RAIL ALKER TNEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE — MAINTAININGWOVER 1,600 MILES OF FOOT TRAILS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005 In this issue: Building A Better TC...pg 3 • Sudden Oak Death...pg 5 • Gear Check...pg 7 • So,What is GIS...pg 8 • Favorite Hike...pg 10

Congress Approves The Highlands region has been and New Train-Accessible Trail Highlands Conservation Act continues to be threatened by suburban sprawl. Large tracts of forest lands that Congress has approved the Highlands make up the Highlands are a popular In the Works in Dutchess Conservation Act (previously referred to as destination for outdoor recreational the Highlands Stewardship Act), which activities. The Highlands region is also a would fund open space projects through- major water supply source for the region. out the four-state, 3.5-million-acre The act stipulates that Pennsylvania, Highlands region. The Senate passed the New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York bill in October, the House approved the would have to submit land-preservation measure in November, and President Bush projects to Congress each year for appro- signed it into law November 30. priations approval. The program requires The Highlands Conservation Act that the states match the federal funds, authorizes $100 million over the next 10 thereby increasing the total funds available years for land conservation projects in the for land preservation to $200 million. Highlands. The Highlands region extends The Trail Conference is a founding from Pennsylvania to northern New Jersey member of the Highlands Coalition, an and through southern New York and alliance of over 100 organizations working Connecticut. to protect the region, which actively worked to secure passage of this legislation. GEORGETTE WEIR Kelly Dugan pushes a future rock step, Dave Webber pulls it, Denise Vitale secures the line, and crew chief Eddie Walsh (center, behind tree) works the winch. OnOurWay toCatskill MountainsLITE? A new 1.5-mile segment of the Hudson event list sent to NYC subscribers yielded The following is excerpted from testimony last Atlas. I hope you’ll agree that this qualifies River Greenway Trail is being built by Trail 30 interested volunteers, 12 of whom year by Trail Conference member Susanna me to say something very briefly about why Conference crews in the Dutchess County showed up on a cold and rainy Saturday Margolis during a hearing on the environ- people hike. Town of Wappinger. The project, which ready to get down and dirty. mental review of the large-scale golf resort We don’t do it to arrive someplace; there also involves rehabilitation and cleanup of The project was commissioned by the proposed for Belleayre Mountain in the are far faster means of getting somewhere. another 2.5 miles of existing trails and the Village of Wappingers Falls, which is one of central Catskills. The remarks were previously We don’t even do it for the so-called reward creation and installation of interpretive sig- three landowners of contiguous parcels excerpted in the newsletter of member club of a view from the top. We hike because nage, will result in an extensive network of along the Wappingers Creek. The others AMC, New York-North Jersey Chapter. doing so offers a quality of contact with a trails on adjacent properties between are the Audubon Society, which owns the place that is simply not possible any other Wappingers Creek and the Hudson River. creek-side Reese Nature Preserve, and To establish my hiking credentials, let me way. I will give myself permission to quote When completed later in 2005, a new Scenic Hudson, which owns land at the first say that I have been a member of the from my book about that 1500-mile hike trailhead will be easily accessible in New top of the ridge overlooking the creek. AMC for more than 30 years and of the down Europe and assert that an awareness Hamburg to Metro-North riders. Other Existing trails in Bowdoin Park, a county Sierra Club for about the same, that I have of place accumulates in the hiker. Sights, trailheads will be at Dutchess County’s park in the Town of Poughkeepsie that is hiked extensively with both organiza- sounds, smells, climate, landscape, experi- Bowdoin Park (along the Hudson) and in across a road from the other parcels, will be tions...and that I was regularly a volunteer ence are all gathered in “through the the village of Wappingers Falls. linked to the expanded trail network. hike leader for the New York-North Jersey muscles, through the pores, and, mostly, Trail work, organized by Eddie Walsh, The project was initiated by the Chapter of the AMC...I am a member of through the feet. One step at a time.” Jr., got underway in October, and more Wappingers Greenway Trail Committee, the New York-New Jersey Trail Confer- Hiking therefore provides a unique than 30 volunteers turned out over consec- whose members include representatives of ence, was a trail maintainer on the acquaintance with the character of a place, utive fall weekends to move rocks for steps the Village of Wappingers Falls, the towns Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail and on the and people hike in a place precisely because and sidehill a treadway up a steep slope. An of Wappinger and Poughkeepsie, and Dry Brook Ridge Trail, and am currently of its character. That makes hikers some- extensive effort was made to recruit new Dutchess County. the supervisor of the Dry Brook Ridge vol- thing akin to the canary in the mine when volunteers, including from area colleges Work will resume in the spring and will unteer maintainers for the Trail it comes to the well-being of a community’s (Vassar, Marist, and SUNY-New Paltz), the include more sidehilling, rock-step proj- Conference. I am the author of two character, and right now, where the pro- local community (with flyers and tables at ects, and building a small bridge. Contact books...One, entitled Walking Europe from posed Belleayre resort at Catskill Park is libraries, natural food stores, and commu- Eddie Walsh at [email protected] Top to Bottom, is about a 1500-mile hike concerned, hikers smell danger... there are a nity events), and even from New York City. for more information or to volunteer. from the North Sea to the Mediterranean, very great number of people who are drawn Walsh noted that a notice on an Internet a hike which—obviously—I did, and the to this area to hike, and there always have other book, Adventuring in the Pacific, been. Sharing the Dream addresses hiking opportunities on the I cannot emphasize too strongly what a islands of Polynesia, Melanesia, and miracle this place is for people from cities The Trail Conference Annual Meeting in Micronesia. I have hiked the mountains of or suburbs—especially for city-dwellers October at Skylands Manor in Ringwood State five continents, from the Grand Canyon to who don’t own cars. From the Port Author- Park in New Jersey, was an extra special affair this the Himalayas, from the Andes to the ity Bus Terminal at the heart of the bustle year. Participants not only enjoyed a beautiful fall continued on page 8 day of hiking, but were treated to sophisticated poster presentations highlighting recent TC achievements and detailing its ambitions for the VOLUME XXXII, NUMBER 1 ISSN 0749-1352 PERMIT #970-100 future, all part of the kick-off for the “Share the Dream” capital campaign. Attendees also had a chance to purchase, hot off the presses and autographed, the newest volume in the TC list of publications, Kittatinny Trails. Publications Committee chair George Petty (left) celebrated the occasion with author Robert Boysen. TRAILWALKER FROM THE CHAIR VOLUME XXXII, NO. 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005 GEORGETTE WEIR EDITOR LOUIS LEONARDIS GRAPHIC DESIGNER

The TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970- 100) (ISSN 0749-1352) is published bi- to manage it. She offers stories and exam- John Myers exhibited creativity while monthly by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as a benefit of membership. ples from dance, music, and art to show starting up our land acquisition program. Subscriptions are available to libraries only at how to prepare to be creative, figure out He pieces together small units to make $15.00 a year. Periodical postage paid at Hikers & how your creative DNA works, develop larger ones that eventually the state or Mahwah, N.J., and additional offices. skills, or survive a rut. Her suggested another not-for-profit organization will Postmaster: Send address changes to the address below. Opinions expressed by authors do not exercises are broad and make you think. buy, and we are thus able to recycle the necessarily represent the policy or position of Creativity It made me think of the ways the Trail money to purchase other properties. the Conference. Contributions of typed Your first reaction to the title of this Conference is innovative and creative. Ed Goodell, our executive director, manuscripts, photos, and drawings are welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style column is likely to be, “hikers creative?” Bob Marshall got creative when he realized that just repairing the trails, partic- and length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines. We like to be out walking in the woods. found he could not run all the work trips ularly the Appalachian Trail on Bear Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKER What’s creative about that? that needed to be scheduled. So, he took Mountain, was not enough. He worked to are January 15 (Mar./Apr. issue), March 15 As it turns out, we may not be creative in some of his well trained crew and made devise a project that will recruit and train (May/June issue), May 15 (July/Aug. issue), July 15 (Sept./Oct. issue), September 15 the same way an artist or musician is, but them crew leaders. His model is one that volunteers and provide instruction to our (Nov./Dec. issue), November 15 (Jan./Feb. we are creative. Two books that I have David Day, Monica Resor, and Denise sister organizations and local municipali- issue). Unsolicited contributions cannot be recently read deal with creativity in very Vitale emulate as they work in western ties. They will gain valuable skills and we in acknowledged unless accompanied by SASE. different ways. Both had me rethinking my New Jersey and West Hudson, north, turn will get much needed help. Partners For information on advertising rates, please write or call. notions of creativity and made me realize respectively. are plentiful on this project, beginning Copyright 2005 by: that creativity, problem solving, and with the National Park Service and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. innovation are all related. Appalachian Trail Conference, both of 156 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202) Mahwah, NJ 07430 The first book, The Medici Effect: Break- It made me think of the which have a vested interest in it. It is the 201-512-9348 through Insights at the Intersection of Ideas, integration of capacity building, trail e-mail: [email protected] Concepts and Cultures by Frans Johannson, ways the Trail Conference design, instruction, interpretation of editorial e-mail: [email protected] deals with the intersection of ideas not usu- historical and natural resources, signage, World Wide Web: http://www.nynjtc.org ally associated with each other. Studying and public awareness that gives this project the foraging behavior of ants lends clues to is innovative and creative. an innovative and creative twist. problems like factory scheduling and tele- I have to be creative every time I write NEW YORK - NEW JERSEY com routing, for example. Or, relevant to this column. As both authors point out, TRAIL CONFERENCE our interests, land protection questions creativity does not just happen. The stage Mission Statement lead to library resources. The Land Use needs to be set. Organizations, such as the The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Center at the Mahopac Library is the result Trail design is creative; the land on which Trail Conference, that join people with like founded in 1920, is a federation of member of my husband asking why a public library the trail will lie is like a canvas on which we interests have a pool of people with a wide clubs and individuals dedicated to providing couldn’t house books and materials of paint, or, perhaps more appropriately since variety of work and education background recreational hiking opportunities in the region, and representing the interests and concerns of interest to local planners, zoning boards, we are working in three dimensions, like a as well as a range of skills and talents. It is a the hiking community. The Conference is a and interested citizens. My association with sculpture that we shape. And they reflect situation that allows for more opportuni- volunteer-directed public service organization him provided the means to achieve that the individuality of the designers. Bob ties for the intersection of ideas, for committed to: • Developing, building, and maintaining type of collection. Being open to free Marshall’s trails have a gentle grade as they collaboration, and creativity. This diverse hiking trails. association allows one to think outside the switchback up a hill, not surprising because group of people is an inspiration to me and • Protecting hiking trail lands through box and thus find solutions to problems. Bob loves to build sidehills. On the other a pool from which I “fish” for ideas for a support and advocacy. On the other hand, The Creative Habit: hand, Bob Reardon’s trails have steps, variety of situations. • Educating the public in the responsible use of trails and the natural environment. Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp which is a construction technique at which is more about the creative process and how he excels. – Jane Daniels, Chair, Board of Directors Board of Directors Jane Daniels Chair Peter Kennard Vice Chair Daniel Chazin Secretary Herb Hochberg Treasurer Remembering Paul Leikin As one of Paul Leikin’s close friends, I was Directors Robert Boysen Art Lebofsky saddened by his death in 2004. Paul, Frank Ellen Cronan John Moran Bouton, and I hiked many miles together Mary Vance Duggan Robert Newton over a 30-year period. Now, both my friends John Gunzler Anne Osborn Letters are gone. Gary Haugland Mary Smart Peter Heckler Malcolm Spector We See What We Love? I was one of the Monday group, meeting Tom Humbach The September/October Science & Ecology a Paul’s house to collate NY-NJ Trail Con- article, “The Moran Effect,” provided a ference map sets for many years. The pay Staff Edward Goodell Executive Director warm reminder, in the person of John was fabulous: lunch gourmet, conversation Larry Wheelock Trails Director Moran, of the remarkable individuals who stimulating. These incentives were what Joshua Erdsneker Volunteer Projects are NY-NJ Trail Conference volunteers. brought this group together. Paul even Director The piece also reminded me of Annie Dil- allowed us days off, and to arrive late and Edwin McGowan Science Director Richard Benning Land Protection lard’s chapter “Seeing,” in her book Pilgrim leave early on occasions with no cut in pay! Specialist at Tinker Creek. Dillard posits that the lover What a supervisor. Eric Yadlovski GIS Specialist and the knowledgeable see what others Three of this group are now gone: Paul, Gary Willick Fulfillment Staff cannot—and, as with the subject of your Frank, and Don Hendrickson. They will be Lisa Cargill Development article, our observations are related to our missed by all who knew them well. Associate Nayarid Barahona Product Manager expectations. She even extends her “seeing” –John Giuffrida Ramon McMillan Administrative discussion directly to Ed McGowan’s Spring Valley, New York Assistant subject, herpetology. Part-time Staff By the way, in those same Ramapo Diana Bregman Coordinator, Mountains examined by Moran and Shawangunk McGowan, Boy Scouts of the 1930s, ’40s, Ridge Coalition and ’50s at times found rattlesnakes so com- John Myers Land Acquisition Director mon that they are the namesake of many Eddie Walsh, Jr. Trail Projects “Rattlesnake Scout Patrols” still in existence Coordinator today throughout northern New Jersey. Neil Woodworth Counsel, Trail –Maureen K. Edelson Conference/ADK Montclair, New Jersey Partnership The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a Ms. Edelson contributed the article “Mission: volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It is a federation of 91 hiking and outdoor groups, Possible,” which appears on page 7 of this issue. and 10,000 individuals.

2JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005 TRAILWALKER

was to explore ways to more closely inte- Building a Better grate club needs and capabilities with the work of the Trail Conference. The frank Trail Conference discussions highlighted club concerns A DVOCACY From the Executive Director about a range of issues from insurance to CONSERVATION off-road vehicle damage. Overall, clubs The Trail Confer- expressed a desire to be more informed and & rights on farmland and other open space. ence was created “in-the-loop” about the Trail Conference’s PDR programs (purchase of develop- when New York wide ranging activities and initiatives. ment rights) are being explored as a way to City-based hiking One conclusion is that the current preserve land. In a PDR scenario a town clubs decided to format of three, annual delegate meetings buys development rights on open land that work together to does not provide enough contact between remains in private ownership. The private create a system of member clubs to effectively communicate owner receives payment in exchange for a marked hiking and build a working relationship. There- written (and recorded) enforceable promise trails at the invita- fore, starting with the February 2005 not to develop the land in the future. This tion of the Palisades Interstate Park delegates meeting, we are taking some steps restriction passes on to all subsequent Commission. Then as now, this was a com- to improve the communications within the owners. PDR programs allow towns to

pletely voluntary association based on the Trail Conference and provide a forum GEORGETTE WEIR attain their open space goals—watershed, shared desire to protect and enhance the where people can come together and work Conservation of the four-state Highlands farmland, and recreation protection—at a opportunities for quality hiking experiences. on issues of mutual interests. (See February area will get federal support (see page 1). cost less than purchase, thereby extending For the first 50 years, governance was delegates meeting notice on this page.) taxpayer funds. New Jersey’s towns and provided solely by voting delegates of To do this effectively, the meeting will DEC to Review Shawanga Lodge counties and the state’s Green Acres member clubs meeting in general assembly. be a full day on a Saturday (February 26), In a move urged by the NY-NJ Trail program run similar programs. More recently (~1970) the bylaws were ending with a short business meeting of Conference and other members of the changed allowing individual members, voting delegates. The rest of the day will be Shawangunk Ridge Coalition, the Mamakat- NYS Legislative Agenda for 2005 represented by delegates-at-large, and creat- devoted to a group brainstorming process ing Planning Board in November agreed to The Trail Conference/Adirondack ing a board of directors, elected by the (known, ironically, as Open Space) that was name the New York State Dept. of Environ- Mountain Club Partnership is already at delegates to more efficiently manage developed when someone noticed that the mental Conservation (DEC) lead agency on work on trail-related budget issues in the the month-to-month affairs. While this best ideas and discussions at a conference the environmental review of a large resort 2005-2006 New York State budget. The enabled the Trail Conference to grow and often occur during the coffee breaks. proposed for the top of the ridge in the town. partnership is strongly advocating for to be more effective in stewardship and Unlike a normal conference with a set Developers of the project, dubbed Shawanga increased funds for land acquisition and representing the interest of hikers, it has program, the attending delegates’ perspec- Lodge, propose a 250-room resort hotel, stewardship and is requesting that added a degree of separation between the tives and opinions will determine the topics conference center, and sports complex, New York significantly increase the land work of the Trail Conference and the for breakout groups and direction of the six-stories high, on 307 ridgetop acres in the acquisition line item, which has been member clubs. day’s discussion. Delegates will be asked to Town of Mamakating. The DEC is stagnant at approximately $30 million. identify key issues they would like to owner/manager of adjacent forest lands. Examples of open space projects that are in “The next couple of decades discuss. A program of breakout sessions will need of funding include: Shawangunk be determined by putting these issues to a Open Space Funding Gets Broad Support Ridge parcels, Sterling Forest, and Long are a critical time for shaping vote. Each breakout session will have a host In addition to the monumental Highlands Path North parcels in Greene County just and a neutral facilitator. At the end of the Preservation Act approved in New Jersey north of the Catskill Forest Preserve to day, the breakout groups will summarize last summer, and the Highlands Conserva- ensure that the Long Path connects the the opportunities for outdoor their discussions for all participants and tion Act approved by the United States Catskills to the Helderbergs. make the case for their point of view. Where Congress in the fall (see page 1), a number In addition, the partnership is also recreation in this region.” there is sufficient interest, task forces can be of open space funding proposals in the strongly advocating that Governor Pataki created to continue the work of the break- New York-New Jersey region have been increase stewardship funding in his It is just as important today as it was in out groups. These task forces can recruit passed recently. (Information is from data executive budget proposal. Stewardship 1920 that we actively work to overcome this other club members, report progress at compiled by the Trust for Public Land’s funding is essential for the preparation and communication gap. We are much more future delegates meetings, and seek direct Landvote Database.) maintenance of state land, including hiking effective working together than independ- assistance from the Trail Conference. In November, New Jersey voters okayed trails, for public use. ently. There were 91 Club members of the We are exploring ways to have more club 31 of 44 funding bills put to them The partnership will also continue to Trail Conference in 2004, representing well members working together on issues that at county and local levels, a total of push for the passage of the Community over 100,000 individuals and covering areas clubs care about. The next couple of $283,900,081 for open space protection. Preservation Act (CPA), which would give from Montauk, Long Island, to the Finger decades are a critical time for shaping the In New York, nine funding bills were towns the option to introduce a public ref- Lakes, New York. The work of the Trail opportunities for outdoor recreation in this proposed and seven were passed, totaling erendum proposing an increase in the real Conference continues to enable clubs and region. Creating that synergy is what the $267,400,000 in funding. estate transfer tax. The revenue from the their members to become more involved in Trail Conference is all about. In addition, in Orange County, NY, transfer tax increase would be deposited taking care of the recreational resources we If you are a member of a hiking club, feel Executive Edward Diana and the legisla- into a Community Preservation Fund for all need and enjoy. If only 1% of club mem- free to bring this opportunity to the ture designated $20 million in the capital local open space projects. bers would volunteer (beyond those who attention of your club leadership. budget to be spent over the next five years Passage of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) already do) it would more than double the (Club contact information is at in protecting and acquiring open space. Of trail development and maintenance fund number of Trail Conference volunteers. http://www.nynjtc.org/clubs.html.) special interest in Orange County was the that would provide for ATV trail develop- Late last summer, we held an informal community of Chester, where citizens ment on private land and prohibit use of focus group with delegates and officers – Ed Goodell approved a proposal to borrow $4.4 the funds for ATV trail development on from some of our member clubs. Our goal [email protected] million to buy and preserve property near any kind of state land, state park land or Sugarloaf Mountain to preserve a valued the Adirondack and Catskill Forest viewshed and protect the local tourist and Preserves, is also a priority this year. artisan businesses. In the neighboring town of Goshen, approval was given for Richard Benning, Neil Woodworth, and Delegates Meeting Set for borrowing $5 million to buy development Marisa Iannacito contributed to this column.

February 26 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Needs Ridgerunners All Trail Conference members are invited Trail Conference office with general and to attend the next Delegates’ Meeting on specific issues for consideration during the The Appalachian Trail Conference offers more than 20 seasonal PAID Ridgerunner and Saturday, February 26, 2004, at the Fresh brainstorming and business meetings. Caretaker positions, including several positions based in New Jersey. Join us in support- Air Fund’s Camp Mariah on the Sharpe Camp Mariah can be reached from I-84 ing the volunteer stewardship of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail! Reservation, 436 Van Wyck Lake Rd., via Exit 13 or via the Beacon train station. Ridgerunners and Caretakers take steps to encourage the best behavior on the part of Fishkill, NY 12524 845-896-5910. There are trails for snowshoeing on the hikers, to facilitate a positive trail experience, and to elicit the support of AT neighbors. The meeting is expected to run from property and overnight accommodations Positions are located in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Penn- 4:00-5:30 pm. available for reservation in advance. sylvania, New Jersey, and Maine. Seasons vary, stretching from March through October. It will be preceded by a full-day brain- Contact the office (201-512-9348) to Go to the website www.appalachiantrail.org for the 2005 seasonal job application. For storming session starting at 10 am, which is RSVP, get directions, arrange for pick-up at more information on the Ridgerunner program, contact Ian Nelson at 717-258-5771 or open to all voting delegates. (See “From the the train station, and/or find out about [email protected]. Executive Director” above for details.) Feel carpool options. Application deadline is January 15, 2005. free to contact your club delegate or the

TRAILWALKER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005 3 For our final trip of the season, we had a Crew Notes “spring cleaning” trip on the Appalachian A Year with the West Jersey Crew Trail in Worthington S.F. This section of the AT gets an amazing amount of use and RAIL needs constant attention. Our project was T By Monica Resor and David Day to clean, repair and generally refurbish all Once again, in 2004, the West Jersey Crew the drainage structures we could between got to work in most of the parks in the I-80 and Sunfish Pond. So, armed with NEWS region: High Point State Park, Worthing- mattocks, shovels, and the odd clipper or Red Apple Parking Ends; Bridge Being Replaced ton State Forest, Wawayanda State Park, two, the crew leap-frogged its way up—dig- New Access to Nurian Trail Set Over Pine Meadow Brook Stokes State Forest—and a new one for us, ging and cleaning as we went. By the end of Until further notice, there will be no free The bridge just below the Cascade of Slid Jenny Jump State Park. the day we had fixed up, rebuilt, or built 34 all-day parking for hikers at the Red Apple across the Pine Meadow Brook in Harriman The spring season began with a return to waterbars and 10 check dams. It’s a good Rest parking lot in Southfields, along State Park is being replaced. The old bridge, Worthington to work on some long-need- thing we did, but more on that later! Route 17. The lot is still available as a which serves the Kakiat and the Stony Brook ed repairs of the Blue Dot Trail. In the Our first trip of the fall season was to meeting place and for short-term customer Trails, has been removed. The timetable for complete the work on the Terrace Pond parking and continues to be an active bus this project is uncertain, so check the Trail South Trail in Wawayanda. With the place- stop. This parking area has been converted Conference website for details. ment of the last eight step stones at the into a commuter parking lot for permit original site, a small stream crossing, and holders. There is no other public parking in AT Detour at Wallkill another six step stones near that, we the immediate area. In the past, the lot River Wildlife Refuge declared that area of the trail to be done. permitted easy access to the Nurian Trail in A section of the Appalachian Trail in the Then came Hurricane Ivan. The rain Harriman State Park. Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge gauge at Yard’s Creek (just north of Sunfish The nearest parking for hikers is at Elk will be temporarily rerouted during the Pond on the Kittatinny Ridge) recorded Pen, approximately 3/4 mile to the north. Liberty Marsh Restoration Project. The 11.5 inches of rain in about 2.5 hours that See NY-NJ Trail Conference Map #4, work, in New Jersey, was scheduled to morning. Dunnfield Creek, which drains Northern Harriman-Bear Mtn. Trails. begin in late November/early December the valley through which the AT passes, ran For those utilizing the Elk Pen parking 2004 and expected to last two months, so high that I-80 had to be closed because area to access the Nurian Trail, the Trail depending upon weather. This work will the water was flowing onto the road surface Conference has established an alternate involve rehabilitation of the dike that instead of under the bridge! By the time it route to it: the Stahahe Brook Trail (red comprises the south and west sections of was over, five of the seven bridges over stripe on white). It follows the Old Arden the refuge’s Liberty Loop Trail, which is Bob Sickley repairs a waterbar Dunnfield Creek were destroyed, and the Road south for about 0.3 mile from where co-aligned with the AT. To preserve public on the AT to Sunfish Pond. one carrying the AT was damaged so badly the Arden-Surebridge Trail (red triangle on safety, the refuge will post signs to detour it has been condemned. white) leaves the road, then turns east after hikers to the north and east sections of course of our two trips to the site, we Since we were already scheduled to work passing over a bridge and follows a woods Liberty Loop Trail away from construction defined and constructed a relocation to on the AT in Worthington for our next road along the brook to reach the Nurian areas for the duration of the project. remove the trail from what had become a trip, we shifted into clearing and repair Trail (white) near the northern end of waist-deep eroded ditch. By the end of the mode after a call from the park superin- Lake Stahahe. Hasenclever Iron Trail Stays Open second trip, we had placed 16 stone steps, tendent. With two chainsaw teams, we The last issue of Trail Walker reported that two waterbars, and 35 feet of retaining cleared our way up the AT to Sunfish Pond Wildcat Mountain Lot a section of the recently opened wall-leveled treadway. During the work, we and then back down the Dunnfield Creek Stays Open for Winter Hasenclever Trail in Ringwood State Park treated a number of hikers to the spectacle The proposed paving of the Wildcat Mtn. in New Jersey had to be closed owing to the of 300-pound step rocks flying 15 feet in trailhead parking lot (Route 17a) has been discovery of an industrial dump site near the air, as we brought them the 200 feet postponed by the Dept. of Transportation the trail. The Dept. of Environmental through the woods from the “quarry.” until approximately May 2005. Conse- Protection quickly determined, however, Next, we moved north to the Appalachi- quently, there will be no parking prohibition that the trail could remain open. They an Trail in High Point S.P., where we put there over this winter. While drainage noted that a temporary closure may be the finishing touches on the stepping construction will be performed at the required in the future in order to excavate stones we began the prior fall season. We southern end of this lot, it will not prohibit the site, but that waste drums discovered also placed several water bars on the very trailhead parking at the northern end. there pose no imminent danger. steep climb between the wet area and the AT’s intersection with the Iris Trail. Minnewaska Updates Tiorati Changes Returning to Wawayanda for our next Hikers may have encountered some To eliminate a swampy area and a short trip, we began the replacement of about restrictions at Minnewaska State Park this road walk through Tiorati Circle via Arden 200 feet of defunct wooden puncheon with fall owing to the impact of severe late summer Valley and Tiorati Brook Roads, a portion stepping stones on an area of the Terrace storms that damaged trails throughout the of the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail (RD, red Pond South Trail that collects foot-deep park. The storms washed out the dot on white) has been rerouted. This water every spring and rainy summer. In footbridge that carries the High Peters Kill section has been reestablished on a combi- the two trips to this site, we “flew in” and Trail over the Peters Kill, and caused that nation of the Appalachian Trail (AT) and placed 27 stepping stones; as well as Don Griffin and Jerry Losowyj trail to be temporarily closed. The trail is old woods roads that circumvent the another 25 feet of turnpike. pry loose a "perfect" rock. now reopened thanks to the West Hudson Tiorati Plateau Group Campground. In June, the crew relocated about a North trail crew, which restored and Also, a 0.3-mile blue-blazed trail, utiliz- quarter-mile of the Howell Trail in Stokes Trail (or what was left of it). Meanwhile repaired the bridge in October. ing an old woods road, now provides safe S.F.. This relocation was done to take the another team pulled together a rudimenta- Also, park managers recently announced off-road access between the Tiorati Circle trail off an old roadbed that had become so ry bridge from a couple of downed trees that the bridge over the Peters Kill at the parking lot and the AT & RD trails at badly eroded as to be nearly impassable. and salvaged deck boards at the major main entrance to the park is in need of Arden Valley Road. When we finished, we collected rocks, logs, stream crossing, and then continued repair. Until repairs are completed, one lane stumps, and other forest debris and did our upstream making two more basic step- will remain open only to pedestrians and Dunnfield Creek Bridge best to fill in the worst of the old washed- stone crossings out of the demolished cars; no trucks or service vehicles will be and Trail Closed out trail. The material thrown into the bridge footings. permitted to cross the bridge. The devastation wrought on the Dunnfield ditches will act to slow down water as it As an aside: I was very happy to note that A reminder: The Hamilton Point Creek Trail by Hurricane Ivan (reported in flows, collecting silt and leaves and such, the three dozen waterbars and drainage Carriageway has been officially closed since the last issue) now officially includes the eventually filling in the old ditches. continued on page 6 the November 2002 ice and wind storm. bridge crossing nearest the parking lot. That bridge was the only one still existing after the storm, though it was damaged. Donate Your Old External Frame Pack The bridge has since been closed. The Wanted: that old external frame backpack Visit Us Today! Dunnfield Creek Trail is also now closed. in the back of your closet. To be used by Hikers seeking access to the Appalachian the trail crews for carrying tools www.NYNJTC.org and other trails from the parking area (particularly grip hoist equipment and should use recently installed stepping stones Wanted accessories) to and from work sites. Please just upstream from the damaged bridge. contact David Day & Monica Resor at [email protected].

4JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005 TRAILWALKER in summer forests. Just about everything of Environmental Protection bobcat CIENCE that moves across snow, from pygmy census employing scent posts and cam- S shrews to porcupines, leaves a tell-tale track era traps in the same general areas. E COLOGY for the observant naturalist. 2. Bald Eagle Roost Survey: We will again be surveying bald eagles as they Winter Woods&By Edwin McGowan, Science Director, PhD form flocks at evening roost sites along the lower Hudson River. Building on About this time each year, bird enthusi- Moreover, the census reveals the diver- last year’s count of over 130 eagles on asts across the nation brave whatever sity of wildlife present and viewable in a one early February eve, we will hold winter throws at them to take part in the landscape that often appears frozen, dor- counts on three dates in January and annual Christmas bird count. Thousands mant, and downright inhospitable. Over February. of birders contribute to the count in a the years, 151 animal species have been 3. Baseline Mapping of Invasive typical year, a tradition reaching back documented, including 122 bird, 26 Plants: Winter is actually a good time

over 100 years. mammal, 1 reptile, 1 amphibian, and 1 BAKER DAVID to record and map certain invasive At Bear Mountain and Harriman State fish species. Interestingly, the reptile (a Join the bald eagle survey this winter. plants, namely ones that remain con- Parks, naturalists have gathered each winter snapping turtle) and the amphibian (a spicuous and recognizable, such as since 1946 (excepting a lapse from 1974- spring peeper, a kind of tree frog) were Winter is also a time when various ani- common reed or phragmities. This 1979) for a similar effort, the annual noted only since 1998, perhaps yet mals aggregate—deer form small herds plant is perhaps most visible in winter, Winter Bird and Wildlife Census, one of another indication that our climate is and “yard up” in northern areas while when reed colonies stand out like dried the oldest censuses of its kind. A truly changing. many birds form seasonal flocks—facili- corn stalks against a backdrop of deep- remarkable record, census results track the Clearly, winter woods offer rewards to tating counts. Lastly, visibility is greatly er browns. This project will focus on steady presence of common winter resi- naturalists willing to deal with brisk winds, increased once our deciduous forests shed the inland marshes of Harriman and dents (e.g., American tree sparrow, seen icy footing, and shortened days. They also their leafy cover each year. This makes viewing what remains much easier. I am also always amazed at how much shorter a well-known section of trail becomes once the leaves are down.

TC Monitoring Projects This winter, TC environmental monitors will be taking advantage of what the sea- son offers—snow for tracking, flocking EDWIN MCGOWAN behavior in birds, and increased visibility, Phragmities will be mapped in parks. respectively, for the following citizen sci- ence projects: Sterling Forest State Parks, where 1. NJ Bobcat Track Survey: With a little phragmities has made some inroads luck, we will have ample snow to search but is not yet a ubiquitous wetland for bobcat tracks intersecting our hik- species. Our near-term goal is to map ing trails in northern New Jersey. This its current distribution, but with an EDWIN MCGOWAN denizen of forests, swamps, and brush- eye toward future management. The snow recorded the passage of a coyote at Bear Mountain. lands occurs at low densities and is Each of these projects is open to members rarely seen; it is on the state’s list of and will require member participation to every year since 1946), the arrival of new present unique opportunities for environ- endangered species. Using our trails as be successful. To learn more about them winter residents (e.g., black vulture, first mental monitoring. For example, snow survey transects, volunteers will and how to become an environmental noted in 1997), and the apparent disap- cover records the tracks and thereby expos- attempt to document bobcat tracks, monitor, visit the science page at our web- pearance of others (e.g., American coot, es the movements of reclusive snow permitting. This effort will com- site (nynjtc.org) or call me at 201-512-9348. seen every fourth year or so through 1980). fauna—animals that go mostly unnoticed plement a concurrent New Jersey Dept.

similar to strains isolated from European disease are two-fold. First, many kinds of of trees that are common in the west and Sudden Oak Death: trees, there are subtle differences in the oaks appear to be susceptible, based on lab- sometimes planted horticulturally in the The Latest Threat to Our Forests fungi, and it is not yet clearly known from oratory tests. These include most oaks in east, including Douglas fir and redwoods. where this new fungus has come. the “red oak” section of the group—those The fungus can be spread in the soil and by Sudden oak death—the mere name sounds The fungus causes two types of problems oaks with “bristle tips,” sharp-pointed ends water, and has now spread up the west terrifying. Like something in a Hollywood in susceptible plants. It can cause large to the lobes of the leaves. Species in the coast to Oregon. horror movie, the image of a new disease cankers on the main trunk of the tree and on “white oak” section—those oaks with The spread into Oregon caused a new spreading over the landscape and destroy- the larger branches, which cause the plant to rounded lobes, with no bristle-tips—do problem, as many of the plants grown for ing the most abundant trees in the forest die rapidly once the canker appears. On the not appear to be susceptible (although the nursery trade are produced there. The does indeed strike terror into ecologists, western oaks, the canker “bleeds” burgundy- some studies suggest they can harbor the fungus has been detected in the soil and tis- forest managers, and nature lovers. But this red to tar-black thick sap. Alternatively, the fungus in sub-lethal form). sues of many of these plants, and through is not a creation of screen writers; this is a fungus can affect just the leaves and twigs, Among the susceptible trees are our these, has been spreading through the real problem, not yet here on the east coast, causing spotting and blackening of parts of northern red oak (Quercus rubra), one of United States. Fortunately, it appears that but rampant on the west coast, and likely the leaves, and dieback of the twigs. These the most common (and beautiful) canopy infected plants are being detected at nurs- to appear here sooner or later. trees in our forests, and pin oak (Quercus ery businesses, and there are no known In 1994, forest managers in California palustris), a common denizen of swamps occurrences yet of the spread of the disease began to find their oak trees, including and wet places throughout our region. A into natural forests. However, this requires coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), California recent study has also shown that a variety of continuous vigilance. The USDA Agricul- black oak (Quercus kellogii), and tanoaks other eastern oaks can become infected, tural Plant Health Inspection Service (Lithocarpus densiflorus), dying, succumb- although it is not yet known whether these (APHIS) has instituted stringent controls ing rapidly to a set of symptoms never infections would prove fatal. Thus, should and inspections for nursery stock; never- before observed. Careful scientific the disease become established in the east, it theless, infected plants do escape detection sleuthing by biologists at the University of could wreak havoc in our forests. It is esti- with some regularity. Last spring, infected California at Davis identified a species of mated that in California, in the 14 coastal nursery plants were found in Cape May, the fungal genus Phytophthora (P. ramorum) counties in which the disease has been con- New Jersey; a rapid and vigorous search for that was new to America as the cause of the EDWIN MCGOWAN firmed, thousands of oaks have died. all plants sold by the nursery where the disease. This genus of plant pathogens Northern red oaks may be fungal target. The second threat comes from the fact infection was found apparently led to the includes the organism that caused the Irish that the fungus can infect, but not cause destruction of all infected plants. potato blight in the mid-1800s, and many symptoms do not cause the death of the pathology, in a wide range of other plants, Infected nursery plants have also been other important plant pathogens, includ- plant; however, they do provide a source of including many that are cultivated and sold found (and destroyed) in 21 states and in ing the root rots that affect everything from spores that can be spread to more susceptible for horticultural use. These include several Britain. However, there is clearly a potential forest trees to garden tomatoes. While the plants in the forest. types of Rhododendron, blueberries, maples, for an infected plant to introduce the fun- sudden oak death fungus appears to be The most worrisome aspects of this new viburnums, blackberries, and several kinds continued on page 10

TRAILWALKER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005 5 Who’s Counting New Trails Adopted Volunteer Classifieds: Get Involved! Six miles of new trails in Forest Park in Queens have been adopted by the Trail Conference at the recommendation of the Are you looking for new challenges and NY-NJ border to Route 17. The hikers and hiking organizations a Metro Area Trails Committee. A ranger in opportunities to get involved with Trail Orange/Rockland Appalachian Trail multitude of activities, from hikes and the park is to coordinate a group of Conference activities? Please review the Overseer position needs immediate educational workshops to commercial volunteers organized as the Forest Park TC Volunteer Classifieds for exciting and filling. Qualified candidates need to be exhibits. The planning for this amazing Trust, which will be responsible for interesting ways for members to become well organized, detail oriented, good week has already begun and there are maintenance. The total number of trails involved with the Conference’s efforts. communicators, and have a passion for the several exciting ways you can get involved. maintained by Trail Conference members Volunteers are the heart and soul of our AT. Be a part of the team that maintains The steering committee is looking for is more than 1,600. organization. Become an active part of our one of the most diverse and intriguing individuals with planning and scheduling family and get more involved. If you are sections of the Appalachian Trail. If you are skills, good communication skills, and New Clubs Join TC interested in volunteering with the TC interested in this position, please contact the ability to multitask. The steering The Forest Park Trust mentioned above and do not see an opportunity that suits Larry Wheelock at 201-512-9348 or committee has four openings that need was one of nine clubs that were welcomed you, contact Volunteer Projects Director [email protected]. immediate filling. For more information, to TC membership this fall. The other new Joshua Erdsneker, either by email please contact Jane Daniels at organizational members are: [email protected] or call the office New Jersey Mid-Week Crew [email protected] or call the TC • Catskill Mountain Club: based at the 201-512-9348, and he will find a way Are you tired of watching day-time TV? office at 201-512-9348. Catskill Center, the club will adopt to get you involved. Looking for a change of pace? Why not get trails in the Catskills. out and join a mid-week trail crew? As we Business Manager/Financial Officer: • Bellvale School, NY: maintains Metro Trail Crew adopt more trails, our trail crews have more Develop a budget, receive and disburse a section of the Appalachian Trail. Our Metro Trails Committee is looking work than ever. Our New Jersey trail funds, prepare and distribute periodic • Long Island Greenbelt Trail for trail crew volunteers to help do reha- committees are organizing a mid-week trail financial reports, and submit a final Conference: a returning member club. bilitation work on Staten Island’s principal crew to tackle a variety of exciting projects financial summary. • North Haven Trails Association: a trail. The Staten Island Greenbelt trail throughout the state. We are looking for partner organization that maintains needs work beyond simple maintenance motivated trip leaders and crew members Workshop Coordinator: Select topics, private trails in Sag Harbor, NY. to improve its condition and return it ready to tackle challenging and exciting secure presenters/trainers, and schedule • Boy Scout Troop 273 (Middletown, to the pleasant and surprisingly wild projects. If you are interested in this a workshop. NY): plans to adopt a trail. experience it offers. People interested in position, please contact Larry Wheelock at • Boy Scout Troop 2 (Middleburgh, doing some erosion control and rock 201-512-9348 or [email protected]. Exhibit Coordinator: Recruit exhibitors NY): plans to adopt a lean-to. work should contact Trails Director from the ATC’s maintaining clubs and • Camp Deer Run (Pine Bush, NY): Larry Wheelock ([email protected]; Trail Volunteer Patch Coordinator commercial venues, plan exhibit space, and maintains trails on their own property phone, 201-512-9348), or Bob Ward Every year, the Trail Conference coordinate exhibits during the meeting. which are open to the public. ([email protected]; phone, recognizes the men and women who have • New Haven Hiking Club, Guilford, 718-471-7036). We hope that this call generously donated their time to keeping Hike Coordinator: Plan hikes, secure lead- CT: maintains trails in the Taconic will result in a core of volunteer trail crew the trails we hike maintained. You can ers, communicate leadership standards for region and leads hikes in Connecticut members who would be willing to work help recognize these volunteers by the hiking programs, and provide overall and New York. throughout the city on trails that coordinating our patch program this year. coordination for the hiking events. The number of organizational members of the Metro Trails Committee has been Interested persons should be familiar with the Trail Conference now totals 91, bringing under its wing. Microsoft Excel and willing to assist Other Opportunities: representing more than 100,000 hikers. with data entry. • Membership Committee members A National Treasure Needs You • Office volunteers The nation’s greatest historic footpath ATC 2007 Biennial Meeting • Book reviewers needs a motivated volunteer to coordinate In 2007, the TC will be hosting the • Publications committee members New Web Features and manage the men and women who Appalachian Trail Conference’s biennial • Volunteer profilers maintain the Appalachian Trail from the meeting. This week-long conference offers • Librarian

CREW NOTES held up fine. Last year’s 1,000-pound step- number of stepped terraces in an eroded continued from page 4 ping stones up near the headwater of area. We will be back to this area, as there structures we had refurbished in the spring Dunnfield Creek, however, were gone is plenty more to do. had worked—in spades; there was gratify- without a trace. For our final trip of the year, the crew ingly little new erosion on the whole length The following pair of trips was a back-to- embarked on a major blowdown clearing Two new features have been added to the of the AT up to Sunfish Pond. And the new back Saturday and Sunday affair at the project in Stokes S.F. Despite a steady driz- Trail Conference website (www.nynjtc.org): work we had done on the Blue Dot had Terrace Pond outlet stream crossing in zle, we fielded three sawyers and, joined by an easier online donation mechanism and Wawayanda S.P. What had been about 20 six scouts and two leaders from Troop 63 of simple polls. feet wide when we scouted it last spring was Greenwich Township, NJ, we cleared sever- Most people should find the new now over 90 feet wide from all the rain. al dozen blowdowns on seven different “Donate Now” button, located at the top Using the highline, we mined a dozen step- trails in the park. of the left-hand menu column on the stones from the cliff-face, high above the home page, easy to use and navigate. A work area. We then placed them on a Thanks to all who volunteered with single click on this button will bring you to section of the boggy area that had not been the West Jersey Crew in 2004: a secure page where you can make your gift trod into a mire, providing a solid stepping Alan Abramowitz, Jack Baccaglini, Larry to the Trail Conference. surface on the south approach to the main Bernstein, Susan Bernstein, Ian Blundell, channel crossing. Bob Boyle, Bob Boysen, Roland Breault, Our next trip was back to Worthington Harry Byrne, Geraldine Byrne, Gordon S.P. to create an alternative stream crossing to Campbell, Joan Campbell, Marc Cohen, the condemned bridge used by the AT and Bill Darling, Arturo Diaz, Paul Dutton, Josh several other trails. Once again, large rocks Erdsneker, Bill Fisher, Dick Gerien, Mike Scroll to the bottom of that same were in flight as we sought out another col- Gerien, Don Griffin, Joan James, Tom home-page column to find simple one lection of the ever-elusive “perfect” rocks. We Kirchofer, Peter Kohlberger, Jerry Losowyj, question polls. As with most online polls, did manage to locate, transport, and place Gay Mayer, Marshall McKnight, Sarah the best that can be said about the results is the required number of beauties. We know McKnight, Bob Messerschmidt, Mitch that they may be indicative. They are people will use them—they were crossing on Morrison, Sara Morrison, Bob Sickley, certainly not statistically significant because them before we had even finished! Larry Wheelock, and BSA Troop 63. the participants are self-selected and noth- The next to last trip of the season was to Thanks also to our DEP partners: Supt. ing is known about their demographics. Jenny Jump State Park, a delightful, small Ernie Kabert at Worthington and Jenny View and vote in our polls (including in park tucked in between I-80 and Route 46 Jump, Supt. Paul Stern at Stokes, Supt. older polls until we close them). You can near Hope, NJ. Here we were back to “reg- John Keator at High Point, and Supt. Bill also suggest new polls (hiking related only). ular” trail work: constructing two large Foley at Wawayanda, and to all their staff. We plan to change the polls fairly often, water bars, a couple of check steps, and a so come back to the web frequently.

6JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005 TRAILWALKER Despite the adult theorizing, the frigid MISSION: Possible and Awesome weather, and a 7:30 a.m. departure follow- New Life Members By Maureen Edelson ing a teenager’s Saturday night, the Philmont guys, as they came to be known, showed up the second week for a hike and continued every week through their depar- The Trail Conference welcomes the ture in late June. following new Life Members: They hiked Essex, Passaic, and Bergen counties and were out on the GW Bridge. Jan A. Summers They explored the newly blazed trails Marilyn Adair around Camp Glen Gray, where their troop has been camping since 1917, and have a A Life Membership in the New York- deeper appreciation of what the Ramapos New Jersey Trail Conference is a offer. They virtually ran the Long Path from wonderful gift to yourself or a loved Fort Lee to Alpine, and, under the fine lead- one, and to the Trail Conference. An ership of John Kolp of the Adirondack individual life membership is just Mountain Club, ascended the 1,664' sum- $500; a joint life membership mit of Schunemunk Mountain, rewarded (two adults at the same address) is by swimming and barbecue at that old cab- $750. The next time you renew, in I mentioned. With every step, NY-NJ please consider becoming a Trail Trail Conference maps were in our hands. Conference “lifer.” Of course, food is critical when you’re

PAUL KAZAROV PAUL dealing with teenaged guys. Calories evapo- A rigorous training schedule brought Scouts and leaders to the summit of Schunemunk. rate, and most weeks the return trip to my dining room table became known as the “It’s impossible!” some people said of my throughout the region. The quality of the “B-CC Trail”—the Bagel-Coffee Cake Trail. idea. “Teenagers don’t get up early on Conference’s publications and its excellent It was around the table, too, that much nec- Sunday mornings, don’t hike in 4-degree trail maintenance combined with the essary bantering, sorting, and organizing weather, and don’t stick with anything for six region’s resources meant that I could confi- took place. By early May, leaders had months.” But have you ever noticed… dently “entertain” the guys for 26 weeks. emerged, roles and jobs were assigned, and Our plan was to start hiking on the first the group’s gears were meshed. Sunday in January and continue each weekend, excepting holidays, through The ultimate “magic” was the most June. Hikes and packs would become more successful Philmont trek possible. challenging as the months went by. Stamina, strength, map-reading, orienteer- Snow came early last winter, and by the ing, a solid team, and a sense of fun and time our first outing arrived, we were wonder—all these were firmly in place and climbing through Essex County’s Eagle resulted in an awesome experience for each Rock Reservation in 4-degree weather and young man. When the Scouts returned, I several inches of snow. Anyone who missed asked them how their local training had religious services for this hike certainly had prepared them for the trek. With the con- a sense of awe after one mile of sharp ele- fident cavalierness I love in teenagers, they vation to the summit, just after sunrise, replied, “Mrs. Edelson, we hiked our guide facing east. A misty pink and steel Gotham into the ground.” was beyond us and the First Watchung Mountains were beside us. As a mentor, you get your shot to influ- ence the young. The Scouts’ parents had years ago put their kids’ ingredients in the simmering family pot, and community members like Todd, Doug, Scoutmaster

MAUREEN EDELSON Merle Gehman, and I get a lucky chance to The boys ascend to the Long Path. stir once or twice. Soon, though, each of GEAR these young men would be on his own, magic happens when bright stars are aligned? adding his own choice of spices to a per- My sons’ Boy Scout Troop 13 (Upper sonal recipe. Montclair, NJ) scheduled a high-adventure CHECK trip to the 137,000-acre Philmont Scout Don’t we want the dish to turn out An occasional series that will review gear Ranch in New Mexico for late June 2004. really well? appropriate for hiking. Anticipating Philmont’s daily hikes of up So it’s only fair to teach them that, when to 15 miles at average elevations of 10,000 they have an apartment in Fort Washing- feet, and with Troop 13’s emphasis on ton, they can walk across the George Cambelbak Rim Runner youth leadership, the most important fac- Washington Bridge up the Long Path to Hydration System tors in preparing for the trip were physical the state line, or live in the exurbs and work Reviewed by Josh Erdsneker training and team-building. trail maintenance on Storm King Moun- So what magic had to be wrought? Sim- Hikers beware; we no longer have to During an eight-mile hike up to the ply, my job was to prepare the guys for a stuff our packs with water bottles or clip Ramapo Torne, the pack fit me well, successful trip. The stars aligned in my uni- them to our packs after the mesh pock- and with an adjustable sternum strap verse were our Scouts: 10 strong, smart, ets have ripped. The Camelbak Rim and waist belt to hold it steady, I forgot and thoroughly hilarious teenagers; Assis- Runner makes hiking as easy as fill, I was even wearing it at times. I tant Scoutmasters and men-of-steel Todd pack, and walk! With a 100-ounce reser- especially enjoyed not having to stop Edelson and Doug McGilvray, who would voir, it holds plenty of water for those moving when I needed a drink. also accompany the fellows to Philmont; long day hikes and hot summer days For those hikers reluctant to toss the fascinating terrain of the New York- spent in the woods. The bladders are aside your Nalgenes, give the new New Jersey metro region; and the easy to fill and clean, with a large mouth generation of hydration bladders a exceptional resources of the New York- PHIL CANTOR PHOTOGRAPHY opening and ergonomic screw-top. chance. With my water more accessible, New Jersey Trail Conference. On top of Mt. Baldy In the fall, there is plenty of room for I find that I stay better hydrated and I had grown up summers in the shadow an extra fleece and your lunch in the have more energy during my hikes. of Orange County’s Schunemunk Moun- tain twice a year. We often focus on 1,526 cubic inches of space. The dual- tain with a well-thumbed copy of the New teaching our kids what not to do, but side mesh pockets and an outside Rating: 4 boots out of 5 York Walk Book on the cabin bookshelf. through hiking and exploration they would compartment for your smaller items Lately, I’d been hiking with the learn what to do—for recreation, conserva- allows you to organize your gear for Appalachian Mountain Club and recog- tion, and stewardship. “Fun with a quick access. nized the Trail Conference’s fine work purpose,” as the Boy Scouts say.

TRAILWALKER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005 7 currently maintains GIS parcel data, which So,What is GIS? contains information such as ownership, By Eric Yadlovski address, acreage, and section-block-lot. New Catskill Mountain Club Welcomes Members Perhaps the most frequently asked question This data can be retrieved and visually The 100th anniversary of the Catskill Forest Preserve has inspired the launch of the to those in the Geographic Information represented at any time. This allows the TC Catskill Mountain Club (CMC), devoted to outdoor stewardship, education, hiking Systems (GIS) field, and probably the most to identify key parcels and evaluate which camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing, kayaking, biking, and other non-motorized nature- difficult to answer in a clear and concise parcels require immediate acquisition. related pursuits in the Catskill Mountains. For more information and to print out a manner, is, “What is GIS?” As the Trail Conference continues with membership application, visit www.catskillmountainclub.org. A geographic information system is an digital map production, the need for main- attempt to accurately model reality. It is an taining accurate GIS data for each of the information system that links geographic CATSKILL MOUNTAINS LITE? quintessential character of this community, data (spatial data) with database continued from page 1 to the very specific sense of place I’ve talked information (attribute data) and enables about. It would so profoundly alter the users to visualize patterns, relationships, and noise of midtown Manhattan, it is character of these mountains as to destroy and trends. In the most simplistic form, a three hours to this mountain communi- that character once and for all. The loss will GIS functions as a tool for computer-based ty—a haven of natural resources that we be irretrievable. Once you have blasted a mapping, allowing maps to be produced have been assured is protected by our state mountain apart, you cannot piece it quickly and efficiently. Although comput- government. Undermine the existing char- together again. Once you have under- er-based mapping is an essential and acter of this community, as the proposed mined the character of a community, important component of GIS, the real resort would do, and the nearest “replace- sapping the very thing it is based on, there’s power is the ability to use spatial and ment,” so-called, for the hikers who come nothing on which to re-build. That is true statistical methods to perform analysis on here now is eight hours away, or 12 hours, whether you can see the resort or not. geographic and attribute data. or a plane ride—no longer possible for a No one has said it better than a man A geographic information system day trip or even a weekend. from New Jersey named Richard Wolff, a comprises three major components: But the fact is there is no replacement for veteran hiker and skier who has been software, hardware, and data. Software hiking in the Catskills. The experience is leading trips here for AMC since 1964— provides the functions and tools users need unique because the character of the place is probably more than a hundred trips, by his to store, analyze, and display geographical map sets increases. All the data necessary to unique, and to anyone who has hiked here, estimate. He leads three every summer, information. The hardware consists of produce a publication map is stored in our that character is absolutely distinct and including this summer, and four or more computers on which the GIS operates, GIS. This data includes but is not limited absolutely recognizable... Nor is it just the trips in fall and winter. On seeing the plan printers, scanners, etc. There are two to boundaries of public open spaces, roads, mountains and trails that define the char- for the resort, Dick said, and I quote: distinct types of data: spatial data and woods roads, marked trails, un-maintained acter of this mountain community. There “That’s not a resort; it’s a city. If they build attribute data. Spatial data is the location trails, viewpoints, parking, shelters, lakes, are the villages where hikers and backpack- it, I simply won’t come here any more.” and shape of geographic features. An streams, and contour lines. This data allows ers stock up on supplies, ply the shops, I wonder, Your Honor, how many times attribute is information about a geographic maps to be produced more accurately and patronize the restaurants and hostelries. All we need to learn the lesson of what feature, usually stored in a database. For on a more frequent basis. of this defines the very specific community environmental degradation can do to a example, a road is considered spatial data; character that brings people here to hike. place. There are examples of mountain attributes of the road might include the Eric Yadlovski is the Trail Conference staff And the particular part of the communi- towns from New Hampshire to Colorado name, length, and speed limit. GIS specialist. For more information on ty where the developers propose to situate to California, where the once unique sense Much of what the Trail Conference (TC) geographic information systems please visit their resort is at the very heart of it, right of place has been diminished at best, does requires spatial information. A the following websites: www.esri.com, smack dab in the middle of the “high destroyed at worst by cookie-cutter geographic information system greatly www.gis.com. peaks” region, just exactly at the focal point “destination resorts”... I wonder if such a improves the TC’s ability to serve its to which hikers are drawn. Clearly, the size, loss is worth yet another upmarket retail members and achieve its goals. The TC scale, purpose, and manner of the resort mall selling scented candles and will have a most consequential impact on high-priced casual wear. I think it is not. the existing community character. Golf courses abound in this part of the Author’s Query I went up the mountain from Rider world; together, Delaware, Greene, and Carol White, author of ADK’s Catskill observations, notable encounters (animal Hollow—in late April or early May, as best Ulster counties boast more than 40. Must a Hikes for All Seasons and editor of ADK’s or human), humorous moments, I recall. There were still patches of snow, mountain be broken and a sense of place Guide to Catskills Trails, third edition, reflections, peak experiences, and why and the trees were not leafed out. On a destroyed to build yet another? requests submissions of stories about you’re out there. Write to her at prior trip up that trail, I had spotted a red That is precisely what the proposed Catskill hiking misadventures, interesting [email protected] or 28 Mulberry St., fox. This time, the only wildlife I saw was a resort, quite simply and quite fundamental- situations of all kinds, what you learn on Clinton, NY 13323. young couple and their baby, who was ly, will do: it will destroy the sense of place the trail, accidents or other challenges, riding high in a backpack on her father’s of the Catskills. It will wreck the existing shoulders. There’s a rock outcrop at about unique character of this community that where the trail pitches up to a level place, now derives organically from the protected and we stood there together looking east natural resources here. Instead, it will give past Balsam to the Slide-Panther wilder- us an imposed, artificial, easy-to-replicate ness; at that point, we were also staring gloss on our mountains—Mountains Lite, north/northeast right onto the ridge where mountains-as-theme-park, mountains as this resort would be built. Please do not tell pretty backdrop for golfing or gambling or Gifts of securities me that the resort will not be visible from whatever ends up here. state-owned trails. It will. Such an impact is indeed adverse. and other appreciated The view is not all it would ruin, and It deserves to be considered in this property are accepted others have testified... to the many adverse environmental quality review. impacts on our natural resources. Yes, it by the Trail Conference. will kill the night sky, so that backpackers The Belleayre resort project is currently in like me will never again really be sleeping the midst of fact-finding review and decision- out under the stars here, but even more making by an administrative law judge. fundamentally than these negatives, the Should you decide to make a gift in proposed resort is a direct threat to the this manner, please contact Lisa Cargill at the TC office, 201-512-9348 regarding the type of stock and num- ber of shares being transferred, so that you are properly credited for your gift!

8JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005 TRAILWALKER Jay Schwarz Lives On Annual Meeting/ Hike the Path of In Bequest to Trail Conference By Lisa Cargill Capital Campaign Asset Protection with Jay Schwarz was a “super hiker.” He loved If you are interested in benefiting the Kickoff Event Thank You a Charitable Gift Annuity the outdoors and shared this passion with Trail Conference through an estate gift, all who knew him for the last 50 years. Jay please contact Executive Director Edward The Trail Conference Board of Directors to the Trail Conference. spent his years hiking and skiing with Goodell. He will be happy to discuss and staff would like to thank the following For information, contact Lisa Cargill groups like Miramar Ski Club, Mosaic planned giving options with you, along individuals for the time they spent prepar- at the Trail Conference office, Outdoor Club, the New York Ramblers, with providing the legal language for your ing for and volunteering at the Annual 201-512-9348. All inquiries are and of course, as a life member with the attorney to include in your will, life insur- Meeting/Capital Campaign Kickoff event kept strictly confidential. New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. ance, or retirement plan. Remember, on October 31, 2004, at Skylands Manor. It seems everyone has his or her own fond besides knowing that your gift will be used Without their hard work and dedication, memories of Jay. Richard Wolff, Trail in ways that you designate and plan for, the day would not have been possible. Conference member and good friend, there are immediate tax and personal recalled Jay’s huge appetite recently when he benefits to making a bequest. Capital Campaign Leadership Capital told the story of Miramar Ski Club mem- and Development Committees bers wanting to (jokingly) charge Jay a Should you be interested in making the John Gunzler, Co-Chair Campaign surcharge for all of the food he lovingly Trail Conference a beneficiary in your will, Mary Smart, Co-Chair devoured on their trips! Richard also following is an example of the language Dr. George Becker, Jr. Reaches recalled how easy it was for Jay to make new needed in your will to make such a gift: Chris Connolly $ friends, introducing himself to strangers, Jane Daniels 1.7 Million who immediately felt at ease with him. I bequeath to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, Herb Hochberg New Donors When Jay wasn’t hiking, he was traveling a not-for-profit organization, with its Peter Kennard September 30-November 30, 2004 to exotic destinations and sharing his principal offices located at 156 Ramapo Bob Newton Barbara R. Ackerman, Peter M. Balma, Dr. adventures with friends and peers. He was Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ, a ____% of Anne Osborn George L. Becker Jr.*, Hanna & Andy Benesch, chairman of the slide program at AMC, my residuary estate or the sum of $____. Malcolm Spector Eileen Berch & Barbara Drake*, Robert & Rose where he organized slide shows at social Marie Boysen, Roland Breault, Robert F. Busha, gatherings, showing off his slides from all However, before making any decision Capital Campaign Marketing Committee Linda M. Clark, Jacqueline Corrieri, Nestor of his travels. regarding your estate, we strongly urge you Dottie Noe, Chair Danyluk, A. Ross Eckler*, Joanne Foster & John Jay passed away in March 2004, leaving to contact an attorney or tax professional to Barbara Ackerman Macalla*, Jakob Franke & Gely Franke, John & behind family and friends who have their discuss both the legal and financial conse- Diane Bamford Wanda Giuffrida*, Toby Golick*, James C. & own stories about how Jay touched their quences of your gift. Valerie Chiang Susan P. R. Goodfellow*, Bonnie Joachim, John lives. Now, the NY-NJ Trail Conference Frank Bamberger summed up the full Marilyn Kurland P. Jurasek, Phyllis A. Key, Peter M. Kohlberger & too has its own story to share. Jay Schwarz effect of Jay Schwarz’s lasting legacy, “He Barbara Kohlberger, The Leonard & Evelyn designated the Trail Conference as a simply wanted to continue helping the Hike Leaders Lauder Foundation*, Harriet Lawrence, Carol beneficiary of his estate, leaving the Trail Trail Conference save and maintain trails. Daniel Chazin, Clifford Gerenz, Mantell, Dorothy E. Noe, Peter R. & Cynthia K. Conference 1/3 of his assets. As his friend His love of the outdoors continues through Gene Giordano, Al Leigh, Richard Zinn Kellogg Foundation*, Priscilla Pogact, James Recktenwalt & Sarah Gordon, Aaron Schneider, Frank Bamberger says, Jay’s memory and his gift.” The Estate of M. Jay Schwarz*, Herbert Shulman, spirit continue to live on through this Skylands Manor Volunteers Isaac & Marilyn Siskind, Mary R. Sive & David generous gift. Rose Marie Boysen, Ann Grob, Sive*, Kristine Stortroen & David Rose, Suzan Rita Heckler, Lou O’Neil, Jane Leigh, Gordon*, Union County Hiking Club, Marty & Marilyn Siskind, Doug Sohn Nancy Willick, David P. & Virginia B. Young *Members of the Raymond H. Torrey Society ANNUAL FUND CONTRIBUTIONS Volunteers who assisted with displays and presentations Publications: George Petty, Ruth GIFTS Rosenthal, Bob Boysen, Daniel Chazin Anonymous*, Anonymous*, Gene Arkin, Walter J. and Elizabeth Barrett, Christopher K. Bastedo, Jaques L. Black, John B. Blenninger, Ian Blundell, Michael J. Bolotsky, Daryl and Matthew P. Boylan, Bear Mountain and Trails: Robert and Rose Marie Boysen, Casey Bruno, John W. and Eliza L. Burdzy, Howie Burke, John L. and Gary Haugland, David Day, Marion Clark, Linda M. Clark, Vincent R. Clephas, Christopher and Elizabeth Cornell, Pat Cotter, John Magerlein, Bob Jonas, Ruth and Wally Cowan, Sally Curtis, Margaret Cushing, Jane and Walt Daniels*, Don and Sue Gene Giordano, Peter Jensen Dickert, Earth Share*, Arthur H. and Nancy Ebeling, Lee P. Emery, Regina Fleissner, Christopher and Dorothy Freeman, Don Freudenburg, Peter Gabriele II, George Gentsch & JoAnn Abbadessa, J. Irene Science: Bob Jonas, Estelle Anderson Gibson, Jack Goldwasser, James C. and Susan P. R. Goodfellow*, Rebecca W. and Henry E. Goodhue, John Haertlein, Yaromir P. Havlik, Peter and Rita Heckler, George and Lucy M. Heller, Julie Graphic Design Hildebrand, Mary M. Hilley, Jean A. Holke, William S. Houck, John Kashwick, Howard D. Kessler Jr., Michael Billy Philip L. and Melinda Kirstein*, Arnold H. and Henrietta W. Lang, Steven R. Larson, Drew T. Lehman, Michael McGraw, The McGraw Group Dean and Nancy Lennert, David E. Levine, Rosanne Levitt, Michael Lewis, David A. and Judith Lloyd, John and Karen Magerlein*, Paul Makus, Thomas G. McBride, Kay McDermott, Joseph D. and Aurelia Donations Minuti, Tom and Helen Murphy, Marjorie Navidi, Buzz Nesti, Robert and Alma Newton*, Anthony V. Fred DeBergh, Ramsey Outdoor, and Domenica Paterno, Martha Pope, Lilly E. Popper, Mary Jean Purdy, Christopher B. Putnam, Cliff Bar, Power Bar, Leisure Time Water Dorothy W. and Peter M. Rinaldo, Ron S. Rosen & Marilyn Rosen, Weiland A. Ross, David Roth, James L. and Elizabeth T. Sawyer, The Estate of M. Jay Schwarz*, Jeffrey C. and Julie A. Semroc, Judy and Special Thanks to TC staff member and Sid Semroc, Todd E. and Barbara Semroc, Peter Senterman & Doug Senterman, Alan K. Smith, Joan GIS specialist Eric Yadlovski, who made all F. Smith, Kristine Stortroen and David Rose, David and Naomi Sutter, Betty J. Tabor, Rudy Templin, of our maps and presentations a reality! Edward Thayer, Christie Van Kehrberg, Karl J. Volk, Sophi and George Weitz, Patrick G. Welsh, David V. and Naola B. Woolf, William Zipf, Martin F. Zumsteg Make Your Gift to the Campaign MEMORIAL GIFTS SPECIAL GIFTS The Trail Conference accepts gifts in many In memory of Donald Hendrickson To the Shawangunk Ridge Coalition forms, but the most common forms are: Carol Rothe ADK Ramapo Chapter, Stephen Bachop, Peter Bienstock, Penny Davis, Raymond L. Greenberg • Cash or check • Appreciated securities MATCHING GIFTS To the Science Fund J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation, HP Employee Deborah & Eric Kurtzman • Planned Gifts including Charitable Gift Program, Olive Bridge Fund, The charitable annuities, trusts, To the Marketing Fund and bequests New York Times Co. Foundation Matching Gifts Anonymous* Program, Unilever United States Foundation, Inc. • Real estate In honor of John and Marianne Gunzler • Life insurance Mark S. Rosenthal & Shoshannah Pollack We encourage donors to make pledges with In honor of her mother Hattie’s 90th birthday payment periods of 3 to 5 years. and her father Nason Contact: Lisa Cargill, *Members of the Raymond H. Torrey Society Suzan Gordon* Development Associate [email protected]

TRAILWALKER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005 9 FAVORITE HIKE BOOKNOTES By Georgette Weir The Great Valley on Your Coffee Table A new coffee-table book by nationally Mineral Spring Falls to Jupiter’s Boulder recognized landscape photographer Nick Zungoli not only celebrates much of the Location: Mountainville, Orange County Hike Description: The trail almost imme- region encompassed by the NY-NJ Length: 2.8-mile round-trip from road to diately enters Black Rock Forest and you Trail Conference, but also includes contri- Jupiter’s Boulder will soon approach a kiosk that offers infor- butions by several noted TC members. Rating: Moderate mation. Just beyond (.3 mile from the road) Hudson to Delaware: The Great Valley is Mineral Spring Falls, a hemlock-shaded includes 140 of Zungoli’s color nature Features: A cascading waterfall, classic cascade whose character changes stunningly photographs, taken over 25 years. Trail woods stream, hemlock groves, viewpoints, with the seasons, light, and water level. The Conference author/editor Daniel Chazin and the trail network of Black Rock Forest falls offers the most drama in winter. Its contributed chapter essays, and illustrator make this an appealing hike in any season. shifting layers of ice and snow constantly Jack Fagan created a regional map for the change the scene; reflected light is some- book. The preface was co-written by JoAnn Hudson to the Delaware. He is not Terrain: one steep slope, rocky footpaths times gray, sometimes blinding in its Dolan, former executive director of the interested in isolated parks and preserves, brightness. NY-NJ Trail Conference, and her husband but instead sees through his camera’s lens How to get there: Heading north on Route This can be a short but satisfying outing Paul, executive director of ABC News the interrelationship of the Highlands, the 32, look for Angola Road on right in Moun- even if you turn around here. But if you are International. Kittatinny Mountains, the Shawangunks, tainville. Watch for Mineral Spring Road on willing to climb the ravine’s steep slope to The images are organized into four and the Great Valley. Nick Zungoli’s work right (about 2 miles) and take it. Then look reach the terrain above, you will enjoy a chapters: “The Hudson and Palisades,” captures the universal and primordial for Old Mineral Spring Road on left (about beautiful streamside walk through hem- “The NJ-NY Highlands,” “The Great appeal of nature and of light itself.” 3 miles) and take it. (This short road has two locks before entering a typical Highlands Valley,” and “The Delaware and Kittatinny- For more information, see end points on Mineral Spring Road less than deciduous forest. Caution: the stream Shawangunk Ridge.” Hikers’ Marketplace on page 12, visit one mile apart.) There is a parking area at the needs to be crossed and there is no bridge. The Dolans write: “The genius of Nick’s www.nynjtc.org/store, or call the Trail southern end of Old Mineral Spring Road This can be tricky in high water, especially work in this book is that he shows the Conference, 201-512-9348. (OMSR). Walk back north on OMSR and so in winter. Use care. connectedness of great landscapes from the look for dirt road with gate and white Scenic You can continue on the trail to a view- Trail and teal Highlands Trail blazes heading point at Jupiter’s Boulder (1.4 miles). If right, into the woods. you continue on, you will arrive at a trail SUDDEN OAK DEATH Visit Us Today! junction; the yellow-blazed Ryerson Trail continued from page 5 Watch out for: Portions of the trail are breaks off to the right. If you want to con- often wet, and several small streams will be tinue your hike from here, it is a good idea gus into our area and to escape detection www.NYNJTC.org crossed, so be prepared. to have a map of the area (NY-NJ Trail until the fungus is out in the wild. There is Conference map 7, West Hudson Trails), as no way, at present, to estimate how much Black Rock Forest’s trails and woods roads damage to our native forests might result. are many and interconnecting. What can you do? First, before buying any plants for your yard, especially rhododen- drons and viburnums, find out where the plants come from and ensure that they are certified free of SOD. Second, find out more about the disease and its symptoms, and keep an eye out for oaks with weeping cankers in the woods. If you see any, report them to the NJ Bureau of Forestry (609-292-2520). There are several websites, including www.suddenoakdeath.org and http://cemarin.ucdavis.edu/index2.html, that can give you a wealth of additional infor- mation about the disease, and the APHIS website (www.aphis.gov) can lead you to information about safe nursery practice.

Joan Ehrenfeld is a professor in the Dept. of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources at Cook College, Rutgers University, and is a mem- ber of the Trail Conference Science Committee.

Where there’s a Will, there’s a Trail When we build them, you hike them. We’ve been building and protecting trails for at least four generations of hikers since 1920. That’s 1,600 miles in New York and New Jersey to date. Help us keep building for the next generation by naming the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference in your will. A bequest makes a wonderful gift, and it lasts beyond one lifetime.

For confidential information and legal language,

GEORGETTE WEIR contact the Trail Conference at 201-512-9348, or by email; [email protected]. Mineral Springs Falls in Black Rock Forest is a worthwhile destination in any season.

10 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005 TRAILWALKER HIKERS’ALMANAC A Sampling of Upcoming Hikes Sponsored by Member Clubs

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20 IHC. Mines of Harriman, NY. Leader: Dave Sutter, The activities listed are sponsored by member clubs of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. All hikers are welcome subject to club regulations UCHC. Minnewaska State Park, NY. Leader: Carolyn & Jim [email protected]. Meet: 9:30 am at Lake Skannatati parking, Seven and rules of the trail. You are responsible for your own safety. Wear hiking boots or strong, low-heeled shoes. Bring food, water, rain Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 10 am at Lake Minnewaska upper lot; Lakes Dr., Harriman State Park. Moderately strenuous 7 miles to gear, first aid kit, and a flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe cannot call for directions. Moderately strenuous 10 miles on wide choice of rarely visited sites. Conditions may require crampons or snowshoes. complete the hike or is not adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. scenic trails and carriage roads. Parking fee $6 per car. UCHC. Jockey Hollow, NJ. Leader: Mary Doyle, 908-580-1778. More than 85 clubs belong to the Trail Conference, and many of our affiliate groups sponsor hikes not listed in the Hikers’ Almanac. SATURDAY, JANUARY 22 Meet: 10 am at visitors center; call for directions. Moderate 4 miles; For a descriptive list of Conference clubs, consult our website or send a SASE with your request to NY-NJ Trail Conference. AMC-NYNoJ. New Hiker Orientation in Central Park. Leader: $4 per person admission fee. Steady rain cancels. Club Codes Nancy & Art Tollefson, 212-727-8961; no calls after 9:30 pm. Meet: MONDAY, JANUARY 31 Only those clubs with hikes offered in this issue are listed below. Please call numbers listed to confirm. 9 am at park entrance, 103rd St. and Central Park West. Easy 5 miles. RVW. Thatcher Park and Thompson’s Lake, NY. Leader: call Tour our favorite parts of Central Park while learning about hiking: cloth- 845-246-4145 for more information. Meet: 8 am at Sawyer Savings ADK-R ADK Ramapo OUT Outdoors Club ing and boots, gear, staying warm, local parks, hiking with a group. Bank, 87 Market St., Saugerties, NY. Moderate 5 miles; depending on AMC-NYNoJ Appalachian Mountain Club, PMNHA Pyramid Mtn. Natural Historic Area Comfortable walking shoes/appropriate clothing. Rain/sleet cancels. conditions, snowshoes and crampons or cross-country skis required. New York-North Jersey Chapter RVW Rip Van Winkle Hiking Club PMNHA. Winter Hiking Skills, NJ. Leader: Call 973-334-3130 GAHC German-American Hiking Club TLR Teatown Lake Reservation for information. Meet: 1 pm at Pyramid Mtn. Natural Historic Area February IHC Interstate Hiking Club UCHC Union County Hiking Club Visitors Center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp. Moderate; learn how to prepare for a successful cold weather hike. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 NYR New York Ramblers UCHC. Lewis Morris Park, NJ. Leader: Betty Mills, RVW. Winter Clove County Rd., NJ. Leader: call 845-246-2945 Clubs wishing to have hikes listed in Hikers’ Almanac should send their schedules to [email protected] or to the Trail Conference Office. 973-538-4922. Meet: 10 am at Sugarloaf parking area; call for for more information. Meet: 10 am at Sawyer Savings Bank, The deadline for the March/April issue is January 15, 2005. directions. Easy to moderate 5-6 miles. 87 Market St., Saugerties, NY. Easy 5 miles. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3 NYR. New City to New Hempstead, NY. Leader: Clive Morrick, UCHC. Jockey Hollow, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Betty Mills, January UCHC. Beyond Dater’s Mine; Harriman State Park NY. Leader: 212-242-0931. Meet: 8 am at Port Authority Bus Terminal, to take 973-538-4922. Meet: 10 am at visitors center; shuttle required. Dave & Naomi Sutter, [email protected]. Meet: 10 am at Johnsontown SATURDAY, JANUARY 1 8:16 Red & Tan bus to New City. Various new trails through Rockland Casual 4-mile hike in this historic national park; $4 per person Rd. circle; call for directions. 8 moderately strenuous miles from here IHC. New Years in Harriman, NY. Leader: Dave Sutter, County parks to the Long Path near Nyack, NY, then over Hook Mtn., entrance fee. Steady rain, ice, or snow cancels. to there over obscure routes; beautiful vistas at every turn. [email protected]. Meet: 9:35 am at Elk Pen parking lot, Arden Valley through Long Clove and over High Tor to Mt. Ivy. Out to New OUT. Welwyn Preserve, Long Island. Leader: Rolande Chapeau. Rd., Arden. Start that New Year’s resolution now—come out and Hempstead will be on right-of-way of former NJ&NY Railroad. Meet: Take IRT #7 train to last stop in Flushing and meet at bus pole SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 enjoy the winter. Conditions may require crampons or snowshoes. IHC. Wawayanda Winter Wonderland, NJ. Leader: Carolyn N21 past Macy’s. Bus leaves at 10:57 am, arrives 12:07 at Glen Cove ADK-R. Harriman Adventure, NY. Leader: Call 845-354-0738. Meet: Moderately strenuous. Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 9:00 am at A&P/Hewitt Post Office, (Pratt Blvd./Bridge St.; cars may park there. 6 easy miles. A circular all- Call leader for information. Moderate 6 miles in Harriman State Park. PMNHA. New Year’s Hike, NJ. Leader: Call 973-334-3130 for Warwick Tpk., Hewitt, NJ. Moderate hike to Lookout Lake for lunch. day hike through beautiful trails with evergreen and big trees in the PMNHA. Singles Hike, NJ. Leader: Call 973-334-3130 for information. Meet: 1 pm at Pyramid Mt. Natural Historic Area Visitors Conditions may require crampons or snowshoes. forest and on the shore. Bring lunch and hot drink. Nonmembers $3. information. Meet: 1 pm at Pyramid Mtn. Natural Historic Area Center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp. Strenuous hike to burn off UCHC. Jockey Hollow, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Mary Dell SUNDAY, JANUARY 23 Visitors Center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp. Moderate; a few extra calories. Morrison, 908-684-5175. Meet: 10 am at visitors center; call for IHC. Ramapo State Forest, NJ. Leader: Carol O’Keefe, designed for those who are unattached, but all are welcome. UCHC. New Year’s Day at South Mountain Reservation, NJ. directions. Scenic 4-5 mile hike in this historic national park. 973-328-7395. Meet: 9 am at Ramapo State Forest, Skyline Dr., TLR. Shadow Lake Hike, NY. Leader: call 914-762-2912, ext. Leader: Call 973-746-4319, between 9 am and 9 pm, for more $4 entrance fee per person. Steady rain, snow, or ice cancels. upper lot. Moderate 7-8 miles. Possible snowshoe around the lake; 10, to register (required). Meet: 10 am at Teatown Lake Reservation, information. Meet: 10 am at Tulip Springs parking, Brookside Ave., MONDAY, JANUARY 10 call leader if in doubt. Ossining, NY. Enjoy the winter views on this easy uphill hike on our Millburn. Moderate hike through pine forest to Hemlock Falls. newest trail; look for animal tracks. Nonmembers $3. RVW. Black Dome Mountain (3980'), Catskills. Leader: Call GAHC. John F. Kennedy Bird Sanctuary, Tobay Beach, SUNDAY, JANUARY 2 845-246-7616 for more information. Meet: 8 am in Saugerties, NY. Long Island. Leader: Gunter Georgi, 516-883-2336. Meet: 10 am; SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6 ADK-R. 7 Hills Saunter. Leader: Call 201-816-9465. Meet: Call Very strenuous 4.7 miles; snowshoes and crampons required. please call leader. Easy hike, possible cross-country skiing. ADK-R. Snowshoe Ramble. Leader: Call 845-362-8470. Meet: leader for information. Moderate 6-8 miles in Harriman State Park. TUESDAY, JANUARY 11 UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Louise White, Call leader for information. Moderate 6 miles. UCHC. Watchung Reservation, NY. Leader: Call 973-746-4319, UCHC. Black River Gorge, NJ. Leader: Jim & Theresa McKay, 973-746-4319; call 9 am-9 pm. Meet: 10 am at Turtleback Rock IHC. Lewis Morris to Jockey Hollow, NJ. Leader: Jennifer and from 9 am to 9 pm, for more information. Meet: 10 am at Trailside 973-538-0756. Meet: 10 am at Cooper Mill, Chester, NJ; call for parking in West Orange, NJ; call for directions. Moderate Guy Percival, 973-984-1005. Meet: 9 am at Sunrise Lake parking, parking, Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Moderate, 2-hour hike; directions. 6.5 miles past Kay Environmental Center and back 4+ miles in nicely wooded area; some rough spots. See the Turtle Rock. Lewis Morris County Park, Morris Twp. Strenuous hike on Patriots’ rain or snow cancels. through Black River Gorge. MONDAY, JANUARY 24 Path; lunch near Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary. Bring binoculars to search for woodpeckers and owls. Conditions may IHC. Pine Meadow Lake Back Door, NY. Leader: Hank Perrine, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 RVW. Big Indian Mtn. (3700'), Catskills. Leader: Call 212-666-0694. Meet: 9:00 am at Kakiat County Park, Rt. 202, require crampons or snowshoes. UCHC. Ringwood Circular, NJ. Leader: Jim & Theresa McKay, 845-246-7616 for more information. Meet: 8 am in Saugerties, NY. Suffern. Moderately strenuous hike to and around Pine Meadow Lake 973-538-0756. Meet: 10 am at Ringwood Manor; call for directions. Very strenuous 10 miles; snowshoes and crampons required. UCHC. Rifle Camp Park, West Paterson, NJ. Leader: Walter from the east side of Harriman State Park. Conditions may require Moderately strenuous 8-9 mile hike. TUESDAY, JANUARY 25 Koenig, 973-684-5528. Meet: 10 am at park; call for directions. Nice crampons or snowshoes. views in this circular hike at a moderate pace. SATURDAY, JANUARY 15 UCHC. Wawayanda in Winter Coats, NJ. Leader: Carolyn & MONDAY, JANUARY 3 OUT. Marshland Conservancy, Rye, NY. Leader: Rolande TLR. Welcome the New Year, NY. Leader: Call 914-762-2912, Jim Canfield, 973-728-974. Meet: 10 am at beach parking lot; call for RVW. Cole/Black Dome/Blackhead Mountains, Catskills. Leader: Chapeau. Meet: Board the New Haven Line train from Grand Central ext. 10, to register (required). Meet: 10 am at Teatown Lake Reservation, directions. 6 miles; if swamp is frozen, possibly Pumphouse loop Call 845-246-1823 for more information. Meet: 8 am in Saugerties, NY. at 10:37 to Harrison. Leader boards from Fordham at 10:54, arriving Ossining, NY. Easy hike to look for ice formations along Bailey Brook around the lake. Very strenuous Catskills hiking; snowshoes and crampons required. at 11:19 (times change, check schedule). Moderate 8 miles; all-day and signs of wildlife around the lake. Afterwards, toast the new year WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26 hike through the woods and along the bay. Scenic views from the L.I. RVW. Taconics. Leader: Call 845-246-4145 for more information. with a cup of hot apple cider. Nonmembers $3. UCHC. Loantaka Brook, Morris Twp., NJ. Leader: Cherryll Meet: 8 am in Saugerties, NY. Moderately strenuous 4.5 miles up Sound. Continue along the shore and return from Rye. Bring lunch, IHC. South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Ellie King, Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am at Kitchell Rd. parking area; call Mt. Everett and to Guilder Pond; snowshoes and crampons required. hot drink. Heavy snow/icy conditions cancel. No smoking. 908-233-8411. Meet: 10 am at Locust Grove parking lot, across from for directions. 4-5 miles where you can talk and not watch your feet. Nonmembers $3. TUESDAY, JANUARY 4 Millburn RR station. Moderate 6 miles through pine forest to THURSDAY, JANUARY 27 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 UCHC. Ramapo Mt. State Forest, NJ. Leader: Carol O’Keefe, Hemlock Falls; expect a somewhat hilly terrain. UCHC. Ringwood State Park, NJ. Leader: Al Leigh, 973-471-7528. UCHC. Watchung Reservation, NJ. Leader: Ellie King, 973-328-7395. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Moderate 6 miles, to SUNDAY, JANUARY 16 Meet: 10 am at Ringwood Manor; call for directions. 8 miles at the castle and around the lake. If there is a lot of snow, we’ll snowshoe. 908-233-8411. Meet: 10 am at Trailside Museum; call for directions. PMNHA. Winter Views Hike, NJ. Leader: call 973-334-3130 moderate pace; circular treat from Skylands to Bear Swamp Lake in About 5 miles on scenic footpaths above Blue Brook-Surprise Lake, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6 for information. Meet: 1 pm at Pyramid Mtn. Natural Historic Area Ramapo Reservation, including full circle of the Shore Trail. Sierra Trail. UCHC. Tourne, Boonton Twp., NJ. Leader: Joe McLaughlin, Visitors Center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp. Moderate; SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10 without the foliage our overlooks should be spectacular. 973-263-2799. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Pleasant hike up and AMC-NYNoJ. Tuxedo, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: down, possibly one steep hill; for experienced hikers. UCHC. Bear Mountain/Popolopen Gorge, NY. Leader: Arnie UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Nancy Tollefson, 212-727-8961; no calls after 9:30 pm. Meet: 9:15 Seymour-Jones, 201-768-3864. Meet: 10 am at Bear Mountain Inn. SATURDAY, JANUARY 8 Ed Leibowitz, 973-724-2542 (w). Meet: 10 am at Locust Grove am at Tuxedo RR station, Rt. 17, NY (can take 8:15 am Shortline bus Moderately strenuous hike up Bear Mountain and return through ADK-R. North Breakneck Ramble, NY. Leader: Call 914-779-6233. parking, across from Millburn RR station; call for directions. from Port Authority). Moderate 7 miles; suitable for first-time winter the gorge. Meet: Call leader for information. Moderate 8 miles in Hudson 2-4 miles at moderate pace; suitable for beginner hikers. Rain, snow, hikers. Crampons may be needed, depending on conditions. If in SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Highlands, NY. or ice storm cancels; bring crampons if snow or ice on ground. doubt regarding weather, call 7:30 pm-9:30 pm eve before hike. TLR. Northwest Trail Hike, NY. Leader: call 914-762-2912, ext. MONDAY, JANUARY 17 ADK-R. Sapphire Trail, NY. Leader: Call 845-359-2465. Meet: UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: 10, to register (required). Meet: 10 am at Teatown Lake Reservation, Call leader for information. Easy 6 miles in Sterling Forest. Mae Deas, 908-233-6641. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. RVW. Minnewaska State Park, NY. Leader: Call 845-246-6949 Ossining, NY. From top of Teatown Hill down to Griffin Swamp, Moderate 4-5 miles, mixture of level and hills with possibly some for more information. Meet: 8 am at Sawyer Savings Bank, TLR. Snowshoe Exploration, NY. Leader: Call 914-762-2912, search the highs and lows of Teatown terrain for first signs of a new muddy or icy terrain. Bring skis if too much snow on ground for hiking. 87 Market St., Saugerties, NY. Moderate 5 miles from Trapps ext. 10, to register (required). Meet: 1:30 pm at Teatown Lake season. Nonmembers $3. trailhead to Millbrook Mtn. Snowshoes and crampons required. Reservation, Ossining, NY. Easy snowshoe outing; snowshoes ADK-R. Ramapo Mt. Adventure, NJ. Leader: Call 845-354-0738. UCHC. Lambertville Beer Walk. Leader: Bob Hagon, 908- provided. Not suitable for children under 8. Nonmembers $3. Meet: Call leader for information. Easy 4 miles. UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Cherryll 788-8360. Meet: 10 am at Flemington Circle shopping center, Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am at Deer Paddock; call for OUT. Connetquot River State Park, Long Island. Leader: Paul UCHC. Watchung Reservation, NJ. Leader: Joan Lepselter, Flemington, NJ, for car shuttle. 7 mile, flat all-day walk from directions. 3 level miles to Washington Rock. Develet, 516-488-5232. Meet: Leader will meet group at the Great 908-273-4188. Meet: 10 am at Trailside parking, Coles Ave. at Lambertville to Stockton and New Hope, PA, then back to River train station (LIRR) at 10:37 arrival of train (take 9:13 train from WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19 New Providence Rd., Mountainside; call for directions. Brisk 4+ miles, Lambertville, where we will sample the wares at River Horse Brewery Penn Station). 8 miles, moderate pace, easy terrain along lakes and PMNHA. Morning Hike, NJ. Leader: Call 973-334-3130 to some rocky and muddy trails; suitable for strong beginners. (cost $1). Rain or snow cancels; snow on ground okay. a river from Great River to the fish hatchery. Nonmembers, $3. register (required). Meet: 10 am. Moderate hike at Pyramid Mtn. Steady rain cancels. SUNDAY, JANUARY 9 for adults only. SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 GAHC. Palisades & Hudson Shore, NJ. Leader: Helly deLiz, UCHC. Old Troy Park, Parsippany, NJ. Leader: Jim & Theresa PMNHA. Snowshoe Extravaganza, NJ. Leader: Call 973-334-3130 201-592-6377. Meet: 10 am at Linwood Park Shopping Center, McKay, 973-538-0756. Meet: 10 am at Old Troy Park; call for directions. to register (required). Meet: 10 am. Join us for discussion and treks; Continued on back Rt. 9W, Fort Lee, NJ. Easy and moderate hikes. 4.5 miles through the park and then around Bee Meadow Pond. limited number of demos available. TRAILWALKER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005 11 continued from page 11 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20 IHC. Tiorati Circular, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Pete OUT. Croton to Peekskill, NY. Leader: Oliver Wayne, Rigotti, 718-769-3814; call only 9 pm-9:30 pm. Meet: 9 am at Lake 201-840-4145. Meet: 8 am at the info booth at Grand Central Tiorati Circle parking, Harriman. Moderate hike; leader will go with HIKERS’MARKETPLACE Terminal for 8:20 train to Croton (check schedule for possible time the wind direction; early finish. Conditions may require crampons or YOU CAN ALSO ORDER AT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.NYNJTC.ORG change); return is from Peekskill. 13 miles along the Briarcliff- snowshoes. Peekskill Trail. If even slightly icy, bring ice creepers or crampons. Those without either will be turned away. Nonmembers, $3. UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Louise NY-NJ TC member? YES NO JOINING NOW White, 973-746-4319; call 9 am-9 pm. Meet: 10 am at Turtleback SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 rock parking; call for directions. Moderate 4+ miles in nicely wooded Please order by circling price Retail Member P/H Total IHC. Osborn Loop, NY. Leader: Jane Egan, 973-636-0809; area; see the Turtle Rock. no calls after 9 pm. Meet: 9 am at Anthony Wayne parking area (north), Harriman State Park. Lovely moderate Hudson Valley hike of OUT. Hastings to Tarrytown, NY. Leader: George Glatz, 212-533- Official Conference Maps 6 miles on carriage roads; one steep ascent at start. Conditions may 9457, between 7 and 8 am. Meet: Grand Central Terminal upper level Sterling Forest Trails (2003) $7.95 $5.95 +.80 ______require crampons or snowshoes. info booth at 10 am to take 10:20 train to Hastings. 5-mile easy hike on the Old Croton Aqueduct. Joint with other clubs. Nonmembers $3. North Jersey Trails (2002) $7.95 $5.95 +.95 ______ADK-R. Skannatati Saunter, NY. Leader: Call 201-816-9465. Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails (2003) $8.95 $6.75 +.95 ______WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Meet: Call leader for information. Moderate 6-8 miles in Harriman East Hudson Trails (2003) $9.95 $7.50 +.95 ______State Park. PMNHA. Morning Hike, NJ. Leader: call 973-334-3130 to register (required). Meet: 10 am. Moderate hike for adults only. West Hudson Trails (2000) $7.95 $5.95 +.95 ______PMNHA. Snowshoe Hike, NJ. Leader: Call 973-334-3130 for information. Meet: 1 pm at Pyramid Mtn. Natural Historic Area UCHC. Kay Environmental Center, Chester, NJ. Leader: Catskill Trails (2003) & see combo $13.95 $10.45 +$1.10 ______Visitors Center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp. Moderate; hope Barbara Loke, 908-234-0486. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. About Kittatinny Trails (2000) $12.95 $9.75 +$1.10 ______for snow so we can trek up Turkey Mtn. 5 miles; lunch along the Black River in this beautiful wooded park. Shawangunk Trails (2000) & see combo $9.95 $7.50 +.95 ______TLR. Festival of Eagles Walk, NY. Leader: Call 914-762-2912, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24 South Taconic Trails (1988, rev. 1998) $4.95 $3.75 +.65 ______ext. 10, to register (required). Meet: 9 am at Teatown Lake Reservation, UCHC. Pequannock Watershed, NJ. Leader: Al Leigh, Hudson Palisades Trails (available Mar.) $7.95 $5.95 +.80 ______Ossining, NY. Walk to bald eagle spotting areas to celebrate the 973-471-7528. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Moderately annual return of these spectacular birds of prey; live eagles and strenuous 8-9 miles exploring such dandies as Old Cole, Bearfort Books special presentations at Teatown. Waters, Two Brooks, Fire Tower West (good views) and Terrace Pond. A.T. Guide for NY & NJ (2002) w/6 maps $19.95 $15.95 +$2.00 ______UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Call 973-746- SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26 NEW!! Long Path Guide to NY/NJ (available Jan. 2005)$16.95 $13.55 +$2.00 ______4319 for information between 9 am and 9 pm. Meet: 10 am at Locust TLR. Full Moon Hike, NY. Leader: Call 914-762-2912, ext. 10, to Grove parking, across from Millburn RR station. Moderate 4-5 mile hike. register (required). Meet: 9 pm at Teatown Lake Reservation, Day Walker (2002) $16.95 $13.55 +$2.50 ______TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Ossining, NY. The full moon will be rising as we make our way to NEW!! Hiking Long Island (available Jan. 2005) $19.95 $15.95 +$2.50 ______UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Dave Hidden Valley Meadow. Out by 11 pm; hot chocolate will be served Circuit Hikes in Northern New Jersey (2003) $11.95 $9.55 +$2.00 ______in the nature center after the hike. Nonmembers $3. Hogenauer, 973-762-1475. Meet: 10 am at Tulip Springs parking; NEW!! Kittatinny Trails (2004) $18.95 $15.16 +$2.00 ______call for directions. 6 miles at a moderate pace, with a few rugged UCHC. Watchung Reservation, NJ. Leader: Mae Deas, areas. To Washington Rock on the Lenape Trail. 908-233-6641. Meet: 10 am at Trailside parking on Coles Ave. at New York Walk Book (2001) & see combo $19.95 $15.95 +$2.50 ______NEW!! New Jersey Walk Book (2004) $19.95 $15.96 +$2.50 ______THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17 New Providence Rd.; call for directions. Moderate 4-5 miles with mixture of easy, level walking and some hills on possibly muddy or UCHC. Turkey Mountain, NJ. Leader: Joe McLaughlin, Harriman Trails Guide (1999)& see combo $16.95 $13.55 +$2.50 ______icy terrain. It there is too much snow, we may ski instead. 973-263-2799. Meet: 10 am; call to register. Moderately strenuous Iron Mine Trails: NY-NJ Highlands (1996, rev. 1999) $8.95 $7.15 +$2.00 ______Steady rain cancels. 7 miles to a waterfall, return down the 100 steps on Turkey Mountain. Health Hints for Hikers (1994) $5.95 $4.75 +$2.00 ______Snow or rain may cancel. OUT. Byram River Gorge, CT. Leader: Mayer Wiesen, 516-671-2095 until 10:30 pm. Meet: Jerome & Bainbridge Aves, Doodletown: Hiking Through History in a SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Bronx, street level at 9 am sharp for train. (7 pm return.) 6 moderate Vanishing Hamlet on the Hudson (1996) $12.95 $10.35 +$2.00 ______AMC-NYNoJ. Tuxedo, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: miles. See a green hemlock gorge in Greenwich. Bring an extra pair Catskill Trails: A Ranger’s Guide to the High Peaks Nancy & Art Tollefson, 212-727-8961; no calls after 9:30 pm. Meet: of socks for a muddy trail. No smoking on trip. Joint with NY Hiking Book One: The Northern Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.95 +$2.00 ______9:15 am at Tuxedo RR station, Rt. 17, NY (can take 8:15 am Shortline Club and Shorewalkers. Nonmembers $3. bus from Port Authority). Moderate 8 miles; suitable for first-time Book Two: The Central Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.95 +$2.00 ______SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27 winter hikers. Crampons may be needed, depending on conditions. Scenes & Walks in the Northern Shawangunks If in doubt regarding weather, call 7:30 pm-9:30 pm eve before hike. IHC. Island Pond, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Ilse Dunham, 973-838-8031. Meet: 9 am at Tuxedo RR station, Rt. 17, (1999) (hardcover) & see combo $10.95 $8.75 +$2.00 ______PMNHA. Animal Tracks Hike, NJ. Leader: Call 973-334-3130 NY. Moderate hike to and around Island Pond; enjoy an invigorating for information. Meet: 1 pm at Pyramid Mtn. Natural Historic Area Shawangunks Trail Companion (2003) $18.95 $15.15 +$2.50 ______day. Conditions may require crampons or snowshoes. Visitors Center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp. Easy; let’s look Nature Walks in New Jersey (2003) $12.95 $10.35 +$2.50 ______for signs of wildlife that’s been around. PMNHA. Winter Birds Hike, NJ. Leader: call 973-334-3130 for 50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley (2002) $16.95 $13.55 +$2.50 ______information. Meet: 1 pm at Pyramid Mtn. Natural Historic Area ADK-R. Stockbridge Circular, NY. Leader: Call 845-359-2465. Visitors Center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp. Moderate; bring 50 Hikes in New Jersey (1997, rev. 1999) $15.95 $12.95 +$2.00 ______Meet: Call leader for information. Easy 6 miles. your binoculars so we can study winter residents. Best Hikes w/ Children in the Catskills & UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Call UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Leader: Call Hudson River Valley (2002) $14.95 $11.95 +$2.00 ______973-746-4319, between 9 am and 9 pm, for more information. Meet: 973-746-4319 for more information between 9 am and 9 pm. Meet: 10 am at Tulip Springs parking, Brookside Ave., Millburn, NJ. AMC Catskill Mountain Guide (2002) $19.95 $15.95 +$2.00 ______10 am at Tulip Springs parking lot in Millburn, NJ; call for directions. Moderate hike through pine forest to Hemlock Falls. ADK Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons (2002) $12.95 $10.35 +$2.00 ______Moderate hike through pine forest to Hemlock Falls and beyond. ADK Guide to Catskill Trails (1994, repr. 1998) $17.95 $14.40 +$2.00 ______Hudson to Delaware: The Great Valley (2004) $75.00 $56.25 +$4.00 ______Join the volunteers Combo-Packs Catskill (5-map set & ADK book) $27.80 $21.60 +$2.00 ______who bring you the great outdoors! Harriman (2-map set & book) $22.40 $17.55 +$2.50 ______NY & NJ Walk Books $35.91 $28.73 +$3.50 ______1,600 miles of trails and counting; your membership helps us expand Shawangunk Combo (4-map set & book) $17.90 $13.95 +$2.00 ______our horizons. The Personal Touch Included with membership, Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases Note Cards: TC Collection $12.00 $9.60 +$2.00 _____ at most outdoor stores, and 20-25% discount on all Trail Conference Long-sleeve Denim Shirt Circle: S M L XL $29.90 $22.90 +$4.00 ______maps and books. Polo Shirt (Forest Green) Circle: S M L XL $19.90 $15.50 +$4.00 ______Support the work of the NY/NJ Trail Conference with your membership. Harriman Map Bandanna $6.95 $5.95 +$1.50 ______Membership Level Individual Joint/Family Conference Logo Patch $2.50 $2.50 postpaid ______Individual $25 $31 Long Path Logo Patch $2.75 $2.75 postpaid ______Sponsor $50 $60 Conference Logo Decal $ .85 $ .85 postpaid ______Benefactor $100 $120 Subtotal ______Senior/Student $18 $24 Postage/handling from above, or $6.00, whichever is LESS ______Life $500 $750 For non-clothing items, New Jersey residents add 6% tax* ______Name ______TOTAL ENCLOSED $ ______Address ______Method of Payment: City______State______Zip ______NAME Check or money order enclosed Day Phone ______Evening Phone ______ADDRESS Visa Mastercard Amex E-MAIL ______Card #______CITY STATE ZIP Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex Exp. Date: ___ /___ Signature: ______Card # ______Exp. Date: ___/ ____ EMAIL TELEPHONE Make check or money order payable to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, Make check or money order payable to NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. For a full descriptive catalog, please write or call 201-512-9348. Tax-deductible. *Tax must be paid by NJ residents on books, maps, misc., but not on clothing. Thank you!

12 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2005 TRAILWALKER printed on recycled paper