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Home , Bull Hill, Hudson Highlands, Storm King State Park

Yikes! Don’t Put Your Hunting Season Hand on This! Find relevant info and links The Japanese angelica is for and New Jersey, invasive, but DON’T cut it. including great no-hunting READ MORE ON PAGE 9 hiking areas on our website.

Fall 2013 New York-New Jersey Trail Conference — Connecting People with Nature since 1920 www.nynjtc.org How do you like your Breakneck? By Kali Bird flora, fauna, and history; steered dozens of And thanks to the vision and generosity “You know this is a scramble, right?” visitors back onto trails they missed; and of those who live along its banks, hard- One person in the group of eight pokes assisted multiple injured hikers. [See a letter working nonprofit organizations, and the his head up and asks, “What’s a scramble?” from one assisted hiker on page 2.] Neither New York State government, we have the “It’s climbing, but you don’t need fancy NYS Parks nor local emergency responders ability to freely recreate in and be inspired gear. You’ll want to have both of your received a single call while we were on the by this defining, majestic landscape. It is hands free.” Each stares down at the coffee ridge during that time. my hope that everyone takes the opportu - cup, water bottle, or cell phone in their Our New hand and then sheepishly at the two people in the group who brought backpacks. Headquarters “Do you have a map?” I ask. Some head-shaking. After I explain that Is within Reach they are about to scramble up three-quar - Learn how you can help us earn ters of a mile to an elevation over 1,200 feet $500,000 by October 31 and put your to enter more than 7,000 acres of hilly ter - name on our Darlington Honor Wall. rain, they agree that a map would indeed Please visit Our Darlington Schoolhouse be helpful, and we begin to plot a course blog at http://blog-dsh.nynjtc.org for their hike. This is a typical encounter that I have R I had with first-time visitors to the Break - E W

E T

neck Ridge trailhead. is T E G

easily the most strenuous ascent in the R O E , and yet many G unknowing visitors arrive in flip-flops and Our trail stewards + info table add up to a Breakneck Ridge visitor center. without water on even the hottest of days. Based on our counts, the Trail Conference nity to explore the beautiful Hudson $750K It is no wonder that the Hudson Highlands estimates that in the pleasant-weather Highlands. For the more intrepid—the office and local emergency months more than 2,000 people scramble up journey starts at Breakneck Ridge. responders regularly receive calls from lost Breakneck Ridge each week to behold some and injured hikers. For these reasons, the of the most historically significant and inspi - The Trail Conference hopes to resume park managers turned to the Trail Confer - rational views in our nation. From even the the Breakneck Ridge Trail Stewards ence and asked for help. first of the three peaks on the ridge, at just program next year, starting on $500K And so, in August, the Trail Conference under 1,000 feet above sea level, hikers are Memorial Day weekend. To support hired me and Brett Schollman to assist the rewarded with a panoramic this program, go to our website, click hordes of hikers that arrive each weekend, view, with West Point just to the south and on Donate, and type “Breakneck many not knowing what they’re about to Storm King Mountain front-and-center. Stewards” in the instructions box. get themselves into. I am fortunate to live in such an amazing Through Labor Day, Brett and I staffed a place. Described as “the landscape that Kali Bird of Beacon, NY, is an Education table along busy Route 9D at the foot of the defined America” by the National Park Program Specialist for the Cary Institute of $250K “most popular trail in North America” Service, the Hudson River Valley is one of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY. She (according to Trails.com) or hiked along the the most beautiful and inspirational previously worked as a Natural Resources trail, sharing info about how to hike safely regions in our country. I love to share with Assistant for Scenic Hudson. Brett Schollman while respecting this great natural resource hikers the story of Storm King’s survival— of Cortlandt Manor, NY, is a snowboard in the Hudson Highlands. it is known across America as the birthplace instructor and thru-hiker. Over just the first four weekends of of environmental protection, thanks to a He completed his hike in 2011. August, we helped equip more than 5,000 landmark judicial decision that gave con - visitors with maps and information; servationists legal standing to protect the answered hundreds of questions about local environment in the public interest.

with us. repair, restore, and maintain them. Join Us at the In 1998, the Trail Conference led a coali - Advanced techniques on how to repair and tion of more than 30 organizations in the install crib wall; install or build rock paving, Sterling Forest effort to protect Sterling Forest from devel - steps, drainage structures, stepping stones, opment. We succeeded when New York and turnpikes will be taught as needed. Trails Project State purchased and permanently protected Up to 125 miles of selected trails will be 14,500 acres of forest habitat. Subsequent inventoried, primarily by trained volunteers The Trail Conference has entered into an acquisition efforts have increased the size of utilizing professional GPS Trimble equip - agreement with New York State Parks to the park to nearly 22,000 acres. Our volun - ment and Trail Conference methodology. develop a volunteer-based back-country teers have been working on trails in the Training is provided for all tasks and vol - N

trails restoration program at Sterling park ever since. O unteers will work alongside experienced S A M

Forest State Park, and we welcome your Recognizing our expertise in developing staff, trained interns, and other volunteers. A N

participation. trails and volunteers, New York State Parks O All who participate go home with new skills, S The program will train volunteers to has asked us to expand our work at Interns learned and led trail work at Sterling new friends, a new appreciation for our inventory and assess trails, repair existing Sterling Forest, and we are developing an Forest this summer. trails, and the satisfaction of making a con - trails, and build new ones. If you are an expanded corps of volunteers to assess, tribution to public recreation and health. able-bodied person with an enthusiasm inventory, design, build, and restore the The project got underway Saturday, July For more information, please contact for outdoor service, consider coming out trails in this park. 20 when 26 potential new volunteers Program Coordinator Sona Mason, attended an orientation and Tool Use & [email protected] or 201-512-9348, VOLUME XL, N UMBER 4 ISSN 0749-1352 Safety workshop at the Frank Lautenberg ext. 16. Find upcoming Trail U workshops Visitor Center at Sterling Forest State Park. and crew outings on our website. Weekly workshops and trail service outings have been ongoing at the park since then Note: The Sterling Forest Trails Project will and will continue through October. not involve advanced rock work; training in A series of both entry level and advanced those techniques is available at our Bear hands-on workshops will teach volunteers Mountain Trails Project. how to lay out and design sustainable, user- friendly trails, as well as how to build, Page 2 Fall 2013 What’s a Feedback way up the trail. We were stuck trying to figure out how to get off the trail with my Trail Worth? VOLUME XL, NO.4 FALL 2013 An International Thank-you injured friend and couldn’t think of any GEORGETTE WEIR EDITOR On August 24, 2013 Loneranger wrote on way but keep going up. We were luckily In the case of the proposed Catskill Moun - LOUIS LEONARDIS GRAPHIC DESIGNER our website: saved when trail steward Kali Bird came tain Rail Trail (CMRT) we know, thanks to TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970-100) I am visiting from The Netherlands and up the trail and saw us in despair. I am an economic impact study. The study, enti - (ISSN 0749-1352) is published quarterly by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as a found myself at a loose end this weekend grateful that she was around to help us tled Catskill Mountain Rail Trail: benefit of membership. Subscriptions are so I thought I would try to see if I would down the mountain, scouting for the eas - Economic & Fiscal Impact Analysis, was available to libraries only at $15.00 a year. be able to do some hiking. I was very iest route back to the base while avoiding conducted by Camoin Associates. The Periodical postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address pleasantly surprised. poison ivy and other dangerous obstacles. report was commissioned by the Trail changes to the address below. Opinions expressed The directions on the website are excel - The idea of having trail stewards is a very Conference, with support from Ulster by authors do not necessarily represent the policy lent and I got round the route [at Norvin good one and I am grateful that there was County businessman Sean Eldridge and or position of the Conference. Contributions of Green State Forest] with no problems at someone as competent and skilled as she The Dyson Foundation. The proposed 32- typed manuscripts, photos, and drawings are welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style all. The views were outstanding and the was at the time my friends and I needed to 38-mile rail trail would connect the city and length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines. trails are really well managed. assistance. Please continue having stew - of Kingston with Belleayre Ski Resort in Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKER I hope that you people realize that your ards on the trails because I am sure Ulster County, with the goal of creating a are January 15 (Spring issue), May 15 (Summer work is appreciated and that it allows all anyone else who may need assistance will world class tourist destination that issue), August 15 (Fall issue), November 15 (Winter issue). Unsolicited contributions cannot kinds of people to experience the pleas - be glad to know there are people who can enhances the current recreational resources be acknowledged unless accompanied by SASE. ures of this spectacular part of the world. help them. in the Catskill Mountain Region. For information on advertising rates, please write All the best from the low countries. or call. First Hike Was Great Copyright 2013 by: New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. Re http://www.nynjtc.org/hike/abram-s- Recreational trails like 156 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202) hewitt-state-forest Mahwah, NJ 07430 On August 4th, 2013 Thiagobr03 wrote: the proposed Catskill 201-512-9348 Thank you very much for the excellent email: [email protected] Mountain Rail Trail editorial email: [email protected] detailed hike. This was my first hike ever World Wide Web: www.nynjtc.org and couldn’t be better. I enjoy the out - are not only popular, doors and am very active; the rocks were they provide significant awesome! Felt great pacing up the rocks and the heart rate pumping. economic benefits for Breakneck Trail Stewards Kali Bird Editor’s Note: the county and state. (in blue) and Brett Schollman (in green). An addendum to our information on the Thumbs Up for Breakneck Darlington Headquarters project in our Trail Stewards last issue: “Recreational trails like the proposed Submitted via website by anonymous user This project was assisted by a grant from Catskill Mountain Rail Trail are not only Mission Statement August 11, 2013: Went to Breakneck the Bergen County Historic Preservation popular, they provide significant econom - The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a Ridge hike. Person there [trail steward] Trust Fund, a part of the Bergen County ic benefits for the county and state,” said federation of member clubs and individuals was very helpful, and guided us very well Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Edward Goodell, Executive Director of the dedicated to providing recreational hiking for the hike. Good work to all of you— Historic Preservation Trust Fund. New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. opportunities in the region, and representing the interests and concerns of the hiking community. cheers. “There is no doubt that this rail trail will The Conference is a volunteer-directed public Send Us a Letter be a tourism destination and enhance the service organization committed to: current recreational resources in the Submitted via website by Kenny Fong Email it to [email protected]; in the subject • Developing, building, and maintaining August 15, 2013: I hiked the trail at Catskills while generating sales and jobs hiking trails. line, put “letter to TW editor”; or send it to Breakneck Ridge for the first time last for small businesses right here in Ulster • Protecting hiking trail lands through Trail Walker Letters, NY-NJ Trail Confer - support and advocacy. weekend. I was with two of my friends County. For the first time, this rigorous ence, 156 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah, • Educating the public in the responsible hiking up the rocky trail when one of my study provides the public with hard facts use of trails and the natural environment. NJ 07430. friends injured her ankle a quarter of the about the economic benefits this trail Board of Directors development will bring.” Chris Connolly Chair Gaylord Holmes Vice Chair The CMRT is currently in the planning James Gregoire Treasurer stages and there remain outstanding issues Daniel Chazin Secretary to resolve. The Trail Conference is actively Directors working with all parties, including Ulster Robert Boysen Richard Katzive Skip Card Richard Levine County and the Friends of the Catskill Walter Daniels Edward Saiff Mountain Railway, to help make this trail Charlotte Fahn Dave Stuhr Daniel Hoberman Daniel Van Engel a reality. A link to the complete study can be Staff Edward Goodell Executive Director found on the Trail Conference’s website at: Joshua Howard Deputy Executive nynjtc.org/files/CatskillMtnRailTrail. Director EconomicFiscalImpactAnalysis.pdf Don Weise Development Director

For a full list of staff visit www.nynjtc.org/content/staff The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a Celebrate the Catskills during the 10th Lark in the Park! volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It is a federation of 103 hiking and outdoor groups, The 10th Annual Lark in the Park will offer exciting hiking, paddling, cycling, and 10,000 individuals. fishing, nature walks and lectures as well as cultural events throughout the entire region. From October 5 through 14, you can enjoy printed on recycled content paper more than 50 outdoor activities during the 10-day “Lark” celebration, PLEASE RECYCLE TRAIL WALKER sponsored by New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, the Catskill Mountain Club (CMC), and The Catskill Center.

You can help us celebrate creation of the by hiking to a Catskill Follow NYNJTC! fire tower, paddling the Pepacton Reservoir, cycling on the Catskill Scenic Trail, learning about the region’s ecology, and much more. Lark in the Park group activities are typically free of charge – everyone is welcome!

facebook.com/nynjtc The schedule of activities is available online at www.catskillslark.org. twitter.com/NYNJTrailConf Lark in the Park was originally celebrated in 2004 when the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) called on the CMC to help them mark the 100th anniversary of the Catskill Park’s founding. The NYSDEC is again a key supporter of this important anniversary. In between Trail Walker issues, you can keep up For more information on Lark in the Park, call 518-628-4243, e-mail [email protected], or follow the Lark on Facebook with trail news by (www.facebook.com/CatskillsLarkinThePark). subscribing to e-Walker , our twice a month (usually) electronic newsletter. Go to our website and click the blue “Get Our E-Newsletter” button. Fall 2013 Page 3

From the Executive Director 6; enjoy the trail and see how we are We looked to this success on the AT for improving it for hikers now and in years to inspiration when staff at Hudson High - come. For details, see Hikers Almanac, lands State Park requested our help in page 4.] similarly educating hikers on what has been Trails of These trail-blazers and their successors called the “most popular” trail in the coun - built an ever-growing legacy that we inher - try, the Breakneck Ridge Trail. Our Trail the people, it, enjoy, and are determined to enhance Stewards there very quickly were making a by the people, and pass on to those who follow. huge difference in the quality of hikers’ In the 1990s, JoAnn Dolan and Neil experience and reducing the number of for the people. Zimmerman, respectively emeritus execu - calls to park staff and emergency services tive director and emeritus chairman, led for help or rescue. (See page 1.) That, with a nod of thanks to Abraham the Trail Conference’s successful effort to And so it goes. William Gannett Lincoln for the inspiration (his words are in protect 14,500 acres of Sterling Forest as Life Member the air during this 150th year since public parkland. That success created the New York, NY Gettysburg), is the Trail Conference and need and opportunity for new and We are determined our mission. enhanced public trails at the new state Our work space will go from park, and our volunteers have maintained to protect and enhance liability to asset in one fell swoop Our trails: trails at Sterling Forest ever since. the trail legacy that we of, by, and for trail-using people. This year, New York State Parks asked us As a hiker and life member of the Our maps and books: to expand our work at the park to include inherited and enjoy. Trail Conference, I have loved every of, by, and for trail-using people. a thorough trail inventory, building the minute of my time spent traversing Our conservation and advocacy work: new Doris Duke Trail in a no-hunting area as many miles as possible of the of, by, and for trail-using people. of the park (giving hikers a lovely new place Even our pending office relocation will Trail Conference’s ever expanding to go during hunting season), and restoring build on precedent and move us closer to 2,000+ mile trail network. This Our staff and operations: other trails. Our Sterling Forest Trails Proj - where the trails and trail users are and unique system—consisting of of, by, and for trail-using people. ect (see page 1) is the result, and it builds expand our potential for trails education. through trails, connecting trails, on the successes of the Trail Conference This time, and at last, we’ll actually be a trail out-and-back trails, and circular Over the 93 years of our existence, much under JoAnn and Neil’s leadership. In fact, head location. (For those new to our histo - trails in “island” settings—owes its has changed, but these essentials have not. JoAnn’s son Peter, a skilled and knowledge - ry, before moving to Mahwah in 2001, the existence to the Trail Conference 90 years ago, Benton MacKaye’s idea of a able outdoor educator (you can read about Trail Conference office was on Madison and its volunteers who build, linear trail along the Appalachian Moun - him on page 8) is one of the three interns Avenue in .) Like everything we improve, and maintain it. tain ridge line landed on fertile ground in on the project this season. do, this is a trail project of the people, by the New York-New Jersey. Our predecessors no In 1992, we collaborated with the people, for the people. Don’t miss out on On the trail, hikers merely see the sooner absorbed the idea than they hit the Appalachian Trail Conference and the N. J. helping to make it happen! Please make a path forward—defined, marked, and ground running, building miles of new Dept. of Environmental Protection to donation by October 31. maintained. What they don’t see is trail in Harriman-Bear Mountain State cosponsor two Appalachian Trail the organization and coordination Park, linking these new sections with oth - Ridgerunners in the heavily used Kittatin - required to deploy effectively ers already on the ground, and, in a matter ny Ridge area. The idea was to educate more than 1,500 volunteers. These of months, declaring the first 24 miles of hikers about safety and trail etiquette and volunteers may contribute by main - the Appalachian Trail built. The achieve - to protect the trail and its resources. It was taining a three-mile stretch of trail ment—of, by, and for the people—was so successful, we soon added a third — Edward Goodell in a municipal park, designing the celebrated October 7, 1923. [Join us for a Ridgerunner. (See a story from one of this Executive Director Trail Conference’s website, creating commemorative hike on Sunday, October year’s ridgerunners on page 5.) [email protected] Trail Conference publications and maps, or constructing a water bar or stone steps miles from the near - Update: Support Grows for Multi-use With both communities well-served by est access point. Metro North rail service, the centers of Trail along Hudson Highlands State Park population will have a green connection Critical to the success of all these between them, and visitors will use it to activities is an appropriate space to Local citizen groups and governmental The road is heavily used in all seasons by connect to the communities and to nature. create, coordinate, manage and agencies continue to work together to people seeking to access some of the most The Hudson Fjord Trail will accommodate train. Whether at its cramped space develop the Hudson Fjord Hike/Bike outstanding outdoor recreational opportu - all: hikers, bikers, seniors, families, those in Manhattan before 2001, or its Trail—a separated, multi-use, 9-mile trail nities in New York State. In fact, the with disabilities. The area is already a desti - current office in Mahwah, the Trail along the Hudson River linking Constitu - Breakneck Ridge Trail currently ranks as the nation for international travelers, and the Conference has not had this tion Island in Cold Spring to the City of number one day hike in the country in an trail will make their trip easier and safer. resource. In one fell swoop, the ren - Beacon train station. The riverfront towns online poll conducted by Trails.com. Yet ovated Darlington Schoolhouse will of Philipstown and Fishkill, the City of Bea - change the Trail Conference work con and the Village of Cold Spring, space from a liability to an asset; Dutchess and Putnam counties, Scenic the direct and indirect benefits for Hudson, Hudson Highlands Land Trust, the Trail Conference’s volunteers the Open Space Institute, the Trail Confer - and each user of the trail system ence, and elected officials are working will extend for years into the future. collaboratively on the project with NYS Department of Transportation, NYS Office This is a great opportunity for the of Parks Recreation and Historic Preserva - Trail Conference—by analogy to a tion, and Metro-North Railroad. The hike on the Appalachian Trail from project is featured in both the Mid-Hudson Hessian Lake to the summit of Regional Economic Development Plan and Bear Mountain, the Darlington the Mid-Hudson Sustainability Plan. Schoolhouse campaign has First reported on in the July 2008 issue crossed the 1,000-foot elevation of Trail Walker , the goal of the overall proj - and is nearing the summit. It’s ect is to transform a portion of State Route within reach—let’s finish the climb. 9D in the heart of the Hudson Highlands from a high speed thoroughfare into a mul - Make your gift now at ti-use, user-friendly recreational, nynjtc.org/donatedarlington tourism-oriented parkway that provides due to the road’s design, the public—partic - Just how busy—and unsafe—is the Hudson people with a stronger visual and physical ularly bicyclists and pedestrians—cannot Highlands State Park corridor? Watch these connection with the Hudson River. safely access these places. The corridor is YouTube videos to get a virtual experience of ANNUAL FALL MEETING This section of Route 9D links two of used by vehicles traveling along the highway the trailhead experience at “the number one at or above the 55 mph speed limit as well hike in the country”: Breakneck Ridge: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 as by large numbers of hikers parking and youtube.com/watch?v=km8O0qWhi-w; AT CROTON POINT The goal is to improve walking along the unimproved shoulder. Follow this link about Little Stony Point: Register Now safety and enjoyment in (See video links.) youtube.com/watch?v=l6Ob2mH2C58 At the northern section of the corridor nynjtc.org/event/fallmeeting2013 this much visited area. lies Beacon, which is rapidly emerging as a or call 201-512-9348 ext. 26 Hudson River artist hotspot. Cold Spring, deep in the heart of the Highlands, has a the region’s most significant historic com - variety of antique, outdoor recreation, spe - munities, the Village of Cold Spring and cialty shops, and cafes that attract many Mark Your Calendar Now the City of Beacon, and connects a number visitors from the area. There of important public resources, including will be important economic benefits of for Our Fall Sale Dates Hudson Highlands State Park, Little Stony improved access and use of the Fjord Trail Point, and Mt. Beacon, all of which offer to local communities. In addition, Cold Monday, November 18 through Wednesday, November 20! outstanding trail networks and views of the Spring boasts a rich history in a scenic set - Purchase Maps, Books, Combo packages at special pre-holiday rates. Hudson River, Storm King Mountain, and ting nestled between the mountains and Keep your eyes on our website and E-Walker newsletter for details. Bannerman’s Castle. river that draws history buffs from around the nation. Make your holiday gift purchases before Thanksgiving, then kick back and enjoy the pleasures of the season. Page 4 Fall 2013 HHII KERSKERS’’ ALMANACALMANAC A Sampling of Upcoming Hikes Sponsored by Member Clubs

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

October AMC NY-NJ. Mtn. and Breakneck Ridge Trail, NY. SW. Bronx Side of Harlem River, NY. Leaders: Cy Adler and AFW. New Jersey Palisades. Leader: Call 973-644-3592 or visit Leaders: Nancy and Art Tollefson, [email protected], 212-727- friends; email [email protected] for details. Meet: 10:30am at www.adventuresforwomen.org for info and to register. Meet: Saturday, October 5 8961 (call before 9:30pm). Meet: Take 8:44am Metro North train 207 St. station of #1 subway train, southeast corner. 5 miles in 10am. Easy hike; out by 1:30pm. IHC. Castle Point, Minnewaska State Park, NY. Leaders: Guy from Grand Central to Breakneck Ridge (Poughkeepsie train; RT), four parks in and under three great bridges (if no AMC NY-NJ. Harriman State Park, NY. Leaders: Nancy and Art and Jennifer Percival, 973-590-7437, [email protected]. arriving 10:02. Breakneck parking is one-quarter mile north of RR construction); possible addition to Highbridge Park. Tollefson, [email protected], 212-727-8961 (call before Meet: 8am at Harriman RR station, Rt. 17, Arden, NY. Strenuous tunnel on Rt. 9D, just north of Cold Spring, NY. 7 miles at moder - 9:30pm). Meet: Take 8:30am Short Line bus from Port Authority hike. Start from upper parking at Minnewaska and heading to ately brisk pace, substantial hills (about 2,000 ft. elevation gain). to Arden, arriving 9:26. Arden parking is 2 miles north of South - Castle Point and beyond. Pretty vistas and leaves just starting to Bad weather may cancel; contact leaders eve before if in doubt. fields, NY; from Rt. 17 north, turn right on Arden Valley Rd., first change. Parking fee $8 per car. Bad weather cancels. right into parking lot. 9 miles at moderately brisk pace with hills SW. Van Cortlandt Park, NY. Leader: Debbie Dolan, and rocky trails. Hike past Island Pond, Lemon Squeezer; trails [email protected]. Meet: 10am at 242nd St. stop on #1 subway include the Lichen and AT. Bad weather may cancel; contact train (street level on park side near sign for BX9 bus). Get to know leaders eve before if in doubt. the third largest Forever Wild nature preserve in NYC. Walk on Saturday, November 9 forested Putnam Trail, by a marsh and lake, and the Tibbett wetlands. Optional Mexican-style lunch at nearby restaurant. MH-ADK. Catskills Bushwack: Olderback Mtn., NY. Leader: Russ Faller, 845-297-5126, call before 9pm; UOC. Cheesequake State Park, NJ. Leader: Mary Munn, [email protected]. Meet: Contact leader for details and to [email protected]. Meet: contact leader for details. register by Nov. 6. Difficult 6 mile hike (2100 ft. ascent) with a real 4.5-mile, moderate hike on trails of this fine park. wilderness feel; for experienced bushwackers only. Very steep Sunday, October 6 sections with cliffs. Leader will help arrange car pooling. NYNJTC. Appalachian Trail 90th Anniversary Loop Hike at UOC. Hacklebarney State Park, NJ. Leader: Jane Faulkner, Bear Mountain. Leader: Ama Koenigshof, Trail Builder/Educa - [email protected]. Meet: contact leader for details. tor, and Georgette Weir as sweep. Meet: 9am at the north end Leisurely walk through this secluded park in Morris County, with of the Bear Mountain parking lot, near the Inn. Join us as we well maintained paths, comfortable footing, and a few steep hills. honor our predecessors’ achievement in building the first sec - Saturday, November 16 tion of the AT 90 years ago. This will be a strenuous, hike of O

L AFW. Cupsaw Mountain, Ringwood State Park, NJ. Leader: Call about 5 miles, up the AT to Perkin’s Tower, including a section L E

T 973-644-3592 or visit www.adventuresforwomen.org for info and of trail on the east face that is under construction, and down S O C

to register. Meet: 9:30am. Moderate hike at leisurely pace; out by

the south side. Enjoy Octoberfest at the end. More info and sign Y T

R 1:30pm.

up at nynjtc.org/event/hike-AT-90. A M NYR. Somerville Circular, NJ. Leader: Chris Zeller, This fantastic viewpoint will be newly accessible when the Long Path reroute in the SW. Full Moon Hike Along the Hudson River, NY. Leader: [email protected]. Meet: 9:25am at Somerville, NJ, train Catskills opens, possibly this fall. (See page 7) [email protected], 201-406-4549. Meet: Take station. Leader arrives by train (meet 7:50am at NJ Transit ticket 3:15pm Rockland Coach bus from Port Authority bus terminal (40th St. at 8th Ave., south wing) to Nyack (Broadway at Cedar windows at Penn Station, NY, for 8:07 North Jersey Coast train; Saturday, October 12 Sunday, October 20 Hill Ave.), arriving 4:30pm (leader meets bus in Nyack). 3-4 miles, change at Newark Penn Station for Raritan Valley train, RT MH-ADK. Moderate Hike, Cornwall, NY. AFW. Conklin, Diamond & Halfway Mountains, Harriman State Somerville. We’ll take woods road to Rt. 206, cross Raritan River, Leader: Arlene, 845-246-2069. Meet: contact leader. Hike dirt 2-3 hours. As day fades to night, we’ll walk along the Hudson Park, NY. Leader: Call 973-644-3592 or visit www.adventuresfor - under Hook Mtn. by light of the full moon (bring flashlight just in then explore Duke Farms, visiting Orchid Range, foundation ruins, roads and trails, see the reservoirs, and hike up Black Rock for women.org for info and to register. Meet: 9:30am. Strenuous hike carriage roads, and lakes. a view of the Hudson River. Fall colors should just be starting. case). Last bus returning to NYC is at 10:08pm. Contact leader to at moderate pace; out by 3pm. confirm hike is still on (trail closure possible). Rain cancels. MH-ADK. Tree Discovery Difficult Hike, Minnewaska State Rain cancels. MH-ADK. Minnewaska Fall Foliage and Photography Hike. Saturday, November 30 Park, NY. Leader: Jean-Claude Fouéré, 845-462 1909; UOC. Mt. Minsi, PA. Leader: John Clyde, 732-208-2039, and Leaders: Kathy Skura, 914-779-0936, [email protected], and AMC NY-NJ. Tuxedo, Harriman State Park, NY. Leaders: Nancy [email protected]. Meet: contact leader. A knowledgeable tree Coleen Zdiarski, [email protected]. Meet: contact leaders for Sharron Crocker. Meet: 10:05am across the street from New and Art Tollefson, [email protected], 212-727-8961 (call before expert will accompany us in this tree discovery hike in Minnewaska. details. Join us to hike to top of the PA side of the Delaware Water Paltz, NY, bus station. Moderate 8 miles. Expert photographer will 9:30pm). Meet: Take 8:30am Short Line bus from Port Authority AFW. Appalachian Trail in New Jersey. Leader: Call 973-644- Gap for beautiful views on the Appalachian Trail. Continuous but give pointers and discuss photo journaling; bring camera, no to Tuxedo, arriving 9:19. Tuxedo parking is just north of RR 3592 or visit www.adventuresforwomen.org for info and to moderate ascent. special equipment required. station; from Rt. 17 north, turn right on East Village Rd., first register. Meet: 9am. Strenuous hike at moderate pace; out by Sunday, October 13 Sunday, October 27 left into parking lot. 8 miles at fairly vigorous pace with hills and 5pm. Hike from Oil City Rd. to Rt. 94 on the AT. IHC. Delaware River Overlook, NJ. Leader: Chris Davis, IHC. Indian Rock, Ramapo Mountain State Forest, NJ. Leaders: rocky trails. Help co-leader Art celebrate another birthday on RLC. Fall Foliage Hike and More, NJ. Leader: Rock Lodge Club [email protected], 973-590-7437. Meet: 9am at Al Di Cianni, [email protected], and Dennis Balance, favorite trails. Bad weather may cancel; contact leaders eve in Stockholm NJ; go to www.rocklodge.com to learn more about Washington Crossing State Park Visitor Center, 497 Washington [email protected]. Meet: 9am at Back Beach Park, 1 Fourth before if in doubt. us. Meet: 10am at the club. Easy 3-mile hike along pleasant wood - Crossing Pennington Rd., Titusville, NJ. Moderately strenuous Ave., Haskell, NJ. Moderately strenuous 7-8 miles. Hike in the west SW. Walk Off the Turkey, NY. Leader: Cy Adler and friends, email land paths to enjoy the foliage; roast hotdogs/sausages over fire 8 miles. Walk in state park, then short road walk to Bald Pate side of Ramapo Mountain State Forest, with climb to Ramapo [email protected] for details. Meet: 10am at Ferry for relaxing lunch. Those who wish continue on longer hike. All Mtn. Preserve for views of Delaware River and Philadelphia. Lake. Includes Wanaque Ridge Trail along western ridge of the Terminal, Manhattan. Annual post-thanksgiving walk from are welcome to enjoy the club’s facilities after the hike: scenic lake Bad weather cancels. Ramapos. Bad weather cancels. Battery to the Little Red Lighthouse, along the entire west side (often swimmable in Oct.), small boats, tennis, sauna. Visitor fee. AFW. Stony Lake, Stokes State Forest, NJ. Leader: Call 973- of Manhattan. 12 miles, 5 hours, later we’ll be at the GW Bridge. The activities listed are sponsored by member clubs of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. All hikers are welcome subject to club regula - 644-3592 or visit www.adventuresforwomen.org for info and to tions and rules of the trail. You are responsible for your own safety. Wear hiking boots or strong, low-heeled shoes. Bring food, water, register. Meet: 10am. Moderate hike; out by 3pm. rain gear, first aid kit, and a flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe NYNJTC. 75th Torrey Memorial Hike at Long Mountain, Harri - Find many more hikes on our website: cannot complete the hike or is not adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. man State Park, NY. Meet: 11am in the parking area. This nynjtc.org/content/scheduled-hikes More than 100 clubs belong to the Trail Conference, and many of our affiliate groups sponsor hikes not listed in the Hikers’ Almanac. traditional gathering of hikers and hiking clubs is a moderately For a descriptive list of Conference clubs, consult our website or send a SASE with your request to NY-NJ Trail Conference. easy 2-mile in-and-out hike to the summit. For more info, visit nyn - Club Codes jtc.org/event/annual-torrey-memorial-hike2013 Only those clubs with hikes offered in this issue are listed below. Please call numbers listed to confirm. November AFW Adventures for Women NYNJTC NY-NJ Trail Conference Sunday, November 3 AMC NY-NJ Appalachian Mountain Club, NYR New York Ramblers NYR. Arden to Bear Mountain Inn, Harriman-Bear Mtn. State New York-North Jersey Chapter RLC Rock Lodge Club Park, NY. Leader: Shizuko Okumura, [email protected], IHC Interstate Hiking Club SW Shorewalkers 718-997-6186. Meet: 8:15am at Port Authority Bus Terminal for MH-ADK Mid-Hudson ADK UOC University Outing Club 8:15 Short Line bus, one-way Arden. We’ll take the Appalachian Trail from Arden to Long Path and Arden Valley Rd. Then to RD Clubs wishing to have hikes listed in Hikers’ Almanac should send their schedules to [email protected] or to the Trail Conference Office. trail and SBM trail to the Inn. The deadline for the Winter issue is November 15.

tall person!” He was thorough - Member Trail Tale ly unimpressed. He looked off to each side as if he were think - Emmental the Bear ing “Uh-huh… very tall person. Got it. Yup.” By B. Fingerhut/Tree Hugger; August 6, 2013 I turned to speak to FlowerChild, Years earlier I had chosen a modest cliff in Harriman State Park as the place to ask Flow - but she had already begun to collect our erChild/Ronnie to marry me. We had now been hiking for over thirty years and had Thermarests and daypacks in her arms. I experienced most of the pleasures of the forest together, but we had never seen a bear. said softly, “We’ll back down the hill We were at our engagement spot near The Long Path, and finishing a leisurely picnic slowly, the tree between us and the bear.” lunch of salad and cheese. FlowerChild whispered, “What’s that on the cliff?” I looked When I saw that he wasn’t aggressive at all, up to see a clump of dark fur about fifty feet away. “A raccoon?” I answered, realizing I began photographing him more. As we that it was unlikely during the day. We saw hemispherical furry ears and a sizeable snout left, he went to our spot, investigating sniffing the air. “It’s a bear!” FlowerChild said. every inch of the ground there. I took my digital camera and began to photograph it. We love animals, and this was, We were so excited that we named after all, a bear! He started moving across the low cliff toward us. He ambled closer and him Emmental, after our cheese. closer. This was no coincidence – he had smelled our Emmental Swiss cheese and want - While he didn’t get any, we hope ed a picnic lunch, too. we left a favorable impression When he closed the distance I said to FlowerChild, “It’s time for the bear routine we’ve upon him anyway. read about.” He was about 200 lbs. and stood fifteen feet away. I got to my feet, raising both arms over my head, and spoke confidently to the attractive fuzzy bear, “I’m a very Fall 2013 Page 5 Lost in the Woods By Jerry Adams

Alice Ludington-Cantor Member Mahwah, NJ

The three hikers were late leaving cool is that? Just don’t screw it up. where they are, I backtrack and start work - The building made me do it I wake a nearby camper and tell him I ing my way around the hill to find a way Sunfish Pond on the Kittatinny Ridge need to borrow his headlamp to help three up to them, but soon decide it will be easi - You know about the big problem for the hike out, did not see trail mark - hikers who are lost without lights. He’s not er to get them to come down to me. today with distracted driving? ers in the fading light, and lost their happy, but offers up his lamp. I promise to I call Jonathan again and tell him they Most people think about distrac - return it, and then head north. need to slowly work their way down the way. It got dark. They did not bring tions from texting or emailing on I carry a daypack and two liters of water, side of the hill straight toward me and the the road, but it was the Darlington flashlights. Stuck in the woods, they an emergency radio, first aid kit, my light. It’s steep but open and they can scoot Schoolhouse that made me nearly thought about their options and had phone, the extra headlamp, snacks, and my down on their bottoms if need be and dig drive off Rt. 202 the first time I few. Jonathan called 911. It was 10pm. rain jacket. As I walk, I think about the trail in their heels. Just go slow and be careful. saw it. What a neat building, I I already covered once today, hiking up the Five minutes pass as they edge carefully thought, as I wrestled my eyes Dispatch told them to sit tight and be Dunnfield Creek Trail to Sunfish Pond down the slope to join me in a small clear - back to the road for my left turn patient; help would be coming soon. Dis - from the Delaware River. ing. They are wide-eyed and nervous, but onto Darlington Avenue. patch called the nearest park ranger and OK, I thought, they left Sunfish. The trail glad help has arrived. then me, a New Jersey Appalachian Trail goes uphill from there and then down. It is It’s midnight. I moved to New Jersey from Ohio in ridgerunner, call sign AT-3. This is my sec - very rocky, with a long downhill of awkward I make sure everyone is OK and give 2002, so I didn’t grow up with the ond season as a ridgerunner on the Trail, footing that is a pain during the day and Jonathan the borrowed headlamp. I assure Schoolhouse in my neighborhood. but my first late night emergency. would be risky at night, especially for folks them we are not going back over the rocks Because I now live in Mahwah, the “We’ve got three hikers lost in the woods not used to hiking and rough terrain. to Sunfish Pond, and that the trail will get Schoolhouse serves as a landmark in Worthington State Forest and we need It’s an easy place to roll an ankle, and smoother and flatter as we go. I offer water, for me as I travel back and forth you to go find them,” the dispatcher said. that’s the last thing we need tonight. The but they just want to get moving. to Ramapo Reservation, Ramapo “It’s a guy, his girlfriend and his mother. He trail is also overgrown. It twists around I explain that we first have to cross Dun - College, and points beyond. I can said they were on the Dunnfield Creek boulders. Trail markers can be hard to spot nfield Creek to get back on the trail. I pick even walk there from home. Trail and had been hiking for a half hour because the green blazes sometime fade on my way across the rocks and then light from Sunfish Pond when they got lost. trees or rocks. their way as they follow. The trail is some - When I retired and was looking for times elusive, but we are slow and careful volunteer opportunities, I visited and finally see a pair of lights dancing in the New York-New Jersey Trail the trees ahead. It’s Shawn and Alejandro Conference’s website to see what Santiago, who talks to the three hikers to might be there. I was thrilled to find make sure they are fine. a place at the Trail Conference, The trail is clear and we hike on, six of us writing grant reports for the now. It will take about 45 minutes to get Schoolhouse renovations. back up the hill to the ATV and probably another hour for Shawn and Alex to get What is it about the Schoolhouse Jonathan, his Mom, and his girlfriend back that captured me and has the same to their car. effect on so many others? I think It is Monday morning. Jonathan says it it’s the unique two-story design of will be 4:30 before he gets home and he has this historic building, which has to work that day. endured in remarkable condition The three smile their thanks as we part since 1891. The beautiful building company at Backpacker Campsite. Mom 2013 New Jersey AT Ridgerunners Jerry Adams (left), George Johnson, and Daniel Cramer. inspires people and makes us want gets the passenger seat of the ATV and to preserve it. That’s how I chose to Where are you?” Even with my headlamp I missed blazes Jonathan and his girlfriend get in the back. contribute to my two communities: “I’m at Backpacker Campsite, an hour on my way through the dark. Sometimes They’ll have to get out and walk where the the Township of Mahwah and the from them, maybe longer in the dark,” I confused, I stopped and looked around, terrain gets rough. hikers who will use the School - said. “I can go get them.” backtracking to find the last blaze and the Back at camp, I drop the borrowed head - house as their new headquarters. Using both hands to feel around the dark next one ahead. There must be a safer way. lamp just outside the hiker’s tent and tent, I find my headlamp and glasses and Stumbling, I decide that I really don’t want return to my own tent to think through Give now to preserve beauty at then root through my pack for a pen and to bring these folks back up and over these what’s happened and to try to get some nynjtc.org/donatedarlington something to write on. I scribble names rocks if I don’t have to. But first, I need to sleep. My stirrings have disturbed my and telephone numbers for a park ranger find them. neighbor, who comes over to complain that and the lost hiker, take a few deep breaths, The path begins to smooth as it drops to I woke him and to ask for his headlamp and focus on what to do next. Dunnfield Creek. I cross, pausing to listen back. Plaintiffs Appeal I call Ranger Shawn Viggiano. He’s an for voices in the woods and hoping the lost I explain that I left the lamp next to his hour away from Worthington and will have ones see my lamp and call out to me. Noth - water bag, but he’s cranky and asks, “How Court Decision on to get an ATV for the slow, steep drive up ing. Silence. was I supposed to know that? This is the over three miles of rugged trail. We decide I have been hiking for an hour and I second time you woke me up tonight. I am Palisades Tower that I’ll go find the hikers, bring them back know I should be getting close, when the a thru-hiker.” to Sunfish Pond, and meet him there for phone rings. It’s the ranger checking in. He stalks off. I do not reply, but his late- In a lawsuit filed by two public interest transport. Shawn says he’s bringing a bilin - He’s getting close and will have the all-ter - night bluster makes me laugh. “Yeah, groups and four individuals, Judge Alexan - gual ranger. Jonathan speaks English but his rain vehicle headed my way soon. you’re a thru-hiker, but I am a ridgerun - der Carver of the New Jersey Superior girlfriend and Mom are not fluent. I tell him the rocks on the trail are perilous ner,” I think. “And I just got three lost Court in August upheld the grant of a vari - They are not hurt, just lost. in the dark and I do not want to bring these hikers off the mountain.” ance to LG Electronics that would allow it I call Jonathan, identify myself as a three hikers back over them. We agree that to construct a 143-foot tower atop the Pal - ridgerunner, and tell him I am leaving the I’ll take them south to the Holly Springs The AT Ridgerunner program in New Jersey isades, four times higher than the 35-foot campsite and will be there in an hour. The Trail instead, then across to the AT, and back began in 1992 when the Trail Conference, height limit respected for decades by all lost hikers can do nothing but sit in the north to Backpacker Campsite. The rangers the Appalachian Trail Conference and the other companies. dark and wait. The flashlight app on their will bring their ATV as far as they can, then N.J. Dept. of Environmental Protection The variance, approved by the Borough smart phone is their only light, but they hike toward us along those trails until we cosponsored two Ridgerunners to patrol the of Englewood Cliffs in February 2012, leave the phone off to save the battery. meet somewhere in the middle. Trail together. Soon the need for a third authorizes construction of a building that The stars are growing brighter on a Fifteen more minutes drag by and then I Ridgerunner was apparent. Providing ade - would rise 80 feet above the tree line, moonless August night, and the forest is hear something, or think I do. I shout. quate coverage of the Trail and attending to destroying the unbroken natural sweep of making its night sounds. The breeze shakes Silence. I hike on, shout again. Looking the needs of the very busy Backpacker Site in the Palisades north of Fort Lee. Despite the trees, and dead branches crash not far around, I spot a light up a steep hill 50 Worthington State Forest requires the full this, the court ruled that the Englewood away. I do not see the bears, deer, snakes, yards away. time attention of three people during the June Cliffs Board of Adjustment had not abused and other woodland creatures in these I call Jonathan’s phone and he answers. through August season. This successful pro - its authority in granting the variance that forests, but I know they are out there, “Do you see me?” gram helped inspire creation of our new exempted the LG tower. either settled in or wandering, poking “Yes. I see your light.” Breakneck Ridge Trail Stewards (see page 1). The public interest plaintiffs vowed to around in the dark and making themselves “Hang on. Everybody OK?” appeal. at home. “Yes.” Map Reference: For background and to keep up with this I am comfortable in the woods, but the “Let’s get you guys out of here.” #120 Southern Kittatinny Trails issue, visit our coalition website, lost hikers are probably not, at least not It is 11:30 pm, barely 90 minutes since www.protectthepalisades.org right now. My job is to find them and lead Dispatch rang my phone. them to safety. I’m going on a rescue! How Confused by how the hikers ended up Page 6 Fall 2013 Trail Mix: Volunteers Improving Tra N O S A M

A N O S New Chair for Metro Region Dawson Smith of New York, NY, is the new Trail Chair for our Metro Region. Dawson has performed hundreds Taming th of hours of trail work in New York City, Pennsylvania, and , and brings varied trail and Taurus (B conservation experience to this important volunteer Sometimes, the leadership position. Dawson has volunteered with the Mount Taurus NY Audubon Society, helping to protect wetlands; is an positively thr advocate for the Highbridge Project in NYC, an effort to through the co restore and enhance Highbridge Park at the northern tip it invasive and of Manhattan; The Highline, a landscaped walking path surges back an created on a section of elevated rail line in Manhattan; August, an ad h Two More Bridges at Minnewaska Rebuilt and Friends of Big Pocono State Park, for which he cre - ers from all ov Two trail bridges on the High Peters Kill Trail at Minnewaska State Park Preserve, washed out by Hurricane Irene ated a website. He is a founding member of the New convened at th in 2011, were rebuilt in July by crews of volunteers working under the supervision of trails professional Eddie Walsh York City Mountain Bike Association. Connor, East H (Tahawus Trails) and our Minnewaska Trails Supervisor Dave Webber. The bridges take hikers over a split in the Dawson says he is “proud to be the NYC Trails Chair Hudson Trail C stream in an area northeast of Route 44/55. Volunteers included: Mike Garrison, Dave Webber, Joan James, Jim and to work with the Trail Council to engage the volun - again, and sim Gebhard, Lucy Walsh, Gene Maloney, the Wednesday Hikers of , about 25 volunteers from I Love teer and membership base in New York and explore Maintenance t My Park Day, and Eddie Walsh, who donated many hours to the project. opportunities to maintain and build new trails.” beautiful day.

ISF Takes the Summit 231 People Move the Major Welch Trail; Work Progresses on AT Our fearless Invasives Strike Force trail crew volun - Three Step Up as Trail Supervisors teers have been busy attacking and removing mounds A major relocation of the increasingly popular Major of thorny barberry bushes on Bear Mountain over the Welch Trail on Bear Mountain, taking the trail off of a Richard Jobsky of Paramus, NJ, our new Sterling Forest Trail Supervis course of several work days. Now, instead of barberry dangerously steep rocky incline, was completed in mid serendipitously encountered and photographed on the Sterling Lake Trail bushes, one sees large swaths of native grasses and June thanks to the efforts of 231 individuals volunteer - retired as a supervisory engineer with the General Services Administration o wildflowers such as milkweed which are appropriate ing a total of 6,618 hours. A special thank-you goes out on projects related to sustainability, energy conservation, and historic pre to the sunny rocky crests at Perkins Tower on top of to the Jolly Rovers Trail Crew, West Hudson South Trail Rochelle, and two long-time members and Catskill trail volunteers, husba Bear Mountain. Crew, Boy Scout Troop 66, Buffalo State University Swyka of Monroe, NY. For 20 years Cathie and Steve have maintained a tw In total, more than 100 volunteers removed invasive Alternative Breaks, KPMG, Rockland County Ameri - Range Trail/Long Path from the junction of the Phoenicia-East Branch Tra plants over nine work days during the last two years at Corps, and Nature Place Day Camp, all of which couple just added the Sterling Lake Trail to their roster. Bear Mountain. Our volunteers removed several large brought out groups to work on the project and accom - We also welcome and thank Andy Wong as our new Trails Supervisor for patches of the highly invasive vine, black swallowwort, plished so much. From September 2012 to mid June Brian Bacher , who has taken on the job at . Andy and treated some stands of Japanese angelica tree 2013, volunteers worked alongside AmeriCorps interns Hollow Trail at Schunemunk and is a member of our Long Distance Trails (learn about it on page 9) along the Appalachian Trail and professional trail builders from Tahawus Trails to maintains the 1777 Trail, Short Cut Trail, and Stillman Trail at Black Rock on the east side of the mountain. All of these species construct 969 linear feet of natural surface treadway, have become serious threats to the native habitats in 229 stone steps, 293 square feet of stone crib wall, and Sandy Cleanup, One Year Later our region. 25 square feet of stone paving. In addition to working on Bear Mountain, our volun - As we head into fall there are still opportunities to vol - Will Hurricane Sandy trail cleanup ever end? We hikers owe trail volun - teers also removed invasives at Storm King State Park, unteer and get involved with the Bear Mountain Trails teers no end of thanks for their ongoing work keeping our trails clear and , Teatown Lake Reservation, and Project. We will be continuing work on the Upper East safe for our passage. In July, a small contingent of members of the High - Westchester Wilderness Walk in New York, and Flat Face of the Appalachian Trail until the weather stops us lands Warriors Trail Crew in our Central North Jersey region moved Rock Brook Nature Center, Ramapo Valley County (pictured above is volunteer Dave Cahn of Airmont, portions of the footbridge over the Green Brook back into place. This Reservation, Norvin Green State Forest, Abram Hewitt NY, on the project in July), and also on the restoration bridge, which is on a section of the Terrace Pond North Trail, is located State Forest, and Worthington State Forest in New Jersey. of the Welch Trail Education Center (formerly known as adjacent to Warwick Turnpike in West Milford, NJ. Although this foot - Thanks to our volunteers, we are gaining a reputation Harriman Group Camp LT-1), where we will be paint - bridge was well above the high water mark, the last tropical storm took as good stewards of the environment. We welcome ing, replacing screens and windows, and doing other out the ramp, and the hand rail was destroyed by a falling tree. everyone to join us in this highly rewarding work. fix-ups and clean-ups. If you would like to get involved The water was cold and the rocks slippery but once again the High - To get added to the ISF crew mailing list, email Linda with trail building or fixing up the Welch Trail Educa - land Warriors were up to the job and they did it well. Now all has been repa Rohleder (seen behind barberry debris above) at tion Center, contact Ama Koenigshof at 616-337-2481 of our crew were: Jim Mott; Keith Scherer, Trail Supervisor; Nick McKen [email protected]. or [email protected]. burg and Glenn Oleksak, Highlands Trail Supervisors; and Bob Jonas, Tra Fall 2013 Page 7 Moving the Furniture ails for the Public By John B. Blenninger

Rick Levine Life Member, Trail Conference Board member Upper Saddle River, NJ

Our new building will shout, “We’re more than a 10% discount!” K E C A V

When I first joined the Board, I was D R I

B not expecting the scope of the Trail The author with his trail tool kit. Conference and the exacting pro - he Overgrowth at Mount A New Trail Takes Shape fessionalism of its volunteers—the ) at Sterling Forest Years before I signed on as the trailkeeper of Board members and the trail con - a section of the Northeast Trail in the struction/maintenance volunteers e start of the Cornish Trail at the base of The first leg of the new Doris Duke Trail at Sterling For - Mohonk Preserve, a chain-sawyer cut who produce amazing results. in Hudson Highlands State Park looks est is complete, thanks to many volunteers who have through a squared-off length of a big blow- reatening. Though maintainers clip worked alongside our volunteer interns. When complete down to clear the path and cut out a My wakeup call was when I queried orridor regularly, the greenery—much of the trail will be a 4-mile loop, beginning at the trailhead passage for hikers. But this heavy piece of my hiking friends; not only did d prickly multifloral rose—very quickly on Benjamin Meadow Road in the northwestern section timber let loose and rolled like a log down most of them have a very limited nd seems to dare hikers to pass by. In of the park, meeting and co-aligning with the Allis into the brook of the adjoining ravine. view of the Trail Conference and hoc trail crew comprising trail maintain - Trail/Highlands Trail. (The trail is shown on the 2013 I never liked that log—impeding the its mandate, but many did not go ver and three employees of NYC Parks edition of Sterling Forest Trails map #100). Most of the drainage, looking decidedly not natural further than pointing out “you get he site and, under the leadership of Geof route is in an a area designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary and offensive to my esthetic sense. So on a 10% Campmor discount with Hudson Trails Chair, and Fred Stern, East and is closed to hunting. The project will continue into April 25, 2013, I decided to wrestle with Trail Conference membership.” Crew Leader, set out to tame the path, yet the fall, with on-the-trail workshops and crew outings that long and heavy log and shove it back (Early in my membership that tid - multaneously learn some Advanced Trail open to all. Visit the Trail U and Trail Crew calendars on up to where it belonged—up from the bit of information was my full echniques and enjoy a good hike on a our website. rivulet and over to its final resting place understanding as well!) It also next to its fallen proximal tree. became apparent to me (as my Coming Soon to the Catskills: But that log liked rolling down, put up a learning curve rose) that our One of the Very Best Trails stiff fight, and smacked me right in the future success will need constant kisser—severely lacerating my upper lip. adaptation to the environment During three week-long I really didn’t like that at all. Undaunted, and of our operations as a non- backcountry service I struggled up the embankment with this profit organization. In short, what I trips—one each in June, devil, yielding now, and I beat that beast— quickly learned is: July, and August—Trail with a lot of blood dripping on the trail Conference volunteers and on the log. In the end I laid out that • the Trail Conference is involved cleared miles of new trail eyesore to where it should have been in many more projects than I and improved trail tread enshrined so long ago. previously perceived; and drainage in several Now the stream in the ravine is natural • in order to operate efficiently, locations for the Long Path in the Catskills. When com - and pristine, the Trail Conference needs at pleted, the new 9-mile trail section will create a roughly And flows gently and so peacefully in the least double or triple the office 25-mile wilderness route without any road crossings springtime green. flexi-space it currently has; we between Peekamoose Road in the south and Lane Street There is calm and harmony now in the have problems accommodating in the north. Along the way LP hikers will climb hollow, and the trail again now is a joy to most functions and meetings, Peekamoose, Table, Slide, Cornell, Wittenberg, Cross, follow. not to mention our paid staff, Pleasant, and Romer Mountains. It isn’t always easy, but I’m still standing in a place we can call “home” We hope to complete major construction on the new and “that leaves me the winner!” (and that’s without our antici - trail by late this fall, with some detail work to be finished pated growth); after the trail opens. We fully expect this will be one of In addition to being a trailkeeper for Mohonk • expanding and clarifying the the very best trails—offering one of the very best new Preserve, John Blenninger maintains the Hill perception of the Trail Confer - views (see p. 4)—in the Catskill Mountains. Long Path of Pines Trail, Split Rock Trail, and a section ence requires a visible “home” Co-chairs Andy Garrison and Jakob Franke have spent of the Highlands Trail at Black Rock Forest. that volunteers deserve and almost every weekend this summer and fall on the Our Trails Supervisor for Black Rock Forest the organization needs for mountain. Volunteers from our Long Path, Long for 35 years (he stepped down in 2011), John future fundraising. Distance Trails, Jolly Rovers, and Catskill crews have has trained and mentored countless trail been our core trail builders, with other volunteers volunteers, always challenging them with the The Darlington Schoolhouse proj - joining the fun. They have been doing a great job! question, “Is your trail a joy to follow?” ect is just the opportunity we need; it’s not only a win-win situation for New Trail Bridge Goes Up Mahwah (our partner in the ven - sor, was “out on the job” in July when in Platte Clove, Catskills ture) and the Trail Conference, but . Richard, at right in the photo, recently for our volunteers, environmental - of the U.S. government. There he worked Eighteen volunteers made ists, architectural conservationists, eservation. Richard is seen with his wife, quick work of building a We thank these retail historians, etc., etc. — the list is too and and wife Steve Goldberg and Cathie new trail bridge over Platte long. AND, the location couldn’t be wo-mile section of the rugged Burroughs Kill Creek in the Platte partners for their better: at the gateway to a vast hik - ail to the summit of Slide Mountain. The Clove Preserve on the last extra support in sell - ing range and in the bucolic setting weekend of June. The vol - between the Ramapo Reservation r State Park, and unteer crew completed a ing Trail Conference and Ramapo College. y, of New York City, maintains the Dark new 30-foot span that is an s Crew. Brian lives in Cornwall, NY, and important link in the Long Path, the 350-mile trail that memberships at Show your support for our k Forest. extends from the George Washington Bridge to Alta - their stores! volunteers. Make your gift now mont near Albany. The bridge replaces one built in at nynjtc.org/donatedarlington 2001 but recently found to be damaged. The new bridge was designed and pre-assembled at home by volunteers Doug and Pete Senterman of Elka Park. Its parts were then moved to the site the day before final construction. Thanks go to the following volunteers for making Outfitters Hunting quick work of this new trail bridge: Doug Senterman, Pete Senterman, Laurie Rankin, Tom Rankin, Jonathan Mountain Tops Seasons 2013 Mogelever, Samira Dere, Cal Johnson, Rob Almanza, George Prokopiak, Connie Sciutto, Jim Erickson, Maria Hikers need to be aware of the Bedo, Karl Graf, Andrew Flach, Bryan Morriseey, Mar - tin (last name unknown), Bruce Warden, and S. Gallina 2013 hunting seasons in NY and aired and it’s open to the public. Members Simpson. NJ. For full contact details, visit nna, Asst. Trail Supervisor; Adam Rosen - Material for the bridge was purchased with funds ail Crew Leader. from the Trail Conference’s Catskill Trails Program. http://www.nynjtc.org/news/ hunting-seasons-2013 Page 8 Fall 2013 Growing a Trail Intern Program Meet Our Trails Family The Trail Conference has been These clubs and organizations support the protection, maintenance, and growth of our Sterling Forest Interns exploring ways to involve more peo - trail network with their membership in the Trail Conference (recorded as of August 27, Supported by New York State Parks, Sterling 2013). Thank you! Visit nynjtc.org/content/member-clubs to see updated member list ple—especially young people—in our Forest State Park, Student Conservation with links to their websites. work and enhance our overall volun - Association’s AmeriCorps, and the Trail Don’t see your group here? Contact Membership manager Joanne Reinhardt to learn how teer training program. One promising Conference. your group can be part of our growing family of trail supporters: [email protected] or avenue is through internships, in 201.512.9348, ext. 26. which selected individuals commit to ADK Musconetcong Mountain Conservancy ADK Mid-Hudson Chapter Nassau Hiking and Outdoor Club volunteer for a specified time frame ADK Mohican Chapter New Haven Hiking Club in exchange for training, mentorship ADK New York Chapter New Jersey Search & Rescue Inc. ADK North Jersey Ramapo Chapter New York Alpine Club by experienced staff and volunteers, Adventures for Women New York City Audubon Society, Inc. and a small stipend. AMC Delaware Valley Chapter New York Hiking Club This year, we welcomed eight great AMC Mohawk Hudson Chapter New York Ramblers AMC Mohican Outdoor Center Outdoor Single Friends interns who contributed their energy AMC New York North Jersey Chapter Palisades Nature Association and enthusiasm to three projects: Bellvale School Protect Our Wetlands, Water & Woods (POW) Black Rock Forest Consortium Inc. Protectors of Pine Oak Woods invasives monitoring and removal, Boy Scout Troop 121- Council Quality Parks Jessica Mevec , of Camillus, NY, is a new and trail building at Bear Mountain Boy Scout Troop 50 Rip Van Winkle Hikers graduate of New York State College of and Sterling Forest. As this issue of Boy Scout Troop 8, Brooklyn Rock Lodge Club Environmental Science and Forestry with a Boy Scouts of America-Northern NJ Council RPHC Volunteers Trail Walker goes to press, two of degree in natural resource management. BSA Troop 258 Mahwah NJ Society for the Advancement of Judaism these young people have returned to Last summer, she interned at the Trailside Byram Township Environmental Commission Salt Shakers Trail Running Club Catskill 3500 Club Shorewalkers Inc. school, six will continue through Museum at Bear Mountain and helped to clear trails and work with volunteers. Her Catskill Mountain Club Sierra Club Lower Hudson Group October. We hope to grow our intern - Chinese Mountain Club of New York Sierra Club Mid-Hudson Group internship at Sterling Forest is her initiation ship program next year and welcome Church Communities Foundation South Mountain Conservancy Inc. into more rugged trail work. “The first Closter Nature Center Association St. Benedicts Prep Backpacking Project your support. week was a little scary,” she confesses, “but Alliance Storm King Adventure Tours I fell in love with it. I never realized that it East Hampton Trails Preservation Society Sullivan County Audubon Society Invasive Species Interns was something I could do. Working on a Flat Rock Brook Nature Association Sundance Outdoor Adventure Society Support for these interns came from a new trail [Doris Duke Trail] that people Fox Hill School SUNY Oneonta Outing Club Friends of Garret Mountain Teatown Lake Reservation McHenry Award by the Open Space Institute, will be using is very exciting.” Her biggest Friends of Pelham Bay Park Tenafly Nature Center Association Ben Burton, and Orange and Rockland challenge? “Figuring out my limits. How Friends of the Hackensack River Greenway The Catskill Center for Conservation & Dev. Utilities. big a rock can I move with a rock bar?” in Teaneck The Highlands Natural Pool Friends of the Old , Inc. The Hiking Group for Singles and Friends Friends of the Shawangunks The Nature Place Day Camp German-American Hiking Club The Outdoor Club, Inc. Hi-Camp Outdoor Activity Club Thendara Mountain Club Hike for Mental Health Torne Valley Preservation Association Hilltop Conservancy, Inc. Town of Hyde Park Hudson Highlands Gateway Task Force Town of Lewisboro Hudson River Valley Greenway Union County Hiking Club Hunterdon Hiking Club University Outing Club Interstate Hiking Club Urban Trail Conference, Inc. Korean Hiking Club c/o Valley Stream Hiking Club Empire College Bound Counseling Greenway Trail Committee Little Stony Point Citizens Association Warren County Morris Canal Committee Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference West Milford 13ers Keith Shane of Mahwah, NJ, is a student Peter Dolan , New York, NY, graduated in Long Path North Hiking Club Westchester Trails Association at Cornell University where he is now start - 2010 with a degree in biology from Buck - Mohonk Preserve Women About ing his sophomore year. Keith’s internship nell University and brings a variety of Morris County Park Commission Wyanokie Wilderness Wanderers with our invasives program was made pos - training and skills relating to outdoor recre - Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club sible by his selection as McHenry Award ation and education. He has led college winner in the field of environmental con - freshmen on backpacking trips on the Bear Mountain Interns servation, a program of the Open Space Appalachian Trail; helped low-performing Supported by Rockland County AmeriCorps, Institute that recognizes young leaders of elementary-age students in California devel - , NY State Parks, “exceptional vision.” Keith first volun - op skills and confidence by teaching them Palisades Interstate Park Commission, teered for the Trail Conference in 2010 outdoor survival skills and nature-focused Appalachian Trail Conservancy, National when he was volunteer coordinator for topics; was trail staff for Wilderness Inquiry Park Service, and the Trail Conference. MEVO (Mahwah Environmental Volun - in Minneapolis, MN; and was a member of teer Organization), a student group. His Coconino Rural Environment Corps in project goal was to expand our efforts to Flagstaff, AZ. Peter, the son of former Trail control invasives in the Palisades Interstate Conference Executive Director JoAnn Park Commission and Dolan and husband Paul, says his Sterling regions. The highlight, he says, was getting Forest internship is a “coming home.” the Carolina Mountain Club,Wild South, to “know the plants that are out there. It and the Carolina Mountain Land Conser - brings a whole new awareness to hiking.” vancy. Kevin says he came to Bear Mountain looking to be trained in techni - cal trail work and return to western North Carolina with a larger “tool bag.” Back Aaron Norwood grew up in Texas, but home, he says, “I would like to merge my arrived at Bear Mountain from New work with young people and my interests Orleans, LA. His education reflects his in trails.” ongoing interests. He earned his bachelor of science in Natural Resource Management and Environmental Studies from Texas State University in 2000 and studied baking Erik Mickelson grew up in Virginia and pastry arts at Delgado Community Beach, VA, went to college in Tucson, AZ, College in 2009. Aaron has done ecological Matt Whittle of Oakland, NJ is a senior at and came to Sterling Forest from Ocean - restoration at Golden Gate National Recre - Indian Hills High School; his interests side, CA. A plant science major, Erik ation Area in 2002; been an environmental include environmental science, robotics, worked 10 years in the golf business, man - educator at Mount Rainier National Park in and fencing. His mother is a Trail Confer - aging courses in Colorado, California, and 2003; and constructed buildings and prop - ence member, and the internship with the Arizona. He started doing “a lot” of trail agated plants at North Cascades National invasives program offered, he says, “the work in 2004, the same time that he earned Park in 2004. Most recently, he worked in a chance to hike with a purpose.” What has a master’s degree in education. Trail work New Orleans restaurant. “I have a passion Michael Miller , Pleasant Hill, IL, has put he learned? “There are so many invasive ultimately won, and Erik has had positions to be doing outdoor work in an environ - his interest in the environment to work in species in our area, and now I notice them with a private trail design/building contrac - mentally good manner,” he says.” I’m a variety of ways. He has been a counselor even when I’m not looking. I’ve learned tor in California; been a regular trail learning many new skills here. There’s a def - at an ecology camp and assistant steward how quickly things can change. I have a volunteer with the San Diego Mountain inite learning curve.” for The Nature Conservancy in Franklin better sense of direction as the result of Bike Association (he was their Trail Volun - Grove, IL; and is owner/operator of the driving around to various locations. And teer of the Year in 2009); and volunteered Kevin Simpson hails from Asheville, NC Wildcat Big Boys Game Farm in Nebo, IL. it’s helped me get more organized.” He says as Calavera Hills Preserve Trail Captain, and grew up hiking and backpacking. He Until accepting an internship at Bear the experience has reinforced his interest in City of Carlsbad, CA. What’s different graduated in 2004 from the University of Mountain, he worked as a corrections offi - environmental science. about trail work in New York? “Here there North Carolina-Asheville with a major in cer in Bowling Green, MO and as a are more rocks and more duff,” he says sociology. He has taught English to young substitute teacher. Michael has a master’s with a smile. “More humidity and more people in Korea and Taiwan, counseled and degree in Environmental Biology and bugs. Also more trees, which I love.” taught at an alternative camp for young Natural Resources and Sustainable Devel - people, and served as a teaching assistant in opment and says “I wanted to get back to public schools. He is an active member of my degree.” Fall 2013 Page 9 What the devil is that? Have you seen this tree on the trails? The Trail Conference’s Invasives Strike Force is on the hunt for populations of Japanese angelica tree ( Aralia elata ), also known as devil’s walking stick or Hercules’ club. This invasive species is rapidly expanding in our area and volunteers from the Trail Conference’s Invasives Strike Force are out to stop it. Japanese angelica tree is a small- to medi - Robert Ross um-sized tree with prickly thorns all along Life Member its stem. The leaves are large with multiple Franklin Lakes, NJ leaflets and have a vertical thorn at junctions in the leaves—a very unusual characteristic. Cherishing the work for 50 years, This tree is native to Japan, Korea, and wanting it to keep the pace eastern Russia and was introduced into the United States in the early 1800s. Due to its I got involved with the Trail Confer - similarity to a native southern species called ence in the 1960s and had the devil’s walking stick (Aralia spinosa), the pleasure of a friendship with Bill spread of Japanese angelica tree in the Hoeferlin, who created maps that northeast was at first thought to be simply were the predecessors to the Trail a range expansion of the devil’s walking Conference’s award-winning trail stick. However, closer inspection of popu - map enterprise. T O

lations in New Jersey and New York by O R

E

Brooklyn Botanical Garden botanists N

I I have always cherished the work U

determined that it was in fact the non- G N of the Trail Conference because A S

native angelica tree. The range of the native E they create the trails I love. It has H devil’s walking stick reaches only as far T Close-up of Aralia elata thorns on stem been a miracle to live in various north as Delaware and Maryland. locations across this vast metropo - The seeds are berries that are eaten and sprouts from its roots and it grows rapidly. What to do if you find this plant? lis and still be able to enjoy the spread by birds, so Japanese angelica trees Left unchecked, large thickets will develop Try to get a GPS location or at least get a solitude of open space where I can have been popping up on ridge tops and over time. good idea of where it is on a map (there are appreciate the beauty and diversi - balds in otherwise uninvaded areas. The The Japanese angelica populations are several apps that can be used on smart ty that nature has to offer. plant also reproduces by sending up quite extensive in Sterling Forest and Har - phones, including our own PDF Maps riman State Park / Bear Mountain (Orange app for iPhone). Send me a report at It’s easy to take for granted that County, NY). Scattered populations have [email protected]; a photo is also helpful. access to open space will always be been reported from Ward Pound Ridge If you’re a maintainer and you find this available, but without the Trail Reservation and Teatown Lake Reservation plant on your trail, it’s best not to cut it . Cut - Conference, I know that the trail in Westchester County, various parks in ting the plant results in a very strong system would crumble into disre - Rockland County, and Storm King State regrowth response and many sprouts from pair. Across the region, the Trail Park (Orange County). In New Jersey there the roots. Contact me to see if our Invasives Conference provides a quality of have been reports from the Palisades area in Strike Force Trail Crew can be scheduled to life that millions have enjoyed N

O Bergen County, Norvin Green State Forest take care of it.

S decade after decade. A M

in Passaic County, several parks in Morris —Linda Rohleder, PhD A N

O County, and various locations across Invasives Strike Force Manager S The need for well-trained volun - Aralia elata thorns at leaf junctions central New Jersey. teers has outstripped the Trail Conference’s office space in Mah - Trailside Nature wah, NJ, which is far too small to accommodate a regular curriculum and split open in late summer. The small, of volunteer training workshops. In Hickories K U

sweet kernel is enclosed in a thick, incredi - , fact, the current space is insuffi - N O

bly hard shell that is difficult to crack open, D cient even for regular staff and Four species of this tree N O L

hence the common name, “mocker”nut. , office volunteers. That is why we E R are common in our area U T are renovating the 1891 Darlington C

Pignut hickory E (Carya glabra ) grows in T By Edna Greig I Schoolhouse in Mahwah into the H C

moist to dry soils. It has a dark, tight, fis - R new Trail Conference headquarters A

E

When you travel the woodland trails of the sured bark. Pear-shaped fruits are about 1 P and state-of-the-art training center. A C northeast, you’ll likely see one or more inch long and have a thin, glossy, brittle S D N A L species of hickory (genus Carya ). Hickories husk. The kernels are usually bitter. Vote for the future by S I V

are medium to large deciduous trees with A making your gift now at D leaves that are about 6 to 14 inches long Bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis ) Carya ovata in the fall nynjtc.org/donatedarlington and divided into 5 to 9 leaflets. In May, grows in rich, moist lowlands and also on male flowers are borne in 4 to 6 inch long dry, gravelly uplands. The bark is tight with water to extract oil to make “hickory milk”, catkins. Wind carries the copious pollen a network of fine, smooth ridges. Globular a sweet, nutritious, liquid used in cooking. from male flowers to small female flowers fruits, about 1 inch in diameter, have thin Hickory wood is heavy, tough, shock (and also to our noses where it is a major husks. Thin-shelled nuts have bitter, inedi - resistant, and has low heat conductivity. It aggravator of seasonal allergies). Hickory ble kernels. was made into tool handles, wagons, wag - fruits are hard-shelled nuts enclosed in a 4- on wheels, and bicycle wheels. In the late part woody husk that mature in late Value to wildlife 1800s, Norwegian ski makers began using summer or autumn. Hickory leaves turn Many species of animals and birds eat hick - hickory to make skis that were thinner and yellow in autumn. The trees are slow grow - ory nuts. Squirrels and chipmunks are more flexible than those made from other ing and have deep, strong taproots that can especially fond of the sweet kernels of the woods. High prices for imported hickory withstand strong winds. shagbark and mockernut hickories, and prompted several Norwegian ski makers to There are about 15 species of hickory their sharp teeth easily gnaw through the relocate to the US. worldwide, and 11 are native to eastern hard shells. Hickory wood is used to smoke meats North America. Four species are common Little brown bats and endangered Indi - and is made into charcoal that imparts a in our area. ana bats roost under the curving bark of hickory-smoked flavor to barbecued foods. living shagbark hickories, which provides Hickory is an excellent fuel wood that pro - Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata ) is easily better shelter than do alternative roosting duces long-lasting, even, high heat. recognized. Its distinctive, shaggy-looking sites under the loose bark of dead trees. Look for the nuts of our common hick - trunk consists of long, loose plates of gray ories on the ground this autumn. If you bark that curve outward at the top and bot - Value to people find shagbark hickory nuts before the tom. It grows on both drier upland slopes Native Americans valued shagbark hickory wildlife does, crack some open to sample and well-drained soils in lowlands. Semi- nuts as food. Ground nuts were boiled in the sweet kernels inside. globular fruits, 1 to 2 inches long, have thick husks that split open upon maturity in September and October. The nut within has a thin, hard shell that surrounds an edi - ble, sweet kernel.

Mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa ) is the most abundant and long-lived of the hickories, sometimes reaching 500 years old. Its range is a bit more southerly than that of the shagbark hickory, and it grows R O T A N on drier ridges and hillsides. Its bark is tight I L L and deeply furrowed. Oval fruits are 1 to 2 O P inches long with thin husks that mature Ripe Carya ovata hickory nuts, ready to fall. Page 10 Fall 2013

Board Treasurer Set to TRAIL CONFERENCE SUPPORTERS Combat Vets Finish Coast-to-Coast Walk “Walk Off the DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND Just before Trail Conference treas - May 18, 2013 – August 15, 2013 War” on the AT urer Jim Gregoire headed out for William Abrams, Suzanne and James Aisenberg, Ron Atlas, William and Christine Balcerski, April Barth, William B. the next stage of his cross-country Bates Jr., Dr. George L. Becker III and Dr. Alissa Gelmann Becker, Vartika Bhandari, Grace Braley, Jim E. and Beth B. walk, he talked to Trail Walker about Branigan, Jeff Brown, Lisa C. Caplan, Laurence M. Cassar, Jonathan L. and Jeanmarie Chenette, William Chiappane, Herb A. Chong, Alec Clowes, William J. Cofone and Susan Greer, Janet M. Saylor and Evan Colgan, Paul Cornett, Peter the importance of one’s legacy. Cruikshank, Jane and Walt Daniels, Richard Dennis, Wilfredo L. Diaz, Hank Doherty, Robert J. Drennen, David and Barbara Dykhouse, Robert C. and Hannah G. Eckstein, David Ehrenfeld, Milton P. Ehrlich, Stuart D Eller, David Emero, Brock Evans, Charles Evans, Jr., Christopher Ezzo, Charlotte and Stanley Fahn MD, Thomas Faust, Lou Feeney, Arnold and Mildred Feinsilber, David L. Felsenthal, Paul Ferlazzo, Jakob and Gely M. Franke, Lila M. Gardner, Howard and Laura Givner, John Glynn, Jannah Goodell and Konrad Hayashi, Scott and Mary Greifenberger, Rhea Grill, William Hanright, Richard Hartley and Jaquelyn Hartley, Wilhelmina A. Haruk, Peter and Rita Heckler, Robert Horton, Carol D.and Kane Jessen, Edwin L.Joba, Laurel and Seth Kane, Richard and Marion Katzive, Emily Kelly, Michael B. King, Stephen Klepner, Glen Konstantin, John Krumdieck, Gary and Cindy Kuhns, Robert LaColla, Gerhart H. and Rose A color guard welcomed the hikers to Pawling. Lempp, Sarah Lenington, Stefan Levie, Mark Linehan and Karen La Bonte, David and Debbie Livingstone, David A. and Judith Lloyd, Lu Lu, Katia Lutz, John H. Magerlein and Karen A. Magerlein, Steven Maser, Robert Mazzola, Bill H. Seven “Warrior Hikers” thru-hiking the Menke, Charles H. Milligan, Joe Misner, Ken G. Morgan, Lee Mott and Barbara Simmons, Ginny Nowell, Robert and Mary Jo L Nutt, Kevin O'Neill, Carol B. and Eugene J. Pantuck, C. Jones Perry Jr., Frederick J. Pinkney, Masha Appalachian Trail from south to north, Pitiranggon, Robert and Janis Polastre, Peter W. Preston, Tanya Radford, Chris Reyling and Andrea Minoff, Audrey stopped at Native Plant Nursery & Land - Roco, Jean Romsted, Joseph Rondeau, Weiland A. Ross, Valerie Rossi, Mellonie Sanborn, Joshua Schickman, Emily scaping in eastern Dutchess County July Schnee, Marjory R. Schollhamer, Sarah E. Scott and Thomas F. Houghton, Paul E. Scraggs, Jeffrey P. Senterman and 22 to be greeted and celebrated by 100 res - Maurice Lemire, John A. Settembrino, Chong S. Song, Malcolm Spector, David and Marie Spiwak, Judyth Stavans, Thomas N. and Diane Tuthill, Cynthia Uber, Lynn R. and Jerome Uhrig, Rhonda Weir, Martin and Claire Weiss, Robert idents, officials, and Trail Conference TW: How did you decide to do a cross- A. and Muriel E. Went, Steven B. and Nathalie E. Yafet, Steven Zoric representatives. Local veterans, Boy and country walk? Girl Scouts, officials, Trail volunteers, and Gregoire: I section-hiked the AT over TRIBUTES CORPORATE, FOUNDATION community supporters lined the Trail and many years, completing that goal in 2005. In memory of Ben Benjamin & OTHER DONORS applauded the thru-hikers as they passed by Looking for a similar but somewhat differ - June Slade AIG Matching Grants Program, Avon Products, Inc, a Color Guard welcome near the Trail’s ent challenge, I thought of walking across In memory of Ruth Robinson BlackRock Matching Gift Program, Boy Scouts of America Metro-North station along Route 22. the country. My role models are Peter Richard & Nancy Wolff Troop 2, Apercen Partners, Conatus Capital Management, The event was the first hosted by Dyson Foundation, EarthShare New Jersey, Fidelity Jenkins, Andrew Skurka, and Nimblewill In memory of Michael Waskovich Charitable Gift Fund, Goldman, Sachs & Co Matching Gift the newly designated Harlem Valley Nomad. The last two are well known long- Charles Scheidt & Gary Waskovich Program, Google Matching Gifts Program, Hatchet Appalachian Trail Community of Dover distance hikers who have blogged their In memory of Jeffrey Dale Wilson Outdoor Supply Co, Impact Assets, c/o Calvert Foundation, and Pawling townships, and demonstrated Jennifer Lipins, Irene M. Voce adventures. Johnson & Johnson Matching Gifts Program, Merck the community’s enthusiastic support of On behalf of Gary Growchowsky Partnership For Giving, Microsoft Donation Program, TW: What has kept you motivated? Ronald & Rosemarie Manganaro Morgan Stanley, Network For Good, REI, Sidney Stern the Appalachian Trail. Memorial Trust, TD Bank, Verizon Foundation Gregoire: As I got further along in my In honor of the Korean Evangelical Church of NY trip, I developed a real love for seeing new Hong Bong Pyo parts of the country and meeting so many In honor of Woodstock Land Conservancy gracious, generous people along the way. & Friends of the Catskill Mt Rail Trail Tributes are only printed for donations of $25 or more. Each day on the road is an adventure, full Kevin Smith of unknowns that affect my journey. I have not encountered any problems with people or animals along the way except for a few DONORS TO THE close calls—like an up-close encounter DARLINGTON SCHOOLHOUSE FUND with a grizzly in Glacier National Park and May 18, 2013 – August 15, 2013 Hank Osborn spoke for the Trail Conference. nearly stepping on roadside rattlesnakes. TW: Why do you support the Trail Barbara R. Ackerman, Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund,Therese Allen, Jeremy Apgar, Woody & Karen The hikers are veterans of the wars in Applebome, Jill H. Arbuckle, Irene & Gary Auleta, John & Linda Babeuf, Renaissance Charitable Foundation, Inc., Conference? William & Christine Balcerski, Sheila Balter, Sue & Joseph Barbuto, Sam & Susan Bell, Lisa Beng, Susan & Gene Iraq and Afghanistan “walking off the war” Gregoire: Back about 20 years ago, I Bierhorst, Deb & Greg Brill, Han & Afina Broekman, John Brotherton Howard & Nancy A. Houghton-Brown, Thomas for up to six months along the 2,180 mile joined the Trail Conference and became a & Mary Bugel, Bill Camarda, Richard S. Cantor & Alice Luddington-Cantor, Roger & Gary Cocchio, Herbert J. Coles & Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. June Fait, Erin Connelly, Chris Cox, Michael Dalton & Tanya M. McCabe, Kate & Doug D’Angelo, Lucy C. Danziger, trail maintainer; later a supervisor of the NJ Michael L. DeLuca, Edward DiSalvo, JoAnn L. & Paul R. Dolan, Ken & Elaine Dolsky, Robert J. Drennen, Jennifer They are following in the steps of the Trail’s AT. For the last four years, I have been the Easterbrook, John Ellingboe & Page Hartwell, Fred K. & Joan Ellis, E.J Grassmann Trust, Laura Enos & Greg McAlpin, very first thru-hiker, Earl Shaffer, a World Trail Conference’s treasurer. I support the David & Penny Fairhurst, Horizon Plastics, Inc., Paul Ferlazzo, James Folkerts Matthew Garamone & Adrienne Booth, War II veteran who in 1948 hiked the trail Trail Conference with my time and finan - Mark Garrahan, Peter George, Clifford Norman Gerenz, Naola B. Gersten-Woolf, Mary & Terry Gilly, Jo-Ann & Donald end to end to work out the sights, sounds, Glock, Robert J. Glynn, Kathy Goelz, Cheryl Goldstein & Marcello Nacht, Peter Tilgner & Suzan Gordon, Karl H. Graf, cial resources, because it makes the great John & Anne Grob, Marilyn L. Gross & Kim Hausner, David J. & Glenda S. Haas, David Haase & Esther Schwalb, Robert and losses he experienced during the war. outdoors accessible to millions of people M. Hagon, Wasfi Hammad, Alexandra Hefferon, Janelle Heise, Maria Himber, Susan Holmberg, Inserra Supermarkets, Warrior Hike is a nonprofit that sup - without charge. What a great mission! Inc., Christine Jackson, Joel Kantrowitz, Chet F. Kaplan, John Kilduff, Jeffrey & Ellen Kozlowski, Ruth Kramer- ports veterans who walk the Appalachian TW: What is the significance of provid - Schoenrock, Robert Krumm, Constance E. Lee, Robert F. & Cheryl Lehmann, John K. Leigh IV, Mike & Marg Lemaire, Trail as a way to transition back to civilian Richard R. & Diane Levine, Gloria Lewit, John Loehr, Chester S. Logan, Eric Luding, Leon S. Maleson, Kenneth H. & ing for the Trail Conference with a bequest? Linda Z. Malkin, Rose Marie & Theresa Mark, Jonathan Martin & Lindsay Gafford, Mary & Gay Mayer, Gwynne & life from active duty service. Participants Gregoire: I want to provide long-term Michael McConkey, John J. McCormack, Katherine McTernan, Patrick T. Moore, Michael & Ingrid Morley, John A. & must have served in a combat zone and financial support to a small number of Kathleen F. Mueller, Suzanne Murphy, Richard W. Murray, Chris S. Norris, Robert Norville Jr. & Nancy Hartley Norville, been honorably discharged, said Warrior Mary O’Brien-Kautz & Frederic Kautz, Gregory Paret, Ronald Passaretti, William C. Bullitt Foundation, Dan Pupel, nonprofit organizations whose missions Elizabeth Rainoff, Dr. Tom & Carol Rakowski, Joanne E. Reinhardt, Mona & Gibson Reynolds, Edward Ribitzki, James Hike program founder Sean Gobin, a reflect my own values. While I can do that H. Robbins, Audrey Roco, Jeremy Rogers, Dave Rozene, Lowell & Rosalie Saferstein, Mellonie Sanborn, Michael Sasse, Marine Corp. veteran. while I’m still here, I wish to provide sus - Chet Schwalenberg, Jeffrey P. Senterman & Maurice Lemire, Barbara Shanley, Stephen C. Shyne, Anne M. & Marleigh Among those greeting the hikers was tainable support for the long-term. This M Siebecker, Mark Siegel, Richard E. Siegelman, The New York Community Trust, Mark & Mindy Sotsky, Phyllis A. Hank Osborn, our East Hudson program Stewart, Richard Sumner, Doris Swenson, Dr. Wayne Sygman, Burton Thelander, Rich Ufer, Daniel R. & Lynne H. Van great organization is now over 90 years old. Engel, Greg Verhoff, Donald L. Weise, John E. Weise, Christian Wettre, Gary Willick, Margaret J. Wissler, Andrew Y Wong, coordinator, whose responsibilities include I hope my bequest will help it thrive for the Hanson Wong, Patsy & Roy Wooters, Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program supporting our AT volunteers in Dutchess next 90 years. County. TW: What steps did you take to set aside part of your estate for the Trail Conference? Gregoire: My wife and I have set-up a Hike the trust containing our investments and other assets upon our passing. That trust will be divided up among a small number of ben - eficiaries, including the Trail Conference. with Free Maps TW: Thank you for taking the time to talk with Trail Walker . Supporters like you Updated in 2013 represent the future of the Trail Conference Just in time for the fall hiking season, all- and the promise that we will be successful new maps of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail for years to come. We wish you the best on are now available for free! The maps cover this next leg of your cross-country trip. the Shawangunk Ridge Trail from its Where will you be going? southern terminus in High Point State Park Gregoire: My next, and final, segment all the way through Sam’s Point Preserve in will be about 350 miles, starting on the the northern Shawangunks. Columbia River is Pasco, WA and finishing Since the first edition of these maps in at Cape Disappointment where that river 2008, a number of major trail changes and Sam’s Point meets the Pacific. This is where Lewis and land acquisitions have occurred along the Clark spent the winter before returning to Shawangunk Ridge. This second edition surrounding trails have been re-GPSed to A free map of the Shawangunk Ridge is St. Louis in 1806. On the weekend of now correctly shows the recently relocated improve accuracy. Additional road labels also available on Apple devices through the October 4-6, the 4,200-mile hike will con - Long Path, which utilizes a 435-acre make it easier to get to the trails, and over - free PDF Maps app; learn more about these clude with a big celebration of family, ridgetop parcel (purchased in part by the all enhancements to map styling have GPS-enhanced maps at nynjtc.org/pdfmaps. friends, and college classmates. Trail Conference last year) to join the improved the readability of the maps. Download your free maps today and Shawangunk Ridge Trail further south The maps include green parklands, park - check out the great Shawangunk Ridge Trail! All of us at the Trail Conference wish Jim than previously. ing areas, viewpoints, fire towers, train Also, be on the lookout this fall for an Gregoire happy trails and many more miles. Extensions to trails in the Huckleberry stations and other points of interest. They update to our Shawangunk Trails map set You can follow in Jim’s footsteps by making Ridge State Forest are now shown, and por - are available for free on our website as showing recent trail changes in the northern your own planned gift to the Trail Conference. tions of the D&H Canal Path through 8.5"x11" PDFs that can easily be down - Shawangunks. To make a bequest, consult with your attor - Orange and Sullivan counties that have loaded and printed. The maps can be ney to add the appropriate language to your recently been made passable are included. found on the ‘Free Trail Maps’ section of will, codicil, or trust amendment. Much of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail and our website: nynjtc.org/view/maps. Fall 2013 Page 11 Book Reviews Dirt Work Get Your Kids Hiking Called Again An Education in the Woods How to Start Them Young A Story of Love By Christine Byl and Keep It Fun and Triumph By Jeff Alt By Jennifer Pharr Davis

Susan Barbuto Life Member Franklin Lakes, NJ

Seize the moment for our children

My family and I have decided to make the renovation of the Darling - Beacon Press, 2013 ton Schoolhouse a priority in our Reviewed by Georgette Weir philanthropy because it is a one- Beaufort Books, 2013 Beaufort Books, 2013 time opportunity to preserve a Christine Byl, a professional trail builder Reviewed by Robert C. Ross Reviewed by Howard E. Friedman historic treasure that will serve our and writer who lives in Alaska, in a house community for years to come. As a with WiFi but no plumbing, got her trails Jeff Alt’s A Walk for Sunshine , an account of In 2011, Jennifer Pharr Davis hiked 47 lifelong environmentalist and out - education in what some might consider to his hike for charity along the Appalachian miles a day for 46 days to complete the door enthusiast, I believe that we be the “Ivy League” of trail campuses: Gla - Trail, has been critically acclaimed by both 2,180-mile Appalachian Trail in record-set - need to seize this moment for our cier and Denali National Parks. A season in readers and professionals, winning a num - ting time, beating the previous fastest trail children and future generations. In Alaska’s Chugach National Forest in ber of awards. This book will not enjoy the record, set by trail runner Andrew Thomp - one of my favorite books, Last Child drenched Cordova was a third campus. same critical acclaim even though its mes - son in 2005, by 26 hours. Pharr Davis put in The Woods , author Richard Louv Dirt Work is Byl’s literary construction— sage is extremely important: our kids need in 18-20 hour days to achieve her record. states that strengthening the she resists the words memoir, how-to to get more physical exercise, for both Called Again is her account of this, her third “bond between our young and manual, wilderness treatise, polemic —of physical and mental health. thru-hike of The Trail. She first thru-hiked nature is in our self-interest, how, arriving for her first work season with That is a very tough message to get across the AT in 2005. In 2008, she set the record …because our mental, physical, and “new Carharts and soft hands,” she came to in an effective way. Alt has put together a for the fastest AT thru-hike by a woman. spiritual health depend upon it.” embrace the tools, places, people, and raw very workmanlike approach for parents— Pharr Davis’s trail record is what is physical labor of trail work in wild places and perhaps more importantly—grandpar - understood to be the FKT, fastest known The Trail Conference, with its and how she “came to be at home there.” ents. He provides very useful checklists of time, and is recognized among the com - mission to “connect people to Byl gives us a gritty, often ribald, but at items to take (and not take) on a hike, munity of ultra long distance trail runners nature,” is an important commu - the same time lyrical glimpse into the life of whether just for the day or when camping and hikers. nity resource in this effort. The seasonal trail professionals. The book’s six out over night. The book begins with brief accounts of Trail Conference gives back to our chapters are organized by place (North Fork: Now as a codger hoping to entice the author’s earlier AT thru hike and a thru communities far more than it River in Glacier; Middle Fork: Forest in Gla - younger kids into the joys of the trail, I hike of the 272-mile Long Path in Ver - requires to operate. By training cier). A specific tool is presented as an found this a very useful collection of mont in under eight days. The writing is hundreds of volunteers to main - emblem for each place (axe in the North ideas—nothing really new, perhaps, but straightforward but moves along, with tain our trails, it sustains access to Fork; chainsaw in the Middle Fork). Chap - still a treasure house of alternatives that notable descriptions of fording the Ken - our public lands and allows people ters comprise journal-like entries as short as might just turn the trick. nebec River in Maine, arriving at the of all ages and abilities to enjoy a few lines or as long as several pages about A key point he raises is different ages summit of Mt. Washington at nightfall, the exercise, beauty, and tranquil - tools, work, people, nature, and Byl’s evolv - require different approaches. Birth to six and sightings of black bears and rat - ity of the natural world. ing relationships with all of them. A short months, six to 36 months; three to four tlesnakes. The book is illustrated by simple dissertation on work gloves followed by six years; five to 12 years; and 13 to 18 years: black-and-white drawings. The renovated Darlington School - lines of useful info on “toilet paper plants” each age range, he argues will require differ - Unusual for a hiking memoir, the author house will serve as a training site, followed by musings on forest fires. It works. ent equipment and different motivations. does not identify one piece of hiking gear hikers’ information and gathering Some of us at the Trail Conference may All of it rings very true to me—we started by name or describe her tent or backpack. spot, and a community meeting bristle when Byl, in one section, talks about hiking with our kids when they were just Leaving out that detail focuses the reader’s place, as well as provide Trail Con - trail volunteers as “hobbyists.” But Byl babies, and found many of Alt's sugges - attention solely on her effort, which was ference offices. The work that will knows and loves trails with a hands-on inti - tions by ourselves. Herculean. Pharr Davis was fully support - go on there will enable residents in macy and passion that is authentic and The biggest criticism of the book I've ed on the trail—she did not have to carry our densely populated area to get authoritative. She has earned her viewpoints. read is by experienced hikers who didn't her gear and carried only the food and outdoors, hike, and appreciate the A Publishers Weekly review (quoted on find anything new here. That may be your water needed for the time she was hiking. nature that surrounds us. the book jacket) is apt: “Byl turns the experience too. But, an experienced hiker Her husband, Brew Davis, headed up her words of work into found poetry...a beauti - can still make a gift of this excellent guide crew of friends and fellow hikers. Their Seize this moment to ful memoir of muscle and metal.” I would to young parents who may have less expe - interactions, including her deepening rela - make your gift at add “ nature and community .” rience or less confidence in being able to tionship with her husband, provide much nynjtc.org/donatedarlington If, like the author, you love trails and handle the challenges of the trail with kids. of the color in this story. words, Dirt Work is a good read that brings your two loves together. I recommend it. From Dirt Work Updated Map of [T]hough I covet good health insurance and being laid off is stressful, imperma - Sterling Forest! nence is the fickle siren that draws me—many of us—to this career. I love The 6th edition of the Sterling Forest Trails working as hard as I can for a time, and map is now available. This map includes then being cut loose, free not from work more than 170 miles of marked trails, itself—other tasks and habits beckon—but including all marked trails in Sterling Forest free from the burden of being completely State Park and additional trails in adjoining defined by a job. My career thus far has sections of Harriman State Park and park - been as a seasonal worker, and I’m proud of lands in New Jersey. Sections of the my membership in that group. Traildogs Appalachian Trail and Highlands Trail are are shape-shifters, opportunists, freelance included. This revised edition contains new experts. Our work’s parameters are weather, trails, including the Warbler Trail, the Doris budget, season. Temperature, health, light. Duke Trail, and an extension of the West N I

Now here, now gone. (p. 86) Valley Trail, along with trail relocations such Z A H C

as a section of the McKeags Meadow Trail. L E I

The coverage area of the map has been N A D adjusted to include the northeastern section Sterling Lake from the Sterling Lake Loop of Sterling Forest where the Sapphire Trail connects to the Harriman train station. In members), this map is a must-have for enjoy - park contact information, and much more! addition, more accurate parking symbols ing and exploring the outdoor opportunities Advertise in have been placed throughout the map, and in Sterling Forest State Park. To obtain the Special thanks to volunteer project manager, other updates and enhancements have been map, shop online at www.nynjtc.org, call John Mack. Trail Walker. made to make the map more accurate and 201-512-9348, or stop in at the Trail Con - Our readers: Active, outdoor easy to use. ference office. The map is also available on The map includes UTM gridlines, green Apple devices through the PDF Maps app; enthusiasts in the greater overprint for public access lands, parking learn more about these GPS-enhanced maps The map set was produced with support New York metropolitan area. areas, viewpoints and other points of inter - at www.nynjtc.org/pdfmaps. from Campmor, an outdoor store and retail est. As always, the map is printed in vibrant Visit trailpubs.nynjtc.org and click on the partner of the Trail Conference. Call 201.512.9348, ext. 26. color on waterproof, tear-resistant Tyvek. Sterling Forest Trails cover panel for addi - At only $7.95 ($5.96 for Trail Conference tional resources, including suggested hikes, Page 12 Fall 2013 Featured Hike

By Skip Doyle Trails at Manitou Point Preserve Remain Open R I E W

E T T E G R O E Looking north on the Hudson River from the Shore Path at Manitou Point Preserve. G

A “For Sale” sign had graced the entry to The parcel’s parking area on Mystery Hikers’ Mystery Point Road in Philipstown, NY Point Road and extensive network of pub - for some time. The historic 129-acre prop - lic trails, including on-foot access to the Marketplace erty was purchased for protection in 1990 Hudson River, will continue to be man - by the Open Space Institute (OSI) and aged by the Open Space Institute, and the Go Places with Trail Maps and Scenic Hudson. Trail Conference will continue to main - After acquiring the parcel, OSI and Sce - tain the trails. In July, volunteers from our Books from the Trail Conference. nic Hudson worked on an adaptive re-use East Hudson crews laid out and cleared a plan for the surrounding property to pro - new trail, blazed blue, to close a gap creat - vide the greatest public benefit. Outward ed by the need to circumvent the Complete set of our Bound, a not-for profit outdoor education - residential area. In addition, a trail section al organization, leased the property for marked on our 2012 East Hudson Map maps for the outdoor almost 20 years as its national headquar - 101 as red, has been changed to blue to lover on your gift list. ters. Their sign on Route 9D became a create a single blue loop with a red con - Price: $107.78; $80.84 (members) landmark for hikers to find what came to nector trail west of the rail line (see map). (postage/handling$6.00) be known as Manitou Point Preserve. Trail The Jolly Rovers volunteer trail crew was Our map combo offers all 11 high-quality Conference volunteers built and main - scheduled to build two short rock stairs Trail Conference maps at a 5% discount tained a 4-mile trail network at the on a ridge near the river. The trail harden - (members get an additional 25% discount). preserve; one of these trails runs along the ing will help prevent erosion. Save big on shipping charges: Just $6.00 shore of the Hudson River and offers spec - We’re thrilled that this sweet little when you buy the combo pack! tacular views. preserve, accessible by car and by Metro- Find it on our online store under Combos. In June of this year, OSI and Scenic North Hudson Line train, has been Hudson announced the sale of the site to conserved and remains open for public use We cover your favorite hiking areas in the New York-New Jersey region, Jon Stryker of Kalamazoo, MI. He is an and we thank and congratulate all who including Harriman-Bear Mountain, the Catskills, North Jersey and Jersey architect and a leading philanthropist in made it happen. Highlands, East and West Hudson Highlands, and more. social justice and animal conservation. The To find detailed directions for a 4-mile Find all our publications, and select trail guides from others, on our website, sale includes a conservation easement that hike on trails here (including car and train and get your 25% member discount ! ensures permanent conservation of the directions), go to Find a Hike on our web - land and public access to all but a 21-acre site and search for Manitou Point Preserve. Visit www.nynjtc.org/panel/goshopping! residential area. Hudson Highlands Land Or call 201-512-9348 Trust will hold the easement. Support Trails, Parks and Open Join/Renew NY-NJ Trail Conference Membership Space in the New York-New Jersey 2,000 miles of trails; your membership helps us expand our horizons. Included with membership, Trail Walker , 10% discount on purchases at many region by joining the New York- outdoor stores, and 25% discount on all Trail Conference maps and books purchased directly from the Trail Conference. Save time and a tree by joining or New Jersey Trail Conference. renewing online at www.nynjtc.org. Just click on the Join/Renew Now button. MEMBERSHIP TYPE Select one: Join Renew Membership # if available______The Trail Conference maintains more than 2,000 miles e of trails, advocates for parks, protects open space, and Individual Joint/Family

c provides volunteer service opportunities in the great outdoors. Regular $30 $40 S

n Sponsor $60 $75 Your membership supports the trails you love and gives Benefactor $120 $150 e you these additional benefits: Go to nynjtc.org/membership

r Senior (65+) $25 $30 T Life $1,000 $1,500

e 25% Discount on Trail Conference maps, books, f I and other products. Visit nynjtc.org/panel/goshopping

n A joint membership is for two adults residing at the same address. Great Discounts at supporting outdoor retailers

o and other businesses. See our partners at For my membership of $50 or more, send me a: F Trail Conference Cap OR Harriman-Bear Mountain Map Set

C nynjtc.org/content/retail-partners

To purchase a gift membership, call 201-512-9348, extension 26. l Tuition-Free Enrollment in our Trail University i

E introductory courses Name ______a

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T and construction, leadership training, wilderness first aid, City ______State ______Zip ______

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