The Harriman Corridor Stop the Spread It’s not so far-fetched to imagine The fight against invasive towns on the park’s west side species starts with you as a tourist destination. and a boot brush. READ MORE ON PAGE 9 READ MORE ON PAGE 11

Summer 2015 New York-New Jersey Trail Conference — Connecting People with Nature since 1920 www.nynjtc.org Volunteers Break Trail Conference Trail Conference Wins Two Awards Record for Service Hours Donated for Historic Preservation rail Conference volunteers gener - ously give their time to build, Tprotect, and promote access to nature. Whether it’s a few hours welcoming visitors at our new headquarters or entire weekends creating a new hiking path, their efforts make accomplishing the Trail Con - ference mission possible. Our volunteers always answer the call, but something unprecedented happened last year: In 2014, these selfless people gave a whopping 93,214 hours of their time. That’s a Trail Conference record! The restoration of the Darlington Volunteers from Columbia Business Schoolhouse as the New York-New School and Buffalo State University joined Jersey Trail Conference’s new head - our efforts in relocating and rebuilding quarters wasn’t just an incredible the Appalachian Trail on Bear Mountain. achievement for the organization—it Students from Ramapo College and was a huge historic preservation win employees from UPS made trails more sus - for the local community of Mahwah, tainable in the Ramapo Valley County for Bergen County, and for the state of Reservation and other parks in New Jersey. New Jersey. In recognition of this AmeriCorps member Joe Knight taught volunteers from the Groundwork Hudson Green And our 909 volunteer maintainers from accomplishment, the Trail Conference Team about cribwall techniques last summer. across the region continue to keep more received two awards in 2015 acknowl - than 2,000 miles of trails open and safe. butions to improving these popular recre - Luddington-Cantor and others spent edging the outstanding restoration and ation areas. And then there’s the West countless hours ensuring that our dreams repurposing of the 124-year-old land - Hudson South Crew, which continues to of moving into the Darlington School - mark: the Bergen County Historic We feel like climbing Bald be a mainstay in Harriman State Park, house became a reality this spring. Preservation Award for adaptive use rehabbing some of the most popular trails Our volunteers really go above and and one of 10 prestigious New Jersey Mountain next to our new in New York State. beyond. That’s why we feel like climbing Historic Preservation awards. HQ here in Mahwah and Award-winning volunteers like Kay Bald Mountain next to our new HQ here Key to winning the awards was the Cynamon from the Publications Commit - in Mahwah and shouting “thank you” for Trail Conference meeting its three shouting, “Thank you!” tee donated their expertise to GPS-ing and hikers everywhere to hear. Those two main objectives in the restoration proj - researching trails for the first digitally pro - words can’t be said enough. ect: to preserve and return to active use duced edition of the South Taconic Trails Congratulations for accomplishing so the Darlington Schoolhouse; to mini - Newer crews, like the Long Distance map. Members of our Conservation Com - much in 2014 and THANK YOU for all mize the environmental cost of the Trails Crew, relocated the Long Path on mittee helped score big wins for green the work already completed in 2015! headquarters in construction and oper - Romer Mountain in the Catskills, while space protection, including aiding in ation; and to create a convenient our Backcountry Trails Conservation the preservation of a tract of land in workplace that is enjoyable for employ - Corps working in Fahnestock and Sterling Chester, N.Y., that improves the Highlands ees, volunteers, and visitors. Volunteer Forest State Parks made significant contri - Trail experience. And volunteer Alice Alice Luddington-Cantor, who helps manage the grants given to the Trail Conference for work on the school - house, nominated the organization for 93,214 total service hours in 2014 the state award. performed by 1,740 volunteers The Trail Conference won an award from Bergen County and another from Summit Steward Program the state of New Jersey. Both awards were presented to the M O C Launches in Catskill Park . Trail Conference in May as part of R K C

I National Preservation Month. Board L F /

The New York-New Jersey Trail Confer - The Summit Stewards, hired and man - R Chair Chris Connolly, Membership U H ence and New York State Department of aged by the Trail Conference and T and Development Director Don Weise, R A

Environmental Conservation (DEC) in supported by a generous gift from the Y Membership and Development Man - D N collaboration with the Catskill 3500 Club Catskill 3500 Club, spend weekends from A ager Jennifer Easterbrook, and launched a seasonal Summit Steward Pro - the start of summer through Columbus the history and importance of the Catskill volunteers Pasquale Marcotullio and gram in the Catskill Park in June. The Day at the top of Slide Mountain. The Park and Forest Preserve. They greet, Pete Heckler represented the Trail 2015 pilot program focuses on Slide Stewards are trained in Leave No Trace inform, and assist the public, as well as help Conference at the Bergen County cere - Mountain, the Catskills’ highest summit backcountry ethics and educated about DEC Forest Rangers respond to emergen - mony, hosted by the Bergen County and one of its most popular destinations. fragile summit elevation environment and cies in the area. Division of Cultural and Historic “We take our role as a hiking group Affairs and Historic Preservation Advi - VOLUME XLII, N UMBER 3 ISSN 0749-1352 devoted not only to visiting, but also pro - sory Board, on May 7 at the Varick tecting the Catskills summits very Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church of seriously,” said Jim Bouton, Chair of the Hackensack. Trail Conference Execu - Catskill 3500 Club’s Summit Stewardship tive Director Edward Goodell accepted Committee. “We hope that this program the state award, presented by the N.J. not only succeeds but is replicated at other State Historic Preservation Office in Catskills peaks in the future.” the Department of Environmental Pro - continued on page 10 Page 2 Summer 2015 Long-Awaited Catskill Interpretive Board, Delegate Center Set to Open in July Nominations for 2015 VOLUME XLII, NO.3 SUMMER 2015 The Nominations Committee of the Trail AMBER RAY EDITOR LOU LEONARDIS GRAPHIC DESIGNER Conference presents the following candi - dates for the Board of Directors for TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970-100) three-year terms and Delegates-at-Large for (ISSN 0749-1352) is published quarterly by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as a one-year terms. These nominations will be benefit of membership. Subscriptions are voted on at the Annual Meeting to be held available to libraries only at $15.00 a year. on October 22, 2015, at the Trail Confer - Periodical postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address ence Headquarters (600 Ramapo Valley changes to the address below. Opinions Rd., Mahwah, N.J.). expressed by authors do not necessarily represent the policy or position of the Conference. For Board of Directors Contributions of typed manuscripts, photos, Christopher Connolly and drawings are welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style and length. Send SASE for Chris, of Tenafly, N.J., joined the board in writers’ guidelines. Submission deadlines for the 2005. A Trail Conference Life Member, TRAIL WALKER are January 15 (Spring issue), R

I Chris is completing five years as board

May 15 (Summer issue), August 15 (Fall issue), E W

November 15 (Winter issue). Unsolicited E chair and is leading implementation of the T T contributions cannot be acknowledged unless E restructuring of the trail committees. He is G R

accompanied by SASE. For information on O

E trail supervisor, N.J. Palisades; conservation advertising rates, please write or call. G Copyright 2015 by: Elected officials attended the groundbreaking of the chair for the North Jersey-Ramapo chapter New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. Catskill Interpretive Center in September 2014. of the Adirondack Mountain Club; mem - 600 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202) ber, New Hampshire 4000 Footer Club; a Mahwah, NJ 07430 After decades of planning, the Trail Conference and other regional Long Trail end-to-ender; and on the 201-512-9348 partners are eagerly preparing for the grand opening of the Maurice D. administrative council of the Palisades email: [email protected] editorial email: [email protected] Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center (CIC) this July. Retired Congressman Nature Association. World Wide Web: www.nynjtc.org Maurice D. Hinchey championed the center from his time as the region’s Gaylord Holmes representative in the New York State Assembly. The CIC will provide Gaylord, of Irvington, N.Y., joined the information to visitors about the 700,000-acre Catskill Park, New York board in 2009. He chairs the Strategic City’s one million-acre Catskill/Delaware drinking watershed, and ways to Planning Committee and co-led the steer - recreate and enjoy these treasured natural resources. ing committee on the restructuring of the The CIC will be managed by the Catskill Center and will be staffed through trail committees. Gaylord is a trail main - a partnership including the Trail Conference, Catskill Mountain Club, Ulster tainer and is a member of the board of Mission Statement directors of the Greater Irvington Land County Tourism, and Catskill Mountainkeeper. The Trail Conference has The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a Trust. A graduate of the University of federation of member clubs and individuals committed to providing staff at the CIC at least two days a week. dedicated to providing recreational hiking North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Gaylord opportunities in the region, and representing the earned an MBA at the University of interests and concerns of the hiking community. Virginia. He is a former director, Global The Conference is a volunteer-directed public Aviation, Citibank in New York, with service organization committed to: • Developing, building, and maintaining Trail Stewards Return for Another Season prior assignments to London and Tokyo. hiking trails. • Protecting hiking trail lands through of Helping Hikers on Breakneck Ridge David P. Stuhr support and advocacy. • Educating the public in the responsible Dave, of Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J., is a Trail Con - use of trails and the natural environment. ference Life Member and, since 1973, an active Boy Scout leader. As an adviser to the Board of Directors Chris Connolly Chair Order of the Arrow he helped develop the Edward Saiff Vice Chair Palisades Historic Trail that includes por - Richard Levine Treasurer tions of the Shore Trail and the Long Path. Patricia Wooters Secretary Dave joined the board in 2011 and chairs Directors Daniel Chazin Gaylord Holmes the audit committee. Dave has been a mem - Walter Daniels Richard Katzive ber of the Faculty of Business of Fordham Charlotte Fahn John Magerlein Andrew Garrison Elizabeth Ravit University and has held several administra - Suzan Gordon David Stuhr tive posts, most recently associate vice Daniel Hoberman Edward Whitney president for academic affairs. He retired in Staff 2011, but continues on a part-time basis as Edward Goodell Executive Director Joshua Howard Deputy Executive senior faculty adviser and emeritus associate Director professor of finance and economics. Don Weise Development Y

Director A

R Suzan Gordon

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Melissa McCutcheon Operations & E

B Suzan, of Tenafly, N.J., joined the board in

Finance Director M A Linda Rohleder Land Stewardship Trail Stewards will be stationed at Breakneck Ridge on weekends through Labor Day. 2013 and is a Trail Conference Life Member Director with an extensive history of volunteer service For a full list of staff visit The Trail Conference’s 2015 Breakneck on Saturday; 1,411 on Sunday; and 1,111 on trails and with the North Jersey-Ramapo www.nynjtc.org/content/staff Ridge Trail Stewards have been stationed on Monday for a total of 4,277 Breakneck chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a along the “most popular trail in North visitors. That’s nearly double the number of She served many years as co-supervisor in volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It is America” since May, eager to equip visitors hikers at the popular trailhead compared to Sterling Forest State Park. Suzan has a mas - a federation of 103 hiking and outdoor groups, and 10,000 individuals. with maps and information on safe hiking, the same weekend last year! ter’s degree in special education from Temple hiking etiquette, suggested trail routes, and If you’re planning a trip to Breakneck University and taught special education for printed on recycled content paper how to support trails in our region. Five Ridge, say hello to our 2015 Stewards: 24 years. She is an adjunct professor at PLEASE RECYCLE trail stewards will be assisting hikers during from left, Rich Zayas, Kali Bird, Brian William Paterson College. TRAIL WALKER the high-traffic weekends on Breakneck Tragno, Ben Egan, and Eli Fry. The Stew - Ridge through the Labor Day Weekend. ards will be sharing photos and experiences Jeffrey Senterman Over the Memorial Day Weekend, the via the Trail Conference Twitter account: Jeff, of Platte Clove, N.Y., joined the Trail Stewards helped field one rescue and twitter.com/NYNJTC. Follow us to keep Conference staff in 2011, taking on the then- turned away 31 people unprepared for the up with weekend news from Breakneck. new position of program coordinator for the strenuous hike. They counted 1,755 hikers Catskill region; in 2013 Jeff was named Senior Program Coordinator. In addition to bringing environmental planning to his post, Shop AmazonSmile and Support the Trail Conference Jeff has a lifetime of experience as a trail vol - When you shop Amazon.com, make sure you shop AmazonSmile. It’s the same shopping unteer under the tutelage of his father, experience you know and love, only Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible longtime Catskills Trails Chair Pete Senter - purchases to the Trail Conference—at no cost to you! Bookmark this link man. On July 1, Jeff will leave Trail smile.amazon.com/ch/22-6042838 and support us every time you shop. Thank you to Conference employment to become the our AmazonSmile supporters for raising $77.08 in the first quarter in 2015! Associate Director of the Catskill Center.

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING Delegates-at-Large The Board of Directors of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference has called Therese Allen Paul Makus a Regular Meeting to take place Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Susan Barbuto Margo Moss Trail Conference headquarters, 600 Ramapo Valley Road in Mahwah, N.J. Cliff Berchtold Karen Rose Norman Blumenstein Robert Ross NOTICE OF PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENTS Jane Daniels Ruth Rosenthal Proposed amendments to the bylaws of the New York-New Jersey Trail Jack Driller Mellonie Sanborn Conference may be found at nynjtc.org/bylaws2015. These proposed amendments shall be submitted for adoption at the Regular Meeting on October 22. Harvey Fishman Frank Schoof Bob Fuller Karl Soehnlein Department of Clarifications: In the Spring 2015 Trail Walker In Memoriam, Robert Newton was said to have worked Pete Heckler Douglas Sohn on the construction of the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey and served as Secretary on the Trail Conference Board of Jill Hamell Daniel Van Engel Directors. To clarify, he worked on the reroute of the A.T. from Wawayanda State Park to High Point, which took the trail off paved roads and onto a protected trail corridor, in the 1970s and early ’80s. He served on the Trail Conference Rob Lehmann Robert Ward Board from 1991 to 1998 and again from 2002 to 2005. During part of this period in the ’90s, he served as Secretary. Mark Liss Summer 2015 Page 3 From the Executive Director includes acting as advocates and ensuring • “We should take better care of our PEOPLE FOR TRAILS our members’ voices are heard as we pas - remaining forests and open space, but it is sionately protect your interests as a hiker, hard to make a difference on my own. nature lover, and outdoors enthusiast. My membership in the Trail Conference Why Membership comes with tangible perks, allows me to join with others to support too, like discounts on our award-winning state park budgets and keep casinos out.” Membership maps and guide books and a free subscrip - • “I like how volunteer involvement in Matters tion to the Trail Walker in your hands. And the Trail Conference stretches my support. don’t forget discounts at a number of our I can’t do much beyond my membership retail partners. but I like supporting the volunteers since I My personal motivation for being a can’t get out there myself.” Members of the Trail Conference form a member and supporting our mission is that • “The workshops are excellent and free! solid foundation upon which our volun - the more people connect with nature, the I learned more than I could have imagined Raina Stoutenburg teers and staff secure, develop, and protect more they will make protecting nature a about what actually goes into a good trail New Rochelle, N.Y. more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails and high priority in their lives. I believe our at Trail U. And the invasives work trips are open space preserves. When it’s time to relationship with nature will be the defin - like a botany course, only more fun.” Raina Stoutenburg spent the renew your Trail Conference membership, ing challenge for humanity over the next • “I love the discounts for Trail Confer - summer of 2014 working on a you’ll notice basic dues are increasing by century, and I want to make a positive ence members at area stores. A 10% Trail Conference trail crew $10 starting in July. This is our first impact today. discount on just one big purchase can pay through AmeriCorps. That fall, increase in eight years, and the new for membership all year long. Kind of she returned to the teaching amount will still be lower than all of our Membership inspires our makes me feel greedy and charitable at the profession but missed doing trail peer organizations. However, I certainly same time.” work; she soon started helping out recognize that hardly anyone likes to see volunteers to keep the • “There must be millions of people trail crews on the weekends. That’s costs go up. With that in mind, it’s time to trails safe and outdoor who’ve enjoyed these trails over the years. when a friend told her that the remember why membership is so vital to We all need to do our share to keep that Trail Conference was looking for a our mission. experiences enjoyable. going. This is an easy and inexpensive way trail supervisor for the Central Membership inspires our 1,740 volun - for me to give back.” South Westchester region—and she teers (and their 93,000-plus volunteer Whatever your rationale for being a mem - jumped at the opportunity. hours!) to keep the trails safe and outdoor Other people value their Trail Conference ber, I want to thank you for joining in this experiences enjoyable. The efforts of our membership for different reasons. I recently endeavor. Our maps may show us the trail - What parks do you oversee as volunteers convert every dollar contributed took an informal poll asking why member - heads that are the gateway to nature, but our supervisor? I am responsible for into $3 worth of results. Their “no-sweat” ship matters and got these responses: members are the blazes that guide us. supervising the maintainers of trail work ethic is just an act—there’s plenty of • “When I get a chance to get out, I systems in three locations: sweat out on the trails, and at our head - know that I can depend on good informa - Cranberry Lake, Merestead, and quarters, too. tion about where to go and, more likely Westmoreland. Since starting, I Your membership allows our staff the than not, the destination will feature well- have met with several of the ability to organize, mobilize, and educate maintained and very enjoyable trail — Edward Goodell maintainers and spent time not only volunteers, but the general public. networks. Having 2,000 miles of trails Executive Director walking each of their trails with We want everyone to understand and hon - available at my fingertips in this region… [email protected] them—a great way to get to know or the responsible use of the trails. That it’s priceless.” both them and their trails. While we walked, we talked about the work they have done and some possible improvements that could TRAIL NEWS ROUNDUP First Responders Thanked for Catskill Park Coalition Secures be made in the future. They’re Controlling Hunter Mt. Wildfire $500K for Catskill Region wonderful people who are very The first responders who controlled a Through the leadership efforts of New dedicated to keeping our trails number of forest fires throughout the York State Senators Jim Seward and well-maintained! Catskill region this spring, including a George Amedore, the Trail Conference blaze on Hunter Mountain that burned and the Catskill Park Coalition (CPC) are What was the first project you roughly 150 acres, were officially thanked pleased to announce funding of $500,000 took on in your new role? I started by the newly chartered Catskill Park Advi - in this year’s New York State budget to at Cranberry Lake by meeting sory Committee (CPAC) in May. promote economic growth and preserva - Danniela Ciatto, the curator there, “In response to one of the largest forest tion measures for the Catskill Park. This who has been really helpful and fires in the Catskills in recent memory, the particular funding for the park was the supportive. I went there in early New York State Department of Environ - primary request of the coalition’s annual spring to fix a step on a bird mental Conservation Forest Rangers, lobby day, Catskill Park Awareness Day. observation tower and to get to State Police, and the many, many volun - The line item for the Catskill Park will know the trails and their needs. Long Path/SRT Reopens After teers from local fire departments deserve a be used for comprehensive planning, land I found some areas that needed Massive Wildfire huge amount of gratitude for their acquisition, stewardship, and a grant pro - new trail markers and some On May 3, a brush fire in Summitville, efforts,” said Jeff Senterman, Committee gram for small businesses. downed trees that would need a N.Y., quickly ignited into a wildfire that Chair. The fire began on Heavenly Valley chainsaw to remove. would eventually burn 2,600 acres across Road off Route 214 in Lanesville on May AMC to Open New Camp in Harriman Why is the position a good fit for the Shawangunk Ridge. Firefighters from 7. Trails in the area were reopened by the The Trail Conference is delighted that one you? It’s nice being able to make around the region battled the blaze, end of May. of its founding members, the Appalachian decisions and solutions for trails, which grew so large that an air tanker Mountain Club (AMC), will be opening a as well as doing some of the trail from Canada—the first of its kind new outdoor program center at Harriman work. While part of my job is to deployed in New York State—was called State Park in summer 2016. AMC will be make sure the maintainers do in to support the effort. renovating a former youth camp on their jobs and hand in their The blaze—which ignited when a Breakneck Pond and offering group pro - paperwork, I also need to make homeowner ignored a burn ban—was grams such as hiking, paddling, and suggestions, do repairs, and work under control within a week, but the camping. Numerous AMC groups will with the staff at each park to damage had been done to the forest. The use the center, including AMC-led youth maintain and improve the trails. land along the Long Path and Shawan - outdoor education and leadership pro - From getting a chance to build and gunk Ridge Trail was scorched, trail grams, as well as chapter-led programs fix beautiful trails, to getting to markers were melted, and the Jack Hen - open to the general public. work outdoors, to getting to spend nessey memorial was no more. AMC already maintains 90 miles of my time with some great people, Once the area was safe, the Trail Con - CPAC was established by the Trail Con - trails as a Trail Conference member club. there were so many reasons to ference’s dedicated Long Path co-chairs ference and the Catskill Center for With this increased presence in Harriman love working on the trails! Jakob Franke and Andy Garrison were out Conservation and Development in con - and Bear Mountain, AMC expects to assessing the scene. By the end of the sultation with the NYS DEC to provide increase its trail stewardship under the We’re still looking for trail month, these volunteers had already assistance, advice, and guidance in the Trail Conference umbrella. We welcome maintainers in this region. If reblazed the trail, once again proving their management of the New York State Forest the help and look forward to continuing you’re interested, please contact commitment to the LP/SRT and the hik - Preserve, the Catskill Park, and the our long and productive relationship. Volunteer Coordinator John ers who enjoy it. Catskill Watershed. Leigh ([email protected], 201.512.9348 x22).

Save the Date! Catskills Volunteer Appreciation Picnic and Lark in the Park

The Catskills Volunteer Apprecia - regional information, and more, all the while giving you a Catskill Mountains region of New York State and the tion Picnic will be held Saturday, chance to explore the new Catskill Interpretive Center and Catskill Park. Activities annually include organized hikes, September 12, from 11:30 a.m. to its grounds. Learn more at nynjtc.org/event/catskill- bicycle trips, paddles, service, and cultural and education - 4 p.m. at the soon-to-be opened conservation-corps-volunteer-appreciation-picnic. al events. The coordination of this event is managed Catskill Interpretive Center in The 2015 Catskills Lark in the Park will be held Satur - through a partnership between the New York-New Jersey Mount Tremper, N.Y. At this free day, October 3, through Monday, October 12. Since its Trail Conference, the Catskill Mountain Club, The event, the Trail Conference and the inception in 2004, the Lark has brought together people Catskill Center, and the New York State Department of Catskill Conservation Corps will be welcoming all and organizations participating in hundreds of events Environmental Conservation. For updates on this year’s Catskills volunteers with burgers, hot dogs, refreshments, aimed at celebrating and heightening awareness of the event, visit catskillslark.org. Page 4 Summer 2015 Trail Conference TRAIL CONFERENCE SUPPORTERS Receives Over $107K in Grants to DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND Build and Improve February 7 – May 7, 2015 Suzanne & James Aisenberg, Robert K. Anderberg, Burt M. & Anka Angrist, Patrick J. Applegate, Gene Arkin, William & Christine Balcerski, Patricia A. Balko, Willard Bastian, Jonathan Trails in Our Area D. Beard & Rachel Theilheimer, Clifford & Marcy Berchtold, Larry & Susan Bernstein, Peter Biging, Ralph & Jennifer Blumenthal, Kenneth Boyd, Philip W. Brandt, John Brotherton, Howard Brown & Nancy A. Houghton-Brown, Richard & Shari Buchwald, Kareen & Rob Canora, Brian Carroll, Susan Chiaravalle, Michelle Christie, Chris Christodoulou & Hilary Gomes, George M. Cimis, Ted Clancy, Vivian Clayton, Roger Cocchi, Richard Cocchiara, Elinor Cohen, Joe Colacino, Peter Coleman, Herbert Coles & June Fait, Evan Colgan, Christopher Compel, D.N. & Mary Connolly, John Conover, Paul Cornett, Peter Coy, Steven Cramer, Philip D. Cristantiello PhD, Andrea J. Damato, Steve Davis, Donald L. Deans Sr., Michael L. DeLuca, Dante E. DeMatteo Jr., John P. Denkowski, Rosanne T. Dobbin, Ken & Elaine Dolsky, Paul Doxey, Richard T DuMoulin, David & Barbara Dykhouse, Micah Eisenmann, Paul J. Elston & Frances Beinecke, Laura Enos & Greg McAlpin, Sheila C. Ewall, Thomas Faust, David L. Felsenthal, Sanford Felzenberg, Shirley Fern, Nancy L. Fezell, Jerry Fine, Margaret A. Fitzgerald, Richard C. Fleischman, Robert A. Foster, Stanley F. Fox, Thomas Francois, Carl Frascogna, Sheldon Freidenreich, Robert E. Fuller, Ronald Furia, James Gahn, Robert Galli, Susan E. Gamache & Roy Volpe, Frank Genna & Deborah Padula-Genna, Thomas Giacobbe, Robert Glaser, Dr. G. Nigel Godson, Nancy Good, Suzanne Goodell, Glenn S. Gray, Judith Green, Daniel Greenwald & Linda Weltchek, John & Anne Grob, Glenn Gross, Elliot & Sue Grover, Joseph O. & Dolores Grupp, David J. & Glenda S. Haas,

R I

E Sean Hallahan, Margaret M. Haltigan, Michael Hammon, Eileen P. Hanna, Paul H. Harrison, Mark Hilbush, Eric Himelfarb, Victor Incorvaia, Matthew Jaffe, Robert J. Jonas, Ruth Stoll W

E Kassanga, Jeffrey Katz, Michael A. Kaye, Alan Keith & Lisa Moghab, Katie E. Kingsbury, Mark Klingenstein, Janet C. Kohler, Herbert Krasnow, Bernard W. Kyle, Barry Leibowitz, T T

E Christopher Leonard & Claudia Farb, Laura Leso, Richard R. & Diane Levine, Robert Livingston, David A. & Judith Lloyd, Len & Sue Lyon, Natalie A. Macke, John H. Magerlein & Karen G

R A. Magerlein, Walter & Joan Maier, Kenneth H. & Linda Z. Malkin, Brian Markey & Virginia M. Lincoln, Virginia & John McDevitt, France-Helene Mira, Geoff Mishkin, Keith Mogerley, O E

G Paul D. Monti & Nikki Sidhu, John & Claudia Moran, Michael & Ingrid Morley, Peter Morris, David S. & Carol S. Morse, Richard J. Mroz, Miklos Muller & Jan Keithly, Dagi K. & John Our work in the Catskills is funded in part R. Murphy, Hugh H. D. Murray, Richard W. Murray, Mary Jo L Nutt, Patricia O’Malley, Teunis Ott, Peter Panagakos, John Pao, William F. & Mary H. Penny, Jose Luis Perez, Mark & by a grant from the Dyson Foundation. Karen Perreault, Hank Perrine, William & Georgann Pettenger, Trudy Pojman, Jacqueline Rankin, James Recktenwalt & Sarah Gordon, Kristin Reeves & Bruce Winant, Eric Richter, Roland Roberts & Maria Lee, Bonnie Robins, Laurance Rockefeller, Robert C. Ross, Mike Rossi, Dave Rozene, Donald & Susan Rudbart, Lowell & Rosalie Saferstein, Barbara Saunders- Adams, John Scheri, Andy & Annette Schmidt, Darrel Schoeling & Jeff Corbin, Ms. Barbara Shanley, Altary Sherman, Robert Sickley, Anne M. & Marleigh M Siebecker, Robert Sklar & Thanks to the generosity of the Gennifer Halperin, Robert Small, Gerson Smith, Kathleen Smyth, Douglas & Joan Nickel Sohn, Anna Sokolski, Malcolm Spector, Susan & Frederick Stedtler, Eric Steinhart, Jen Stengle following organizations, the Trail & Ken Lerner, Fred & Connie Stern, Bob T. & Suzi M. Stevralia, Charles O. Svenson, Lynn T. Swanson, John B Taylor, J. Bruce & Beverly Thomson, Carl E. & Victoria A.D. Thune, Michael Tillison, Howard Tokosh, Ray Torrey, Doug & Valerie Trainor, Fred & Sylvia Trautmann, John P. Turrell, Janice M. Vicine, Irene M. Voce, Iris A Vogel, Albert Waehler, Ed & Eudora Walsh, Conference is able to further our Helen & Al Wasser, Larry A. Wehr, Ari Weinstein, Diana Whiteman, Thomas Wilson, Margaret J. Wissler, Lory Wolf, John Wolosz & Ann France, Peggy Wong, Hanson Wong, Patsy & Roy mission throughout the region. Wooters, Sue Ellen Wright, & James M. Wynd

REI TRIBUTES In memory of Judy Weiner, avid hiker, CORPORATE, FOUNDATION & OTHER DONORS A $20,000 grant from REI will support the In honor of Keith Lyons outdoors person & supporter of the AmazonSmile Foundation, Avon Matching Gifts Program, Avon Products, Inc, BD Sam Gellens Trail Conference C/O Cybergrants, Boy Scout Troop 50 Mahwah, Deutsche Bank, Dutchess Tourism work of the Trail Conference’s Long In honor of Tapestry Hiking Club, From your friends Inc.,Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, Garden Club of Orange & Dutchess Counties, Path/Shawangunk Ridge Trail Spike Crew Skillman, NJ In memory of Rita Heckler Inc., GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, serving on projects throughout Sullivan Jeffrey Sands John B. Blenninger, Susan & Barry Gerhardt, Hudson City Savings Bank, Johnson & Johnson Matching Gifts Program, Members Pasquale Marcotullio, Margo Moss, Manuel Give - JustGive, Merck Partnership For Giving, Mianus River Gorge, Morgan and Ulster counties in New York State. In honor of Rebecca Zadeck's Bat Mitzvah Stanley, Mutual of America Foundation, Network For Good, Pfizer Foundation Jane & Walter Daniels J. Silberberg, Peter Tilgner & Suzan Gordon, AmeriCorps members and volunteers will Daniel R. & Lynne H. Van Engel Matching Gifts Program, Putnam County Visitor's Bureau, Inc., Regeneron use sustainable trail-building techniques to In memory of Joan Ehrenfeld Pharaceuticals, The New York Community Trust, Truist, Vanguard Charitable Jane Dimyan-Ehrenfeld In memory of Robert L. Newton Endowment Program, Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign, & Westchester create, maintain, and improve sections of Debbie Patten trail along the Long Path and SRT. In memory of Jordan Blankenbiller Land Trust Edward K. Goodell & Lynne S. Katzmann, Joshua & Melissa Howard, Jeffrey P. Conservation Partnership Program Senterman & Maurice Lemire, Gary Willick Tributes are only printed for donations of $25 or more. Along the Long Path and Highlands Trail, the Trail Conference will work toward cre - ating a greenway that will provide a DONORS TO THE DARLINGTON SCHOOLHOUSE FUND protected corridor connecting Sterling For - February 7 – May 7, 2015 est State Park, Goose Pond Mountain State Park, Schunemunk Mountain State Park, Jeremy Apgar, Sue & Joseph Barbuto, Dr. George L. Becker Jr., Thomas & Mary Bugel, Richard Cantor & Alice Luddington-Cantor, Kate & Douglas D'Angelo, Drinker Biddle & Reath Black Rock Forest, and Storm King State LLP, Jennifer Easterbrook & Kevin Zack, David Emero, Sibyl Golden, Peter Juricek, John Kopp, Soo Hak Lee, John K. Leigh IV, Gwen Marquardt, Philip & Lynne McLewin, Andy S. Norin Park. This project has been made possible Esq., Winston C. & Betty P. Perry, Benjamin Pierce, Robert C. Ross, Gary Schulze & Ann Marie Snyder, Jeffrey P. Senterman & Maurice Lemire, Kathy Sullivan, Christopher Tausch, Fred by a $20,000 grant from the Land Trust H. & Anne Todd Osborn, Lucy R. Waletzky & Jim Hamilton, Donald L. Weise, Robert A. & Muriel E. Went, and Gary Willick Alliance through funding by New York State via the DEC. Our role will be to con - IN MEMORIAM 5% Day Benefits tact landowners, land agency partners, and municipalities; scope potential trail routes; A Tribute to Judy Weiner Trail Conference and obtain surveys, appraisals, and envi - By Judy Kossover ronmental assessments for trail easement Whole Foods Market recently invited the and land parcel acquisitions. On Jan. 2, 2015, Judy Weiner of Cliffside Trail Conference to take part in one of its Park, N.J., passed away after fighting a dif - community giving days, known as a 5% L.L.Bean ficult battle with lung cancer. However, Day. Trail Conference representatives Through funding from L.L.Bean, the Judy had a zest for life that not even cancer deployed to the Paramus, Ridgewood, and Appalachian Trail Conservancy has award - could quell. Edgewater Whole Foods Market stores on ed the Trail Conference two grants totaling When I think about my friend, several April 8 to engage and educate shoppers $2,560. The Trail Conference will replace words are most explicit in describing her: about the Trail Conference mission of con - timber steps at the Appalachian Trail trail - excellence, enthusiastic, humble, and intel - necting people with nature. Five percent of head near the Harlem Valley Appalachian ligent. Whether Judy was working—she the day’s net profits from each of these Trail community and make other trail was a translator for the United Nations and stores was then earmarked to support Trail improvements. in private industry, and later taught ESL— man State Park, meeting many friends over Conference programs. It was a great honor hiking, biking, or traveling, these words the years on the trails. to be chosen for a Whole Foods 5% Day The Dyson Foundation describe her. She excelled in all of her Because Judy spoke so many languages this year and to be recognized in the com - In the Catskills, the Trail Conference will endeavors and she loved what she did. so well, she enjoyed traveling to foreign munities where we work. We thank Whole maintain both a full-time and part-time countries, whether it was for work or for Foods Market for this wonderful opportu - regional coordinator to manage volunteers Whether Judy was working, pleasure. She lived in Israel for a while, nity and for the generous contribution of and work closely with state and municipal spent a summer in Poland, and made $17,427.84 from our neighbors and agencies, chambers of commerce, and com - hiking, biking, or traveling... numerous trips to France. Judy also com - friends who shop there. munity groups to enhance, promote, and she excelled in all of her bined her love of hiking with her language advocate for open space. This work has skills, and in one year went on four hiking been made possible by a $50,000 grant endeavors and she loved trips with her friend Ellen Blumenkrantz, from the Dyson Foundation. The Trail what she did. several of which were international. How Conference’s Catskill Community Trails she enjoyed those trips! Program is designed to spur local econom - This past Thanksgiving Judy came out to ic development by making public open Judy was an incredible biker, going on East Hampton to spend the holiday with space in Catskill Park more accessible and trips of 100 miles per day. Eventually she my husband Jack and I. The three of us had appealing, and by engaging local residents also became a hiker, and a very good one, a wonderful time together. We even did in the stewardship of the Catskill Moun - as she belonged to the Catskill 3500 Club. some hiking, as Judy wanted to get back into tain Region’s trails. Judy was a Life Member of the New York- it. About the trip Judy wrote, “I keep raving New Jersey Trail Conference and for a time about my wonderful Thanksgiving weekend The Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck served as the 3500 Club’s Trail Conference at the Hamptons. It was really great.” Foundation liaison. She was a great outdoors enthusi - My world became a richer place for Judy The Trail Conference was awarded ast and frequent participant in the being part of it. She will be greatly missed $15,000 from the PCLB Foundation to Wednesday Hiking group around Harri - by all of her friends. create and host a series of specialized Trail U workshops to support the needs of land Rita Heckler trusts in New York State. With their The Trail Conference recognizes with great sadness the passing of Rita M. Heckler (nee support, we will collaborate with the Arpino) of Wanaque, N.J., on April 3, 2015. Rita was born in Bronx, N.Y., and lived in Mohonk Preserve to design and present Oradell and Wanaque, N.J. She and her husband Peter have been avid, longtime workshops to assist their needs for volun - members, volunteers, and supporters of the Trail Conference, as well as members of the teer recruitment and training, invasive Interstate Hiking Club. Rita served as de facto coordinator and peacekeeper at many Trail species monitoring and control, design and Conference events. construction of kiosks and signage, trail Rita worked for Con Edison of New York for 24 years before retiring in 1995. She was inventory and assessment, and other perti - a parishioner of St. Francis R.C. Church in Haskell, N.J. She will be greatly missed. nent workshops. Summer 2015 Page 5 Trail Conference Officially Opens Volunteers Share Events at Our HQ “Trail Magic” During Headquarters; Raises Over $36K Join Us for a Grand Opening Celebration Office Move During Ribbon-Cutting Challenge We moved in. We cut the ribbon. By Melissa McCutcheon This fall, we’re having a party! Join the Many hikers are familiar with the term Trail Conference on Saturday, Sep - “trail magic,” the serendipitous acts of tember 12, as we celebrate our first kindness usually expressed toward thru- trail season in our new offices at the hikers. But did you know these kinds of historic Darlington Schoolhouse. selfless acts happen right here in the Trail This Grand Opening is a public event Conference offices as well? It’s an incredible that will feature guided tours, hikes, thing to experience! A donor or volunteer and fun at our headquarters. As we will step up from seemingly out of nowhere ring in our 95th year of service, come and offer a gift that saves the day. In fact, as enjoy our beautiful facility. We an organization, we work day-to-day with absolutely could not have gotten this this spirit of trust, knowing that if we are Y H

P far without the support of our mem - doing good work, good people will join in A R

G bers and supporters like you! and support us. O T O H P

R Join the Trail Conference as We O T N

A Celebrate our Volunteers Nov. 7 Volunteers Kevin Foster C

L I

H The Trail Conference depends upon P and Patricia Watson stole Local officials and neighbors joined Trail Conference staff and volunteers in celebrating the a large group of dedicated volunteers official opening of the organization’s headquarters at Darlington Schoolhouse. to accomplish its mission. On the show during the move. Saturday, November 7, from 1 p.m. to On April 7, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference officially opened our 6:15 p.m., we will salute some of these new headquarters at the Darlington Schoolhouse in Mahwah, N.J., with a rib - wonderful members who have done That magic happened in a big way this bon-cutting ceremony. The celebration merging the 124-year-old schoolhouse exceptional work. We are planning an March, when we faced the daunting task and the 95-year-old Trail Conference allowed us to introduce the organization afternoon of workshops, awards pre - of moving our offices. Our phones began to the local community in a way never before possible. As we breathe new life sentations, and a reception at our ringing off the hook with volunteers want - Celebrating Our Volunteers event. ing to help pack, purge, clean, gather, into this beloved historic landmark, we’re looking forward to serving our The list of topics and speakers is being organize, and otherwise lend a hand in any neighbors in exciting new ways—from providing maps and information about developed, but workshops may way they could. As usual, volunteers led the adjacent Ramapo Valley County Reservation, to hosting a new 5K race include: cartography, trail design, the charge to best utilize our storage space, with the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce. medical tips, GPS/map and compass, dismantle the library, or shop for high- invasive species, natural or local histo - efficiency appliances. In honor of this important moment in the Trail Conference’s history, an ry, and ways to run an outreach table. Volunteers Kevin Foster and Patricia anonymous donor pledged to match fifty cents to every dollar donated to the The afternoon will also provide an Watson really stole the show, gladly and organization by April 10. Thanks to this generous act, $36,105 was raised opportunity for members to visit the generously offering the exact professional new Trail Conference headquarters expertise we needed to organize, upgrade, during our Ribbon-Cutting Challenge to build trails, maintain trails, and help at the Darlington Schoolhouse. and relocate all of our files and systems. people use trails. Thank you all for your support! Advance registration is required, there Patricia took ownership of combing is a $10 registration fee, and space is through our archival materials, much of limited to 100 members. which hadn’t been touched since our last Sign up for our digital newsletter, move out of NYC over a decade ago. Kevin Get the New Ramapo Valley E-Walker , and check nynjtc.org was invaluable technologically and logisti - throughout the summer for updates cally as acting coordinator of all the about both events, which will be held different processes and people involved. County Reservation Map at our new headquarters at 600 It all worked out—and we finally moved Ramapo Valley Road in Mahwah, N.J. in to our beautiful offices at the Darlington Schoolhouse. Call it inspiration, blessing, karma, or luck, but the Trail Conference absolutely relies on it! Come visit us at our new headquarters and maybe give or receive a little magic of your own. Y H P A R G O T O H P

S D R A H C I R

E L L E I N A D Racing for Trails: Inaugural MRCC/Trail Conference 5K a Success The first annual Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce/ New York-New Jersey Trail Conference 5K Race & 1.5 Mile Walk was held Sunday, May 17, at the Trail Conference headquarters. The race, In conjunction with the opening of our and the Reservation entrance. which toured the local neighborhood and followed trails through the new headquarters at the Darlington School - The map is available in a variety of house, the Trail Conference has produced formats, including: scenic Ramapo Valley County Reservation, was a great way to intro - an updated map of Ramapo Valley County • Water-resistant/tear-resistant paper duce the work of the Trail Conference to the local community. “We Reservation. The Reservation is directly map at our headquarters store adjacent to the new headquarters and con - • Free download on our website had much greater participation than expected—over 280 runners tains more than 17 miles of marked trails, (nynjtc.org/view/maps) and walkers and many generous sponsors,” said Trail Conference with many trails continuing into neighbor - • Free app map on Apple and Android ing state and county parkland. devices through the PDF Maps app Membership and Development Director Don Weise, who coordinat - The new map prominently identifies our (nynjtc.org/pdfmaps). ed the event. “Thanks to MRCC and all the volunteers and staff who Trail Conference headquarters; features the new pink-blazed Reservoir Loop, which So when you’re heading out to the made this a success.” Proceeds from the event benefitted both the has been put in place by our trail crews over Ramapo Reservation, be sure to visit the the past two years; and includes a detailed store at our new headquarters and ask Trail Conference and the MRCC. inset of the area around our headquarters about this great map. Page 6 Summer 2015 People for Trails. Trails for People. A quarterly look at some of what we have been doing to improve public access to nature.

Corporate Volunteer Groups Ditch From Sterling Forest to the SRT, the 2015 the Cubicle to Give Back to Trails Conservation Corps Crews Improve Trails Members of the Trail Conference’s 2015 The Megalithic Trail Crew Conservation Corps trail crews began nynjtc.org/bearmtntrails training in May and are hard at work build - The Megalithic Trail Crew has six Ameri - ing and improving trails throughout the Corps members serving on the Bear region all summer long. Here’s what they’re Mountain Trails Project (BMTP) in 2015: up to and where you can find—and Joseph Knight, Ellie Pelletier, Kevin join!—them on the trails this season. Stamey, Jerrica Lavooy, Amanda Finley, and Michael Betros. They kicked off their season on the Upper East Face relocation of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) on Bear Mountain, which is expected to be 60% complete by July. They will then move down to the Trails for People Interpretive Exhibit on the A.T. near the Bear Moun - tain Inn. The crew will finish this project by late fall, transforming the area into an educational plaza.

Viacom employees volunteered with the Long Distance Trails Crew on May 15. Long Path/Shawangunk Ridge Trail Crew nynjtc.org/content/long-path On a warm, sunny day in mid-May, 10 “The Trail Conference couldn’t do Palisades Trail Crew shawangunk-ridge-trail-crew Viacom employees abandoned their cubi - what we do if it weren’t for the help of our nynjtc.org/palisadescrew The Long Path/Shawangunk Ridge Trail cles in Midtown Manhattan for the corporate partner volunteer groups,” said The AmeriCorps members of the Palisades Spike Crew’s AmeriCorps members— tranquil hiking paths of Bear Mountain Trail Conference Volunteer Coordinator Trail Crew—Kirsty Fuquay, Trudy Stephen Buja, Lily Hurley, Christopher State Park. But these coworkers weren’t John Leigh. “Plus, employers find that Heinrichs, Kayla Hall, and Sabina Wilson, and Porter Fitch—are working on playing hooky, and this outing wasn’t your company service days also provide a Cardenas—are inviting volunteers to join trail projects throughout Sullivan and Ulster average walk through the woods—once at greater sense of teamwork and job satis - them at Sterling Forest State Park. The counties in New York State. The crew lives the Appalachian Trail, they donned hard faction.” After all, it takes cooperation Palisades Crew is working on the final seg - in tents, cooks under a kitchen tarp, and hats and safety glasses, picked up pick from volunteers like Noel (pictured next ment of the Doris Duke Trail loop in the hikes to the worksite each day. Project sites mattocks, rock bars, and rakes, and got to to the highline) and her coworkers to lift wilderness preserve of the same name. include: the Mine Hole Trail, where sections work helping the Long Distance Trails 1,000-pound rocks! Thereafter, they will restore and repair exist - of the footpath flood heavily in wet seasons; Crew (LDTC) reroute the trail. ing trails, as well as build the new multi-use the South Gully Trail, which needs a quarter These volunteers were taking part in Eagle Mountain Trail in the southern part mile of sidehilling to provide erosion con - Viacommunity Day, an annual, company- of the park. Field-based tread and drainage trol; and sections of the Shawangunk Ridge wide day of service. “When I found out workshops will be held each month, giving Trail (SRT) south of Ferguson Road to man - about this opportunity, I jumped on it,” attendees an in-depth understanding of the age flooding and erosion. In Huckleberry said volunteer Joyeux Noel of Brooklyn, principles of drainage and erosion mitiga - Ridge State Forest, the crew hopes to extend who is the supervising producer for tion in the rainy Northeast. the Lenape Ridge Trail to connect to a new LOGO Creative at MTV Networks. Noel parking lot and build an additional mile of regularly hikes through Hudson High - Taconic Trail Crew the SRT. You can find the LP/SRT crew at lands and Fahnestock State Parks, but nynjtc.org/taconiccrew work through July. didn’t realize volunteer trail crews are often The Taconic Crew is serving in Fahnestock the ones tackling projects such as this A.T. and Hudson Highlands state parks on the Invasives Strike Force relocation. “It’s nice to give back,” she said. Appalachian Way Trail (a connector trail to nynjtc.org/isfsummercrew Risa Cohen, director of transmission the Appalachian Trail) and the Wilkinson The Invasives Strike Force (ISF) Summer and broadcast services for Viacom and a Trail (the last leg of the very popular Break - Crew AmeriCorps members—Shelby LDTC member, organized the volunteer “Clearly there is a community here,” neck Ridge Loop). The AmeriCorps Timm, Cody Mendoza, Justin Dennis, and outing. “The entire crew was impressed Viacom volunteer Joyeux Noel said of the members are Rebecca Radtke, Jake Brian Miglorino—help plan and lead the by the enthusiasm of the group and the Long Distance Trails Crew. “I find that Rawdin, Matt Simonelli, and Chris Bush, ISF Trail Crew’s volunteer work trips and special, and I’m happy to help out.” amount of work they accomplished,” said whose work consists of rerouting, side - are slated to hold over a dozen work days Crew Leader Bob Fuller. “We enjoyed the hilling, constructing stone steps and this summer. They also serve as the Lower opportunity to teach them trail-building If your company would like to partner stepping stones, armoring, paving, and Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive skills and techniques. Several Viacom vol - with the Trail Conference for a day of restoring trails. Rebecca explains, “We real - Species Management’s (PRISM) early unteers expressed interest in coming out service, please contact John Leigh ly dig trails, so we’re really excited to be out detection species response team for invasive with the crew again, and we hope to see ([email protected], 201.512.9348 x22) there improving them.” plants that are new to the area. The team them soon.” for more info. will work in 17 parks in nine counties. It’s not uncommon for corporations to If you’d like to join the Long Distance partner with the Trail Conference as a Trails Crew for an outing, they’re on the means for their employees to give back to trails many weekends throughout the the community. United Water workers season. No experience is necessary; the crew recently helped improve trails in the provides on-the-job training and guaran - Ramapo Valley County Reservation, while tees a fun and rewarding day for volunteers twice a year Avon employees join our vol - at any skill level. Contact Crew Chief unteer efforts in refurbishing and reblazing Chris Reyling ([email protected], neglected trail sections on the Long Path 914.953.4900) or Crew Leader Bob Fuller and other trails in Harriman and Sterling ([email protected], 732.952.2162) Forest State Parks. (Avon in return donat - for more information. ed $3,000 to help build bridges and perform other trail maintenance.) ISF Celebrates I Love My Park Day

Our Conservation Corps trail crews are on the trails Friday through Monday. Most will be serving through mid-October. For more details and info on how The Invasives Strike Force removed invasive species along the Old Croton Aqueduct on to join them, visit nynjtc.org/view/trail-crew-outings. May 2 in celebration of I Love My Park Day. Summer 2015 Page 7

Ramapo Trail Crew Teams Up with Ask a MEVO to Form the Ramapo Earth Crew Trail Builder By Peter Dolan, New Jersey Program Coordinator By Ama Koenigshof, Trail This spring, the Trail Conference and the Builder/Educator Mahwah Environmental Volunteers I keep seeing Organization (MEVO) have teamed up to stone walls built create the Ramapo Earth Crew, a partner - along trails. What ship that combines our trailbuilding are they for? experience and resources with MEVO’s While stairs are for strong youth volunteer presence. This new Volunteer Kay steepness, crib wall is crew merges the Trail Conference’s Ramapo for cross slope. Crib wall is the term Trail Crew with MEVO’s Earth Crew. Cynamon Wins trail builders use to define a (retaining) The Ramapo Trail Crew started in 2014 Parks & Trails wall constructed to hold up the tread as a means to engage students from the near - of the trail when the cross slope—the by Ramapo College, giving young recruits a Hero Award slope that is perpendicular to the chance to work side-by-side with Trail Con - Volunteer Kay Cynamon, who hiked and direction of travel—is too steep to ference veterans. Through project-based recorded the locations of more than 100 maintain a tread of the desired width. workshops, trip outings, and corporate part - miles of marked trails for the Trail Crib wall may become necessary ner volunteer days, over 1,000 hours of up polluted areas, rehabilitate soil erosion, Conference’s latest edition of the South whether building across bedrock, training and work were completed by the promote natural farming, and more. Taconic Trails map, is a 2015 recipient of rocky slopes, or even dirt. It can be crew—about 650 hours of which were from MEVO also has a history with the a Parks & Trails New York Parks & Trails built of stone or wood. Here in New Ramapo College students. Trail Conference, as Executive Director Hero Award. For her efforts in bringing York and New Jersey where we have a MEVO was founded in the summer of Eric Fuchs-Stengel was himself a Bear the most up-to-date information about general surplus of rock, we tend to 2008 by a group of nature-loving teenagers Mountain trail builder. the South Taconic Mountains to hikers— build our crib walls out of stone, keep - to promote environmental sustainability in After discovering that some volunteers’ including serving as the map’s project ing the ancient art of dry masonry local communities. They plant trees, clean time was split between MEVO and Trail manager and researcher—she earned a alive. Constructing stone crib wall is Conference projects, the organizations Volunteer Service Award from Parks & something people tend to either agreed that merging the crews was the best Trails New York, a statewide advocate instantly fall in love with or not. It has way forward. The new Ramapo Earth for parks and trails. “This is above and been compared to putting together a beyond, in view of all the amazing things Crew has an exciting calendar of diverse 3D puzzle whose pieces weigh hun - that your 1,000 volunteers do for the work trips lined up for the summer, includ - organization,” Cynamon told Trail dreds of pounds. It is a constant ing non-trail volunteer projects and social Conference Cartographer Jeremy Apgar, evaluation of the positive and negative events. Join the crew’s Facebook group who submitted her nomination. “But I attributes of each rock and its contact (facebook.com/groups/Ramapo am truly grateful.” with those surrounding it. TrailCrew/) or find upcoming events at nynjtc.org/content/ramapo-earth-crew. Help Finish the South Taconic No Matter What Nature Has in Store, the

Trail Extension T H G I

Catskill Conservation Corps Gets the Job Done N K

to Rudd Pond E O

By Heather Rolland, Assistant Catskills Program Coordinator J In the most northern reaches of the Trail Key Terms We at the Catskill Conservation Corps have been working hard planning and organizing Conference’s East Hudson Region lie the Bench: The surface that the stone sets events, work trips, projects, and workshops. We’ve also been learning a lot as we forge South Taconic trails. Recent land acqui - on, sloped inward toward the back ahead. Here are a few of the lessons we’ve been handed by Mother Nature. sitions have made it possible to extend slope whenever possible. Could be Lesson 1: Be flexible! We used expert sources to schedule our knotweed event, discussing the trail south to Rudd Pond in Miller - mineral soil or bedrock, but never fill with experienced folks when this invasive species would most likely be at the ideal height. ton, N.Y., the natural starting point for soil or organic matter. But the deep snow and lingering cold meant that the knotweed didn’t emerge until much the trail. The Trail Conference is hard at Batter: The vertical lean that your later than expected, forcing us to reschedule the work trip. work on this extension, a route that crib wall has into the back slope. Lesson 2: Build in “slush” time! From the late snow to a wildfire on Hunter Mountain, requires building about five miles of Example: For 3:1 batter, for every 3 unforeseen circumstances forced the rescheduling of several events, which meant we need - brand new trail through open woods, feet you build up you build 1 foot ed to move around other work trips. But we had scheduled events every weekend for hemlock groves, waterfalls, and rock back into the back slope. almost a month straight, and the calendar looked totally booked. Through some wonder - ledges with open views. Contact: Where one stone meets ful flexibility on the part of the DEC staff, we’ve been able to get everything back on the The construction phase of this project another stone. Contact should be calendar. If there’s one thing we can predict, it’s that we’ll need to stay flexible! will hopefully be completed by the end high and outside. Lesson 3: Variety is the spice of life! Providing a great “menu” of volunteer options is of 2015. Work will range from cutting Joints: The line between two or important to us. We are offering events in different geographic areas of the Catskills, half and clearing with loppers and hand saws more stones that have contact. Verti - day events and full day events, weekday events and weekend trips, trail work, lean-to work, to heavier work like digging side hills cal running joints create instability. litter picking… basically, a wide variety of service projects that pro - and treadway smoothing–and we need Build two on one and one on two. vide something for everyone. your help! Base Tier: The first tier to go in. Visit catskillconservationcorps.org for the latest news, No previous experience is required; This tier should be buried when the volunteer opportunities, workshops, and work trips in training is provided. Visit nynjtc.org/ crib wall is completed. the Catskills! content/south-taconic-trail-extension for Keystone: The stone in a base tier more information. off of which all other stones are built. Dead Man: A stone laid perpendi - What’s coming up? cular to the length of the wall June 13-14: Reroofing the Devil’s Acre Lean-to extending into the back slope to pro - vide stability. Place every 3-5 stones. June 15: Trail project at Kaaterskill Falls Cap Stone: Large, flat stones in the June 20: Intro to Trail Maintenance workshop top tier at tread height. June 21: Father’s Day litter pickup at Overlook Mountain Coping Stone: Stones that rise up higher than all other stones in the top The Catskill Conservation Corps is a partnership between the New York-New Jersey tier and the tread height, keeping peo - Trail Conference and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ple away from the edge of the crib wall. providing volunteer opportunities to the public on projects that protect natural Shim or Plug: A stone that is resources and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities in the Catskill Mountains. placed in the wall between two larger stones to fill space where the two larg - We want to hear from you! The er rocks do not have contact, keeping Small Crew Tackles Big Barberry Invasion surfacing and backfill from escaping Trail Conference is looking for through the wall. Always shim or plug on the A.T. On the Appalachian Trail at the Dennytown Road photos and stories from the from the back. crossing in Fahnestock State Park, five volunteers trails for our website and future cleared an impressive 50 feet of very heavy editions of Trail Walker . Share invasives growth on May 3. This Mitzvah Day your crew accomplishments, project included the removal of barberry and multiflora rose approximately 10 feet on either maintainer tips, hiking tales, or a side of the trail, with an additional five pounds of great image from your favorite garlic mustard picked. Walt Daniels led the crew, park. For inclusion in the fall which included (from left) Howard Susser, Ron , submissions must Rosen, Paul Levine, and Eric Perfecto. “For all Trail Walker of the large clumps, we removed the stumps,” be received by August 15. For Interested in learning more? Check out Daniels reports. “The garlic mustard will need consideration, send content to our Trail University schedule at another pass next year, and the barberry may [email protected]. nynjtc.org/view/workshops for a free crib need to be cleaned up as well.” wall construction course near you! Page 8 Summer 2015

Hikers’ Can’t find your club? This list represents all Trail Conference member clubs whose dues are up-to-date. If you have questions about your club’s status, please ask Directory your officers to contact the Membership & Development team at 201-512-9348.

ADK Long Island East Coast Greenway Alliance Monmouth County Park System Storm King Adventure Tours www.adkli.org www.greenwaynj.org www.monmouthcountyparks.com www.stormkingadventures.com

ADK Mid-Hudson Chapter East Hampton Trails Preservation Society Morris County Park Commission Sullivan County Audubon Society www.midhudsonadk.org www.ehtps.org www.morrisparks.net www.sullivanaudubon.org

ADK Mohican Chapter Flat Rock Brook Nature Association Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club SUNY Oneonta Outing Club www.adkmohican.org www.flatrockbrook.org www.mosaic-gny.org www.oneonta.edu/outdoors

ADK New York Chapter Fox Hill School Musconetcong Mountain Conservancy Teatown Lake Reservation www.adkny.org www.bruderhof.com/en/international- http://mmc.nynjtc.org www.teatown.org directory/united-states/fox-hill ADK North Jersey Ramapo Chapter Nassau Hiking and Outdoor Club Tenafly Nature Center Association www.hudsonhikers.org Friends of Garret Mountain www.nassauhiking.org www.tenaflynaturecenter.org http://friendsofgarretmountain. Adventures for Women blogspot.com Nelsonville Greenway Committee The Highlands Natural Pool www.adventuresforwomen.org VillageofNelsonville.org www.highlandsnaturalpool.org Friends of Pelham Bay Park Alley Pond Environmental Center www.pelhambaypark.org New Haven Hiking Club The Nature Place Day Camp www.alleypond.com www.NHHC.info http://thenatureplace.com Friends of the Hackensack River AMC Delaware Valley Chapter Greenway in Teaneck New Jersey Search & Rescue Inc. The Outdoor Club, Inc. www.amcdv.org www.teaneckgreenway.org www.njsar.org www.outdoorsclub.info

AMC Mohawk Hudson Chapter Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct, Inc. New York City Audubon Society, Inc. The Storm King School www.amcmohawkhudson.org http://aqueduct.org www.nycaudobon.org www.sks.org

AMC New York North Jersey Chapter Friends of The Shawangunks New York Ramblers Thendara Mountain Club www.amc-ny.org http://shawangunks.org www.nyramblers.org www.thendaramountainclub.org

Bellvale School Friends of Van Cortlandt Park NYC Outward Bound Center Town of Lewisboro www.bruderhof.com/en/international- http://vancortlandt.org www.nycoutwardbound.org www.lewisborogov.com/parksrec directory/united-states/bellvale German-American Hiking Club Protect Our Wetlands, Water & Woods Trail WhippAss Black Rock Forest Consortium Inc. http://gah.nynjtc.org (POWWW) www.trailwhippass.com www.blackrockforest.org http://box292.bluehost.com/~powwworg Greenburgh Nature Center Tri State Ramblers Boy Scout Troop 121, Hudson Valley Council www.greenburghnaturecenter.org Protectors of Pine Oak Woods http://tsr.nynjtc.org www.siprotectors.org Boy Scout Troop 50 Mahwah Hike for Mental Health University Outing Club MAHWAHtroop50.scoutlander.com www.hikeformentalhealth.org Rip Van Winkle Hikers www.universityoutingclub.org http://newyorkheritage.com/rvw Boy Scout Troop 8, Brooklyn Hilltop Conservancy, Inc. Valley Stream Hiking Club www.hilltopconservancy.org Rock Lodge Club www.meetup.com/vshclub Boy Scouts of America, Troop 21 www.rocklodge.com Hudson Highlands Gateway Task Force Wappingers Greenway Trail Committee Boy Scouts of America- www.TownofCortlandt.com RPHC Volunteers Northern NJ Council www.rphcabin.org West Milford 13ers www.nnjbsa.org Hunterdon Hiking Club www.weishike.com www.hunterdonhikingclub.org SAJ - Society for the Advancement of Byram Township Environmental Judaism Westchester Trails Association Commission Interstate Hiking Club http://www.thesaj.org www.westhike.org www.byramtwp.org www.interstatehikingclub.org Salt Shakers Trail Running Club Women About Catskill 3500 Club Little Stony Point Citizens Association www.saltshakersrun.com www.womenabout.org www.catskill-3500-club.org www.littlestonypoint.org Shorewalkers Inc. WWW Catskill Mountain Club Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference www.shorewalkers.org www.weishike.com www.catskillmountainclub.org www.ligreenbelt.org Sierra Club Mid-Hudson Group Chinese Mountain Club of New York Long Path North Hiking Club www.newyork.sierraclub.org/midhudson www.cmcny.org www.schoharie-conservation.org Southampton Trails Preservation Society Closter Nature Center Association Mohonk Preserve http://southamptontrails.org www.closternaturecenter.org www.mohonkpreserve.org

New Membership and New Catskills Program Jeff Senterman Named Farewell to Membership Development Associate Coordinator Doug Associate Director of and Development Brendan Cunningham Senterman the Catskill Center Manager Jennis Watson Brendan Cunningham Doug Senterman, On July 1, Jeff Senter - Jennis Watson joined is the new Membership Catskills Program man will be leaving his the Trail Conference as and Development Asso - Coordinator, of Platte role as the Trail Confer - Membership and ciate, bringing to the Clove (Elka Park) N.Y., ence’s Senior Program Development Associate Trail Conference five joined the Trail Confer - Coordinator and Catskills in early 2012 and years of previous non - ence staff in 2015. In Program Coordinator to quickly became an profit work with two years’ experience in addition to bringing non-profit leadership become the Associate Director of the invaluable behind-the-scenes resource, the development field. He had served as experience to his post, Doug has had a life - Catskill Center. The mission of the Catskill organizing the Trail Conference database, senior leadership consultant to the Phi time of service as a Catskill trail volunteer Center is to protect and foster the environ - coordinating fundraising mailings, and Delta Theta International Fraternity at their under the guidance of his father, longtime mental, cultural, and economic wellbeing establishing helpful office protocols. Dur - headquarters in Oxford, Ohio. Previously, Catskills Trails Chair Pete Senterman. In his of the Catskill region. In his new position ing her tenure, she was promoted to he served as an internet marketing strategist role as volunteer, Doug most recently served with the Center, Jeff will continue to collab - Membership & Development Manager. for a multinational real estate investment as the Catskills Lean-to Chair; he was also orate with the Trail Conference’s efforts in Jennis has played a key role in streamlining corporation based in Chevy Chase, Md. the recipient of the William Hoeferlin the region. the back end of the Development depart - Brendan is a graduate of Washington Col - Award for exemplary service in 2013. Doug Jeff’s contributions to the Trail Confer - ment, improving productivity to allow for lege of Maryland, where he earned his B.A. has a Bachelor of Business degree with a ence and the Catskills have been an efficient fundraising effort through the in art history. As a Beacon, N.Y., resident major in Business Administration and tremendous. Under his watch, the role and Darlington Schoolhouse campaign. She with his wife Stephanie and son Declan, he minor in Project Management. He brings a scale of the Trail Conference’s responsibili - also volunteered for the Trail Conference, enjoys hiking in the nearby Hudson High - variety of skills and training related to out - ties in the region expanded greatly; his working on the discovery phase of the web - lands with his family. door education and recreation, including passion and dedication for the region will site upgrade project and serving as Assistant extensive knowledge of the Catskills, which be greatly missed. We wish Jeff the best of to the Trail Crew Chief for the Long Dis - allows him to work with the diverse groups, luck in his new role with the Center and tance Trail Crew. We thank Jennis for all of agencies, and individuals in the region. continue to expect great things from him. her contributions and wish her and her He is looking forward to expanding the growing family all the best in their new Trail Conference’s presence in the Catskills home in Georgia. and growing the Community Trails Program there. Summer 2015 Page 9 The Harriman Corridor as a Tourist Destination:

Closing the Gap on the Far-Fetched By Suzy Allman, founder of MyHarriman.com

Imagine a late-spring Saturday in Brook - plans for a massive casino project were lyn: A couple can’t wait to escape the city, and thwarted in Orange County. If the parks seeing the sheer size of Harriman State Park make up more than three-quarters of the on the map—it’s as big as two and a half area of Tuxedo, how do you capitalize on Manhattans—they’ve strapped on packs, this asset, inspiration, and potential? And laced up boots, and are on their way to a how do you do it in a way that provides weekend adventure. happiness, health, and wellbeing, that The train from Penn Station is full of oth - brings economic benefit to local businesses, er similarly equipped hikers, and soon they’re encourages new businesses to bloom, and deep in conversation with likeminded ultimately lures families to live and stay? strangers. A rustic wooden sign that says, Post-casino decision, it’s been a busy six “Welcome to Tuxedo,” greets visitors as it sug - months. I joined a group of citizens and N A

gests something of the adventure that awaits. M participants from the area representing just L L A

A farmer’s market is just steps away from the a small slice of local interest to come Y Z

U together and try to imagine what these cor - platform, so the couple picks up local cheese S and apples. Inside the station, it's noisy. People visiting Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks are looking for pre- and post-hike ridor towns could be. We brainstorm, Volunteers staffing an information table activities that the west side towns could provide. argue, and get down to business; we’ve are helping hikers identify their routes and planned events, services, and—coming trailheads. A smaller group of overnight back - overnighters; in one hour it will complete a unique architecture in the fairytale-like soon—a series of town hall-style meetings packers picks up another map and a fuel loop through the park, dropping off hikers at town of Tuxedo. The train that brings a to promote commitment and involvement. canister. A juicer whirs in the kitchen while a more remote trailheads and picking up traveler from NYC straight to the head of Call it DIY urbanism, action-planning, solitary visitor looking out a window thinks, Appalachian Trail and Long Path thru-hikers the Ramapo-Dunderberg trail is a service tactical placemaking: It is the recognition “I could live here.” to bring back to town. that should be the envy of every would-be that people want to be where people come He’s charmed by the community outside the For the New York couple, it will be a full trail town in not just the state, but the together. They want to visit authentic station: a small outfitter, full cafe tables, a day's adventure, capped off by some craft beer country. It services an urban population places. They want to share stories of out - boutique hotel under one of Tuxedo town’s and dinner back in town after their hike. that, come the weekend, is dying to escape door adventure and make new friends. Like famously peaked roofs. The new bike path, to Other Places that in our idle moments those electronic pins you drop on your from Suffern to the northern neighborhoods If you know Tuxedo, you know that half of call to us. iPhone map, they want to stick a real-life of Tuxedo, runs by the railroad. At the new what makes this picture so appealing does - I imagine this a lot. I know I’m not the pin into a trail map on a restaurant wall, bus stop, park-goers are already lined up to n’t exist yet. But the biggest draw does: only person who’s allowed my mind to close to where someone else stuck a pin catch the Harriman shuttle. A zero-emission Harriman State Park, the second largest wander over and through a little corridor of that also says, “I was here.” And what's so electric bus picks up day-trippers and state park in New York, shoulders up to the towns to the west of the park, ever since far-fetched about that? MyHarriman and the Tuxedo Chamber of Commerce have launched Base Camp Tuxedo, a series of programs including free Speakers and Suds events at the newly renovated Tuxedo train station. The first event, in May, featured a trail talk by the Trail Conference’s Sona Mason, as well as

N local craft beer tasting. It was packed. The next Speakers and Suds event A M L L

A about the Powerlinez, the new climbing area in Harriman, is June 20.

Y Z U

S Visit facebook.com/MyHarriman for info. Tuxedo, Sloatsburg, and Suffern should embrace their potential as trail towns.

BEAR TRACKS ESTATE Located in Suern, NY

BEAR TRACKS ESTATE a 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath, approx. 8,500 square-foot Majestic Stone Manor, built c.1910 for wealthy BEAR TRACKS ESTATE woolens merchant H.P. McKenney, was completely renovated in 2010 with a focus on energy e ciency and preservation of R Property backs up on Harriman State Park with the home’s original character. Tucked into the base of Ramapo Mountains, this mountainside retreat for hikers and nature easy access to hiking trail network. lovers is situated on an extremely secluded setting o the road on a 4.9 acre parcel which adjoins thousands of acres of parkland; Harriman State Park buttresses the rear yard and the Mahwah River runs through the eastern edge of the property R Turn of the century stone barn. and provides easy access to the hiking trail network. e main living quarters, an inviting great room with 30-foot ceilings R e perfect retreat or headquarters for an outdoor- and an open chef ’s kitchen, boasts original barn beams, handsome eldstone walls, and exquisite craftsman style light xtures. minded individual or hiking /nature organization. French doors from the great room access the rear of the estate oering spectacular views of the unique stone silo, lush gardens BEAR TRACKS ESTATE owner wants the home framed by a stone archway, grotto style pool, and covered stone patio with inviting re pit. With 2 master bedroom suites, 3 to go to this type of buyer. additional bedrooms, 5.5 baths, breakfast room, billiards room, 2 o ces, sauna and 4 replaces, this exquisite home has it all If home is purchased in response to this ad, owner will for the most discerning buyer. BEAR TRACKS ESTATE is located just one mile from an equestrian center which oers R make a substantial donation to the Trail Conference. access to hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and the home’s detached 4-bay garage has a horse stall and a hay loft. Located just 30 miles northwest of Manhattan, this sprawling estate is the ultimate artistic, musical, equestrian or hiking retreat. R Yours for $2,450,000. ADVERTISEMENT Page 10 Summer 2015 Make Trails Part • Name the Trail Conference as benefi - What You Need ciary from an existing life insurance policy of Your Legacy that is no longer needed. If you wish a tax deduction, name the Trail Conference as to Know About By Jan Hesbon, Membership & the (irrevocable) owner. Development Committee Volunteer • Add the Trail Conference to your Lyme Disease retirement plan by designating a percent - By Howard E. Friedman, DPM I’m an avid supporter of the New York- age of your IRA. Be sure to make your New Jersey Trail Conference and its legacy beneficiary designation on the form pro - The risk of Lyme disease is highest from of providing hiking trails on wild lands vided by your plan administrator. With May through July, according to the Centers throughout the region. That’s why I’d like this asset, stating it in your will or living for Disease Control and Prevention part of my legacy to be the continued back - trust alone will not make a completed gift. (CDC). Almost all cases of Lyme occur in ing of this organization. My intention is the Northeast, with the states of New York, now reflected in my will: A percentage of For me, the advantage of naming a per - New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, the residual of my estate will go to the Trail centage is simple: As the value of my estate and Massachusetts reporting the highest Conference. grows, the value of my gift to the Trail numbers of incidents. Following are The value of my estate is modest by Conference and to my family also grows. It important facts about Lyme disease for hik - today’s standards, but I know that a per - gives me personal satisfaction to know I’ll ers and trail runners, based on the latest centage earmarked for the Trail Conference be supporting public access to nature well updates from the CDC. will go a long way in helping to build and into the future. Please give this method of maintain the organization’s 2,000-plus giving your consideration as well. What It Is miles of trails in New York and New Jersey. • A percentage of your residual estate: Lyme is transmitted by a bacteria, Borrelia And it’s good to know that my estate gift to As the value of your estate grows, so too Jan Hesbon serves as a volunteer on the burgdorferi, via the bite of the blacklegged the Trail Conference does not diminish my will the value of your gift. Membership & Development Committee as tick. It is typically the tick nymph, usually commitment to family and friends. • A specific sum from your estate, nam - our planned giving specialist. only 2 mm or less in size, that is responsi - You can just as easily make a gift from ing the Trail Conference in your will or ble for most infections. The tick needs to your estate. My method of donation is just living trust be attached to the skin for 36-48 hours to one example; you can choose from a variety • A charitable trust naming the Trail introduce enough bacteria to cause the of options: Conference as a beneficiary of a percent - Lyme infection. age of the remainder. Prevention TC WINS TWO AWARDS The CDC recommends the following Their efforts enhance everyone’s environ - from public and private grants, Trail Con - steps to prevent infection: continued from page 1 ment, and we celebrate their success.” ference members, and the community. • Apply the insect repellent DEET tection and the N.J. Historic Sites Council, Funding for the restoration of Darling - The Trail Conference, celebrating its 20-30% directly to exposed skin and at a ceremony at Monmouth Battlefield ton Schoolhouse has been provided in part 95th anniversary in October, now turns its clothing and reapply every several hours. State Park Visitor Center on May 14. by the Garden State Historic Preservation attention to generating funds for a second • Repellents containing permethrin “These awards are our chance to honor Trust administered by the New Jersey His - century of service while operating out of its 0.5% can also be used on clothing and the many who work so hard to preserve toric Trust/State of New Jersey, and the first permanent home. Supporters of the can last through several washings. New Jersey’s historic places,” said Dan Bergen County Historic Preservation Trust organization and its historic headquarters • Bathe or shower within two hours Saunders, Administrator and Deputy State Fund, a part of the Bergen County Open may call 201-512-9348 to learn more of returning home. Perform a thorough Historic Preservation Officer, of the state Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, about contributing to a newly established body exam, including armpits, groin, honorees. “Dedicated professionals, devel - Farmland & Historic Preservation Trust endowment fund. navel, and scalp after returning from a opers, local officials, non-profits and Fund Program. Additional support came tick-infected area. private individuals are working in remark - • Tumble clothes in a dryer on high able ways to preserve the design and heat for at least one hour to kill any ticks. architectural beauty of our older structures. If a tick is found, remove it with tweez - ers. Make sure to pinch the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out. Clean the skin with alcohol, iodine, or soap and water. When to Seek Treatment The CDC recommends seeking medical attention when you have been bitten by a tick or been in an area infested with ticks and develop symptoms that include an The meticulous restoration of the expanding red rash (which develops in Darlington Schoolhouse as the new about 70-80% of infected persons), fever, headquarters of the New York-New Jersey chills, headache, muscle and joint aches, Trail Conference earned the organization or fatigue. two prestigious awards. A diagnosis of Lyme disease is established based on signs and symptoms of the infec - tion and a history of possible exposure to In between issues, Trail Walker the blacklegged tick. Laboratory tests are New Circuit Hikes in Harriman you can keep up with trail news only recommended for those people who by subscribing to e-Walker , have symptoms of Lyme. Book Available for Purchase! our electronic newsletter. Treatment involves antibiotics. Approxi - mately 10-20% of patients infected with The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference elevation profile, and photos. Many chap - Go to our website and Lyme disease who are given two to four is excited to announce the publication of ters offer longer and shorter options. The click the blue weeks of antibiotics may continue to have Circuit Hikes in Harriman: 35 Loop Hikes hikes run a wide range of lengths and diffi - “Get Our E-Newsletter” button. symptoms even after treatment. This is and Trail Runs in Harriman and Bear culties, from easy jaunts under four miles in more common in people who were diag - Mountain State Parks . The new book is the length to strenuous loops of over nine miles. nosed late and is called Post-Treatment first ever, comprehensive guide to circuit The photos show fantastic views and Lyme Disease Syndrome.

hikes in these two highly popular parks. interesting features that one might D O O

Eight of the loops are suitable for trail runs, encounter while on the hike. Each map has W G U B

and there is one approved mountain biking been designed to clearly show the hike / E C I

loop. Each chapter contains a detailed map, route and identify the many different V R E S points of interest along the way. The hike H C

routes were selected by author Don Weise R A E S

after more than 20 years of leading hikes E R

L

and runs through the parks. The book was A R U T

edited by Daniel Chazin and field checked L U C I

by a team of volunteers. Maps were R G A

designed by Allison Werberg with assis - A

Number of Lyme D S U

tance from Trail Conference Cartographer / R Disease Cases E Jeremy Apgar. The book was designed and U A B

laid out by Blair Saldanah. T Pennsylvania: 4,981 T O C At a retail price of $15.95, this guidebook Massachusetts: 3,816 S is perfect for anyone interested in exploring the rich network of trails in Harriman and New York: 3,512 Bear Mountain State Parks, including those New Jersey: 2,785 new to hiking as well as experienced hikers Connecticut 2,111 looking to expand their horizons. To pur - chase a copy, shop our online store or stop About 35,000 cases were in at our new Trail Conference headquar - reported overall. ters. Learn more about this book, visit Source: CDC, 2013 nynjtc.org/panel/circuit-hikes-harriman. Summer 2015 Page 11 Book Review Trail Maintainers Are PEOPLE FOR TRAILS Field Guide to the Morris Canal of New Getting a Crash Course Y H

Jersey (a Greenway in P A R

in Invasive Species G O T

the Making) O H P

By Jakob Franke, Bob Barth, Linda R O T N A C

Barth, John Drennan, and Ron Rice L I H P Krysti Sabins Ramsey, N.J.

Krysti Sabins is an environmental and conservation photographer/ videographer who uses her visual skills to help spread the Trail Conference’s message to the masses. (You’ve probably seen her handiwork on our website and MCGC, 2014 YouTube channel—she produced our popular Breakneck Ridge Reviewed by Robert C. Ross video.) Through Unboring Exploring, her quirky, fun Author Jakob Franke and a number of oth - hiking/nature series and website, er outdoors enthusiasts have produced a Trail maintainers are the Trail Conference’s berry, garlic mustard, and other species on Sabins hopes to turn more people perfect example of a walking and hiking front line in keeping hiking paths open and the New York State Regulated and Prohib - on to the area’s majestic and guide, one filled with useful information safe. They remove blowdowns, clear over - ited Invasive Species list. After a sometimes overlooked parks and that has been lovingly checked and growth, reblaze trails, and report hazardous presentation with plenty of photos and tips, trails right in their backyard. rechecked on the ground to ensure accura - conditions and suspicious activity. Some of Rohleder took the crew into the field to cy. Franke is one of the great hiking these defenders of the trails may soon add identify species firsthand. Armed with their When did you get into hiking? authorities in northern New Jersey and another skill to their repertoire: invasive new knowledge, Dodds and her team plan I started strappin’ on my boots southern New York, with too many acco - species warriors. to complete an invasives survey of Mon - right after college, about six years lades to list here. He is a longtime Trail On May 6, the Westchester Trail Tramps, trose Point State Forest, which will help in ago. (Yikes, time flies!) What began Conference volunteer and current Long led by Mary Dodds, became the first crew determining the feasibility and prioritiza - as quick jaunts through Ramapo Path co-chair, not to mention one of the to receive invasives training from Linda tion of removal on trails there. Reservation turned into multi-day most perfect gentlemen I have ever met. All Rohleder, the Trail Conference’s Director of The maintainers’ invasives course that trips to various state and national of his many qualities are on display in this Land Stewardship and Coordinator of the was piloted with the Westchester Trail parks both in the Northeast and wonderful book. Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Tramps is a condensed version of the work - out West. Invasive Species Management. Keen on her shop Rohleder uses to train Invasives Strike A statewide greenway crew gaining the skills to properly identify Force surveyors, but also includes informa - What are your favorite areas and remove invasive species along the trails tion about removal strategies. This new to hike in New York and New for cyclists and they maintain throughout the Hudson course customized for trail maintainers is Jersey? My top five places would be the Gunks, the Catskills, the pedestrians is planned. Hills and Highlands region of Westchester currently under development; groups of and Putnam counties, Dodds enlisted maintainers and trail crews interested in Hudson Highlands, various spots Rohleder for an intro course at the begin - scheduling a workshop at their park should along the A.T. in N.J., and of course The Morris Canal was a 102-mile canal ning of trail work season. Held at Teatown contact Linda Rohleder (lrohleder@ the classic, Harriman State Park. across northern New Jersey in use from Lake Reservation, a handful of crew mem - nynjtc.org) to work out details. At this Why did you start Unboring 1831 to 1924. It stretched from Phillipsburg bers and high school interns working under time, the workshop is offered only to Trail Exploring? After purchasing a on the Delaware River eastward to Jersey their guidance learned about Japanese bar - Conference maintainers. video DSLR a few years back, City on the Hudson River, and was used pri - I began taking footage of my hikes marily to carry anthracite coal from and exploits. Being the ham that Pennsylvania to New Jersey and New York I am, as well as a naturalist, City. Unlike many other canals that used I started acting as host in my locks, it also used water-driven inclined videos so others could join in on planes to cross the northern New Jersey hills. my hikes while learning about Although it was largely dismantled by their environment. This pastime 1930, portions of the canal and its accom - quickly became a passion, panying feeders and ponds are preserved. connecting my love of the A statewide greenway for cyclists and outdoors with my ability to pedestrians is planned, beginning in engage and inspire others. Phillipsburg, traversing Warren, Sussex, Morris, Passaic, Essex, and Hudson coun - Hikers Urged to Help ‘Stop the Why are you interested in getting ties, and including the old route through people excited about the Jersey City. Spread’ of Invasive Species outdoors? Nowadays, there is an This Field Guide gives kudos to the ever-growing disconnect between Canal Society of New Jersey Thanks to programs like the Trail Confer - to change that with their “Stop the Spread” society and nature. I aim to close (canalsocietynj.org), whose website con - ence-led Lower Hudson Partnership for campaign, which asks recreationalists to be that gap and demonstrate that tains an enormous amount of information Regional Invasive Species Management proactive in preventing further invasives nature is for everyone, not just the about the Morris Canal. Franke describes (LH PRISM), which aims to educate peo - invasions when outdoors. base-jumping, hardcore, Bear in detail the current status of the Greenway ple about the identification and removal of To Stop the Spread when gearing up for Grylls-type. My goal is to instill a (morriscanalgreenway.org), and illustrator non-native plants and animals, hikers are a hike, the DEC suggests: love of the outdoors, encouraging Gary Kleinedler provides an excellent short becoming more and more aware of the • Wearing outer clothing that is not individuals to protect and preserve history of the canal. invasive species threatening our trails. But “seed-friendly.” Seeds easily cling to wool, our natural areas so they can The book consists of 23 sections, each people are unknowingly contributing to fleece, and Velcro; cover these fabrics with remain pristine for years to come. devoted to about five miles of the canal. the problem when seeds from invasive jackets, pants, and gaiters made of There are excellent maps of each section— species stick to their clothes or get picked smoother materials, like nylon. Check out Sabins’ work at public access points are identified; major up in the mud on their boots and are trans - • Footwear with deep tread collects unboringexploring.com and physical features are described and pho - ported to a new area during or after a hike. plants, mud and other debris. If you wear youtube.com/unboringexploring. tographed, often in color; walking tours are The New York State Department of Envi - deep-treaded boots, make sure to clean Like her on Facebook at suggested; and many other details enhance ronmental Conservation (DEC) is hoping them thoroughly after hiking. facebook.com/unboringexploring. the descriptions. Two separate bibliogra - • Carry a brush, small scissors, and oth - phies, including not only books and other er tools for cleaning clothing and gear publications, but also websites of signifi - after your hike before leaving the area. cance, are also included. Before and after outdoor activities, Remember: Some areas of our parks are This is a wonderful book, and I look for - make sure to: teeming with invasive species. Cleaning ward to visiting many of the sections of the • Look for and remove seeds, plants your gear is especially important after hik - iconic Morris Canal that I have not yet seen. pieces, and insects from your clothing, ing through heavily invaded areas when gear, and hair. Check any furry hiking plants such as garlic mustard or Japanese buddies such as dogs or horses as well. stiltgrass are in seed and before entering a • Remove dirt and mud, which can har - new park which may not be invaded by bor unseen pests. these species. HISTORIC HUDSON RIVER COTTAGES Affordable studio, one and two bedroom homes available in • Designated cleaning stations and historic cottage cooperative in Westchester County, off the For more information on the DEC’s Stop the parking lots or driveways, where invasive Hudson River, one hour from NYC. Dating back to 1929, Spread campaign, as well as info on state species are unlikely to spread, are the best this three-season community offers swimming pool, tennis court, organic community garden, social hall with internet regulations and the NYS Regulated and places to clean off. Avoid cleaning near and social activities. $25,000-$100,000+. 917-880-5419. Prohibited Invasive Species list, visit waterways, which can carry invasives to www.reynoldshills.org. Contact melgarfi[email protected]. www.nyis.info. potential new areas. Page 12 Summer 2015

it’s been named Goose Pond South by OSI, helped preserve this land,” Cohen said. who hope to hand it over to the New York “My wife Vicki and I are so appreciative of Featured Hike State Parks system in a few years. the Trail Conference and OSI for investing The easy first few hundred yards skirt the their resources in our backyard.” By Sona Mason edge of an open wildflower field, along the While the trail is open, there’s still work edge of a line of stately sycamores and to be done on the reroute—and we could grand old sugar maples. The path turns at use your help! Volunteers are working on The Highlands Trail in Chester, N.Y.: A Stroll the bend of Trout Brook, which presents this project throughout the summer, superb pebble-skimming opportunities. including some Wednesday evenings; check Through Wilderness That Might Not Have Been Steadily climbing uphill, the trail passes nynjtc.org/crewtrips for dates. Anyone with through a variety of ecosystems, including an interest in contributing to the creation of quiet red cedar groves, to a view sweeping a beautiful, sustainable new HT are wel - west toward Sugarloaf Mountain. From come to help. No experience is necessary; there the trail heads downhill, crossing over we provide tools and training on-site before Bull Mill Road, onto the northern part of getting started. We’ll also be holding a spe - the property. It travels across a rushing cial Trail University workshop on August 1 stream and hummocky wetland, ending on how to build a stream crossing. Please uphill at a stone wall marking the bound - sign up for the free workshop so that we can ary with Goose Pond Mountain State Park. bring enough tools: www.nynjtc.org/ Future plans will connect the HT with workshop/tread-and-drainage-how- trails in this neighboring park. Until then, build-stream-crossing-tu-980. For more we have a new view and pleasant stroll over information about the HT reroute in wilderness that might have not been, as Chester and volunteer opportunities on the Howie Cohen, neighbor and avid volun - trail, contact West Hudson Program Coor - teer on the trail, remarked. “We shiver at dinator Sona Mason: [email protected] the thought of what could have been if not or 201-512-9348 ext. 16. for the like-minded people who know the power of the land's natural beauty and N

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O Marketplace S You can view and download a map of the Highlands Trail through Goosepond South at nynjtc.org/highlands-trail-goosepond-south Go Places with Trail Maps and Trail Access: monds, leaves its road walk from Sterling Books from the Trail Conference. A gravel parking pullout is located just after Forest along Lakes and Laroe roads, turns the crossing of Trout Brook on Bull Mill onto Bull Mill Road, and right into the for - Road, about 1/4 mile from the intersection est, just past the bridge crossing over Trout Get the complete set of Laroe Road in Chester, N.Y. Brook. A new kiosk and bench, compli - ments of OSI, welcome you to this part of of trail maps at one Description: the trail with a short history of the parcel’s great, low price! In Chester, N.Y., not far from the hamlet of acquisition and map of the trail and proper - Our map combo offers all of our Sugarloaf, the Highlands Trail (HT) has ty. Since this property joins up with Goose high-quality Trail Conference maps been given the chance to “get back to Pond Mountain State Park’s southern end, nature,” courtesy of a major conservation at a 5% discount (members get an victory. On Christmas Eve 2014, a 400-acre additional 25% discount). Save big parcel that had been slated to become a on shipping charges! 222-unit residential development was pur - chased by the Open Space Institute (OSI) Find it on our online store under Combos. to remain forever green. This acquisition, made possible by the Trail Conference and We cover your favorite hiking areas in the New York-New Jersey region, its partners, is an important step in creating including Harriman-Bear Mountain, the Catskills, North Jersey and Jersey an uninterrupted greenway connection Highlands, East and West Hudson Highlands, and more. between Goose Pond Mountain State Park Find all our publications, and select trail guides from others, on our website, and Sterling Forest State Park. For the HT, and get your 25% member discount ! that means a major portion of the trail is now rerouted off a busy roadway and onto Visit www.nynjtc.org/panel/goshopping! beautiful woodlands. Or call 201-512-9348 The Highlands Trail, blazed with teal dia - Support Trails, Parks and Open Join/Renew NY-NJ Trail Conference Membership Space in the New York-New Jersey 2,000 miles of trails; your membership helps us expand our horizons. Included with membership, Trail Walker , 10% discount on purchases at many region by joining the New York- outdoor stores, and 25% discount on all Trail Conference maps and books purchased directly from the Trail Conference. Save time and a tree by joining or New Jersey Trail Conference. renewing online at www.nynjtc.org. Just click on the Join/Renew Now button. NEW RATES BEGINNING JULY 1, 2015 MEMBERSHIP TYPE The Trail Conference maintains more than 2,000 miles Select one: Join Renew Membership # if available______e of trails, advocates for parks, protects open space, and Individual Joint/Family c provides volunteer service opportunities in the great outdoors.

S Regular $40 $50 n Your membership supports the trails you love and gives Sponsor $75 $90 e you these additional benefits: Go to nynjtc.org/membership Benefactor $150 $200 r

T Senior (65+) $35 $40

e 25% Discount on Trail Conference maps, books, Life $1,500 $2,000 f I and other products. Visit nynjtc.org/panel/goshopping

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

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

C nynjtc.org/content/retail-partners

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

E introductory courses Name ______a

r Workshops and Seminars on trail maintenance Address ______

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

chainsaw operation, environmental monitoring N Day Phone ______Evening Phone ______and GPS operation. Learn more about Trail U at J E-MAIL ______nynjtc.org/trailu Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex N E

- Access to a wide range of volunteer opportunities Card # ______Exp. Date: ____/ ____ on-trail and off-trail. Visit nynjtc.org/volunteer Make check or money order payable to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, Y Find links to all these and more at nynjtc.org. and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, N.J. 07430. N B Tax-deductible. Dues are not refundable.