www.nynjtc.org Connecting People with Nature since 1920 September/October 2008

New York- Trail Conference — Maintaining 1,683 Miles of Foot Trails

In this issue: Community Trails Program in East Hudson...pg 3 • New Map, Book Editions...pg 10 • Trail Map...pg 11

* TRAIL REFLECTIONS * n the July 4th holiday weekend, droves of hikers, many of Attention All Trail Stewards: Maintainers, Crew Members, Monitors, etc: Othem novices, encountered Trail Have you enjoyed a good day on the trail while volunteering? Share Conference outreach volunteers at two of your experience with words or a photo. Send your contributions to the region’s busiest trailheads: Breakneck Trail News Trail Walker editor Georgette Weir at [email protected]. Ridge and Washburn Trail (Bull Hill) in State Park. That weekend, a dozen volunteers talked with “What exactly is a blaze?” hundreds of people about the Trail Conference, sold East Hudson maps and Answers at the Trailhead Trail Conference memberships, collected NORVIN GREEN STATE FOREST names of potential new volunteers, and New Trail Leads to Lake Sonoma, shared basic tips for enjoyable, safe Overlook Rock hiking. The outreach event was the The 1.9-mile Lake Sonoma Trail, one of brainchild of new East Hudson Trails two new trails planned in the west central Chair (and Trail Conference board area of Norvin Green State Forest, has member) Josie Gray. After the event, Josie recently been completed. The trailhead is reflected on its goals and lessons. on Burnt Meadow Road just under 3 miles south of the intersection of Burnt Meadow Helping Hands Lead Hikers to TC Road and Greenwood Lake Turnpike. by Josie Gray I initiated this idea after spending a day clearing blow-downs with Donna Fichter during Memorial Day weekend. I usually avoid these trails on the weekends because they are like Grand Central station, but the supervisor (Donna) and maintainers have often reported how many novice hikers, and completely unprepared hikers, they

N encounter here. That weekend, I saw this O S U

G first hand! R E

F Our goals were: 1. to be there to support E I T S

I and inform unprepared hikers, provide trail R H

C maps and directions (“No, the Breakneck Trailhead volunteers Aaron Bailenson, Stephen Stuart, Dave Dvorsky, Josie Gray, and Sheryl Lynch continued on page 7 Setting the Course for ATV Legislation Victory in New Jersey

With ATV legislation yet to be enacted in Senator Gordon and is scheduled to be Jersey Regional Representative, via email New Jersey, we can expect riders to contin - heard in the Senate Transportation Com - ([email protected]) or cellphone (973- ue to hit the state’s publicly protected lands mittee in the fall. 303-3538). Volunteers open new trail in Norvin Green and trails. The Trail Conference has advocated for Visit the Trail Conference website State Forest in New Jersey. Unless, however, legislation to regulate ATV legislation in New Jersey for many (www.nynjtc.org/issues/NJATV.html) to From the trailhead, the orange-blazed ATVs can be passed before then, and there years and is extremely excited about the learn more about ATV legislation in New trail enters the Lake Sonoma area of Norvin is real hope that it can be. The Trail Con - possibility for its passage this year. The TC Jersey and find out how to enter the ATV Green State Forest and heads west over two ference needs its members to support a is working closely with Pinelands Preserva - trail damage photo contest. The deadline is foothills of West Brook Mountain, offering grassroots campaign to be launched this fall tion Alliance, New Jersey Conservation September 15th to make the next issue of views to the west, especially after the leaves to win this legislative battle! Foundation, New Jersey Audubon and Trail Walker , so send in your photos today! fall. The trail then follows along the west In June, the Assembly Transportation many others to ensure that the legislation shore of Lake Sonoma with some nice water Committee unanimously voted in favor of has strong statewide support among the views, swings west up the ridgeline, and Assembly Bill 823, which regulates the public, as well as with the Governor and ends at Overlook Rock with an outstanding operation of all-terrain and other off-road Legislature. In order to achieve this goal, 180-degree easterly view. vehicles through mandatory registration the TC and its partners will launch a fall Another new trail segment, the first half- and provides significant penalties for viola - grassroots campaign spotlighting ATV mile of the planned Overlook Rock Trail, tions. This legislation, sponsored by damage to conserved lands and hiking has also been completed and links the Lake R E

Assemblymen Reed Gusciora, Paul Moriar - trails throughout northern New Jersey. G Sonoma Trail southward to the Hewitt- N I Z

ty, and John Wisniewski, is set to hit the Volunteers are needed. If you would like L Butler Trail. These new trails create O H

full Assembly for a vote as soon as the leg - to be a volunteer TC advocate and help A opportunities for circuit treks using all or D N

islature returns after its summer hiatus. A fight for ATV legislation in New Jersey, E parts of the Lake Sonoma, Overlook Rock, R B :

companion bill has been introduced by please contact Brenda Holzinger, New S Hewitt-Butler, Burnt Meadow, and Stone - O T O

H town Circular trails. The Lake Sonoma P trailhead on Burnt Meadow Road inter - sects with the Stonetown Circular, allowing other connecting hikes now. The North Jersey Weekday Crew mem - Join Our bers who helped with this project were Danielle Bouchard, Chris Connolly, Cliff Hike -a-thon! Connerth, Vin Dryer, Craig Nunn, Larry Saturday, October 4 May, John Moran, Terri Russo, Karen Schoof, Frank Schoof, Brian Sniatkowski, at Bear Mountain Natalie Nass, and Michael Williams. In addition, the nearby Shiloh Bible Camp in State Park Photos show ATV impact on Highlands Trail continued on page 6 Kick off the fall in style and let in New Jersey. your feet do the talking at the VOLUME XXXV, N UMBER 5 ISSN 0749-1352 Non-Profit first People-for-Trails hike-a-thon US Postage Paid Permit No. 1239 at Bear Mountain State Park on Bellmawr, N.J. October 4, 2008. See details on page 3. Page 2 September/October 2008 From the Chair

VOLUME XXXV, NO.5 SEPTEMBER /O CTOBER 2008 Proposed: That There Be Fewer Delegates Meetings GEORGETTE WEIR EDITOR LOUIS LEONARDIS GRAPHIC DESIGNER The Trail Conference (Publications, Administration, Develop - running of the organization. So the signifi - The TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #1239) is organized in a way ment, Membership, Darlington cant amount of effort expended by staff and (ISSN 0749-1352) is published bi-monthly by the -New Jersey Trail Conference as a that guarantees the Schoolhouse, Nominating, Conservation, volunteers in setting up and conducting benefit of membership. Subscriptions are voicing of a wide vari - etc.) and with overall financial and legal these meetings seems to add little overall available to libraries only at $15.00 a year. ety of opinions. We management of the Trail Conference. value to the Trail Conference. Periodical postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., and have our own “separa - The Nominating Committee of the The BOD has taken two actions to additional offices. Postmaster: Send address tion of powers.” BOD nominates new BOD members and attempt to address this issue. changes to the address below. Opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily represent the policy There are three Delegates at Large for final appointment by A. The February 2009 Delegates Meet - or position of the Conference. Contributions of major volunteer groups that have broad the Delegates (see below). ing will be held in conjunction with the typed manuscripts, photos, and drawings are powers for managing the organization. I 3. The DELEGATES appoint the mem - February BOD meeting. A one-hour dele - welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style sometimes wonder at the creative inspira - bers of the board of directors. Any changes gates business meeting (the usual duration) and length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines. tion of the folks who invented this in our bylaws require a 2/3rds majority of followed by a two-hour BOD meeting will Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKER are January 15 (Mar./Apr. issue), March 15 organization. the delegates present. Each affiliated hiking be held in the Mahwah area. We will there - (May/June issue), May 15 (July/Aug. issue), 1. The TRAILS COUNCIL is a relative - club has the right to appoint one delegate. by improve chances of attaining a quorum July 15 (Sept./Oct. issue), September 15 ly informal group of trails chairs and In addition, one Delegate at Large for every of delegates and we will provide opportuni - (Nov./Dec. issue), November 15 (Jan./Feb. supervisors that does oversight manage - 400 individual members is appointed by ty for the delegates to become more issue). Unsolicited contributions cannot be acknowledged unless accompanied by SASE. ment of our core function—maintaining the delegates. Each committee chair and “engaged” with the Trail Conference via For information on advertising rates, please write and building trails. Trails policies, new each BOD member is also a delegate. So attendance at a board meeting. or call. trails, and changes in existing trails are the the total number of delegates is about 160 B. We have proposed that the required Copyright 2008 by: most common concerns of this group. Jane people. But only 1/6th of the total dele - number of delegate meetings per year be New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. Daniels is currently the chair. gates constitutes a quorum—i.e. about 27 reduced to two—the Annual Meeting and 156 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202) Mahwah, NJ 07430 2. The BOARD OF DIRECTORS people. Three delegates meetings per year one other. Typically, most of our business is 201-512-9348 (BOD) appoints all trails and non-trails are currently required by the bylaws, conducted at our Annual Meeting. Little or e-mail: [email protected] committee chairs. It elects its own officers. including an Annual Meeting in October. no business is done at the other two, and it editorial e-mail: [email protected] It appoints the executive director. It has 16 In recent years, the delegates meetings does not seem essential to have two such World Wide Web: www.nynjtc.org members. other than the Annual Meeting have not meetings per year. The BOD has broad general manage - generated a lot of enthusiasm. On one occa - This proposal requires a modification of ment responsibility but effectively is not sion the 1/6th quorum was not achieved the bylaws that will be voted upon at the concerned with detailed management of and on other occasions only one or two October 18, 2008 Annual Meeting. our core function, trails, or with detailed people above the quorum level attended. management of the staff. The chair of the The probable cause is that very little busi - Trails Council (Jane Daniels) and the exec - ness other than approving the prior utive director (Ed Goodell) respectively nominations of the BOD and Nominating Mission Statement represent these functions on the BOD. So Committee is typically conducted at these Bob Boysen The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a the BOD for all practical purposes deals meetings. This level of attendance does not Chair, Board of Directors federation of member clubs and individuals chiefly with management of the non-trail seem to achieve the intent of fostering dedicated to providing recreational hiking committees that support the trails function broad membership and club input into the opportunities in the region, and representing the interests and concerns of the hiking community. The Conference is a volunteer-directed public service organization committed to: Ward Pound Ridge Earns • Developing, building, and maintaining hiking trails. • Protecting hiking trail lands through ‘Most Improved Trails’ Honor support and advocacy. • Educating the public in the responsible With Help from Trail Conference use of trails and the natural environment. A Fan Letter to NY-NJ TC “Thanks to the NY-NJ Trail Conference The Trail Conference worked with park I am enclosing a modest contribution to Board of Directors Robert Boysen Chair and the wonderful group of trailblazing officials to hold a first trail blazing work - further your work. I want you to know Chris Connolly Vice Chair volunteers, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation shop for volunteers in October 2006. We that as I slowly, summer by summer, Mac Highet Treasurer won Westchester Magazine’s Best of Westch - also shared our GPS database of the trails hike north on the AT, you are the best Daniel Chazin Secretary ester’s 2008 Editor Pick for Most Improved there with the Westchester County Depart - trail club north of PATC [Potomac Directors Hiking and Riding Trails,” proudly reports ment of Planning so that an improved park Club] that I have Henry Atterbury Peter Kennard Ellen Cronan Seth McKee Brenda Bates, senior curator of Westchester map could be developed. found. I was delighted, as were many Jane Daniels Mary Smart County’s largest park. The project was featured in the Novem - other hikers who recorded their Matthew Garamone Malcolm Spector The magazine summed up its pick in ber/December 2007 Trail Walker , available comments in the shelter journals, to Josie Gray Daniel Van Engel John Gunzler June: “Let’s face it: it was easy to get lost at online at www.nynjtc.org. find steps!!! on , the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, and and evidence that the trail designers put Staff Next Trail Blazing Workshop Edward Goodell Executive Director not in a good lose-yourself-in-nature kind the trail in a place where it was actually Joshua Howard Deputy Executive of way. Yet a core group of volunteers has Saturday, October 25 most easy to climb up the mountain. Director taken it upon themselves to re-blaze all 35 Join the dedicated volunteers at Ward Let me tell you, such a thing would Larry Wheelock NY West Hudson miles of trails, complete with new markings Pound Ridge Reservation in a trail blazing never happen in [deleted], where they Regional Representative and a beautiful map (one that actually workshop; help clear, mark, and maintain believe that slapping paint on trees con - Christie Ferguson NY East Hudson makes sense).” trails. Start time: 9:30am. stitutes building a trail. I also appreciate Regional For more information call 914-864-7317. your Clivus privies. And another thing, Representative I wanted to hug the person who decid - Brenda Holzinger New Jersey ed to construct alternate routes for those Regional Representative How long have you gram to recognize and thank volunteers of us who are too gimpy to struggle Bill O’Hearn Conservation with gifts commensurate with the number across the rocks. Thank you!!! Director been a volunteer for of years of service. Our records are not as Leslie Rapparlie Membership & up to date as we would like, so we need Anne Chase Development your help. All volunteers, current and Washington, D.C. Program Manager the Trail Conference? Jeremy Apgar Cartographer retired, please email [email protected] Send Us a Letter Gary Willick Fulfillment with name of position, month and year of Coordinator It makes no difference if you are a main - start/finish. It will take the committee sev - Email it to [email protected]; in the subject Catherine Gemmell Volunteer tainer or have helped another way. We eral years to back fill the awards, so please line, put “letter to TW editor”; or send & Information would like to hear from you even if you are be patient. it to Trail Walker Letters, NY-NJ Trail Manager no longer a volunteer. The recently formed Dan Van Engel, Matt Townsend Bear Mountain Conference, 156 Ramapo Valley Rd., Project Manager Volunteer Committee is establishing a pro - Chair, Volunteer Committee Mahwah, NJ 07430. J. Cal Rizzuto Help Desk Administrator Part Time Hedy Abad Membership & Enjoy breakfast, a business meeting, and a presentation Volunteer Associate Trail Conference Kathy Goldman Office Assistant by New Jersey Search & Rescue, followed by hikes in nearby Ramapo Reservation. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a Annual Meeting volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It is a federation of 103 hiking and outdoor groups, Saturday, October 18 Breakfast will be served at 8:30. Please RSVP so we and 10,000 individuals. have pancakes, coffee, and juice for you! Camp Yaw Paw printed on recycled content paper in Mahwah, NJ Contact [email protected] (put “Annual Meeting” in the subject line) or call the office at 201-512-9348 to All Trail Conference members tell us you’re coming. and delegates are invited to Visit Us Today! Directions to Camp Yaw Paw will be sent upon www.NYNJTC.org join this yearly fall event. registration. They are also available on the web. September/October 2008 Page 3

From the Executive Director The remaining capital dollars raised in TC & Teatown Partner for Community Trails our campaign have supported Trail Univer - Guest Columnist, John Gunzler sity, which uses the Appalachian Trail The Trail Conference and Teatown Lake issues and the benefits of open space reconstruction at Bear Mountain as a cam - Reservation, an environmental organization as a recreational and nature conserva - The More Things pus to train hundreds of volunteers annually and nature preserve in Westchester County, tion resource; in basic and advanced trail building. NY, are program partners in creating and • work with volunteers from local Change…the Better We can all be proud of the fact that more developing the Hudson Hills and High - municipalities to identify hiking They Get than 1,000 volunteers now maintain lands Community Trails Program routes that will connect local open almost 1,700 miles of hiking trails, an (HHHCT). HHHCT is a part of the Trail spaces and, if necessary, work to build My name is John Gunzler, and Ed Goodell increase of some 400 miles of trails over the Conference’s larger East Hudson Commu - coalitions to acquire the properties has asked me to write a guest column, last nine years. nity Trails Program, designed to expand our needed to connect the municipalities’ reviewing what has occurred at the Trail Though the Trail Conference is volun - capacity to provide a level of service for local existing greenways; Conference during my nine years of service teer based, we do have a very capable and parks and open space in the Hudson Hills • design, map and supervise the con - on the board of directors. In October, my industrious staff, headed by Ed Goodell, and Highlands similar to that we have struction and blazing of third three-year term comes to an end. who has done an outstanding job in lead - traditionally provided for regional parks in environmentally low-impact trails; Wisely, our bylaws prescribe that all board ing our organization for the past seven New York and New Jersey. • develop and post signage, brochures, members can serve just three consecutive years. We also have a very dedicated and The goals of HHHCT, which will focus and other communications tools to terms. (The only exception is for years hard working board of directors, who con - on Westchester and Putnam Counties, increase local communities’ awareness served as an officer of the board.) tribute a multitude of skills. It has been my are to: and safe enjoyment of their trails; I am very pleased to report that over pleasure to work with them. • provide easier access to local open space; • develop support and sponsors for trails those nine years, and in the face of many • increase recreational use of local and open space among local individu - challenges, the basic values and goals of the park lands; als, businesses, government agencies, Trail Conference have held steady; we are “We can all be proud • increase the effectiveness of trails as and foundations. still a volunteer based organization that biological corridors; promotes and advocates open space and of the fact that more • broaden community support for local For additional information about the building, maintenance, and responsible greenways and land protection. the Hudson Hills and Highlands Commu - use of trails. than 1,000 volunteers nity Trails Program, or to become a Many other things have changed however. The program will be facilitated by the volunteer, contact Christie Ferguson at Nine years ago, just as I started on the now maintain almost Trail Conference’s East Hudson Regional [email protected] or call her at 201- board, our office was in Manhattan. Our Representative, Christie Ferguson. Volun - 739-4434. rent was being raised to a prohibitive 1,700 miles of hiking teers and staff from both the Trail Learn more about Teatown Lake Reser - degree, and we found an ideal location in Conference and Teatown will: vation, a Trail Conference member club, Mahwah, near many of our most popular trails, an increase • promote awareness of local land use on page 9. hiking trails. Less than a decade later, with the help of New Jersey state and county grants, we own of some 400 miles TC Works with Closter Nature Center the historic Darlington Schoolhouse in Mahwah. Eventually it will become our of trails over the last On Trail Improvement Project headquarters and, as such, will help our In July, the Trail Conference, under contract productivity, give us a better working space, nine years.” with the borough of Closter, NJ, completed and save on our current rent expense. a trail rehabilitation project at the Closter About six years ago, the Trail Confer - Nature Center. Located just 7 miles north of ence undertook the first capital campaign So, while I say goodbye to the board, I the George Washington Bridge, the Closter in its 82-year history. Along with Mary am proud of the contributions I made and Nature Center (CNC) features 3 miles of Smart, I co-chaired this campaign. We of the achievements of our organization. I trails, much of which extend over or raised $3.1 million, against an original will continue to be involved by staying on through wetlands. Eddie Walsh headed the goal of $2.5 million. as a member of the administrative commit - project, which involved both professional The majority of the contributions went tee and as co-chair of the development trail builders and volunteers recruited by the toward acquiring land to preserve or extend committee. nature center. These included nine high hiking trails, with the land ultimately to be The Trail Conference is financially and school students who took on the work as a sold to the appropriate state park or conser - operationally sound, and with ongoing community service project. H S L

vation agency in New York or New Jersey. efforts and contributions from all of us, it Mary Mayer, president of the CNC A W E I

Currently, all of these funds are locked up in will continue to be a leading organization board of directors and a Trail Conference D D 820 acres of land but the proceeds from sales in our field. With more land in public member, said a highlight of the project was E Boardwalks through wetlands will return to this revolving fund to assure hands and trail expertise in limited supply, the participation of the community, both were the focus at Closter. our continued ability to preserve lands. the Trail Conference is needed now more members and nonmembers. The capital campaign has also supported than ever. “I knew that by contracting with the Much of the work involved replacing the creation of a cartographer position, Trail Conference we would be able to use plank boardwalks through wetlands. Eddie which has allowed the digitization of volunteers in a way that we would not be reports that in total, nearly 700 feet of almost all of our maps (Kittatinny and able to do otherwise. Using volunteers plank walkways were built or replaced and Catskill digital maps are in the works) and makes the project more complex, but also 65 feet of new boardwalk (supported by fills many other uses in our day-to-day more satisfying. The community develops helical piers) was installed. operations. a stronger sense of ownership in it.” Join Our Hike-a-thon! Saturday, October 4 at Bear Mountain State Park

Kick off the fall in style and let your Routes: From Family Friendly feet do the talking at the first People- to Hardy Challenge for-Trails Hike-a-thon at Bear Mountain For those interested in a leisurely stroll on State Park on October 4, 2008. mostly flat ground, we have our family YES! route, which will take you around Hessian PEOPLE FOR TRAILS The New York-New Jersey Trail Confer - Lake and down to the Twin Forts Trail. At I will participate SATURDAY OCTOBER 4, 2008 Bear Mountain State Park, New York ence and the Palisades Interstate Park the other end of the spectrum the heartiest in the Hike-a-thon Sponsored by Commission are teaming up in support of hikers can test their endurance with an the hundreds of miles of trails that wind 11-mile, 8-hour hike up and down Dun - their way through our region’s state parks. derberg Mountain on the Timp-Torne and This is an opportunity for you to help the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trails. Two other Name ______trails you use just by taking a hike! hikes will take participants to spectacular With four routes to choose from, each views along the Cornell Mine and Address ______varying in length and difficulty, there’s Ramapo-Dunderberg Trails, as well as the something for everyone. Each hiker is 1777E Trail, which tracks the historic Rev - City ______State ______Zip ______encouraged to seek pledges/sponsorships of olutionary War route followed by the $300 or more, and registration is limited British as they approached Forts Clinton Phone ______Email ______this first year to 300 people. If everyone and Montgomery. meets their goal, more than $90,000 of With your paid $30 registration fee, all Route preference: Easy Easy/Moderate critical funds will go toward erosion con - event hikers will receive a customized partic - Moderate/Strenuous Extreme trol, repairs, and safety improvements to ipant’s bag that will include a map detailing the trails at Bear Mountain and Harriman their selected route including aide station T-shirt size: S M L XL State Parks. You can ask friends, family locations and route mileage markers, a 2008 members or co-workers to sponsor you by People for Trails t-shirt and more! Mail completed form to: the mile or give a fixed amount. As an Participation will be limited to the first NY-NJ Trail Conference added bonus, the park will be hosting its 300 individuals who sign up, so mark the People-for-Trails Hike-a-thon Sponsored by: annual Oktoberfest at Bear Mountain, date now and look for registration informa - 156 Ramapo Valley Road where a bit of the Alps will come to the tion on the Trail Conference website at Mahwah, NJ 07430 Hudson Valley. www.nynjtc.org/events/2008/hikeathon.html. Page 4 September/October 2008 Conservation Advocacy & Teaching Practical Skills to From the • We agree with the plan’s statement that stone, are 8 to 12 feet wide, and can be Conservation Director: NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection used for walking, biking, and horseback Trails Volunteers at Locations William P. O’Hearn (DEP) and NJ Dept. of Transportation riding. Multi-use is fine for rails-to-trails Throughout the NY-NJ Area New Jersey State Trails (DOT) need to put more resources into the projects and trails in developed areas, but Trails Plan and program so that the plan’s the existing backcountry network of sin - Plan Should Not objectives can be realized. Right now there gle-use trails, especially the long-distance Fall Workshops Become ‘Shelfware’ is a single NJ DEP employee dedicated to trails like the AT and the Highlands Trail, trails, and he is also responsible for the must be protected in order to maintain To register for any of these classes, go to Recreational Trails grant program. Without the wilderness experience that has been our website Trail University Registration As the Trail Conference representative on more funding and manpower, the trails preserved for decades. page at: www.nynjtc.org/workshops/trailu/ the New Jersey Trails Council and Trails plan will be “shelfware”–a document that • With good planning, we can develop registration.html or phone the office at Plan Advisory Committee for the past has good intentions but gathers dust separate loop trails for hiking, mountain 201-512-9348, ext. 14. year, I have had a chance to watch the NJ instead of influence policy. biking, and equestrian uses in the same State Trails Plan unfold from the public • The plan currently includes neither an general area or park. The crossing or shar - Advanced AT Corridor Monitor outreach stage to draft document to the inventory of trails nor any maps showing ing of different types of trails should and Corridor Maintainer Roundtable Sunday, September 28 final plan that should be out this fall. the major trails. We stated that the plan always be avoided when possible and, 9 am at the RPH Shelter The plan’s purpose is to provide a really cannot be understood by the public when necessary, managed with signage Coordinator: Christie Ferguson vision, goals, and strategies for protecting without some kind of basic inventory of designating all allowed uses (i.e. positive We will share effective techniques for blazing, tips and improving the network of trails in the major trails (Appalachian Trail, Long signage). in locating monuments, and other helpful methods the state. The hope is that it will be pre - Path, Highlands Trail, Patriot’s Path, D&R • And last, but certainly not least, the of dealing with corridor monitoring and maintain - sented to land use decision-makers at the Greenway, , etc.) and existing NJ DEP policy of no motorized ing issues. Most activity will take place in the field, state, region (Highlands Council, a map or maps showing where they are vehicles on existing state parkland must so appropriate attire is recommended. Pinelands Commission), county, and located. The plan mentions inventory as a be continued. In fact, we support This is designed for current corridor monitors; local levels and encourage better planning future project, but three to five years is too statewide legislation that will strengthen others who would like to attend should and cooperation among agencies to build long to wait for this. enforcement of this ban and prevent our contact Ollie Simpson at 845-298-8379, more trails, and to increase the awareness • A more extensive inventory and map - parks and trails from being destroyed by [email protected], or Christie Ferguson and use of trails by the public. ping of greenways and connecting trails illegal ATV use. at 201-739-4434, [email protected] In gathering comments from our trails should be planned for in the future so that Trail Maintenance 101, NY experts and submitting Trail Conference gaps can be identified and prioritized by We look forward to the rollout of the Saturday, October 11 testimony on the various drafts, I have the NJ DEP Green Acres program as prop - final plan, and will keep you informed of Ellenville Public Library developed a pretty good sense of where erties to be acquired and preserved. any trails plan events in your area. The Coordinator: Larry Wheelock we stand on some key trail issues. • This plan reflects the nationwide trend public comment period is now closed, Instructors: Jakob Franke, Jim Gebhard toward “multi-use trails,” trails that typical - but you can read the latest version of the and Andy Garrison ly have a hard surface of asphalt or packed plan at njtrailsplan.org. Trail Maintenance 101, NJ Saturday, October 25 Location TBA, Western Jersey Conservation & Advocacy News Notes Coordinator: Brenda Holzinger Instructors: Bob Jonas and Estelle Anderson Make sure you get Action Alerts from the Trail Conference so that you can help support our region’s trails, parks, and open spaces. Set your email program to accept mail from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference! Trail Construction & Restoration Saturday, November 1 NEW YORK Location TBA, North Jersey many of the state’s environmentalists. The by this new high voltage power line. It will Coordinator: Brenda Holzinger New Master Plan in the Works master plan is mandated by the Highlands connect with another 80-90 mile segment Instructors: Monica Day and David Day for Minnewaska Act of 2004, which was adopted by state originating in Berwick, PA, to form the Improved access, an integrated signage sys - lawmakers to protect the source of almost Susquehanna-Roseland Reliability Project. Learn On the Job With a Trail Crew Work trips suitable for beginners are planned tem and an adaptive management 2/3 of the state’s drinking water—the PJM Interrconnect’s electrical transmis - this fall at: approach were the general recommenda - Highlands region, an area that comprises sion district, which includes residents in Wonder Lake State Park (September & October) tions made by the Trail Conference to about 800,000 acres and part or all of 88 15 states and the District of Columbia, Minnewaska State Park Preserve those devising a new master plan for the municipalities in Bergen, Passaic, Morris, has determined that a new transmission (October & November with the Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Sussex, Warren, Somerset and Hunterdon line linking and New Jersey West Hudson North crew) In July, the New York State Office of counties. must be online by May 2012 to ensure Bear Mountain State Park Parks, Recreation and Historic Preserva - The Trail Conference would like to see reliable electric transmission throughout (second Saturday of each month) tion (OPRHP) held two public greater emphasis on protection for hiking the region. More information is available information meetings as prelude to devel - trails, ridge tops and viewsheds. Also, the at the PSE&G project website at West Jersey (September– November) oping a Draft Master Plan and Draft plan should include local ATV regulations www.pseg.com/companies/pseandg/ Please check the crew schedules at right for details. Environmental Impact Statement for as part of the municipal conformance powerline/overview.jsp. Minnewaska. Public comments were due process. All Trail Conference crews train on the job and by August 11. In making specific recom - Many argue that the document violates Still Fighting to Keep NJ Green! welcome newcomers. Check the crew schedule this issue to find a project that is right for you. mendations for improved access, the Trail the Highlands Act by allowing new water After successfully fighting to keep state Conference noted current limited access uses in areas that are already in deficit, by parks from closing as the summer season at just four points (excepting the small allowing clustered development to release was set to start, New Jersey’s environmen - Jenny Lane/ parking area), what they consider an unacceptable level tal community, through the Keep It three of them along Route 44/55 and one of pollutants to the groundwater, and by Green Campaign, refocused its efforts on at Sam’s Point. All four of these parking letting redevelopment areas encroach securing a stable, long-term source of rev - areas have a parking fee and have limited upon no-development buffers next to enue for the Garden State Preservation space available. Moreover, all four areas pristine streams. Although about a dozen Trust Fund—the state’s vehicle for con - are far removed from the interior area of amendments aimed at strengthening dif - serving open space. the Preserve and from recent acquisitions. ferent parts of the plan were considered, The Campaign is a coalition of over Additional formal access points need to be the Highlands Council ultimately voted 100 statewide, local, and regional organi - developed in order to provide improved against any significant changes. zations ranging from sportsmen’s groups access to the lands recently added to the Visit the Highlands Council website and environmental organizations to park and to relieve the pressure on the (www.highlands.state.nj.us) for further affordable housing and urban park advo - existing overcrowded access points. information, including the Regional Master cates. The campaign’s mission is to secure As a reaction to the inadequate access Plan full text and maps. The NJ Highlands a long-term, stable source of funding for currently provided, a number of informal Coalition (www.njhighlandscoalition.org) the acquisition of open space, farm land access points have developed. These infor - and the four-state Highlands Coalition and historic sites as well as the capital mal access points should be considered as (www.highlandscoalition.org) websites improvement, operation, maintenance, sites for officially recognized access to the offer additional information, resources, and stewardship of state and local natural park, with parking provided. and links. areas, parks and historic sites in New Jer - Read the complete text of the Trail Con - sey. The Trail Conference is proud to be a ference’s comments at www.nynjtc.org. New Power Line Would Impact committed, working member of the Keep North Jersey Trails, Open Space It Green coalition. Natalie Nass and Brian Sniatkowski blaze NEW JERSEY Throughout July, north Jersey residents Throughout the spring and into the the newly built Lake Sonoma Trail in Norvin Long Awaited NJ Highlands attended public information meetings budget season, the Keep It Green Cam - Green State Forest in New Jersey. Others Master Plan Could Do More to sponsored by PSE&G about a new paign called on the state legislature and the who took part in this project of the North Protect Land, Water Resources 500,000-volt power line that will stretch governor to pass legislation ensuring a Jersey Weekday Crew included Danielle After four years, lots of hard work by many 40-50 miles from the to November 2008 ballot referendum to Bouchard, Vin Dryer, Jakob Franke, John individuals and groups, and a multitude of Roseland, NJ. Three routes were consid - renew and strengthen the trust fund. Moran, Craig Nunn, Terri Russo, Karen exhausting meetings and public hearings, ered, each of them presenting significant Unfortunately, in the heat of the budget Schoof, Frank Schoof, Michael Williams, the Final Regional Master Plan for the consequences for open space and hiking battle—fought amidst growing economic and 15 members of the nearby Shiloh Bible New Jersey Highlands adopted on July 17 trails in northern New Jersey. In mid anxiety—this legislation failed to become Camp Force for Good. by the Highlands Council, adopted by a August, the company announced its pre - law. Despite this significant setback, the vote of 9 to 5, fails to live up to its conser - ferred route—Route B. PSE&G plans vation obligations, in the judgment of meetings in all towns that will be affected continued on page 10 September/October 2008 Page 5

September 6 (Saturday) Terrace Pond North Trail, Wawayanda State Park From the AT Trail Crew We will continue our work constructing rock steps on several of the steeper climbs. RPH CABIN Schedules September 20 (Saturday) WORKPARTY Warren Trail, Jenny Jump State Park Work will continue on extension of trail toward The 9th Annual RPH Cabin September – October 2008 Buzzard’s Glory Road. Volunteer Workparty took place this year on July 11, 12, and 13. For the latest schedules and additional October 4 (Saturday) details, go to nynjtc.org and click on Terrace Pond North Trail, Wawayanda State Park There were multiple projects, “Trail crews/Work trips.” We will continue our work constructing rock steps including installing a much- TBD = To Be Determined on several of the steeper climbs. needed air-vent to the outhouse, For all trips bring work gloves, water, staining the bridge (built last October 18 (Saturday) lunch, insect repellent. In some cases, TBD year), and repairing two trail tools are provided. Contact leaders in areas suffering from erosion. advance for meeting times and places. October 25 (Saturday) One section required puncheon, Volunteers must become members of Warren Trail, Jenny Jump State Park and the other needed rock steps the Conference to participate in these Work will continue on extension of trail toward and a waterbar. Approximately projects. A one-time “guest” participa - Buzzard’s Glory Road. 25 volunteers participated over tion is allowed, so bring your friends. November 1 (Saturday) the weekend. Tim Messerich, TBD WONDER LAKE TRAIL PROJECT who organizes the work party and projects each year, main - Leader: Gary Haugland, [email protected] November 15 (Saturday) Douglas Trail, Worthington State Forest tained his tradition of providing Help construct a new trail in a recently opened We will continue our work installing water bars excellent food and good humor! New York state park in eastern Putnam County. and check dams. This exciting project is a fantastic way to learn about how a trail is created and what tools are HIGHLANDS TRAIL CREW September 18 (Thursday) October 11, (Saturday) used. No prior experience is needed. We will Leader: Glenn Oleksak, [email protected] Seven Hills Trail, Bear Mountain State Park Peters Kill Red Loop Trail, train you. Projects include side-hilling, rock Leader: Bob Marshall Minnewaska State Park Preserve steps, and blazing. Proper footgear is necessary; We meet on the first or second Sunday of each month, Beginner Work Trip bring your own lunch and plenty of water. with additional trips sometimes scheduled. We tackle September 27 (Saturday) Leader: Denise Vitale a variety of Highlands Trail projects from trail mainte - Indian Hill Connector Trail, Sterling Forest S. P. The Peters Kill Loop Red Trail in Minnewaska Meet: 9am in the Wonder Lake parking area on nance to trail building. For details on trips, go to Leader: Monica Day State Park is our next big project. We will begin Ludingtonville Road (parallel to I-84; the park is www.nynjtc.org and click on “Trail crews/Work trips” a relocation project that will be organized as a between exits 17 and 18 ). at left. Please contact leader if you are coming on a trip October 4 (Saturday) series of beginner’s work trips. This is a great so that you can be notified of cancellations. Indian Hill Connector Trail, Sterling Forest S. P. opportunity to learn all the basics of trail building Trail Building Dates Leader: Brian Buchbinder like side-hilling, rock moving with rock bars and a Several weekends TBD in Sept. and Oct. METRO TRAILS CREW high-line system plus rock shaping and building Check the website for specific dates, or contact Leaders: Joe Gindoff, 718-614-2209, October 9 (Thursday) crib walls and stairs. the East Hudson Regional Representative to be [email protected]; Linda Sullivan 347-721-6123, Seven Hills Trail, Bear Mountain State Park put on the East Hudson Trail Crew list for updates [email protected] Leader: Bob Marshall November 2 (Sunday) and more information: [email protected] Peters Kill Red Loop Trail, No experience is required. We provide the training, October 11 (Saturday) Minnewaska State Park Preserve NORTH JERSEY WEEKEND CREW tools, gloves and the fun! Please bring a lunch and Wonder Lake State Park Beginner Work Trip Leader: Sandy Parr, 732-469-5109 plenty of water. A day pack to carry your lunch and Leader: Chris Ezzo Leader: Denise Vitale supplies is suggested. Sturdy work boots or other Rock step construction and side-hilling on new Second Sunday of each month hiking footwear is mandatory. All participants must trail. Meet 9:30am at the Wonder Lake parking lot. November 15 and 16 (Saturday and Sunday) Trips start at 9:30 am; call for location and sign in to perform trail work. RSVP is a must. We will pick you up from the train station! Please Peters Kill Red Loop Trail, details during the week before the scheduled trip notify Christie Ferguson at [email protected] at Minnewaska State Park Preserve day. Tackle a variety of projects ranging from trail September 20 (Saturday) least 2 days prior. Beginner Work Trip repair to bridge building in northern New Jersey. Forest Park, Queens Leader: Dave Webber Leader: Joe Gindoff October 23 (Thursday) NORTH JERSEY WEEKDAY CREW General trail maintenance and blazing. Leader: John Moran, [email protected] Fawn Trail, Bear Mountain State Park November 23 (Sunday) Meet 9am at the Band Shell parking lot. Leader: Bob Marshall Peters Kill Red Loop Trail, Minnewaska State Park Preserve This crew covers the NJ Ramapos, Ringwood S. P., October 18 (Saturday) Norvin Green S. F., and NJ Palisades area. Its October 25 (Saturday) Beginner Work Trip Staten Island Greenbelt TBD Leader: Denise Vitale purpose is to respond quickly to immediate Leader: Linda Sullivan needs, rather than to schedule definite events far Leader: Claudia Ganz Erosion control/waterbar construction on Blue Trail. NEW JERSEY APPALACHIAN TRAIL FIELD CREW in advance. If you’re interested in being on call Meet 9am High Rock parking lot, end of Nevada Ave. WEST HUDSON NORTH CREW Leader: Gene Giordano, for this work, contact John Moran by email. Leaders: Denise Vitale, 845-738-2126, [email protected] EAST HUDSON CREW WEST JERSEY CREW [email protected] Work dates to be announced on website and through Dave Webber, 845-452-7238, [email protected] Second Saturday of Each Month, Leaders: Monica and David Day email announcements. Contact the East Hudson Phone: 732-937-9098 Cell: 908-307-5049 April through November Regional Representative if you would like to be September 21 (Sunday) Work begins at 9am and is finished before 4pm. Email: [email protected] put on the East Hudson Trail Crew email list: Website: www.trailstobuild.com Stillman Trail Bridge, Storm King State Park Covers the entire NJ section of the AT, blue-blazed [email protected]. Also see the Wonder Lake Leader: Denise Vitale side trails, and shelters. Supplements work by our Trail Project for opportunities to build a new trail We will be putting a few almost final touches on individual maintainers as requested and for special Bring your lunch, plenty of water, gloves and sturdy in eastern Putnam County. work shoes, and be prepared to get dirty. All tools, the Stillman Trail bridge-stairs project. work projects. Workers bring gloves, lunch, and water; all tools, equipment and training provided. materials and training will be provided. Beginners WEST HUDSON SOUTH CREW are welcomed on all work trips. October 5 (Sunday) Email leader to be placed on email notification list. Leaders: Chris Ezzo (Crew Chief): 516-431-1148, Stillman Trail Bridge Reunion Photo Op, [email protected] BEAR MOUNTAIN TRAILS PROJECT All events begin at 9:00am. Please phone or email Storm King State Park Brian Buchbinder: 718-218-7563, Project Manager: Matt Townsend, the leaders for meeting location and driving direc - Leader: Denise Vitale [email protected] [email protected] or 201-512-9348 tions. There is usually a walk to the work site, so Final touches and conclusion, with a reunion to take Claudia Ganz: 212-633-1324, [email protected] For info and to register: [email protected], please be there on time (call the leaders’ cell phone a picture of all the folks who helped on the project. If Bob Marshall: 914-737-4792, you helped at all on this complex project, come back or call 201-512-9348, ext. 17 if you are coming to an event and are running late). [email protected] Rain cancels – if in doubt, call the leaders between and see the results (and get in the picture)! Monica Day: 732-937-9098, Cell: 908-307-5049, Second Saturday of Each Month 6:00 and 6:30 that morning. [email protected] Beginner work trips. Carpooling: If anyone is interested in carpooling Weekly Work Trips (offering a ride or riding), please let the leaders know Scheduled Thursday through Monday and we will try to arrange a shared ride. (Passengers (including on weekends that have workshops) please be prepared to contribute for gas.) Stillman Trail Bridge Reunion How many folks does it take to build a If you were one of the many who were bridge on the side of a cliff? Many! Close part of this project, we welcome you to to 40 people helped carry in materials and join us on Sunday, October 5 for a build the Stillman Trail bridge and stair - reunion picture. We’ll meet at 9:30 at the way. Hikers just passing through picked Mountain Road parking lot in Cornwall. up lumber on their way up the mountain. After the picture, we’ll carry out the Youth and sponsors from the Ossining, remaining lumber and tools…many NY Rotary Interact Club pitched in. hands make for light work. Refreshments Skilled climbers and craftsmen from will be served after the carry-out. around the area offered their talents, as did many new and veteran Trail Confer - Many hands make light work? E L

ence volunteers and employees. A T

Hundreds of pounds of black locust I V E

were hand carried .25-mile to the S I N Stillman bridge work site. E D Page 6 September/October 2008

TRAIL NEWS SHAWANGUNK RIDGE TRAIL Volunteer Classifieds: Get Involved! continued from page 1 Several changes have occurred along the route of the Long Path/Shawangunk Ridge Hewitt volunteered 15 members of its Trail in recent months. These changes are Contact [email protected] or 201- Web Writers Force for Good, who contributed more all included on the preliminary SRT trail 512-9348, ext. 14, to indicate your interest New Parks and Regions online database than 80 hours of trail work on National map that the Trail Conference is making or get more information about these or oth - resources will complement and expand the Trails Day, June 7. Thanks to all! available to the public (see page 11). er volunteer opportunities. Information is Trail Conference’s highly regarded Walk also available at www.nynjtc.org; click on Books for New York and New Jersey. Highlands Trail Missing Link Filled Major Reroute in Cragsmoor Area Volunteer. We’ve got New Jersey covered and need The “missing link” in the Highlands Trail A major reroute has been instituted in the help with New York. Work from home or between Windbeam Mountain and Cragsmoor area. The LP/SRT has been ATV Campaign Assistant in the office. Adopt a region and write Wyanokie is now filled and blazed along a nice woods road (the old Rt. Assist NJ Regional Representative with about it. Required: a computer, online open for all to enjoy. One parking area is 52), about 0.4 mi before it reaches Rt. 52. grassroots campaign to support passage of access, commitment to accuracy, ability to on Townsend Road, near its junction with The old path to Rt. 52 (about 0.4 mile) is ATV legislation (currently passed House be concise, willingness to learn and use West Brook Road; another is on Wanaque now blazed with yellow DEC disks. The Transportation Committee unanimous - online tools that are still in development. Reservoir property on West Brook Road, new route crosses Rt. 52 in about 2.5 miles, ly). Campaign will include a statewide A great opportunity to support trails with permission of the security office at just before it reaches South Gully, follows letter to the editor writing push, a concen - without getting dirty. Raymond Dam on Ringwood Ave. in the South Gully Trail (see May/June Trail trated advocacy effort in north Jersey to Wanaque. Please put a note on your dash - Walker , page 1) up 1400-foot ascent to pass ordinances at the local level, and a Trail Crew Chief for the board: “Hiker.” Sam’s Point Preserve, and follows the loop series of press conferences in northern and East Hudson Trails Committee road to the right to rejoin the old route western Jersey highlighting ATV damage Exercise your leadership skills! Supervise and No More “Blow-Down Alley” near the Sam’s Point parking lot. in different parks across the area. Goal is lead the work of a regional trail crew. Deter - on Lower Trail The old road walk along Rt. 52, up Bear to secure passage of legislation before the mine the work schedule, help identify and A reroute of the Lower Trail, which con - Hill, and through Cragsmoor, has been end of the current legislative session. plan projects, build your team of volunteers, nects the Wyanokie Circular with the Posts discontinued. and mentor new leaders. Brook Trail in Norvin Green State Forest, Executive Assistant has been completed. The new route is more Trail Rebuilt, Open Over Trail Conference Executive Director has his Trail Crew Volunteers scenic than the previous one and bypasses Gobblers Knob fingers in too many projects and needs Get on-the-job training while building “Blow-Down Alley,” a southern section of In Mount Hope a section of 1.3 miles of someone to help manage it all. Main new trails and enjoying the camaraderie of the trail that has always been plagued with roadwalking has been eliminated by rebuild - requirements are organizational and clerical other people who love the outdoors. falling trees. The trail now takes a some - ing the section over Gobblers Knob, east of skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office what higher route with occasional Otisville Road. This section had been closed software, and the ability to come into the Trail Maintainers viewpoints both east and west, making for to hikers by private landowners for about 15 office on a regular basis 4-20 hours a week. Adopt a trail of your own! We have open - a very pleasant journey years. The Open Space Institute recently ings in Black Rock Forest and the Bob Jonas and Estelle Anderson, co- acquired the property, which soon will be Database Assistant Catskills. Contact the office to inquire supervisors/crew leaders for the southern transferred to DEC, and Trail Conference Assist our Information Manager with rou - about opportunities in these and other Wyanokies, thank the following for their volunteers have reopened the trail. tine database maintenance, data importing areas. The Trail Conference maintains help on the Highlands and Lower Trails: Directions: Going north from Rt. 211 and exporting, creating scripts, developing 1,700 miles of trails. Jack Bacaglini, Marc Bussanich, Gudy on Otisville Rd, turn right in about 0.3 new database modules, new views and Gautschy, Bernard Japy, Glenn Oleksak, mile, soon after passing over the railroad data entry screens. Experience working Darlington Schoolhouse Russell Patera, Adam Rosenberg, Debbie tunnel. The trail climbs fairly steepl to a with relational databases and Microsoft Public Relations Coordinator Rundecker, Joe Schachtele, Arch Seamans, nice lookout point, and then turns south. office products is essential, preferably in a Join the DSH steering committee to assist and Martin Treat. Thanks also go to Metro The trail passes a low escarpment on the non-profit environment. Familiarity with with writing press releases and coordinating Trails Crew members Joe Gindoff, Nick right, follows an old woods road for a FileMaker and Ebase would be beneficial. distribution of them to interested parties to Couture, Mark Kusick, and Linda Sulli - while, and slowly descends through open Good communications skills. On-the-job promote the project at milestone events. van, who provided welcome assistance. woods back to Otisville Rd., about 0.1 mile training offered. before it reaches Apple Orchard Rd. Volunteer Manager for the Friends Camp Vacamas Access to of Darlington Schoolhouse Hewitt-Butler Still Open Relocation Takes SRT to The community is showing great interest The trailhead access for the Hewitt-Butler Basha Kill View Point in assisting with the restoration of our Trail through Camp Vacamas remains with - Along the Basha Kill a reroute has been new home. We are looking for a volun - in the camp property even though there is blazed with blue DEC disks. The reroute of teer to manage volunteer interest and an attended gate at their driveway entrance. about 0.5 mile starts after 0.6 mile on the speak with interested This is a “summer only” situation put into rail-trail (going north), near a small bridge volunteers. place to protect the campers. If hikers are and a sizable parking area. It follows an old hesitant to enter through this gate and park wildlife viewing trail and goes over a few behind the stone house, please park on the bog bridges. It passes a viewing platform, nearby Hearthstone Drive, 0.2 mile north with great views over the Basha Kill, before of the camp entrance. it rejoins the rail-trail. BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK STORM KING STATE PARK Gorge Trail Closure Bridge on Stillman Trail Planned for Fall Officially Opened Hikers planning outings in Bear Mountain The West Hudson North crew has com - State Park in the fall are advised that the pleted the railing and steps on the Stillman Popolopen Gorge Trail, including the co- Bridge and the bridge is officially open. aligned trails (Timp-Torne, 1777W & The bridge traverses a rock wall along the 1779) on the south side of the Popolopen Stillman Trail in Storm King State Park. Brook and along both sides of Queensboro Beginning on the Wildcat Mountain AT — DUTCHESS COUNTY Creek will be closed for approximately six STERLING FOREST Trail, the hike passes ruins of the Southfield Beekman Uplands Loop months, likely beginning in October. The Two Trails Add 11 Miles Furnace works to arrive at the Townsend Restoration Complete parks department will be replacing the of Paths in Sterling Forest Trailhead (orange blazes with a green This 1.7-mile side trail on the Appalachi - water main between the water filtration Two trails, depicted as proposed trails on stripe), in sight of a tall dam and small reser - an Trail was once the official AT route, but plant at Queensboro Lake and the storage the 2005 edition of the Sterling Forest trail voir that was related to the ironworks. The had been neglected since 1998 when a tank at Bear Mountain State Park. This map, are now open and shown as full- Townsend Trail proceeds on a woods road reroute moved the AT closer to Nuclear water main supplies all of the Bear Moun - fledged trails on the soon-to-be-published and paths to reach two viewpoints over - Lake. Volunteer work crews headed by tain complex, the NYS Bridge Authority, fourth edition of the map (see page 10). looking mountains and the small Indian Ollie Simpson, AT supervisor for the and park residences at the bridge circle and The Red Back Loop , in the southeast - Kill Reservoir in Sterling Forest. Continu - Nuclear Lake area, have cleared blow- in Fort Montgomery. ern portion of the park, was built by park ing, it connects to the Long Meadow Trail downs and brush, refreshed the blue The main generally follows the route of staff and is located in a significant former (green blazes with a white stripe), which is blazes, placed stepping stones and drainage the Popolopen Gorge Trail. There will be iron-mining area. The trailhead is at a over a gas pipeline and accessible for hiking, ditches in wet areas. The trail was declared disturbance to the trail from the construc - parking area on South Gate Road, reached biking, and skiing, to end again on Wildcat restored at the end of June and makes pos - tion and the trail will be closed while the from Eagle Valley Road, not far from the Mountain Trail at Hall Road, almost in sible a circuit hike in the area. (See project is ongoing. The project plan intersections of Sterling Mine Road (Rt. sight of the beginning of the hike. Featured Hike on page 12.) includes restoration of the trail and exten - 72) and Long Meadow Road (Rt. 84). Hall Road and the parking area for the sive landscape plantings to replace trees and The trail is marked by magenta blazes. It Wildcat Mountain Trail are reached from Nuclear Lake Side Trail shrubs removed during construction. A follows old mining roads, passes the rem - Orange Turnpike (Rt.19), about 0.6 mile Set for Fall Closure start date for construction is not yet firm, nants of the Red Back Mine, courses north from its intersection with Route 17 The National Park Service plans to work but officials anticipate that the majority of through woodlands, winds around several in Southfields, NY. on the dam and access road from Route the work will be completed between Octo - swamps and the ridges above them, climbs 55, beginning in mid September. The AT ber 2008 and April 2009. Bill White Mountain, and then descends Allis Trail Unblocked in the area will be unaffected, but the Yel - Because the start date is unknown, park with a return to the parking area. Total Pipeline work in Sterling Forest caused a low Trail around the eastern side of the officials suggest that hikers intending to distance: 6.5 miles. temporary rupture in the Allis Trail earlier lake will be closed for a time, as will the travel along these trails in the fall have an The Townsend Trail , located about 5 this summer. Notified by hikers who were access road (not the blue side trail) from alternate hike plan in place as of October. miles northeast of the Red Back Trail, is unable to proceed on the trail owing to a Route 55. Check the Trail Conference website for maintained by Trail Conference volunteers deep ditch, the Trail Conference contacted updates or call Bear Mountain State Park at and connects with the Long Meadow Trail to park managers, who worked with the con - 845-786-2701. provide for a circular hike of about 4.4 miles. tractors to fill the ditch, thereby making the trail passable. September/October 2008 Page 7 Science & Ecology Citizen Science on the Trail — An Update By Joan Ehrenfeld

In June, three groups of hikers assembled at the HEnRI Center (Highlands Environ - mental Research Center), a small building across the street from the Lautenberg Visi - tor Center in Sterling Forest State Park, NY. They were curious, perhaps a bit nerv - ous, and eager to take on something new. Spending the day with a group of researchers from Rutgers University as part of a collaborative project with the Trail Conference, they were preparing to collect data for a regional survey of exotic invasive plant species, and, in the process, demon - strate that hikers can play an important role as volunteer citizen scientists in safeguard - ing the ecological health of the forests they hike through. The hikers, like similar groups in 2006 and 2007, spent the day learning about the ecology of invasive species, gaining the skill to identify a dozen key species, and master - ing a data collection protocol. By the end of the day, the volunteers all felt reasonably comfortable with their newly gained ability to pick individual plant species out of the general green background along a trail. Equipped with a GPS unit, a plastic bag The number of exotic species found along trails varies in Harriman State Park. Many trail segments have no exotic species (blue), while with some simple supplies, and maps, the other trail segments have up to five unique exotic species in one location (red). hikers were sent forth in pairs to collect data on an assigned two-mile stretch of recruiting volunteers to collect ecological plants along trails as they hiked at other us (the researchers) with an opportunity to trail, either in the Wawayanda region of data and about the distribution and abun - times. Volunteers also reported that they spend days hiking and call it ‘work’! New Jersey or the Bear Mountain-north - dance of invasive plant species? planned to take actions to reduce the prob - Visit the project website — eastern Harriman Park region of New York. Over the three years of the project 128 lem of invasive plants, insofar as possible. www.rci.rutgers.edu/~trails/index.html— The volunteers stopped at tenth-mile inter - hikers participated as volunteers, and 120 With respect to the exotic plants, the to see the training materials, view the data, vals along their assigned trail segment, miles of trail were surveyed. One result is results were both very encouraging and dis - and learn more about invasive exotic plants recorded GPS location information, and very clear: volunteers with no previous expe - couraging. The good news: along many and the value of citizen science. collected data on the occurrence and abun - rience identifying plants or taking part in miles of trail, there were no exotic species dance of the target species. Their surveys scientific research can quickly and efficiently seen. This is evident on the map of data Joan Ehrenfeld is professor in the Department complemented the similar surveys con - learn to identify a group of plant species, and from Harriman Park, shown here (2006- of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources ducted in 2006 in the Ramapos and the can effectively collect useful data about them 2007 data; 2008 data still being processed). at Cook College, Rutgers University. She is southwestern portion of Harriman Park, over a large region. Most of the volunteers Furthermore, the data suggest that trail also a member of the Trail Conference Science and in 2007 in the Norvin Green area of correctly identified the plants they saw, as heads are not a major source of exotics, and Committee. New Jersey and the northwestern portion measured both by the specimens they col - that the target species are just as common - of Harriman Park in New York. lected and sent to us for verification, and as ly found back in the woods, away from the What have we learned so far about measured by our re-survey of some of the trails, as they are along the trails, and so data points along each trail. trails—and hikers—are not likely to be a Invasive Species Volunteers found that they gained new major cause for problems. Also, several of Targeted by the knowledge about invasive species issues and the exotic species are found only in small Trail Conference/ about doing science from the project. amounts, or in small areas, within the Many said that they enjoyed their partici - study region. Rutgers University/ pation, and would do it again. For many, The bad news: some of the species, par - USDA Study learning to identify plants was exciting and ticularly Japanese barberry and Japanese fun; they reported becoming aware of the stilt grass, and, to a lesser extent multiflora Norway maple (Acer platanoides) rose and wineberry, are widespread Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) throughout the forests of the study region, Hercules’ club (Aralia elata) albeit often at low densities. And some Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) Over the three years areas are, indeed, heavily invaded by sever - Burning Bush (Euonymus alata) al species of invasive plant. However, the Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) of the project 128 hikers maps we are generating can help local Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius) groups and agencies target actions to Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) participated as volun - remove or reduce the extent of invasion. Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) The project has been an exciting Mile-a-minute (Persicaria perfoliata*) D L

E teers, and 120 miles and enjoyable collaboration between Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) F N

E researchers at Rutgers and the Trail Confer - R Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum) H E ence. It has produced what is undoubtedly N of trail were surveyed. Black swallowwort (Cynanchum louiseae) A O

J the most extensive inventory of plant inva - Monitors record the presence of invasive sion in the northeast, as well as providing *previously named Polygonum perfoliatum plants along a trail.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A BLAZE I estimate that 90% of the people we Another note about our volunteers: continued from page 1 spoke to—and we encountered a few hun - most were people who were volunteering dred—did not have maps, or had very poor for the Trail Conference for the first time, Trail is not a loop”), and even to give out maps. We were successful in selling maps and we were diverse in ages and gender and water for a $1 donation; 2. to let people in and signing up volunteers, but an uncount - experience. Lesson here: this type of out - on the big secret that all the trails are creat - ed number also went away with TC reach is a good opportunity to attract ed and maintained by volunteers—you brochures and freebie maps, and these are volunteers, too! It was a different kind of can’t believe how amazed people are at this; people who may sign up online or purchase day than one spent moving rocks or blazing and 3. to ask “would you like to give back maps from the website. a trail, but we were satisfied knowing that to the trails” by volunteering and joining We are all coming back for more! It was our knowledge and love of the trails were the Trail Conference as a member. an extremely satisfying volunteer experi - getting passed on. I think all of us who volunteered that ence for all involved, and every one of the weekend were struck by the degree to volunteers from that weekend is interested Volunteers: Aaron Bailenson, Dave Dvorsky, which these two trails are “gateway” entry- in doing it again because we recognized the Geoff Connor, Josie Gray, Jean-Claude level trails for beginner hikers. It was a huge opportunity to reach more people at Fouere, Jean Arenella, Ned and Suzanne perfect opportunity to reach people who these trailheads. We really felt like we were Hamlin, Sheryl Lynch, Stephen Stuart, really needed good information to keep helping the hiking community and reach - Georgette Weir, East Hudson Regional them from getting lost but who also could ing out to a very diverse future Representative Christie Ferguson Geoff Connor (right) tells hikers about the learn more about the world of hiking in membership of the Trail Conference. Trail Conference at the Washburn trailhead our region through the Trail Conference. in the Hudson Highlands. Page 8 September/October 2008 HI KERS’ ALMANAC A Sampling of Upcoming Hikes Sponsored by Member Clubs

September Monday, September 8 Tuesday, September 16 PM. Family Acorn Hike at Pyramid Mountain, NJ. Leader: call RVW. Mt. Greylock, MA. Leader: Call 845-246-4590 for informa - UCHC. Lewis Morris Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Susan 973-334-3130 for information about this free outing. Meet: 10am Monday, September 1 tion and meeting place/time. Jacobs, 973-402-2555. Meet: 10am at Mendham overlook about at visitors center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp., NJ. SHO. Leatherstocking Trail and Saxon Woods, NY. Leader: Ray Easy family hike; learn how to identify oaks and their acorns. RVW. Bearpen (3600') and Vly (3529') from Fleischmanns, a mile in on entry road; call for directions. 5-7 miles at moderate Krant. Meet: 9:15am at Grand Central information booth, upper pace with hills. Steady rain cancels. Appropriate for ages 7+. level. 9 miles on moderate terrain; expected duration 4.5 hours. NY. Leader: Call 607-363-7267 for information and meeting place. RVW. Five Rivers Environmental Center, Delmar, NY. Leader: Pleasant scenery and lush greenery in the Larchmont – Mamaro - Meet: 8am. Strenuous bushwhack; 8 miles, expected 6.5 hours. Wednesday, September 17 call 845-246-2945 for information and meeting place. Meet: 9am. neck area. Donation requested. UCHC. Grace Lord Park, Boonton, NJ. Leader: Cherryll Short, UCHC. Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Mary Doyle, 908-580-1778. Meet: 10am at visitor center lot; call Easy hike; 4 miles, expected 4 hours. Inclement weather date is UCHC. Lewis Morris Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Betty Mills, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10am at the park; call for directions. 3 miles; for directions. 4 moderate miles through this lovely, historic park. following Saturday. 973-538-4922. Meet: 10am at Sunrise Lake lower lot; call for about 1.5 hours. See Boonton Falls, spectacular with high water UCHC. Tourne Park, Boonton, NJ. Leader: Dave Hogenauer, directions. 3 miles of meandering trails past Sunrise Lake; about and still a treat for the eyes with low water. Thursday, September 18 973-762-1475. Meet: 10am; call for directions. 5-6 miles at moder - 1.5 hours. Tuesday, September 9 UCHC. Weis Ecology Center, Wanaque, NJ. Leaders: Carolyn ate pace. Hike up the Tourne for a view, through the garden, and and Jim Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 10am at Weis; call for SHO. Jones Beach, NY. Leader: John Socolick, 516-791-6453; 6- UCHC. Bearfort Ridge, Hewitt, NJ. Leader: Diane Grunthal, 973- to a lake for lunch; return by 1:30pm. 9pm only. Meet: 12:00 noon at Freeport LIRR station waiting room 728-8057. Meet: 10am at A&P lot on CR 511 in West Milford; call for directions. Moderately strenuous 8+ miles; for experienced Sunday, September 28 (take 11:02 LIRR from Penn Station to Freeport). 4-6 miles on directions. 7 miles at moderate pace. Scenic hike along Bearfort hikers. Loop through Norvin Green State Forest; views include boardwalk and some trails. Bring bathing suit for possible swim; Ridge with nice views and rugged, rolling ups and downs. (optional) Wyanokie High Point. ADK-MH. Fishkill Ridge, NY. Leader: Lou Ruidisch, 845-896- 9332 or [email protected]. Register by Sept. 27. The steep wear old shoes as we’ll walk on the beach. Donation requested. Wednesday, September 10 Saturday, September 20 ascent and rocky terrain offers great rewards for those who make ADK-MH. Minnewaska Rambling, NY. Leader: John Kolp, 845- Tuesday, September 2 RVW. Black Rock Forest, Cornwall, NY. Leader: call 845-246- the challenging climb. At the top, you will be dazzled by the many 496-1731. Joint with AMC. A moderate, 10-mile lollipop hike starting GS. Baby and Me Hike – Kay Center, NJ. Leader: Must call Great 7174 for information and meeting place. Meet: 9am. Moderate scenic vistas of the Hudson Valley. Bring lunch & water. No dogs, and ending with the Mossy Glen Trail. Expect to visit Huntington Swamp Outdoor Ed. Center to register, 973-635-6629; $1 fee. hike; 5 miles, expected 5 hours. please. Hiking boots required. Approximately 6 miles/5 hours. Ravine, Blueberry Run, Castle Point, a bit of the Awosting Reserve Meet: 9:30am; call for location. Put your infant in a pack and join UCHC. The Tourne, Boonton, NJ. Leader: Susan Jacobs, 973- Joint with Valley Ramble. Meet at Scenic Hudson and a swing past Lake Awosting. Rain may cancel. Call leader if in a naturalist out on various Morris County area trails; out by about 402-2555. Meet: 10am; call for directions. About 5 moderate miles parking lot no later than 9am. doubt. Meet at 10am in New Paltz at the Trailways bus station but 11am. Program repeats every Tuesday through October. through this beautiful park, with some hills. Steady rain cancels. park on the side street NOT in the bus station. IHC. AT – Vernon over Pochuck Mountain, NJ. Leaders: Carolyn UCHC. Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Thursday, September 11 and Jim Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 9am at AT crossing on UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Joan Mae Deas, 908-233-6641. Meet: 10am at visitor center lot; call for Rt. 517 in Glenwood, NJ; call for directions. Moderately strenuous UCHC. Skylands to Ramapo, NJ. Leader: Eric Singer, 973-744- Lepselter, 908-273-4188. Meet: 10am at Trailside Nature Center, directions. 6 miles at moderate pace. Hike much of the perimeter 9.4 miles. From Rt. 517 in Vernon, we’ll go over Pochuck Mountain 7147. Meet: 9:30am at upper lot on Skyline Dr.; shuttle required. Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. 4-5 miles at brisk pace. Steady of this lovely park, including Mt. Kemble Trail. Steady rain cancels. (just west of Pochuck boardwalks) and end on Rt. 284 near Moderately strenuous 8+ miles; for experienced hikers. Includes rain cancels. Wednesday, September 3 Erskine Lookout. Unionville, NY. Shuttle required. UCHC. Hudson River Palisades, Fort Lee, NJ. Leader: Mickey GAHC. Vanderbilt Mansion & Museum Walk, Centerport, NY. Siegel, 201-797-7054. Meet: 10am at Englewood Boat Basin. Leader: Gerda Khordoc, 718-779-1886. Meet: 10:30am at parking About 5 flat miles along the Hudson River, under the George lot. Enjoy an easy walk, including a visit to the Planetarium. Washington Bridge and north. Call if weather is uncertain. Entrance fee $10. Thursday, September 4 UCHC. Willowwood/Bamboo Brook, Morris Co., NJ. Leader: UCHC. Sterling Forest, NY. Leader: Arnie Seymour-Jones, Lynn Gale, 973-763-7230. Meet: 10am at Willowwood lot; call for 201-768-3864; must call leader day before to register. Meet: 10am directions. 3-4 mile walk through two estates with interesting gar - at Sterling Forest Visitor Center lot. 6 miles at a moderate pace dens and the woods and fields in between. Steady rain cancels. around the Sterling Lake. Monday, September 29 Saturday, September 6 RVW. (3520'), NY. Leader: call 845-246-8074 UCHC. Watchung Trail Maintenance, NJ. Leader: Preregister by for information and meeting place. Meet: 8am. Moderately calling Trailside Nature and Science Center, 908-789-3670. Meet: strenuous bushwhack; 5 miles, expected 4.5 hours. Inclement 9:30am, work until noon. Have fun while giving back to the trails, weather date is following Monday. learning new skills, and meeting new people. Bring water, gloves, UCHC. Great Swamp, Chatham, NJ. Leader: Len Shnitzer, bag for trash, and clippers/lopping shears if you have them. 732-499-9176. Meet: 10am; call for directions. About 3 miles; Severe weather cancels. 1.5 hours. Level walk along the boardwalk and the Laurel Trail. SHO. NYC Marathon Walk, NY. Leader: Ian Hochstead, Tuesday, September 30 [email protected]. Meet: 8am in front of Hot Bagels, 5th Ave. UCHC. Johnsontown, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Ellie King, and 94th St., Brooklyn (take R train to 95th St.). Nearly 24 miles 908-233-8411. Meet: 10am at Johnsontown Circle; call for directions. (there are countless drop-out points); we’ll walk most of the 6 moderate miles to Lake Skenonto with lunch at the lake. route of the NYC Marathon, ending at Central Park. Moderate to brisk pace. Bad weather does not cancel, but may shorten. October Donation requested. Hikers from Mid-Hudson ADK and the view from in the Catskills Wednesday, October 1 UCHC. Cooper Mill to Kay Environmental Center, Chester, NJ. Sunday, September 21 UCHC. Allamuchy State Park, NJ. Leaders: Don and Jeanne Leader: John Gilris, 973-386-1168. Meet: 10am at Cooper Mill; call Saturday, September 13 McLellan, 908-464-6246. Meet: 10am; call for directions. for directions. 4+ miles, mostly flat, along the Black River at a UCHC. Seaside, Ortley Beach, and Lavalette, NJ. Leader: Gary ADK-R. Beginner’s Hike on Hook Mountain, NY. Leader: call 4 moderate miles; about 2 hours. Lunch at Deer Park Pond. moderate pace suitable for beginners. Optional 2-mile extension. Petrie, 732-257-0137. Meet: 10:30am at entrance to Island Beach 845-634-7635 for information and meeting place/time. 4 miles at Rain cancels. State Park (Toms River exit from Garden State Parkway). 8-10 Thursday, October 2 a moderate pace with some hills and great views of the Hudson miles on three different boardwalks; enjoy the shore during the UCHC. Bearfort Ridge, Hewitt, NJ. Leader: George Smith, SHO. Tallman Mountain State Park, NY. Leader: Marvin Malater, River, using Trail Conference map #110. other season. Bad weather cancels. 973-778-3586. Meet: 10am at A&P in Hewitt for short shuttle; call 718-376-3608; call to confirm and for any schedule changes. Meet: UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Lee for directions. 8 miles; strenuous morning and easy afternoon; 8:50am at commuter statues at Port Authority Bus Station, south Monday, September 22 Fanger, 973-376-3160. Meet: 10am at Locust Grove lot, corner of Glen for experienced hikers. wing. 7 miles; flat or mild hills with one steep descent. Long Path PM. Vernal Equinox Hike at Pyramid Mountain, NJ. Leader: Ave. and Lackawanna Pl. across from Millburn RR station. Moderate northward to Piermont, NY, where we’ll walk the Old Erie RR bed must call 973-334-3130 to preregister; $3 fee. Meet: 6pm at Saturday, October 4 4-5 miles at steady pace with uneven terrain. Rain cancels. to Nyack, NY. Optional dinner in Nyack. Donation requested. visitors center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp., NJ. Moderate UCHC. Watchung Trail Maintenance, NJ. Leader: Preregister by Sunday, September 14 Sunday, September 7 hike on the day when light and dark are equal length and autumn calling Trailside Nature and Science Center, 908-789-3670. Meet: IHC. Skylands Manor to Skyline Drive, NJ. Leader: Steve Rikon, officially begins. Appropriate for ages 7+; out by 8pm. 9:30am, work until noon. Have fun while giving back to the trails, AMC-NYNJ. Harriman State Park Beginners Hike, NY. Leader: 973-962-4149. Meet: 9am at Ramapo Mtn. State Forest, upper lot learning new skills and meeting new people. Bring water, gloves, Nancy Tollefson, 212-727-8961; call before 9:30pm. Meet: 10:15am RVW. Mountain (3940'), NY. Leader: call 845-246- on Skyline Dr., Oakland, NJ; call for directions. Strenuous hike bag for trash, and clippers/lopping shears if you have them. at Tuxedo, NY, RR station on Rt. 17 (9:11am NJ Transit train from 4139 for information and meeting place/time. with several nice views and a lake or two. Shuttle required. Severe weather cancels. Penn Station, NY; drivers meet at commuter lot on E. Village Rd., UCHC. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, NJ. Leader: Cherryll first right after RR station northbound on Rt. 17). 6 miles; some UCHC. The Palisades. Leader: Jay Dibble, 908-289-8813. Meet: Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10am at picnic area; call for directions. PM. Family Sounds of Nature Hike at Pyramid Mountain, NJ. hills and rocky trails but at a moderate pace. To Lake Skenonto 10am at State Line Lookout off Palisades Parkway, just south of exit About 3 miles; 1.5 hours. A favorite hike to the pond for an Leader: call 973-334-3130 for information about this free outing. and back. Heavy rain cancels. 3. Six miles, mostly flat but with one 400' climb; out by about 2pm. early lunch. Meet: 1pm at visitors center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp., Beautiful views of Hudson River from the shore and the cliff top. NJ. Easy family hike; learn which animals are making those inter - ADK-R. End of Summer Ramble, NY. Leader: call 845-354-9165 Tuesday, September 23 esting sounds in the woods; bring binoculars or borrow ours. for information and meeting place/time. 7 miles at a moderate NYR. Circling the Wyanokies, NJ. Leader: Teresa Wandas, UCHC. High Mountain Park, Wayne, NJ. Leader: George Smith, Appropriate for ages 5+. 914-668-5767. Meet: 7:30am at Port Authority bus station for pace, using Trail Conference map #118. 973-778-3586. Meet: 10am; call for directions. 5 miles at moderate 7:45 NJ Transit bus #197 to Haskell (RT). Call leader for hike UCHC. Sunfish Pond, Delaware Water Gap, NJ. Leader: Paul IHC. Buttermilk Falls to Crater Lake, NJ. Leaders: Guy and Jen pace with some nice views and varied terrain; for experienced hikers. mileage/difficulty. Past Weis Center and Roomy Mine on various Clark, 908-753-6027. Meet: 9:30am at last NJ exit on I-80; call for Percival, 973-590-7437. Meet: 9am at Park & Ride, Rt. 206 at Rt. trails and woods roads, including Highlands Trail, Wyanokie Crest, Wednesday, September 24 directions. Steady climb at moderate pace, up for good views and 15, Augusta, NJ; call for directions. 10 strenuous miles. Lunch at and many others. UCHC. Tulip Springs, South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, back along a stream. Crater Lake, where swimming is allowed! Shuttle required. Monday, September 15 NJ. Leader: Louise White, 973-746-4319; call before 9pm. Sunday, October 5 UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Ellen Meet: 10am at Cherry Lane lot (Brookside Ave.); call for directions. RVW. (3694') and (3623'). IHC. Ramapo Valley County Reservation, NJ. Leader: Jim McKay, Jeydel, 908-232-2413. Meet: 10am at Trailside Nature Center, 4 moderate miles; about 2 hours. Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Brisk 4-5 miles with some rocky Leader: call 845-246-8074 for information and meeting place. 973-538-0756. Meet: 9:30am at Ramapo Reservation, Rt. 202, Thursday, September 25 trails. Steady rain cancels. Meet: 8am. Strenuous bushwhack; 7.5 miles, expected 7.5 hours. Mahwah, NJ; call for directions. Moderate 8 miles. Schuber Trail to Inclement weather date is following Monday. UCHC. Lake Skannatati, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Mike a lookout for lunch, then back on Yellow/Silver Trail. Handelsman, 718-633-6129. Meet: 10am; call for directions. The activities listed are sponsored by member clubs of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. All hikers are welcome subject to club regula - UCHC. Garret Mountain, Paterson, NJ. Leader: Walter Koenig, Moderately strenuous 9-10 miles with hills at moderate to brisk tions and rules of the trail. You are responsible for your own safety. Wear hiking boots or strong, low-heeled shoes. Bring food, water, 973-684-5528. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Casual to moderate pace; for experienced hikers. Abundant views. rain gear, first aid kit, and a flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe hike in this park with splendid views of historic Paterson. Optional cannot complete the hike or is not adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. Saturday, September 27 lunch at Libby’s Diner and visit to Paterson Falls after hike. More than 100 clubs belong to the Trail Conference, and many of our affiliate groups sponsor hikes not listed in the Hikers’ Almanac. ADK-MH. Manitoga Garden Walk, Garrison, NY. Leader: Michele Monday, October 6 For a descriptive list of Conference clubs, consult our website or send a SASE with your request to NY-NJ Trail Conference. Van Hoesen at 845-691-7442 or [email protected]. Joint UCHC. Loantaka Brook Reservation, Morris Twp., NJ. Leader: with Hudson River Valley Ramble. $5 admission to trails. Register Club Codes Joe McLaughlin, 973-263-2799. Meet: 10am at Kitchell Rd. lot by Sept. 20. Hike the grounds of Manitoga, the home and near the pond; call for directions. About 3 miles; 1.5 hours. Easy Only those clubs with hikes offered in this issue are listed below. Please call numbers listed to confirm. landscape created by American designer Russel Wright from stroll where you can talk and not watch your feet. ADK-MH ADK Mid-Hudson NYR New York Ramblers 1942 to 1976. 4 miles/4 hours; moderate ascents/descents on Tuesday, October 7 ADK-R ADK Ramapo PM Pyramid Mountain wooded paths. Hiking boots or sturdy footwear required. Bring lunch, water and snacks. GS. Baby and Me Hike – Hacklebarney State Park, NJ. Leader: AMC-NYNJ AMC New York-North Jersey RVW Rip van Winkle Hiking Club must call Great Swamp Outdoor Ed. Center to register, 973-635- ADK-MH. Slide Mountain, NY. Leader: Jean-Claude (J-C) Fouere IHC Interstate Hiking Club SHO Shorewalkers 6629; $1 fee. Meet: 9:30am; call for location. Put your infant in a pack at [email protected]; 845-462-0142. Limited to 12 hikers. GAHC German-American Hiking Club UCHC Union County Hiking Club and join a naturalist out on various Morris County area trails; out by Joint with Hudson River Valley Ramble. Rain date: Sun. Sept. 28. GS Great Swamp about 11am. Program repeats every Tuesday through October. Contact leader for meeting place and time, and for car pool Clubs wishing to have hikes listed in Hikers’ Almanac should send their schedules to [email protected] or to the Trail Conference Office. arrangement. 7 miles. About 1,800' climb with some steep The deadline for the November/December 2008 issue is September 15, 2008. ascents/descents on rocky surface. September/October 2008 Page 9

UCHC. Ramapo State Forest, Oakland, NJ. Leader: Kathy NYR. Poughkeepsie to New Paltz, NY. Leader: Ludwig Hendel, Grifone, 201-891-5161. Meet: 10am at lower lot on Skyline Dr. (exit 718-626-3983. Meet: 7:30am at Grand Central for 7:50 train to 57 on I-287); call for directions. 6-7 miles with some climbing; Poughkeepsie (RT). Call leader for hike mileage/difficulty. We’ll for experienced hikers. Some of these trails may be new to you. cross Mid-Hudson Bridge to Highland, loop around Fran Reese Member Club Profile Wednesday, October 8 Preserve, then Hudson Valley Trailway to New Paltz, passing Huguenot Historic Area and the . The Trail Conference comprises 10,000 individual members and more than 100 UCHC. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation , NJ. Leader: Carol O’Keefe, 973-328-7395. Meet: 10am at Saffin Pond lot; call for UCHC. Hawkwatch Hike, Rockaway Twp., NJ. Leader: Al Verdi, member clubs with a combined membership of 150,000 hikers. We invite club directions. 4 moderate miles; about 2 hours. Heavy rain cancels. 973-263-8569. Meet: 10am at Wildcat Ridge lot on Upper Hibernia Rd.; call for directions. Moderate 3-4 miles with some representatives to submit photos from hikes or maintenance outings or other events Thursday, October 9 rocky trails. Up to Hawkwatch, where we stop for a break to (please set your digital camera for highest resolution). Email your photos, along with UCHC. Wawayanda State Park, NJ. Leader: Kathy Grifone, 201- enjoy the autumn views. 891-5161. Meet: 10am at Ranger Center; call for directions. complete caption information to: [email protected]; put “TW club photo” in the subject line. Moderately strenuous 9-10 miles; for experienced hikers. Hike on Sunday, October 19 the AT to two viewpoints on Wawayanda Mountain. IHC. Trail Maintenance on , NY. Leader: Jim Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 9am at Taylor Rd. parking, UCHC. Sapphire Trail/Indian Hills, Sterling Forest, NY. Leader: Mountainville, NY; call for directions. Moderately strenuous day Arnie Seymour-Jones, 201-768-3864: must register with leader clearing the Long Path and Lower Jessup Trail; bring lunch, water, day before the hike. Meet: 10am; call for directions. 6-7 miles at a clippers, and good working gloves (can also use club tools). No moderate pace. experience needed. Rain cancels and postpones to Saturday, Saturday, October 11 October 25. IHC. Bonticou Crag, Shawangunks, NY. Leaders: Charlie and UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Anita Kientzler, 973-835-1060. Meet: 8am at Harriman RR Louise White, 973-746-4319. Meet: 10am at Tulip Springs lot, station, Rt. 17, Arden, NY. Moderate or moderately strenuous Brookside Ave. About 4 moderate miles through pine forest and options. On a clear day the top of this cliff offers views from the overlooking a beautiful gorge, returning on a woods road. Catskills to the Hudson Highlands. Easy or harder way up the crag; optional hike to Table Rocks. Should have time to stop at Monday, October 20 apple orchard and early supper after the hike. Shuttle required; UCHC. Eagle Rock, West Orange, NJ. Leader: Peter Wolff, Mohonk Preserve fee. 973-731-0602. Meet: 10am at restaurant lot; call for directions. About 3 miles; 1.5 hours. UCHC. Cheesequake State Park, Matawan, NJ. Leader: Jay Dibble, 908-289-8813. Meet: 10am at Garden State Parkway Tuesday, October 21 commuter lot at exit 120. 4-5 miles at brisk pace with some hills; UCHC. Stokes State Forest, NJ. Leader: Arnie Seymour-Jones, suitable for strong beginners. 201-768-3864. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Moderate 5-7 miles; for experienced hikers. Scenic fall hike to the AT; great views and K

Sunday, October 12 I

it’s all downhill after lunch. N D

GAHC. Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining, NY. Leaders: U B

Marianne Janowski, 914-428-4573, and Evelyn Hoyer, 718-457- Wednesday, October 22 K C I 8319; please call to preregister. Meet: 10am; call for meeting place. UCHC. Oreland RR Bed, Upper Hibernia, NJ. Leader: Peter D Easy and moderate hike. Beck, 201-274-4471. Meet: 10am at power lines on Upper Hibernia Teatown's 15 miles of trails include this boardwalk across Teatown Lake. UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Jenn Rd.; call for directions. About 5 moderate miles; 2 hours. This is an Chen, 732-548-7230. Meet: 10am at Trailside Nature Center on out-and-back hike on the old rail bed for the Oreland (Upper Hibernia) spur of the Wharton & Northern Railroad. Teatown Lake Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Moderate 4-5 miles with some Teatown’s educators offer adult, family and rocky trails. Rain cancels. Thursday, October 23 Reservation children’s programs to over 12,000 partic - UCHC. Ramapo to Skylands, Ringwood State Park, NJ. Leader: Dave Hogenauer, 973-762-1475. Meet: 10am at upper lot on Teatown Lake Reservation in Westchester ipants annually, including nearly 6,000 Skyline Dr.; call for directions. Moderately strenuous 9-10 miles at County is a nonprofit membership school children and 700 summer campers. a brisk pace. Hike along the ridge to Ilgenstein Rock, with its organization that operates an 834-acre Teatown conducts three annual cele - beautiful view of Bear Swamp Lake; then down to Skylands. nature preserve with 15 miles of trails, brations: Hudson Hills and Highlands Saturday, October 25 offers nature education programs for Fall Festival; Nature-friendly Plant Sale UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Joan young people and adults, and promotes and Workshops; and Hudson River Lepselter, 908-273-4188. Meet: 10am at Trailside Nature Center open space and community greenways in EagleFest, a celebration of the annual on Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. 4-5 miles at brisk pace. the region it has dubbed the Hudson winter gathering of bald eagles in the Steady rain cancels. Hills and Highlands. Hudson Valley. Sunday, October 26 Teatown was founded in 1963 with a Teatown takes an active role in state, PM. Fall Foliage Hike at Pyramid Mountain, NJ. Leader: call gift of 194 acres from the county, and community 973-334-3130 for information about this free outing. Meet: 1pm at visitors center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp., NJ. Moderate Gerard Swope, Sr., family. efforts to protect open hike. Join a naturalist to explore the trails in their full bloom of Today, the reservation space and natural areas in autumn color. extends into three towns: the Hudson Hills and GS. Colors of Fall at the Great Swamp, Chatham, NJ. Leader: Yorktown, Cortlandt, and Highlands bioregion, must call Great Swamp Outdoor Ed. Center to register, 973-635- New Castle. Fourteen trails which encompasses most 6629. Meet: 10am; call for location. Join a naturalist to explore the meander abundant fields, of Westchester and Put - trails in their full bloom of autumn color. Free program, for all ages. N

O mixed hardwood forests, nam Counties, and parts S

U IHC. Breakneck Ridge and Mount Taurus, East Hudson G laurel groves, and farm of Dutchess, Orange, and R

E Highlands, NY. Leader: Roy Williams, [email protected]. Meet: F

E land and along or, via Rockland Counties. I 8:30am at Anthony Wayne parking in Harriman State Park for T S I boardwalks, across lakes, streams, and Teatown provides assistance to towns and R shuttle; email for directions and alternate meeting place. Strenu - H An AT fashion statement C ous hike on these two striking peaks rising above the Hudson swamps. The trails range from villages through its Environmental Leaders River; spectacular views of the Hudson Valley this time of year. easy/novice to moderately difficult. They Learning Alliance and helps land owners Monday, October 13 Rain cancels. are open to the public from dawn to dusk and residents become more “nature friend - UCHC. Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: UCHC. Morristown Historical Ramble, NJ. Leader: Lynn Gale, 365 days a year; admission and parking ly between the parks.” Betty Mills, 973-538-4922. Meet: 10am at visitor center lot; call for 973-763-7230. Meet: 10am at Fort Nonsense lot near Morristown are free. (There are charges for programs.) In July, this long-time Trail Conference directions. About 3 miles; 1.5 hours. Green; call for directions. Stroll by many Revolutionary War and Victorian sites in this very historic town, learning the history of Hikers can connect with the Briarcliff- member organization signed an agree - Tuesday, October 14 the area. Then a fast walk across town to the Ford Mansion, Peekskill Trailway and the Old Croton ment with the Trail Conference to UCHC. Terrace Pond, West Milford, NJ. Leader: George Smith, Washington’s Headquarters, and back. Steady rain cancels. Aqueduct Trail from Teatown’s trails. collaborate on promoting and facilitating 973-778-3586. Meet: 10am at lot #7 on Clinton Rd.; call for directions. Moderately strenuous 6-7 miles with lunch at the Monday, October 27 An estimated 25,000 people visit community trails in the Hudson Hills and pond; for experienced hikers. UCHC. Turtle Back Rock, South Mountain Reservation, NJ. Teatown each year to attend an education Highlands region. (See story on page 3.) Leader: Len Shnitzer, 732-499-9176. Meet: 10am; call for direc - Wednesday, October 15 program, visit the Nature Center, hike, or For more information about Teatown tions. About 3 miles; 1.5 hours. Level hike to the Girl Scout Oval. UCHC. Wildcat Ridge, Farny Highlands, Hibernia, NJ. Leader: tour Wildflower Island, a two-acre island Lake Reservation, go to www.teatown.org Susan Jacobs, 973-402-2555. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Tuesday, October 28 sanctuary located within Teatown Lake or call 914-762-2912, ext. 110. About 5 moderate miles; 2 hours. Hike up to the hawk watch and UCHC. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, Morris County, NJ. that is home to over 230 native and have an early lunch on the trail. Steady rain cancels. Leaders: Jim and Theresa McKay, 973-538-0756. Meet: 10am at endangered species of wildflowers. Saffin Pond lot; call for directions. Moderate 6-7 miles; for experi - Thursday, October 16 enced hikers. Hike to Lost Lake for lunch, then back on variety of UCHC. Culvers Gap to Sunrise Mountain, NJ. Leader: Carol trails and woods roads. O’Keefe, 973-328-7395. Meet: 9:30am at Stony Lake lot in Stokes State Forest; shuttle required; call for directions. Moderately Wednesday, October 29 Upcoming Events for Hikers strenuous 10-11 miles with a fair amount of climbing; for experi - UCHC. Ramapo Valley Co. Reservation, Mahwah, NJ. Leader: enced hikers. Hike on the AT to Sunrise Mountain and then back Ben Sterman, 201-797-0468. Meet: 10am at parking lot; call for Hudson River Valley Ramble to Stony Lake. directions. About 5 moderate miles; 2 hours. A lake, a reservoir, and a cascading river. September 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 Saturday, October 18 More than 200 events are being offered this year, including hikes, bikes, PM. Multi-Sensory Hike, Lewis Morris Park, NJ. Leader: must Thursday, October 30 call Pyramid Mountain at 973-334-3130 to preregister for this free UCHC. Pyramid Mountain, Montville, NJ. Leader: Mike Handelsman, walks, historic site tours, festivals, paddles, and river explorations. There outing. Meet: 1pm; call for location. Easy hike. Experience the 718-633-6129. Meet: 10am at visitors center lot; call for directions. are activities for all ages and ability levels. Get the complete schedule at natural world using all five of your senses; suitable for the Moderately strenuous 9-10 miles over moderate terrain; for experi - www.hudsonrivervalley.com/ramble. visually impaired. enced hikers. Tripod Rock, High Mountain, Turkey Mountain, and the 100 Steps. Grand Walkabout 4 Counties, 400 Years, 400 Trails, 400 Miles A Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Event September 14: Kickoff event Birthday A year-long event along trails in New York State’s Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, and Putnam Counties to celebrate 400 years and hundreds of trails in the Mid-Hudson region. From September 2008 to September 2009, Grand (Work) Party Walkabout will begin and end on dates corresponding to each year’s Hudson Despite the fact that the day’s River Valley Ramble. Trail resources and related events will be posted online temperature hit 100° F, Ray Roberts, at www.GrandWalkabout.com and a kick-off event is planned for Sunday, right, celebrated his birthday (he’s September 14, in Hyde Park. Hiking groups and land groups with trails open to not saying which) on June 7 by the public are invited to participate. Go to the website for contact information. heading out to Ramapo Valley County Reservation with his friend Bill Kobout Sterling Forest Conservation Day to do some maintenance on the Old September 28 Guard and Schuber Trails. Hikes and activities for all ages. Check the Trail Conference website for details: www.nynjtc.org. Page 10 September/October 2008 DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND Coming in September! May 20, 2008 to July 30, 2008 GIFTS New Editions of Hiking , ADK North Jersey Chapter, Estelle Anderson, Mr. Keith Apffel, Thomas R. & Nancy M. Berner, Gottfried Bernert, Robert & Rose Marie Boysen, Gail A. & Clarence H. Biggs, Richard Bing, Bruce Borofsky, Rob Brownstein, Anne L. Chase, Neil & Katherine Cohen, Robert P. & Josephine Conger, Pat Cotter & Francis Turner, Charles R. & Adele W. Dahlberg, Mark J. Sterling Forest Trails Map Dallara, Brigitte Dessauer, Earth Share, Arthur H. & Nancy Ebeling, Thomas E. Farrell, Eric Feldbaum, Peter B. & Marjorie M. Fisher, Fortunoffs, Richard Garland, John J. Giuffrida, Emily L. Granrud, Mathew Grayson, Kenneth A. Griffin, Robert W. Grize, Howard D. Helms, Curt Walter & Lavonne D. Hirsch, Brian D. Hoeft, Phyllis Ianniello & Newton Hydell, Denis J. For more information or to purchase Kaminski Jr., Kevin Karl & Kathy Steffens, Robert M. & Linda S. Katz, Michael A. Kaye, George King, Irwin Kramer, Bryan these or other Trail Conference books Lees & Paula Whitlock, Long Island Community Foundation North Fork Fund, John & Karen Magerlein, Walter & Joan Maier, Paul N. & Annette S. Marcus, Patricia Martin, Mary Anne Massey, Roland B. McIntosh, Robert W. Messerschmidt, and maps, see Hiker’s Marketplace on Paul & Lynne Metzger, William P. Mitchell & Barbara Jaye, Bruce Modick, Barbara & Richard Moore Fund, John & Evelyn Page 12, or call 201-512-9348, ext. 11, Morrison, Mark E. Neirick, Daniel J. & Carol Parrish, Anthony V. & Domenica Paterno, William F. & Mary H. Penny, Willie or visit www.nynjtc.org. Picaro, Gregory B. Pietrzak, Frederick J. Pinkney, Gale & Louis Pisha, Anne P. Priest, Johanna Rioux, Ruth B. M. Robinson, Roger Roloff & Barbara Petersen, Marc J. Sabel, Miklos P. Salgo, Charles Scheidt, Linda Schutz, Antje & Eric Schwartz, Colin Third Edition of Hiking Long Island Southall, Marek Stycos, Carol Surash & John Krumdieck, Peter & Claudia Swain, Larry B. Trachtenberg, Diana Trebbi, United Way of Tri-State, Nicholas J. Viggiano, Ernest Wagner, Robert A. & Muriel E. Went, David B. & Adrienne K. Wiese, The Trail Conference’s best-selling pub - Ronald Wohlberg, Hanson Wong, Julie Zuckerbraun lication Hiking Long Island is scheduled DARLINGTON SCHOOLHOUSE FUND ZIMMERMAN/DOLAN FUND to be available in its new third edition in Robert & Rose Marie Boysen, Michael Sasse, Ralph E. Ogden Foundation September. Hiking Long Island is a com - Pfizer Matching Gift Program, Woodland Trail Walkers prehensive guide to Long Island parks TRIBUTES and trails from eastern Nassau County In memory of James & Irene Pappas In memory of William and Berthe Myles John D. Pappas Erwin F. Conrad to the tips of the Twin Forks. MATCHING GIFTS In memory of Zimri Allen Enos Author Lee Mcallister has updated the American Express Foundation, BP Foundation, Daniel B. Hulse book with descriptions of six new trails Morgan Stanley, REI, Verizon Foundation In memory of James A. Ross, a high school classmate and important revisions to five existing Betty & Adam Rinbrand hikes. He has also written new material LAND ACQUISITION In memory of our dear friend Alta Sumner about six small preserves on the North AND STEWARDSHIP FUND Peter Tilgner & Suzan Gordan Lenny & Sue Bussanich Shore, and added a section on small In memory of Alta Sumner parks on the Twin Forks. All of the new Richard Sumner EAST HUDSON COMMUNITY material is accompanied by new maps TRAILS PROGRAM In memory of Shelley Norton Fourth Edition of Sterling Forest Joanne Vega and pictures taken along the trails. The Leonard & Evelyn Lauder Foundation McAllister is a resident of Ridge, New Trails Map Tributes are only printed for donations of $25 or more. York, in the heart of Suffolk County. He The fourth edition of the Sterling Forest regularly walks these trails with his wife Trails map is scheduled to be available by and three daughters, and is active in the end of September. This new edition Auction of Hand-Crafted Bench many of the conservation and hiking includes a significant number of updates To Benefit Trail Conference Project organizations of Long Island. He has and improvements. Elevation contour established his own personal informa - lines have been increased from 50-foot The Knickerbocker Bench is a custom tion network that keeps him informed intervals to 20-foot intervals. Contour made bench of black locust, a wood leg - of trails changes, land purchases, and shading has been eliminated and the col - endary for lasting decades without chemical plans for improvements to the Long or scheme simplified to improve clarity preservatives. Designed and produced by Island trail system. and readability. Current, multi-colored Palisades Interstate Park Commission Many of the revisions in the third edi - trail blaze configurations are accurately Development Specialist Timothy Englert, a tion of Hiking Long Island are concerned described. A continuing feature is that bookmatched pair of these handsome, with extensions and reroutes to the Pau - hunting zones in the park are uniquely hand-crafted benches, each 8 to 12 feet manok Path, a long distance trail shaded for both the convenience of long, will be offered in October in separate planned to extend about 145 miles from hunters and safety of hikers. eBay charity auctions, with proceeds bene - Rocky Point on the North Shore to Two trails, the Red Back Loop (6.5 fitting the Trail Conference’s People For Montauk Point on the tip of the South miles in length) and the Townsend Trail Trails Hike-a-thon and the Grand Walka - Fork. The Paumanok Path winds (2.4 miles), shown as “proposed” on the bout, a four-county Hudson Valley effort to through a variety of Long Island habi - prior edition of this map, have been provide people with information and tats, from the deep and fertile soils of the completed and are now accurately encouragement to hike the many beautiful morainal hills of the North Shore, depicted on the map. (See descriptions trails found in our region. These are only through the sandy outwash plains of the of these trails in Trail News, page 6.) the second set of benches to be offered to Pine Barrens, to the dunes and bluffs of As in earlier editions of this map, por - the public, and will be custom made to suit the Atlantic shore. McAllister includes tions of other parklands adjacent to the winners’ site needs. Further informa - colorful discussion of the diversity of Sterling Forest are shown; these sections tion will be made available as the date plants, animals, and terrain to be seen are also updated in conformance with approaches. Check the Trail Conference The Theodore Roosevelt and George W. along the trails through these ecosystems. the most recent editions of the North website for information about this charity Perkins benches at Bear Mountain’s McAllister writes: “The middle section Jersey Trails and Harriman Bear Moun - auction and other Hike-a-thon details. Trailside Amphitheater [of the Paumanok Path] mostly in tain Trails maps. Southampton Township is incomplete Project Manager: John Mack because the 1990s development boom has made it difficult to gain access across private land. Despite this, members of the If the Trail Conference CONSERVATION & ADVOCACY Southampton Trails Preservation Society Had a Penny for Every continued from page 4 are working to patch together sections campaign recommitted its efforts to seeking where the trail will eventually run.” To Internet Search… other sources of funding to conserve and keep up with this work, several changes in steward New Jersey’s remaining open space. the third edition have been made to trails We could earn a lot of money! How? It’s A variety of funding mechanisms are in Southampton Township. as easy as choosing the right search currently under review by the campaign, Project Manager: George Petty engine! Goodsearch, a search engine legislative leaders and Governor Corzine’s powered by Yahoo!, will donate money staff. The coalition planned to launch a to the Trail Conference for every click statewide education campaign in August to you make. If 100 people search two support its efforts and help convince state times every day, the Trail Conference legislators and the governor that keeping can earn $730 a year. If 1,000 people the GSPT fully funded is not only a public searched using Goodsearch two times a priority, but a necessity for every citizen of day, the Trail Conference could earn New Jersey. If you are interested in helping $7,300 a year! keep the Garden State green, please contact Please visit www.goodsearch.com and Brenda Holzinger, NJ Regional Represen - either download the search toolbar or tative, via email ([email protected]) or make Goodsearch your homepage. Be at 973-303-3538 (cell). For additional sure to choose the New York-New information, visit the Keep It Green Cam - Jersey Trail Conference as the “Cause I paign website at www.njkeepitgreen.org. Search For,” and every time you click, you’ll make a difference in our work!

Visit Us Today! www.NYNJTC.org September/October 2008 Page 11 Shawangunk Ridge Trail from High Point State Park, NJ to Lake Minnewaska, NY

The Shawangunk Ridge Trail is still very much a work in progress, with the Trail Conference continuing to lead efforts to protect an intact corridor in New York from the New Jersey border to Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Because of this flux, publication of a full-featured map is premature. The trail has, however, reached a point where it can be enjoyed by hikers. The Trail Conference is providing the map here as a courtesy to hikers. Larger versions of the map are available online in three segments that can be downloaded and printed on 8.5 x 11-inch paper. Go to www.nynjtc.org.

gency blanket, matches, and glow sticks. I took SRT IN A DAY less water, planning on replenishing in Wurtsboro or at Sam’s Point. This year I decided to train for and run the My second attempt was on July 4 and it was 100-mile trail run race. I decided to do truly amazing. The weather was almost identical all of my training on a different trail each week - to what I experienced on my first attempt, and I end. This was really fun to do, but also a little had a very similar experience on the first parts of difficult to find good running trails week after the trail. The only difference was the wildlife. week. I stumbled upon a reference to the 41-mile Everything had come alive. The flowers were Shawangunk Ridge Trail and thought it would be blooming, the ferns were almost waist-high in perfect. I had never heard of it before, but was some sections, the rhododendron had “popped,” familiar with both High Point State Park in New all the berries were starting to ripen, and the lily Jersey and Minnewaska State Park in New York. pads at Hathorne Lake (Hawthorne Lake on It would be fun to link them some maps) were starting together. Murray Resinski celebrates to bloom. I saw baby The plan was to load up on completion of his 41-mile, squirrels, baby turkeys, food and water and have my one-day run of the baby ducks, baby wife drop me off at High Point Shawangunk Ridge Trail. geese, birds, salamanders, and then pick me up at Lake groundhogs, snakes, tur - Minnewaska. With a pack full of tles, deer, and eagles. The water, blueberry pancakes, banana abundance of life on the trail walnut waffles, a hummus wrap made me really glad I tried it a and a bunch of dried fruit, I started second time. Luckily, I did not out May 31st on my first attempt. It see any bears, although I saw was drizzling and humid, but I did not signs of them between Sum - let that bother me. I really wanted to do mitville Road and Route 52. this. The trail was well blazed and easy to The ridge-top trail just north of follow. I ran through a lot of really typical, Wurtsboro is absolutely stunning. rocky-yet-runnable trail in Jersey and the One of the most beautiful trails in the first few sections of New York. Before I East! I also got a greater appreciation knew it, I was overlooking I-84 and a of the amount of work it takes to beautiful valley. I was starting to get plan, build, and maintain a trail. nervous as the full reality of what I was While running, I could actually “feel” attempting finally hit me. I had a phone, the dedication of the maintainers on but little else in the way of survival gear. every aqua rectangle. No light source, no emergency blanket, I made it from end to end, from no way to make fire. I ran on anyway. High Point Monument to Lake Min - The variety of the trail treadway and newaska, in 13 hours. Many maps environment was impressive. I started out suggest that the trail is not continuous on a single-track footpath; the next thing I between Verkeerder Kill Falls and Mud knew I was running along active railroad Pond, but it is*. By the time I was done, tracks, old railroad beds, dirt roads, and I was tired and in a large amount of ridge-top trails. Awesome! Next came the expected pain, but happy as can be. low-lying Basha Kill Wildlife Management What a great way to celebrate the 4th of Area, a large, impressive wetland—the July! I am really grateful that there are largest in southern New York, according groups like the New York-New Jersey to the guidebooks. The SRT is not just Trail Conference and Shawangunk a mountain trail. Ridge Coalition that make it possible After the Basha Kill, the trail regains for me to do this type of thing so close the ridgetop in Wurtsboro State Forest, and for a to home. You guys rock! while I ran along at the base of the huge power Murray Resinski line towers there; I got a little bummed out. I’d Morris Plains, NJ rather run the ridge without the power lines. [email protected] I eventually made my way to Wurtsboro and ran on some steep road; when I re-entered the PS: I’ll probably do it again. woods, I made a HUGE mistake. I took an old rail bed north out of town instead of the DEC *Editor’s note: The stretch of trail between Verkeerder trails. It led me back down to Route 209 and I Kill Falls and Mud Pond crosses land held by private ended up running the road to Ellenville and call - owners, one of whom closed access for many years. ing my wife for a ride. I really wanted to see the That portion became part of Minnewaska State rest of the trail and was very disappointed. Park Preserve in 2006, making possible the reopen - After exchanging emails with the trail main - ing of that former link in the SRT/Long Path. tainers and making a scouting trip to Wurtsboro, Nearly one-half mile of trail on either side of and I discovered my error and planned a second including Verkeerder Kill Falls is on private land, the attempt. This time I took a head lamp, an emer - owners of which generously permit hiker access. Hunting Seasons 2008

NEW YORK Hunting is not allowed in Bear Mountain- Harri - Deer Seasons: Regular and Archery man State Parks. However it is allowed in parts Southern Zone or all of other state parks. Call parks for details. (includes Hudson Valley and Catskills) Black Rock Forest (845-534-4517) closes to Regular: Nov. 15 – Dec. 7 all hikers from Nov. 15 through Dec. 7. Bow: Oct. 18 – Nov. 14, Dec. 10 – Dec. 18 For more info about deer season in New York, Westchester County go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28605.html. Bow only: Oct. 18 – Dec. 31 For info about all big game hunting seasons Suffolk County and regulations in New York, visit Bow only: Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/10003.html.

NEW JERSEY In New Jersey, the safest course in the fall is to For the complete set of deer season regulations, hike only on Sundays, when hunting is prohib - go to www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw, then click on ited throughout the state. Otherwise, hunting Hunting, then Deer. Go to the same site for seasons vary by weapon and geography. other hunting seasons and information. Page 12 September/October 2008

the lake’s dam.) It intersects the AT both junction with the AT. Alternative: Go to an north and south of the lake. A complete AT parking area with kiosk on Old Route Featured Hike circuit of the lake is 1.9 miles. 55 (turning north from Rt. 55), where the Return to your car, by continuing out on trail crosses the highway, just east of the By Georgette Weir and Ollie Simpson the AT to where you began. abovementioned spot. Woods and Water on a Moderate HOW TO GET THERE THANK YOU: From the Taconic State Parkway, take exit Those who helped clear the trail included AT Loop in Dutchess County for Route 55 East and go 9.5 miles. At the Millbrook Scout Troop 31 under the lead - crest of a long hill (after traffic light at junc - ership of Jim Evans, Jay Hughes and tion with NY 216 for Poughquag), look for daughter Allison, Bernd Lohner, Dave a small parking area on the left. A blue- Webber, Eric Harvey, and Ollie Simpson. blazed trail leads a short distance to the Hikers’ Marketplace NY-NJ TC member? YES NO JOINING NOW Member #______R I E W

E Please order by circling price Retail Member P/H Total T T E G

R Official Conference Maps Order 8 or more and get discounted expedited shipping! O E G Catskill Trails (2005) & see combo $14.95 $11.21 +$1.65 ______Nuclear Lake offers a scenic summer lunch stop for hikers. NEW!! East Hudson Trails (2008) $10.95 $ 8.21 +$1.50 ______For close to a decade, it has been the trail less Beekman Uplands Loop was declared Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails (2007) & see combo $ 9.95 $ 7.46 +$1.50 ______traveled. The 1.7-mile AT side trail known restored at the end of June and it now Hudson Palisades Trails (2005) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$1.50 ______as the Beekman Uplands Loop was once the makes possible a pleasant 4.5-mile wood - Kittatinny Trails (2005) & see combo $12.95 $ 9.71 +$1.65 ______official route of the AT, taking hikers around land circuit hike with water views (and North Jersey Trails (2007) $ 9.95 $ 7.46 +$1.50 ______and away from Nuclear Lake in Dutchess swimming). NEW!! Shawangunk Trails (2008) & see combo $10.95 $ 8.21 +$1.50 ______County, where a nuclear fuels-processing Starting from a small, unmarked parking South (2006) $ 4.95 $ 3.71 +$1.10 ______research facility operated until 1972. In area on Route 55, just west of where the NEW!! Sterling Forest Trails (2008) $ 7.95 $ 5.96 +$1.30 ______1979, the National Park Service acquired AT crosses the highway, take the blue- West Hudson Trails (2006) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$1.50 ______the property for AT corridor designation. blazed side trail 0.1 mile to the AT. Stay Buildings were razed, the site cleaned up, straight (left) on the AT, watching on your Books and in 1998 a reroute brought the left (west) for the triple blue blazes that Appalachian Trail Guide to New York $19.95 $14.96 +$3.00 ______Appalachian Trail along the western shore of mark a terminal point of the Beekman & New Jersey (2007) Nuclear Lake. The former AT route was Uplands Loop. Hiking the Jersey Highlands (2007) $22.95 $17.21 +$3.50 ______renamed Beekman Uplands Loop. The start of the loop trail features some New York Walk Book (2005) & see combo $22.95 $17.21 +$3.50 ______initial easy-to-moderate uphill hiking in New Jersey Walk Book (2004) & see combo $19.95 $14.96 +$3.50 ______rocky, wooded terrain, followed by fairly Circuit Hikes in Northern New Jersey (2003) $11.95 $ 8.96 +$3.00 ______level walking in rocky, wooded terrain. On Day Walker (2002) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______a hike in late July after a week or more of Harriman Trails Guide (1999) & see combo $16.95 $12.71 +$3.50 ______intermittent but very heavy rains, one NEW!! Hiking Long Island (2008) $22.95 $17.21 +$3.50 ______mushroom hunter found, according to her Iron Mine Trails: NY/NJ Highlands (1996, rev. 1999) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$3.00 ______email, “horn of plenty (cratellus sp., not Kittatinny Trails (2004) & see combo $18.95 $14.21 +$3.00 ______actually a chanterelle), lactarius volemus, Long Path Guide to NY/NJ (2005) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______unidentified lactarius, unidentified bolete, Scenes & Walks in the Northern Shawangunks stropharia.” (2006) & see combo $13.95 $10.46 +$3.00 ______At 1.7 miles, the Beekman Uplands Loop Doodletown: Hiking Through History in a Neglect of the old trail followed those ends above a ravine at another intersection Vanishing Hamlet on the Hudson (1996) $12.95 $ 9.71 +$3.00 ______changes in 1998. Low usage and inade - with the AT. Turn right (south) to complete Nature Walks in New Jersey (2003) $14.95 $11.21 +$3.00 ______quate maintenance resulted in a poorly the circuit, which will include a walk along marked and overgrown trail with many the shore of Nuclear Lake, a good spot for a AMC Catskill Mountain Guide (2002) $19.95 $14.96 +$3.00 ______blow-downs. But now, thanks to volunteer snack (and a swim, if you are so inclined; NEW!! ADK Catskill Trails (2008) & see combo $19.95 $14.96 +$3.00 ______work crews headed by Ollie Simpson, AT water shoes recommended). ADK Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons (2002) $12.95 $ 9.71 +$3.00 ______supervisor for the Nuclear Lake area, the An optional extension is to follow the Shawangunks Trail Companion (2003) $18.95 $14.21 +$3.50 ______downed trees and overgrown brush are 1.1-mile yellow-blazed Nuclear Lake Loop Moon Take a Hike NYC (2006) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______cleared away, blue blazes are refreshed, and around the east side of the lake. (At dead - Walking Manhattan’s Rim (2003) $13.95 $10.46 +$3.00 ______newly placed stepping stones and drainage line, the NPS announced this trail will be NEW!! 50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley (2008) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.50 ______ditches help hikers navigate wet areas. The closed for a time this fall during work on 50 Hikes in New Jersey (2006) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.50 ______Best Hikes w/ Children in New Jersey (2005) $15.95 $11.96 +$3.00 ______Best Hikes w/ Children in the Catskills & Join the volunteers who Hudson River Valley (2002) $14.95 $11.21 +$3.00 ______bring you the great outdoors! Hudson to Delaware: The Great Valley (2004) $75.00 $56.25 +$5.50 ______Combo-Packs 1,700 miles of trails; your membership helps us expand our horizons. Catskill (5-map set & ADK book) $30.35 $22.69 +$3.00 ______Included with membership, Trail Walker , 10% discount on purchases at most Harriman (2-map set & book) $23.40 $17.55 +$3.50 ______outdoor stores, and 25% discount on all Trail Conference maps and books NY & NJ Walk Books $38.60 $30.95 +$4.50 ______purchased directly from the Trail Conference. Shawangunk (3-map set & Scenes & Walks book) $21.65 $16.23 +$3.00 ______Kittatinny (4-map set & book) $27.80 $20.85 +$3.00 ______Save time and a tree by joining or renewing online at www.nynjtc.org. Just click on the Join/Renew button. The Personal Touch Note Cards: TC Collection $12.00 $ 9.00 +$3.00 ______MEMBERSHIP LEVEL DUES Long-sleeve Denim Shirt Circle: M L $29.90 $22.43 +$5.50 ______Senior Individual (65+) $25 Polo Shirt (Forest Green) Circle: S M L XL $19.90 $14.93 +$5.50 ______Senior Family (65+) $30 Trail Conference Baseball Cap $ 5.00 $ 3.75 +$2.10 ______Supporter $30 Trail Conference Logo Patch $ 2.50 $ 2.50 postpaid ______Family $40 Long Path Logo Patch $ 2.75 $ 2.75 postpaid ______*Sponsor Individual $60 Trail Conference Logo Decal Circle: Inside Outside $ .85 $ .85 postpaid ______*Sponsor Family $75 *Benefactor Individual $120 Subtotal ______*Benefactor Family $150 Postage/handling from above ______*Life Individual $1,000 New Jersey residents add 7% tax* ______*Life Joint $1,500 TOTAL ENCLOSED $ ______Name ______Method of Payment: Address ______NAME Check or money order enclosed City ______State ______Zip ______Visa Mastercard Amex ADDRESS Day Phone ______Evening Phone ______Card #______E-MAIL ______CITY STATE ZIP Exp. Date: ___ /___ Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex Signature: ______EMAIL TELEPHONE Card # ______Exp. Date: ____ / ____ 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 must be paid on books, maps, misc., but not on clothing or shipping, by customers *New Sponsor, Benefactor, and Life Members may elect to receive a with NJ ship-to (not billing) addresses. Prices are subject to change. (9/08) Trail Conference cap. Check here if you would like us to send you a cap. Tax-deductible. Dues are not refundable. YOU CAN ALSO ORDER AT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.NYNJTC.ORG