Lincoln, Robert F. Marshall, William B. Mather Jr., Stewart J. & Maeve Maurer, Dick’s love of the outdoors was fostered Donald B. McLellan, Daniel K. Miller, Katherine T. Miller & Sandra Caravella, Michael D. & Cynthia Molinaro, Jeanne Moos, Jack Morrison, Martina Moss, Hugh H. D. Murray, Michael C. Natale, Edward T. & Barbara O’Brien, Michael O’Connell, and encouraged by his father, Emanuel Edward T. O’Connor, Jacqueline L. & Brian Olin, Joachim & Lila Oppenheimer, Dorothy Z. Peters, Jeanne Petta, William & (Manny) Redfield, a Conference member Georgann Pettenger, Walter R. Pfaff, Frederick J. Pinkney, Junia E. Pruden, Chris & Lydie O. Raschka, Louis W. Rissland, who was also active in the hiking commu- Gordon Roehrer, Charles L. Rood, Ellen Ross & Bob Casar, David & Judith B. Roth, Mark A. Schaefer, Carl Schiemann, Trudy Schneider, Aaron Schneider, Fred H. Schroeder, Geraldine M. Schwartz, John Schweighardt, Adrian W. Serra, Frank nity until his death in 1983. Dick spent Eileen West and Dick taken after 8 years Serravallo, Alfred A. Seymour-Jones*, James B. Simpson, S. Aaron Simpson, Maida Snapper, Mike & Peggy Sormani*, countless volunteer hours at the Confer- of section hiking the AT. Malcolm Spector*, Ursula Springer, Paul J. & Jo Ann Stasko, Bill Stoltzfus Jr., Marek Stycos, Phyllis Teitelbaum*, Jerry D. ence’s office in Manhattan, maintained Tersoff & Deborah Franzblau, Carl E. & Victoria A.D. Thune, Anthony P. Tierno, Frederic C. Tourelle, Larry B Trachtenberg, trails, field-checked maps, and developed courteous, sensitive, kind, generous with his Diana Trebbi, William G. Tucker, Daniel R. Van Engel*, Christie Van Kehrberg, James L. Van Tassell*, Allan H. Verter & Jill Schwartz, Marc Veuhoff, Geoffrey Vincent, Matthew Visco, Karl J. Volk, Mr. Harold B. Vroman, William C. Ward Jr., Robert J. and blazed the original route of the time, an outstanding classical pianist, and Ward, Richard N. Warner, Robert & Virginia Weismantel, Barbara Westergaard, Yako & Judith Yafet Wyanokie Crest Trail. He maintained the baker of the best cheesecakes to ever that trail for many years even though it grace the tables of their annual meetings MEMORIAL GIFTS MATCHING GIFTS In memory of Arlene M. Coccari In memory of Meyer Kukle AIG Matching Grants Program was a long distance from his home in and holiday parties. Andrew S. Coccari Weiland A. Ross Earth Share Westchester County. In 1991 he was Dick is survived by his wife, Eileen West, In memory of Berthe Myles In memory of Michael G. Mann General Re Corporation awarded the Trail Conference’s Certificate whom he married at Acadia National Park Naomi Sutter Boy Scout Troop 8, Brooklyn HP Employee Charitable Giving Program Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program of Appreciation for his work. in Maine during a hiking vacation. Togeth- In memory of Dick Redfield In memory of Tom Dunn SAP Matching Gift Program Dick was previously part of the trail crew er they completed the Appalachian Trail Robert J. Jonas, Naomi Sutter James R. & Gail Brown The UPS Foundation Inc. that developed several sections of the (as the Sundown Duo) in 2001, and later In memory of Martin Last In memory of United Way of Bergen County Appalachian Trail in the Dutchess and Vermont’s Long Trail in 2003. They were Naomi Sutter, Peter Tilgner* Milton & Sylvia Zatal Ilene Zatal NEW LIFE MEMBERS Putnam areas, and until his death he early Long Path end-to-enders, completing Daniel Gold *Members of the Raymond H. Torrey Society continued to work as a corridor monitor on that Trail in 1995. the Graymoor section of the AT. He helped Dick is also survived by a brother, revitalize the Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway for William Redfield; and by cousins and Westchester County; and he worked with extended family who mourn his loss. His Mohonk Preserve Nature Shop the Westchester Trails Association in various parents, Emanuel and Mildred Redfield, capacities over the years since he joined in predeceased him. Dick’s ashes are interred THE SECRET SHOP IN THE WOODS 1975, as an officer, board member, Confer- at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, but the ence delegate, membership chair, and trails memory of his kind heart and gentle soul chair. WTA members remember him as will live on forever.

Find the perfect items for hikers, climbers, VOLUNTEER CLASSIFIEDS could be a usability tester during the devel- bikers, bird watchers, continued from page 6 opment phase. If it is web related and you readers and writers. Own a Piece of the Web have some skills you are willing to volun- Gifts for kids, parents, The TC is redesigning its website from the teer, please tell us how you would like to be ground up. Our major goals are to make it involved, email: [email protected]. friends, and nature more interactive/participatory and easier to The web has a more complete list of oppor- lovers everywhere! navigate as well as more graphically pleas- tunities at www.nynjtc.org/webredesign. ing. To accomplish this we need volunteers with varied skills and commitments. You Other Opportunities: could provide content, for example, with • Administrative Support Open Tuesday through Sunday Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center responsibility for posting 8-10 book reviews • Tool Inventory Coordinator a year. Or help write PHP code for an inter- • Event Coordinator 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3197 Route 44/55 Gardiner, NY www.mohonkpreserve.org active search for hikes in a database. You near Route 299, below the hairpin turn 845-255-0919

8NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 TRAILWALKER Club President Chung Leung notes that Member Club Profile members are from varied backgrounds— The Trail Conference comprises 10,000 individual members and more than 100 member “from clerical to scientists”—and a wide range of ages. He notes that although clubs with a combined membership of 150,000 hikers. We invite club representatives to sometimes members enjoy speaking submit photos from hikes or maintenance outings or other events (please set your digital Chinese dialect, English is the primary

camera for highest resolution). Email your photos, along with complete caption information U S language of the group. “Many of us were I to: [email protected]; put “TW club photo” in the subject line. E

W born here and don’t speak a Chinese R dialect,” he says. “English is our main Chinese Mountain Club of New York Today, CMCNY has more than 190 Harriman State Park a favorite destination. tool.” The group also welcomes The Chinese Mountain Club of New members, most of them residents of New Out-of-area trips to New Hampshire or non-Asians to its ranks, he notes. “As an York (CMCNY) is a nonprofit organiza- York City. It sponsors more than 70 activ- Vermont are sometimes scheduled, and example, a woman from Iran, who tion founded in 1985 by a group of ities each year, with members enjoying once every two years or so, members plan enjoyed hiking in her country and was outdoor enthusiasts who devoted their hiking, biking, camping, skiing, backpack- an extended trip to such places as Hawaii, looking for a group to join when she leisure time to organizing outdoor trips ing, rock climbing, roller-blading, Yosemite, or the Grand Canyon. Twice a moved here, has been active with us. We for the local Chinese community. The canoeing, and more. Most outings take year CMCNY members head out to the like to welcome people of different group joined the Trail Conference as a place within New York, New Jersey, and dramatic Shore Trail along the Hudson cultures and backgrounds.” maintaining club soon after its creation. Pennsylvania. Day trips are usually within River in Palisades Interstate Park to do trail For more information about CMCNY, an hour’s drive from New York City, with maintenance. visit its website at www.cmcny.org.

On a trip to the Catskills this summer I packed my share of luxuries, including Don’t Let TrailWork a book, camera, self-inflating mattress GEAR pad, French press for my coffee, as well as Be a Pain in the Back all the usual gear and food I would need By Todd Edelson, DPT, Dip. MDT for two nights in the woods. The easy-to- I recently had the opportunity to present a then bending pack main compartment swallowed my training program on “Care and Prevention motions will CHECK single-person tent, food, stove, and extra of Back Pain” to the staff of the NY-NJ aggravate the An occasional series that will review gear clothes. In the external stretch pockets I Trail Conference. This article is the out- injury. If, howev- appropriate for hiking. stashed a fuel bottle and water filter with growth of that presentation. As a physical er, you maintain room to spare for extra supplies. Unlike therapist and avid hiker, I have had the your spine in a other lightweight packs, the Atmos is opportunity to carefully consider the haz- neutral or upright made with a durable 210-denier nylon ards of those musculoskeletal injuries that position, it will fabric, which withstood two hours of might potentially sideline the hiking heal more efficiently. bushwhacking on Southwest Hunter Y E

enthusiast. Whether you are involved in R Mountain with no signs of wear. P S

trail maintenance, hiking, or both, there Promoting Back Health O The pack includes such great features F are specific steps that can be taken to avoid On and Off the Trails O as a hydration pouch and tube holes for S U

or manage the torment of back pain. The most effective exercises for treatment O easy access and perforated shoulder E T

There are two main predisposing factors and prevention of common back pain are R straps and waist belt that prevent heat U O

for back pain. It may surprise the reader to those that allow the spine to bend back- C buildup. The back panel is made from O T

know that neither of these two factors wards. The two exercises that I recommend O 3D tensioned breathable mesh fabric to H includes being overweight or having weak most, for ease of performance and the fact P increase airflow and prevent the dreaded abdominal muscles. (For obvious health that no equipment is required, are back Osprey Atmos 35 sweaty back syndrome most hikers expe- reasons, having strong abdominal muscles bends in a standing position and press-ups A lightweight backpack that behaves rience with a regular backpack. The and being at an optimum body weight are (similar to the cobra exercise in yoga). like a heavyweight Atmos is full of useful and well designed positive attributes.) The medical literature Reviewed by Josh Erdsneker features that will enhance your back- tells us that the major factors for the onset There are some very basics steps that one packing experience. This is a great, of back pain are frequency of forward can take to prevent back injuries while If you’re not ready to convert to a born- comfortable backpack for weekend bending and prolonged or slouched sitting maintaining trails: again light is right backpacker and cut adventures or winter day-trips where you (approximately 90 percent). • When carrying heavy objects, make your toothbrush handle off, then the need extra room for clothing and exter- Spine epidemiologists report that we sure that the load is evenly distributed Osprey Atmos 35 is your saving grace. nal gear straps and daisy chain loops for bend forward 4,000 to 6,000 times each (for example in a well-balanced Weighing in at less than three pounds, snowshoes or other gear. day. You may be thinking that perhaps backpack). the Atmos 35 is sturdy enough to handle these epidemiologists have entirely too • When lifting objects, always face the up to 30 pounds of gear, yet light enough much time on their hands, but consider the object you are picking up; maintain the to help consider converting. variety of activities throughout your day arch in your back as you lift; and use Rating: 5 boots out of 5 that require forward bending: brushing the large muscles of your legs to raise your teeth, washing, getting dressed, shav- and lower your body and load—avoid ing, household chores, driving, etc. Last using the muscles of your lower back; Hiking Puts fall, I took the Trail Maintenance 101 their function is to maintain posture, course offered by the Trail Conference. I not to support heavy lifting. Demands on noticed that much of the work involves for- • Finally, take frequent breaks (at Yo u r F e et. ward bending, lifting, and carrying least once per hour) and perform 10 activities. Now ask yourself this question: back bends. We Help Your “How many times during the course of a normal day do I bend backwards?” If the Prevention is the best way to manage Feet Hike Those answer is “rarely,” then you are in very good back pain. Doing a simple exercise (back Extra Miles. company. bending), maintaining good posture, and The spine is made to bend forward and being conscious of the amount of forward Prevention, Diagnosis & backwards, yet the overwhelming propor- bending you do during the course of the Treatment of Foot Disorders tion of one’s movement is in a forward day will significantly reduce the risk of an bending direction. This places an inordi- episode of low back pain. Board Certified Podiatrist & Foot Surgeon nate stress on the supporting structures of the spine (discs, ligaments, and muscles). Todd Edelson, DPT, is the region’s leading Dr. Howard E. Friedman Imagine cutting the knuckle on your index practitioner of the McKenzie Method of spine 29 North Airmont Road • Suffern, NY finger then bending the finger before it has pain management and prevention. His prac- (845) 357-2806 healed. Obviously the cut will continue to tice, Montclair Physical Therapy, Montclair, www.yourfootdoc.net break open and delay the healing process. If NJ (www.montclairphysicaltherapy.com), the finger is held straight, the cut will heal specializes in orthopedic and neurological issues 10% Discount on Custom ® rapidly, generally within a week. with a special emphasis on patient education. Molded Orthotics and SUPERfeet The same principle applies to the spine. to NY/NJ Trail Conference members with proof of membership! If you hurt your back bending forward,

TRAILWALKER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 9 FAVORITE HIKE BOOKNOTES By Shawn Viggiano Organized with requisite science, how- tos and what-fors up front, and with a fine Swartswood State Park Offers Year-Round Trail Pleasures quick-reference chart describing attributes of each hike—time, distance, elevations, suitability for kids, availability of camping, views, cross-country skiing, waterfalls, etc.—the introductory pages get your toes tingling as the authors coax you with rich adjectives—“fabulous,” “stunning,” etc. These writers don’t pussyfoot around. The inclusion of new pursuits complementary to hiking (geocaching, letterboxing) and social references (Weird New Jersey) indi- 50 Hikes in New Jersey cates the authors’ open-mindedness and Walks, Hikes and Backpacking Trips the possibility of reaching varied markets from the Kittatinnies to Cape May with their book. Scofield, Green and Zimmerman, Approximately 10 new hikes appear in Third Edition, this third edition, including an instant The Countryman Press, 2006 classic, the Schuber Trail in the Ramapo O N A

I Reviewed by Maureen Edelson Mountains (Passaic/Bergen). Recent land G G

I acquisitions in the Ramapos by Bergen V

N Stella Green, Bruce Scofield, and Neil County and subsequent trail redevelop- W A

H Zimmerman, authors of 50 Hikes in New ment by Trail Conference volunteers permit S Enjoy views of Swartswood Lake as you hike in its namesake park. Jersey (3rd edition) are wonderful company. surer hiking of this very varied, convenient- I met them on a Friday, and connected ly located seven-mile route. Come out and enjoy some 10 miles of trails At the southern end of Swartswood quickly: they are organized and enthusias- About one-half of the book’s hikes are in New Jersey’s 2,270-acre Swartswood Lake, you can hike the 1.2-mile Grist Mill tic. By Saturday, I was enjoying Stella’s rated easy or easy to moderate, and nearly State Park, most of which are now being Trail, past an old grist mill, along Pond quick and witty turn of a phase, Neil’s rock- one-half are located south of Route 78. maintained by the Trail Conference. Brook and Mill Pond, and through a cedar solid advice, and Bruce’s heart-to-heart Very well prepared maps, captivating Swartswood is located in the mountains of forest. Across from the grist mill is the Slate ecological challenges. By Sunday afternoon, photography, and insights into historical Sussex County’s Stillwater Township. Its Ridge Trail, which is still under construc- they were leading me assuredly on a delight- and environmental issues round out the main attraction is 519-acre Swartswood tion; when completed it will provide ful hike (Hike #9, Governor Mountain). book, drawing in even an experienced (and Lake, a glacial lake that reaches depths of seasonal views of Swartswood Lake. Since this is a book review, you probably New York-born) reader of the hiking/trail- over 50 feet. Hikers will enjoy the park’s 10 Away from the main park area is the realize our foursome coalesced without guide genre. I rate it a buy. named and marked trails and a variety of Spring Brook section. Here you will be able actually being face to face—but by reading ecological and cultural areas. to hike the Willow Crest Trail out to Wil- and using 50 Hikes in New Jersey, I felt Maureen Edelson is a Trail Conference Within the main day-use area of low Crest Lake, along Spring Brook, with tutored and accompanied in a delightfully member and volunteer. Swartswood is Emmon’s Path, which trav- views of the Kittatinny Mountains. This personal way. els a bit less than a mile along Swartswood 2.8-mile trail is also under construction, Lake, through hemlock groves, and out to but is expected to be completed by this fall. Little Swartswood Lake. Swartswood State Park is open year Hunting Seasons 2006-07 For more solitude, try the Swartswood round with something to do every season. Natural Area. Here you will find five All trails are also excellent for snowshoeing New York & New Jersey marked and named trails ranging in length and cross-country skiing. Go for a hike and and difficulty from 0.4 miles to 2.8 miles. then cool off by paddling Swartswood Lake NEW YORK: Hunting is not allowed in Bear The area features four rare limestone sink- or swimming at the beach (in season). The Regular and Archery Mountain-Harriman State Park. hole ponds, which in turn support rare Delaware Water Gap National Recreation However it is allowed in parts or all of species of plants and animals, and upland Area, Stokes State Forest, High Point State Southern Zone other state parks. Call parks for details. communities of sugar maple, basswood, Park, and Kittatinny Valley State Park are (includes Hudson Valley and Catskills) oak, hickory, and hemlock. Visitors can nearby. Camping is available. For updates Regular: Nov. 18 – Dec. 10 Black Rock Forest (845-534-4517) observe secondary succession throughout on trail conditions and for more informa- Archery: Oct. 14 – Nov. 17 closes to all hikers from Nov. 18 through the natural area. tion, contact the park at 973-383-5230 Archery and muzzleloading: Dec. 12. (www.njparksandforests.org). Dec. 11 – Dec. 19 NEW JERSEY Length: Six miles + one mile extension Westchester Co. (archery only) In New Jersey, the safest course in the fall Oct. 14 – Dec. 31 is to hike only on Sundays, when hunting Rating: Trails are easy to moderate Muzzleloading Dec. 11 – Dec. 19 is prohibited throughout the state. Otherwise, hunting seasons vary by How to Get There: From Route 80, take Suffolk Co. (archery only) weapon and geography. For the complete exit 25, Route 206 north to Newton, about Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 set of deer season regulations, go to 12 miles. From Newton, make a left at the http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/ second traffic light (Route 206 and Spring For info about all hunting seasons 2006/06-07deer_regs.pdf Street) then make a left at the next light onto and regulations in New York State, Route 519. Follow 519 for approximately visit www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/ For information about other hunting 1/2 mile, then make a left onto Route 622 wildlife/guide/huntseas.html seasons in New Jersey (including bear), at Sussex County College sign. Follow go to www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/ Route 622 for about 4 1/2 miles. Turn left onto Route 619. The park entrance is about 1/2 mile south on Route 619. TC PROTECTS 200 ACRES to the Land Acquisition and Stewardship continued from page 1 Fund (LASF) and helped make this and Shawn Viggiano is a ranger at Swartswood, other land protection purchases by the Trail TC trail supervisor for High Point State Park, The Trail Conference expresses thanks to Conference possible. and the Mid-South Overseer for the NJ Robert Borman, the executive director of AT Committee. the Good Tidings Bible Conference, for his cooperation, and to Bruce O’Mara Hulbert Visit Us Today! of DEC for his work on the subdivision and survey for this parcel. As always, the www.NYNJTC.org Trail Conference also thanks all those members and contributors who have given

10 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 TRAILWALKER HIKERS’ALMANAC A Sampling of Upcoming Hikes Sponsored by Member Clubs

WEC. Wawayanda State Park, NJ. Leader: Charlie Toole. Call GS. Laurel Trail, NJ. Leader: Call Great Swamp Outdoor The activities listed are sponsored by member clubs of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. All hikers are welcome subject to club regulations Weis Ecology Center, Ringwood, NJ, at 973-835-2160 for details; Education Center, Chatham, NJ, at 973-635-6629 for details. Meet: and rules of the trail. You are responsible for your own safety. Wear hiking boots or strong, low-heeled shoes. Bring food, water, rain must call to register. Meet: 9:30 am at Weis, 150 Snake Den Rd. Less 1 pm. Easy hike; have all your nature questions answered. gear, first aid kit, and a flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe cannot than 3 miles, but tough: 1 mile steep climb to Appalachian Trail for complete the hike or is not adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. Monday, November 20 some of best views in the park; other 2 miles are downhill. Slow pace; AMC-NYNJ. Sociables 50+ W. Jersey Exploration. Leader: More than 90 clubs belong to the Trail Conference, and many of our affiliate groups sponsor hikes not listed in the Hikers’ Almanac. expect to end by 2:30 pm. Non-members $8. For a descriptive list of Conference clubs, consult our website or send a SASE with your request to NY-NJ Trail Conference. Pete Beck, [email protected]. Meet: 10 am; email leader for Monday, November 13 details and to register by Sunday, 8 pm. Moderate 7 miles with some Club Codes RVW. Echo Lake/Overlook Mountain, NY. Leader: Call 845- hills. From Millbrook Village, explore beyond Coventry Pond, going Only those clubs with hikes offered in this issue are listed below. Please call numbers listed to confirm. 246-7616 for information. Meet: 9 am. Moderately strenuous 6.6 up to the Appalachian Trail. New hike not on the maps. Intended miles, expected 4 hours. We’ll hike from Platte Clove Mountain Rd. primarily for ages 50+ but all are welcome. ADK-MH ADK Mid-Hudson Chapter RVW Rip Van Winkle Hiking Club Inclement weather date is following Monday. ADK-R ADK Ramapo Chapter SC-YS Sierra Club – Young Sierrans Tuesday, November 21 AMC-NYNJ Appalachian Mountain Club, SHOR Shorewalkers Thursday, November 16 UCHC. Storm King Mountain, NY. Leader: Arnie Seymour- New York-North Jersey Chapter TLR Teatown Lake Reservation ADK-MH. Mid-Hudson Valley, NY. Leader: Jane Geisler, 845- Jones, 201-768-3864. Meet: 10 am at lot on Rt. 9W; call for 677-9909. Meet: Call leader by Wednesday for meeting place and directions. Moderately strenuous 5-6 miles, with lots of climbing. GAHC German-American Hiking Club UCHC Union County Hiking Club time. Moderate 3-4 hour hike; followed by early dinner at restaurant. Great views of the Hudson Valley are worth it. GS Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center UOC University Outing Club UCHC. Allamuchy State Park, NJ. Leader: Jim and Theresa Saturday, November 25 IHC Interstate Hiking Club WEC Weis Ecology Center McKay, 973-538-0756. Meet: 10 am at Cranberry Lake; call for directions. NYHC New York Hiking Club ADK-R. Elk Pen Circular, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Clubs wishing to have hikes listed in Hikers’ Almanac Moderate 8-9 miles around the lake, including a visit to an old mine. Call 201-816-9465 for details. Moderately difficult, full day hike. NYR New York Ramblers should send their schedules to [email protected] or to the Trail Saturday, November 18 PMNHA Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area Conference Office. The deadline for the January/February TLR. Walk Off the Turkey, Westchester, NY. Leader: Contact 2007 issue is October 15, 2006. ADK-MH. Minnewaska State Park, New Paltz, NY. Leader: Teatown Lake Reservation (Ossining, NY), 914-762-2912, ext. 110, 1 Jean-Claude Fouere, 845-462-0142, and Georgette Weir for details and to register. Meet: 10 am. Moderate pace, 1 /2 hour hike November AMC-NYNJ. Sociables 50+ Trail Design Hike, NY. Leader: [email protected]. Meet: contact leaders for meeting place and to walk off those extra pounds. Rain cancels, carpooling may be Pete Heckler, 201-261-4644. Meet: 8:45 am at Sloatsburg, NY, time, and for carpool arrangements. Strenuous 8-9 miles, up to required. Non-members $5. Saturday, November 4 commuter parking lot (7:50 am Short Line bus from NYC, call for Castle Point, to Rainbow Falls, and back on Mossy Glen Trail. We’ll SHOR. Walk Off the Turkey, Manhattan. Call for info: IHC. Sterling Ridge Trail Maintenance. Leader: Jim Canfield, details). Moderate 6-7 miles. Our leader, trail maintainer/supervisor, discuss the geology of the Shawangunk Ridge and its renowned con- 212-330-7686. Meet: 9 am at entrance to South Ferry Terminal. Take 973-728-9774. Meet: 9 am at south end of Sterling Ridge Trail, will show us the basics of trail work and describe how the trail was glomerate rock, and look for evidences of the last glaciation period. N or R trains to Whitehall St. or #1 to SF. Stroll 11-12 miles along the Rt. 511, Hewitt, NJ. Moderately strenuous. The southern 2.5 miles of designed as we hike along the HTS, 7 Hills, and Reeves Brook Trails. UOC. High Rock Park, Staten Island, NY. Leader: Coralyn Hudson River (2/5 of the Great Saunter). Get in shape for the Great this trail needs some special attention. Bring lunch, water, clippers, Intended primarily for ages 50+ but all are welcome. Rain cancels. Gorlicki, 732-548-2315. Meet: Call for time and place for carpooling. Saunter. South Ferry to the Little Red Light House, see new parks and and good working gloves; or can use tools provided by the club. PMNHA. Full Moon Hike, NJ. Leader: Call Pyramid Mountain 2 miles on the trails of this beautiful park, then visit Richmondtown, paths. Bring water and lunch. No experience needed. Natural Historic Area, Montville Twp., NJ, at 973-334-3130 for a living history museum. Sunday, November 26 UCHC. Watchung Trail Maintenance. Leader: Pre-register by details; must call to register. Meet: 5 pm at visitors center, 472A ADK-R. Schunemunk Mountain, NY. Leader: Call 201-816- IHC. Storm King Mountain, NY. Leader: Chris Davis, 609-924- calling Trailside at 908-789-3670. Meet: 9:30 am; call for directions. Boonton Ave. Moderate 2-hour hike. Navigate by moonlight and lis- 9465 for details. Moderately difficult, full day hike. 2563. Meet: 9 am at Anthony Wayne parking area north, Harriman Meet new people, learn a new skill and work outdoors, while giving ten to the night chorus. Cost: $3. RVW. Greenpoint Conservation Area. Leader: Call 845-758- State Park, NY. Strenuous. New trails from Rt. 218, 200 feet above back a little to the trails. No experience needed. Bring water, work Tuesday, November 7 6769 for information. Meet: 9 am. Easy 3.5 miles, expected 5 hours. river level, and the best views west of the Hudson. gloves, bag for trash, and clippers/loppers if you have them. We’ll Inclement weather date is following Saturday. work until noon. Held unless snow on ground or severe storm. GS. Baby and Me Hike, NJ. Leader: Call Great Swamp Outdoor PMNHA. Hike with all the Trimmings, NJ. Leader: Call Pyramid Education Center, Chatham, NJ, at 973-635-6629 for details; must PMNHA. Basic Survival Skills Hike, NJ. Leader: Call Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, Montville Twp., NJ, at 973-334-3130 UOC. Norvin Green State Park, High Point, NJ. Leader: call to register. Meet: 9:30 am. Put your infant in a pack and join a Mountain Natural Historic Area, Montville Twp., at 973-334-3130 for for details; must call to register. Meet: 10 am at visitors center, 472A George Strauss, 732-469-2935. Meet: Call for time and place for car- naturalist on the trails of Hedden Park, Morris County. End by 11 am. details; must call to register. Meet: 10 am at visitors center, 472A Boonton Ave. Strenuous 5 hours. Work off those holiday indulgences pooling. This 3-hour hike offers views of the New York skyline and Cost: $1. Hikes in various Morris County parks, every Tuesday Boonton Ave. Moderate 4 hours. Learn some basic skills for survival on this 10-12 mile hike around Butler Reservoir. dramatic wooded hills. through December 19. in the wilds of New Jersey, or elsewhere. Cost: $5. UCHC. Washington Valley Park, Martinsville, NJ. Leader: Bob ADK-MH. Fahnestock Park, Cold Spring, NY. Leader: Pete UCHC. Skyline Dr., Ramapo State Forest, NJ. Leader: Kathie UCHC. Pyramid Mtn., Montville, NJ. Leader: Al Verdi, 973- Keller, 908-580-1778. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Moderate 2-hour McGinnis, 845-454-4428. Meet: 9 am; call leader for details. Grifone, 201-891-5161. Meet: 10 am at upper parking lot on Skyline 263-8569. Meet: 10 am at visitors parking lot; call for directions. hike, featuring a reservoir, pine forest, and a waterfall. Rain cancels. Moderate 8 miles with slight elevation gain; East Mountain Loop over Dr., exit 57 on I-287. Moderate 6-7 miles, with some hills. Moderate to brisk 4-5 miles; one difficult descent over rocks. Along to Round Hill. SHOR. Alley Pond Park, Queens. Leader: John Socolick. 516- Saturday, November 11 the reservoir, then climb Pyramid Mtn., on past glacial erratics to 791-6453. Meet at Hillside Avenue and Winchester Blvd at 12:30 pm. ADK-MH. Mossy Glen Trail, Minnewaska State Park, NY. SCYS. Harriman Park Hike, NY. Leader: Must register by Nov. Whale Head Rock and Bear Rock. Not for beginners. Take the F subway to 179th Street/Hillside Ave (last stop) and then Leader: Marge Velasquez, 845-888-2853. Meet: 9:15 am at lower 10 to [email protected] or 732-764-9073. Meet: 11 am; Sunday, November 19 the Q43 bus to Winchester Blvd bus stop. 6 miles. Moderate/easy Awosting parking lot; call leader for details. Moderate 6 miles with Sloatsburg, NY, area. For 20s/30s; fast paced, rigorous 3-hour hike. pace. We will explore the many trails and ponds of this lovely park. some ups and downs; we’ll have the Peterskill along side us for some GAHC. Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Mathias Wuetherich, Rain cancels. Relaxing social at local eatery afterwards. Bring lunch and water. Steady rain cancels. of the way. 908-253-9042. Meet: 10 am at Tuxedo, NY, RR station. Easy and NYHC. Long Path/The Palisades, NY. Leader: Judy Levine, moderate hikes offered. Monday, November 27 AMC-NYNJ. Arden, Harriman State Park. Leader: Art Tollefson, 718-482-9659; call after 6 pm. Meet: At Port Authority Bus Terminal RVW. Minnewaska State Park, NY. Leader: Call 845-338-8772 212-727-8961. Meet: 9 am at Elk Pen parking on Rt. 17, 2 miles north ADK-MH. Young Members Breakneck Ridge, Beacon, NY. to take 9:15 am Rockland Coaches bus to Alpine Boy Scout Camp. for information. Meet: 8:30 am. Moderately strenuous 6 miles, of Southfields, NY (call for details and bus from NYC). Moderate 9 miles Leader: Dave Koehler, 518-851-9089. Meet: contact leader. Difficult Moderately strenuous 10 miles on trail above the Hudson; stair expected 5 hours. Inclement weather date is following Monday. with hills. Enjoy this beautiful part of Harriman. Heavy rain cancels. 6-7 miles. From almost the moment we step out of the cars, we will climbs and one long descent on rocks, some stream crossings. We’ll be scrambling up exposed Breakneck Ridge to catch some great WEC. Women’s Hike, NJ. Leader: Call Weis Ecology Center, walk from Alpine to Nyack, NY. Hudson views. Although geared for those in their 20s/30s, this hike December Ringwood, NJ, at 973-835-2160 for details; must call to register. UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: is open to all. Meet: 8 am at Weis, 150 Snake Den Rd. Moderately paced, 2-3 mile Saturday, December 2 Joan Lepselter, 908-273-4188. Meet: 10 am at Trailside Nature hike (out by 10 am) with Sanctuary Director Karla Risdon and friends. IHC. Bearfort Ridge/Surprise Lake, NJ. Leader: Susan Clark, UCHC. Watchung Trail Maintenance. Leader: Pre-register by center, Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Brisk pace, 4-5 miles. Possible carpool to trailhead. Cost: $5. 973-962-0626. Meet: 9 am at A&P/Hewitt Post Office shopping calling Trailside at 908-789-3670. Meet: 9:30 am; call for directions. Steady rain cancels. center, Warwick Tpk., Hewitt, NJ. Moderately strenuous. Ledges of Meet new people, learn a new skill and work outdoors, while giving Sunday, November 5 Sunday, November 12 puddingstone rock, several glacial ponds, and views in all directions back a little to the trails. No experience needed. Bring water, work UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Lee ADK-MH. Franny Reese Park, Poughkeepsie, NY. Leader: from this ridge-top hike. gloves, bag for trash, and clippers/loppers if you have them. We’ll Fanger, 973-376-3160. Meet: 10 am at Locust Grove parking at Glen Sue Mackson, 845-471-9892. Meet: 11:30 am at Gerald Dr.; call TLR. Breakneck or Bust, NY. Leader: Contact Teatown Lake work until noon. Held unless snow on ground or severe storm. Ave. and Lackawanna Pl., across from Millburn RR station. Steady leader for details. Easy, short hike across Mid-Hudson Bridge and on Reservation, 914-762-2912 or www.teatown.org for details. Meet: paced 4-5 miles, uneven terrain. Out by about 12:20 pm. Rain cancels. UOC. Birding Walk to Barnegat Lighthouse, NJ. Leader: George trails along the river; possible side trip to Poughkeepsie Railroad 9:30 am. One of the most rugged and scenic hikes in the Hudson Pitcher 732-828-1890. Meet: Call for time and place. Walk along the NYR. Blue Mountain Reservation, NY. Leader: Clive Morrick, Bridge. Rain cancels. Highlands; panoramic views are the reward for climbing the rocky, sand and jetty, looking for Harlequin ducks, Scoters, Mergansers, 212-242-0931. Meet: 7:35 am at Grand Central Terminal for 7:51 NYHC. Fall Colors on Bear Mtn., NY. Leader: Halina Jensen, exposed ridge. Moderate pace. Rain cancels, carpooling may be Eiders, Horned Larks, and Red-throated Loons. Brunch afterward. train to Peekskill, NY (check train times). Through Depew Park, then 212-568-6323; call 8 pm-10 pm. Meet: Take 8:51 Hudson Line train required. Non-members $5. do every trail in Blue Mtn. Reservation. Call leader for hike details. ADK-R. Kakiat Trail/Pine Meadow Lake, Harriman State from Grand Central Terminal to Manitou (leader boards at Marble Hill; UCHC. Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Park, NY. Leader: Call 845-354-0738 for details. PMNHA. Map & Compass Hike, NJ. Leader: Call Pyramid buy one-way ticket as we will return to NYC by bus, arriving 8-10 pm). MaryDell Morrison, 908-684-5175. Meet: 10 am at visitors center PMNHA. Holiday Hustle, NJ. Leader: Call Pyramid Mountain Mountain Natural Historic Area, Montville Twp., at 973-334-3130 for Strenuous 6 miles. Climb to top of Bear Mountain on the Appalachian parking; call for directions. Moderate 4-5 miles in this historical park. Natural Historic Area, Montville Twp., NJ, at 973-334-3130 for details. Meet: 1 pm at visitors center, 472A Boonton Ave. Moderate Trail, then descend on either Major Welch Trail (very steep) or on WEC. Patriots’ Path, NJ. Leader: Don Weise. Call Weis Ecology details. Meet: 1 pm at visitors center, 472A Boonton Ave. Moderate hike. Learn the basics of finding your way out of the woods. AT on other side of the mountain, then 1777 Trail. Center, Ringwood, NJ, at 973-835-2160 for details; must call to regis- stress relief hike. WEC. Young Adult Hike, NJ. Leader: Call Weis Ecology Center, SHOR. Astoria, Queens. Leader: Hanna Slome. Call 718-463-5729 ter. Meet: 9:30 am. Strenuous, fast paced 8 miles, from Willowwood NYHC. Greenwich Point Park, CT. Leader: Sal Varbero, Ringwood, NJ, at 973-835-2160 for details; must call to register. before 9 pm. Meet 10:30 am at Ditmars Blvd., last stop on the N or W Arboretum to Cooper’s Mill. Tour the Black River Gorge, Bamboo Brook, 718-420-9569; call 8 pm-10 pm. Meet: 9:10 am at Grand Central Meet: 11 am at Weis, 150 Snake Den Rd. Moderately paced, 5-hour line, downstairs on street level. Plan to visit Lawrence Cemetery, and a historic grist mill. Expect to end by 2:30 pm. Non-members $8. Terminal. Easy 6 miles along the Connecticut shore, enjoying hike. Social hikes intended for ages 18-30; spend some time outside Steinway Mansion, Lent Homestead, and St. Irene’s Greek Orthodox SHOR. Central Park, NYC. Leader: Mike Graff, 917-902-7979. beautiful view across Long Island Sound. and make new friends. Possible carpool to trailhead. Cost: $5 for Church. Lunch at Greek Tavern near Astoria Park or bring your own and Meet: 9:30 am, Artist’s Gate, 6th Avenue and Central Park South (59th college students. eat in the park. Possibility of walking to Roosevelt Island for viewing the Sunday, December 3 St.). All-day historical tour of America’s first large public park, bathed city at sunset. 4-8 miles, depending on locations covered. Joint hike Monday, November 6 in autumnal colors. Experience the pond, mall, Ramble, Great Lawn, ADK-MH. Appalachian Trail, Pawling, NY. Leader: Pete with other clubs. RVW. Ashokan High Peak, NY. Leader: Call 845-687-2236 for obelisk and other sights. Explore one of “America’s Greatest Works of McGinnis, 845-454-4428. Meet: 9 am; contact leader for location. information. Meet: 8 am. Strenuous 8 miles; 6 hours. Inclement Art of the 19th Century.” Bring camera, food, water. Moderate pace, Difficult 10 miles. Start at Rt. 22 and proceed north into Connecticut. Car shuttle required. weather date is following Monday. some hills, bailouts possible, heavy rain cancels. Continued on back TRAILWALKER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 11 continued from page 11 Saturday, December 16 ADK-MH. Sterling Ridge Fire Tower, Greenwood Lake, NY. ADK-R. Rockhouse Loop. Leader: Call 845-362-8470 for details. Leader: Bob Ellsworth, 845-876-4534. Meet: Contact leader by Dec. IHC. Patriots’ Path, NJ. Leader: Jennifer and Guy Percival, 973- 13 to register. Moderate 7 miles, 3-4 hours. Travel through cedar, HIKERS’ MARKETPLACE 984-1005. Meet: 9am at Fosterfields Historical Farms, Kahdena Rd., pitch pine, and balsam fir; many views. YOU CAN ALSO ORDER AT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.NYNJTC.ORG Morristown, NJ. Moderate hike from Mendham to Fosterfields; shuttle TLR. Annual Christmas Bird Count, NY. Leader: Contact required. Optional visit to the historic farm after hike (admission fee). Teatown Lake Reservation (Ossining, NY), 914-762-2912, ext. 110, NY-NJ TC member? YES NO JOINING NOW AMC-NYNJ. Tuxedo, Harriman State Park, NJ. Leader: Art for details. Join the longest running, citizen-scientist monitoring pro- Tollefson, 212-727-8961. Meet: 8:50 am in Tuxedo, NY; call for gram of its kind. Come for an hour or two, or the whole day (7 am – Please order by circling price Retail Member P/H Total details and bus info from NYC. Fast paced 9 miles with hills; dusk) of this important bird census. All participants invited to enjoy moderately strenuous. Heavy rain cancels. some chili that evening, as the numbers are tallied and sent off to Official Conference Maps UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: national Audubon. Catskill Trails (2005) & see combo $14.95 $11.21 +$1.35 ______Mae Deas, 908-233-6641. Meet: 10 am at Trailside Nature Center, Sunday, December 17 East Hudson Trails (2006) $10.95 $ 8.21 +$1.20 ______Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Brisk morning hike of 4-5 miles. GS. Family Walk, NJ. Leader: Call Great Swamp Outdoor Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails (2005) & see combo $ 9.95 $ 7.46 +$1.20 ______Steady rain cancels. Education Center, Chatham, NJ, at 973-635-6629 for details. Meet: Hudson Palisades Trails (2005) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$1.20 ______NYHC. Staten Island Hike. Leader: Steve and Bettye Soffer, 718- 1 pm. Easy hike for adults and children ages 10+. Kittatinny Trails (2005) & see combo $12.95 $ 9.71 +$1.35 ______720-1593; call 7 pm-9 pm. Meet: Take 10:30 am Staten Island Ferry UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: North Jersey Trails (2005) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$1.20 ______from Manhattan and then the S74/S76 bus to meet leaders in Eck Khoon Goh, 908-790-0939. Meet: 10 am at Trailside Nature Staten Island at Spring St. (need MetroCard). Moderate 5-7 miles Center, Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd.; call for directions. Brisk Shawangunk Trails (2005) & see combo $10.95 $ 8.21 +$1.20 ______with hills. Hike to top of Todt Hill, wander through interesting 4-5 miles. Rain/snow cancels. South Taconic Trails (2006) $ 4.95 $ 3.71 +.80 ______residential areas, then re-enter woods and hike to High Rock Park. Sterling Forest Trails (2005) $ 7.95 $ 5.96 +$1.00 ______Heavy rain or snow cancels. Monday, December 18 AMC-NYNJ. Sociables 50+ Darlington Ramble, NJ. Leader: NEW!! West Hudson Trails (2006) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$1.20 ______Thursday, December 7 Carol O’Keefe, 973-328-7395. Meet: 10 am at Ramapo Darlington Books ADK-MH. Mid-Hudson Valley, NY. Leader: Jane Geisler, 845- parking lot on Rt. 202. Moderate 6 miles. Up Ridge Trail, lunch at a 677-9909. Meet: Call leader by Wednesday for meeting place and lake, then back on Orange and Waterfall Trails. Intended primarily for New York Walk Book (2005) & see combo $22.95 $17.21 +$3.00 ______time. Moderate 3-4 hour hike; followed by early dinner at restaurant. ages 50+ but all are welcome. Heavy rain cancels. New Jersey Walk Book (2004) & see combo $19.95 $14.96 +$3.00 ______UCHC. Ramapo State Forest, NJ. Leader: Carol O’Keefe, 973- Thursday, December 21 Circuit Hikes in Northern New Jersey (2003) $11.95 $ 8.96 +$2.50 ______328-7395. Meet: 10 am at upper lot on Skyline Dr.; call for PMNHA. Winter Solstice Hike, NJ. Leader: Call Pyramid Day Walker (2002) $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______directions. Moderately strenuous 9 miles on both sides of Skyline Mountain Natural Historic Area, Montville Twp., NJ, at 973-334-3130 Dr. Heavy rain cancels. Harriman Trails Guide (1999) & see combo $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______for details; must call to register. Meet: 1 pm at visitors center, 472A Hiking Long Island (2005) $19.95 $14.96 +$3.00 ______Saturday, December 9 Boonton Ave. Moderate hike to Tripod Rock on this shortest day of SCYS. Harriman Park Hike, NY. Leader: Must register by the year. Cost: $3. Iron Mine Trails: NY/NJ Highlands (1996, rev. 1999) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$2.50 ______Dec. 8 to [email protected] or 732-764-9073. Meet: 11am; UCHC. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, NJ. Leader: Carol Kittatinny Trails (2004) & see combo $18.95 $14.21 +$2.50 ______Sloatsburg, NY, area. For 20s/30s, fast paced, rigorous 3-hour hike. O’Keefe, 973-328-7395; must call leader to register. Meet: 10 am at Long Path Guide to NY/NJ (2005) $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______Rain cancels. Relaxing social at local eatery afterwards. Saffin Pond. Moderate 5-6 miles; snowshoe if enough snow. NEW!! Scenes & Walks in the Northern Shawangunks ADK-MH. Baird Park Snowshoe, LaGrangeville, NY. Leader: Saturday, December 23 (2006) & see combo $13.95 $10.46 +$2.50 ______Bill Beehler, 845-454-7832. Meet: 10 am; contact leader to register. ADK-R. Two Mountains and Two Lakes. Leader: Call 845-354- Health Hints for Hikers (1994) $ 5.95 $ 4.46 +$2.50 ______Easy snowshoeing on wooded trails; great for beginners. 0738 for details. No snow, no go. Doodletown: Hiking Through History in a UCHC. Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown, NJ. TLR. Fahnestock State Park, NY. Leader: Contact Teatown Lake Vanishing Hamlet on the Hudson (1996) $12.95 $ 9.71 +$2.50 ______Leader: Betty Mills, 973-538-4922. Meet: 10 am at visitors center; call Reservation, 914-762-2912, ext. 110, for details and to register. Nature Walks in New Jersey (2003) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______for directions. Easy 4 miles in this historic park. Rain/snow cancels. Meet: 9:30 am. Moderate paced, all day hike. Hiking along the AMC Catskill Mountain Guide (2002) $19.95 $14.96 +$2.50 ______Appalachian Trail, we’ll pass three lakes, a small waterfall, and an old Monday, December 25 ADK Catskill Trails (2005) & see combo $19.95 $14.96 +$2.50 ______hemlock grove. Rain cancels, carpooling may be required. AMC-NYNJ. Holiday Hike in Harriman, NY. Leader: Larry Non-members $5. Spinner, 845-356-5219. Meet: 10 am at commuter parking lot, ADK Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons (2002) $12.95 $ 9.71 +$2.50 ______Catskill Trails: A Ranger’s Guide to the High Peaks Sunday, December 10 Sloatsburg, NY (call for details). Moderate hike; beginners welcome. Join us in celebrating the holiday; leader brings cookies and hopes ADK-R. Lake Skannatati, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Book One: The Northern Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______others will bring treats to share. Conditions may require Call 845-354-9165 for details. Book Two: The Central Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______crampons/snowshoes; proper clothing/gear required. Rain/inclement IHC. Wandering in Weis, NJ. Leader: Carolyn and Jim Canfield, weather may cancel (call after 7 am day of hike if in doubt). Shawangunks Trail Companion (2003) $18.95 $14.21 +$3.00 ______973-728-9774. Meet: 9 am at Weis Ecology Center, Snake Den Rd., NEW!! Moon Take a Hike NYC (2006) $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______Saturday, December 30 Ringwood, NJ. Moderately strenuous 6-7 miles, with optional distant Walking Manhattan’s Rim (2003) $13.95 $10.46 +$2.50 ______views from Wyanokie High Point. UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Ellie King, 908-233-8411. Meet: 10 am at Trailside Nature Center, 50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley (2002) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______UCHC. Loantaka Brook Reservation, Morris Twp., NJ. Leader: Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Moderate 4-5 miles, some NEW!! 50 Hikes in New Jersey (2006) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______Terry Kulmane, 908-665-2672. Meet: 10 am at Kitchell Rd. parking; rocky/muddy trails. call for directions. Easy 6 miles from duck pond. Rain/snow cancels. Best Hikes w/ Children in New Jersey (2005) $15.95 $11.96 +$2.50 ______Sunday, December 31 Best Hikes w/ Children in the Catskills & Tuesday, December 12 PMNHA. Year End Hike, NJ. Leader: Call Pyramid Mountain Hudson River Valley (2002) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______UCHC. Wyanokies in Winter, NJ. Leader: Carolyn and Jim Natural Historic Area, Montville Twp., NJ, at 973-334-3130 for Hudson to Delaware: The Great Valley (2004) $75.00 $56.25 +$5.00 ______Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 10 am at Weis parking on Snake Den details. Meet: 1 pm at visitors center, 472A Boonton Ave. Moderate Rd.; call for directions. Moderate hike in Norvin Green State Forest; hike to bid farewell to 2006. Combo-Packs a few hills to nice views. Crampons may be needed. Catskill (5-map set & ADK book) $30.35 $22.69 +$2.50 ______Harriman (2-map set & book) $23.40 $17.55 +$3.00 ______Join the volunteers NY & NJ Walk Books $38.60 $30.95 +$4.25 ______who bring you the great outdoors! Shawangunk (3-map set & Scenes & Walks book) $21.65 $16.23 +$2.50 ______Kittatinny (4-map set & book) $27.80 $20.85 +$2.50 ______1,669 miles of trails and counting; your membership helps us expand our horizons. The Personal Touch Included with membership, Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases at most Note Cards: TC Collection $12.00 $ 9.00 +$2.50 ______outdoor stores, and 25% discount on all Trail Conference maps and books. Long-sleeve Denim Shirt Circle: S M L XL $29.90 $22.43 +$5.00 ______Save time and a tree by joining or renewing online at Polo Shirt (Forest Green) Circle: S M L XL $19.90 $14.93 +$5.00 ______www.nynjtc.org. Just click on the Join/Renew button. Harriman Map Bandanna $ 6.95 $ 5.21 +$1.85 ______Conference Logo Patch $ 2.50 $ 2.50 postpaid ______Membership Level Individual Joint/Family Long Path Logo Patch $ 2.75 $ 2.75 postpaid ______Individual $25 $31 Conference Logo Decal $ .85 $ .85 postpaid ______Sponsor $50 $60 Subtotal ______Benefactor $100 $120 Postage/handling from above ______Senior/Student $18 $24 New Jersey residents add 7% tax* ______Life $500 $750 TOTAL ENCLOSED $ ______Name ______Address______NAME Method of Payment: Check or money order enclosed City ______State______Zip ______ADDRESS Visa Mastercard Amex Day Phone ______Evening Phone ______Card #______CITY STATE ZIP E-MAIL ______Exp. Date: ___ /___ Signature: ______Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex EMAIL TELEPHONE Card #______Exp. Date: ____/ ____ Make check or money order payable to NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. For a full descriptive catalog, please write or call 201-512-9348. Make check or money order payable to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, *Tax must be paid on books, maps, misc., but not on clothing or shipping, by customers with NJ ship-to (not billing) addresses. Prices are subject to change. (11/06) and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. Tax-deductible.

12 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 TRAILWALKER printed on recycled paper