RAIL ALKER TNEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE...MAINTAININGW OVER 1500 MILES OF FOOT TRAILS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2002

Storm King Trails to Open in Annual Meeting, Torrey Memorial Time for Fall Hiking! Hike October 27 Reopening Storm King State Park has at Harriman S. P. been a priority for the Trail Conference in recent months, and an exceptional turn- The Trail Conference’s Annual Meet- out by hikers at a midweek, evening meet- ing and the yearly Torrey Memorial Hike ing on the park’s status proved their com- will be joined in one exciting event this mitment and bolstered the cause. year, to take place Sunday, October 27 at Nearly 150 citizens, most of them hik- Harriman State Park. ers sporting tags reading “Open All Trails The day will begin with a continental Now,” crowded a meeting room at Bear breakfast and socializing at 9 am at the Mountain July 26 in which representatives Silvermine Picnic Area in the park (just of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers re- off Seven Lakes Drive, approximately 1.7 ported on their nearly three-year study of miles south of the Long Mountain traffic unexploded ordnance (UXO) at Storm circle). The Annual Meeting will follow, King. The attendees were there to show from 10 am until noon. The meeting will their support for Trail Conference efforts CHARLES PORTER include an awards ceremony and board to get the park open once again to the Moore also said that additional political said he was ready to get the crew into the elections (candidates are named on page public. The park has been closed since intervention will be needed in order to get park “as soon as they let us.” 2). Advance registration is requested by 1999, when forest fires unexpectedly deto- funding to complete the cleanup. October 18 so refreshments can be ordered nated historical explosives that had been “The Trail Conference fully supports (form is on page 3). lobbed into the area during a century these recommendations,” TC Executive MEMBER ADVOCACY STILL NEEDED At 12:30, those interested in making (1840s-1940s) of artillery practice by West Director Edward Goodell said at the meet- Storm King State Park should be made the yearly pilgrimage up Long Mountain completely safe for public use by removal Point and the Cold Spring Foundry. ing. “I think I can also speak for the orga- to the Torrey Memorial will shuttle to the of all military ordnance from its lands. start at the Long Mountain parking lot. Near the end of the meeting, and in nization in pledging our full cooperation The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers esti- response to direct questions from hikers, in implementing these recommendations mates the cost of this cleanup will be Individuals should carpool as necessary Palisades Interstate Park Commission Ex- as quickly as possible and in trying to get $5-$7 million. But the money will not for return or circuit hike back to ecutive Director Carol Ash said that more you a budget to complete the cleanup.” be allocated without public pressure. Silvermine. The Torrey Memorial can be than two-thirds of the park could be fully Write to: the starting point for other hikes in the Trail Conference maintainers were nu- Senator Charles E. Schumer area. open before the end of August. She said a merous in the audience, and they left the Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton third section that shows evidence of ord- meeting eager to get back on the trails to Congresswoman Sue W. Kelly This year’s Torrey Memorial hike will nance would remain off-limits to all, in- assess and begin the necessary work. Af- Congressman Maurice Hinchey be the 65th for the annual event. It honors cluding fire fighters, although marked ter the fires, explosions, Army surveys, and Urge them to work to add these funds the Trail Conference’s first president and trails in it that have been declared clean to the Department of Defense’s FUDS co-founder, Raymond H. Torrey. three years in which no work could be (Formerly Used Defense Site) program. by the Corps might be open by October. done, maintainers likely have a lot wait- Keep up with the latest on Storm King Note: daylight savings time ends early on Ash’s promise of a quick opening of ing for them. West Hudson Crew Chief news, including trail openings, at the Trail the 27th—clocks go back one hour. portions of the park was based on recom- Bob Marshall attended the meeting and Conference web site: www.nynjtc.org. mendations by the Corps and its survey for UXOs. The Corps found no evidence of ordnance in two sections of the park, but did in a third. It recommended that Bear Encounters on the Rise in reports of human-bear encounters on trails the two clean sections could be open for and campsites of northern New Jersey. full public use and that marked trails in Northern New Jersey Parks, Trails Garth Fisher, TC-sponsored the third section—which have been declared Ridgerunner on the in Hikers in the Kittatinnies and clear of ordnance to a distance of 25 feet the state, says that in his first two weeks Date: 7-15-02 homeowners in West Milford are among on either side—also could be open to the of duty this summer, “I saw more bears Time: 4:30 pm the many recreationists and residents in public contingent on proper “institutional than I had seen in all of 2001.” Location: Worthington State Forest, NJ, northern New Jersey telling bear stories controls,” i.e., signs that indicate the risks He says problems have been particu- Backpacker Camp Site # 2 this season. While local newspapers have and prohibitions against going off-trail. larly numerous in Situation: Five tents stand in a loose circle. thrilled to such re- James Moore, project manager for the Worthington State Twelve backpacks lie on the ground. A ports as that of a Corps, said a full clean-up of the contami- BEARS WANT YOUR FOOD; Forest, where, in food bag hangs on the bear pole. No one 500-pound bear nated section will cost $5 to $7 million; addition to ambling is in sight. breaking down one DON’T GIVE IT TO THEM money for the job is not in his budget, off with unattended Observation: One of the backpacks is homeowner’s ga- though he has made the request. packs, bears have moving up the hill. There is a black furball rage door to access the untold treasures Both Ash and Moore noted that Con- ripped through vacant tents (including attached to the backpack. behind it, and of other bears injuring do- gresswoman Sue Kelly’s interest in the Fisher’s), grabbed food in the presence of —Garth Fisher, mestic dogs, Trail Conference officials project had helped advance it to this point. Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner have been fielding an unusual number of continued on page 6 from the president’s notepad... source experience would be invaluable to TRAIL WALKER the Administrative Committee, Volume XXIX, No. 5 Sept./Oct. 2002 which wants to revise our personnel manual and investigate benefits for our Georgette Weir Editor Nora Porter Managing Editor hard-working staff. Thompson Prentzel Advertising Manager • Special events: If you enjoy entertain- The TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970- ing, how about helping with special events 100) (ISSN 0749-1352) is published bi- Off Trail such as our major donor hikes, annual monthly by the -New Jersey Trail Conference as a benefit of membership. Of meeting, delegates meeting, training ses- membership dues, $4 is allocated to a one- About 400 Trail Conference members gram and make it even better. sions, open house, or annual Torrey Me- year subscription. Subscriptions are available volunteer their time on trails—clipping, • Jan Hesbon, a fundraising profes- morial Hike? to libraries only at $15.00 a year. Periodical sawing, digging, rolling rocks, painting sional, has put together our newly an- postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., and additional • Public outreach: Do you like to talk offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to blazes, and just generally making sure that nounced charitable gift annuities program to people? Consider talking to them about the address below. Opinions expressed by au- the 1500 miles of trails in our region are (see page 5), enrolled our charter mem- hiking and the Trail Conference at public thors do not necessarily represent the policy in good shape for the rest of us to walk ber, and will be managing the program. or position of the Conference. Contributions outreach events. It’s a great way to spread of typed manuscripts, photos, and drawings on. These trail maintainers are the TC’s • Frank Bamberger, a retired collec- the word about how much fun it is to hike are welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for largest group of volunteers, and likely al- tion agent, makes phone calls from home and where to do it. We even have hand- style and length. Send SASE for writers’ guide- ways will be. to collect our accounts receivable and to lines. Submission deadlines for the TRAIL outs and materials to put together the booth. WALKER are January 26 (Mar./Apr. Issue), As our organization grows, however, check which retailers still offer a discount Our Volunteer Projects Director, Josh March 25 (May/June issue), May 25 (July/ so does our cadre of off-trail volunteers. to our members. Erdsneker, can help get you connected to Aug. Issue), July 26 (Sept./Oct. Issue), Sep- Among this group are individuals who The valuable services provided pro tember 25 (Nov./Dec. Issue), November 26 an experience that is right for you. Every (Jan./Feb. Issue). Unsolicited contributions can- share their special skills in order to ad- bono by our members may not be ac- one of these jobs contributes to the health not be acknowledged unless accompanied by vance the work of the Trail Conference. counted for in our official budget, but they of our organization and thereby supports SASE. For information on advertising rates, Here are just a few examples: greatly enhance the Conference’s capabil- please write or call. our passion for hiking. You will be work- Copyright 2002 by: • Barry Mark, a retired executive with ity to pursue its advocacy and education ing for a great cause alongside interesting New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. direct marketing experience, is heading agendas. Every one of our members can 156 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202) people who share your love for the out- Mahwah, NJ 07430 up our efforts on membership renewals, take advantage of similar opportunities doors. What could be more satisfying? 201-512-9348 making it possible to test our direct mail to make a difference. Some of the most Please join us off trail! e-mail: [email protected] and track the success rate. immediate ones we’ve identified are listed editorial e-mail: [email protected] World Wide Web: http://www.nynjtc.org/ • Mary Anne Massey’s extensive expe- on page 5 of this issue. Here are three —Jane Daniels, President rience as trainer is helping us to standard- other examples: ize our excellent maintainer training pro- • Personnel: Someone with human re-

NEW YORK - NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Mission Statement The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Wildlands Exchange: founded in 1920, is a federation of member y E y T y T y E y R y clubs and individuals dedicated to providing L S Beyond the Border (WEBB) recreational hiking opportunities in the region, October 5-6 and representing the interests and concerns of Driving While Sleepy 11). Three pictures showed the boardwalk the hiking community. The Conference is a Paul Smith’s College, Paul Smith’s, NY volunteer-directed public service organization In reply to the article by Joachim that received only minor damage. There committed to: are many of these boardwalks on Fire Is- The Adirondack Mountain Club and Oppenheimer in the July/August issue of Paul Smith’s College will host a week- • Developing, building, and maintaining land. The one I’m about to describe is on hiking trails. the Trail Walker (“Rocks Do Give Way: end gathering of managers and users of • Protecting hiking trail lands through A Reflection on Risk and Caution,” p. 5): the west side of Smith Point Park and is the wild areas in the northeastern U.S. support and advocacy. part of the National Seashore. It makes a and eastern Canada. • Educating the public in the responsible I agree that driving home is more danger- loop around the area from the south to the Saturday, October 5: Management, use of trails and the natural environment. ous than the hike itself, partly due to the north with some twists and turns. I have use, and maintenance of wild areas will Board of Directors sleepiness of the driver. I am guilty of hav- be the focus of panel discussions and walked this many times over the years and Jane Daniels President ing dozed off for an instant while driving. seminars. Tom Humbach Vice President find it very pleasant. It’s about a mile. Sunday, October 6: Participate in field Daniel Chazin Secretary I had always considered drivers who John Kolp Treasurer drove while drunk as being very irrespon- Recently I read in Newsday that they workshops to see management practices in the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Directors sible and deserving of a suspended license plan to take the boardwalk down the next Paul Bell time it needs to have extensive repairs. I All members and staff from clubs, fed- at the least. Recently, however, I happened erations, associations, learning institu- Wanda Davenport believe this to be overkill in their endeavor Brian Goodman to read an article in which the author stated tions, retail stores, tour companies, and John Gunzler that falling asleep at the wheel is as bad to return the whole area back to the Pip- government agencies are invited to at- Gary Haugland as drunk driving, and you know, he is ing Plover. Soon they may want to take tend. Peter Heckler our trails away. For more information, call 518-668- Anne Osborn right. Since reading that, I always try to 4447, ext. 31, or visit www.adk.org. Art Lebofsky get a good night’s sleep before driving long Richard A. Hollmann Mary Smart Ronkonkoma, New York Malcolm Spector distances. Also if you do feel sleepy be- Staff fore or while driving, you should either Errata: Board Candidates Edward Goodell Executive Director ask someone else who is not sleepy to do Re “Blaze Where You Must, Not Where Maureen Walsh Administrative the driving, or you should pull to the side You Can,” May/June 2002 issue, p.4: Nominated Director of the road and take a nap. Signs along In reference to my sentence: “Frequently, Larry Wheelock Trails Director Neil Zimmerman, chair of the Trail some highways say you can only stop for blazes are put one directly above the other Joshua Erdsneker Volunteer Projects which may lead to some confusion.” At Conference Nominating Committee, re- Director emergencies; drowsiness is considered an times such a blaze combination is neces- ports the following nominations: emergency. Also, you have probably dis- sary, i.e., when the only trees available do To three-year terms on the board of Part-time covered that you get sleepy after eating, not have adequate width to indicate the turn directors, ending in 2005: Paul Bell, John John Myers Land Acquisitions direction or a single tree is available at a Director so limiting your food intake before driv- Gunzler, Malcolm Spector, John Kolp ing may help keep you more alert. sharp switch-back with the same side vis- Neil Woodworth NY Conservation ible from two directions. These should be (new), and Bob Newton (new). Advocate Coralyn Gorlicki interpreted as alerts to the hiker to look for The following are candidates for del- Mario Andolina Database Manager Edison, New Jersey a sudden change ahead in the trail. egates-at-large: Bob Berlin (new), Eric The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference —Larry Wheelock, Trails Director Calder, Jim Conlin (new), Russ is a volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organiza- Boardwalk Trail Threatened on Cannizzaro, Cliff Gerenz, Dennis tion. It is a federation of 88 hiking and out- Fire Island Typographial errors resulted in various Halliwell, Jill Hamell, John Jurasik, Hal door groups, and 10,000 individuals. spellings of Nicholas Styranovski’s name In your May/June 2002 issue a short in the last issue. We apologize for the mis- Kaplan, Jane Levenson, Karen Rose (new), article described the fire at Pochuck (p. takes. Trudy Schneider, and Naomi Sutter.

2 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2002 TRAIL WALKER much more sophisticated in our under- standing and management of resources in Fall Maintenance order to accommodate the inevitable “101” Workshop growth. Protecting hiking areas, habitats, and Saturday, October 26 ecosystems is a two-step process consist- Learn basic techniques, maintenance ing of acquisition and management. Ac- from the Executive Director standards, and the types of problems you quisition can remove immediate acute may encounter on the trail and how to pressures, but only through careful, pro- solve them. The day will begin with cof- longed management can we hope to pro- fee, tea, and donuts, continue with some tect areas from the subtle but pervasive classroom review, then we’ll head into the pressures of motorized use, invasive spe- field, where we will spend the majority of Why Science? cies, climate change, and misguided wild- the day. If you are considering adopting a life management. Only through science- Paul Leiken, long time Trail Confer- gion that result in fewer opportunities for trail for maintenance or would like to based management techniques can we ence volunteer and member, recently came the average individual to experience and improve your techniques, this is the work- hope to provide adequate long-term pro- into my office and asked me what lob- appreciate nature in their day-to-day life. shop for you. The day will be spent in tection. sters have to do with hiking trails. After a Traditionally we have accomplished Clarence Fahnestock State Park in New bit of questioning, he allowed that a re- our mission through building and main- York’s Putnam County. We Must Protect What We Have cent Trail Walker article about research taining hiking trails, publishing accurate Reservations are required for this being conducted by the Trail Conference hiking maps and books, and strong advo- A scientific inventory is the first step course; the deadline is October 18, 2002. and Columbia University to determine the cacy efforts. I predict that science-based in protecting what we have. For example, Contact the New York-New Jersey effects of hiking trails on avian and ar- activities will be increasingly seen as an natural heritage inventories of the Appa- Trail Conference office during weekdays thropod communities had sent him to the important method for achieving our ob- lachian Trail have identified 200-250 oc- at 201-512-9348 or send a postcard with dictionary. There he learned that jectives. There are several reasons for this. currences of rare plants growing immedi- your name, address, phone number, email arthropods are animals with exterior skel- The fundamental issue we face is that ately adjacent to the AT, and which could address (if you have one), to: NY-NJ Trail etons and segmented bodies, including in- we have a shrinking resource compared be inadvertently harmed by trail mainte- Conference Courses, 156 Ramapo Valley sects and many crustaceans such as lob- to the number of users. The recent High- nance activities. Through scientific inven- Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430-1199 sters. Paul, of course, was pulling my leg. lands studies showed that from 1990 to tory, monitoring, and protection, it is pos- But the question “Why science?” is a seri- 2000 development encroached on 5,200 sible not only to avoid harm to rare spe- ous one for the Trail Conference to ask acres annually in the cies but also to introduce management best manage our remaining natural lands. and answer. while population increased 11 percent for techniques that can improve the health of Hikers, naturalists, and trail maintainers, the decade. Current zoning laws will al- the existing populations. by virtue of their on-the-ground presence, Science Serves Our Mission low the population to ultimately grow Good scientific information provides are in a position to provide real-time en- a tested body of knowledge on which vironmental monitoring to professional sci- The essence of the Trail Conference’s another 48 percent. This creates more de- sound policy can be formed. Scientific in- entists and land managers. mission is to provide people with access mand for “services”—clean water, clean formation is recognized as a factual basis We have begun the process of becom- to a direct experience of our natural world. air, wildlife habitat, recreational space, for making decisions in law, in govern- ing a source of original science with re- This experience is part of humanity’s natu- and other quality of life intangibles—from ing, and in natural resource management. cent projects to monitor rare and endan- ral heritage and serves as the political basis less open space. Laissez-faire open space The Trail Conference needs to use good gered species along hiking trails and the for conservation advocacy. To pursue this management is no longer sufficient under science to ensure and demonstrate that study of whether hiking trails actually af- mission, we must fight trends in this re- these circumstances. We must become people can directly experience the natu- fect forest communities of beetles ral environment without harming it. And (arthropods) and birds. This is just the we need to be able to rebut bad science beginning of what I expect to be a major that would unnecessarily restrict respon- program for the Trail Conference in the TC Volunteers Help Monitor sible access to the natural environment. 21st century. And I can guarantee that if More importantly, the Trail Confer- we do find that hiking trails affect lob- Threatened Species Along AT ence can play an important role in gener- sters, it will be a scientific first! ating the scientific information needed to —Edward Goodell Find your plants! That was the mission given in June to eighteen Conference vol- unteers as they left a seminar on monitor- Annual Meeting, Torrey Memorial Hike October 27 at Harriman ing rare, threatened, and endangered plants. The new Natural Heritage trail continued from page 1 monitors had participated in a day-long training session at the Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge, jointly sponsored by the Annual Meeting New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 the Appalachian Trail Conference, and the National Park Service (NPS). PLEASE PRINT. Ecological consultant Ted Elliman and Name(s): ______NPS natural resource specialist Kent Schwarzkopf presented slide lectures. The Address: ______group then followed Elliman into the field, City, State, Zip: ______where he introduced them to local ex- IN THE FIELD: Ted Elliman (left) and George amples of threatened plants and demon- Petty (right) identify rare plants. Daytime telephone: (______)______strated monitoring techniques. Evening telephone: (______)______The Natural Heritage volunteers will vehicles, and even unsuspecting hikers. monitor specific species along designated The TC volunteers are now prepared ______adults sections of the Appalachian Trail in New to monitor and provide recommendations York and New Jersey. The program has to the ATC and the Trail Conference re- Please return the registration form by October 18 to: been implemented along the AT in other garding how these rare, threatened, or NY-NJ Trail Conference states, and the results indicate that while endangered species of flora can best be 156 Ramapo Valley Road some species seem to be flourishing and managed. Mahwah, NJ 07430 —Josh Erdsneker, multiplying in numbers, others are being FORM REGISTRATION You can register online at www.nynjtc.org or by phone, 201-512-9348. impacted by drought, disease, motorized Volunteer Projects Director

TRAIL WALKER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2002 3 • Be alert for any suspicious activity at trailheads. Try to note any related li- cense plates. The telephone number for the park police Sterling Forest Trails Group Brings TRAIL is 845-786-2781. Diverse Users Together ™ No Parking along Banker Road EWS at Wawayanda On June 16, 2002, Sterling Forest State This procedure was fairly easy to agree N The hiker’s parking area on Banker Road, Park management called the first meeting on as it simply sets the standards for mea- at the trailhead for Double Pond and of its Trails Work Group. This group’s suring and inventorying the existing fea- Banker Trails, is now posted “no park- mission is to assist the agency in imple- tures of a trail. It was agreed that the ing” and the road leading to the parking menting the interim trails plan as well as workplan would include specifications re- developing the park’s Comprehensive quired for each designated trail use. If this ™ Car Break-ins at Harriman area is posted “private driveway.” The new restriction is the result of an effort by Trails Plan. An assessment team appointed is done with adequate attention to such Hikers are cautioned that there have been a new property owner to put a stop to ille- at this meeting will be responsible for com- details as soil type, slope, and vegetative a number of car break-ins at various spots gal ATV and off-road pickup use in this pleting an inventory of trail features, such cover, then the proper construction of any in Harriman State Park. Park police rec- area and is not targeting hikers. The trails as trail grade, natural and cultural points trail should become obvious. ommend the following: continue to be open for those on foot. of interest, problem areas etc. The team This effort has already resulted in the • Do not leave any valuables in parked will likely follow up with a work-plan to first draft of a handbook for trail assess- cars, especially credit cards. ™ Black Rock Parking Area bring the trails to a standard acceptable ment that should be of help to anyone at- • Do not leave any tempting targets vis- to the agency and to implement the in- tempting this type of work and presents A new lot, accessed via Mineral Springs ible (purses, wallets, or anything that terim trails plan. opportunities for much closer cooperative Road and purchased by the Trail Confer- looks like these), even if they contain At the initial meeting of the assessment work with our agency partners and other ence and Open Space Institute, is now nothing important. group on July 23 a very diverse group of trail user groups. available for use by TC members. It is • Check passenger-side door locks upon trail users, including representatives from —Larry Wheelock, behind a locked gate and a key is neces- returning your car. (Damage will be vis- the hiking community, equestrian groups, Trails Director sary. The key is available to TC members ible if a break-in occurred.) If a break-in mountain biking groups, and others, came only by calling the TC office in advance occurred, any credit cards that were in together to establish an assessment proce- during regular business hours to make ar- the car should be checked for immedi- dure that would be common to all users. OF SPECIAL INTEREST rangements for access. ately. TO HIKERS

parking lot). Heavy rain cancels. Sept. 21 (Saturday), Southfields Furnace RAIL Nov. 9 (Saturday), Mt. Tammany Trail, Loop, Sterling Forest S. P.; Claudia Ganz T Worthington SP. We will be continuing trail Sept. 22 (Sunday), Southfields Furnace reconstruction/rehabilitation work on the Loop, Sterling Forest S. P.; Chris Ezzo REW Mt. Tammany (Red Dot) Trail in Sept. 28 (Saturday), Ramapo-Dunderberg C Worthington State Forest. Meet 9:00 a.m. Trail at the Timp, Harriman S. P.; Monica in the Dunnfield Creek parking lot (the sec- Resor CHEDULES ond parking lot). Sept. 29 (Sunday), Ramapo-Dunderberg S Trail at the Timp, Harriman S. P.; Monica NJ HIGHLANDS TRAIL CREW Resor For the latest schedules, check http:// TIBOR LANTINCSICS Contact the leader for details, no more than Oct. 5 (Sunday), Buck Trail, Harriman S. Hundreds of volunteers from many lands www.nynjtc.org/volunteers/ one week before the scheduled work date. P.; Bob Marshall and in all sizes helped build the Pochuck trvolop.html#crew. Leader: Bob Moss, 973-743-5203 Oct. 12 (Saturday), Menomine Trail at quagmire crosssing. For all trips bring work gloves, water, Sept. 15 (Sunday) Silvermine, Harriman S. P,; Claudia Ganz Pochuck Crossing Dedication & lunch, insect repellent. In some cases, Sept. 29 (Sunday) Oct. 13 (Sunday), Menomine Trail at Public Celebration tools are provided. Contact leaders in ad- Oct. 13 (Sunday) Silvermine, Harriman S. P.;Chris Ezzo vance for meeting times and places. Vol- Oct. 27 (Sunday) Oct. 17 (Thursday), Gorge October 20 unteers must become members of the Nov. 10 (Sunday) Trail, Bear Mt. S. P.; Bob Marshall Celebrate completion of 15 years of work Conference to participate in these projects. Oct. 20 (Sunday), Popolopen Gorge Trail, on one of the biggest AT projects ever. A one-time “guest” participation is al- NORTH JERSEY Bear Mt. S. P.; Bob Marshall Contact the Trail Conference at 201-512- lowed, so bring your friends. Leaders: Sandy Parr, 732-469-5109 Nov. 2 (Saturday), Seven Hills Trail, 9348 for full details. Dick Warner, 201-327-4945 Harriman S. P.; Chris Ezzo WEST JERSEY CREW Nov. 3 (Sunday), Seven Hills Trail, Second Sunday of each month. Tackle a SOLO Wilderness First Aid Course Leaders: David Day and Monica Resor variety of projects ranging from trail repair Harriman S. P.; Chris Ezzo Phone: 732-937-9098 to bridge building in northern New Jersey. Nov. 10 (Sunday), TO BE ANNOUNCED, Offered by AMC Email: [email protected] Harriman S. P.; Brian Buchbinder If possible, please notify the leaders that Sun./Sun., Sept. 22 & 29 or EAST HUDSON CREW Nov. 14 (Thursday), TO BE AN- you are coming, so they will know how Sat./Sat., Oct. 26 & Nov. 2 NOUNCED, Harriman S. P,; Bob Marshall many people to plan work for. Contact the leader for details. Train pick- SOLO Wilderness First Aid. Emergency ups can be arranged. Nov. 17 (Sunday), TO BE ANNOUNCED, medicine for those who travel where am- Sept. 7 (Saturday), AT Pochuck Reloca- Leader: Walt Daniels, 914-245-1250, Harriman S. P.; Brian Buchbinder bulances can’t. A 16-hour course taught tion. We will be continuing the “wrap-up” [email protected] Nov. 24 (Sunday), TO BE ANNOUNCED, work: finalizing the carpentry, and install- Harriman S. P.; Bob Marshall by volunteer AMC SOLO instructors. ing anchors and tie-downs to “flood-proof” WEST HUDSON Location: Sterling Forest State Park, Tux- the boardwalk. Meeting time: 9:00 am. Crew Chief: Robert Marshall 914-737- APPALACHIAN TC MID-ATLANTIC edo, NY. Price: $30 members; $95 non- Meeting location: where the AT crosses 4792, email [email protected] Rt. 517 in Vernon. Heavy rain cancels. The Crew will be in New York September members, payable to NY-NJ AMC. Fee Brian Buchbinder: 718-218-7563, email 26–30 relocating the AT off of Perkins includes course materials. Member cost Sept. 8 (Sunday), AT Pochuck Reloca- [email protected] Drive in Bear Mountain State Park. does not include optional SOLO certifica- tion. See above. Joint with North Jersey Chris Ezzo: 516-431-1148 Crew. A Women’s Crew will be working October tion available for $25 upon successful Claudia Ganz: 212-633-1324, email 17–21, either on the relocation project or Sept. 14 (Saturday), AT Pochuck Relo- [email protected] on the AT above Dunnfield Creek in completion. Send check, address, phone, cation. See Sept. 7. Monica Resor: 732-937-9098, email Worthington S. P. in New Jersey. Local AMC membership number, e-mail address Sept. 15 (Sunday), AT Pochuck Reloca- [email protected] volunteers are welcome to join either of and SASE to R. Lori Baird, 33-09 31 Ave. tion. See Sept. 7. Sept. 12 (Thursday), Nurian Trail, Harriman these crews. Apt. 3H, City, NY 11106; 718- Oct. 6 (Sunday), Mt. Tammany Trail, S. P; Bob Marshall 274-5173 (NCA 9:30 pm) email: Worthington SP. We will be continuing Contact: Larry Wheelock, Trails Director, Sept. 14 (Saturday), Nurian Trail, Harriman (and hopefully completing) our work on NY-NJ Trail Conference, 156 Ramapo Val- [email protected] S. P.; Bob Marshall the connector trail between the two Mt. ley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430-1199; tele- Registration deadlines: September 18 Tammany trail-head parking lots. Meet Sept. 15 (Sunday), Nurian Trail, Harriman phone 201-512-9348; email for the September course; October 23 for S. P.; Chris Ezzo [email protected]. 9:00 am in the DOT parking lot (the first the October/November course.

4 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2002 TRAIL WALKER TC CLASSIFIEDS So That Future Generations Put your skills and time where your heart a highly motivated volunteer to coordinate is, and work with people who share your and manage the men and women who main- May Have Trails to Hike passion for the outdoors. Opportunities tain the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey. abound with the Trail Conference. Contact The NJ Appalachian Trail Chair position York metropolitan area. The Trail Con- Volunteer Projects Director Joshua needs immediate filling. Qualified candidates GIFT ANNUITY PROGRAM Erdsneker at 201-512-9348 or need to be well organized, detail oriented, ference has been the pre-eminent organi- [email protected] (or alternative listed con- good communicators, and have a passion NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY zation in protecting lands for hiking in the tact) for information or to apply for any of for the AT. Be a part of the team that main- TRAIL CONFERENCE bi-state region, and I want to support that the following positions or to offer your tal- tains one of the most diverse and intrigu- for the future.” ents to the TC. ing sections of the Appalachian Trail. If you Bob emphasizes, “The charitable gift are interested in this position, please con- The Trail Conference now accepts CLIPPING FILE HELP tact Larry Wheelock at 201-512-9348 or annuity is an investment in the future work charitable gift annuities, and long-time Assist the Trail Conference without leaving [email protected]. of the Trail Conference. Gift annuities are member, hiker, and former Board mem- your home. Volunteers are needed to col- not a financial investment, though the lect articles related to the TC from their lo- ber Bob Newton has become the first con- GENERAL OFFICE HELP guaranteed payment and the tax deduc- cal daily and weekly newspapers. All you Looking for something new to do? Why tributor. tion may provide incentives for some need to do is read your daily newspaper, not visit the Trail Conference office once a Through his gift, Bob and his wife, cut out any articles that mention the TC, people.” week and volunteer to spend a few hours Alma, have become charter members of and mail them to our office. It’s that simple. with us. We can use your help! The Trail The Trail Conference adheres to annu- the new planned giving program of the Conference has a wide variety of tasks that ity rates recommended by the nonprofit MINUTE TAKERS Trail Conference. By making an irrevo- could use your expertise; from organizing American Council on Gift Annuities, which Would you like to get more involved with mailings, answering phone calls, working cable gift of at least the Trail Conference without heading into on special projects, and many more excit- $5,000 for a charitable the woods? The Trail Conference needs ing challenges. Make new friends or join gift annuity, Bob and SAMPLE RATES TO ANNUITANTS volunteers to attend official TC meetings current ones at the TC office for a few Alma will receive a guar- such as Trails Council meetings, Delegates hours. anteed payout rate of 6.7 Single Two meetings, and the Annual Meeting to record the official minutes. On average, meetings percent for their lifetime Beneficiary Beneficiaries BITS AND BYTES are three to four hours long. While attend- If you are familiar with MS Windows from the Trail Confer- Age Rate Ages Rate ing these meetings, you will learn more 2000 OS, business application software, ence. From their gift of 65 6.7% 65/65 6.3% about TC issues and have a chance to meet anti-virus software, loading and installing your fellow TC members/volunteers. cash, some of the pay- 70 7.2% 70/70 6.6% software, and other general technical sup- ment will be taxable and port duties, then we have a job for you. 75 7.9% 75/75 7.0% YOU CAN ADOPT YOUR OWN some will be a tax-free Volunteers are needed to be responsible for 80 8.9% 80/80 7.7% SECTION OF TRAIL the routine maintenance of the TC office return of principal. And, 85 10.4% 85/85 8.7% As the number of trail miles maintained by desktop computers. Be rewarded by mak- they also receive an im- 90 12.0% 90/90 10.2% the TC continues to grow, the need for ing new friends, solving challenging prob- mediate income tax de- additional maintainers has become ever lems, and contributing to the TC team. duction from their gift. apparent. Join our current maintainers in has been recommending rates for 75 years. Bob readily admits to his life-long in- their efforts to provide the public with the WAWAYANDA AND YOU! best hiking trails around. All that is needed The rates are actuarily-based, gender-neu- Are you interested in enhancing the hiking terest in hiking, and he has always en- is the willingness to volunteer two or three tral IRS tables, and meet the standards of opportunities in Wawayanda State Park in joyed supporting the Conference’s remark- days a year. Training sessions and mainte- the Departments of Insurance of both New New Jersey? The Wawayanda Supervisor nance manuals are available for first-time able success in trail building and trail land will be the TC liaison to trail maintainers York and New Jersey. maintainers. protection. Bob and Alma want to ensure and park managers, and will help solve trail If you want to know about the chari- We have trails in northeastern New Jer- the continued progress of the Trail Con- issues and problems in the park. sey, the Delaware Water Gap National Rec- table gift annuity with the Trail Confer- This position offers significant influence ference in extending the 1500 miles of hik- reational Area, and Harriman State Park that ence, contact the Conference office for a on a regional system of trails, a satisfying ing trails along a corridor of 100,000 acres need you. Adopt a section of trail with a Disclosure Statement. To receive informa- reward for a fairly large time commitment. friend or family members and be rewarded in the bi-state region. If you are well organized, a good listener, tion and calculations specific to you, please with the satisfaction of helping to preserve Bob says, “Our gifts are for future hik- detail oriented, and willing to learn, contact provide your date of birth or that of you one of our greatest recreational assets, our ers. We want to be sure that more lands Larry Wheelock at 201-512-9348 or and your spouse, and indicate if your gift trail network. Opportunities exist that are are protected to build more hiking trails. [email protected]. will be cash or stocks. accessible via public transportation. Hiking nurtures our physical and mental Send your inquiry to the attention of MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS/ health, which we need more of in the stress- NATIONAL TREASURE NEEDS YOU Maureen Walsh. BULK MAIL GURU filled sprawling urban areas in the New The nation’s greatest historic footpath needs The TC seeks a detail oriented volunteer to coordinate the membership renewal process. Someone who knows or wants to learn the wonderful world of bulk mail would love A D V O C A C Y this job! The job would require a few days a month to coordinate the preparation of C O N S E R V A T I O N 500+ renewal notices and bulk mail sort- & ing. If you are interested in this opportu- Sterling Land, Programs Expand subject to current negotiations, with the 3. A special one-day program for chil- nity, please contact Maureen Walsh at the TC office at 201-512-9348 or Orange County Land Trust playing a dren from Northern Ireland. An innovative use of $3 million in [email protected]. criminal environmental fines has led to major role. 4. A five-day program with the Pediat- the protection of 145 more acres of Arrow Former Conference Executive Director ric Bereavement Project of Calvary Hos- TRAIL WALKER ADVERTISING Park and funding for the acquisition of JoAnn Dolan and her husband Paul Dolan pital that included children whose parents MANAGER the 480-acre adjacent Indian Hill tract. have been working closely with PIPC and were killed in the terrorist attack on 9/11 We are looking for a volunteer advertising manager for Trail Walker. Responsibilities Both parcels will be conveyed to the Pali- others on the project. and children who lost parents or loved one include soliciting new advertisers and man- In addition, an extraordinary use of the from other tragedies. sades Interstate Park Commission to ex- aging communication between TW staff Arrow Park land is underway funded by pand Sterling Forest. 5. A family day for Ground Zero re- and our current advertisers. Interested vol- The Trail Conference has been a part- the Variety Children’s fund and anony- covery volunteers from the fire department unteers should be comfortable working ner in the first 80-acre easement phase of mous donors. The program includes: and their families, most of whom were with deadlines, have good people skills, and be familiar with desktop publishing. Previ- protecting Arrow Park and Lake, a 477- 1. A five-day program for children from Orange and Rockland Counties ous advertising and sales experience is not whose firefighter fathers were killed in the acre tract of land just north of Sterling necessary, but helpful. Please contact Forest, the Doris Duke Sanctuary, and the World Trade Center attack. „ Keep up with the latest conservation Maureen Walsh at the TC office at 201- Little Dam Lake section of the Appala- 2. A five-day program for children of and advocacy news for hikers at 512-9348 or [email protected] for more chian Trail. The remaining 252 acres are war from Sierra Leone, Africa. www.nynjtc.org. information.

TRAIL WALKER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2002 5 Bear Encounters on the Rise in Northern New Jersey continued from page1 A Quiet Walk to a Rattling Experience

families, and terrified tent occupants with actually had to deal with “problem bears.” by Betsy Thomason night-time “sniff-outs.” “Generally,” he notes, “bears are a Fisher, who thru-hiked the AT in 2000 curiosity along the Appalachian Trail, one arriman State Park is a mere 30 old concrete chunks marked the path to- and is now in his second season monitor- of the animals along with moose, deer, minutes from my home. I go wards the water’s edge. Draped over this ing trail activities as an AT Ridgerunner, snakes, porcupines, raccoons, frogs, and Hthere often to take a break in the barrier were blackberry bushes laden with says that though he has heard many bear birds, that all hikers want to see and hope- shade of the forest. One day, I went for thumb-size berries. Along the dry dirt tales, this year is the first in which he has fully get that once-in-a-lifetime picture to that reason, but also to discover where margin of the pond sprawled enough ripe show the family back home.” the berries are abundant. In the coming thumb-size blackberries to win a prize at But close encounters present week, I would be leading two groups in any state fair. I was in berry heaven. risks for both humans and search of blueberries. I thought I should I filled my quart bucket, then a small, bears. have some idea of where to go and not plastic bag. I began my walk back, and Al Ivaney, a biologist with leave everything to serendipity. noticed that the hillside I had passed ear- the New Jersey Division of Fish So, on a moderately hot summer morn- lier was covered in knee-high blueberry and Wildlife and spokesman ing, I went off to explore, starting at An- bushes. They had been the subject of my for the state’s Department of thony Wayne Recreation Area just south search, so I started up the hill—through Environmental Protection, of Bear Moun- the shrubs, over logs—picking and eat- agreed that most human-bear tain, within ear- ing. I spotted another sprig of my favorite encounters in the state’s woods shot of the Pali- wine berries. As berries melted in my this season have occurred in sades Interstate mouth I heard rustling in the bushes. The

DARCY KEEHN Worthington State Forest. He Parkway. In the sound came and went. I moved on toward spring, I’d seen a rocky outcrop. EAR IN IND also said that there have been B M some lovely high- From this island in the midst of acres NJ Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and Garth Fisher twice as many home break-ins bush blueberry of low blueberry bushes in a forest that offer these bear tips to hikers and campers: by bears this year as compared • Do not feed bears, either unintentionally or to last, and four times as many bushes in full had recently been burned, I again heard intentionally. reported attempted break-ins. bloom and now I rustling. I took three steps forward to get • Normal trail noise will likely alert a bear to your wanted to verify a better look at the white striped thing I presence and it will leave before you ever see it. that the fruit was plentiful. This area is saw 20 feet away in the blueberries. My • Exercise caution in berry areas. Increasing bear populations ideal for picking because the terrain is mind confirmed that a skunk might in- • Never approach a bear; observe it from a are one factor for the step-up distance. in the number of encounters, gentle, with old woods roads crisscross- deed like blueberries. I stopped. The skunk • Make a bear aware of your presence by he said, but there are also in- ing numerous marked footpaths, includ- kept falling over. The white line was clapping, singing, talking. dications that many of the spe- ing the Appalachian Trail. Thus, a lot of crooked. The rattle sent me back three • If you encounter a bear at close range, remain energy is not needed to reap a good har- paces. standing upright, avoid direct eye contact, back cies’ natural foods are dried up vest, especially important on a hot sum- up slowly, and speak in a calm, assertive, and or in reduced amounts—a Two rattlers cavorting, entwining them- assuring voice. probable result of the ongoing mer day. selves vertically, their heads visible at the • Hang your food and toiletries or use a bear box drought. And the fall, he cau- I walked south on a shaded forest trail, tops of the knee-high bushes. Then they’d (remember to latch it). tioned, could be even more marked with blue dots, crossing a mean- crash to the ground and start entwining • Do not throw your cooking pot leftovers into dering stream several times on little board upwards again—a classic snake dance. the weeds. stressful for bears. There are bridges, then up a grade to Beechy Bot- • Clean up your camping area before you leave. indications, he said, that this I’ve seen rattlers—some coiled, some in Additional tips and information about bears are year’s acorn crop—an impor- tom Road. Just a short distance further, at bushes or wrapped around a tree, a lone available at www.njfishandwildlife.com. tant food source—may be the junction of the 1779 Trail, is the place one slithering across a rock to the safety much reduced, a likely result that I expected a cache of blues. of a crevice—but in 30 years of wilder- of the combined impacts of drought and Was I disappointed! Not one berry. ness travel I’ve never seen anything quite gypsy moth devastation of oak trees. I knew of another location on the west like this. Ridgerunner Fisher notes that food is side of the Palisades Parkway, so I crossed I was entranced, glued to that rock. This almost always what brings bears and hu- over. In 10 minutes I was there and out of was nature at its best. In 15 minutes they mans into close encounter. “When bears range of the parkway noise. Again, not a were done and disappeared. learn—and they will learn with one expo- blueberry to be found, though a few ripe Then reality—or was it imagination— sure—that humans are a source of food, blackberries lured me through a maze of struck. I had to return to the woods road, either unintentionally (a kid leaves food downed trees and sticker bushes. An old through acres and acres of knee-high blue- in their backpack on the ground) or by woods road that I’d noticed in the spring berry bushes, with rattlers on my tail. This design (a person throws part of their sand- and had placed on my list for future ex- would not do. I needed a different picture. wich at the cute bear over there at the ploration took me further. I was off, walk- I called on my brain to give me more in- edge of the woods), then there is a ‘prob- ing in the rut of the grassy road as it curved formation about snakes. It told me that lem bear’—or is it a ‘problem human’? around a swamp full of phragmites shak- those were probably the only two rattlers Oh well, no matter, the bear will take the ing their fronds in the gentle breeze. in a square mile. Food isn’t plentiful rap.” The road turned south under a canopy enough to support dozens of snakes. of chestnut oaks, and I found a sprig of They’re not lurking in every rock crevice. wine berries, growing out of an old stone My decades of experience in Harriman wall, loaded with sticky, ripe, reddish-or- Park told me this.  ange berries. Quickly my bucket was half I took a deep breath and methodically  full. I continued south along the shaded placed one foot among the bushes. Then road. To my right, the hillside was a mass the other. Again and again. I looked for of boulders with sturdy trees growing out      the occasional oasis of grass or rock or of them. To my left, the land sloped down fallen tree where I could relax and gather          to the swamp, which was bathed in full strength. I forced myself to bend over and      sun. Shortly, through the canopy of trees, pick a few berries. Soon I was back at the   I saw a pond, the outflow of the swamp. road. The road ended at a circle where a previ- My search was over. I had my berries.    ous visitor had built a fire. Small piles of And my serendipity.

6 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2002 TRAIL WALKER tions before the fire of 1806. The lush years from 1730 to 1750 can be seen as the greatest decades of growth, and the Hunting Seasons A Black Rock Oak Tree drought years of the 1960s as one of the New York and New Jersey have an- 300 Years of Recording History and Giving Life worst. nounced their hunting schedules for large While recording volumes of informa- game and times when firearms are per- tion annually for nearly three centuries, mitted. Hikers are strongly urged to wear he year was 1713, twenty years dial growth) wood was never considered safety orange clothing during these this tree has most importantly provided times. Dates listed are inclusive. before the birth of the father of our for use as furniture, flooring, ship-build- food and shelter for countless forms of life. country. While native Americans T ing stock, or charcoal or firewood. This one tree, over its lifetime, may have NEW YORK freely roamed these woodlands, a tree was The tree dropped its leaves for the final produced one-half million acorns or more, Southern Zone (including Catskills) born in a remote forest wilderness that time during the drought of 1999. No sign creating an immense potential for future DEER SEASON would someday be known as the Black of leaf-out was observed for the next two forests and acorn-eating animals. Archery: Oct. 15–Nov. 17; Dec. 11- Rock Forest. For the next three centuries, growing seasons. On a hunch that it may This tree, a sentinel to time, witnessed 15 this white oak tree would reside next to a have been the oldest living tree in Black every sunrise and sunset for 287 years. Archery (Westchester Co. only): Nov. small vernal pool near a rock out- Rock, the tree was cut down to ex- 1–Dec. 31 Every year of its life can be read in its Firearms: Nov. 18–Dec. 10 cropping to be known in our plore its history in February rings and releases the wisdom of the Muzzleloader: Dec. 11–15 time as Raup’s Rock (eleva- 2002. Thin disks, known as grandfather’s spirit. tion 1400 feet). “cookies,” were cut from — John Brady Hunting is not allowed in Bear Moun- Today, the surround- the base of the tree. tain-Harriman State Park. However, it is ing plant life of dense First observations re- „ John Brady is forest manager at Black allowed in parts of Minnewaska and Ster- ling Forest State Parks. Call 845-786- blueberry and mountain vealed the rosy pink Rock Forest. This article is reprinted from the Black Rock Forest News with permis- 2701 for more details about hunting in laurel is overtopped by springwood highlighting these parks. (As of the deadline for this sion. yellow and black birch dense brown tree rings. Re- newsletter, Storm King State Park is trees and dominated by ma- spectfully counting the rings, The Black Rock Forest Consortium is closed to all public use. Hunting is per- ture red and black oaks. Other history becomes visible. First the an alliance of public and private schools, mitted in portions of the park when it is white oaks resembling the grandfather tree open to the public; call the above num- tree’s age is revealed, 287 years; then a colleges, universities, and scientific and ber for the latest status.) are also nearby. scar from 1806 indicates the only remain- cultural institutions engaged in research, Late in the second century of the oak’s ing evidence from a long-past forest fire education, and conservation in the 3785- Black Rock Forest closes to all hikers life, the creation of the Chatfield Trail gave in these mountains. Further observation acre Black Rock Forest in New York’s from Nov. 18 to Dec. 10, inclusive. For details, call 845-534-4517. nearby access to the tree. Miraculously reveals growth trends related to climate Hudson Highlands. The Trail Conference spared by the saw, its straight-grained, extremes. A drought in the late 1790s, seen is a member organization. More information about New York’s slow-growing (24 years to the inch of ra- as thin crowded lines, describes the condi- hunting schedules is available from the Department of Environmental Conserva- tion at www.dec.state.ny.us. ECOLOGY FOR HIKERS year; but in both 2000 and 2001, more NEW JERSEY than 130,000 acres were affected. This New Jersey has very complicated hunt- year, about 42,000 acres have been con- ing seasons that vary depending on lo- Gypsy Moths in Our Forests spicuously damaged. While defoliation cation and kind of weapon permit. (Even alone usually does not kill trees, the com- the DEP spokesman in July was unsure Life Cycle By Joan G. Ehrenfeld bination of defoliation with other stressors, whether the dates had received final ap- proval.) It is recommended that hikers iking on 90 degree summer days Gypsy moths hatch in early spring from such as drought, air pollution, or other verify the dates for the location in which woolly egg cases that are laid on the trunks is hot work, but normally the pests or diseases, will do so, especially the they are interested. Call 609-292-2965 Hshade of the forest makes it tol- of trees during the previous summer; doz- trees growing on ridgetops with shallow or visit www.njfishandwildlife.com. The erable, if not absolutely cool. In northeast- ens of larvae emerge from each egg case. soils. Patches of dead trees, resulting from following dates for deer season were ern New Jersey and adjacent New York, The larvae suspend themselves from silken last year’s drought plus defoliation, are listed on the web site as of the deadline for this issue. There is no Sunday hunt- threads, which allows the wind to disperse conspicuous in the northeastern forests. however, this year the forest provides less ing. shade than might be expected: gypsy moth them widely. During the next two months, These cycles of damage result, in part, larvae have been at work, and large the larvae molt five or six times as they from complex interactions with predators DEER SEASON patches of forest are defoliated. feed on young, growing leaves, which and pathogens. The white-footed mouse Firearms: Dec. 9-14 Gypsy moths, insects belonging to the have more nutrients and fewer defensive and other small mammals are important Shotgun: Nov. 25, 26, 27, and 29; Dec. 9-14; Dec. 18-20; Jan. 4-31, chemicals than do older leaves. By the end predators of gypsy moths: when oaks pro- order Lepidoptera (butter- 2003; and Feb. 1-15, 2003. flies and moths), are na- of June, the caterpillars pupate; the dark duce large crops of acorns, mouse popu- tive to a large portion of brown smooth pupal cases can be seen lations increase, and gypsy moth popula- Europe and Asia, where adhering to the sides of the trees. The adult tions decrease during the following years, they live on oaks and moths emerge by early July. The female and vice versa. A naturally-occurring vi- other trees in forests that does not fly; she emits a chemical attrac- ral disease, and, most significant, an in- are similar to the deciduous forests of our tant (termed a “pheromone”), and waits troduced fungal pathogen, appear to be region. In its native range, predators and for a male to find her. After she has mated, most important in controlling the size of parasites keep the insect’s populations she lays a single egg mass covered with gypsy moth populations. down, preventing it from causing the large- hairs on the trunk of the tree. Gypsy moths continue to spread out scale damage that it causes here. from the northeast, at a rate of about 21 The gypsy moth arrived on this conti- A Taste for Oaks kilometers (14 miles) per year. While re- nent in 1868 or 1869, when the French- Gypsy moths particularly like to eat searchers are developing programs to try man E. Leopold Trouvelot brought some oaks—white, red, black, chestnut, and oth- to slow the spread of the moth, they also egg cases from France to Boston, with the ers—but they also munch on sweetgums, recognize that the gypsy moth is here to idea of crossing the gypsy moth with silk- aspens, and larches. The high percentage stay. In time, it will likely be found in all worms. That experiment failed, and of oaks in our forests thus make them the oak-dominated forests of the Trouvelot turned from entomology to as- quite susceptible to gypsy moth damage. country. tronomy (eventually gaining a position at Defoliation occurs in waves —several Harvard University in this field). But the years of widespread, severe damage are „ Joan G. Ehrenfeld is a professor in the moths he had reared escaped his back yard usually followed by several years of low Department of Ecology, Evolution, and and by 1890 had become sufficiently wide- defoliation. During 1997-1999, for ex- Natural Resources, Cook College, Rutgers spread and damaging to stimulate control ample, fewer than 2,000 acres were defo- University. She chairs the Science Advi- efforts by the government. liated by gypsy moths in New Jersey each sory Committee of the Trail Conference.

TRAIL WALKER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2002 7 C O N T R I B U T I O N S

TORREY SOCIETY McIntosh, Regina McVay, Robert J. Meinke, Thanks for . . . National Trails Day Support Gifts over $500 Walter A. Metzger, Daniel K. Miller, Francis X. Peter I. and Janice A. Ford, Lydia Jack and Noah Miller, Richard S. Mitnick, James P. Monticello, Zakim, Richard D. and Faith A. Larson, James Thomas C. Moorhead, Betty Moran, Thomas C. erected posts through a large open field C. and Susan P. R. Goodfellow, Jim Sligar, Diana and Ruth Morgan, Andrew Moroz, Rhoda D. and Paul E. Morrisroe, William J. Moss, Henry & for trail markers so that the trail could be Sattelberger, Alan Melniker, Robert W. Messerschmidt, Hedley M. Weeks Elaine and Andrew Muller, Tom Mulyca, Felice routed this way. Others cleared the way Aull Nachbar, Gloria S. Neuwirth, Stephen E. for a native plant garden. A good time Novak, Edward T. O’Connor, Kenneth H. Oelkers, DONORS Tommy and Maureen Pearce, Dennis J. Pegg, was had by all 45 participants. Gifts up to $499 Karen and Bob Pepsis, George R. Petty Jr., Kate —Bob Ward, Chairman Nancy Abraham, Shin Aizeki, Carmine M. Peyser, Walter R. Pfaff, Thomas E. Pinnick III, Metro Area Trails Committee Alfano, James Allen, Michael J. Ashworth, Margers and Baiba R. Pinnis, Gale and Louis Annette Bacilo, Ted Baker, Claude P. Bamberger, Pisha, Junius L. Powell Jr., Paul N. and Joan Walt B. Barney, Christopher K. Bastedo, Ann Prentice, Michael Puryear, John Queren, Dale L. Benedetto, Vivian Bergman, Tom Bessoir, John B. Ramsey and Sarah N. Schindler, Chris and Lydie . . . and for Outreach Blenninger, Phyllis H. Bloom, James F. Boddorf, O. Raschka, Alex and Susan Reeves, Jennifer The Metro Area Trails Committee Kenneth F. Bohne, Harry F. Bott, Douglas O. Reidy, Johanna Rioux, Ruth B. M. Robinson, Roger Roloff and Barbara Petersen, Weiland A. would like to thank Goldman, Sachs Com- Collaboration Bowers, Robert W. Boyajian, Mike J. and Maryann Bozzo, Roland Breault, Walter E. Britt, Ross, George S. and Ingrid E. Rothbart, Francis X. munity Team Works for their generous The Trail Conference would like to Charles B. Brock, John and Patricia Brotherton, Rudegeair, Pat and Mike Ruscigno, Joan L. Russo, support, both monetarily and physically, thank Tent City/Hempstead Outdoor store Howard Brown and Nancy A. Houghten-Brown, Ayako Saito, Carl Schiemann, Robert and Rosemary Schmitt, Fran Schnall, Trudy Schneider, of our trail maintenance in the Staten Is- for a successful outreach event. On July Casey Bruno, David W. Buell, Peter Buffington, Raymond M. Bulley, Raymond P. and Santa A. Arlene Scholer, Ruth Schorsch, Dr. William and land Greenbelt on June 1, National Trails 19 and 20 the Trail Conference provided Byrnes, Ferdinand Caiocca, Evangeline Francie Schuster, Paul E. Scraggs, Howard M. Day. With their help we were able to field informational handouts to store custom- Caliandro, John R. Casmer, William Chiappane, Sebold, Hardwick Simmons, Kermit C. and Patricia Smith, Richard Smith, Brian and Natalie four teams that worked on clearing the ers and signed up several new members. Susan Chiaravalle, Michael and Sharon P. C. Churcher, Peter M. Cline, Henry G. Corey, N. Sniatkowski, Marguerite St. Palley, Scott D. brush on parts of different trails in the “The majority of the store customers Christopher and Elizabeth Cornell, Michael Stanford, Marguerite N. Stanley, Paulette Staum, Greenbelt. With technical assistance from were unaware of the Trail Conference’s Costante, Michael B. Crowley, Robert W. John J. Stefans, Phyllis A. Stewart, Ramona Suarez, Charles W. Swenson, Robert J. Sydor, the New York City Department of Parks role in maintaining hiking trails in places Csipkay, Margaret Cushing, Andy J. Damato, Jack W. Davis, Jerome Dean, Gregory H. and Betty J. Tabor, Dean B. Talcott, Charles H. Talleur, and Recreation, a new foot bridge was like Harriman and the Catskills. This Virginia S. Deatz, Lois N. DeConca, John P. J. Bruce Taylor, Carl E. and Victoria A.D. Thune, placed across a stream on the La Tourette event gave us the opportunity to educate Denkowski, Donald B. Derr and Carol Derr, David L. Thurber, Peter Tilgner and Suzan Gordon, Enrico A. and Evelyn Tissi, Diana Trebbi, (Yellow) Trail. Some of the personnel and promote ourselves to the hiking com- Erna C. Neuman deVegvar, John Devery, Abram and Vanda DeVries, Mark Diekmann, Delight W. George Treible, Alice L. Tufel, Thomas N. and munity of Long Island,” said Josh and Paul M. Dodyk, Paul R. and Joann L. Dolan, Diane Tuthill, William J. Underwood, Christie Van Erdsneker, TC Volunteer Projects Direc- Margaret Donohoe, Joseph Duffy, Mark and Kehrberg, Rose Veccia, Renee P. Victor, Geoffrey Vincent, Ernest Wagner, Peter F. R. and Susan Happy Trails in Life tor. Keep an eye out in the Trail Walker Judi Edgerly, Joan Ehrenfeld and David Ehrenfeld, Vincent Ellison Jr., George C. Walker, Richard W. and Grace Walkus, Edward J. In Celebration of the Wedding of for future outreach events in your neigh- Erkmann, Leonard and Nancy Esposito, June Walsh and Eudora Walsh, Robert J. Ward, Bob B. borhood. Fait, Kathleen M. Fayo, David L. Felsenthal, A. and Joyce Watson, Larry A. Wehr, Donald L. Jeff Hanissian and Monica Ha Christopher Fiore, Ruth J. Fischer, Steven A. Weise, Robert and Virginia Weismantel, Mort Fischler, Steven Flanders, Kenneth Flickinger, Weitzner, Barbara Westergaard, Jennifer Wheary June 1, 2002, New York City and Paul Walker, George Willenbacher, Hanson Ronald R. Fontana, Joanne Foster and John Macalla, Sheldon Freidenreich, Edgar L. and Wong, Paul Wulff, Sarah F. Yarmolinsky, Steffie A Contribution to NYNJTC M. Yost, Peter Z. Zadis, Elizabeth Zeldin, H. Neil Olive I. Freud, Peter Frishauf, Max Gabay, J. Has been made in their Honor Matt and Velma L. Gates, Robert J. Gawel, Zimmerman, Lilian Zwyns Robin Geller, William H. Gelles, Gunter W. Georgi, Frances V. Gibbs, Chris Giffuni, Bessie DONOR ORGANIZATIONS Jenny Giges, Joseph A. and Mary A. Giordmaine, Earth Share, Catskill 3500 Club, ADK Ramapo Norman C. and Mildred Gittinger, Toby Golick, Chapter, Neil Grant, Timothy A. Gregg, James A. Gregoire, Elliot and Sue Grover, Charles T Where there’s a Will, there’s a Trail Haferman, Margaret M. Haltigan, Deborah E. MATCHING GIFT COMPANIES Hammond, William A. and Joan T. Hand, Eileen Prudential Foundation, Pfizer When we build them, you hike them. We’ve been P. Hanna, Paul H. Harrison, Nancy G. Hassanein, Gary Haugland, Jim E. Hayes, building and protecting trails for at least four RECOGNITION GIFTS Martin Helpern, Jean-Marie Herron, Jim generations of hikers since 1920. That’s 1,500 miles Hillgardner, Sheldon Himber, Peter E. Hobday, In Memory of Hal Cohen in New York and New Jersey to date. Help us David E. Hogenauer and Claire S. Hogenauer, John B. Blenninger, William I. and Joan Weisberg, keep building for the next generation by naming Richard T. Holden, Royal Jay Holly, Lance Peter Heckler and Rita Heckler Jacobs and Esta Shapiro, David L. Johns, Peter P. the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference in Johnson, Arthur Johnson, Robin Johnston, Robert In Memory of Irwin Butensky your will. A bequest makes a wonderful gift, and A. Jordan Jr., David Kassel and Michelle Conrad, Walter Strasfeld, Jeal Sugarman it lasts beyond one lifetime. Jan Keithly and Miklos Muller, William M. Kelly, John T. Kesich and Emily Rizzo, Howard D. In Memory of Melissa Butensky Kessler Jr., David Kientzler, Frederick K. and Jo Nancy Rodriguez For confidential information and legal language, contact Kies, Stephen and Ann Klepner, Henryka In Memory of Nick Styranovski the Trail Conference at 201-512-9348, or by email: Komanska, Clifford F. and Jane B. Konitz, John S. Krtil, Kurt W. Kucsma, Michael A. Lea, Dr. Michael Bellini, Lynne R. Cashman, Catherine M. [email protected]. Art Lebofsky, Paul Leikin, Leonard M. Leiman, Durda, Martin and Alice L. Feldman, Holger Phyllis Lennert, Rosanne Levitt, Barnet M. Levy, Nissen and Sarah W. French, Barbara Goldberg, Sally Lewis and Marshall Katzman, William H. John R. Grob, Peter Heckler and Rita Heckler, R a m a p o M o u n t a i n R e t r e a t List, Helmuth H. Loddigs, Carol and Frederick Julius and Hermine Levine, Joan and Norman M. Loggia, H. Max Lopp II, Len and Liz Lyon, Levine, Jane A. Levenson, Robert T. Maloney, Eileen T. Mahler, Margaret R. Malloy, William Joseph R. Mechlin, Alan Melniker, Julia O’Connor, N o w A v a i l a b l e H. Manasia, Ira and Ann Marder, Robert F. Joachim and Lila Oppenheimer, Daniel Rosenstein, Marshall, William B. Mather Jr., Malcolm J. Murray Schechter, David Sutter and Naomi Sutter, Private retreat, on 2-11/4 acres in Mahwah, NJ, located Matthews, Stewart J. and Maeve Maurer, John J. Stankard, Richard Wouldenberg on the Yellow Trail of the . Five bed- Thomas G. McBride, Roland B. and Mary S. rooms, 3-11/2 baths, soaring ceilings, open floorplan and surrounded by nature. Swim in your own pool or walk MARKETPLACE out to hiking trails. You can have iit allll!! The most up-to-date maps. The latest guide books. TC hats, shirts, bandannas, and patches. All at 20% discount for TC members! $1,125,000 Weichert Realtors The shop is always open at www.nynjtc.org Franklin Lakes Offfice Or call 201-512-9348 to place your order. 201-891-6900 HIKER’S

8 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2002 TRAIL WALKER HIKERS’ BOOKSHOP

Hiking Long Island: tions are interesting and include maps and A Comprehensive Guide to Parks details on car and mass transportation to Wilderness First Aid and Trails trailheads. The three major long-distance a program of the Wilderness Safety Council trails on Long Island—Nassau-Suffolk By Lee McAllister "...should be mandatory for anyone New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Greenbelt Trail, Long Island Greenbelt venturing out into the back country” 2001 Trail, and the Paumanok Path—are fully described. In addition, he covers many of www.wfa.net Reviewed by Russell J. Cannizzaro (703) 836-8905 Long Island’s parks and preserves, which, though they may not have marked trail Call or visit our website for class dates While hiking in Caumsett State Park in New Jersey and Pennsylvania in Suffolk County some years ago, my systems, present many opportunities for family and I spotted a red fox. Moments enjoyable walks. later, our excitement more than tripled McAllister also discusses issues that when we saw three baby foxes looking affect hiking on the island, such as the straight at us from a ditch. In his new book, impacts of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), Hiking Long Island, Lee McAllister ex- motor bikes, mountain bikes, and horse- amines the many hiking locations amid back riding, and recent efforts to conserve the island’s extensive development where land. the observant walker may encounter such natural delights. „ Trail Conference books, maps, and other Part one of the book is context. There merchandise can be ordered online at is excellent basic advice to hikers on plan- www.nynjtc.org. ning, equipment, clothing, and supplies. The author offers information on the ge- ology, flora, and fauna of the island. (Here  ! I learned that the fox is the largest mam- "     #$  A   &  malian predator on Long Island.) Next is   $   a short history of Long Island, from the   '  native Indian tribes through the develop- ( & F*+*! ment of Levittown. " ,&  #F - . In part two, McAllister gives detailed " / descriptions of trails and preserves in &&&   0# Nassau and Suffolk counties. The descrip-

TRAIL WALKER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2002 9 the woods of the notch into the blooms of ing through the crack in the table rock at laurel (late June/early July), the bounty of the viewpoint and heading generally south- F A V O R I T E H I K E S blueberries (mid July), or the fire-colored east, or via a trail (not the one blazed red) brilliance of blueberry foliage in autumn. that leaves the northeast corner of the sum- At any time, the views from the knob are mit clearing. Once found, the herd path is magnificent and well worth the additional easy to follow; it is about .25 mile to the up-and-down from the summit. knob. Despite its modest height and the fact Return from the knob the same way, that it is not a difficult hike, Ashokan High and locate the red-blazed trail heading Point offers a respectable workout: the el- northwest. You shortly come to a little spur evation gain from the trailhead is more that offers a view west to Mombaccus. than 1800 feet; and if one walks the entire Back on the red trail, about .25 mile from red-blazed lollipop circuit and unblazed the summit, you will arrive at a series of spur to the knob, the distance covered is small meadows and wonderful views north nearly 9 miles. Much of the route is along to the Slide Mountain Wilderness peaks. old woods roads, and those who prefer a From here, this section of the loop re- fairly easy but lovely woods walk might tains some characteristics and occasional like to give the section just up to the notch confusions of a seldom-used herd path, a try (about 5 miles, round trip). though a red blaze can almost always be spotted. The trail also includes one fairly The Hike long, steep, eroded, and unpleasant rocky The trail begins across the road from stretch. However, this part of the loop also the parking area and follows an old woods has its attractions: there are lovely, level road for about 2.5 miles to the notch be- walks through laurel, and rumors of an tween High Point and Mombaccus Moun- unfortunate airplane along the trail draw tain. (It is also marked as a cross-country one’s attention repeatedly into the woods. Complete the loop or retrace your steps. Map 43 (Southern Catskill Trails) in the TC looked by hikers, who typically set their ski trail.) The incline here is gentle, the Either way, you’ve already enjoyed one Catskill Forest Preserve map series, 2001 sights on the 3500-foot peaks further north. forest a mix of deciduous and evergreen of the nicest hikes in the Catskills. Coordinates: K8/L8 But High Point and a knob below it offer trees interspersed with fern glens, and the Kanope Brook is generally within sight Hiker: Katie Rottmann with Georgette Weir several spectacular viewpoints, including To Get There unobstructed views south to the and hearing. At the notch, turn sharply Just south of the very popular Slide , the Highlands, and left (do not continue straight as the way From the traffic circle at the Kingston Mountain Wilderness Area in the Catskill ; northeast to the descends onto private property). exit on the NYS Thruway: Go north on Mountains, is the 27,214-acre Sundown Ashokan Reservoir; west to little (2600) Just a few hundred feet from the notch, Route 28; at 16 miles turn left onto Route Wild Forest, where stands Ashokan High but lovely Mombaccus Mountain; and the loop trail from the summit (red blaze) 28A; at 2.7 miles turn right onto County Point. (It is indicated simply as High Point north to the Burroughs Range, where comes in from the left. Continue straight Rt. 42 (Peekamoose Road, though no sign on the Trail Conference map). At 3080 peakbaggers roam. and more sharply up. In the approximately indicates this name); at 3.9 miles turn right feet, Ashokan High Point is often over- High Point’s lower knob also features one mile from the notch to the summit, into Kanope Brook parking area. the delights of an extensive blueberry moor you will benefit on three or four short, steep dotted with mountain laurel. Depending climbs from some recent serious heavy- Share Your Favorite Hike on one’s timing, one might emerge from lifting stair-building by trail maintainers. Either write up a description yourself, or invite the Admire their work and give thanks. Trail Walker editor to join you. Email Georgette Weir at At the summit, the unmarked trail to [email protected] or call 845-462-0142. the knob can be located either by descend-

THE The New York-NNew Jersey Trail Conference is looking for someone who has a pas- sion for hiking that is inter- ested in becoming a Receptionist/Administrative Assistant for our small, but energetic office in Mahwah, NJ. BED & BREAKFAST Duties will include answering our 6-lline 800-785-5364 phone, answering general hiking-rrelated ques- tions, handling walk-iin/phone customers, • In Catskill Park – ordering office supplies, word processing, Access Many 3500 Club Peaks transciption and general office work. Please • 15 Rooms, All Pvt. Bath, see our website at www.nynjtc.org, or call Cable TV, Phones, AC Maureen Walsh at 201-5512-99348 for more information. • Sweeping Views, 13 Acres facing Hunter Mt. • Moderate Rates Include Full Hot Breakfast • Dinner Arranged for Small Groups County Rd. 16 Tannersville, NY 12485

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10 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2002 TRAIL WALKER Meet: 10 am; call leader for directions. 6 miles on Patriots Path and scenic Minnewaska State Park along the and carriage roads; Conifer Pass trails. Mud Pond and steep climb up Castle Point.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16 SATURDAY, OCT. 26 RVW. Trail Maintenance, Section 20 Long Path Twilight URBAN. Bartlett Arboretum. Leader: Sal Varbero, 718-420-9569. HIKERS’ ALMANAC Park/Platte Clove Rd. to Palenville. Leader: call: 845-246- Meet: 9:10 am at Grand Central Station information booth. 4 level miles 8616.Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 Market Street, around the arboretum. Saugerties, 8:00. Inclement weather date-following Wednesday. NYHC. Long Island Belt. Leader: Olga Vassina, 718-996-0370; call URBAN. Pelham Bay Park to Bartow Pell Mansion. Leader: after 10 pm. Meet: 11:00 am at Great River, Long Island, RR station (take Pat O’Malley, 212-924-7486. Meet: 10 am at Pelham Bay stop of #6 train, 9:13 Speonk train to Great River). Easy 5-6 mile hike on flat terrain and continued from page 12 TUESDAY, OCT. 8 street level. 5-7 brisk miles on Shore Rd., across Pelham Bay Bridge to at a steady pace. Hike to ocean and back; optional free museum visit Orchard Beach, Twin and Hunter Islands. Rain cancels. SUNDAY, SEPT. 29 FVTW. Stokes State Forest. Leader: Arnie Seymour-Jones, 201- afterwards. 768-3864. Meet: 10 am; call leader for directions. 6-7 scenic miles to AT, ADK-MH. Walk at Apple Time. Leader: Ben Shor, 845-236-4291. UCH. Two Lakes, Harriman State Park. Leader: Ed Franslau, 201- views, wagon roads. SATURDAY, OCT. 19 Meet: 11:00 am; call leader to register. Easy 2-3 mile walk on fairly flat 652-1496. Meet: 10 am at Johnsontown Circle off Seven Lakes Dr., terrain. Walk some wooded trails around ponds, ending at an abandoned URBAN. Long Path, Palisades to Alpine, NJ. Leader: Mike Puder, Sloatsburg, NY. 6-7 mile hike passing Lakes Sebago and Skenonto. Rain apple orchard. Here we will stop to pick apples and have lunch; short WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9 718-743-0920; call week of hike for meeting time. Meet: GW Bridge bus cancels. walk back to the cars. FVTW. Wildcat Ridge, Farny. Leader: Susan Jacobs, 973-402-2555. terminal information booth (175th St. stop on A train). 8 moderate miles OUT. Kensico Reservoir. Leader: Mayer Wiesen, 516-671-2095. at steady pace. Walk across bridge then take Long Path to Alpine. IHC. Long Path, Schunemunk Mountain. Leader: Donal Maloney, Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Easy 5 miles with a spectacular view. Meet: 9:30 am at Grand Central Terminal information booth, upper 201-760-6320. Meet: 8:30 am at Red Apple restaurant, Rt. 17, Southfields, NYHC. Hutchinson River Stroll. Leader: Henry Black, 212-579- level. 8 miles at moderate pace. Easy aqueduct walk along the reservoir NY (park in rear). 7 moderately strenuous miles up High Knob and the FRIDAY– MONDAY, OCT. 11-14 5298. Meet: 1:00 pm at Grand Central Terminal information booth. Easy and back roads. western ridge, with some of the best views in the area: Gunks and NYHC. Bellayre Weekend. Leader: Bob Ward, 718-471-7036. Meet: 3-4 mile hike, level except for one hill. Easy terrain and pace. RVW. Rochester Hollow. Moderate hike: 6 miles, 5 hours. Leader: Catskills to the north, Hudson Highlands to the east, High Point to the Call leader at least one month in advance to register; call after 8 pm. UCH. Jockey Hollow. Leader: Mae Deas, 908-233-6641. Meet: 10 am call: 845-246-8478.. Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 Market west. Shuttle required; rain cancels. Annual pilgrimage to the Catskills at the peak of fall colors; enjoy hospi- at Jockey Hollow visitor center ($4 admission to those without park Street, Saugerties, 9:00. Inclement weather date-following Saturday. URBAN. Great Kills and Monarch Butterflies. Leader: Steve & tality of Bellayre Hostel in , NY. Choice of private room or passes). Enjoy a brisk 5-6 mile ramble in this beautiful historic park. Bettye Soffer, 718-720-1593; call 7-9 pm. Meet: Take 10:30 am Staten bunkhouse. Steady rain cancels. SUNDAY, OCT. 27 Island Ferry from Manhattan; meet leaders at train station in rear of SCS. Hike and Clean -up at Eagle Rock Reservation, West Daylight Savings Time Ends. Turn Clocks Back One Hour ferry terminal for bus to Great Kills Park. 5 flat miles in this Gateway SATURDAY, OCT. 12 Orange. Leader: Ron Pate 973-364-7573 option #2. Hike 3-4 miles at a IHC. Trail Work on Schunemunk Mountain. Leader: Ilse Dun- National Park area; woods, beaches, marinas, model airplanes. URBAN. Bethpage to Massapequa, Long Island. Leader: Sal moderate pace and clean up as we go. Complimentary coffee and do- ham, 973-838-8031. Meet: 9 am at Red Apple restaurant, Rt. 17, NYHC. Staten Island. Leader: Bob Ward, 718-471-7036. Meet: Call Varbero, 718-420-9569. Meet: 9:45 am at Penn Station, LIRR tickets nuts . Rain cancels. Meet before 10:00 am at the Highlawn Pavilion Southfields, NY (park in rear). Moderately strenuous. Our club maintains leader after 8 pm. Walk one of the Greenbelt trails that is under the windows on lower level. 5 level miles along the LI Greenbelt. Parking lot off Eagle Rock Ave. in West Orange. Take Route 280 to this section of the Long Path, Barton Swamp trail and the Lower Jessup Prospect Ave. (Exit 8B). Go north, right turn onto Eagle Rock Avenue, left leader’s jurisdiction. NYHC. Long Island Belt. Leader: Olga Vassina, 718-996-0370. Meet: trail and we need your help! Bring lunch, work gloves, large clippers (or turn into reservation. Wear hiking boots. Work gloves will be provided. UCH. Scherman-Hoffman NJ Audubon to Cross Estate. Leader: Call leader to confirm date; 11:00 am at Great River, Long Island, RR use tools provided by club). No experience needed. Rain date is Nov. 2. Lynn Gale, 973-763-7230. Meet: 10 am at NJ Audubon lower parking lot station (take 9:13 Speonk train to Great River). Easy hike of 5-6 flat miles NYHC. Lost Brook Preserve. Leader: Dorothy and Dan Dombroski, on Hardscrabble Rd, Bernardsville, NJ. Moderate hike; we may visit the at a moderate, steady pace. Hike to the ocean and back; optional free SUNDAY, OCT. 20 609-585-6674. Meet: Call leaders after 8 pm. Easy 6 miles, all flat, through NJ Audubon visitor center afterward. Steady rain cancels. museum visit afterwards. IHC. Long Path, Nawahunta to Rt. 293. Leader: Jim & Carolyn this lovely wooded oasis in suburban Bergen County, NJ. NYR. Jones Point to Peekskill. Via Timp Pass, Bear Mountain UCH. South Mountain Reservation. Leader: Bob Hagon, 908-788- Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 9 am at Silvermine Picnic Area, Seven UCH. Watchung Reservation. Leader: Joan Lepselter, 908-273- Bridge, Anthony’s Nose. Info: Dennis Gin, 212-925-2739. 8360. Meet: 10 am at Locust Grove parking lot, corner of Glen Ave. and Lakes Dr., Harriman State Park. Moderately strenuous hike to Stockbridge 4188. Meet: 10 am at Trailside Nature and Science Center parking lot on Shelter, Long Mountain, and Howell Mountain; splendid views of fall GAHC. Kakiat County Park/Pine Meadow Lake. Leaders: Lackawanna Pl., across from Millburn RR station. Brisk 5-6 mile ramble; Coles Ave., at intersection with New Providence Rd. Brisk 4-5 mile colors and climbs to keep us warm. Shuttle required; rain cancels. Mathias Wuethrich 908-253-9042 & Evelyn Hoyer 718-457-8319. B, C steady rain cancels. ramble; steady rain cancels. Hikes (average and easy). Meet: Suffern, NY, Railroad Station parking URBAN. Staten Island Greenbelt. Leader: Bettye and Steve GAHC. Sterling Forest State Park. Leaders: Mathias Wuethrich, lot, 9:30. SUNDAY, OCT. 13 Soffer, 718-720-1593; call 7-9 pm. Meet: Take 10:30 am ferry from 908-253-9042, and Gunter Georgi, 516-883-2336. B, C hikes (average and Manhattan; meet leaders at train station in rear of ferry terminal. Hike IHC. , Undercliff Trail & Mt. Taurus. Leader: easy). Meet: Red Apple Restaurant, Route 17 (Southfields, NY), 9:30 am. the Richmondtown Circular ending in Richmondtown for Old Home MONDAY, SEPT. 30 Roy Williams, 973-283-9756. Meet: 8:30 am at Anthony Wayne Recre- Day, autumn celebration and Bluegrass Festival ($5 optional admission). ation Area (north parking area), Harriman State Park, NY. Strenuous TUESDAY, OCT. 29 URBAN. Rockland Lake to Nyack. Leader: Pat O’Malley, 212-924- Heavy rain cancels. 7486. Meet: 10 am at GW Bridge bus terminal ticket windows (175th St. hike up two striking peaks rising above the Hudson; breathtaking views FVTW. Ramapo Circular. Leader: Jim & Theresa McKay, 973-538- FVTW. Loantaka Brook Reservation, Morris Township. stop of A train). 6-8 miles at brisk pace round Rockland Lake and along and perhaps find out why the bull broke his neck. Inclement weather 0756. Meet: 10 am; call leader for directions. 7 miles on various trails, Leader: Call Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212, for information. Meet: 10 am; Hudson River to Nyack Beach. Lovely mansions of Upper Nyack and cancels. including the new South Ridge Trail. call for directions. An easy, level 3-mile stroll where you can talk and not main street attractions. Rain cancels. UCH. Watchung Double Ramble. Leader: Bob Laudati, 908-322- watch your feet. FVTW. Painters Point, South Mountain Reservation. Leader: 7762. Meet: Before 10 am at Trailside Nature and Science Center park- WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30 UCH. Lewis Morris Park. Leader: Lynn Gale, 973-763-7230. Meet: Call Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212, for information. Meet: 10 am; call for ing lot at intersection of Coles Ave. and New Providence Rd. All-day 10- FVTW. Tulip Springs, South Mountain Reservation. Leader: 10 am at Lewis Morris Park, Sunrise Lake, upper parking lot. Come out directions. A level 3-mile hike along the Rahway River. mile moderately paced ramble on the entire Sierra Trail. Foliage color Call Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212, for information. Meet: 10 am; call for for a moderate hike and a chance to see the autumn leaves. RVW. Hunter Mt and SW Hunter SW from Spruceton. Leader: should be just beginning. Participate in part or all of hike; lunch at Sur- directions. 5-mile hike to Hemlock Falls and back by way of Painters ADK-R. Long Path from Rt. 6 to Rt. 293. Leader: call 845-359-2465. call: 845-247-8756. Moderate plus hike plus bushwhack. 10 miles, 7 hours. prise Lake; finish around 3:30 pm. Steady rain cancels. Point Trail. Distance: 7.5 miles. Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 Market Street, Saugerties, ADK-R. Autumn at the Lakes. Leader: call 845-735-5304. Distance: 8:00. Inclement weather date, following Monday. 5 miles. OUT. Great Neck to Port Washington, NY. Leader: Al Flanter, THURSDAY, OCT. 31 516-829-6328. Meet: 10 am outside ticket office at Great Neck RR OUT. The Great Swamp, NJ. Leader: Joel Pomerantz, 212-691- FVTW. Stonetown Circular. Leader: Ellie King, 908-233-8411. Meet: station (take 9:19 LIRR train from Penn Station). 6 easy miles with a OCTOBER 3844. Meet: 10:20 am in Penn Station (Manhattan) near NJ Transit 10 am; call for directions. 9+ miles over many good hills with excellent couple of easy ups. Walk along Manhasset Bay with magnificent vistas ticket windows. 10 miles at a moderate, steady pace; mostly flat with views. Opportunity for early out at White Rd. or Lake Rickonda. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2 some bushwhacking and road walking. Cross the Great Swamp, ending of Long Island Sound, then to dock in Port Washington. Take train back from Port Washington. FVTW. Locust Grove, South Mountain Reservation. Leader: at Gilette Station; possible late return with no drop-off points; trails may SATURDAY, NOV. 2 Call Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212, for information. Meet: 10 am; call for be wet. UCH. Watchung Trail Maintenance. For details, see Sept. 14 directions. 5 miles led by Joan Lepselter along the Rahway River past TUESDAY, OCT. 22 entry. Diamond Pond. MONDAY, OCT. 14 FVTW. Black Rock Forest. Leader: Arnie Seymour-Jones, 201-768- FVTW. Grover Cleveland Park. Leader: Call Cherryll Short, 973- 3864. Meet: 10 am; call leader for directions. 6-7 miles; one of New SATURDAY, OCT. 5 299-0212, for information. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. An easy, level York’s most attractive hikes. UCH. Watchung Trail Maintenance. For details see Sept. 14 en- 3-mile hike enjoying the best of two parks. try. THURSDAY, OCT. 24 NYHC. Long Beach to Rockaway Beach. Leader: Ray Krant, 718- TUESDAY, OCT. 15 FVTW. Long Path-Minnewaska Loop. Leader: Carolyn & Jim 435-4994. Meet: 9:30 am at LIRR ticket windows, lower level of Penn FVTW. Patriots Path. Leader: Jim & Theresa McKay, 973-538-0756. Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. 11+ miles in Station. Moderate 10-mile hike on beach and boardwalk through Long Beach, Atlantic Beach and the Rockaway Peninsula. UCH. Pyramid Mountain. Leader: Julie Hobart, 908-781-2605. Meet: Call leader. Come enjoy a moderate 5-mile hike with some beautiful views in leader’s favorite Morris Co. park. Steady rain cancels. OUT. Tibbetts Brook Park. Leader: Henry Black, 212-579-5298. Meet: 12 noon at 242nd St. and Broadway (end of #1 subway). 6 miles at an easy pace through Van Cortlandt Park, along abandoned RR track; return via . Rain cancels.

SUNDAY, OCT. 6 UCH. South Mountain Reservation. Leader: Joan Lepselter, 908- 273-4188. Meet: 10 am at Locust Grove parking lot, corner of Glen Ave. and Lackawanna Pl., across from Millburn RR station. Brisk 5-mile ramble; steady rain cancels. IHC. Delaware Water Gap, Mt. Tammany Tramp. Leader: Ilse Dunham, 973-838-8031. Meet: 9 am at Kittatinny Visitor Center, Dela- ware Water Gap, NJ. Moderate strenuous hike to summitt of Mt. Tammany with a grand view of the Gap below. Rain cancels.

TRAIL WALKER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2002 11 HIKERS’ ALMANAC A Sampling of Upcoming Hikes Sponsored by Member Clubs

WTW. Arden Circular, Harriman State Park. Leader: George The activities listed are sponsored by member clubs of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. All hikers are welcome subject to club regulations and rules ing Trailside Nature and Science Center, 908-789-3670 ext. 221, or Betty 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, Ann Kelly, 908-527-4231. Meet: 9:30 am at Trailside visitor’s center; will Thomas, 914-591-7102. Meet: Call leader. Moderately strenuous 7-8 miles; and flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe cannot complete the hike or is not work until 12:30. Have fun giving back a little something to those hiking Arden-Surebridge trail and return on the AT. adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. trails! No experience necessary. Bring work gloves and tools, if you have URBAN. Leatherstocking Trail, Mamaroneck to Larchmont. 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 them. Work ranges from pruning vegetation/removal of invasive plants, Leader: Sal Varbero, 718-420-9569; call 8-10 pm. Meet: 10 am at Grand descriptive list of Conference clubs, consult our Web site or send an SASE with your request to NY-NJ Trail Conference. installing steps or water bars to control erosion, removing blow downs, Central Terminal info booth. 8 miles with lunch at Larchmont Reservoir, cleaning out drainage pipes, etc. Meet new people and learn a new skill breathtaking views. Club Codes while working outdoors. NYHC. Upper Nyack to Congers. Leader: Ray Krant, 718-435- Only those clubs with hikes offered in this issue are listed below. Please call numbers listed to confirm. ADK-MH. Gertrude’s Nose, Minnewaska State Park. Leader: 4994. Meet: 8:45 am at Port Authority bus terminal near commuter ADK-MH Adirondack Mountain Club – Mid-Hudson Chapter NYR New York Ramblers Pete Howell, 845-255-1737. Meet: 9:15 am at upper parking lot, statue. Easy hike of 9 miles on a relatively new trail under Hook Mountain ADK-R Adirondack Mountain Club – Ramapo Chapter OUT Outdoors Club Minnewaska State Park; call leader to register. Somewhat strenuous and along the Hudson River. Go around most of Rockland Lake and FVTW Frost Valley Trailwalkers RVW Rip Van Winkle Hiking Club hike of about 8 (mostly level) miles. The hike along the ridge to Gertrude’s through the town of Congers; beautiful and varied scenery. GAHC German-American Hiking Club SCS Sierra Club Singles Nose is a “top ten” in the Gunks and the view from Millbrook Mountain UCH. Patriots Path. Leader: Erwin Conrad, 908-470-0621. Meet: 10 IHC Interstate Hiking Club UCH Union County Hiking Club is spectacular. am at Cross Estate parking, call leader for directions. 8-mile hike to NYHC New York Hiking Club URBAN Urban Trail Club WTW. Allamuchy State Park, Deer Park Pond. Leader: Ernest WTW Woodland Trail Walkers Lewis Morris Park, lunch at the picnic pavilion, then through Jockey Wagner, 973-694-3194. Meet: Call leader. About 8 miles; inclement Hollow and on to Cross Estate gardens. Shuttle required. Rain cancels. Clubs wishing to have hikes listed in Hikers’ Almanac should send their schedules to [email protected] or to the Trail Conference office. The deadline weather may cancel. RVW. Hudson Valley Ramble: North Lake to North Point. for the November/Decemberr issue is September 15, 2002. ADK-R. Breakneck or Bust. Leader: call 845-426-0838. Distance: 6.5 Moderate hike: 5 miles, 4 hours. Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, miles. 87 Market Street, Saugerties, 9:00. Inclement weather date, following SEPTEMBER Steve Soodik, 845-744-3648. Meet: Call leaders. Strenuous 10-mile hike Saturday. For more information call: 845-246-4145. from Wurtsboro to Wawarsing, with some nice views along the ridge SUNDAY, SEPT. 15 SATURDAY, SEPT. 7 and moderate hills. Shuttle required. IHC. Nyack Beach Walk. Leader: Ann Gilabert, 973-839-0292. Meet: SUNDAY, SEPT. 22 ADK-R. Orak Circular. Leader: 845-357-2620. Distance: 10.5 miles. IHC. Johnsontown Geometry Hike. Leader: Jim Hayes, 201-825- 10 am at McDonald’s, Rt. 59, Nyack, NY. Easy change of pace; scenic ADK-R. Tuxedo R-D Figure Eight. Leader: call 201-816-9465. Dis- 9506. Meet: 9 am at Johnsontown Circle, Sloatsburg, NY (Johnsontown URBAN. Pelham Bay Park to New Rochelle. Leader: Sal Varbero, walk in a beautiful state park. tance: 9.5 miles. Road off Seven Lakes Dr., Harriman State Park). 8.6 strenuous miles; this 718-420-9569; call 8-10 pm. Meet: 10:30 am at last stop on #6 subway URBAN. Scarborough to Tarrytown on the Old Croton Aque- IHC. Lake Skannatati Circular, Harriman State Park. Leader: hike will keep you in shape! Trails will include a circle, rectangle, tri- (Pelham Bay Park). 8 miles along Sivanoy Trail. duct. Leader: Mike Puder, 718-743-0920; call week of hike for meeting Frank Bauer, 201-845-3066. Meet: 9 am at Lake Skannatati parking area, angle, and cruciform. (Can you guess the trail names? If not, you’ll have time. Meet: Grand Central Station information booth. 5 miles on flat Seven Lakes Dr., Harriman. Moderately strenuous hike passing some WTW. Harriman State Park. Leader: Leslie Sosslau, 973-252-8122. to hike them to find out.) Meet: Call leader. 4-5 mile somewhat strenuous hike to Popolopen Torne. terrain, moderately steady pace. mines, Times Square and the Lemon Squeezer; very nice views. Rain or UCH. Ramapo Lake. Leader: Mickey Siegel, 201-797-7054. Meet: 10 Hike through the Hell Hole. Dinner afterwards at a reasonable restau- NYHC. Doodletown. Leader: Olga Vassina, 718-996-0370. Meet: 8:30 poor driving conditions will cancel. am on Skyline Dr. in Oakland, first parking lot on left at bottom of hill. rant. am at Port Authority bus terminal near the commuter statue to take UCH. South Mountain Reservation. Leader: Jay Krafchick, 973- Very scenic, moderate 5-6 mile hike well worth the commute; views of 8:45 bus to Bear Mountain. Moderate 6-mile hike but with a total climb 992-4193. Meet: 10 am at Locust Grove parking lot, corner of Glen Ave. UCH. Almost Free Beer Walk. Leader: Bob Hagon, 908-788-8360. beautiful lake. Meet: 10 am at Circle Outlet shopping center (behind Taco Bell), Rts. 202 of about 800 ft. Hiking boots recommended. Historical hike through and Lackawanna Pl, across from Millburn RR station. Moderate ramble & 31, S. Flemington, NJ. 7 miles at a brisk pace; totally flat along both abandoned town, cemetery, mine. along Rahway River past Diamond Pond to Painters Point and beyond. MONDAY, SEPT. 9 sides of the scenic Delaware River. Walk from Lambertville to Stock- UCH. South Mountain Reservation. Leader: Ed Leibowitz, 201- ton, return via New Hope, PA. Rain cancels. FVTW. Great Swamp, Chatham. Leader: Call Cherryll Short, 973- 332-1709. Meet: 10 am at Locust Grove parking lot, corner of Glen Ave. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25 299-0212, for information. Meet: 10 am. A level 3-mile hike along the OUT. Alley Pond Park, Queens. Leader: John Socolik, 516-328- and Lackawanna Pl., across from Millburn RR station. Moderate paced FVTW. Tammany & Sunfish Pond. Leader: Joe Brownlee, 973- boardwalk and Laurel Trail, which can be wet. 8055; call 6-10 pm. Meet: 12:30 pm at Hillside Ave. and Winchester Blvd. 5-mile ramble on the Lenape Trail. Rain cancels. 635-1171. Meet: 10 am at AT parking at Delaware Water Gap. A 7-10 (F subway to 179th St., then Q43 bus to Winchester Blvd; meet leader RVW. Ashokan High Point. Moderate + hike: 7.5 miles, 6 hours. mile hike up Mt. Tammany overlook and then across the ridge to Sunfish at Winchester Blvd. bus stop on south side of Hillside Ave.). 6 moderate Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 Market Street, Saugerties, TUESDAY, SEPT. 17 Pond; down Dunfield Creek Trail. miles exploring the many trails and ponds in this lovely park. Inclement 8:00. Inclement weather date, following Monday. For more information FVTW. Jennings Hollow, Ringwood, NJ. Leader: Joe McLaughlin, call: 845-246-4082. weather may cancel. 973-263-2799. Meet: 10 am; call leader for location. 6-7 miles on Sterling SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 Ridge; view remains of an old flywheel and ironworks. WTW. Patriots Path. Leader: Ernest Wagner, 973-694-3194. Meet: SATURDAY, SEPT. 14 SUNDAY, SEPT. 8 Call leader. 8 miles from Lewis Morris County Park at Sunrise Lake to ADK-MH. Shawangunk Ridge Trail. Leaders: Susan Toten & UCH. Watchung Trail Maintenance. Leader: Pre-register by call- FRIDAY, SEPT. 20 Mendham at Mountain Road. Inclement weather may cancel. URBAN. George Washington Bridge to Englewood, NJ. UCH. Tourne Park, Boonton. Leader: Susan Jacobs, 973-402-2555. Leader: Jim Peborde, 718-352-0381. Meet: 10 am at GWB bus terminal Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Moderate hike by a stream and a stop Join the volunteers ticket windows (175th St. stop on A train). 6-8 brisk miles across the to see the boiling springs. Steady rain cancels. bridge to Ft. Lee’s Historic Park, down along Hudson to Englewood and ADK-R. Greenwood Lake, West Ridge. Leader: call 845-986-1410. who bring you the great outdoors! back. Rain cancels. Distance: 12 miles. OUT. Staten Island Traverse. Leader: Joel Pomerantz, 212-691- 1500 miles of trails and counting; your membership helps us expand our SATURDAY, SEPT. 21 3844. Meet: 10:15 am at foot of escalator in Staten Is. Ferry Terminal, horizons. ADK-MH. Black Creek Forest Walk. Leader: Jeffrey Perls, 845- Manhattan. 8 miles at a steady pace with some ups & downs. From 256-9142. Meet: 11:00 am; call leader to register. Walk 2.5 miles of trails Included with membership, Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases at Great Kills Park we’ll follow route of unbuilt expressway to the Greenbelt; with Perls, author of Paths Along the Hudson. Hudson river views, se- continue to Victory Blvd. most outdoor stores, and 20% discount on all Trail Conference maps and cluded beaches and forest; good for families with children. books. continued on page 11

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Membership Level Individual Joint/Family TRAILWALKER Individual $25 $31 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Sponsor $50 $60 Volume XXIX, Number 5 ISSN 0749-1352 September/October 2002 Benefactor $100 $120 Senior/Student $18 $24 Permit #970-100 Life $500 $750

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