RAIL ALKER TNEW YORK- TRAIL CONFERENCE...MAINTAININGW OVER 1500 MILES OF FOOT TRAILS MAY/JUNE 2002

Plagues on Our Forests? Making Good Things Happen By Georgette Weir A Member Takes On a Gypsy moths, hemlock woolly Dumping Ground and Wins adelgids, Asian long-horned beetles, elon- gated hemlock scale, bacterial oak leaf Constantine (Dean) Gletsos recently scorch, southern pine beetle—George proved the optimistic lesson that one per- Koeck, Regional Forester with the New son can be an irresistible force for good. Jersey Forest Service, grimly names the A member of the Trail Conference and threats on the ever-growing list of plagues vice president of the Ramapo Chapter of to our region’s forests. ADK, Gletsos took on the challenge of The “ultimate degradation” may be, cleaning up a long-standing illegal dump- as Koeck says, suburban sprawl, but in- ing area that marred a stretch of the Long sects, and now drought, are having nega- Path in Cheesecote Town Park in Pomona, tive impacts that are showing up along adjacent to Harriman-Bear Mountain our region’s trails. State Park.

ARTURO DIAZ An avid hiker and nearby resident of Insects the park, Gletsos was bothered by its “ex- Last year’s gypsy moth infestation in loved of our region’s trees, continues. off a healthy eastern hemlock. “Some cessive litter,” which included, in his northern New Jersey was the worst in at Koeck reports devastation in an old growth people say that the Fiornia scale (elongated words, “vandalized and abandoned ve- least a decade. State officials estimated as stand of hemlocks in Wawayanda State hemlock scale) is the real killer,” says hicles, tires, couches, lawnmowers, 55- many as 200,000 acres were defoliated Park. Park managers and trail maintainers Mark Mayer, an entomologist with New gallon steel barrels, bicycles, air condi- by the caterpillars in 2001. Things were face stands of dead trees that hazard Jersey’s Department of Agriculture Ben- tioners, etc. You get the picture.” less severe in , although Tim treadways and public use areas. Accord- eficial Insects Lab. “But the vast majority He consulted with several hiking Sullivan, Chief Ranger for the Palisades ing to one scientist with the New Jersey of mortality I’ve seen [among hemlocks] groups and Long Path maintainers, all of Interstate Park Commission, said that Department of Agriculture, a recent sur- is connected to the woolly adelgid.” whom expressed frustration with an ap- about 1,000 acres in Harriman State Park vey of state forest parcels labeled just 10- Paul Huth, Director of Research at the parently intractable problem. “They said were defoliated by the gypsy moth. Will 15 percent of hemlocks healthy. Daniel Smiley Research Center at the that the last time they cleaned the area they be back this year? Scientists debate whether the woolly Mohonk Preserve, is skeptical. “There is was 10 years ago and within a few weeks Meanwhile, the toll on eastern hem- adelgid—like the gypsy moth, an insect a complex set of threats against the hem- the trash dumping was worse than before locks, among the most majestic and be- not native to our area—is enough to kill continued on page 13 cleaning.” Unimpressed by the alleged impossibility of improvement, Gletsos started his campaign for a cleanup. “I wrote letters to several local papers about Conference Publishes New, lished, much has happened, it hoping that the public, as well those in both to the trail and to technol- charge of this park, would take notice and Expanded Long Path Guide ogy that keeps track of it. Work do something about it. Meanwhile, I made on the Shawangunk Ridge Trail several local environmentally concerned The Trail Conference is proud to an- first time, an accurate trace was completed so that it now forms organizations, like the NY/NJ Trail Con- nounce the upcoming publication of a com- of the entire route of the a continuous path from High Point ference, Keep Rockland Beautiful, Inc., pletely new and revamped Long Path Long Path, both on the tra- State Park in New Jersey to the tra- ADK/Ramapo Chapter, TrashBrigade Guide. Among the many improvements ditional route and along ditional Long Path route near Sam’s Volunteers, and our own Pomona Cleanup over the earlier edition (published six years the Shawangunk Ridge Point Preserve. Two major reloca- Squad, aware. They all responded nicely.” ago) is, first of all, its dimensions: the new Trail route. The width of tions in the Catskills completed in He continues: “Jakob Franke (NY/NJ guide is larger than its predecessor, reduc- the track line on the maps is far larger 2001 have removed many miles of Trail Conference Long Path South Chair) ing the amount of page turning necessary than the error in recording. Also included road walking. and I went to a Haverstraw Town Board and making room for larger photographs are GPS coordinates for the official park- The new Long Path Guide was edited continued on page 12 and more readable maps. The section maps ing areas, for those who are inclined to by member and Map Committee Chair now all overlap each other so that there is use the latest technology. Herb Chong. In addition to organizing the no ambiguity in how to go between sec- Ed Walsh’s “Backpacking the Long project, Chong created all of the new maps Open House tions. Also new are the section profiles Path” booklet has been incorporated as a and contributed many of the photographs showing how the elevation changes with new chapter. Finally, all of the photographs that grace the book. Countless volunteers Sunday, June 2nd 3-6 p.m. distance traveled. are new. assisted in gathering the GPS and other The maps are among the Long Path The 347-mile Long Path is the longest data and contributed photos and advice Trail Conference Office Guide’s highlights: this edition features all hiking trail entirely maintained by Trail (see page 7). In particular, Chong acknowl- Everyone Welcome new maps, designed specifically for it. Conference member organizations. It runs edges the contributions of Jakob Franke They were produced with the aid of the from the George Washington Bridge north and John Jurasek. Refreshments Served latest Global Positioning System technol- to the Mohawk River near Albany. In the For ordering information, please turn Call the Office for details & directions. ogy, which was used to develop, for the six years since the last edition was pub- to Hikers’ Market Place on page 8. from the president’s notepad... TRAIL WALKER Volume XXIX, No. 3 May/June 2002

Georgette Weir Editor Nora Porter Managing Editor Thompson Prentzel Advertising Manager The TRAIL WALKER (ISSN 0749-1352) is published bi-monthly by the New York-New Heart and Soul Jersey Trail Conference as a benefit of mem- bership. Of membership dues, $4 is allocated Volunteers are the heart and soul of the members whenever the time is right for Finally, we issue action alerts and send to a one-year subscription. Subscriptions are Trail Conference. Without them, the or- available to libraries only at $15.00 a year. you to make a contribution of your time e-mails when political comment or action ganization could not function. It is through Periodical postage paid at New York, NY. and talents. Simply print out the sheet, fill is called for. A number of our members Postmaster: Send address changes to the ad- the efforts of volunteers that trails are it in, and mail it in to the office. We’ll try dress below. Opinions expressed by authors answer these just by showing up and giv- maintained, maps and books are pub- do not necessarily represent the policy or po- to match you up with your indicated skills ing comment at public hearings, or by sition of the Conference. Contributions of lished, and issues are addressed through and interests. writing to government representatives. typed manuscripts, photos, and drawings are public comment and letters. welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style The other large source of volunteers Inside and Outside, there are plenty of How do volunteers connect with the and length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines. comes from recommendations. The field jobs—plenty of ways for you to help the Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKER Trail Conference? And how does the Trail workers for the trail maintenance work- Trail Conference in its work of protecting are January 26 (Mar./Apr. Issue), March 25 Conference find the volunteers it needs? (May/June issue), May 25 (July/Aug. Issue), shop, held in April, were recruited from and supporting trails and hiking in our There are numerous ways. July 26 (Sept./Oct. Issue), September 25 (Nov./ the pool of maintainers in Minnewaska, region. You can volunteer for something Dec. Issue), November 26 (Jan./Feb. Issue). Traditionally, our most effective tool Black Rock Forest, and Schunemunk. Via you would like to learn how to do, or share Unsolicited contributions cannot be acknowl- for obtaining volunteers is our Volunteer edged unless accompanied by SASE. For in- word of mouth we have found committee your already well-developed skills and Sheet. It is included in each and every re- formation on advertising rates, please write chairs, trail supervisors, and even some- talents. Either way, you are likely to meet or call. newal packet, and has been our primary one to serve on a search committee people who share a common interest, and Copyright 2002 by: means of identifying the interests and skills New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. through personal recommendations. make new friends in the process. Visit our of our members. These sheets have helped 156 Ramapo Valley Road A third method of recruiting is a dedi- website, download the Volunteer Sheet, fill Mahwah, NJ 07430 us meet needs for everything from trail cated column in every issue of the Trail 201-512-9348 it in, and join us in the many ways we maintenance to, several years ago, find- e-mail: [email protected] Walker, which alerts members to specific work together to save, protect, and main- ing a baker for a fancy cake for a special editorial e-mail: [email protected] Conference needs. Committee chairs have tain 1500 miles of hiking trails in our re- World Wide Web: http://www.nynjtc.org/ occasion. These sheets are still included found people through the Trail Walker to gion. in renewal packets, but now they are also help with publications or input data for —Jane Daniels online—www.nynjtc.org—available to membership files. President, Board of Directors

NEW YORK - NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Mission Statement The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, E T T E R founded in 1920, is a federation of member L S clubs and individuals dedicated to providing recreational hiking opportunities in the region, The Trail Walker welcomes letters to the There is no best way for hikers to handle of the land both for hiker enjoyment and and representing the interests and concerns of the hiking community. The Conference is a editor. They may be edited for style and trail encounters with ATVs. wildlife habitat. volunteer-directed public service organization length. My current approach in a State Wild- On a final note, if the legislators be- committed to: life Management Area is to politely in- lieve that providing one ATV park will • Developing, building, and maintaining hiking trails. form the rider (if he slows down long solve the problem of ATV destruction of • Protecting hiking trail lands through enough to allow me to say anything) that our natural systems, they really need to support and advocacy. they are not permitted in the area. I then • Educating the public in the responsible get out more and see first-hand the extent use of trails and the natural environment. call the state game wardens and report of the problem. Board of Directors the rider and their approximate location Sorry for the long-winded response to Jane Daniels President (yes, I now often carry a cell phone when your question, but I truly believe that af- Tom Humbach Vice President hiking, for the sole purpose of reporting Daniel Chazin Secretary ter protecting land from development, the William Mishler Treasurer ATVs). Does this work? The state has been ATV problem is the biggest threat to the Directors relatively cooperative about trying to get trail system. Paul Bell to the site. They have even organized Laura Newgard Wanda Davenport Brian Goodman “sting” operations. But their coverage is Sparta, New Jersey John Gunzler too infrequent to make much of a differ- What To Do About ATVs? Ms. Newgard is an environmental con- Gary Haugland ence. Peter Heckler Regarding the use of motorized vehicles sultant, NY/NJTC supervisor for My suggestion is a cooperative effort Anne Osborn on trails (see page 1, March/April 2002 Worthington and Jenny Jump State For- Barry Mark between state and local law enforcement. Trail Walker), I have a suggestion. Hik- ests, and a member of the Trail Confer- Art Lebofsky In the case of my daily hiking area, the Mary Smart ers should be trained in the swift deacti- ence Science Advisory Committee greatest pressure is from locals. How hard Malcolm Spector vation of ignition systems. We almost al- can it be to follow these guys back to their Staff ways outnumber the guys on machines and If the West Milford X-Treme Habitat Edward Goodell Executive Director homes and issue the summons at home? could immobilize them in no time, leav- project is not built, where will the ATV, Maureen Walsh Administrative But the state says they have no jurisdic- Director ing them to face the wrath of the chip- motorcycle, mountain bike, and motocross tion off the state lands, and the local po- Larry Wheelock Trails Director munks and wild flowers. enthusiasts who would have been attracted lice say they can do nothing unless they Mario Andolina Database Manager That was my pique and frustration to that site go? Are there other dedicated catch them on the roadways. Kathleen O’Gorman Administrative speaking. I don’t have an easy answer, facilities (existing or proposed) for motor- My opinion is if some type of tough Assistant but it’s certainly a big problem—both for ized vehicles within a reasonable distance enforcement is not soon implemented, it Part-time maintaining the integrity of the nature that offer a similar trail experience? Or John Myers Land Acquisitions will be the hikers that will be lobbying experience and the ecosystems themselves. will people looking for that sort of experi- Director the legislature for a private park where We seem to be losing the battle with ence seek it on hiking trails instead? From Neil Woodworth NY Conservation motorized vehicles are physically excluded, Advocate snowmobilers out West. We can surely do a strictly environmentalist perspective, it because we are rapidly losing all our natu- The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference better right here. may be that there is simply no desirable ral areas. Purchasing open space is a won- is a volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organiza- Seth Steiner location for a project like X-Treme Habi- tion. It is a federation of 88 hiking and out- derful thing. But lack of management of Director, Outdoor Bound tat because of the traffic, noise, and wa- door groups, and 10,000 individuals. these lands is leading to the degradation New York, NY continued on page 12

2 MAY/JUNE 2002 TRAIL WALKER contact the local park manager. And most importantly, make your feelings known about this issue to your elected state offi- cials.

Drought Call for from the Executive Director Another longer-term issue that affects all of us in the New York-New Jersey re- Nominations gion is the ongoing drought. The past year is the driest on record, going back 107 Recognition Awards, Board of Keep ORVs Off State Land years, well before the Trail Conference was founded. The effect on trail lands is that Directors and Delegates-at- An immediate protection issue that is Conference members to contact their we may see an increasing number of dead Large to be presented at of increasing concern in the New York and elected officials and Commissioner trees (see page 1 story); fire hazards may Annual Meeting in October New Jersey region is the illegal use of off- Campbell’s office and voice their prefer- increase; wildlife may be impacted. road vehicles (ORVs) on protected lands. ences on this issue. (Bradley M. Campbell, As I write this, spring rains have come, Each year in October at the New York In the previous Trail Walker we discussed Commissioner, Department of Environ- but what if they don’t continue for the three -New Jersey Trail Conference’s annual the ORV park proposed for New Jersey mental Quality, POB 402, Trenton NJ straight weeks that meteorologists tell us meeting, elections are held for 5 members Department of Environmental Protection 08625-0402; 609-292-2885.) would be necessary to refill the reservoirs of the board of directors and 15 delegates- (DEP) lands at Jungle Habitat. As of this The Trail Conference supports the cur- and replenish the aquifers? What if they at-large. Also at that time, awards are pre- writing I am very happy to report that the rent DEP regulations that do not allow are merely an aberration in a continuing sented to members and friends to recog- West Milford, Ringwood, and Wanaque motorized vehicle use on state land ex- drought? Is there anything we can do, as nize outstanding people in the hiking com- townships passed resolutions against the cept for specifically licensed events. Un- individuals or as an organization that can munity. development of this property as an ORV fortunately, the enforcement of the current make a difference in a drought? Conference members are welcome to park. policy is woefully inadequate. Trail Certainly we can adopt water conser- submit nominations, with supporting back- All of us owe a debt of gratitude to many maintainers and general users of the vation measures. But demand is only one- ground information, for awards, board of individuals in those communities who backcountry report increasing incursions half of the water shortage equation; sup- directors, and delegates-at-large. Send worked hard to get the issues adequately and damage by off-road vehicles. The ply is the other half. We can do little about your suggestions to the Nominating Com- covered and to clear up the misinforma- Trail Conference supports strong registra- the level of rainfall but we can organize mittee, in care of the NY/NJ Trail Confer- tion surrounding this proposal. The local tion and licensing laws for off-road ve- ourselves and our landscapes to take maxi- ence, 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, advocacy in these two communities bodes hicles in New Jersey similar to legislation mum advantage of the precious remain- NJ 07430; telephone 201-512-9348; email well for the stewardship of our treasured being developed in New York State. ing natural resources. [email protected]. The deadline is July 1, New Jersey Highlands. Among the impediments to enforcement Densely forested lands are the best- 2002. While we hope the Jungle Habitat ORV actions is that so few off-road vehicles known means of efficiently absorbing and park is permanently defeated, there is a carry visible license plates and enforce- filtering water supplies as well as moder- Recognition Awards larger issue in the making. New Jersey ment officers cannot impound ORVs. ating the climate that produces the much- The annual awards are as follows: DEP is developing an ORV policy. An The Trail Conference is sponsoring a needed precipitation and affects the de- William Hoeferlin Award: recognizes early draft made available last fall would series of meetings with interested parties mand for water. Forested lands are water- Trail Conference volunteers who have change existing DEP policy to allow ORV to gather more information about the shed lands and watershed lands are trail demonstrated exemplary service to trail use on specifically designated lands leased magnitude of the ORV problem, the les- lands. But as we worry about water, we maintenance, management, and/or trail from the state. sons learned elsewhere, and the compo- can also remember that every acre we save land protection. This policy is now under consideration nents of a comprehensive strategy for this for trails is an acre that efficiently replen- Next Generation Award: given to those in the McGreevey administration. My problem. We will be reporting the results ishes the water supply, cleanses the air, under age 21 who are making significant understanding is that Commissioner Bra- of these meetings in future issues. moderates the climate, and provides a contributions of time and energy to trail dley Campbell has convened a departmen- In the meantime, you can help initiate habitat for biological diversity and a place building and/or protection. tal committee to review the work and pub- enforcement actions. Please use our Trail for the human spirit to renew. Major Welch Trail Partner Award: pre- lic comments. The exact timing of any Incidents Report Form on our website sented to those outside the Trail Confer- forthcoming recommendation is uncertain www.nynjtc.org to report any ORV use —Edward Goodell ence – for example, state, federal, or lo- at this point, but I urge all concerned Trail on public lands. Also, always immediately cal agency partner officials – who have given long and/or significant assistance to the local hiking community. Corporate Partner Award: presented to A D V O C A C Y a company that has furthered the hiking O N S E R V A T I O N trail experience and/or protection effort. C Raymond H. Torrey Award: the & Conference’s most prestigious award, Shawangunk Update of the Shawangunk Ridge off Route 17 at land. Trail Conference members were very given for significant and lasting contribu- Parcel by parcel, the Trail Conference Wurtsboro, is moving ahead with his pro- visible at public meetings, arguing that tions that protect our hiking trails and the continues to work toward its goal of cre- posal before the Mamakating Planning the proposal would violate Green Acres land upon which they rest. ating a permanently protected corridor Board. preservation principles and seriously dis- Leo Rothschild Conservation Award: along the entire 35-mile length of the rupt trails and wildlife. A special “activ- presented to a person or organization that Shawangunk Ridge. The Conference now ORVs Hit a Wall ist” hike on the issue promoted by the has made a significant contribution to the has seven parcels under option, totaling Municipalities in New Jersey that Conference and the Highland Coalition protection of our trails and/or the natural 965 acres, plus another 40 acres that the would find themselves host or neighbor to attracted more than 70 participants. lands that surround them. Orange County legislature recently ap- a park for off-road vehicles (ORVs) gave proved to sell. Active negotiations continue a resounding No to the plan at March Budget Cuts Hit Open Space Nominating Committee for Board on an additional 900 acres. A Smart meetings. Both West Milford, where the Budget cuts and negotiations in both and Delegates Growth workshop co-sponsored by the land is located, and Ringwood, next-door, New York and New Jersey state govern- The Nominating Committee will Conference with its Shawangunk Ridge approved resolutions opposing the plan. ments threaten efforts to protect open space present a slate of candidates for the board Coalition partners is scheduled for May X-treme Habitat, a plan for a motor-cross in both states. In New York, the governor of directors and delegates-at-large for the 18 in Wurtsboro. Officials from all 11 park on lands once occupied by Jungle and legislature continued their budget October 2002–03 year. Current Trail Con- ridge towns are invited, as is the public. Habitat but preserved as open space by stand-off, in which funding of the Envi- ference directors are listed in the masthead Meanwhile, threats of ridge develop- New Jersey’s Green Acres program, must ronmental Protection Fund—which both of Trail Walker (see page 2). ment continue. David Flaum, who has pro- be approved by the state’s environmental sides support—is held hostage in ongoing posed a gambling casino directly on top commissioner, who has authority over the continued on page 8

TRAIL WALKER MAY/JUNE 2002 3 Underblazing can be a problem when Some trails may have a smaller design in the maintainers, very familiar with their a contrasting color within the main rect- trails, forget that the first-time hiker may angle. Such special shapes must be ap- need some help across an open rock jumble proved by the Trails Council. If your trail “Blaze Where You Must, or at a confusing intersection. has a special blaze, you will be briefed by your supervisor. Some trails have ‘tags’ Not Where You Can” Alert or turn signals of a designated color and/or design rather From the Manual: “Indicate abrupt than painted blazes. These substitutes are changes of direction (45 degrees or more), used when the local authority has specifi- by Larry Wheelock, empty paint can. Even on well-defined por- or points where hikers should be especially cally designated such a tag as the official tions of the trail, there’s a blaze every ten Trails Director alert. Use two standard blazes, one above blaze, or when there are generally only paces and often three or four blazes can the other and 2 inches apart; the upper scrub trees on which to blaze (ridge tops, be seen simultaneously.” This excellent advice to trail blaze should be clearly offset 1 to 2 inches etc.). The tags may be either metal or plas- “I see double blazes for any slight de- maintainers comes from member Bill in the direction of the turn.” Frequently, tic. Your supervisor will tell you how to viation of the trail from straight.” Consiglio, who also sent some additional blazes are put one directly above the other obtain or make such tags if they are au- suggestions and photos to remind trail He also notes that some blazes “are very which may lead to some confusion. thorized for your trail. Tag blazes are in- maintainers of basic principles for trail large and sloppy.” blazing. Though his letter referred prima- rily to the trails in a specific area, his com- SOLUTIONS GOING TO BLAZES ments can easily apply to trails through- out the region. And as the season warms Frequency of up for maintaining work, the topic is blazes timely. From the Manual: Trail blazing and other maintenance “Don’t overblaze. procedures have been established by the The hiker standing at NYNJTC Trails Council and published in or a few steps beyond the Trail Maintenance Manual. Little has a blaze should see the changed with respect to blazing standards next blaze ahead, but not more than two. since this little book was first published in An example of neat and Overblazing: eight blazes An example of a blaze Blazes that are not 1971, and hikers have become accustomed On straight trails, consistent blazing. on one tree. that is too big and too only too sloppy but to seeing the ubiquitous two-inch by three- blazes every 100-250 sloppy. also meaningless. inch colorful blazes along our trails. feet are sufficient; on Nevertheless, all blazes are not created road sections, blaze equal. Mr. Consiglio made a number of every other utility pole.” If you think your Blazing standards stalled as if they were painted blazes, us- comments that I will address here with trail is overblazed, bring along your From the Manual: “The standard Trail ing galvanized roofing nails (1 1/2 inches), suggested solutions. Among these are: scraper and remove a few or paint them Conference blaze is a painted upright rect- one at the top, one at the bottom.” out with a neutralizing paint. Blaze “pol- “On some stretches that I walked, the angle 2 inches wide by 3 inches high for The Trails Council recently approved lution” can put a big dent in a hiker’s back- goal seems to be to utilize every possible all trails except the Long Path (2x4 inches) the introduction of a Trail Conference plas- woods experience. tree (and often bush) and to return with an and the (2x6 inches). tic tag to be used in one park on a trial basis. We’ll let you know how this works out. May 5, Sunday Brian Buchbinder, 718-218-7563 AT Pochuck River Relocation, May 4 [email protected] TRAIL Preparing the surface for paint May 19, Sunday Chris Ezzo, 516-431-1148 It is easy to either over- or under-scrape Mt. Tammany Trail, Worthington SP your tree in preparation for a blaze. If the REW We will be repairing and formalizing the C Claudia Ganz, 212-633-1324; surface is not adequately cleaned of loose connector trail between the two trail-head [email protected] parking lots. Meet 9:00 a.m. in the DOT material you will have to replace the blaze frequently. If you scrape the bark too deeply S CHEDULES parking lot (first one, with picnic tables). Monica Resor, 732-937-9098; Rain cancels. Contact the leaders for driv- [email protected] you may be opening up a sore where in- For the latest schedules, check http:// ing directions. fections of various kinds can penetrate the www.nynjtc.org/volunteers/ The crew will work in Bear Mountain State tree. Never scrape through the bark. On June 23, Sunday trvolop.html#crew Park on the Twin Forts Trail throughout certain types of bark you will not be able Mt. Tammany Trail, Worthington SP May. to obtain a flat surface without damaging For all trips bring work gloves, water, Details above. the tree, so your blaze will need to be a lunch, insect repellent. In some cases, May 4, Saturday (Ezzo) NJ HIGHLANDS TRAIL CREW tools are provided. Contact leaders in May 5, Sunday (Ezzo) little 3-D. advance for meeting times and places. Contact the leader for details, no more than May 11, Saturday (Ganz) In addition to these suggestions there one week before the scheduled work date. Volunteers must become members of the May 12, Sunday (Marshall) are plenty of other guidelines in the Trail Conference to participate in these projects. Leader: Bob Moss, 973-743-5203 May 18, Saturday (Ganz) Maintenance Manual covering such mat- A one-time “guest” participation is al- May 19, Sunday (Marshall) ters as Patrolling, Reporting, Clearing, lowed, so bring your friends. Tentative Schedule. May 23, Thursday (Marshall) May 11, Saturday May 25, Saturday (Ezzo) Educating Hikers, and additional details WEST JERSEY CREW May 26, Sunday May 26, Sunday (Ezzo) on Blazing. If you maintain a trail and do Leaders: David Day and Monica Resor June 9, Sunday not have a copy of the Trail Maintenance Phone: 732-937-9098 June 23, Sunday In June, the crew will work in Harriman Manual, contact your supervisor or the Email: [email protected] State Park, with several projects to be de- Trails Director at the Trail Conference If possible, please notify the leaders that EAST HUDSON CREW termined. office. you are coming, so they will know how Contact the leader for details. Train pick- many people to plan work for. ups can be arranged. TBD One final quote from our friend, Bill: Sunday, June 2 (Marshall) Leader:Walt Daniels, 914-245-1250; “I realize the necessity of marking trails May 4, Saturday [email protected] for the wide range of hikers that might AT Pochuck River Relocation. We are on Popolopen Gorge Trail use them, but I hope you’ll see my point the final leg of this multi-year project to June 8, Saturday (Resor) June 8, Saturday & July 13, Saturday relocate the AT through the Pochuck June 9, Sunday (Resor) and retain as much of the wilderness ex- River’s wonderful wetlands area near June 13, Thursday (Marshall) perience and beauty as possible. Perhaps Vernon, NJ. Join us to begin the final WEST HUDSON CREW Leaders: Crew Chief: Robert Marshall future trail maintenance will include an push! Meeting time is 9:00 am. Please TBD evaluation and removal of unnecessary contact the leaders for specifics on the 914-737-4792; [email protected] June 15, Saturday (Marshall) work location. June 22, Saturday (Buchbinder) blazes.”

4 MAY/JUNE 2002 TRAIL WALKER Adopt a Rare or Take a Study Hike Through a Hemlock Forest Endangered Species for Denise Royle, an ecologist completing Trails are lacking in some areas. Natural Heritage a Ph.D. in ecology at Rutgers University, Pre-registration is required and atten- Monitoring Program will lead study hikes through hemlock for- dance will be limited to 30. We will meet ests at Wawayanda State Park on Satur- in the main parking lot at the headquar- Golden eagle day, June 22, 2002. Her research focuses ters of Wawayanda State Park in Hewitt, on hemlock ecology and the effects of site NJ) near the main entrance) by 10 am How would you like to adopt your very species or community. and landscape factors on the rate of hem- (12:45 pm for afternoon-only session). own occurrence of a rare, threatened, or Based on this information, certain man- lock defoliation by the hemlock woolly Please register for the whole day or either endangered species along the Appalachian agement actions may be recommended, adelgid. the morning walk or afternoon hike. For Trail in New York or New Jersey? The such as: relocation of the trail treadway, Walk/Hike through hemlock forests in more information and to register online, Trail Conference is cooperating with the monitoring the threats, control of exotic various stages of defoliation and declin- see www.nynjtc.org/committees/science, National Park Service and Appalachian species, seasonal mowing and or weed- ing health, from healthy to heavily dam- or contact the Trail Conference office at Trail Conference to implement a Natural ing, use of signs or other interpretive mea- aged. Learn about hemlock ecology, how [email protected] or 201-512-9348. Heritage Monitoring Program along the sures, control of off-road vehicles, or edu- to identify hemlock trees. Learn to recog- Appalachian corridor in New Jersey and cation via the Ridge Runner Program. nize infestations of hemlock woolly New York. The Trail Conference is cur- Once the AT Corridor Natural Heri- adelgid, and signs of damage. Hear about NATIONAL TRAILS DAY rently recruiting volunteer monitors for tage Monitoring Program is up and run- recent hemlock research and efforts to con- SI GREENBELT CLEAN-UP this exciting project and members are in- ning, the Trail Conference could extend trol the pest with natural predators. On Saturday, June 1, as part of the vited to apply. this type of monitoring to other trail lands. In the morning, (10 am-12:00 pm) we National Trails Day celebrations, the Metro The purpose of this monitoring program In this way, the Trail Council could ex- will walk up to 1 mile along a gentle trail Area Trails Committee of the NY/NJ Trail is to track the status of rare plants, ani- tend its mandate for stewardship to the through hemlock stands, directly across Conference will conduct a trail cleaning mals, and natural communities located ecological integrity of all trail lands. on the Staten Island Greenbelt. Commit- from the parking lot. There we will learn tee members will assist by supervising along the Appalachian Trail, which will If you would like to volunteer for an about hemlock ecology and see hemlock the trail crews and there will be breakfast in turn help preserve the ecological diver- initial spot in this exciting new program, trees up close. (Ideal for families.) for all workers. Goldman Sachs has do- sity of the trail corridor and the lands please contact the TC office via phone 201- In the afternoon (bring your own bag nated money for the trail cleaning equip- through which the trail passes. In New 512-9348 or email [email protected] lunch), we will hike over to the ment and the breakfast. The entire event York and New Jersey and request a Natural Heritage Monitor- will be coordinated by Adena Long, Wawayanda Hemlock Ravine Natural Greenbelt Administrator, about 16 species have ing Program application. To register Area near the AT. This will be a more Department of Parks. Committee chairman been prioritized for online, see www.nynjtc.org/committees/ strenuous hike. The ravine is one of high Bob Ward notes a big thank-you to immediate monitor- science. Act now as there only 16 initial relief with 300-foot increases in elevation Goldman Sachs for its generous contri- ing. spots available. Attendance at the June from Doublekill Creek to surrounding hills. bution to this cause. For additional infor- This Natural Heritage 15th workshop is required to be accepted mation about the event, contact Adena Dress appropriately; hiking shoes or boots Long via email at [email protected] Monitoring Program will into this program. recommended. Bring water and snacks. or telephone 718-667-2165. be launched with a work- shop for volunteer moni- tors scheduled for Satur- day, June 15th from 9 New Grant Funds TC Study of Trail Impacts am to 3 pm at the Wallkill National Wildlife Volunteer Birders Needed Old Growth Survey Refuge in Vernon Township, The Trail Conference, in conjunction NJ. In the workshop, volunteer study asks some questions that should be Tree lovers are invited to participate in with ’s Center for monitors will be introduced to of interest to both hikers and professional the creation of the Southern New York Old Environmental Research and Conserva- the concepts of biodiversity land managers.” Growth Forest Survey on Saturday and tion, has been awarded a research grant and rare species protection, Volunteers from the Conference, par- Sunday, May 18-19. Tours are planned of from the Black Rock Forest Consortium briefed on the AT Natural ticularly birders, are sought to help with majestic ancient forests in the Bronx and to study the “Effects of Hiking Trails on Heritage Inventory Program, research this hiking season. For more in- , as well as visits to sites where Arthropod and Bird Community Diver- shown identifying character- formation and to register online, see undiscovered old growth is suspected. On sity.” The study areas will be in the Black Clammy istics of the species or com- www.nynjtc.org/committees/science, or Saturday evening, a meeting will be held Rock Forest and the Doris Duke Preserve everlasting munities they will be moni- contact the Trail Conference office at at the New York Botanical Gardens in the within Sterling Forest State Park. (A con- toring, and instructed on how to complete [email protected] or 201-512-9348. Bronx to organize the first formal team to servation easement for the Doris Duke monitoring forms. During the afternoon start the Southern New York Old Growth Preserve is held by the Trail Conference.) portion of the workshop, volunteers will Forest Survey. The research will focus on the composi- Old Growth Forests have long been be- practice species identification and moni- OUTREACH WORKSHOP FOR tion and species richness of two very dif- toring under the guidance of professional lieved to have been virtually eliminated ferent species communities—carrion feed- NEW LEADERS biologists. from Southern New York State, especially ing beetles and birds. Each volunteer will be supplied a moni- Saturday May 18th, 10 am to 2 pm the NY City metro area. Recent field sur- Principal Investigator Dr. James Raindate: May 19 toring packet consisting of specific draw- veys in the Northeast have proved this to Danoff-Burg notes that to protect the eco- Tiorati Circle Picnic Area ings or photos of the species and commu- be a myth. An informal search for ancient logical and recreational values of our nity occurrences, topographic maps show- This workshop will train volunteers to forest in southern New York, led by old- region’s increasingly fragmented forested ing the location of the occurrence(s), and lead family outings at Bear Mountain growth sleuth Bruce Kershner, has turned lands it is important to understand the ef- State Park on selected Saturdays this blank monitoring report forms. up 15 new sites, most of them in or near fects of trails, if any, on internal fragmen- summer. Similar to trail maintainers, the AT New York City. Unbelievably, one site was tation of forest communities. This study, To register, email tc [email protected] even confirmed in Manhattan. natural heritage monitors will visit the sites with the following info: funded by the Black Rock Forest Consor- assigned to them at least twice per year. Name, address, telephone; This volunteer survey will be the first tium, will be among the first in this re- At the time of each site visit a one-half Social security number for insurance formal, long-term, comprehensive survey gion to study the effects of trails on forest purposes; page monitoring form will be completed to search for and document Old Growth community diversity. Car make, color, and license plate num- recording such information as the number Forests in our region. For information, di- “It is important to have credible field ber with state. rections or to register for any part of this of individuals seen, the number of plants For additional information, contact data on which to base trail design deci- in bloom, the vigor of the species in the Wanda Davenport 201-670-8383 no event, contact naturalist Bruce sions,” says Edward Goodell Executive community, and any noted threats to the later than 9 pm. Kershner 716-634-7158 or Director of the Trail Conference. “This [email protected].

TRAIL WALKER MAY/JUNE 2002 5 C O N T R I B U T I O N S

TORREY SOCIETY Laura Viscovic, Richard N. Warner, Robert A. SHAWANGUNK CHALLENGE GRANT Gifts over $500 and Muriel E. Went, Barbara Westergaard, DONORS John B. Blenninger, Ronna Cohen, John Gunzler Cyrus B. Whitney Gifts over $500 I N M E M O R I A M and Marianne Gunzler, Robert J. Jonas, John R. David Orentreich Keller, Barry R. Mark CLUBS German American Hiking Club Gifts up to $499 DONORS Robert S. Anderson, Jey Kent Bien, John V. HAROLD (HAL) COHEN Gifts up to $499 FOUNDATIONS Bracco, Jim E. and Beth B. Branigan, Walter P. Wayne W. and Marilyn P. Alvine, Robert P. and Marie Baier Foundation Brower, Jim and Gail Brown, James M. Callen and Hal Cohen, a very long time, active Rina Slavin, Anne Carson, Laurence and Marja Joan T. Augello, Michael Bank, Ruben J. member of North Jersey ADK and the New Berkowitz, Lawrence Braun, Theresa Bruno- RECOGNITION GIFTS Chasin, Susan Chiaravalle, Ledge Clayton, Alfio York/New Jersey Trail Conference—died Kessler, John W. and Eliza L. Burdzy, Kathy C. In Honor of Betty Heald’s Birthday and Iliana Comisi, Dave Copperman, Ron D. and Bob J. Burns, Laurence N. Butler, Robert P. Phyllis Key, Phyllis A. Stewart, Cyrus B. Whitney Croney, Mark Diekmann, David Z. and Michele March 18, 2002. Hal had been battling Dixler, Dorothy H. Dombroski, Kelvin Domovs, and Josephine Conger, James A. Conklin, Edward lymphoma for many years and, at the end, G. and Ursula Corr, Berteline Baier Dale, Daniel In Memory of Virginia Styranovski John H. Eddleman, Noel S. Fernandez, Penni J. and Melissa Eagan, Robert J. Flynn, David A. Gloria Lewit Flick, Phyllis Glinert, Brian Goodman, Don leukemia. He was a graduate of Bronx Frendewey, Ronald Fried, Roy C. Geist, Ronald Griffin, Peter W. Hannan, Sally Heckel, David E. In Memory of Eugene M. Hoffman High School of Science, City College, and J. and Mary Gizzi, Glenn S. Gray, John Grob Hogenauer and Claire S. Hogenauer, Phyllis Roy C. Geist NYU, a World War II Navy veteran and and Anne Grob, Tricia Hanley, Nancy G. Ianniello and Newton Haydell, Janet M. Junge, Hassanein, Kate V. Hawes, Harry M. Iyo, April In Memory of Francis Lupicki Thomas Lang, Paul Lanzillotta and K. Ayers, an electrical engineer who started his own Keenan, Phyllis Key, Christina R. and Blair Robert A. and Muriel E. Went Wolodymyr and Sonia Lechicky, Gloria Lewit, business. Hal was a longtime maintainer Kobelin, Winifred M. Kreeck, Margaret LaBelle, Doris G. Lommel, Don and Beverly McCann, and trail supervisor, overseeing the Ma- Donal Maloney, Robert F. Marshall, Richard W. In Memory of Hal Cohen Don Morgan, Abe and Cynthia Ofer, Richard A. and Barbara F. Moore, Joachim and Lila Joachim and Lila Oppenheimer, David Sutter and and Sara H. Olson, Lawrence G. Paul, Rita jor Welch, R-D, Triangle, and other other Oppenheimer, Alexander C. Pawlowski, Naomi Sutter, Daniel R. and Lynne V. VanEngel Prusinski, Samuel F. and Sally Pryor, Ted trails in the eastern part of Harriman State Ramsland, Kelly Rolston, Ronald B. Rosen, Noel Margaret and Cyrus Pecoraro, Jack Persely, In Memory of Bill Kent Park. TC member Betty Heald recalls fre- P. Schulz, Mary R. Sive, Marguerite N. Stanley, Frederick J. Pinkney, Lawrence Randall, Michael David Sutter and Naomi Sutter R. Rice, Ronald S. Rosen and Marilyn Rosen, Gail H. Stocks, Diana Trebbi, Alice L. Tufel quent hikes with Hal and his wife, Mimi, Rosanne Schepis, Fred P. Schmelzer, Karen In Memory of Nathan Lester beginning in the early ’70s. Hal was hik- Silberbauer, James R. Simpson Jr, Phyllis A. Sandra Grove CLUB ing with the Thursday Group in February Stewart, David Sutter and Naomi Sutter, Daniel College Alumni Hiking Club In Memory of Roy Sengstacken R. and Lynne V. VanEngel, Janice M. Vicine, just a few days before he was hospital- David Sutter and Naomi Sutter ized. Betty writes: “I recall the January when he and Mimi joined the Thursday From the Trail Conference hike along the 1776 Trail to Doodletown. New Life Members He thoroughly enjoyed the mild day, the route, the lunch site, and the company.” The Trail Conference welcomes the A R C H I V E S Joe Oppenheimer reports that Hal didn’t following new life members: Diane R. feel he’d had a decent “walk” unless it LEON HILL Bamford, Angela DeZuzio, William H. Frank Place lived from was at least six miles. In recent years he and Ellen Doremus, James B. Gilmore, 1881 to 1959. First secre- and Mimi discovered and developed their tary of the Trail Confer- Edward Goodell, Robert Haemmerle, talents for watercolor painting. Hal also ence, he took over as presi- Daniel S. Kaufman, David Levner, and was an avid wood carver, a cross-country Gail H. Stocks. dent upon the death of Raymond Torrey in 1938 skiing enthusiast, and cared deeply for ev- A Life Membership to the NY-NJ and served until 1941. He eryone he met on the trail and he showed Trail Conference is just $500 for an in- also took Mr. Torrey’s seat it. Hal was very a positive person and he dividual; $750 for a joint membership on the Board of Managers will be deeply missed. (two adults at the same address.) The of the Appalachian Trail next time you renew, consider becom- Conference after Torrey’s ing one of the Conference’s more than death and served until ROYAL (ROY) F. SENGSTACKEN 800 “lifers.” 1945. Place was founder of the Royal Sengstacken, an avid supporter This sign once could be seen in Bear Tramp and Trail Club of New York and, of conservation causes, including the NY/ except for two years, its president from Mountain-Harriman near Cascade of NJ Trail Conference, died peacefully Slid, named by Frank Place from a poem its inception in 1914 until 1945. March 13, 2002, at Corsica Hills Nurs- by Lord Dunsany. The sign was erected Many of the best known trails in ing Home in Centreville, Maryland, fol- by the Tramp and Trail Club in 1962 and Harriman Park were planned and built disappeared around 1970. largely through his efforts. He served as lowing a stroke. Roy was a WWII vet- general director of the Suffern-Bear eran and had moved to Maryland in his Mountain Trail, where he named the retirement. He is survived by his wife, Valley of Dry Bones, Grandma and Carolyn Seberry Sengstacken, children A SENSE OF PLACE Grandpa Rocks, and the Kitchen Stairs. Robert, John, and Andrea Secara, grand- Who are these three He laid out the Black and West Moun- men who keeping ap- tains sections of the Ramapo- children Julie, Jay, and Amanda. TC mem- pearing on Trail Con- Dunderberg trail, the first trail built in ber Dick Warner recalls Roy as a busy ference publications? the park, and the Six Chins Trail on the hike leader for the Conference and for the They are, from, left Timp in 1916, Kakiat Trail in 1928, ADK. “He led hikes all over the region.” to right, Robert L. Crown Ridge Trail in 1930, Queensboro- He spent many years as a trail maintainer Dickinson, Frank West Mountain Trail in 1933, and the throughout northern New Jersey, and in Place, and Raymond Lichen Trail in 1935 particular took on trails in Long Pond Iron- Torrey. Torrey was one Frank Place was the co-author of the of the founders of the Trail first edition of the Walk Book, published works State Park. After his move to Mary- Conference and prominent as first club in 1923. He wrote hiking articles for the land, he also volunteered at Tuckahoe State president; Dickinson’s line drawings are New York Times in the early 40s, and Park and at Horsehead Wetlands Center familiar to anyone who has looked at a contributed the article “Trails in the Met- (National Wildfowl Trust of North copy of the New York Walk Book (any ropolitan Region” in the 1945 AMC book America). Roy will be remembered by edition); Frank Place was second presi- In the Hudson Highlands. family and friends for the exciting canoe- dent of the Conference and co-author When his friend Raymond Torrey died, ing, hiking, sailing and skiing adventures of the first edition of the Walk Book. Place memorialized him in a poem and Of the three, Frank Place may be the scattered his ashes on Long Mountain. he led. Memorial contributions may be least familiar to Conference members, Place died in 1959 in Cortland, NY, made to Tuckahoe State Park, 13070 though his influence continues in the where he was born and where he had Crouse Mill Road, Queen Anne, Mary- trails and place names still familiar in lived with his sister after he retired. land 21657. Bear Mountain-Harriman State Park. —Jules Orkin Here’s a little bit about him. Trail Conference Archivist

6 MAY/JUNE 2002 TRAIL WALKER O L U N T E E R I N G

Trail Maintainers The Chain Saw Task Force GPS Data Collectors V Remember all the trees strewn on Acknowledgements and thanks go to the trails in the wake of the many the following volunteers for their contri- Needed: Marketing Volunteers violent windstorms we experienced butions in hiking trails and collecting GPS The Trail Conference Publications over the past several years? data for the recently published North Jer- Committee is seeking additional volun- Since last summer you should sey map set: teers, especially those with experience have noticed a marked increase in John Jurasek, GPS data coordinator; in sales, marketing, graphic design, or advertising, to help publicize our maps their removal from the trails in Bob Boysen, Beverly Brown Ruggia, Bob and books (and the Trail Conference it- Harriman-Bear Mountain State Campbell, Carolyn and James Canfield, self!). If you are interested, please con- Park, and you can thank TC’s own Dan Case, Dan Chazin, Ray Clark, A. Ross tact John Gunzler at Chainsaw Task Force for that. Eckler, Don Farkas, Lynn Forrest, Ed [email protected]. Both the West Hudson and the West The following volunteers devoted 100 Goldstein, Stella Green, Robert New Jersey Trail Crews have enjoyed hours to the removal of 195 blow-downs Koshinskie, John Moran, Terry and Judith mid-winter get-togethers to be ac- from July through November 2001, and Murphy, Tom Prentzel, Larry Stephen, Long Path Guide Volunteers knowledged for their hard work that was in addition to their regular trail Dave Sutter, Dick Warner, and Larry Thank-yous to those who helped with throughout the year. A contribution maintenance duties: Chris Tausch-Crew Wheelock. the TC’s new Long Path Guide: from an anonymous donor helps make these celebrations possible and goes a Chief, Steve Banysacski, Mark Liss, Steve Cartography and Overall Editing: Herb long way to help develop an almost Dobson, John McCollough,Tim Donovan And Helping in the Office Chong. family-like sense of camaraderie among Tom Pavano, Jack Driller, Ike Siskind, A big THANK YOU! to the office vol- GPS Data: Elie Bijou, Herb Chong, Kay all of our trail crews and other volun- Tom Dunn, Donna Beth Stewart, Bob unteers who produced 300 information Cynamon, Jakob Franke, Ed Goldstein, teers. Funch, Steve Zubank. packets on short notice March 25-26: John Jurasek (coordinator), Eric Meyer, Additional thanks to Ike Siskind for Richard Zinn, Al Leigh, Phyllis Stewart, Terry Murphy, and Ed Walsh. having conceived the idea for and orga- Vlad Broz, and Mona Reynolds. Trail Checking: Herb Chong, Kay nizing the Task Force. Cynamon, Jakob Franke, John Jurasek, What’s It Worth? Also thanks to Tom Dunn and Larry Pete Senterman, and Ed Walsh. TC Executive Dirctor Ed Petvrnith for donating the materials and Photography: Herb Chong, Loren Dobert, Goodell reports that Conference building the ladder installed by the West volunteers contributed 35,000 Jakob Franke, Todd Schreibman, Ed Hudson Trail Crew on the Raccoon Brook Neil Zimmerman Made Walsh, and Michael Warren. hours of work in 2001 (30,000 in Hills Trail. Honorary Member Text Proofing: Kay Cynamon, Walt 2000) valued at half a million Anyone who feels they would like to At the Delegates meeting on Feb. 7, Daniels, Jakob Franke, and Pete dollars (assumed rate of $15/ join either the Task Force or the Trail Crew 2002, the delegates unanimously elected Senterman. hour)! can do so by calling the Trail Conference Neil Zimmerman to be an Honorary Indexing: Jakob Franke office at 201-512-9348 or emailing Member of the Trail Conference. Neil was [email protected] to volunteer. president of the Trail Conference from Day Walker Acknowledgments 1987-1999. He remains active as our Con- servation and Advocacy Chair. He over- Day Walker: 32 walks within the met- nal production stages. Joyce Barrett coor- saw a large growth spurt in both member- ropolitan area that are for people of all dinated volunteers, worked with the lay- ship and recognition as well as greatly ages and hiking ability. Most are acces- out artist, Margaret Trejo, and indexed expanding our publication efforts. The dy- sible from public transportation. Learn his- the book. namic duo of Neil and JoAnn Dolan, tory, geology, flora, and fauna of the area. Mary Jo Robertiello coordinated the former TC executive director, played a Schematic maps for each photographs and photographers: Don crucial role in the preservation of Sterling walk are included. See Burmeister, L. Cuomo, Jane Daniels, Bob Forest. Hikers’ Market Place, Flavin, George Garbeck, Fred Hafale, page 8, for ordering de- Darielle Graham, Jim Morgan, Mary Jo tails. Robertiello, and Tom Rupolo. The 2nd edition of Thanks to the following for field check- Fall 2001 West Hudson the Day Walker ar- ing hikes and in some cases writing text: rived at the Trail Laura M. Appelbaum, Ludwig Bohler, Crew Report and Thank-yous Conference Office Daniel Chazin, Herb Chong, Arlene at the end of Coccari, Val Cutajar, Jane and Walt A relocation on the 1777 West Trail David Day, Barry DeGrazio, Margaret March. Its production Daniels, Albert Field, George W. Fisher, in Harriman; a ladder and rock steps on Douglas, Thatcher Drew, Ilse Dunham, took place over many years and Peter Ford, Isaac Freedman, Victor Gabay, the Raccoon Brook Hills Trail; sidehilling Tom Dunn, Chris Ezzo, Tracy Farrell, thanks are due to the numerous volunteers Clifford Gerenz, Brian Goodman, Jackie on the Poplopen Gorge Trail, including Jakob Franke, Claudia Ganz, Joyce involved. Grant, Carol Vernon Hope, Walt Houck, a day when nine cadets form West Point Gallagher, Patricia Garuaw, Stacy Gould, First and foremost are the five people John Jurasek, Renee Kornbluth, Paul H. joined the crew to place 15 rock steps in Mary Hilley, Bill Horowitz, Peter who worked as project manager at vari- Lenz, Elizabeth Levers, Alice S. Maram, three different areas; repair work on the Howell, Joan James, Darcy Jones, Frank ous times. Without any one of the them, Bill Myles, George Petty, Howard Pierson, Pine Meadow Trail; waterbars on the Keech, Richard Lynch, Steven Mann, Gay the project would not have been com- Ruth Rosenthal, Tom Rupolo, Judyth Long Path on Schunemunk; rock cross- Mayer, Douglas McBride, Arthur Nelson, pleted. Palmer Langdon initially served Stavans, and Richard Wolff. Their efforts ings and drainage work at Sam’s Point Carol Nestor, Trudy Pojman, Robert as project manager and recruited a corps span a large number of years. Preserve. Fall was, as usual, a busy and Reardon, Monica Resor, Norm Reicher, of volunteers to field-check and revise the Walt Daniels oversaw the cartography, productive season for the crew. Edward Ryan, Fred Shaw, Bruce Shriver, various hikes. Tor Meloe did additional working with Liz Puhl. Charles Porter pro- Thanks go to the following dedicated Charles Silver-Frankel, Lisa Silver- field-checking and rewrote many of the vided technical assistance with the photo- volunteers for their outstanding help: Frankel, Robert Sklar, Ros Thalmann, descriptions. Tom Rupolo established the graphs, sometimes on very short notice. Jonathan Armstrong, Roz Barnes, Chris Thomas, Betsy Thomason, Tom criteria and worked to make sure quality Bob Koshinskie put together a marketing Jonathan Beard, Michael Blair, Mary Vogel, Barid Voorhis, Paul Waclawski, photographs would be included. Jane plan that resulted in a cable vision pro- Nell Bockman, Skip Boston, Larry Braun, Jayson Williams, and Hanson Wong. Daniels served two stints as project man- gram. Roland Breault, Gail Brown, Jim Brown, —Bob Marshall, Crew chief ager, including first finding volunteers and Thank you all for a job well done. Brian Buchbinder, George Cartamil, Trudy Schneider, Trail crew assistant then shepherding the book through the fi- —George Petty, Publications Chair

TRAIL WALKER MAY/JUNE 2002 7 You can also order at our web site: www.nynjtc.org ADVOCACY & CONSERVATION continued from page 3

Hikers’ Market Place negotiations. Funding the EPF is critical raised worries about viewshed impacts in ensuring follow-through on the many from nearby peaks. “We are concerned land acquisition projects in the pipeline NY-NJ TC member? YES NO JOINING NOW about the visibility of this extensive now, as well as paying for land steward- mountaintop development from popular ship, municipal recycling, pesticide regis- viewpoints on adjoining peaks, most no- Please order by circling price tration, and other worthwhile projects. tably Balsam Mountain in the adjoining Retail Member P/H Total Meanwhile, in New Jersey, the legisla- Big Indian–Beaverkill Range Wilderness Official Conference Maps ture has eliminated revenue sources for Area,” Neil Woodworth, counsel to the NEW!! North Jersey Trails (2002) $7.95 $5.95 +.95 ______the state’s popular Green Acres program NEW!! Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails (2002) $8.95 $6.75 +.95 ______Trail Conference and Adirondack Moun- and the governor has proposed other cuts Sterling Forest Trails (2000) $7.95 $5.95 +.80 ______tain Club, reported after a tour of the site. in a program that aims to discourage de- East Hudson Trails (1997, rev. 2000) $8.95 $6.75 +.95 ______“The project will require extensive modi- West Hudson Trails (2000) $7.95 $5.95 +.95 ______velopment in watershed areas of the High- fication of the natural terrain with much Catskill Trails (2001) & see combo $13.95 $10.45 +$1.10 ______lands. filling and earthmoving to construct the Kittatinny Trails (2000) $12.95 $9.75 +$1.10 ______ridge-top golf course and hotel facilities.” Shawangunk Trails (2000) & see combo $9.95 $7.75 +.95 ______ Clean Air Watch The Trail Conference and ADK are tak- South (1988, rev. 1998) $4.95 $3.75 +.65 ______“When, not if” became the watchword ing an active role in reviewing the draft Hudson Palisades (1991) $5.95 $4.75 +.80 ______at press time as a spokesman for the Bush environmental impact statement on the administration announced at a gathering proposed Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park. Books of energy industry executives that the The project consists of a mix of uses in- NEW!! Long Path Guide to NY/NJ (2002) $16.95 $13.95 +$3.00 ______“New Source Review” would be weak- cluding recreational, residential, and ho- NEW!! Day Walker (2002) $19.95 $15.95 +$3.00 ______ened. A key component of the Clear Air NEW!! Hiking Long Island (2002) $19.95 $15.95 +$3.00 ______tel with associated commercial develop- Act administered by the U.S. Environmen- NEW!! New York Walk Book (2001) & see combo $19.95 $15.95 +$3.00 ______ment. The Trail Conference and ADK are New Jersey Walk Book (1998) & see combo $15.95 $12.75 +$3.00 ______tal Protection Agency (EPA), the New particularly concerned with the high- Iron Mine Trails: NY-NJ Highlands (1996, rev. 1999) $8.95 $7.15 +$1.75 ______Source Review (NSR) program is consid- elevation golf course proposed on the east Health Hints for Hikers (1994) $5.95 $4.75 +$1.75 ______ered vital in the campaign to reduce acid side of the ski center that runs northeast- Doodletown-Hiking Through History in a rain and smog causing emissions from 60 erly of state-owned Belleayre Mountain. Vanishing Hamlet on the Hudson (1996) $12.95 $10.35 +$2.50 ______old, coal-burning power plants in the Mid- Harriman Trails Guide (1999)& see combo $16.95 $13.55 +$3.00 ______west. These upwind plants operating with- Contributors include John Myers, Trail Catskill Trails: A Ranger’s Guide to the High Peaks out scrubbers or other pollution control Lands Coordinator, and Neil Woodworth, Book One: The Northern Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______devices represent most of New York’s acid TC/ADK counsel. Book Two: The Central Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______rain problem. They also produce much of Scenes & Walks in the Northern the mercury now found in many lakes and Check www.nynjtc.org regularly for Shawangunks (1999) & see combo $10.95 $8.75 +$1.75 ______ponds in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and news updates and conservation alerts of Scenes & Walks in the Hudson Highlands. interest to hikers. Northern Shawangunks (1999) Hardcover $17.95 $14.50 +$3.00 ______Nature Walks in New Jersey (1998) $12.95 $10.35 +$2.50 ______The latest news from Washington is that 50 Hikes in New Jersey (1997, rev. 1999) $14.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______in spite of internal EPA objections, the En- Best Hikes w/ Children in the Catskills & ergy Department and the White House Hudson River Valley (1992) $14.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______seem committed to moving forward with Best Hikes w/ Children - New Jersey (1992) $12.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______regulatory changes that would enable the A.T. Guide for NY & NJ (1998) w/ 6 maps $19.95 $15.95 +$2.50 ______operators of coal-burning generating ADK Guide to Catskill Trails (1994, repr. 1998) $16.95 $13.55 +$2.50 ______plants in the Midwest and Southeast to Palisades: 100,000 Acres in 100 years (2001) $27.50 $22.00 +$3.00 ______extend the operating life of these large gen- erating facilities without having to install Combo-Packs state-of-the-art pollution equipment. Catskill (5-map set & book) $27.80 $21.60 +$2.50 ______For the latest on this issue, visit Harriman (2-map set & book) $22.40 $17.55 +$2.50 ______www.hikersforcleanair.org. NY & NJ Walk Books $32.35 $25.85 +$5.00 ______Shawangunk Combo (4-map set & book) $17.90 $13.95 +$2.50 ______ Belleayre Resort Proposal Under The Personal Touch Review by Trail Conference Hiking Cap $12.90 $10.50 +$1.50 ______A proposal to develop a recreation-ori- Long-sleeve Denim Shirt Circle: S M L XL $29.90 $23.90 +$3.95 ______ented resort on private lands on both sides Polo Shirt (Forest Green) Circle: S M L XL $19.90 $15.50 +$3.50 ______of the state-owned Belleayre Mountain Ski NY-NJTC T-Shirt Circle: L XL $13.95 $13.95 +$2.50 ______Center along Route 28 in the Catskills has Harriman Map Bandanna $6.95 $5.25 ++$1.25 ______Conference Logo Patch $2.50 $2.50 postpaid ______Long Path Logo Patch $2.75 $2.75 postpaid ______Conference Logo Decal $ .85 $ .85 postpaid ______Where there’s a Will, there’s a Trail Subtotal When we build them, you hike them. We’ve been Postage/handling from above, or $6.00, whichever is LESS (for non-clothing items) building and protecting trails for at least four New Jersey Residents add 6% tax* generations of hikers since 1920. That’s 1,500 miles TOTAL ENCLOSED $ in New York and New Jersey to date. Help us keep building for the next generation by naming Method of Payment: the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference in NAME Check or money order enclosed your will. A bequest makes a wonderful gift, and ADDRESS Visa Mastercard Amex it lasts beyond one lifetime. CITY STATE ZIP Card #______Exp Date: ___/___ For confidential information and legal language, contact Make check or money order payable to NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley the Trail Conference at 201-512-9348, or by email: Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. For a full descriptive catalog, please write or call 201-512-9348. *Tax must be paid by NJ residents on books, maps, misc., but not on clothing. Thank you! [email protected].

8 MAY/JUNE 2002 TRAIL WALKER FIRE! ATV! How to Report an “Incident” Delegates’ Meeting Thursday, June 13 All Members Are Welcome We go to the trails for respite. Most Report first to the park in which the often, we find it. But for those occasions incident occurred, then follow up with a All Trail Conference members are in- under the bridge and take the first left into when we don’t—when we encounter ille- report to the Trail Conference Trails Di- vited to attend the next meeting of the hik- the park. From New York City, take the gal vehicles, come across a fire, find a rector (Larry Wheelock) at the TC office, ing club delegates on Thursday, June 13, upper level of the GWB and use the sec- dump—what should we do? Here are some by email at: [email protected], or on 2002, at the Fort Lee Historic Park, in ond exit, “Ft. Lee.” Make a sharp right guidelines for reporting various catego- our website at: http://www.nynjtc.org/ Fort Lee, New Jersey. and another right onto Hudson Terrace. ries of disturbances of the peace, as com- trail.html#Monitor The meeting and program start at 7 Proceed under the bridge to the park en- piled by TC Trails Director Larry A list of contacts, including phone num- pm. Please join us for a social hour, be- trance on the left. From the New Jersey Wheelock. bers and email addresses, for the most ginning at 6 pm, for a chance to share Turnpike, take the Fort Lee exit, and con- popular parks in our region can be found refreshments and chat with hiking club tinue straight on the service road, paral- Procedure on the TC website. For other areas, such representatives. leling the bridge toll plaza, until the ser- In most cases the reporting of incidents as some county or municipal parks, you Although each member club or organi- vice road ends at Hudson Terrace. Turn in our region’s parks should follow the may need to contact the local police de- zation of the Trail Conference designates right onto Hudson Terrace, and then make same procedure. partment. a delegate to act as liaison to the Confer- the first, almost immediate, left turn into In an emergency call 911. This should ence, individual Conference members are the park. be done only for an emergency such as always welcome at delegates’ meetings. fire or other life threatening condition en- Meetings, held in New York City or at countered on the trail. It is not an appro- Fort Lee Historic Park on the New Jersey Trail Maintainers Needed priate use of 911 to report an illegal camp- And in the Catskills Palisades, provide wonderful opportuni- Not all trail site or all-terrain vehicle sighting. and Adirondacks . . . ties to share hiking and conservation news, work is as If you encounter illegal uses of the trails discuss issues, and help guide the Trail back- such as mountain bikes where they’re not The Adirondack Mountain Club is Conference’s future work and activities. bending as supposed to be, off-road vehicle activity, tracking illegal use and management needs that illegal camping, damaging or removing in areas of the Forest Preserve in both the Getting There. Fort Lee Historic Park accom- vegetation, dumping, unauthorized trail Catskills and Adirondacks. This informa- is immediately south of the George Wash- plished by work, etc., follow these steps: tion is invaluable for reviewing Unit Man- ington Bridge on the east side of Hudson these Terrace, on the New Jersey Palisades. Fre- members of 1. Make a note of the time of the inci- agement Plans for the Forest Preserve. quent bus service from the GWB terminal the West dent. Hikers and paddlers can help with the in Manhattan is available, or take the Hudson 2. Make a note of the location of the effort by sending information regarding: lovely (and free) one-mile walk across the crew last incident. Mark your map if necessary. your route bridge. Ample (free) parking is available. year on the

3. Prepare a description of the incident parking needs HORST SCHNEIDER From the Palisades Interstate Parkway, get Wildcat with as much detail as possible. illegal ATV use on hiking or snow- Mountain Trail. The TC has trails waiting off at the last exit before the bridge toll 4. Be prepared to describe the mobile trails for all levels of attention. (right fork after the gas station—and be perpetrator(s). illegal floatplane use on wilderness sure to exit). Follow Hudson Terrace south Trail maintenance season is upon us, 5. Be prepared to describe any vehicles, lakes and trails throughout our region need ten- including color of the vehicle, motor- trail conditions der loving care from those who use them. ized or not, etc. tree cutting or campsite abuse PERMITS REQUIRED IN Rosters of trail maintainers in Harriman 6. Note any license plate numbers that any other details you wish to convey ROCKLAND COUNTY PARKS State Park and Sterling Forest are virtu- you can see. Send your reports to Neil Woodworth Word has been received that groups ally full (at least for now), but elsewhere, 7. Take photos if you can. ([email protected]), Jack Freeman planning outings in county-owned parks caretakers are needed. In particular, the 8. Report the incident ASAP. ([email protected]), or Meg Everett in Rockland County must obtain special Trail Conference seeks maintainers for 9. Send a copy of your report to the permits from the parks commission prior ([email protected]). trails in the following areas: Catskills Pre- Trails Director at the NY-NJ Trail Con- to their arrival at the park. The commis- Help New York’s Department of Envi- sion asks that requests for permits be sub- serve; Shawangunks; Appalachian Trail ference Office. ronmental Conservation with their en- mitted two weeks in advance of an event in New Jersey, especially along the Use your best judgment when approach- forcement efforts in the Adirondacks. If to ensure that it can be processed and Kittatinny Ridge; High Point State Park; ing people engaged in what may appear you see any illegal ATV use on hiking or the organizing party notified in the event Stokes State Forest in the northwest cor- of any scheduled conflicts. For informa- to be illegal activity. If they are breaking ner of New Jersey; and the Staten Island snowmobile trails in the Adirondack For- tion contact: 845-364-2670; or write to: the law they may not hesitate to break est Preserve, DEC wants to know about it! Division of Environmental Resources, 50 Greenbelt Trail. your jaw! Take photographs of and con- Call NYSDEC’s dispatch hotline at 518- Sanatorium Rd., Building P, Pomona, NY For information or to volunteer, con- front these people with caution. 897-1300. 10970. A copy of the required form is tact: Trails Director Larry Wheelock at posted on the Trail Conference Web site: the TC office, 201-512-9348 or www.nynjtc.org. [email protected].

TRAIL WALKER MAY/JUNE 2002 9 Distance Swimming Approved at HEALTH HINTS FOR HIKERS Lake Minnewaska Swim Test in Advance Is Required A Reminder About Ticks Years of lobbying, petitioning, and, last of a typical high school or college pool.) summer, a demonstration at Lake Swim “buddies” are required as part of Some scientists warn that the mild win- sect repellents to ward off ticks while Minnewaska by a group calling itself the agreement. ter in the Northeast may result in a bumper hiking. SWIM (Swim Without Interference at To administer the new swimming area crop of ticks this hiking season. Anyone If you are bitten, the sooner the tick Minnewaska), have resulted in an agree- and necessary testing SWIM is organiz- venturing outside is advised to take spe- is removed, the better the chances of ment with officials of the New York State ing the Minnewaska Distance Swimmers cial precautions. In his handy little book avoiding an illness. Try to remove the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Association (MDSA). Swimmers must be Health Hints for Hikers (NY/NJ Trail tick without leaving the mouth parts Preservation for expanded swimming op- at least 18 years old. The cost of member- Conference, 1994), Albert P. Rosen, MD, embedded in the skin. Use forceps or portunities at the lake. Qualified swim- ship is $15.00. notes that there are several kinds of ticks tweezers, or, if neither is available, and they can cause diseases other than the use your fingers. If possible, use rub- mers will be able to use an expanded For further information swimmers well-feared Lyme Disease. Rocky Moun- ber gloves, tissues, or a piece of pa- swimming area at Lake Minnewaska this can email: minnewaskaswimmers@ tain spotted fever, Babesiosis, a malaria per to protect your fingers from con- summer. This area will have a 200-yard yahoo.com or call 845-255-7671. buoyed cable stretching out from the shore like malady, and Ehrlichiosis, similar to tact with the tick. If none of those is beginning at the old family beach, mak- Rocky Mountain fever are among the tick- available, use a leaf (not poison ivy!). ing possible a 400-yard uninterrupted borne health threats. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as swim. In his book, Dr. Rosen gives the fol- possible and remove it with a steady The park has also agreed to extend Shop Online and Support lowing advice: pull; try not to crush the body of the swimming hours to 7:30 pm. “This will The usual advice for avoiding tick tick. Disinfect the wound and wash permit working people to get to the park The Trail Conference bites has been to wear long-sleeved your hands with soap and water if at to cool off on hot evenings, which previ- Do you buy clothes, gear, books, shirts and pants, and to tuck the pant all possible. ously had been impossible,” said Rob computers, etc. via the Web? legs into the socks. Aside from the fact Petroleum jelly, nail polish re- Greenberg, one of SWIM’s leaders. that such measures are not very real- mover, and alcohol will not cause the Swimmers will become qualified by If you do, the Web provides a painless istic in 90-degree weather, some hik- tick to detach. Applying a match or a passing a swim test; the standards for test- way for you to increase the Trail ers now believe that, since ticks gravi- cigarette is no better, and may cause ing include a 500-yard continuous swim, Conference’s income at no cost to you. tate toward warm, moist, dark places, the tick to explode and spread its in- which will include 25 yards each of four Many stores have affiliate arrangements you are actually better off wearing fected contents. Do not use these meth- different strokes: breast stroke, side stroke, with not-for-profits whereby the not-for- shorts and short-sleeved shirts, in light ods to remove the tick; they are inef- front crawl, and back crawl. The rest of profit gets a small percentage of all the colors—but no documented evidence fective. the 500 yards can be swum with what- sales that occur because they were referred exists to support this belief, as far as I Once you have removed the tick, ever stroke the swimmer chooses, and will from the not-for-profit’s Web site. The Trail am aware. You should also check for try to preserve it so your physician not be timed. (25 yards is the official length Conference has several such arrange- ticks throughout the day, and, upon can identify it and check its infectious ments, including with Barnes & Noble returning home, examine yourself state. This may help in determining Booksellers, Amazon.com, and a company thoroughly and shower immediately. whether treatment should be imple- called GreaterGood.com, which is a con- The shower is particularly important, mented. Not every tick bite requires solidator of several hundred merchants, because deer ticks are so tiny—per- treatment. The chances of getting mostly well-known brands like LL Bean, haps the size of a pinhead—that you Lyme disease are considerably dimin- Lands End, and REI, just to name a few of might miss them even if you look for ished if the tick is attached for less the clothing companies. them. In addition, you should use in- than 48 hours. Shopping with these affiliates is easy. Just click on the “Commercial Zone” near the bottom of the TC home page, www.nynjtc.org, and select an appropri- ate affiliate. We do not record any infor- mation about your transactions, which are purely with the merchants involved. (They do get our account identification so we get our referral fees.)

10 MAY/JUNE 2002 TRAIL WALKER Fire at Pochuck VOLUNTEER PROFILE

An early April fire in the area of the caused it to spread north. As of the dead- new Pochuck boardwalk on the Appala- line for this issue, there was a possibil- chian Trail in Vernon, NJ, grazed the ity the boardwalk would be closed tem- HERB CHONG new wooden structure, but did not ap- porarily for an inspection and during an pear to cause significant damage. Trails investigation into the cause of the blaze. Map Maker and Then Some Director Larry Wheelock noted the fire After visiting the site, Wheelock noted apparently started well south of the that the boardwalk appeared to serve n a recent hike in the still-chilly for interpretation,” he says of decisions boardwalk area, but vigorous winds somewhat as a fire-break and also helped season, Herb Chong interrupted such as color choice and shadings. fire fighters gain access to the site. Ohis explanation of why a Global Chong, who chairs the Conference’s Positioning System unit might not report map committee, continues to experiment a reliable reading amid the surrounding with map aesthetics. One of his efforts won Left: The boardwalk was only singed and has been repaired by the NJ DEP staff. boulders to point a Notable Entry out to his compan- award in a map ions some attrac- competition spon- tively frozen crys- sored by Avenza tals on the trail. It Systems Inc., a was a telling mo- company that pro- ment. Chong, an duces map-making active volunteer software (see “An with the Confer- Award Winning ence—he edited the Map,” January/ just published Long February 2002 Path Guide and is TW). leading the Confer- But his latest ence in a redesign project—and an- Above: The boardwalk on the morning of its map series other ambitious ef- on April 3rd, open for traffic. that makes the fort—is the new edi- Left: The fire started in the far distance, most of high-tech tion of the (south), in this photo and swept very data and design Conference’s Long quickly north to the Carol Drive area. tools—combines GEORGETTE WEIR Path Guide (see Herb Chong, with camera in hand on a

PHOTOS: LARRY WHEELOCK interests and apti- page 1). “Jane recent hike on Schunemunk Mountain. tudes in both the Herb chairs the Conference's map Daniels convinced technical and artis- committee and edited the new edition of me I could do it,” tic realms. the Long Path Guide, just published by he says. Chong co- STAFF NEWS Chong grew up the Conference. ordinated the in a small village project, helped to Larry Wheelock Named Maureen in the Canadian Rockies and moved to collect the GPS data the guide is based on Trails Director Walsh Peekskill, NY, about 12 years ago; he (for the first time the entire Long Path has Larry Wheelock, formerly New Jersey Joins TC works for IBM. He connected to the Trail been traced by GPS), produced the maps, Field Representative for the Trail Confer- Staff Conference about seven years ago, he says, and took about half the photographs—pho- ence, has been named Trails Director. The Trail when he became active with the IBM Tues- tography is his other passion. “He’s a re- Larry has been Conference day Night Hiking Club and through them naissance man,” says Conference Execu- with the Confer- welcomes got involved in trail maintenance work tive Director Ed Goodell. ence for nearly Maureen with the East Hudson crew. Before long, Art, technology, outdoor adventures: five years. He has Walsh to the he was leading a group that laid out and what better combination for an interest- perhaps been position of Administrative Director. built trails in the then new Hubbard- ing life, and what better fit than that which most visible the Maureen graduated in 1994 from Univer- Perkins Conservation Area in Fahnestock has flourished between Herb Chong and last year and half sity of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a State Park. Then he got interested in map the Trail Conference. as a result of his bachelor’s degree in environmental sci- making. With another Conference mem- —G.W. dedication to the ence. She spent six years in Seattle, where ber, Chris Cesar, Chong learned how to massive Pochuck she enjoyed a variety of outdoor adven- do surveys with compass and measuring relocation project on the Appalachian Trail tures in the beautiful area of Washington wheel. “Just as we were getting good at in New Jersey. The change in his Confer- and Oregon. Her favorite job in Seattle it, GPS (Global Positioning System) started ence position enlarges the scope of his was for Ride for a Reason, a four-day AIDS coming around.” work; he will now monitor and respond Ride. A self-confessed gadget guy, Chong on trail issues in both New York and New For the past three years, she has been eagerly picked up and studied the new Jersey and serve as staff liaison to TC’s in Washington, DC, working for Center technology. He learned how to get the volunteer maintainer network and trail for a Sustainable Economy, an environ- most of the new system, how to get addi- management agency partners. mental nonprofit that does research and tional data, how to put it all together in policy analysis on market-based ap- aesthetically pleasing and useful ways. He proaches to addressing environmental is- put his new skills and tools to work mak- sues. She is excited to work at the NY/NJ ing the Conference’s first hiking map of Trail Conference and with a great group the new Sterling Forest State Park. “Ster- of dedicated volunteers and staff. ling Forest was a big project,” he says. “It “I knew when Ed asked, ‘How would kept me busy for three years until I saw a you feel about doing at least 12 hikes a printed map.” That first edition was pub- year with TC members?’ that this was the lished in 2000 and is the first in the Con- perfect job for me.” ference map series to feature shaded re- lief. “It mattered a lot to me that it be Keep up with news of and from the Trail done to modern cartographic standards,” Conference at www.nynjtc.org he says. “Of course, there is lots of room

TRAIL WALKER MAY/JUNE 2002 11 partment brought their heavy equipment and their crews and did a wonderful job. LETTERS MAKING THINGS HAPPEN They also installed new signs re restric- continued from page 2 continued from page 1 tions and obligations in using the park and blocked the different entrances where ATV, ter-quality concerns mentioned in the TW dirt bikes, and four-wheelers were menac- article. But from a hiker’s perspective, I ing the park. don’t think it’s realistic to believe that if “I thanked the Haverstraw Town Board people don’t have X-Treme Habitat for a prompt and efficient job and requested they’re going to use their vehicles in their more police patrolling and tickets to the back yards instead. If we want vehicles violators. Meanwhile, we have contacted kept to a minimum on walking trails, there neighbors living across from the park en- Long Path before clearing, has to be an appropriate alternative venue trance and asked their cooperation in no- Cheesecote Town Park, that offers vehicle-lovers the experience tifying the police of any violators. Also, Pomona, NY they’re looking for. Can we identify a bet- we are planning regular visits to the park ter site than West Milford? If so, by all and smaller trash pickups with people means let’s suggest it. But it sure would be from our clubs and organizations men- helpful if hikers like the ones in your photo tioned above. It was a successful and re- PHOTO COURTESY: SUZAN GORDON/PETER TILGNER could direct ATVers to a nearby spot where warding experience, which can teach us their presence would not be unwelcome. meeting on February 25, 2002, and testi- an editorial appeared in the Journal News. all that, if there is a will there is a way.” Patrick Hynes fied to the board (I had pictures taken to Then I called a TV station (Channel 7/ Gletso thanks Jakob Franke, Ed Walsh Cold Spring, NY emphasize my points), asking them to help WABC) to come to the next board meet- (Long Path Supervisor), and Warner W. clean the mess. We got a lukewarm re- ing (March 11). I was going to testify again Johnston (a concerned Pomona neighbor) Ed. Note: For advice on how to report sponse. They were sympathetic, they knew if they had not done the cleaning. for their diligent help. Also “my wife, illegal trail use, please see the article Fire! the problem, and might try to do some- “Fortunately, the week of March 4, the Helen, for typing.” ATV! on page 9. thing about it. Meanwhile, an article and town parks department and highway de- Of Bikes, Dogs, & ORVs Most bikers are nice but I would not confront them or let them see me writing defend and protect it. These purple dearth of good hiking in the Midwest” babbling brook filled with waterfalls on down a license number. Too many bikers mountained majesties were more than just caused him to plan fewer hikes than he wide, smooth, well marked, well main- are riding out of control on trails, and I words to a song. would have liked on his cross-country tained trails was an incredible pleasure. have no way to get out of their way be- After we returned home and to life as roadtrip. As a native Minnesotan who has Thank you for making hiking in your park cause the trail is narrow or there is no we now knew it, I once again joined a pursued outdoor activities in all 48 conti- such a memorable experience. advance warning. All bikers are bigger group of friends for a hike. When I saw an nental states, I take strong issue with Mr. Aaron Heintz Senior and younger than I am. American flag flying from up on DiBernardo’s characterization of the hik- Trip Coordinator, Recently, we hiked in the Ramapo Res- Schunemunk, it gave me a comforting feel- ing found in the middle ones. The native ASHS Outdoors Club ervation [and encountered] lots of un- ing to know that other people shared my beauty and geological history of the Mid- Abington Senior High School, PA leashed dogs. I am not reassured by the feelings of patriotism. It reminded me of west offers hikers wooded bluffs, prairies dog’s owners telling me “He’s friendly.” I the Norwegian flags I’d seen on the moun- and sylvan ravines along countless twist- Not a Sterling Legacy am not reassured by the owner’s calling tains of Norway, clandestinely painted and ing rivers, streams and freshwater lakes. On March 5, I spent over eight glori- the dog and the dog not going to the owner. letting the German Occupation forces Further, the region is replete with trails ous hours hiking in our new Sterling For- I do not like strange dogs running at me, know the spirit of the people was still alive first blazed by Native Americans and mi- est State Park, now thankfully managed sniffing me, or occasionally jumping on during World War II. grating wildlife. It’s too bad that Mr. by the PIPC. While the Sterling Ridge Trail me even though they may not bite me. I think these flags have served an im- DiBernardo wasn’t able to locate any of is wondrous and nearly pristine, the many Dogs are required to be on a 6-foot leash portant purpose. But unless they can be these myriad opportunities in his research woods (logging) roads lacing the park in the Ramapo Reservation. The message maintained in good condition, they should at the TC library. show the legacy of decades of Sterling is not getting across to the dog owners, be removed before they become tattered. Erin Flanagan Forest Corporation stewardship. who do not appear to worry about the It is disrespectful to let any American flag New York, New York On my tramp, I passed two old gar- rules. We saw unleashed dogs near Scar- be displayed in a neglectful manner. I bage dumps, several hulks of cars, and let Oak Pond, which is fairly close to the would like to take this opportunity to thank Music for Maintainers’ Ears piles of cut timber strewn about too nu- office. This is not only a back-country the people who took it upon themselves to Dear Delaware Water Gap Maintainers, merous to count—one pile 3' high by 8' problem. I know that funding is low for do such a great job in sharing their feel- On Saturday, February 2, the Abington around. What a shame to have harvested the parks but do wonder if any summonses ings of pride in our wonderful country. Senior High Outdoors Club and I trav- those once fine trees just to leave the logs are given out for unleashed dogs or just a Phyllis Stewart eled from Abington, a suburb of Philadel- to rot. Time will heal these wounds, but routine warning that the owners know they Mahwah, NJ phia, to the New Jersey side of the Dela- sound stewardship by PIPC and volunteer can ignore. ware Water Gap for a day hike. The Out- work will certainly be necessary. As far as Jungle Habitat being made Our trails are designed to guide us doors Club has hiked throughout eastern Before the logging roads deteriorate into recreation for ORVs, I am against it. through the natural world, not to enable Pennsylvania, usually on the Appalachian further, they should be utilized to remove They belong in a theme park with the us merely to publicize our beliefs vis-a-vis Trail. We were amazed at how wonderful the car hulks and garbage dumps. I vol- roller coasters, not on Green Acres. patriotism, nationalism, religion, or any- the trails were in the Delaware Water Gap. unteered for such work at Doodletown. Josephine Conger thing else. We started on the Red Dot Trail, then Perhaps some of the cut and abandoned Park Ridge, NJ I oppose the placing of a flag atop up the mountain, to Sunfish Pond, the AT, firewood can be collected for use at PIPC Anthony’s Nose because it distracts one the campsite, and then back to the park- facilities. Then these woods roads ought Flags on Trails from the natural beauty of the place. There ing lot by the information center. All the to be closed to all but official PIPC vehicle On September 11, I was with a group are many ways to express one’s love of trails were excellently maintained. Rocks traffic as is done at Bear Mountain & of people hiking in the Cascade Moun- country, and one of the best, in my opin- in the way had been moved to the side of Harriman State Parks. I see no reason to tains of Oregon. As the news came over ion, is to seek out and preserve its won- the trail, in fact steps were even cut into allow hunters seasonal access via these our TV sets, we were all devastated to be derful wildness, the rocks. Erosion barriers used through- roads to interior parking areas. The hik- so far away from home and our loved ones Jim Brown out the park provided for superb hiking ers’ parking areas that we use should suf- during this crisis. As we hiked these beau- trails. The trail blazes were large, easy to fice. This will slow down the rampant ero- tiful mountains, I was overwhelmed with No Good Hikes in the Midwest? see, and numerous. It was the unanimous sion on some of the woods roads. a new appreciation of the pristine beauty In his “A Journey Between the Dots” opinion that this hike was the best one All in all, an excellent hike. I plan on of our wonderful country, and I knew then (Trail Walker, January/February 2002), we’ve gone on. returning again soon. that whatever it took, we must fight to Neil DiBernardo notes that “a notable Walking through the woods, next to a George Shellowsky Township of Washington, NJ

12 MAY/JUNE 2002 TRAIL WALKER PLAGUES ON OUR FORESTS continued from page1 HIKERS’ BOOKSHOP locks,” he says. “It’s not as easy as just threat under these conditions, but damag- controlling woolly adelgids. Populations ing ground fires are also possible. Says Views from on High: Fire Tower Adirondack perspective, the Catskill sec- of woolly adelgids can come and go on a PIPC’s Ranger Sullivan: “What we call Trails in the Adirondacks and tion feels like an afterthought. tree, but the scale rides the tree out, it the duff—the layers of fine leaves and part But, all in all, Views from on High brings it down to death. The trees may be of the soil—will also burn. There won’t Catskills. achieves a long-sought ADK goal of en- weakened by the woolly adelgid, but the be flames, but it will burn from the rootlet John P. Freeman couraging hikers to follow paths infre- scale does it in.” Mites and hemlock bor- systems of trees. These rootlets supply the Adirondack Mountain Club, 2001, quently taken, but quite rewarding. ers also attack the trees. “The hemlocks moisture to the fine growth of the tree. We $10.95 are looking bad, their needles are getting could see browning of twigs from lack of Review by Dan Case Don’t Get Sick: The Hidden thinner. I think they’re going to be lost, moisture.” like the chestnuts and elms were lost. It’s Dangers of Camping and Hiking. something we’re going to have to get used What to expect There are many reasons to climb a By Buck Tilton and Rick Bennett. mountain besides “it’s there”: it is over a to. There’s no silver bullet.” As winter turned to spring, there was The Mountaineers Books, 2002, $8.95, certain elevation in a particular range, it Meanwhile, experiments continue in some anxiety but no panic among authori- 108 pages both New Jersey and New York to find ties about the recreation season to come. is the highest in a county or state or other Review by Albert P. Rosen, M.D. biological controls to the introduced spe- “I think spring will be fine in terms of vi- political subdivision, or it might have some cies that are plaguing native trees. sual impact,” says Mohonk’s Huth of what great views. This little book is packed with infor- Pseudoscymnus tsugae—ladybird beetle— to expect in the Shawangunks. “The trees Now, John Freeman suggests another mation on how to avoid health dangers feeds on woolly adelgids and has been in- will leaf out fine. I don’t think we’ll see reason: it has a fire lookout tower on top. while in the outdoors. The slim volume troduced into at least 50 sites in New Jer- much mortality, but we will see smaller Views from on High, his guidebook to measures 4 by 6 inches and could easily sey, including in Wawayanda State Park. annual growth rings.” For the Shaw- the firetowers in the New York State For- be carried in a day- or backpack. The eight “They have overwintered, they are repro- angunks’ pitch pines and chestnut oaks, est Preserves, gives the ambitious hiker a chapters give practical tips on camp clean- ducing in New Jersey,” says Mayer. “But he notes, dryness “is part of their regime.” list of 23 Adirondack and five Catskill liness, waste disposal, water treatment, it will take a few years to know whether Further south, along the New York- peaks so topped. Coming so soon after a signs and symptoms of common wilder- they are effective. Unfortunately, we’re in New Jersey border, Ranger Sullivan had largely successful effort to preserve and ness diseases, among other topics, and a race, and the woolly adelgid is way similar thoughts. “The leaves will come restore the Catskill towers, this is a wel- what to do if you are infected. Picking up ahead. There’s a chance that it may be out. The deciduous oak trees will have a come book. the book and reading is possibly daunt- too late for New Jersey.” A similar ex- pretty tight canopy.” Time will tell, he Chapters on each tower give history, ing, particularly for the novice camper. periment is being considered for says, whether the gypsy moths will return. hiking directions, and a brief account of However, the information contained in this Minnewaska State Park. At the Mohonk PIPC staff, meanwhile, will continue a each hike. I would have preferred that this volume is presented in a way that follow- Preserve, Huth cited the unknown ecologi- program of cutting deadwood along roads last item not be culled from the ADK guide ing the authors’ advice may result in a cal effects of the ladybird beetle, which is and public areas to reduce its fire poten- in question; when Freeman has to write a lifetime of healthy practices, not only while itself a species exotic to our region, as one tial. “Everybody is acutely aware that fire- fresh description, as he does with Red Hill’s on the trail, but also at home. The section reason for not participating in the release wise, anything could happen.” recently-built trail, it makes for better read- on hand washing for instance is excellent, experiments. Despite the potential for fires early in ing. and should be practiced at all times, not the season, none of the managers had plans But the most interesting material in this only when camping. Drought to restrict the public’s access to parks and book is the history of the state fire obser- vation program in the introduction, con- This book is well worth its cost. Compounding the debilitating effects of preserves. “Right now, it’s business as tributed by Wesley Haynes. Haynes takes insects is the drought. Should it continue, usual,” said Tom Cobb, park manager at us to the early years of the Forest Preserve, Albert P. Rosen is author of Health Hints the drought will weaken healthy trees and Minnewaska. Where things will stand when fire was a fact of life and the state for Hikers. make those already under siege more vul- later in the season, is, quite literally, up in relied upon an underfunded system of re- nerable to death. Generally speaking, say the air. gional fire wardens, geared toward pre- authorities, trees are able to withstand two vention rather then detection and suppres- to three years of severe stress and defolia- sion. By World War I regional wardens tion. Beyond that, the likelihood of mor- had been replaced by a network of mod- tality increases. ern observation towers with telephones and At New York’s Black Rock Forest, Ex- sophisticated equipment for locating fires. ecutive Director William Schuster notes After World War II, air surveillance be- that the droughts of 2001 and 1999 have gan to prove more cost-effective than left their mark. “There has been increased tower watches; but even that was soon mortality in many tree species, including EW OOKS IN THE N B rendered obsolete by improved fire edu- the normally drought tolerant chestnut oak, cation and a more observant public. The and people may notice an increase in the HOEFERLIN LIBRARY last tower observer climbed down in 1990. percentage of dead trees in stands.” And, The towers remained, however, and he says, the warm winter weather “prob- One Hundred Hikes in New Mexico while the Department of Environmental ably favored adelgid survival” and will By Craig Martin Conservation decided what to do with further impact the already substantial hem- The Mountaineers Books, 2001 them, hikers knew that the towers offered lock mortality in the forest. a platform to enhance public understand- More imminent is the threat of fire. The Hiking Long Island: ing of the Forest Preserve. As Haynes puts drought and increasing numbers of trees A Comprehensive Guide to Parks & Trails it, “Towers enabled our forebears to liter- dead from insect damage set our region’s By Lee McAllister ally see the forest through the trees, [com- forest lands up for a potentially serious New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, prehending] its vast scale [and understand- fire season. There is more dead wood to 2001. ing] its importance.” Hence, their resur- burn; the leaves on the ground are dry rection. and loose; and the ground itself is parched Don’t Get Sick: There are a few factual errors in the for several inches and is combustible. The Hidden Dangers of Camping and text. Hunter Mountain gets credited as the Spring winds are further drying out the Hiking Catskills’ highest peak at one point. And ground layers. By Buck Tilton and Rick Bennett as is often the case with books from an Not only are dramatic forest fires a The Mountaineers Books, 2002

TRAIL WALKER MAY/JUNE 2002 13 F A V O R I T E H I K E S

Schunemunk Mountain

By Georgette Weir

Map # 8 from the NY/NJTC West Hudson Trails set

With its distinctive double ridge and beautiful pink-and-white conglomerate stone, two rushing brooks with cascading falls, a between-ridge swamp, mountain laurel, pitch pine, and views up and down the Hudson Valley, Schunemunk Moun- tain is a long-time favorite destination in all seasons. There are several access points to hikes on Schunemunk. Taylor Road (access from Rt. 32) is perhaps the most popular. But for this outing, an 7.5-mile loop that features an immediate aerobic ascent to the western ridge, we start at a point just off the TC map, on Otterkill Road (fol-

low Taylor Road, from Rt. 32, all the way GEORGETTE WEIR to its end on Otterkill; turn left). Just south The Moodna trestle, as seen from the Trestle Trail of the imposing railroad trestle is a park- ing lot, complete with kiosk and map, sup- scramble, and in about 10 minutes you Clover; stay left. In just a few yards, you plied by the Open Space Institute, current will be looking back and down on the meet the old Sweet Clover junction; con- owners of 2100 acres on the mountain. western ridge. At 3.7 miles, turn left onto tinue left; the trail is now blazed yellow From this lot (elevation approximately the joint Jessup (yellow blaze)/Highlands and white (Jessup and Sweet Clover). At 300'), walk toward the trestle, and turn (teal diamond) Trail. At about 3.9 miles, 5.1 miles the white trail breaks off and right into the woods, passing over mounds look down at your feet for the painted in- heads west; stay on yellow. As you pro- of dirt. Look for the white blazes, and head dicator of the summit—a small white box ceed down, the colors of the outdoor sculp- straight up. As you near the elevation of stating 1664 feet. tures at the Storm King Art Center can be the trestle, watch to your right for the turn- Soon after the summit, look again on easily sighted. At 5.7 miles, you reach the off; it is easy to miss, especially as you the rocks for directions and small cairns Baby Brook. The red-dot trail heads up to may already be huffing-and-puffing. (If indicating the way to the Megaliths—im- the western ridge. Stay on the yellow trail you find yourself looking out over rail- pressive slabs of jumbled conglomerate to the right and head down the mountain. road tracks, just turn around and look for that are worth the short detour. In about 5 minutes there is a little detour the white blaze and trail heading south At 4.2 miles pass the Dark Hollow to the left for a view of a lovely cascade in and up.) Trail (black dot on white) on your right. a hemlock grove. The white Trestle Trail continues Great views are north and east. At 4.9 At 6.1 miles, look for the relocation of steadily up and along the side of the moun- miles, you meet the white-blazed Sweet the trail off to the left. It’s easy to miss tain. At about .8 mile from the parking (I’ve missed it twice) as lot, there is a lookout: the trestle, Stewart your attention is on where Airport, the Shawangunks, Catskills, and you are putting your feet Hudson River are visible. on this stony stretch. The At 1.4 miles, the trail levels out and Baby Brook will soon be- the walk proceeds along the western ridge come a cheerful compan- (elevation approximately 1,400'). ion. When you reach the At 1.7 miles, jog to your right onto a railroad tracks, cross the red-dot on white trail, bypassing an old, stream and pick up the red- unmarked woods road. Shortly, you con- blazed Otterkill Trail. It THE nect with the aqua-blazed Long Path; go goes briefly up before turn- south. Be alert for the blazes, as the many ing into the woods to par- unmarked paths may lead you astray. allel the rail line and con- As you continue south, the eastern ridge tinue as a relatively easy comes into view on your left. Expansive walk. You pass some old BED & BREAKFAST views north and west are common. At 2.3 stone walls, reminders of 800-785-5364 miles, pass the junction with the white- an unlikely farming past, • In Catskill Park – blazed Sweet Clover trail. At 3.2 miles, and in about one mile, re- Access Many 3500 Club Peaks • 15 Rooms, All Pvt. Bath, take the Western Ridge Trail—blue dot turn to the trestle. Cable TV, Phones, AC on white—to your left. Shortly, you meet • Sweeping Views, 13 Acres facing Hunter Mt. the red-dot Barton Swamp Trail. Turn Share a favorite hike in the • Moderate Rates Include Full Hot Breakfast right; the trail is marked with both red region with Conference • Dinner Arranged for Small Groups and blue blazes. Very soon, go left on the members. Send your de- County Rd. 16 blue-dot Western Ridge Trail, cross a scription to: [email protected] Tannersville, NY 12485 swampy area and climb to the higher east- or to the TC office, Attn: www.EggeryInn.com ern ridge. The ascent is not quite a Trail Walker.

14 MAY/JUNE 2002 TRAIL WALKER Rochelle, then explore town of Pelham and walk back to the Bronx. around 1:30 PM; heavy rain cancels. Heavy rain cancels. Non-members $3. UCHC. Pyramid Mountain. Leader: Don Meserlian, 973-228-2258. MJOMC. Ellenville Ice Caves. Leader: Howard Israel, 718-639- Meet: 10 AM at Pyramid Mountain Visitor Center parking lot. Moderate 0123, 9-11 PM. Meet: Call leader by June 7 to register. Moderately paced hike past a beaver dam and reservoir. HIKERS’ ALMANAC 6-7 miles in an incredible place: hot on the surface, but cold in the crev- ices with possible snow. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Sturdy FRIDAY, JUNE 21 boots required; also 2-3 quarts water, flashlight, gloves, warm outer LPNHC. Summer Solstice Hike. Leader: Harold Guest,518-827- layer. Three major canyons, many caves, great Catskills views. Non- 5995. members $10. RVW. Plateau Mountain (Elevation 3840', ascent 1650') from Elka continued from page 16 OUT. Butler Reservoir and Pyramid Mt., NJ. Leader: Ray Krant, Park to Stony Clove (spot cars). Info: 631-225-2176 or 845-246-4145. SATURDAY, JUNE 22 718-435-4994. Meet: 9:30 AM at Port Authority Bus Terminal commuter Moderate + hike: 7.25 miles, 5.5 hours. Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank UCHC. Tourne Park, Boonton. Leader: Susan Jacobs, 973-402-2555. to register, just show up! E-mail leaders if any questions. statue. Moderate 9 miles with ups and downs; Tripod Rock and Kayson parking lot, 87 Market Street, Saugerties, 8:00. Inclement weather Meet: 10 AM. Meet at the second parking lot. This will be a moderate Lake. Non-members $3. UCHC. Watchung Reservation. Leader: Joan Lepselter, 908-273- date—following Saturday. hike through flowers by a stream and lake and a stop to see the boiling 4188. Meet: 10 AM at the Trailside Nature and Science Center parking RVW. Family Hike up Overlook Mt. (3140) from Mead Mt. Info: springs. lot on Coles Ave. where it intersects with New Providence Rd. This will 845-679-2580. Tower will be open if you call ahead. Moderate hike: 5 SUNDAY, JUNE 9 ADK-R. White Bar, Triangle and Victory Trail Circular. Meet: be a brisk ramble of 4-5 miles. Steady rain cancels. miles, 3 hours. ADK-K. Southern Gunks. Leader: Barry Skura, 718-727-7294. Meet: Call leader at 845-359-2465. 5 miles. ADK-R. Norvin Green State Forest Circular. Meet: Call leader 10:05 AM at Trailways bus station in New Paltz, NY (take Adirondack WTW. Skylands Circular, Ringwood, NJ. Leader: Cliff Harvey, at 845-359-2465. 6-7 miles. JUNE Trailways bus from Port Authority at 8:30). Brisk 11-mile circular from 973-228-8647. Meet: Contact leader. Moderate 5-mile hike with one ADK-MH. Mohonk Preserve Dog Hike. Leader: Ben Shor, 845- Trapps’ Bridge in Mohonk and Lake Minnewaska. Fantastic views from climb and a great view. Rain cancels. 236-4291. Meet: 11 AM at Mohonk (possible $7 entrance fee). Moder- SATURDAY, JUNE 1 - NATIONAL TRAILS DAY Gertrude’s Nose and Milbrook Mt. Mohonk usage fee of $7 per person. ADK-MH. Mohonk Preserve. Leader: Ben Shor, 845-236-4291. Meet: ately easy hike of 5-6 miles for dogs and their owners. Dogs must bring LIG. Trail Maintenance, Wampmissick and Bald Hill Trails. OUT. Riverdale/Fieldston. Leader: Dina Tritsch, 212-781-8153. Meet: 11 AM at Spring Farm parking lot at Mohonk; $7 entrance fee. Moderate someone who will keep them on a leash, clean up after them, and make Info: 631-360-0753. Geared to all abilities. Meet at 9:30 at the Trails 10 AM at NW corner of 231 St. and Broadway (#1 subway to 231 St.). 5-6 mile hike to Table Rock and Bonticou Crag with great views and sure they behave; non-dog owners also welcome. Scenic carriageways, Information Center in Manorville, 1/4 mile north of L.I.E., Exit 70. El’s 3-5 miles exploring the mansions, trees and views from Broadway to the mountain laurel. Duck Pond, Glory Hill. Wampmissick Trail is a lovely, handicapped-accessible pine barrens trail. Hudson River. Optional visit to Wave Hill and Van Cortlandt Park. Rain OUT. Bronxville to Scarsdale, NY. Leader: Sal Varbero, 718-420- OUT. Westport, CT. Leader: Karen Davis, 203-348-0487. Meet: 12 Another group will do erosion control work on the scenic and challenging cancels. Non-members $3. 9569, 8-10 PM. Meet: 9:10 AM at Grand Central info booth. 5 miles along noon at Westport RR station (11:07 Metro North from Grand Central). vista trail at Bald Hill off of Rt. 51 in Riverhead. At 1PM we’ll have a short SCS. Singles Hike at Eagle Rock Reservation. We will hike 4- Bronx River Parkway. Non-members $3. Compo Beach; 7 miles on easy terrain, views of LI Sound. ceremony for our volunteers and choice of a guided interpretive hike on 5 miles at a moderate pace. Bring water and snacks. Rain cancels. Meet TLR. Family Swamp Stomp Hike. Leader: Ruth Rubenstein. Meet: TLR. Edible Plant Walk. Leader: Amy Keith. Meet: 1:30 PM; call El’s Trail or an aerobic workout on the Bald Hill Loop Trail. Rain date: before 10:00 AM at the Highlawn Pavilion parking lot off Eagle Rock 1 PM; call 914-762-2912 to pre-register. Celebrate summer with a family 914-762-2912 to pre-register. Hike around Teatown Reservation in Sunday, June 2. Avenue in West Orange. Take Route 280 to Prospect Ave. (Exit 8B) head hike looking at wonders of nature on this moderate hike to the wetlands Ossining, NY, learning to identify edible plants, and which to avoid. LPNHC. Trail Maintenance, Long Path on Mt. Pisgah. Leader: north, right turn onto Eagle Rock Ave., left turn into reservation. A $3 fee of Griffin Swamp. $6 fee per person. Sample some wild recipes after the walk. $8 fee. Fred Schroeder: 518-283-7584. Help needed to relocate about a 1/4 mile will be charged to non-SC members and all participants must sign a RVW. Bear Mountain (Elevation 1284', ascent 1150 ft), from Fort liability waiver. Leader: Joyce Haddad 973-364-7573 option #7. MJOMC. Pine Meadow Lake. Leader: Hanna Abolitz Benesch, of the LP through property recently purchased by the state. Clinton site near Bear Mt. Bridge (loop). Info: 845-246-4145. Moderate 732-565-1125, till 11 PM. Meet: Call leader by Fri. May 17 to register and WTW. Patriots Branch Trail. Leader: Ernest Wagner, 973-694- hike: 5.5 miles, 4.5 hours. Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 confirm the hike. 9:15 AM at Dunkin’ Donuts on Rt. 17 in Sloatsburg, NY 3194. Meet: Contact leader. 6-7 mile hike from Fosterfields Living His- THURSDAY, JUNE 13 Market Street, Saugerties, 8:00. Inclement weather date—following (Shortline bus leaves Port Authority at 8:15). Moderate 7-8 mile circular torical Farm south to Jockey Hollow Rd. and back. Call if weather FVTW. Highland Trails, Pequannock. Leader: Jim and Theresa Saturday. hike in Harriman Park includes a mountain and 3 lakes. I will hike at a doubtful. McKay, 973-538-0756. Meet: 10 AM; call leader for directions. 7-8 miles TC. Hemlock Study Hike. Wawayanda State Park. Leader: slower pace and make stops. No racers. Steady rain cancels. Non-mem- UCHC. Pyramid Mountain. Leader: Clotilde Lanig, 732-549-4977. from Echo Lake to Clinton Rd. Denise Royle, ecologist. Pre-registration required. Call TC office at 201- bers: $10. Meet: 10 AM at Pyramid Mountain Visitor Center parking lot. This 512-9348. Additional details on page 7. moderate 5-mile hike is a very rewarding experience. Bring your own SATURDAY, JUNE 15 lunch to eat at a rest stop at one of the world’s wonders, Tripod Rock. THURSDAY, MAY 23 HC/TC. Highlands Hike & Tour: Torne Valley & Mountain SUNDAY, JUNE 23 ADK-MH. Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Vincent Cortina, Laurel. Leader: Rob Lehmann ([email protected]) & Guide: Jill FVTW. Dater Mountain/Smith’s Den Circular, Harriman ADK-K. Harriman: Arden Circular. Leader: John Denkowski, 212- 845-688-5362 (7-9 PM). Meet: 10 AM at parking off Arden Valley Rd.; call Hamell ([email protected]). Meet: 9 AM at the NY-NJ Trail Confer- State Park, NY. Leader: Peter Wolff, 973-239-0766. Meet: 10 AM at 865-5052, 8-9:30 PM. Meet: 9:30 AM at Arden parking lot; call leader for leader for directions. Moderate hike past Island Pond, visiting the infa- ence Headquarters on Ramapo Valley Road (Route 202) in Mahwah, NJ, Johnsontown Rd. parking, Harriman. 7-10 miles; climb Dater Mt. on the directions. Scenic 10-mile hike at a fast but reasonable pace with the mous Lemon Squeezer, to Greenwood Mine. or at 9:30 AM at Reeves Meadow Visitor Center, Harriman State Park, Blue Disc trail with great views after some serious rock scrambling. usual ups and downs. Hiking boots and at least 3 qt. of water required. NY (public transportation available). Come join us as we celebrate the OUT. Duke Island Park, NJ. Leader: Ray Krant, 718-435-4994. Meet: Rain cancels. SATURDAY, MAY 25 10:15 AM at Penn. Station in front of NJ Transit ticket windows, upper beauty of our very threatened Highlands region. Join members of The Highlands Coalition on a 7-mile, moderately paced hike and tour of Torne NYHC. Tibbets Brook Park. Leader: George Glatz, 212-533-9457, NYHC. Old , Glenwood to Irvington, NY. level. 7 moderate miles in this little known area; wooded areas along the Valley including the spectacular annual display of mountain laurel. Along call 7-8:30 AM. Meet: 11 AM at 242 St. & Broadway on the street on the Leader: Salvatore Varbero, 718-420-9569. Meet: 9 AM at Grand Central Raritan Canal. Non-members $3. the hike you will learn of ongoing efforts to protect the valley and other park side. 5 easy miles along abandoned railbed. info booth. Easy 8-mile hike along Croton Aqueduct, enjoying beautiful AFW. South Mt. Reservation, W. Orange, NJ. For information critical treasures of the Highlands region. Rain cancels. No need to reg- views along the Hudson. and meeting place call AFW 973-644-3592. Moderate hike from 10AM- ister, just show up! E-mail leaders if any questions. TUESDAY, JUNE 25 WTA. Nyack-Piermont, NY. Leader: Stewart Manville, 914-837- 2PM. Women only club, membership required or $8. WTW. Pochuck Bridge and Boardwalk. Leader: Bob Busha, 9623. Meet: 10 AM at North White Plains Station parking lot. Easy 4 OCSJ. Lebanon State Forest. Leader: Joseph Trujillo, 856-468-4849. FVTW. Mt. Tammany. Leader: Joe Rapp, 973-334-4382. Meet: 10 AM 973-777-5016. Meet: Contact leader. Come see this recently completed, miles on abandoned Erie RR roadbed with nice river views. We’ll wine Introductory hike of 7-8 miles, moderate pace. Meet at Lebanon Park at Delaware Water Gap Appalachian Trail parking; call leader for direc- extensive trail work project for yourself. Possible climb to 1422 ft. and dine at pleasant cafŽ. Car shuttle; $3 contribution. office at 10 AM. tions. 6-7 miles; climb Mt. Tammany overlook and back down the Wawayanda Mt. Dunnfield Creek Trail. OUT. New Rochelle to Larchmont, NY. Leader: Helen Yee, 212- ADK-MH. Catskills Peaks. Leader: Marge Velasquez, 845-361-4351, 348-5344. Meet: 11 AM at #6 subway Pelham Bay station token booth. SUNDAY, JUNE 2 before 9 PM. Meet: Call leader for details. Strenuous hike up Sugarloaf 8 moderate miles with ups and downs, road walking, along waterfront SATURDAY, JUNE 29 UCHC. Scherman-Hoffman NJ Audubon to Cross Estate. Lead- and Twin mountains. Bring bug repellent/long sleeves (black fly season). parks from Hudson River to Larchmont. Optional dinner in the Bronx. Bus ers: Lynn Gale, 973-763-7230 and Betty White. Meet: 10 AM at the NJ IHC. Lake Awosting Swim Hike. Leader: Ilsa Dunham: 973-838- UCHC. Turkey Mountain, Montville. Leader: Peter Wolff, 973- rides. Non-members $3. Audubon lower parking lot on Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville. Moder- 8031. Meet: 8AM, municipal parking lot, Rt. 202, Suffern (junction with 239-0788. Meet: 10 AM at Pyramid Mountain Visitor Center. This will be AFW. Drag Hill, Ramapo St Forest, NJ. For information and ate hike using NJ Audubon trails and Patriot’s Path offshoot called the Rt. 59 at traffic light). Strenuous. Supper in New Paltz. Rain cancels. an interesting and moderate loop including a waterfall and some great meeting place call AFW 973-644-3592. Moderate hike from 9AM-1PM. NJ Brigade Trail; wildflowers; steady rain cancels. May visit NJ Audubon views. We often see wild turkeys. ADK-R. Indian Hill to Sterling Ridge. Meet: Call leader at 201- Women only club, membership required or $8. visitor center. 871-3531. 9.5 moderately strenuous miles. NYHC. Osborn Loop. Leader: Mike Puder, 718-743-0920. Meet: Grand ADK-K. Appalachian Trail: Pawling to Poughquag. Leader: Central info booth to take train to Manitou (return from Garrison); driv- WTW. Tourne Hike to Birchwood Lake. Leader: Ernest Wagner, SUNDAY, MAY 26 James Shearwood, 845-228-6017. Meet: Call leader to register. 7-mile ers meet at Manitou; call leader during week of hike for time. Moderate 973-694-3194. Meet: Contact leader. Nice easy 4-6 mile hike to enjoy the section of the AT goes over Corbin Hill, past shelter on West Mt. and by IHC. Ramapo S. P./Ramapo Reservation. Leader: Steve Rikon: 8-mile hike with some climbing. woods; rain may cancel. 973-962-4149. Meet: 9AM upper parking lot, Ramapo Mountain State Nuclear Lake. Rain will cancel. ADK-R. Dunderberg/Escalator/Bald Mountain. Meet: Call leader MJOMC. Lost in Mohonk Hike. Leader: Marnie Levine, 212-568- Forest along Skyline Drive. Strenuous , from Skyline Dr. to MacMillan WTW. Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Sarah Collins, 973-744- at 201-836-3329. Moderately strenuous 7 miles. 2210. Meet: Call to register by June 26. Public transportation available. Reservoir, then up to Ringwood S.P. and back. Call for details. 5126. Meet: Contact leader. Moderate paced 6-7 mile hike on the Ramapo, Challenging hike with rock scrambles and good views at a reasonable ADK-K. East Hudson Highlands State Park. Leader: Diane WTW. Nyack State Park. Leader: George Thomas, 914-591-7102. Dunderberg and Stahahe trails. Rain cancels. pace. Hiking boots and 2-3 quarts water required. Mohonk Preserve fee Bamford, 914-234-6409. Meet: Call leader prior week to register. Mod- Meet: Contact leader. 8-9 miles along the river. $7. Non-members $10. erate hike on Undercliff Trail and Mount Taurus; great Hudson views and SATURDAY, JUNE 8 UCHC. Ramapo Lake. Leader: Ben Sterman, 201-797-0468. Meet: At some steep places. Bring bug repellent. l0 AM on Skyline Dr. at the first parking lot on the left on the bottom of NYHC. Pocantico Hills Circular. Leader: Salvatore Varbero, 718- MJOMC. Shawangunk Photo Opportunity Hike. Leader: Don SUNDAY, JUNE 30 the hill. This is a very scenic moderate hike along hills overlooking Ramapo 420-9569. Meet: 9 AM at Grand Central info booth. Moderate 7-mile hike Pachner, 914-234-6618, before 10 PM. Meet: Call leader to register by UCHC. South Mountain Reservation. Leader: Louise White, 973- Lane and back along the lake. in the beautiful hills of Pocantico, described by Washington Irving in The June 13. Moderate to strenuous 6-8 mile hike in one of the most endan- 746-4319. Meet: At 10 AM at the Turtleback Rock parking area in West Legend of Sleepy Hollow. GAHC. JFK Bird Sanctuary, Tobay Beach, LI. Leader: Mathias gered ecosystems of W. hemisphere through clouds of mountain laurel. Orange (Walker Rd. near corner of Northfield Ave.). Brisk ramble to Wuethrich, 908-253-9042. Meet: 10 AM at Jones Beach Parking Lot 5. UCHC. South Mountain Reservation. Leader: Naomi Shapiro, Magnificent views of at least five mountain ranges. We’ll stop for photos Turtle Rock in this nicely wooded area. Moderate hike; non-members $2. 973-762-1832, before 9 PM. Meet: 10 AM in Locust Grove parking lot, and leader will create web site photo album. Dinner in New Paltz. Non- GAHC. Bear Mountain/Anthony’s Nose, NY. Leader: Gunter WTA. Schunemunk. Leader: Peter Hibbard, 914-285-9211. Meet: 9 corner of Glen Ave. and Lackawanna Pl., across from Millburn RR sta- members $10. Georgi, 516-883-2336. Meet: 9:30 AM at Bear Mt. Inn parking lot. Mod- AM; call leader. 6 miles, moderate to strenuous, up Dark Hollow trail to tion. A brisk 5-mile ramble with steep “up” at the beginning. Steady rain erate and easy hikes with views of the Hudson; non-members $2. Megaliths and 1664 ft. summit. One of our nicest hikes. Car shuttle; $5 cancels. SUNDAY, JUNE 16 ADK-MH. Catskills. Leader: Russ Faller, 845-297-5126. Meet: Con- transportation contribution. ADK-R. Ramapo Mountain Circular. Meet: Call leader at 845- GAHC. Sterling Forest State Park, NY. Leader: Henry Loddigs, tact leader. Strenuous climbs up Eagle and Haynes mountains (7-8 miles 354-0738. 6-7 miles. 718-899-1052. Meet: 9:30 AM at Red Apple Restaurant in Southfields, with 1500’ climb). We’ll stop at Sweet Sue’s for breakfast. Some of the MONDAY, MAY 27 WTW. Patriots Path. Leader: Hermann & Marlene Memmer, 908- NY, on Rt. 17. Moderate and easy hikes; non-members $2. best hiking in the Catskills. ADK-K. Harriman: Tuxedo Circular. Leader: John Denkowski, 979-0493. Meet: Contact leader. Moderate 6-8 mile hike in part of NYHC. Ponds and Forts on Staten Island. Leader: Helen Yee, OCSJ. Hike and Swim , Harrisville Pond. Leaders: Joseph Trujillo, 212-865-5052, 8-9:30 PM. Meet: 9:20 AM at Tuxedo RR station (Shortline Hacklebarney State Park. Bad weather may cancel. 212-348-5344, call 8:30-10 PM. Meet: 11:15 AM inside Staten Is. ferry 856-468-4849, Christine Denneler, 856-461-5379. Short hike to warm up, bus leaves Port Authority at 8:15). Strenuous but scenic 10-mile hike at OUT. Glen Island/Pelham/The Bronx. Leader: Ted Gabay, 914- terminal in Manhattan to take 11:30 boat. Bring photo ID, which will be 5-7 miles, moderate pace. Then swim as long as you like. Meet at the a fast but reasonable pace with the usual ups and downs. Hiking boots and 632-3684, and Helen Yee, 212-348-5344. Meet: 11 AM at #6 subway needed for admission to Fort Wadsworth. Moderate hike of 7 miles with pond, on Rt. 679, 1.5 miles south of Rt. 563. at least 2 qt. water required. Rain cancels. Pelham Bay station token booth. 6 moderate miles around Glen Is., New ups and downs, road walking, and wonderful scenic views. Lunch will be

TRAIL WALKER MAY/JUNE 2002 15 HIKERS’ ALMANAC A Sampling of Upcoming Hikes Sponsored by Member Clubs

The activities listed are sponsored by member clubs of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. All hikers are welcome subject to club regulations and rules TUESDAY, MAY 7 LIG. Paumanok Path Series-Napeague. Info: Rick, 631-267-6608. of the trail. You are responsible for your own safety. Wear hiking boots or strong, low-heeled shoes. Bring food, water, rain gear, first aid kit, FVTW. Farny Highlands/Trail Clipping. Leader: Jim and Theresa Joint with East Hampton Trails Preservation Society. Moderate 5 sandy and flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe cannot complete the hike or is not McKay, 973-538-0756. Meet: 10 AM at Newfoundland parking lot for miles of Napeague Beach, along the south shore of Napeague Harbor and adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. shuttle to start; call leaders for directions. Hike of 4 miles on the Four through open duneland and beautiful pitch pine woods. Some interpre- More than 80 clubs belong to the Trail Conference, and many of our affiliate groups sponsor hikes not listed in the Hikers’ Almanac. For a Birds Trail from Green Pond Rd. to Newfoundland. Bring your clippers, tive stops. Be prepared for ticks and the possibility of wet conditions on descriptive list of Conference clubs, consult our Web site or send an SASE with your request to NY-NJ Trail Conference. since the first portion of this trail is maintained by FVTW. one section. Meet at the intersection of Cross Highway and Cranberry Club Codes Hole Road (just over the Cranberry Hole railroad bridge, east of Amagansett; left on Cranberry Hole from NY 27). Only those clubs with hikes offered in this issue are listed below. Please call numbers listed to confirm. SATURDAY, MAY 11 UCHC. South Mountain Reservation. Leader: Naomi Shapiro, ADK-K ADK Knickerbocker Chapter NYHC New York Hiking Club TUESDAY, MAY 14 973-762-1832. Meet: 10 AM in Locust Grove parking lot, corner of Glen ADK-MH ADK Mid-Hudson Chapter OCSJ Outdoor Club of South Jersey Ave. and Lackawanna Pl., across from Millburn RR station. A brisk 5- FVTW. Abram Hewitt State Forest. Leader: Dave Hogenauer, ADK-R ADK Ramapo Chapter RVW Rip Van Winkle Club mile ramble with steep “up” at the beginning. Make sure to bring plenty 973-762-1475. Meet: 10 AM. 6-7 miles along the Bearfort Ridge; maybe FVTW Frost Valley Trailwalkers SCS Sierra Club Singles of water, hiking boots, and a snack for energy. Steady rain cancels. Call we’ll see pink Lady Slippers. Surprise Lake, a spectacular lookout and a GAHC German-American Hiking Club TC NY/NJ Trail Conference before 9 PM. moderate descent after lunch. HC/TC Highlands Coalition/Trail Conference OUT Outdoors Club IHC. Hudson Highlands Ramble. Leader: Pete Heckler. 201-261- SATURDAY, MAY 18 IHC Interstate Hiking Club TLR Teatown Lake Reservation 4644 (no calls morning of hike). Meet: 9:30 AM, Washburn Trailhead lot on Rt. 9D, .8 mile north of Cold Spring. Strenuous 6.5 miles. We will ADK-K. Catskills Trail Maintenance. Leader: John L. Kolp, 212- LIG Long Island Greenbelt WTA Westchester Trails ascend Mt. Taurus via the Washburn Trail, then take Undercliff Trail to 724-5318. Meet: Call leader for more details and to register. Join us for LPNHC Long Path North Hiking Club WTW Woodland Trail Walkers Breakneck Ridge; group to decide route back. Joint with ADK. Inclem- a maintenance expedition on the Warner Creek Trail, a newly opened MJOMC Mosaic Jewish Outdoor Mountain Club UCHC Union County Hiking Club ent weather cancels. section of the Long Path. Weeds, berry bushes and a few small trees Clubs wishing to have hikes listed in Hikers’ Almanac should send their schedules to [email protected] or to the Trail Conference office. The deadline ADK-K. Harriman State Park, NY: Poor Fawn/Fox Mountains. need to be cleared out. Have a nice walk and help with pruning for a few for the July/August issue is May 15, 2002. Leader: Tom Dunn, 718-460-3094. Meet: 9:20 AM at Tuxedo, NY, RR hours. Public transportation available; Sat. night camping option. No station (Shortline bus leaves Port Authority at 8:15). Exploratory hike of trail work experience necessary. MAY ADK-K. Family Hike to Pine Meadow Lake. Leader: Brian and 6+ miles on marked trails and old woods roads. ADK-R. Black Rock Mountain. Meet: Call leader at 845-634-7635. Alexandra Hanson-Harding (and kids), 201-531-9432. Meet: 11:30 AM; WTA. Bartholomew’s Cobble, Sheffield, MA. Leader: Catharine 8 miles. SUNDAY, MAY 5 call leaders to confirm before Sat. noon May 4. Varied hike of about 4 miles in Harriman State Park. Bring lunch and allow about 3 hours, Allen, 914-948-4061. Meet: 8 AM at North White Plains Station parking WTW. Allamuchy State Park. Leader: Hermann and Marlene WTW. AT Trail Maintenance at Bear Mt. Leader: Sarah Collins, depending on how many frogs we catch. lot. Moderate 4-5 miles; this is a long drive, but worth it for the birding Memmer, 908-979-0493. Meet: Contact leader. Moderate 8 mile hike at 973-744-5126. Meet: Contact leader. Help us maintain this original sec- and ferns. Car shuttle; $10 transportation contribution. Deer Park Pond. Bad weather may cancel. tion of the Appalachian Trail. Great for slower hikers; no trail work WTA. Anthony’s Nose. Leader: Herb Hochberg, 914-472-3525. Meet: OUT. High Mountain, Wayne, NJ. Leader: Ray Krant, 718-435- OUT. Hook Mt., Nyack, NY. Leader: Ray Krant, 718-435-4994. Meet: experience needed. Rain cancels. 9 AM at North White Plains Station parking lot. Moderate 6 miles on the Camp Smith Trail with great views up, down and across the Hudson. Car 4994. Meet: 9 AM at Port Authority Bus Terminal commuter statue. 8:45 AM at Port Authority Bus Terminal commuter statue. Moderate 9 GAHC. Trail Maintenance, Oakland, N.J. Leader: Elfi Woschitz, shuttle; $3 contribution. Moderate but hilly 9 miles with easy pace; stragglers welcome. NO miles with gradual climb over Hook Mt. followed by easy walk to 212-722-7338. Meet: 9 AM at parking lot opposite entrance to Camp dropoff points. Scenic area that seems underutilized. Non-members $3. Rockland Lake. Then along Hudson to Nyack Beach State Park. Non- Tamarack on Skyline Drive; call leader for directions. Help maintain our OCSJ. Atsion Woods , NJ. Leaders: Jack and Chieko Hoffman, 856- members $3. section of the Hoeferlin Trail; no trail work experience necessary. MONDAY, MAY 6 784-8104. Loop hike of 8-10 miles, moderate pace. Meet : 10AM in field TLR. Bluebirds & Migrants Birdwalk. Leader: Charlie Roberto. RVW. Platt Clove Trail Maintenance. Info: 845-246-8616. We’ll UCHC. Pyramid Mountain. Leader: Micky Siegel, 201-797-7054. on east side of Rt. 206 just north of the Atsion ranger station. Meet: 8 AM; call 914-762-2912 to pre-register. Hike Hidden Valley with work on the Platte Clove Section of Long Path (plus optional hike of Meet: 10 AM at Pyramid Mountain Visitor Center parking lot. Moderate this birding enthusiast, searching the forest and swamps for migrants; Kaaterskill High Peak). Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 5-mile hike. Call leader if in doubt due to inclement weather. See one of SUNDAY, MAY 12 bring binoculars. the world’s wonders, Tripod Rock. Market Street, Saugerties, 8:00. Inclement weather date—following Monday. NYHC. Staten Island. Leader: Bob Ward, 718-471-7036. Meet: Call NYHC. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Plus. Leader: Marty & NYHC. Staten Island Greenbelt. Leader: Bettye and Steve Soffer, leader after 8 PM. Easy hike of 5-6 miles along one of the Greenbelt trails Judy Mahler, 718-692-2854, 6-9 PM. Meet: Call leader. 5 miles; learn AFW. Timp-Torne, Anthony Wayne State Park, NY. For infor- 718-720-1593; call 7-9 PM. Meet: Take 10:30 AM ferry from Manhattan; supervised by leader. about Broad Channel, the Anabus and see returning birds. Enjoy this oasis meet leaders at train station in rear of ferry terminal, Staten Island. mation and meeting place call AFW 973-644-3592. Strenuous hike from GAHC. Nassau Greenbelt, Great River, LI. Leader: Henry Loddigs, in NYC. Wear long pants, bring insect repellent and binoculars. Moderate 6-7 mile hike. See Staten Island in the springtime – azaleas, 10:30AM-2:30PM. Women only club, membership required or day fee of 718-899-1052. Meet: 10 AM at Great River RR station. Moderate hike to rhododendrons, wisteria; hopefully all in bloom. $8. Lakeland via Heckscher State Park. Non-members $2. SUNDAY, MAY 19 WTA. Northern Trailway. Leader: Barry Kaplan, 914-946-2869. HC/TC. Highlands Hike & Tour: Schunemunk Mountain. Meet: 9:30 AM at North White Plains Station parking lot. Moderate 7 Leader: Rob Lehmann ([email protected]) & Guide: Gary Haugland miles on this restored footway; may be completed as far as Lake Mahopac. ([email protected]). Meet: 9:30 AM at the NY-NJ Trail Conference Join the volunteers Car shuttle; $3 contribution. Headquarters on Ramapo Valley Road (Route 202) in Mahwah, NJ, or at SCS. Singles Hike at Hatfield Swamp in West Essex Park. 10:30 AM at the Taylor Rd. parking (public transportation available). who bring you the great outdoors! Leaders: Ron Pate 973-364-7573 option# 2 and Joyce Haddad. We will Come join us as we celebrate the beauty of our very threatened High- hike 5 miles at a moderate pace through forested wetlands along the lands region. Join leaders of The Highlands Coalition on a 7-mile, moder- 1500 miles of trails and counting; your membership helps us expand our Passaic River. Meet at 10:00 AM at the Environmental Center, 621 Eagle ately paced hike and tour of Schunemunk Mountain, including the Mega- horizons. Rock Ave. in Roseland. Lunch to follow at local restaurant to be an- liths and the many beautiful spring flowers unique to the Highlands Region. Along the hike you will learn of ongoing efforts to protect the Included with membership, Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases at nounced at the hike. Rain cancels. A $3 fee will be charged to non- members of the Sierra Club. All participants must sign a liability waiver. mountain and other critical Highlands treasures. Rain cancels. No need most outdoor stores, and 20% discount on all Trail Conference maps and books. continued on page 15

Support the work of the NY/NJ Trail Conference with your membership.

Membership Level Individual Joint/Family TRAILWALKER Senior/Student $18 $24 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Individual $25 $31 Volume XXIX, Number 3 ISSN 0749-1352 May/June 2002 Sponsor $50 $60 Benefactor $100 $120 Life $500 $750

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