The Long Path

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MAINTAINING 2,154 MILES OF TRAILS IN NY AND NJ

NYNJTC.ORG FALL 2017 TRAIL WALKER

NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE • CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE SINCE 1920 SONA MASON UsingTRAIL Our Mightiest WALKER Tool to Protect Trails and Open Space

SONA MASON Long Path and Highlands Trail Did You Know? west hudson co-align. Currently, vacant par- program coordinator cels along Seven Springs Road The 358-mile Long provide a woodland character Path connects New Sometimes, the most powerful for these trails, but the new York City at the George Sign up for our e-newsletter at bit.ly/tc-ews for tool in the Trail Conference ar- proposals would likely lead Washington Bridge with updates on this and other issues affecting trails. senal isn’t rock bars or loppers, to intense development. The John Boyd Thacher but our unified voice. rocky lands with moss-covered Park in Albany County. The voices of trail lovers near cliffs between Gonzaga Park The 182-mile High- development poses to these Championing and far rang loud and clear and the Heritage Trail in Mon- lands Trail connects the much-needed green corridors. when the Trail Conference roe are rich in wildlife habitat, Delaware River in New Building on this momentum, the Long Path raised the alarm that the Long and are the last refuge in the the Trail Conference has been Jersey to the Hudson Path and Highlands Trail are at area for these multi-state trails. meeting with state, county, and Since 1960, the Trail River at Storm King risk of being severed in Orange This critical pinch point forms municipal officials to come up Conference has spearhead- County, N.Y. This summer, we a vital greenway connecting Mountain. with viable options for protected the effort to maintain, succeeded in making the pro- two state parks: Schunnemunk ing these long-distance trails. protect, and complete the tection of these long-distance Mountain and Goosepond The Trail Conference has Long Path. From unwav- trails part of the conversation Mountain. If the land around between Gonzaga Park and the played a role in nearly every ering advocacy efforts to in the closely watched pro- Seven Springs Road is devel- Heritage Trail to protect the major conservation movement key land acquisitions to an posal to create the new Town oped, the experience on these Long Path and Highlands Trail. in the region for almost 100 end-to-end race series, the of Palm Tree, which would in- trails will be severely impacted Members rallied by sending years. We will continue to rep- Long Path—“New York’s clude the Village of Kiryas Joel. and the parks will be isolated. emails, making phone calls, resent trail users in this and all Greatest Trail”—has an The Trail Conference has Before two public hearings and appearing at meetings to battles to ensure public trails ever-evolving story to tell. raised concerns in regards to on the issue in August, the ensure Orange County legisla- and parks remain open and Turn to pages 6-7 to read the various proposals to ex- Trail Conference called for the tors are aware of the significant safe for the next century—and more. pand development where the creation of a green corridor threat that major residential beyond.

Due to overuse and misuse, removed more than 18 bags for their garbage and tossed it Working to Keep Peekamoose Blue Hole in the of trash from this swimming at the nearby dumpster. That’s Catskills was identified as hole and the surrounding the kind of help we’re looking a 2017 Leave No Trace Hot area. for from our visitors.” Spot. In other words, the Blue The following weekend, Sabina continued to wel- Blue Hole Beautiful Hole has now been nationally DEC staff and Sabina Carde- come visitors at Blue Hole on recognized as a place in dan- nas, the Trail Conference’s weekends through mid- ger of being loved to death. Head Summit Steward in the September. The Catskill Con- As part of the Leave No Catskills, set up an informa- servation Corps organized Trace Hot Spot Week at the tion table at the Blue Hole two additional clean-ups, all Blue Hole in August, the Trail trailhead to greet visitors and in an effort to continue the Conference-managed Catskill educate them on regulations message delivered during the Conservation Corps, along and Leave No Trace princi- events of Hot Spot Week. with our friends at Leave No ples. “We wanted everyone to “People are starting to real- Trace, the Adirondack Moun- feel welcome, but also instill ize they need to do their part,” tain Club, and New York State a sense of responsibility,” says Sabina says. “Blue Hole is a Department of Environmental Sabina, who happily offers gorgeous place, and hopefully Conservation, came togeth- greetings and tips to Catskill these efforts continue so that C. Stephens, Ian Dunn, Nikki Wowaka, and Sabina Cardenas er for a litter clean-up. On guests in two languages. everyone can see its beauty for greeted and educated visitors at the Blue Hole. Aug.18, over 40 volunteers “Large groups gladly took bags years to come.” Heather Darley

VOLUME XLIV, NUMBER 4 ISSN 0749-1352 WHAT’S INSIDE:

People for Trails: Building, Maintaining, and Protecting Trails pages 8-9

Updating Our Mission Trail Conference Awarded and Vision for a Second Better Signage Creates 5-Year LHPRISM Contract Century of Service a Better Trail Experience page 5 page 3 page 3 2 | Fall 2017 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org Art Adventurer GREGORY FRUX 2018 Board, Gregory Frux Voting Member Explores ‘Wild Nominations The Nominating Committee and the Long Path North of the Trail Conference Committee. Andy’s term “Cerro Fitzroy,” the presents the following on the Board is renewed Landscapes’ highest peak in Patagonia candidates for the Board through 2020. of Directors for three-year terms and At-Large Voting RICHARD LEVINE GLENDA HAAS If You Go artist-in-residence programs Members for one-year Rick, of Upper Saddle art selection in various national parks, in- terms. These nominations River, N.J., is a Trail committee chair What: “Wild Land- cluding Weir Farm Nation- will be voted on at the Conference Life Member scapes, Near and Far” al Historic Site, Joshua Tree, Annual Meeting to be held and currently serves as “Wild Landscapes, Near featuring the work of Glacier, and Death Valley. In on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Trail Board treasurer; he is also and Far,” featuring oil paint- Gregory Frux addition to painting and draw- Conference Headquarters a member of the Audit ings depicting diverse When: Oct. 2 through ing, he gave educational talks (600 Ramapo Valley Rd, Committee. Rick’s term scenes from the Shawan- January 5, 2018, during and led hikes in each of these Mahwah, N.J.). Meeting on the Board is renewed gunks to Patagonia by artist- regular Trail Confer- locations. His work is now details are still being through 2020. adventurer Gregory Frux, will part of the National Park Ser- developed, but save the date. ence hours, 9 a.m. to 5 BETH RAVIT be on display in the gallery at p.m., Monday through vice’s permanent collection. Trail Conference Headquar- Frux was also artist-in- WALTER Beth, of Closter, N.J., is a Saturday ters from Oct. 2 through Jan. residence aboard the cruise DANIELS current Board member and Where: Trail Confer- 5, 2018. Frux will also be the ship Orlova to Antarcti- Walt, of Mohegan Lake, an active member of the featured speaker at the Trail ence Headquarters, ca, where he painted from N.Y., is a Trail Conference Audit, Finance, and Strategy Conference’s annual gala, this 600 Ramapo Valley Rd., the ship deck, capturing the Life Member and currently committees. Beth’s term year themed Keep It Wild, on Mahwah, N.J. hours-long twilight and pen- serves as a member of the on the Board is renewed Thursday, Oct. 19. Details: Find out more guin colonies close up. He has Board. Walt is active on the through 2020. Frux studied painting and at nynjtc.org. traveled extensively in Arctic Policy Council as well as the architecture in New York, but Norway and South America, Governance, Publications, EDWARD SAIFF a love of the outdoors and and in all of these places, has Sawyers, Strategy, and Eddie, of Mahwah, N.J., is wilderness travel has called to has summited 97 peaks over kept elaborate sketch jour- Technology committees. current chair of the Board him since childhood. By age 10,000 feet. Recently, he has nals and done oil paintings Walt’s term on the Board is and of the Nominating 20, he had walked 1,000 miles focused on technical rock capturing the natural beauty renewed through 2020. Committee; he is also active on the Appalachian Trail; he climbing. and local history. This sum- on the Governance and has since backpacked and A great opportunity to inte- mer, Frux will be the first-ever ANDREW Management committees. traveled throughout the great grate his love for the arts and artist-in-residence at Mount GARRISON Eddie’s term on the Board is ranges of North America and the outdoors came through the Washington Observatory. Andy, of Wurtsboro, N.Y., renewed through 2020. is a current Board member and chair of both the For full Board bios, visit 2017 Trail Conference Gala: Keep It Wild Conservation Committee nynjtc.org/about-us.

The allure of unplugging from RONALD BEIMEL volunteer Daniel Chazin will At-Large Voting Members technology and reconnecting receive the Raymond H. Torrey with nature is drawing more Award, the Trail Conference’s Therese Allen James Piombino people outdoors, making the most prestigious award, given Susan Barbuto Anne Powley Trail Conference’s efforts more for significant and lasting con- Suse Bell Kristin Reeves important than ever. Join us tributions that protect hiking Cliff Berchtold Peter Reiner in celebrating the people who trails and the land upon which Norman Blumenstein Karen Rose protect our connection with they rest. The night will in- Sara Cavanaugh Ruth Rosenthal nature and Keep It Wild at the clude live entertainment, hors Matt Decker Robert Ross Jack Driller Susan Scher 3rd Annual Trail Conference Frux d’oeuvres, craft beverages, an Gala on Thursday, Oct. 19. auction, and more. Harvey Fishman Karl Soehnlein Brooklyn-based artist and Our 2017 gala is made pos- William Gannett Doug Sohn adventurer Gregory Frux is ventures when he discusses sible by the generosity of lead Robert Lehmann Judith Joan Sullivan the keynote speaker. He is an the importance of wilderness, sponsor Cereus Financial Ad- Paul Makus Robert Ward advocate for the environment, whether in our own backyards visors, with additional support leading workshops for the or the far reaches of the planet. from Inserra Supermarkets Appalachian Mountain Club During the festivities, we will Inc., BD, TD Bank, Campmor, and devoting time and art to be acknowledging the excep- Old Souls, Just Energy, and support conservation of un- tional work of our outstanding Valley Trust. ADK Winter Mountaineering School Over 60 years of snow and ice! protected wilderness in Utah. corporate and public partners: The gala is exclusive to Trail At the gala, Frux will draw on REI and Bergen County De- Conference members. For tick- www.winterschool.org lessons learned during his ad- partment of Parks. Long-time ets, visit bit.ly/tc-gala17.

TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970- Board of Directors 100) (ISSN: 0749-1352) is published Edward Saiff Chair quarterly by the New York-New Patricia Wooters Vice Chair Jersey Trail Conference as a benefit Rick Levine Treasurer of membership. Subscriptions are Daniel Hoberman Counsel available to libraries only at $15 a year. Periodical postage paid at Directors Mahwah, N.J., and additional mailing TRAIL WALKER Chris Connolly John Magerlein offices. Postmaster: Send address Walt Daniels Ken Posner Mary Dooman Beth Ravit changes to the address below. Volume XLIV, No. 4 Fall 2017 Andy Garrison Jeff Senterman Copyright 2017 by: Amber Ray Editor Suzan Gordon Dave Stuhr New York-New Jersey Stephanie Hinderer Designer Gaylord Holmes Ned Whitney Trail Conference, Inc. Richard Katzive 600 Ramapo Valley Road MISSION STATEMENT Staff Mahwah, NJ 07430 The New York-New Jersey Trail Edward Goodell 201.512.9348 Conference is a volunteer-powered Executive Director organization that builds, maintains, and Joshua Howard Opinions expressed by the authors protects public trails. Together with Deputy Executive Director do not necessarily represent our partners, we strive to ensure that Don Weise the policy or position of the Trail the trails and natural areas we share Development Director Conference. Submissions for print are sustainable and accessible for all to Mary Perro consideration are welcome. Any enjoy for generations to come. Operations & Finance Manager unsolicited material accepted for Linda Rohleder Day-hikes — 4 Days / $425 print may be edited for style and Land Stewardship Director Scholarships length. Submission deadlines for The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a volunteer, non-profit Backpacking — 4 Days / $375 TRAIL WALKER are Feb. 15 For a full list of staff, visit Available! 501 (c)(3) organization. (Spring issue), May 15 (Summer nynjtc.org/about-us issue), Aug. 15 (Fall issue), Nov. 15 Combo — 6 Days / $480 (Winter issue). For information on email: [email protected] Printed on recycled content paper Advanced See website for advertising rates, please write editorial email: [email protected] — 6 Days / $375 or call. PLEASE RECYCLE TRAIL WALKER website: www.nynjtc.org Backpacking dates & details. nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Fall 2017 | 3

the words we use today bet- a healthy planet has to offer. FROM THE ter address the contemporary The new The right path is always a EXECUTIVE Revisiting Our Mission challenges and opportunities statement is a responsible one. We take DIRECTOR we face: combination of land stewardship seriously and mission and vision. approach every decision— The New York-New whether we’re out in the field When the Trail Conference become in- Jersey Trail Conference ... It provides a high- or in our headquarters—with was founded in 1920, its pur- creasingly is a volunteer-powered level description of balanced judgment and firm pose was to develop a system important, organization that builds, who we are, what conscience. of marked trails and shelters so and global maintains, and protects we do, and what we Respect is essential to suc- that parklands could be better warming is public trails. Together with expect to achieve. It cess. In our partnerships, we enjoyed by the public. altering ev- our partners, we strive to exercise the same courtesy we As the planned trails were erything. ensure that the trails and is meant to inform, advocate for on the trail, and completed over the next Yet de- natural areas we share are challenge, and inspire. we strive to be a trusted source decade, it became evident that spite—or perhaps, more accu- sustainable and accessible for Goodell of information and expertise ongoing trail maintenance was rately, because of—these influ- all to enjoy for generations for the trail community. needed, too. Over the years, ences, creating and protecting to come. Trails have always belonged other activities in support of high-quality trail experiences to all of us. And in that spirit, public trails were added to the remains our primary purpose. The new statement is a com- to everyone. All people— we want the Trail Conference mission of the organization, Volunteering will continue bination of mission and vision. regardless of age, ability, or to be a place where everyone including the publication of to be the primary means by In two sentences, it provides location—should be able to who has a love of trails and trail guides and maps, trail which we are able to accom- a high-level description of experience the rewards of con- natural areas feels like they advocacy, land acquisition, plish the most with the least. who we are, what we do, and necting with nature. belong and can give back. In and habitat protection. Increasing awareness of the what we expect to achieve. It Volunteers are our super- that spirit, we hope our new Nearly a century later, our scope and scale of the Trail is meant to inform, challenge, heroes. Creating and pro- mission, vision, and values mission is essentially the same Conference’s work is perhaps and inspire. tecting trails is a labor of love. statements reach everyone, as it was when the Trail Con- our greatest challenge, and it is Paired with an updated set We celebrate our volunteers— promoting our integral role in ference was founded. However, absolutely essential for attract- of values statements, we aim their passion, dedication, and their connection with nature the environment in which we ing sufficient volunteers and to reach and inspire a broader leadership make the trails we and inviting them to join us in pursue that mission continues donors to accomplish it all. audience than ever before. The all love possible. the cause. to change. Trail users are more That’s why, as the Trail Con- Trail Conference has always Environmental conservation numerous and diverse, the in- ference approaches its 100th been a values-led organization; is a shared duty. We must ternet makes trails profusely year, we’ve updated our mis- these core values are meant to preserve the integrity of our accessible but doesn’t promote sion statement. The heart of be used to guide our attitudes, natural world—not only to trail knowledge or etiquette, the Trail Conference has not actions, and decision-making sustain our trail systems, but to Edward Goodell park budgets are stretched changed since the mission was on a daily basis: ensure future generations can Executive Director thin, habitat protection has last revised 20 years ago, but The joys of nature belong enjoy the outdoor experiences [email protected]

News in Brief Creating Better Road Closures Celebrate the on Route 202 Catskills During at Trail the 2017 Lark Signage for a Better Conference in the Park Headquarters The 2017 Catskills Lark Trail Experience A section of Route 202 in the Park will be held is closed for replacement Saturday, Sept. 30, through

E. KABERT of the culvert located just Monday, Oct. 9. Since its PETER DOLAN north of Trail Conference inception in 2004, the new jersey Headquarters at the Dar- Lark has brought together program coordinator When you lington Schoolhouse in people and organizations find our new Mahwah, N.J. The closure participating in hundreds kiosks on your We’ve all seen them before— is expected to be in effect of events aimed at trailhead kiosks filled with New Jersey through October. Find celebrating and heightening waterlogged pages of info, adventures, snap detour information at bit.ly/ awareness of the Catskill sun-faded trail maps, incon- a photo and tag tc-202rc. Mountains region of New sistent content, or no content us with #nynjtc York State and the Catskill at all. So it’s with great plea- on Facebook, Trail Conference Park. Activities annually sure that the Trail Conference Instagram, or include organized hikes, can announce that, in part- Twitter for a to Host A.T. bicycle trips, paddles, nership with the New Jersey chance to be Vista 2020 service, and cultural and Department of Environmental featured on our educational events. The Protection, our staff and vol- feed. The Trail Conference is coordination of this event unteers have developed a new proud to be selected as is managed through a set of signage for installation host of A.T. Vista 2020, partnership between the in most of the New Jersey state the biennial conference Trail Conference, the parks and forests where we active map download link, ational Trails Program grant. celebrating the Appalachian Catskill Mountain Club, maintain trails. These include description of the park’s his- These signs represent a huge Trail. Tentative dates are The Catskill Center, and the popular destinations such as tory and features, information success for the Trail Confer- Aug. 7-10, 2020, at Ramapo New York State Department Mount Tammany in Worth- on preparing for a hike, bear ence. For nearly 100 years, College of New Jersey in of Environmental ington State Forest and Stair- protocol, and info on how we have maintained trails on Mahwah, right next to our Conservation. We’ll be way to Heaven in Wawayanda to become a trail volunteer. public land with relatively little headquarters. For more hosting several events this State Park, as well as less-trav- The signs are printed on PVC publicity. Hikers could spend info and updates, visit year; check out the full eled areas that lacked trailhead plastic in weatherproof, full- years in their favorite parks atvista2020.org. schedule at catskillslark.org. signage entirely, such as parts color ink—the same material and, if they didn’t bump into of Norvin Green State Forest. used for lawn signs—which one of our trail maintainers, The final design is a set of makes replacing damaged or might never know how much panels that fit together like outdated signs easy and cost- volunteer work goes into keep- dominos. These signs allow effective. This project was ing these areas safe and open. each park to show a large, made possible through fund- By putting this signage at trail- full-contour trail map, inter- ing from a New Jersey Recre- heads, we not only ensure that hikers have access to legible maps and info when they need Kiosk Builders Needed great service project—it’s a it, but also help spread the word Along with our park part- popular one among Eagle that we’re seeking volunteers ners, we’ve identified a few Scout candidates—so if you to keep up the good work. As locations in need of new know anyone interested in trails see increased use (and the kiosks—and we’re looking this kind of work, please erosion that comes with it), for volunteers to help build contact Peter Dolan at these new kiosk displays will them. Building kiosks is a [email protected]. help us reach more potential volunteers. 4 | Fall 2017 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org JEREMY APGAR Best Practices TRAIL MAINTAINERS INVASIVE PLANT Matthew Maintainer is a SURVEYORS trail maintainer on Slide Surveyor Sandy is an Mountain. Matthew al- invasives surveyor in the Adopted in New ways carries a first aid kit, Bashakill Wildlife Manage- his water bottle, snacks, ment Area. In addition to work gloves, and a pair of her GPS and plant identifi- Outdoor Activity clippers. The Guidelines cation materials, she carries also require Matthew to a first aid kit. Sandy is likely wear eye protection, such to encounter some of the Safety Guidelines as safety goggles or glasses same potential hazards— (sunglasses and prescrip- uneven terrain, slip/trip and as Matthew, but since she is tion glasses are fine). fall hazards, poison ivy/oak, not cutting and clipping, eye The safety and satisfaction of The complete insect bites, and bee stings— protection is not required. our volunteers is paramount. Outdoor Activity To help reduce the risk of ac- Safety Guidelines are cidents and avoid injuries, the WORKSHOP LEADERS Trail Conference has formal- available for review at Teaching Trisha and TRAIL CREWS aid kit. Lara explains the ized several best practices in a bit.ly/tc-oasg. Be on the Thomas are leading a trail Leader Lara is a trail crew work plan is to build a small set of Outdoor Activity Safety lookout for information maintenance workshop for leader working to rebuild a turnpike along an eroded Guidelines. The Guidelines will sessions and workshops 20 volunteers in Fahne- section of the Mullet Loop section of trail and that be recommended as best prac- later this year. Sign up stock State Park. Prior to Trail in the Neversink River they will be using hammers tices initially, with the intention for E-Walker for bi- the workshop, Thomas Unique Area. Before the to crush rock, so eye and of phasing them in as require- monthly newsletters to checks their first aid kit, work trip, Lara’s crew meets ear protection, dust masks, ments over the next 24 months. stay informed on this counts out eye protection at the trailhead to review hard hats, and gloves will During that time, training and and more trail news. and gloves for all attend- the planned work, potential be required. During this support will be provided. ees, confirms Trisha’s first hazards, safety procedures, tailgate safety session, she How will these new guide- aid certification is still val- and required safety gear asks Unprepared Eugene lines affect you? For many To help understand the id, and checks where the for the day. Lara reminds to change out of his shorts volunteers, there will be no best practices we are enact- closest medical facilities everyone which crew and flip-flops and put on his change in how you approach ing, meet some volunteers are located. Thomas also members have wilderness long pants and boots. Lara your responsibilities. Others who are taking steps to ensure rehearses his tailgate safety first aid or basic first aid also privately checks with will need to take additional they are safe and following the speech to remind partici- certifications and where the Allergic Alan, making sure steps to reduce the risk of inju- new Outdoor Activity Safety pants of the potential haz- nearest hospital is located. he packed his Epi-Pen since ry while out on the trails. Guidelines. Josh Howard ards they might encounter She tells the crew that she he is highly sensitive to during the workshop. will be carrying the first bee stings.

SONA MASON SONA SAWYERS & SWAMPERS work together as a sawyer pack with water and food, as Chainsaw Charlie and and swamper team, but prior well as long-sleeved cloth- Swamper Stephanie are pre- to leaving the trailhead, they ing to wear while working. paring to clear blow downs review their equipment and Stephanie has an emergency on the Four Birds Trail. plans for the day. Stephanie whistle she uses to commu- Charlie has a valid B level makes sure they each have nicate with Charlie while sawyer certification from hard hats, ear and eye pro- he is working. They share in completing the mandatory tection, gloves, and a first aid assessing the safety of their USFS chainsaw safety course, kit with trauma packs. Char- work sites, and Charlie is and both have current first lie inspects his saw, sawyer careful to communicate his aid certifications. Charlie chaps, bar oil, and fuel cutting plans with Stephanie and Stephanie regularly canisters. Each has a back- before he starts his saw.

TRAIL CONFERENCE SUPPORTERS

May 16 – August 15, 2017

TRIBUTES Steve Dundorf, Robert & Hannah Eckstein, Marjorie & orah Franzblau & Jerry Tersoff, James Thompson, Carl In memory of David Loza Michael Engber, Eric Erichsen, Sheila Ewall, Hillary Exter, & Victoria Thune, Charles & Shilpa Tint, William David Peter M. Balma Michael Falso, David Felsenthal, Ronald Fontana, Kenneth Traber, Daniel & Lynne Van Engel, Kevin Vernieri, Walter In memory of Shawnee, beloved hiking companion of Fox, Alexandra French, Hugh Gallagher, Virginia Galla- Vines, Lisa & Matthew Visco, Corrie Wagner, Ann Marie Daniela Wagstaff gher, Robert Galli, Susan & Thomas Gallo, Jane Geisler, Walker, Allen Weary & Kim Zimmer, Jeffrey Weintraub, Linda Frank Deborah Padula-Genna & Frank Genna, Clifford Gerenz, Heidi Wendel, Lissa Westbrook, Hanson Wong, James In memory of Eric Redlener Robert Glynn, Martha Grant, Daniel Greenwald & Linda Wright, David Wuchinich & Nan Beer, Helen Yeisley, & The Freidman Family Fund Weltchek, Rhea Grill, Glenn Gross, Robert Gurian, Kay Martin Zumsteg In memory of Sean Patrick Wansor Hallenbeck, Geoffrey Hamilton, Frank Hariton, Andrew Christine King & Elinor Hart, Borys Hayda, Phillip & Ellen Heidelberger, CORPORATE, FOUNDATION & OTHER DONORS In memory of John B. Blenninger Maria Himber, Jeremy Hise, Anne Holmes & Gaylord C AETNA, Aptargroup Charitable Foundation, Avon Match- Maeve Maurer Holmes, Brook Ing, Franklin Kaiman, Michael Kaye, Jean ing Gifts Program, BD, Benevity, Causecast Foundation, In memory of Jakob Franke King, John Kozma, Daniel Kriesberg, Robert LaMagna, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, Conatus John & Patricia Waffenschmidt Carey Lathrop, Annissa Leung, Rosanne Levitt, Ryan Lew- Capital Management, Deutsche Bank Americas Founda- In honor of New Jersey Search & Rescue, Professional is, Lynne Livingstone, Carl Loutzenheiser, Donald Campo- tion U.S. Matching Gifts Program, Earthshare Chapters, Volunteers Serving NJ/NY/PA lo & Marilyn Maney, Joshua Manne, Halimah Marcus, Bri- EarthShare New Jersey, Emigrant Savings Bank, Fabco K. W. Hanson an Markey & Virginia Lincoln, John Markle, Brad Martin, Generators, Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, Goldman Sachs, In recognition of the wildflowers art exhibition Donal McCarthy, Gwynne & Michael McConkey, Lester Herbert Coles & June Fait Foundation, Johnson & John- Sara Novak & Mary McGuinness, Brian McKenna, Donald McNeil, son Matching Gifts Program, JPMorgan Chase Foundation Adele Metrakos & Brian Cahill, Andrew & Carol Mikesh, Matching Gift & Volunteer Grant Programs, Land Trust DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND Andrew & Marcia Moore, william motiel, Helen & Tom Alliance, Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce, Mar- Olle & Encilia Andersson, Anonymous Donor, Sue & Wal- Murphy, Iris Novick, Jennifer Kelm & William O’Donnell, ket Basket, Mary W. Harriman Foundation, Mayer Family ter Auyeung, Elizabeth & Walter Barrett, Scott Bartos, Al- Bradford Olson, Sang Hak Park, Mary & William Penny, Foundation, Mutual of America Foundation, Network For yssa Gelmann Becker & George Becker, Raymond & Rose Karen & Mark Perreault, Finn & Hayden Peters, Kenneth Good, New Jersey Audubon Society, Orange & Rockland Begin, Jack Berger, Gottfried Bernert, Kristie Blalock, Posner, Eve Proper, Carol & Tom Rakowski, Paul Raso, Utilities, Inc., PayPal Giving Fund, Peter & Carmen Lucia Theodore Bloch, Brian Blum & Edie Green-Blum, John Eric Richter, Marvin Riley, Audrey Roco, Barbara Petersen Buck Foundation, Public Service Electric & Gas (PSEG) Boehning, Jack & Susan Bolnick, Robert & Rose Boysen, & Roger Roloff, Jean Romsted, Thomas Rose, Valerie Ros- Foundation, REI, Roots Cafe, Schwab Charitable Fund, The Deb & Greg Brill, Kathryn Bryan, Peter Buffington, Ste- si, Glenn Rothman, Mellonie Sanborn, Anthony & Maria American Gift Fund, The New York Community Trust, The phen Bulwin, John Burleson, Catherine Byron, Kuei & Pao Sarro, Stephen Sayer, Sandi Schiffman, Andy & Annette Preservation Collective, Trow & Holden Company, Truist/ Chen, Joe Colacino, Christopher Compel, Louis Cothalis, Schmidt, John Schneider, Tracy Schuh, Jeffrey Senterman FrontStream Workplace Philanthropy, UBS Foundation Peter Coy, Michael Craig, Gail & Stewart Cutler, Andrea & Moe Lemire, Maria & Mark Singer, Frederick Smith, Sa- Matching Gift Program, Vanguard Charitable Endowment Damato, Jane & Walter Daniels, Arlene Burgis & Charles rinya Srisakul, Benjamin & Tamar Stern, Kristina Stracco, Program, Warwick Valley Central School District, Wood- Davis, jennifer delorenzi, Robert DeWald, Bert Dolan, Vivian Szabo, Anthony Lunn & Phyllis Teitelbaum, Deb- stock Land Conservancy, & YourCause (YourCause.com) nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Fall 2017 | 5

Join the Trail Trail Conference Receives Conference, Get Great Deals

5-Year Contract to Continue Check out some of the latest Trail Conference retail partners and their Leading Lower Hudson PRISM great, members-only discounts. Visit nynjtc.

DANIEL POLLARD org/retail-partners for For the last five years, the Trail You Can Help full details on dozens of Conference has been doing partner discounts. our part to protect the rich Invasives know no biodiversity of the region as boundaries; a robust ® leaders of the Lower Hudson Invasives Strike Force Partnership for Regional In- in both New York and vasive Species Management New Jersey benefits Solar for Good: Suntuity (LHPRISM). During this time, the entire region. Help Suntuity Solar offers an LHPRISM partners have re- us expand our efforts— affinity program for New moved more than 220,000 in- please consider helping Jersey residents of the Trail Conference. Request vasive plants over 1,600 acres the Trail Conference Giant hogweed is a priority a free quote for installing and involved 7,000 volunteers fund a dedicated New species for LHPRISM to eradicate. a solar panel system at in protecting our natural areas. Jersey Invasives Strike your home or business.

So we’re thrilled to announce Force crew in 2018 and Improve our website and so- region and a seasonal aquat- www.solarforgood.org/ that the Trail Conference has 2019. Call Development cial media presence. ic stewards crew to perform NY-NJTrailConference been awarded a new, 5-year Director Don Weise at With this funding, we will watercraft inspections and sur- contract from New York State 201.512.9348 ext. 813 grow the impact of our work vey for aquatic invasives. Department of Environmen- with: Budget an annual amount of for more information. tal Conservation to continue Full-time staffing of an -in $100K for contract projects. To donate directly to leading the Lower Hudson re- vasives program educator and Dr. Linda Rohleder, the Trail our invasives work gion’s invasive species manage- volunteer coordinator, an inva- Conference’s Director of Land Brooklyn Camp Supply ment efforts from 2018-2022. in New Jersey, go to sives project manager, and an Stewardship, will continue to 20% discount on This new contract allows us nynjtc.org/donate and aquatic program coordinator. lead LHPRISM and its 45 part- regularly priced items. to build on the successes of our write “NJ ISF Crew” in Full funding for a seasonal ner organizations. The aquatic Members can use the code NYNJTC16. current program. We plan to: the special instructions crew to perform invasive plant program will be led by Saman- box. 144 N. Seventh St. Work with partners to devel- early detection and control tha Epstein at Hudson River Brooklyn, NY op and implement a regional work in the Lower Hudson Sloop Clearwater. 888.610.6418 strategy for invasive species Mike Young, a member of management. the 2016 Invasives Strike Force Develop management plans More Awards Hook, silver vine (Actinidia Crew, is the new terrestrial in- for high-priority species in the for Invasives polygama) in Mt. Kisco, and vasive species project manager. region. giant hogweed throughout He is responsible for oversee- Offer training programs for Programs the Lower Hudson region. ing all invasive plant control volunteers and members of the We also recently com- projects we undertake and public. The Trail Conference was pleted a program agree- training and managing the sea- Assist with developing site also awarded a 3-year NYS ment with USDA APHIS to sonal ISF Conservation Corps Body & Brain Yoga-Taichi management plans. DEC Invasive Species Rapid head up the mile-a-minute crew. Eric Stone is the new in- 10% off new memberships. Continue our volunteer pro- Response and Control grant biocontrol program for vasives program educator and 525 Cedar Hill Ave., 2nd Fl. grams, such as the BlockBust- in July to manage sticky the Lower Hudson, which volunteer coordinator. He will Wyckoff, NJ er Survey and Southern Pine sage (Salvia glutinosa) in will fund a seasonal intern conduct training sessions and 201.444.6020 Beetle trap monitoring. Dover, Japanese angelica position and provide for manage the volunteers for our Enhance our capacity to de- tree (Aralia elata) in Red biocontrol weevil releases. ISF program and several pro- 495 N. Franklin Tpke. tect new invaders in the region. grams for the LHPRISM. Ramsey, NJ 201.962.8383 www.bodynbrain.com Creating a Blueprint DANIELA WAGSTAFF Beacon Dental Receive a free take to Protect New home teeth whitening kit with your first patient appointment. Reference Jersey’s Last “HTKIT” when scheduling your appointment. The Conservation Blueprint is a tool 1020 Wolcott Ave. to help preserve open space in N.J. Beacon, NY Undeveloped Lands 845.838.3666 www.beacondental.com Newark’s Branch Brook Park, remain vulnerable to develop- at both a statewide and parcel preserved in 1895, was the Feedback or questions ment. Led by the New Jersey level, with multiple base maps first county park in the Unit- about the Conservation Conservation Foundation, The available. Members of envi- ed States and the beginning of Blueprint can be sent to Nature Conservancy, and the ronmental commissions and a proud legacy for New Jersey conservationblueprint@ GeoLab at Rowan University, open space planning boards as a national leader in land gmail.com, or via the the committee decided which have already reported the use- Liberty Family of conservation. In 1961, the di- comments section in values would inform the pri- fulness of this tool. Dealerships vision of Green Acres was cre- the menu bar of each oritization models used to The Conservation Blueprint Get dealer’s invoice ated to help N.J. municipalities map on the website. identify conservation oppor- is indeed a planning tool, and pricing on Subaru, Hyundai, through the often challenging tunities as they relate to water one of its primary goals is to Kia, and Genesis vehicles. quality, ecology, agriculture, be used in building connected Liberty Subaru and costly process of land ac- 55 Kinderkamack Rd. quisition. Through the work of As New Jersey moves to- and community green space. networks of protected lands Emerson, NJ Green Acres, local and county ward becoming the first state The results of this process and trails. The current trails governments, and nonprofits, to reach full build-out—pro- can be found at njmap2.com/ data set is incomplete, but Liberty Kia a third of the state’s approxi- jected to occur within the next blueprint. Here you can look the Trail Conference sits on a 815 Route 17 South mately 5.4 million acres has 50 years—fostering a colla- at the priority maps, as well task force that is working on Ramsey, NJ been preserved. Conversely, a borative approach to preserve as the data sets and reference creating a comprehensive, Liberty Hyundai & Liberty third of the state has been de- the state’s most valuable lands layers that support them. (The statewide trails layer to make Genesis veloped, leaving around one has become more import- priority models are still a work the Blueprint even stronger. 305 Route 17 North third of the state “up for grabs.” ant than ever. The Blueprint in progress as the methodolo- The hope is that with the aid Mahwah, NJ These remaining acres and the brought together a steering gy is refined using input from of the Conservation Blueprint, conservation opportunities committee of over 20 non- various advisory boards.) more land is preserved and 201.529.2400 they represent are the focus of profit organizations and state The design and navigation of more trails are built to connect www.libertycarsnj.com a project called the New Jersey and federal agencies to identi- the maps are user-friendly, people with protected open Conservation Blueprint. fy the most critical lands that allowing anyone to view data space. Adam Page Taylor 6 | Fall 2017

From the photographer, Steve Aaron: THE LONG PATH: What the Long Path Means to Me

“To me, the Long Path AARON STEVE is distinctly New York ‘NEW YORK’S in its diversity of terrain and scenery. Starting in the city, the trail wan- ders through parklands surrounded by suburbs. It continues through GREATEST TRAIL’ some of the state’s greatest parks, highest mountains, charming rural towns, and ends just outside the state capital. The diversity of landscapes on the Long Path is truly moving. The Hudson River, New York’s historical lifeblood, is visible from the Long Path in many spots. The trail covers the Palisades, Harriman, Schunne- munk, Wallkill Valley, Shawangunks, Catskills, and the hills and escarp- ments of Albany County in a journey of physical and beautiful diversity. From the lowest point at sea level along the Hud- son to the trail’s summit atop Slide Mountain, the Morning on the Long Path in the Shawangunks. Long Path takes in a sam- pling of all that is beauti- onceived in 1931 as New York’s answer to the Long Trail in Vermont, the Long Path was ful and interesting in the Hudson Valley region.” Coriginally meant to be an unmarked route connecting scenic or historic points of interest from New York City to Lake Placid. Since 1960, the Trail Conference has spearheaded the effort Steve Aaron specializes in conservation, recreation, to maintain, protect, and complete this long-distance trail. Today, the aqua-blazed Long Path and tourism photo- extends 358 miles from 175th Street Subway Station in Manhattan to John Boyd Thacher graphy. Find him at www. steveaaronphoto.com, or State Park near Albany, connecting the most cosmopolitan area in the country with the on Facebook @SteveAaron region’s most wild places. The goal is to extend the trail across the Mohawk River and Photography. Saratoga County to link with the Adirondack State Park trail system. By the Numbers 170 Acres of Open Space

358 AARON STEVE Miles in length, from Manhattan to John Boyd Protected to Enhance Thacher State Park Long Path Experience 430 The Trail Conference, with a been recognized as a priori- ments over neighboring lands, Approximate mileage, generous grant from the Open ty opportunity to protect and the reroute will run southeast- once the trail is con- Space Institute (OSI) and tire- enhance the Long Path. Ap- erly through the property to structed to the northern less support from the local proximately 11.5 trail miles the northeastern corner of the terminus in Northville, Long Path North Hiking Club, east of Middleburgh, N.Y., the Wildlife Management Area. Fulton County has purchased approximately Long Path reaches the western From there, it will continue 170 acres of undeveloped land side of the property. Current- east along its present route. in Berne in Albany County, ly, the trail then makes a long The purchase includes a N.Y., for permanent protec- road detour around the north small house and outbuildings. 12 tion. The acquisition allows and east sides of the proper- The developed lot has been the Trail Conference to take ty before entering the state- subdivided from the undevel- Counties the Long Path the Long Path off of a 2.35- protected lands of the Part- oped land for separate sale. traverses mile road walk and reroute it ridge Run Wildlife Manage- The Trail Conference will hold through woodlands. ment Area. Together with the land until it is sold for per- The Trail Conference’s work recently attained trail agree- manent protection by the state. on the Long Path over the 148 last 30 years has focused on fully protecting the existing Protecting ownership not only im- People who are docu- trail corridor and eliminating Trails and proves the trail experience mented as completing the road walks with strategic land by allowing us to move trail from NYC to Thacher purchases and trail relocations Creating Parks trails off of road walks, it Park. This record-keeping and construction efforts. also aids in the creation and began in 1991. “We very much appreciate The Trail Conference’s Con- expansion of public parks. our good working relationships servation Committee works The Trail Conference has with the Long Path North Hik- to preserve open space with played an important role in ing Club and OSI, which will a vision to create green conserving lands that led to allow the popular Long Path corridors, eventually link- the preservation of sever- 9 Follow the Long Path to be enjoyed by the public for ing lands that have already al state forests, including to spectacular places Days to complete the generations to come,” said Trail been preserved. Our work Huckleberry Ridge, like the Indian Ladder Long Path by record- Conference Executive Director in purchasing key parcels Graham Mountain, Gob- Trail in John Boyd holder Ken Posner Ed Goodell. of land for transfer to state bler’s Knob, and Roosa Gap. Thacher State Park. The acquired property has nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Fall 2017 | 7

THE LONG PATH: People for Trails ANDY GARRISON KEN POSNER Wurtsboro, NY New York, NY

“It takes a lot to manage a trail Since thru-running the that is 430 miles long,” Andy Long Path in 2013—in just Garrison says matter-of- nine days, the current fast- factly. As volunteer chair of est known time—Ken Pos- the Long Path North and ner has become one of the chair of the Trail Conference most enthusiastic champi- Conservation Committee, ons of the trail. Whether it’s quite possible that Andy on his blog, The Long knows more about and de- Brown Path, in his book, votes more time to preserving Running the Long Path, or and improving the Long Path in casual conversation, he than anyone else. speaks about the trail with Beyond the formidable respect and reverence. In task of ensuring this long- the last four years, he has distance trail is properly main- after the Vermont trip that become a Trail Conference tained, the elements of advo- The Long Path the Long Path needed a lot of Board member, volunteer cacy and conservation are an is now 86 years old. things before it was ready to supervisor for 30 miles says the trail in its cur- ever-present challenge. Andy Its time has come. be a pleasurable trail to thru of the trail in the south- rent state is a remarkable explains: “In a state park, for hike,” he recalls. Already ac- ern Shawangunks, and experience that deserves example, the trails are pro- Andy Garrison tive in maintaining and pro- is organizer of the Long more attention, from both tected, and you work with the tecting trails along the Sha- Path race series of trail- a recreation and conserva- park officials. But the Long wangunk Ridge, Andy moved racing events, designed to tion standpoint. Path crosses the land of many Conference relies on private his focus to the Long Path, promote and celebrate this “The Long Path is a different government agen- landowners to allow the trail and has been making con- storied trail. living, breathing thing, and cies, corporations, and private to cross their property. Andy siderable contributions to the “The experience of a labor of love on behalf landowners, and each of these and his fellow Conservation trail for the last 13 years. In completing the Long Path of the volunteers who are has their own set of rules and Committee members also that time, thousands of acres was so special for me,” continually working to management practices. So work to purchase strategic of undeveloped land have Ken says. “It’s my life’s improve it,” Ken says. “It in addition to trail mainte- parcels of land with a vision been preserved and about 40 goal to get more people to connects the dots between nance,” Andy says, “we are to eventually link already pre- miles of the Long Path have complete the Long Path, the natural beauty of the constantly working to move served land, creating green been moved off of roads. whether hiking or run- Hudson Valley and the sections of the trail that are on corridors for trails like the Inspired by that progress ning, in sections or straight cosmopolitan sprawl of the roads into the woods.” Long Path to traverse. and the increased interest in through—especially for New York metropolitan This is done by getting ap- The Long Path has person- the trail, Andy is optimistic those folks who will never area, taking you to some provals to construct new trail al significance to Andy, who that the completion of the have enough time to do very special places and on already protected land— hiked the entire trail with his Long Path remains a reality. the Appalachian Trail.” some very popular places. not always an easy task, Andy son in a series of backpack- “Beyond the current terminus Ken finds the trail’s No two miles of the Long says, as it sometimes takes ing trips in 2006, two years at Boyd Thacher State Park, principal idea—a footpath Path are the same, which more than a decade or two to after the pair had complet- work has already begun to ex- connecting Manhattan to makes it such a unique get these approvals from the ed Vermont’s Long Trail (the tend the Long Path,” he says. the Adirondack Park—a trail to explore and so land managers. In areas that original inspiration for the Then he adds: “We can always spectacular concept, but important to protect.” lack preserved land, the Trail Long Path itself). “I realized use more help.” Get Involved Path relocation projects Remembering “Jakob and I The Long Path exists in the northwest corner Friends of the the Work of worked to- because of the incredible of Harriman State Park, Long Path gether for 12 passion of volunteers on the Greene/Schoharie Jakob Franke years, and who want to be a part of County line in the north- Friends of the Long he inspired the legacy of New York’s ern Catskills, and at the Path is a dedicated One of the most instrumental many— Greatest Trail. Maintain- Schoharie/Albany County group working to people in the protection and including ers and trail managers are line connecting with the improve the overall promotion of the Long Path me,” says always needed—adopt a Partridge Run Wildlife hiking and backpacking was former Long Path South Andy. “He section of the Long Path Management Area. Come experience for New Chair and Conservation is missed very much.” The to call your own! Or come help us improve the trail York State’s Long Path. Committee Chair Jakob Trail Conference is actively spend a few hours with that runs from the Big Search “Friends of the Franke, who passed away in looking for a new Long Path one of our crews and help Apple to the Big Park! Long Path” on Facebook November 2016. Jakob was South Chair to manage the with the ongoing task of Learn more and discover to join the group and active along the trail’s entire Long Path from Manhattan to reducing road walks by all the ways you can get get regular updates on length, and influential in US 209 in Wawarsing, N.Y.; constructing new trail. involved by emailing the trail. several trail projects and con- contact [email protected] This fall, we have Long [email protected]. servation and advocacy issues. for more information. STEVE AARON Taking Conservation Action to Avoid Advocacy Emergencies In the Trail Conference’s Long Path/Shawangunk Ridge “landscape-scale conservation conservation work to protect Trail corridor in Orange in order to assure connectivity the Long Path, no county County prior to 2000; now, among [already] protected has proven to be a harder thanks to the work of the Trail lands to provide greenways challenge than Orange Conference Conservation and wildlife migration routes.” County. As we take a stand Committee and our partners, Without a formal to safeguard the Long Path nearly 2,800 acres of land agreement to protect land and Highlands Trail from have been preserved on the in Monroe for these trails, development in Monroe Shawangunk Ridge in Orange the opportunity to connect (read more on page 1), it’s County. several county and state important to acknowledge the Both the Long Path and parks will be lost. The time incredible progress made in Highlands Trail are listed on to preserve a green corridor keeping Orange County green the New York Open Space in Orange County is now, over the last two decades. No Conservation Plan as part and the Trail Conference is Climb the Long Path in Hook Mountain State Park, preserved land existed on the of their green corridors working hard on negotiations get rewarded with incredible Hudson River views. Shawangunk Ridge in the initiative, which recommends to save this undeveloped land. 8 | Fall 2017

PEOPLE FOR TRAILS A quarterly look at some of what we have been doing to improve public access to nature. TRAILS FOR PEOPLE

Connecting the DENNIS PERCHER Best of Essex County Outdoors

The efforts of volunteers who worked on the South via the Lenape Trail Mountain Connector Trail will be celebrated Oct. 1.

he Trail Conference’s for Health grant, the Trail flection. Additionally, the fall—check out nynjtc.org/ work on the Lenape Conference has been able The Lenape Trail is grant will allow us to install events for details. Trail has been rein- to deploy two seasonal field need of volunteers to new navigational signage We invite everyone to at- Tvigorated in 2017, thanks to managers to engage Essex care for this unique and develop an accurate map tend a ribbon cutting for the support from the Partners County Parks staff and lo- path and ensure the of the entire trail, thanks to new South Mountain Con- for Health Foundation in Es- cal volunteer conservancies good work continues the field managers’ GPS in- nector Trail at the Lenape sex County. The Lenape Trail to continue improving this long after our field ventory and assessment and trailhead across Route 10 passes through 19 different community resource. Some managers wrap up the work of our Trail Confer- from 2 Ellison Ave., West parks in Essex and serves as highlights include plans to their season. If you’re ence cartographer. This map Orange, on Sunday, Oct. 1, a “highlight reel” of what the incorporate the spectacular interested in helping will be available on nynjtc. from 3-4 p.m. Join members area has to offer in terms of meadows of Hilltop Reserva- to improve the Lenape org and on flyers distributed of the South Mountain Con- hiking and outdoor recre- tion, route the trail straight Trail, contact pdolan@ in places like libraries and servancy, the Trail Confer- ation, from the paved jog- through Presby Memori- nynjtc.org. historical centers through- ence, and West Orange gov- ging paths of Brookdale Park al Iris Gardens, and bring out Essex County. To top it ernment in formally opening to the rugged hiking of Eagle hikers to a 9/11 memorial all off, we’ll be running three this half-mile section, which Rock Reservation. overlooking New York City’s free trail maintenance work- was finished in July after 15 Through the Partners skyline for a moment of re- shops along the trail this months of work. Peter Dolan

involved at bit.ly/tc-wjct. Call for Help You can also join the Volunteer Award Appalachian Trail Conser- Nominations Improve vancy’s Mid-Atlantic Crew GEORGETTE WEIR GEORGETTE in repairing the Pochuck With more than 2,400 Boardwalk, arguably the people donating their Trails in most famous stretch of the time and energy to Appalachian Trail in New the Trail Conference NJ this Jersey. The work is being mission, there are many coordinated by NJDEP award-worthy volunteers and will take place in late in our ranks. We need Autumn September through early your help nominating October. Potential volun- individuals for our Looking to volunteer for teers can reach out to Kevin annual awards, present- trails this fall? There’s a wide Murphy at Wawayanda State ed in late winter 2018 variety of locations and Park, 973.853.1102. (date TBD) by the Trail projects to choose from with Trails in our region need Conference Board. the West Jersey Trail Crew: more repair and improve- The nomination installing stepping stones ment than we can provide, process is easy: Check along the Cedar Swamp and every person’s help nynjtc.org/awards to see Trail in Wawayanda State matters. Don’t let a lack of the awards categories Park, building brand-new trail-building experience and qualifications, then trail in Worthington State hold you back; everyone fill out the nomination Forest, or tackling a variety is welcome to join in, and form online or e-mail it West Jersey Crew Chief David Day and crew of tasks in dramatic Till- we’ll teach you all the skills to [email protected]. member Pete Zuroff work on repairing old decking man’s Ravine in Stokes State you need to give back to the For nomination exam- on the Pochuck Boardwalk. Forest. Find out how to get trails you love. ples, see bit.ly/tc-vans. HEATHER DARLEY Work on the with the Hutchinson and Munsee Eagle Red Back trails to create a 7-mile loop for hikers and Trail Continues mountain bikers to enjoy. We’ll have a crew working In Sterling Forest State Park, on this project through No- the Palisades and Floworks vember, and they’re eager to trail crews have been work- teach new and experienced ing on the construction volunteers alike how to build of the Munsee Eagle Trail. multi-use trails. Email Once finished, this new, [email protected] for multi-use trail will combine info on how to get involved. nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Fall 2017 | 9

Long Distance

PHOTOS: MARTY COSTELLO MARTY PHOTOS: Trails Crew Rehabs Stone Arch Bridge

The Long Distance Trails and fill in the center section, celebration to christen the Crew is making signifi- and using old telephone new bridge will be held. (De- cant progress on repairing poles to span the center gap tails will be announced on a severely damaged stream with planking laid across as nynjtc.org and in E-Walker.) crossing over Seely Brook in a roadway. That worked fine This project will take a lot Goosepond Mountain State for a while, but that wooden of time and effort on the part Park in Chester, N.Y. This roadway had become totally of the LDTC volunteers, so all crossing on the Highlands deteriorated and has been re- help is welcome. Our experi- Trail is an old, double-arch moved. We are in the process enced crew and crew leaders stone bridge that has been of encasing the deteriorated are eager to teach volunteers breached. stone arches in concrete, fill- of all abilities the skills need- There have been many at- ing in the gap, and finishing ed to build hiking trails. Find tempts to keep the passage- up with a crushed stone sur- out more at bit.ly/tc-ldtc. way open, like adding rubble face. Upon its completion, a Marty Costello, LDTC member

Building, Maintaining, and Promoting Trails SONA MASON 1 3 5 BRAYDEN DONNELLY BRAYDEN

VICTORIA WELCH 2 4 HANK OSBORN

HEATHER DARLEY VICTORIA WELCH DAVE WEBBER 6 7 8 9 10 BOB JONAS BOB

ANDREA MINOFF Sweet Water Trail Crew restoring trails at Sloan easier to walk. This season on the 1leader Connor Moriarty Gorge Preserve, seen here, commit- 9Appalachian Trail wrote about his season and building a scenic loop tee members, the southern At the Clearwater reroute on Bear Mountain, working to reroute the trail at Platte Clove Pre- trailhead of the longest 7Festival at Croton the Megalithic Trail Crew waterfall section of the serve in the Catskills. trail in Harriman State Point Park in Westchester has worked on what Crew Vista Loop Trail in Ramapo Park is now graced with County, N.Y., on June 17 Leader Tim Palumbo has Valley County Reservation Our loyal supporters this beautiful new sign. and 18, several volunteers, lovingly dubbed “The on our website. Check it 4are invited to attend The Suffern-Bear Mountain including Rose Bonanno, Impossible Staircase.” out at bit.ly/tc-swtc-17. monthly hikes and work Trail is more visible for pictured, spread the word Read about the (totally project tours as a thank hikers to find and enjoy. about all the ways the Trail doable) project at bit.ly/ Our Taconic Trail Crew you for helping protect the Conference helps people tc-mtcis. 2is working hard to trails we all love. August’s Central North Jersey get outside. improve trails in Hudson Member Hike explored the 6Trails Co-chair Estelle The Nor’westers Highlands State Park. This A.T. in Sterling Forest State Anderson tackled a Orange and Rockland 10Trail Crew improved season was spent con- Park, featured Cat Rocks, drainage problem on the 8County Appalachian a stream crossing on the structing stone stairs on pictured, and ended at the Grand Loop Trail in the Trail Chair Storm (a.k.a. Blueberry Run Trail in the Highlands Trail and on Bellvale Farms Creamery in Jockey Hollow section of 2016 A.T. thru-hiker Moe Minnewaska State Park the Undercliff Trail. Warwick, N.Y. the Morristown National Lemire) hiked the section Preserve this summer. Pic- Historical Park, making of the A.T. he oversees in tured are volunteers Jim The Rockalaka Trail Thanks to the Suffern this popular pedestrian/ July and shared a little Gebhard, Ernie Gehrer, Don 3Crew split their season 5Boy Scout Troop 21 equestrian trail much trail magic along the way. Cohen, and Karol Wojnar. 10 | Fall 2017 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org Supporting the Trail Conference Mission and Vision, Today and for Years to Come

In 2011, longtime Trail Con- giving back to the trails they financial resources that are Legacy Fund to better carry ference members and sup- love through volunteer service lessening that vulnerability.” out the Trail Conference’s mis- porters John and Marianne and financial gifts to the Trail John notes that even though sion. The principal is invested, Gunzler inaugurated the Trail Conference for decades. John the work of the Trail Confer- and a portion of the annual Conference’s Legacy Fund has been an active member of ence is accomplished largely revenues are being used to with a very generous gift of the board of directors, serv- by volunteers, “those volun- support trail building, mainte- $100,000. Trails are a lifelong ing from 1999 to 2008, and teers must have staff support nance, and protection. passion for John and Mari- has continued to be a leading and an organization to be The Legacy Fund is a great anne; in fact, it was on a hike member of various commit- effective and accepted by park place to make a planned gift in Harriman State Park that tees. partners.” And as he looks at to support the Trail Confer- they first met 58 years ago. On “If you think, as I do,” says trends in the public financing ence’s second century of ser- their frequent hikes together John, “that the Trail Confer- long-term future. It’s a small, of parks, “there is going to be vice. For more information, since, they see firsthand the ence is a critical institution for often hand-to-mouth oper- more and more work for the contact Don Weise, Member- positive impact Trail Confer- making it possible to enjoy the ation that is vulnerable to Trail Conference to do.” ship and Development Direc- ence volunteers make on trails. outdoors in this region, you changing circumstances. The Additional gifts through- tor, at [email protected] or The Gunzlers have been should be concerned for its Legacy Fund is building the out the years have allowed the 201.512.9348, ext. 813.

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 and Development team at 201-512-9348.

ADK Long Island East Coast Greenway Alliance Mohonk Preserve Sierra Club Mid-Hudson Group http://www.adkli.org http://www.greenwaynj.org http://www.mohonkpreserve.org newyork.sierraclub.org/midhudson

ADK Mid-Hudson Chapter East Hampton Trails Preservation Morris County Park Commission Somers Land Trust www.midhudsonadk.org Society http://www.morrisparks.net http://somerslandtrust.org/ www.ehtps.org ADK Mohican Chapter Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club of South Mountain Conservancy Inc. http://www.adkmohican.org Flat Rock Brook Nature Association Greater New York, Inc. www.somocon.org www.flatrockbrook.org http://www.mosaic-gny.org/joomla/ ADK New York Chapter Southampton Trails Preservation www.adkny.org Friends Of Garret Mountain Musconetcong Mountain Society friendsofgarretmountain.blogspot.com Conservancy http://southamptontrails.org/ ADK North Jersey Ramapo Chapter http://mmc.nynjtc.org www.hudsonhikers.org Friends of Pelham Bay Park Storm King Adventure Tours http://www.pelhambaypark.org/ Nassau Hiking and Outdoor Club http://www.stormkingadventures.com Adventures for Women www.nassauhiking.org http://www.adventuresforwomen.org Friends of the Hackensack River SUNY Oneonta Outdoor Adventure Greenway in Teaneck Nelsonville Greenway Committee Club Alley Pond Environmental Center http://www.teaneckgreenway.org/ VillageofNelsonville.org www.oneonta.edu/outdoors http://www.alleypond.com/ Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct, New Jersey Highlands Coalition Tenafly Nature Center Association AMC Mohawk Hudson Chapter Inc. http://www.njhighlandscoalition.org/ www.tenaflynaturecenter.org http://www.amcmohawkhudson.org/ http://aqueduct.org/ New Jersey Search and Rescue Inc. The Catskill Center for Conservation Appalachian Mountain Club Friends Of The Shawangunks http://www.njsar.org & Development Mid-Atlantic Office http://shawangunks.org/ http://www.catskillcenter.org New York Alpine Club Bellvale School Friends of Van Cortlandt Park http://www.nyalpine.com The Highlands Natural Pool www.bruderhof.com/en/international- http://vancortlandt.org/ http://www.highlandsnaturalpool.org directory/united-states/bellvale New York City Audubon Frost Valley YMCA Society, Inc. The Nature Place Day Camp Black Rock Forest Consortium Inc. https://www.frostvalley.org www.nycaudubon.org http://thenatureplace.com/ http://www.blackrockforest.org/ German-American Hiking Club New York Ramblers The Outdoor Club, Inc. Boy Scout Troop 121-Hudson Valley http://gah.nynjtc.org/ http://www.nyramblers.org www.outdoorsclub.info Council Greener New Jersey Productions, Inc NYC Outward Bound Center The Storm King School Boy Scout Troop 8, Brooklyn http://www.greenernewjersey.org http://www.nycoutwardbound.org/ http://www.sks.org

Boy Scout Troop 21, Suffern Harmony Hall - Jacob Sloat House Protect Our Wetlands, Water & Woods Thendara Mountain Club http://www.friendsofharmonyhall.org (POWWW) www.thendaramountainclub.org Boy Scouts of America- http://box292.bluehost.com/ Northern NJ Council Hilltop Conservancy, Inc. ~powwworg Town of Lewisboro www.nnjbsa.org http://www.hilltopconservancy.org http://www.lewisborogov.com/ Protectors of Pine Oak Woods parksrec Canal Society of New Jersey Hudson Highlands Gateway Task www.siprotectors.org http://www.canalsocietynj.org/ Force TriState Ramblers http://www.TownofCortlandt.com Rip Van Winkle Hikers http://TSR.nynjtc.org/Schedules.html Catskill 3500 Club http://newyorkheritage.com/rvw http://www.catskill-3500-club.org Hudson River Valley Greenway University Outing Club http://www.hudsonrivervalley.com RPH Cabin Volunteers http://www.universityoutingclub.org Catskill Mountain Club rphcabin.org http://www.catskillmountainclub.org Hunterdon Hiking Club Urban Trail Conference, Inc. www.hunterdonhikingclub.org SAJ - Society for the Advancement www.urbantrail.org Chinese Mountain Club of New York of Judaism www.cmcny.org Interstate Hiking Club http://www.thesaj.org/ Valley Stream Hiking Club www.interstatehikingclub.org www.meetup.com/vshclub Church Communities Foundation - Salt Shakers Trail Running Club Platte Cove Community Lake Hopatcong Foundation http://www.saltshakersrun.com Wappingers Greenway Trail http://www.bruderhof.com/ www.lakehopatcongfoundation.org Committee Shelton’s Shooters Sussex Closter Nature Center Association Little Stony Point Citizens Association 4-H Club Westchester Trails Association www.closternaturecenter.org www.littlestonypoint.org http://www.westhike.org Shorewalkers Inc. Community Search and Rescue Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference http://www.shorewalkers.org WWW http://www.commsar.org http://www.ligreenbelt.org http://www.weishike.com/ Sierra Club Lower Hudson Group Discover Outdoors Long Path North Hiking Club http://www.sierraclub.org/atlantic/ Yeshiva University High School https://www.discoveroutdoors.com www.schoharie-conservation.org lower-hudson Outdoors Club nynjtc.org Fall 2017 | 11

Looking for more tips Find Your Next to get the most out of our interactive map? We’ve added additional instructions to help you Hike with Our take full advantage of all the features the hike finder offers at nynjtc. Interactive Map org/hike-finder-map.

transportation, links to avail- JEREMY APGAR cartographer able print and digital maps, and more. You can even grab a printable version of the de- Did you know that more than scription in the Let’s Go sec- 400 hike descriptions and 350 tion, so that you can be sure to park descriptions are available have all the essential informa- on our website, and that you tion when you are out on the can find your next adventure trail. using an interactive map? With a free website account, To access this wealth of in- you can also save hikes to Your formation on your desktop Favorites and, after you have or mobile phone, visit nynjtc. gone on a hike, come back to org/hike-finder-map or sim- rate your experience and pro- ply click the green hiker icon vide a trip report. Our volun- at the top of any page on our teers appreciate hearing praise website. You can then use an for trails in great condition, interactive map to select hikes more, are available for you to concerns about trails needing and parks, or view all hikes adjust. You can also explore some help, and any issues with and parks in sortable lists. options right on the map by the descriptions or supporting The map allows you to zooming in and out of the maps, so these trip reports are search for a hike or park by Google-style interface. a simple way to get involved name, and/or use a variety of Once you have chosen and with our trail maintenance filters to narrow down your clicked on a hike, you can and improvement efforts. options. Want to find a moder- access a complete hike de- If you haven’t checked out YOUR PLANNED GIFT TO ate to strenuous loop hike, be- scription, photos of some key our improved website, be sure THE TRAIL CONFERENCE WILL: tween 5-9 miles in length, that features, written directions to visit soon and use these Help us protect trails and trail lands for future generations. has views and allows leashed to the trailhead and informa- great resources to plan your Preserve people’s connection to the natural world. dogs? These filters, and many tion about available public next trip out on the trails! Create a personal sense of responsibility for our wild places. Please consider including the Trail Conference in your will or as a beneficiary in an investment account or insurance policy today. You can make a bequest by sharing the following Trail Conference Staff Update sample language with your attorney: I bequeath to the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc., a Welcome New Manager. not-for-profit organization, with principal offices located at 600 Ramapo Will brings Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430, the sum of $______(or ______%) Catskill PC Alex 40 years of for its general unrestricted environmental conservation purposes. computer Alexander engineer- TO LEARN MORE AND GET MATERIALS, CONTACT: Bradley, ing and Catskill management experience to Don Weise, Development Director Program the position. He has previ- [email protected] | 201.512.9348 x813 Coordina- ously held computer design, to r, comes engineering, and software to the Trail Conference management positions for from Maine, where he several engineering firms. worked as trail specialist in He has a bachelor’s degree HIKERS’ MARKETPLACE Baxter State Park. Alex has from Rutgers College of Coming Soon: served on and led conser- Engineering and a master’s GO PLACES WITH TRAIL MAPS AND vation corps trail crews from New Jersey Institute BOOKS FROM THE TRAIL CONFERENCE Updated East across the country, and has of Technology. Will’s love worked as a crew leader and of the outdoors began as a Hudson Maps assistant regional steward at boy while spending sum- and Harriman Maine Coast Heritage Trust. mers with his grandfather He received an associate’s in Phoenicia, N.Y., in the Trails Book degree from Washington Catskills. County Community College The Trail Conference Publica- in adventure recreation and tions Committee is working tourism and GIS technol- Happy Trails to hard to complete revised ogy. He graduated from editions of two popular the University of Maine Catskill PC Doug titles. The 12th edition of with a bachelor’s degree in Get the complete set of trail the East Hudson Trails map environmental recreation Catskill set, showing more than 150 tourism management with a Program maps at one great, low price! miles of trails in the New York concentration in recreation Coordina- Our map combo offers Highlands east of the Hudson and natural resources. Alex tor Doug all of our high-quality River, will contain several enjoys hiking, kayaking, and Senter- Trail Conference biking and looks forward to man important trail updates. It will has maps at a discount also include trail mileages di- pursuing these activities in left the Trail Conference to rectly on the front of the map, the Catskills and Hudson pursue his own construction (members get an a feature requested by many Valley. and contracting business. additional discount). of our map users. The fourth Doug started volunteering Save big on shipping edition of the Harriman Trails with the Trail Conference charges! guidebook—the definitive Will Steps as a boy, joined the staff in guide and history to trails in 2015, and has now stepped Find it on our online Harriman and Bear Moun- Into New Role into the role of volunteer store under Combos. tain state parks—will include Catskills Lean-to Chair. He many trail updates, as well as After serving as Trail was the recipient of the Wil- newly discovered historical Conference Buildings and liam Hoeferlin Award for VISIT nynjtc.org/shop photos and additional scenic Grounds Manager for nearly exemplary service in 2013. OR CALL 201-512-9348 photos. Both are expected to two years, Will Smith has We thank Doug for all of his be available before the end of stepped into the new role contributions and wish him Find all of our publications and select trail guides from the year or in early 2018, so of Information Systems the best of luck. others at nynjtc.org, and get your member discount! stay tuned for more details. 12 | Fall 2017 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org Two Streams and a Dream FRED STERN FDR State Park is the largest building projects to open in- park in the Town of Yorktown accessible areas of the park for in New York’s Westchester the public to enjoy. In addition County, featuring a popular FEATURED to the ongoing work of the swimming pool and picnic ar- Friends, Jane supervised vol- eas, as well as a lake for fishing unteers from the Westchester and more secluded woodlands Mountain Biking Association for exploring. Creating great- HIKE and the Pleasantville MTB er access and connecting the Team, who built a 70-foot park to the Yorktown business boardwalk. She mentored Boy area via an abandoned rail bed Scout Eric Fitzgerald, whose was a dream of Regional Di- Details Eagle project was building a rector of New York State Parks 20-foot bridge over the inlet Taconic Region Linda Coo- Trail: Crom Pond Trail stream of Crom Pond. And she Volunteers, park staff, and officials who helped make the per, who previously served as Park: FDR State Park, directed volunteers from the Crom Pond Trail possible attended the opening ceremony.

Yorktown town supervisor. Westchester County, N.Y. Trail Conference, including PHOTOS: JANE DANIELS Long-time residents and active Difficulty: Easy the Westchester Trail Tramps Trail Conference volunteers Length: 2 miles trail crew, as well as Conserva- Jane and Walt Daniels had Dogs: Allowed on leash tion Corps members, in build- an even larger goal: Connect ing a 32-foot outlet bridge with Features: Bikes Yorktown’s 25-mile trail sys- a 50-foot boardwalk on the tem surrounding the Tacon- allowed; fees north side and a 25-foot ramp ic State Parkway to FDR and on the south side. On July 29, beyond. With the opening of the completion of the outlet a new trail connection in July, build two bridges and a board- bridge and this inspired trail significant progress has been walk in the wooded area in the project was celebrated with a made in achieving these goals. east and southeast sections of ribbon-cutting ceremony. Two factors helped jump- FDR. From the beginning, Without so many groups start the Crom Pond Trail Jane realized that the Friends pitching in, this highly antic- project: The Trail Conference would need help with such ipated trail connection could Trail Conference member Bob Gurian worked on the bridge. maintains trails in FDR, and an ambitious project—so she not have been made. Thanks Jane is president of Friends of rallied her trail friends. are due to everyone who FDR State Park. In 2013, the Over the next four years, helped. Many hands do make For a full hike description of the Crom Pond Trail in latter received a federal Recre- almost 90 people became light work, even if it involves FDR State Park, visit bit.ly/tc-cpt-fdr. ational Trails Program grant to involved in multiple trail- moving rocks and lumber.

Bill Doller, Friend of FDR member, was one of nearly 90 volunteers who helped with this trail project.

Support trails, parks, and open Join/Renew Trail Conference Membership We maintain more than 2,100 miles of trails. Your membership helps us provide space in the region by joining access to open space for everyone. the New York-New Jersey Included with membership: Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases at many outdoor stores, and 25% discount on Trail Conference maps and books and 10% discount on logo goods purchased directly from the Trail Conference. Trail Conference. Save time and a tree by joining or renewing online at nynjtc.org. MEMBERSHIP TYPE The Trail Conference maintains more than 2,100 miles of Select one: Join Renew Membership # if available ______trails, advocates for parks, protects open space, and provides volunteer service opportunities in the great outdoors. Individual Joint Regular $40 $50 Your membership supports the trails you love and gives you Sponsor $75 $90 these additional benefits: Benefactor $150 $200 25% Discount on Trail Conference books and maps when Senior (65+) $35 $40 purchased directly from the Trail Conference. Get a 10% A joint membership is for two adults residing at the same address. discount on Trail Conference logo goods. Visit nynjtc.org/shop. For my membership of $60 or more, send me a: Great Discounts at supporting outdoor retailers and Trail Conference Hat OR Harriman-Bear Mountain Map Set other businesses. See our full list of partners at nynjtc.org/ retail-partners. To purchase a gift membership, call 201-512-9348, ext. 828.

Free Enrollment in our Trail University introductory courses. Name ______Address ______Workshops and Seminars on trail maintenance and City ______State ______Zip ______construction, leadership training, wilderness first aid, Day Phone ______Evening Phone ______environmental monitoring, GPS operation, and more. Find Email ______details at nynjtc.org/trailu. Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard American Express Access to a wide range of volunteer opportunities on- and Card # ______Expiration Date: ______/ ______off-trail. Check out nynjtc.org/volunteer. Make check or money order payable to the NY-NJ Trail Conference and mail to: 600 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ, 07430. Join now at nynjtc.org/membership. Trail Conference Trail

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