MAINTAINING 2,144 MILES OF TRAILS IN NY AND NJ

NYNJTC.ORG WINTER 2017 TRAIL WALKER

NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE • CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE SINCE 1920

VOLUNTEER AWARDS Connecting with Nature STEVE AARON Is Easier Than Ever Before with the New NYNJTC.org The New York-New Jersey everyone is encouraged to Celebrating Trail Conference is proud to share their thoughts on their announce the launch of the favorite spots with fellow hik- Extraordinary newly redesigned nynjtc.org ers at the bottom of each park, and the migration of our lega- hike, and destination page. Service to cy databases to a customer relationahip management Easy Tools to Give Back Local Trails (CRM) system fully integrat- ed with our website. The up- Because trails are built, main- The hard work and dedication dated website is the digital tained, and protected by the of Trail Conference volunteers version of walking through same outdoor-loving people is unparalleled. Yet their work the door at our Darlington who enjoy them, we’ve made goes unnoticed by the ma- Schoolhouse headquarters— finding opportunities to give jority of people who benefit all the information you need back as simple as finding a from their service—which, to prepare for your next ad- hike on the new nynjtc.org. when you think about it, isn’t venture on the trails is right at Through the Take Action pan- necessarily a bad thing. your fingertips. The website is el in the menu, discover ways When done right, with skill fully integrated with our new to volunteer, attend an event, and passion, trail construction CRM system to provide our accessibility using this power- to the most popular plac- learn about our programs, do- and maintenance—as well as members and volunteers a bet- ful tool as your guide. es to hike, picnic, and swim nate, or become a Trail Con- facilities management and ter experience interacting with The Trail Conference has throughout the region—were ference member. Explore the website development, two the Trail Conference while further developed its Hiking created to provide education many ways you can contribute other areas of expertise volun- creating a simplified and Resources on the new nynjtc. on what makes these spots so to the work our thousands of teers provide the Trail Confer- modern platform for efficient org as a one-stop-shop to find special and how visitors’ sus- volunteers do to connect peo- ence—become nearly invisible, operation of the organization. the information needed to pre- tainable decision-making helps ple with nature, all in one place. fading into the landscape to The website’s fresh, clean pare for a safe, enjoyable expe- protect these important areas. Similarly, all essentials for allow people the opportunity look has been designed to work rience outside. Additionally, Of course, we want your on- Trail Conference registered us- to connect with nature. beautifully on any device. New Destination Guides—guides the-ground feedback, too— ers, members, and volunteers On Nov. 5, the Trail Confer- tools make everything from are now organized in the My ence pulled back the curtain, researching your next hike to Backpack panel of the menu. so to speak, on the remarkable finding volunteer opportuni- Made by Volunteers good deeds in the field. Through My Dashboard, regis- efforts of our volunteers and ties easier than ever before. Led by Committee Chair tered users can see and review partners who have gone above As with everything the Trail Mary Dooman, volunteers comments, resources such as and beyond in the service of New Ways to Plan Conference does, the launch Doug Cleek, Walter Daniels, forms and reports applicable to trails at the annual Volunteer Your Trip of the new nynjtc.org and Russell Dooman, David specific roles, reference docu- Awards at Ramapo College of integrated database would Klatt, John Magerlein, and ments, donation information, New Jersey in Mahwah, N.J. When you visit the new not have been possible William Roehrig, and staff and event registrations. The The inspiring bios of the 19 nynjtc.org, you’ll be invited without the hard work of members Jeremy Apgar and much-anticipated online re- honorees who have dedicat- to get outdoors through the our incredibly dedicated Amber Ray were integral porting feature, which will al- ed themselves to building, Trail and Park Finder. Choose volunteers. Since 2015, the to the entire process, from low volunteers to record their maintaining, and protecting from more than 700 trails and Technology Committee selecting Wanna Pixel as our hours and file their trail reports trails and trail lands—includ- parks throughout the greater has been focused on the web consultants and work- via the website, will roll out in ing a tribute to Jakob Franke New York metropolitan area redesign, upgrade, and ing side-by-side with their the coming months. (above), our dear friend who with this interactive map. Use migration of these systems, team, to coordinating with We aim to make nynjtc.org received the Trail Confer- filters to find parks, hikes, and the digital lifeblood of the staff and volunteers, to see- your go-to resource for every- ence’s highest honor just destinations according to your Trail Conference that allows ing the project through to thing trail-related in region. days before he unexpectedly interests, or search by features us to accomplish all of our completion—and beyond. Check it out, and let us know passed away—can be found such as location, difficulty, and what you think! on pages 4-5.

VOLUME XLIV, NUMBER 1 ISSN 0749-1352 WHAT’S INSIDE:

Overused Trails of the Ramapo Mountains to Undergo Major Upgrades page 3

People for Trails: A Kiosk 2016 Look Back/2017 Is Built, Breakneck Is Map Talk: Why Are All Look Ahead Beautified, and More of the Trails Red? pages 6-7 page 8 page 11 2 | Winter 2017 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org

New Exhibit: Art If You Go AMBER RAY What: Erik Garnjost solo exhibition by Crew Leader When: Open Jan. 18 through April 27 during regular Trail Conference hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Erik Garnjost Monday through Friday. Where: Trail Conference Headquarters, 600 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah, N.J. Details: An opening reception is scheduled for the evening of Trail Conference Set to Jan. 20 from 6-8 p.m. Improve Popular NY Trails at Trail Conference Headquarters. The Trail Conference has received two planning grants from “Tallman Mountain” the New York State Environmental Protection Fund through the Regional Economic Development Council awards. Nearly Artist Erik Garnjost, crew $48,000 has been granted to the Trail Conference for the leader for the Long Distance Exhibition Erik Garnjost completion of the Trails for People project on Bear Mountain Trails Crew, has been chosen Openings Opens Jan. 18 in Rockland County, which includes plans for rehabilitating a by the Art Selection Commit- Closes April 27 historic structure (above), upgrading the remaining sections tee for a solo exhibition open- and Closings of the Bear Mountain trail network, and building a connector ing in January at Trail Confer- Joyce Kilmer trail between the Suffern-Bear Mountain and Appalachian ence Headquarters. Don’t miss these exhibi- Elementary Show trails. The Trail Conference was awarded another EPF grant, More than 20 years ago, Erik tions at Trail Conference Opens beginning of May about $17,000, to create a plan that would rehabiliate was painting in the mountains Headquarters: Closes Memorial Day overused trail sections in John Boyd Thacher State Park in of Colorado and the canyons Albany County. Read more about these exciting projects at of Utah and Arizona, forming Discovering the Mixed Media of bit.ly/tc-epf16. his personal style in the back- Long Path: New York’s Flowers Show country. This is where, he says, Greatest Trail Opens June “the amazing calm … slapped Closes Jan. 13 Closes September you in the face.” He has am- Thanks SUEZ ple experience with plein air Mahwah Regional Cham- painting, including hiking into to Our ber of Commerce the Grand Canyon with his The Hillburn Granite equipment and coming out Corporate Company, Inc. days later with several com- L.L. Bean pleted works. Sponsors Butler Sign Company A move to the East Coast Inserra Shop-Rite offered new scenery for his Without the generous Supermarkets, Inc. painting, sometimes only af- support of our corporate TD Bank ter a long search for the vista sponsors, the Trail Patagonia Service Center that “demands to be paint- Conference would be Putnam Tourism Corp. ed.” His involvement with unable to make such a Putnam County the Trail Conference inspires huge impact in creating Visitor’s Bureau, Inc. him to paint what he sees safe, enjoyable trail Boiling Springs Savings on trails throughout the Low- experiences for everyone. Bank er Hudson Valley and the In addition to our retail Dutchess Tourism Inc. Catskills. Erik now lives in partners (find the full list Whole Foods Market Minuteman Press Nyack, N.Y., with his family. “South Bear Mountain Relocation #1” at bit.ly/tc-rp), we’d like Brendan Cunningham to thank our friends in Fairfield Inn & Suites — the business community Mahwah, N.J. who have made significant Tuxedo Park School AURIC Information TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970- Board of Directors contributions to support 100) (ISSN: 0749-1352) is published Edward Saiff Chair the Trail Conference’s Packaging quarterly by the New York-New Patricia Wooters Vice Chair work: Ramsey Outdoor Jersey Trail Conference as a benefit Rick Levine Treasurer R&S Landscaping of membership. Subscriptions are Daniel Hoberman Counsel available to libraries only at $15 Google Trow & Holden Company a year. Periodical postage paid at Directors Tuxedo Hudson Orange County Chris Connolly John Magerlein Mahwah, N.J., and additional mailing TRAIL WALKER Management Community College offices. Postmaster: Send address Walt Daniels Ken Posner Mary Dooman Beth Ravit changes to the address below. Volume XLIV, No. 1 Winter 2017 Company Entergy Andy Garrison Jeff Senterman REI Market Basket 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 federation of member Executive Director clubs and individuals dedicated Joshua Howard Opinions expressed by the authors do to providing recreational hiking Deputy Executive Director not necessarily represent the policy opportunities in the region, and Don Weise or position of the Trail Conference. representing the interests and concerns Development Director Submissions for print consideration of the hiking community. The Trail Mary Perro are welcome. Any unsolicited material Conference is a volunteer-directed public Operations & Finance Manager accepted for print may be edited service organization committed to: Linda Rohleder for style and length. Submission • Developing, building, and maintaining Land Stewardship Director deadlines for TRAIL WALKER are Jan. hiking trails. 15 (Spring issue), May 15 (Summer • Protecting hiking trail lands through For a full list of staff, visit issue), Aug. 15 (Fall issue), Nov. 15 support and advocacy. nynjtc.org/about-us (Winter issue). For information on • Educating the public in the responsible advertising rates, please write or call. use of trails and the natural environment. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a volunteer, non- email: [email protected] profit 501 (c)(3) organization. It is a Printed on recycled content paper editorial email: [email protected] federation of more than 100 outdoor website: www.nynjtc.org PLEASE RECYCLE TRAIL WALKER groups and 10,000 individuals.

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation Trail Walker is a quarterly paper published by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, 600 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. The editor and managing editor is Amber Ray, at the same address. The annual subscription price is $15; contact person is Amber Ray; telephone number is 201.512.9348. The tax status of the organization has not changed during the preceding 12 months. As of the filing date of October 10, 2016, the average number of copies of each issue during the preceding 12 months was 12,700; the actual number of copies of the single issue published nearest to the filing date was 12,800. The paper has a total paid and/or requested circulation of 6,084 (average) and 6,151 (actual, most recent issue). The free distribution for the 12 months preceding the filing date was 5,915 (average) and 6,026 (actual, most recent issue). The total average distribution was 11,999; the actual distribution of the single issue published nearest to the filing date was 12,177.

This information is reported on U. S. Postal Service Form 3526 and here as required by 39 USC 3685. nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Winter 2017 | 3

FROM THE ther into the park. After years change and heavy visitor traffic More Trail Crews = of use from an increasing vol- This exciting, throughout the 21st century. EXECUTIVE Better Trails ume of such visitors, many of multi-year initiative Improving the most impacted DIRECTOR these trails need repair, and in will engage thousands portions of the trail networks some cases, redesign and con- of volunteers and in the Reservation will signifi- struction. cantly enhance the overall out- I’ve always felt that every park are well- The Ramapo Mountains hundreds of trained door experience they provide with a trail network should known for Trail Fund will support trail builders to to the public. have its own trail crew ca- their wealth trail improvements in the develop sustainable The Trail Conference is al- pable of tackling the heavy- of trails, Ramapo Reservation and ad- and appealing trails. ways seeking ways to provide duty and technical work that including joining properties that sur- much-needed resources to is beyond the bounds of reg- those at round our new headquar- Goodell keep trails and our public lands ular trail maintenance. This is Ramapo Val- ters in Mahwah, N.J. The open, safe, and enjoyable. The even more true in an era when ley County donation stipulates that the grant from the Froelich Foun- increasing numbers of trail Reservation. Area residents fund is to be matched by pub- dation is a good model for users and erosive rain events and visitors alike come to the lic and/or private funds to engaging trail users and park are taking a toll on our trails. Reservation by the thousands triple the total amount avail- trail building and stewardship supporters to create safer and So, I’m particularly pleased to experience the distinctive able. We hope to get a por- techniques while engaging more sustainable trail systems that the William Froelich features and vistas that these tion of the match from Bergen and teaching community vol- for all to enjoy. Foundation has donated trail systems make accessible. County and the remainder unteers. $150,000 to the Trail Confer- More and more, people are from users and supporters This exciting, multi-year ence to establish a Ramapo looking for quick loop hikes of the area trails. The funds initiative will involve thou- Mountains Trail Fund for just that they can fit into their busy will support a seasonal trail sands of volunteers and hun- this purpose. schedules. As a result, the trails crew as part of our successful dreds of trained trail builders The Ramapo Mountains in the Reservation closest to Conservation Corps model, to develop sustainable and Edward Goodell in northeastern New Jersey the parking area are used more which trains future conser- appealing trails built to with- Executive Director and southeastern New York heavily than other trails fur- vation leaders by teaching stand the stresses of climate [email protected]

Critical Link for JOSHUA HOWARD Trails Preserved on Shawangunk Ridge JAKOB FRANKE The Trail Conference’s Long Path and Conservation com- mittees work hard to secure a green corridor for our long distance trails before inappro- priate development alters the experience along the Long Path, Shawangunk Ridge, and Highlands trails forever. The latest victory is a key 7.8-acre abandoned rail bed on the western slope of the Sha- wangunk Ridge near Wurts- boro, N.Y. Combined with other parcels the Trail Confer- Another key piece of the Shawangunks is now preserved. Long-Awaited Long Pond ence purchased in 2002 that connect the Bashakill Wild- New York State Department of One of the most instrumen- Ironworks Bridge Restores life Management Area with Environmental Conservation. tal people in this process, An- Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest, Credit goes to our dedicat- dy’s fellow Long Path Chair Highlands Trail Crossing the preserved area now totals ed volunteer Andy Garrison, and Conservation Committee 21 acres and creates a protect- Long Path Chair, who devotes Chair Jakob Franke, passed After years of effort, a 70-foot bridge at Long Pond ed corridor that will move the a virtually unquantifiable away in November. “Jakob Ironworks State Park was built to restore access to the co-aligned Long Path and SRT amount of time tracking down and I worked together for the Highlands Trail, Hasenclever Iron Trail, and Sterling Ridge off of a 2-mile road walk. potential land parcels, contact- past 12 years, and he inspired Trail. Over the second and third weeks of November, Trail Preserving long distance ing land owners, and reviewing many—including me,” Andy Conference volunteers and staffers, along with Marlboro trails is no easy task—it took the trajectory of the Long Path. says. “He will be missed very Mountain Construction LLC and Tahawus Trails LLC, braved 14 years for all the pieces to “It’s been over 20 years since much.” Read the full tribute to wet and rainy conditions to help with the construction of the come together to create this the Trail Conference has been Jakob on page 5. long-awaited bridge. The bridge replaces the crossing that critical link. Conserving open actively preserving land along Andy has since stepped into was washed away during Hurricane Irene in 2011 and ren- space often requires months the Long Path,” Andy says. the role of Conservation Com- dered the Highlands Trail impassable. Thanks in large part of negotiation with land own- “Nearly everyone involved at mittee Chair and will contin- to their efforts, the massive replacement bridge is in place, ers, due diligence costs, and the beginning has moved on, ue the good work of pursuing and hikers can once again explore the historic district safely. the transfer of these parcels to but this very important work more undeveloped land on be- Expect an official ribbon-cutting this spring. state land managers such as the needs to continue to be done.” half of our trails.

Trail Conference to Participate in Rock the SONA MASON SONA Ridge, Raise Funds for Land Conservation

The Trail Conference will adjacent lands in New York’s endurance event that is acces- Mohonk Preserve or oth- participate as a fundraising Shawangunk Mountains, an sible to a wide range of par- er causes such as the Trail partner in Rock the Ridge, the area that the Nature Conser- ticipants, including not only Conference’s conserva- 50-mile endurance challenge vancy has identified as “one ultra-runners, but also hik- tion efforts. Learn more at that will take place for the of the Earth’s last great plac- ers and walkers. Participants rocktheridge50.org. To join fifth year on May 6. Rock the es.” The 24-hour time lim- commit to raising a mini- the Trail Conference team, Ridge is a 50-mile race held it and carefully maintained mum of $250 in charitable enter the code “NYNJTC” on the Mohonk Preserve and carriage roads make it an donations in support of the during registration. 4 | Winter 2017

DISTINGUISHED MAJOR WILLIAM A. WELCH SERVICE AWARD 2016 TRAIL CONFERENCE AWARDS TRAIL PARTNER AWARD Recognizing significant service Recognizing those outside the or a special achievement by Trail Conference—for example, Trail Conference volunteers. state, federal, or local agency partner officials—who have given long and/or significant assistance to the local hiking HONORING OUR community. VOLUNTEERS

Pasquale “Pat” Marcotullio, nominated by Mary Perro AND PARTNERS A long-time member and supporter of the Trail Confer- The Trail Conference Annual Awards are given ence, Pat joined the Buildings and Grounds Committee in by the Board of Directors upon recommendation by staff 2015. Pat has put his facilities Evan Thompson, nominated management experience to and volunteers. The following people, who have by John Magerlein good use by working to make made outstanding contributions to trails As the Trail Conference our headquarters at the Dar- has worked to improve and lington Schoolhouse energy and the Trail Conference, were honored on Nov. 5 at the expand the trail network efficient and by helping to de- in Hudson Highlands and velop the building’s Facilities Volunteer Recognition and Trail Symposium Fahnestock state parks, Evan Management & Operations at Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah, N.J. has been an outstanding Plan. Thank you for using your collaborator for all trail-relat- extensive facilities management ed activities. Evan designed, experience at Trail Conference built, and installed trailhead Headquarters at the Darlington signage throughout these Schoolhouse. parks, which has made it much easier for people to find the trailheads. He commu- nicates frequently about trail plans and is always willing to help out when needed. Thank you for your enthusi- astic collaboration with trail projects in Hudson Highlands and Fahnestock state parks.

Steve Reiss, nominated by David & Monica Day As an avid member of the West Jersey Trail Crew, Steve is known for “going all out.” Often before being asked, Steve is on hand with the right PAUL LEIKIN EXTRA tion—and beyond. Commit- system when it launches. tool to carry out even the most MILE AWARD tee members are: Jeremy Apgar and Amber strenuous tasks. Whether the Recognizing those volunteers Mary Dooman, committee Ray make major contribu- job is small or large, his can- who have demonstrated chair and an extraordinary tions to all aspects of the de- do attitude makes his contri- exceptional commitment to project manager, has kept sign and content, far beyond butions to the crew invaluable. projects such as a book, map, the project moving and on what their official duties as Joshua Osowski, nominated Thank you for your infallible or advocacy. target. staff members calls for. by Howard Liebmann can-do attitude performing Doug Cleek is an overall Walter Daniels provides An eagerness for collaboration trail work with the West Jersey Technology Committee, design expert who works to full-time technical knowl- makes Josh a pleasure to work Trail Crew. nominated by ensure our Google rankings edge, which has been critical with. He quickly responds Edward Goodell are retained and that all the to the success of the project. to questions and requests to Since 2015, the Technology Google ads continue to work John Magerlein provides provide letters of support for Committee has worked on through the transition. critical, high-level guidance grants, organizes committees the redesign and upgrade of Russell Dooman is the and leadership. to help guide Trail Confer- the Trail Conference web- database expert who ensures David Klatt contributes ence projects, and makes site and database. The Tech all information is correctly new content pages and pro- sure materials are available to Committee has coordinated moved to the new platform. vides advice on user experi- complete a project, making the entire process, from se- William Roehrig under- ence design. him a strong partner in North lecting the web consultants, stands the code and theming Thank you for shepherding the Jersey. to working closely with staff issues and works to make upgrade and redesign of the Thank you for providing sup- and volunteers, to seeing the sure that the Trail Confer- Trail Conference’s website and port with vision and a collabo- project through to comple- ence can maintain the new database. rative spirit to trail volunteers in New Jersey. Bill and Linda Taggart, nominated by Howard Liebmann Champions of the outdoors, Symposium Addresses

Bill and Linda have been AMBER RAY sharing their love of trails as Successes, Challenges volunteers of the Trail Con- ference since 2007. They are At our first-ever Trail Symposium on Nov. 5, Trail Conference members of the West Jersey volunteers and partners participated in workshops, attended Trail Crew, serve as maintain- site visits, and joined panel discussions on the changing needs ers in Swartswood State Park, of trail users. From left, Melissa Abramson, Manager of REI Out- and assist with fact-checking door Programs and Outreach, Richard Zayas, Breakneck Ridge Hike of the Week. Trail Steward, Brandee Chapman, New Jersey State Trails Coor- Thank you for sharing your dinator, and Chris Connolly, North Jersey Trails Chair, discussed love of the outdoors as mem- the ways in which easier access to info, changing demograph- bers of the West Jersey Trail ics, and a diverse interest in trail use has challenged them to Crew and maintainers in develop sustainable, long-lasting trails and trail programs. Swartswood State Park. nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Winter 2017 | 5

WILLIAM HOEFERLEIN AWARD PEOPLE FOR TRAILS Recognizing Trail Conference volunteers who have demonstrated exemplary service to trail maintenance, management, and/or trail land protection. TIM PALUMBO Manasquan, N.J. ASHTYN ELIZONDO Last spring I joined a program I admittedly knew little about. From hospitality worker to trail builder, living solo in an apartment on the West Coast to a group camp in the woods Fred Stern, Robert Fuller, Andrew Seirup, in New York, I knew some nominated by Mary Dodds nominated by the Long Dis- nominated by Kay Cynamon major changes were in store. With a smile on his face, tance Trails Crew members Since 2000, Andrew has been Can I successfully get the Fred can typically be found A member of the Trail Con- active on our trails and as a job done? Would feelings of working on trails throughout ference since 1980, Bob has leader within the organiza- vulnerability and doubt seep the Hudson Highlands or in held many volunteer posi- tion. He is currently serving in? Will I be tired and sore the many parks of West- tions with the organization. as the East Hudson Local every day? Will I be able to chester County. Whether He began working as a main- Trail Committee Chair, over- build friendships with my he’s working with trail crews tainer, and became a member seeing 150 miles of trails. fellow crew members? Will or teaching Trail University of the Long Distance Trails As a crew chief at Wonder I be the oldest person there? building 16 square feet courses, Fred is well-known Crew (LDTC) in 2013. The Lake, he planned and led The answer to all of these of crib stairs, or walking for his leadership in the following year, Bob was a trail-building team. For questions was indeed “yes,” 15 miles transporting region, including supervis- named a LDTC crew leader. four years, he was involved however these six months materials. It was a blast. ing corridor monitors on the By 2015, he was serving as with planning and building will leave an imprint on me Over the course of the Appalachian Trail and main- chair of the West Hudson a 6-mile extension of the for the rest of my life. season, you learn a lot. This tainers in Hudson Highlands Regional Trails Council. Bob South Taconic Trail, which The Trail Conference is not the “sit at a desk and State Park. can always been found speak- opened in 2015. His effective Conservation Corps listen to a lecture” learning Thank you for leading and ing with hikers, educating leadership is illustrated by generously teaches and environment—it is very pitching in on numerous them on the work of the Trail his crew’s insistence that he houses a lucky group of hands-on. As crucial as trail projects throughout Conference, and encouraging lead more projects; he is now individuals who desire to learning trail construction the Hudson Highlands and them to join in the fun. running work trips through- learn trail-building skills. skills is, learning about Westchester. Thank you for sharing your out the region. Combining brains and yourself is just as, if not love of trails, trail building, Thank you for demonstrating brawn, determination more, important. It had and the outdoors with trail a love of trail work and shar- and dedication, many of been a long time since volunteers and the public. ing that enthusiasm. these seeming impossible I had been proud of trails become reality. I was myself and felt a sense of assigned to the Megalithic accomplishment. To be able Trail Crew, working on one to feel like you fit in, are of the longest, oldest hiking making a mark, and leaving Remembering Tireless Volunteer trails ever constructed. We a legacy is something would be rerouting a section everyone should get to and Trails Advocate Jakob Franke of the Appalachian Trail on experience. the upper east face of Bear As dramatic as this

MARTY COSTELLO Mountain in New York; let sounds, building a structure Jakob Franke, a remarkable the fun commence! that will last hundreds volunteer and leader who Any idea what a McLeod of years is something dedicated himself to the Trail is? How about a rock bar special. Thanks to the Trail Conference’s mission for near- or grip hoist? I had no Conference Conservation ly a quarter century, died on clue before joining the Corps and its dedicated Nov. 10. He was 75. Corps. However, with some managers, leaders, fellow Jakob’s influence extended phenomenal training and crew members, and beyond his passion for trails instruction, crew members instructors, I find myself and trail lands to the volun- utilized the tools of the trade with less questions and teers he recruited with his in ways we never thought more answers about my friendly, welcoming attitude possible. Who would have future. I now know there and infectious enthusiasm. He guessed how easy it is to is a place for me in the was awarded the Trail Confer- move a 1,000-pound piece trail-building community. ence’s highest honor, the Ray- of stone with a hoist and a I look forward to taking mond H. Torrey Award, just line? Before long, the flow what I have learned around five days before his passing. RAYMOND H. reroute and volunteered to be and routine of trail and the country, improving, His legacy will impact outdoor TORREY AWARD the camp cook, greeting the camp life takes over and and returning next season recreationists for generations crew with meals upon their re- your hard work becomes an even better builder and to come. The Trail turn to camp. Jakob and Gely more evident, you’re setting person. Cumberland Gap Beginning in 1992, when Confer- were given the Trail Confer- multiple stairs in a day, Trail, here I come! he helped construct the Sha- ence’s most ence’s Paul Leikin Extra Mile wangunk Ridge Trail, Jakob prestigious Award in 2014. had been a tireless advocate, award, given As chair of the Conserva- worker, and leader both on for significant tion Committee, Jakob worked VISIT US IN THE CATSKILLS! and off the trail. As chair of the and lasting contributions to preserve and protect land Long Path South, he was active that protect hiking trails for the future. He “walked the along that trail’s entire length, and the land upon which walk” when it came to protect- Hammo’s interacting effectively with su- they rest. ing the Palisades from the pro- BREW PUBSTAURANT/LODGE pervisors, maintainers, park posed outsized construction Craft beers: made by Ryan Fields managers, and other officials Jakob Franke, nominat- of LG headquarters. He was a Great food: made by Chef Steve to further the goals of the Trail ed by the Long Distance plaintiff in the lawsuit, a speak- Conference. He organized Trails Crew members er at meetings, and went door- Everyone welcome: Hikers, events and work trips from the to-door to educate the public. Mountains bikers, sportsmen, dogs, skiers, kids, and LGBTQ Shawangunks to the Palisades, Thank you for being a The loss of Jakob’s unwav- taking on major projects. trail ambassador and ering advocacy and leader- Transportation: charismatic leader Shuttle van available. Trailways The Long Path was Jakob’s ship is irreplaceable. He was bus nearby “baby,” and his wife Gely was whose friendly, wel- a tremendous member of the always right there with him, coming attitude helps Trail Conference family, and Hostel Rooms: $60 helping behind the scenes. The preserve land, build to merely say he will be missed Guest rooms with 2 full beds: midweek $75; weekend $125. pair even celebrated their wed- trails, and establish does not do justice to the im- “The best sleep I have ever had was on Hammo’s ding anniversary out on the relationships with land pact of his work with us. memory foam mattresses” trail. With smiles and good- managers and officials. Arrangements will be pri- will, Jakob planned, organized, vate but a memorial will be 39 County Route 65, Windham Hammosbrewpubandlodge.com and managed a 9-mile reroute planned in the spring. There (Hensonville), New York 518-734-6500 of the Long Path to get the are no further details at this trail off the road. Gely did trail time, and the family has asked One Free Sample of Four Craft Beers Per Table work for the Phoenicia, N.Y., for privacy. 6 | Winter 2017

In 2016, the Trail Conference served as the stewards of more than 2,100 miles of trails TRAIL CONFERENCE throughout the greater New York metropolitan area. The demand for the Trail Confer- ence’s services continues to grow as we provide the public with trail information, build 2016 LOOK BACK, and maintain trails, and act as advocates for trails and the lands they cross. Check out the achievements of our organization this last year and 2017 LOOK AHEAD see what’s to come.

IMPROVING TRAILS, REGION BY REGION

CATSKILLS EAST OF THE NEW JERSEY tackled trail assessment After years of effort, a 2016 HUDSON RIVER 2016 and improvement projects 70-foot bridge at Long Built and opened the first 2016 Expanded work on 25 across the entire 125-plus Pond Ironworks State section of the new Nature More than 15 miles of new miles of trail in miles of trail in New Jersey. Park was built to restore Trail at the Catskill new trail were adopted in Morristown National Their GPS inventory data access to the Highlands, Interpretive Center, Westchester County. Historical Park, partnering will be used to prioritize Hasenclever Iron, and which leads visitors to a The Taconic Trail Crew with the National Park future conservation and Sterling Ridge trails. scenic view. focused on maintenance Service to improve and improvement efforts. 2017 Carried materials up to of the Undercliff Trail and maintain this popular trail Ramapo Valley County Improve trailhead maps the 3,810-foot summit of a reroute of the Wilkin- network. Reservation received an and signage to facilitate Sugarloaf Mountain and son Trail near Breakneck The Ramapo Earth Crew, initial overhaul to its main safe, enjoyable hiking for constructed 80 feet of Ridge. Over 100 volun- comprised of college trail network, including a users of all experience new bog bridging along teers contributing more students, continued to new series of blazed loops. levels. the Devil’s Path. than 1,000 hours joined grow, contributing over This first phase was part of Enhance and promote Carried materials 5 miles the crew this season. 1,300 hours to projects a multi-year program to underused trail networks over Slide Mountain The Fahnestock Trail from the Delaware Water rebuild the trail system to to more evenly distribute (4,180 feet) to replace and Crew built the mile-long Gap to the Palisades. more modern, sustainable the increasing number of install over 160 feet of Hubbard Loop Trail in The Highlands Trail Crew standards. trail users. bog bridging on Cornell Fahnestock State Park. Mountain. Two new trail crews were Worked with the New established: the East Volunteer was back to Stokes for more York State Department Hudson Trail Crew and rock steps and sidehilling, of Environmental the Hudson Highlands Spotlight: as well as stepping stones Conservation to Trail Crew. West Jersey through a beaver-flooded construct two brand A youth initiative, intro- area. The crew wrapped up new lean-tos: ducing 71 high school Trail Crew the fall season in Worth- German Hollow and seniors to trails and ington State Forest, inau- Batavia Kill. trail maintenance, was In 2016, the West Jersey gurating work on an almost Seven additional lean-tos launched. Crew’s spring season fo- 1/2-mile-long relocation of were stained, protecting 2017 cused on Stokes State For- the Rock Cores Trail. them for years to come. Expand outreach in New est. We built a bridge on palachian Trail’s Stairway Thank you to all of the 2017 York City to improve the new Blue Mountain to Heaven in Wawayanda volunteers who worked as Replace Fox Hollow lean- trails in the five boroughs Loop Trail; added rock State Park, installing 19 ad- part of the crew in 2016. to in partnership with the and recruit volunteers steps, retaining walls, and ditional stone steps. And as always, a huge DEC. for needs throughout the turnpiking on a relocated This fall, the crew com- thank you to our New Jer- Assist with opening the region. section of the Stony Brook pleted the multi-year res- sey Department of Envi- soon-to-be-purchased Continue to identify trail Trail; and built a 22-step, toration/upgrade of the ronmental Protection part- “missing link” of the maintenance and trail timber-cribbed staircase in 900-foot-long boardwalk ners at the state parks, who Kaaterskill Rail Trail rail building priorities in Tillmans’ Ravine. The crew on the Cedar Swamp Trail consistently support our bed, providing access to Westchester, Dutchess, also spent a day on the Ap- in Wawayanda. Then it work. Monica and David Day the public. and Putnam counties.

WEST OF THE completed construction of Volunteer HUDSON RIVER 2.7 miles of the Redback/ 2016 Eagle multi-use trail loop Spotlight: The Long Distance Trails in Sterling Forest to serve Long Crew (LDTC) and Hudson hikers, equestrians, and Nor’Westers Trail Crew mountain bikers. Distance worked together to restore The Megalithic Trail Crew over 300 feet of trail at continued the construction Trails Crew Sam’s Point at Minnewaska of the upper east face A.T. State Park Preserve. Addi- reroute on Bear Mountain, Busy from March through tionally, the crews assisted leaving only 788 feet of trail December on the Appala- the park with restoration to build to reach Perkins chian Trail at Black Moun- Find reports from all of the Long Distance Trails efforts after the mas- Memorial Tower. Crew’s trips at longdistancetrailscrew.org. tain and Kloiber Field, sive wildfire that burned Secured a key 8 acres of un- on the Long Path at Long through the area in April. developed land in Sullivan Mountain, and at several training. Field is 700 feet of shallow The LDTC rerouted and County, enabling a mile of other sites, the Long Dis- Saying that major proj- S curves made of long-last- restored sections of the the Long Path to be routed tance Trails Crew was not ects now grace Black ing black locust. And the Long Path in Harriman and off the road in the future. too busy to break from its Mountain, Kloiber Field, new Long Path approach Tallman Mountain state 2017 schedule when a spring fire and Long Mountain does to the Torrey Memorial parks, and the Appalachian Preserve more land parcels swept across Sam’s Point. It little to tell why we’re proud. on Long Mountain switch- Trail (A.T.) in Harriman along the Highlands Trail was a privilege to help with Take a walk though, and es back across fall lines at and Sterling Forest state and Long Path. fire break mitigation and you’ll understand. The A.T. anchor points provided by parks. Build the final link for the then, later, to rehabilitate relocation on Black Moun- the mountain itself. The Long Path Trail Crew Highlands Trail reroute in the Verkeerder Kill Falls tain features a beautiful arc If this sounds interest- completed 4 miles of new Chester, N.Y. Trail. The crew contributed descending along a natural ing to you, join a crew or trails in the Shawangunk Continue/complete con- 7,300 total hours in 2016, berm to meet its original become a trail maintainer. Ridge State Forest, connect- struction of A.T. reroutes in including work, travel, ad- path 500 feet down trail. You won’t regret it. ing the Long Path to new Harriman-Bear Mountain. ministrative duties, and The bog bridge at Kloiber David Booth parking locations. Continue trail restoration The Palisades Trail Crew efforts at Sam’s Point. nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Winter 2017 | 7

TRAIL CONFERENCE CONSERVATION CORPS TRAIL AND SUMMIT STEWARDS

From Memorial Day through By the Numbers early fall, visitors to Breakneck Ridge, the Catskills, and Bear Mountain State Park 8,509 on weekends and holidays People assisted encountered Trail Conference from Memorial Day Trail and Summit Stewards through Columbus Day providing helpful outreach where Stewards were and information about park stationed throughout regulations, hiker safety, and the Catskills preparedness. In addition to readying hikers for their journeys, Stewards also helped 11,870 discourage and mitigate Hikers counted over misuse of trails and the the 18 days Stewards surrounding lands through were stationed at Bear their education and public Mountain Read more about the great accomplishments of our Corps crews at nynjtc.org. relations work. The expansion Find end of season reports from each crew under Trail News. of our 2016 Steward program was made possible through a 47,010 generous grant from REI. Hikers counted In 2016, the Trail Conference By the Numbers of Old Croton Aqueduct, In our third season at Memorial Day through Conservation Corps deployed Harriman State Park Group Breakneck Ridge, the Stewards Nov. 20 when Stewards five crews throughout the re- Camps, Henry Morgenthau welcomed and assisted an were stationed at gion: Invasive Strike Force 70.5 Preserve, Highlands Natural average of 1,000 hikers per Breakneck Ridge Crew, Highlands Trail Crew, acres of land improved Pool, Lower Hudson weekend day. For many Megalithic Trail Crew, Pali- by removal and treat- Partnership for Regional visitors, Breakneck is their sades Trail Crew, and Taconic ment of invasive species Invasive Species Management, very first hiking experience; Trail Crew. (See their accom- Mianus River Gorge, National Trail Conference Stewards are the protection of fragile, plishments to the left/below.) Park Service, New Jersey providing tens of thousands higher-altitude ecosystems and Our Corps trains, enables, and 124 Audobon Society, New Jersey of people with an orientation illegal camping. The addition empowers future conservation miles of trail assessed/ Department of Environmental to the outdoors that includes of Stewards at Platte Clove leaders by teaching sustainable inventoried Protection, New York State everything from education on Preserve was well-received trail building and steward- Office of Parks, Recreation, using a map to Leave No Trace and proved to be our busiest ship techniques while engag- 465 and Historic Preservation, principles. Just as importantly, location in the Catskills. ing and teaching community work trips The New Weis Center for local emergency services have The Bear Mountain volunteers on the responsible Education, Arts & Recreation, called the Stewards’ services Stewards program, positioned use and care of open space Palisades Interstate Park invaluable because of the at the busy intersection of the by addressing the needs of 602 Commission, Palisades MTB, cooperative support they Appalachian, Suffern-Bear land managers. community volunteers Palisades Parks Conservancy, provide lost or injured hikers. Mountain, and Major Welch We’d like to thank our Recreational Equipment Inc., In the Stewards’ second trails, introduced a diverse Conservation Corps partners Rockland Conservation and year patrolling Giant Ledge/ public of novice hikers to for making the 2016 season 19,995 Service Corps, Teatown Lake Panther Mountain, Slide, the Trail Conference. On a success: Appalachian Trail total service hours Reservation, Westchester Wittenberg, and Cornell the busiest day, 2,005 hikers Conservancy, The Corps Land Trust, and other private mountains, we became a were counted ascending the Network’s AmeriCorps donors. resource for the public and Appalachian Trail. Education Award Program, 22,885 Recruitment for eight Corps a protector of the peaks, For a full recap of our Trail Corporation for National and linear feet of trail crews for the 2017 season will addressing the unique concerns and Summit Stewards’ 2016 Community Service, John and improved begin soon; check nynjtc.org/ of these summits, including season, visit bit.ly/tc-tss16. Marianne Gunzler, Friends job-openings for details.

INVASIVES SPECIES PROGRAMS

By the Numbers 2016 2017 Expanded efforts to Ramp up invasive spe- preserve biodiversity in cies removal efforts by 45 natural areas, removing increasing summer crew Lower Hudson PRISM 66,000 invasive plants in service periods, engaging partners engaged in 58 parks, preserves, and more volunteers, and prioritizing invasive partner properties. streamlining data collec- species work in the Engaged over 150 new tion and processing. region volunteers to survey for Lead the 45 partner or- invasives region-wide. ganizations of the Lower Led the Lower Hudson Hudson PRISM to aggres- 58 Partnership for Invasive sively target priority areas Parks, preserves, and Species Management and species while expand- partner properties (PRISM) in developing ing public education and where invasive plants public outreach and outreach. were removed education on invasive species identification and management. 115 Helped prioritize invasive Volunteers trained species efforts in the Hud- to participate in the son Valley. BlockBuster Survey. For a full recap of our Volunteers were invasive species programs’ assigned 3X3-mile 2016 season, including our blocks to scout for 27 work as the Lower Hudson target invasive species PRISM leaders, visit bit.ly/ tc-isp16. 150 New volunteers engaged to survey for invasive species region- wide

66,000 Invasive plants removed Stewards Aria Neghaban and Olivia Pano greeted visitors at the base of Bear Mountain. 8 | Winter 2017 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org

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

Tuxedo, NY: Creating a Trail Town

ment Company, Palisades Interstate Park Commis- sion, Tuxedo Chamber of Commerce, Northern Tuxedo Residents Associa- tion, Virginia Apostolides, Kenneth English, Caroline and Martin B. Lavanhar, Michele K. and Jake Lind- say, Susan B. Scher, and Rodger Friedman.

New Kiosk 1 Installed On Nov. 28, an enthusiastic 2 group of Trail Conference volunteers and Tuxedo, 5 N.Y., residents assembled Science Class and installed a kiosk at the Tuxedo train station Hits the Trail near the Ramapo-Dunder- In October, Trail Con- berg trailhead. The kiosk ference staffers led the welcomes visitors with Tuxedo Park School’s 3 a large Trail Conference fourth grade science class map, hiking information, on an educational hike in historical info, and a cham- Harriman State Park to From building rock has since been appointed end, the Jolly Rovers ber of commerce directory learn about trail build- 1steps and bog-bridg- chair of the Conservation contributed almost 500 of local amenities. ing, the power of water, ing to repairing lean-tos Committee and will lead hours of volunteer labor! The Trail Conference’s and trail erosion control and creating tent sites, efforts to conserve land We continue to be grate- half of the kiosk contains techniques. The students numerous projects around this and other ful for their partnership. suggested loop hikes, back- explored several brooks on were completed along long distance trails. Read woods etiquette, trail safety their way to the Cascade the Long Path in 2016 more about the Long The Trail Conference tips, and information of Slid. through the great work Path at bit.ly/tc-lp16. 3thanks the Partners about the organization. The event provided of many volunteers. To for Health Foundation for The kiosk is one of several a unique opportunity bolster the recognition This summer, the Jol- their support of the “Get exciting trail projects to bring the classroom of “New York’s greatest 2ly Rovers Trail Crew Outdoors Essex County” underway in western Har- into nature in ways that trail,” the Friends of the made an impressive mark grant, which supports the riman and Sterling Forest enhance student learning Long Path Facebook on the very heavily used improvement and promo- state parks. Trail Confer- and retention. For some group was also created. Undercliff Trail off of the tion of the Lenape Trail ence volunteers and staff students, it was their first When Jakob Franke, who Breakneck Ridge Trail. to attract Essex County committed many hours experience on a hiking chaired both the Long With a massive crew of residents outdoors and to developing content, trail. Tuxedo Park School Path South and Con- 26 members, the Rov- engage them in physical fundraising, and securing (tuxedoparkschool.org) servation committees, ers built more than 20 activity. This year, volun- approvals for the project. is a supporter of the Trail suddenly passed away stone stairs on the badly teers worked to connect Special thanks to all Conference, and also plans in November (see page eroded trail. Our friends South Mountain Reserva- the volunteers and these to engage its ninth graders 5), he left big shoes to also constructed over 20 tion with the rest of the financial supporters: in volunteer trail work in fill. Andy Garrison, the square feet of retaining trail system. Read more Tuxedo Hudson Manage- early 2017. Don Weise Long Path North Chair, wall. In only one week- at bit.ly/tc-lt16.

Moe Lemire, former Trail Conference Catskills Lean-to Chair, has accepted the new role of Orange-Rockland Appalachian Trail Committee Chair after successfully finishing his thru hike of the A.T. on Sept. 21. Moe has 20 years of experience volunteering with the Trail On Black Friday, eight volunteers led by Trail Conference Program Conference, and says, “I am Assistant Geoff Hamilton took part in REI’s #OptOutside move- looking forward to giving back to ment by taking a stewardship hike up the Breakneck Ridge Trail, the trail I love so much.” where they collected more than two garbage bags full of litter. nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Winter 2017 | 9

or tread, for users to traverse Uphill side of the tread construction begins. First, all ASK A TRAIL BUILDER upon. And this is what we where it blends into the slope loose material is raked uphill. mean by sidehilling! above the trail Next, using a pick mattock or Before you “dig in,” it will Downslope: Downhill side of hoe, the duff layer is removed What is sidehilling? help to familiarize yourself the tread where it blends into down to the mineral soil. with some key terms: the slope below the trail Then it’s time to start bench follow the fall line, they are Hinge: Point where the cutting. The upslope is cut at easily eroded into gullies that Outslope: Downhill tilt of backslope meets the tread a maximum 45 degree angle invite water to continually the tread (approximately 5 Duff Layer: Top soil layer to minimize tread erosion. run down them. When percent) comprised of decomposing The tread is built with a slight designing a new trail, we Backslope/Upslope: organic materials (leaves, outslope—one that appears instead aim to follow the plants, etc.) to be flat. But this subtle contour of the slope, which Mineral Soil: Commonly design is critical to shedding TORI WELCH allows water to flow referred to as the water and avoiding a berm Field Manager off the trail Hinge “peanut butter” buildup. The final step is as quickly layer because to compact the soil with a as possible. Backslope of its smooth, tamper, creating a dense Sidehilling, also known as This requires Tread light-brown surface that will allow water bench cutting, is one of the a bench, Waterflow appearance; to quickly run off the trail. most-used techniques in or obtuse Outslope/Cross located just below Want to learn more? Our Downslope trail building. To construct a triangle, to be Slope the duff layer trail crews are eager to teach sustainable trail, it is crucial cut into the Once the trail you everything you need to to avoid laying it out down earth to create has been laid out know about sidehilling and the fall line—the most direct a relatively and the tread other trail-building skills. route downhill. When trails flat surface, hinge is marked, Get involved at nynjtc.org.

TRAIL CONFERENCE SUPPORTERS

DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND AUGUST 12 – NOVEMBER 30, 2016

TRIBUTES Denkowski, Andre DeNonno, Steven Devine & Lorelei Vicki Steinhardt, Phyllis A. Stewart, Russell Strauch, Da- In memory of Jakob Franke Devine, Edward DiSalvo, Peter Ditommaso, Michael E. vid P. Stuhr, Matthew Stupple & Megan McMullan, Jan A. John Robertson Doehring, Todd Drake, Edward & Nancy Duvinski, David Summers, Lynn T. Swanson, Richard J. Sweeney, David G. Joan Sherry & Barbara Dykhouse, Eugene M Edele, David Emero, Ken- Swenson, Wallace Szmagalski & Kathleen Torsney, Kath- Karl M. Soehnlein neth English, Herb Eschbach, Charles Evans, Jr., Charlotte leen Tabor, Claude E. Taylor, Adam Page Taylor, John B & Stanley Fahn MD, Lawrence Feinberg, David L. Felsen- Taylor, Jerry D. Tersoff & Deborah Franzblau, Michael In memory of and in honor of Jakob Franke thal, Sanford Felzenberg, Shirley Fern, Douglas Fisher, Thomas, Howard Tokosh, Walter & Anita Tomforde, Jus- Malcolm Spector Peter I. & Janice A. Ford, Jakob & Gely M. Franke, Chris- tine Trinidad, Donald Tripp & Denise Jarvis, Thomas N. topher & Dorothy Freeman, Gail Friedberg, Rodger Fried- & Diane Tuthill, Marilyn Van Houten, Christie Van Kehr- In honor of Kenneth Malkin’s birthday man, Richard W. & Patricia Fuge, Thomas & Susan Gallo, berg, Michael T. Vaughn, Peter Wade, Ed & Eudora Walsh, Kenneth Mayer William & Anna Gannett, Thomas V. Gatto, Frank Genna John Walz & Kathleen Strakosch, Phillip Washburne, Mrs. & Deborah Padula-Genna, Jason Gerber, David A. & Janet & Dr. Roxane & Eric Wasserman, Larry A. Wehr, Mark In celebration of Masha Pitiranggon and Timon Stasko E. Getz, Michael S. & Karen L. Gilbert, Robert J. Glynn, Weinraub, Robert & Virginia Weismantel, Les Weiss, Jen- Ting Zhang Mr. Berton Greenberg, Carol W. & Richard Greene, Scott nifer White, Edmund B. Wilson & Penelope J Giles, Mi- & Mary Greifenberger, Ann Guarino, Robert Gurian, Bob hoko Yamazoe, Lydia & Jack Zakim, James Zeller, Hugh I remember my 1974 summer as assistant waterfront R. Hans, James W. & Margaret Harbison, Jeffrey Harper, N. Zimmerman, Nancy Zoebelein, & Michael E. Zoschak director at Boy Scout Camp Mohican, now AMC Mohican Ronald Harsch, Andrew Hart, Richard Hartley & Jaquelyn Outdoor Center. Hartley, Shelley L Harvey, Curtis J. Helt, Michael J. Hen- DONORS TO GIVING TUESDAY Ellen B Stern ry, James Hewitt, Michael Higgins, William Hill, Freder- Suse Bell, Clifford & Marcy Berchtold, Lynne Bernstein, ick Hodde, Royal Jay Holly, David Howard, Stacy Geant Karen Bosch, Leonard Boscia, Thomas Breen, Marion In memory of Paul Sidow & Brian Hughes, Nancy J. Hunt, Larry Iannotti, Jeffrey Costanza, Mark Crames, Heather Darley, Eileen S. & Tim- Helga Bollens A. Irving, John & Emily Irving , Olga Jabbour, Ted & Sue othy Feurey, Brian Fisher, Claudia L. Ganz, Emily Gordon, Jenner, Janet M. Junge, John P. Jurasek, Denis J. Kaminski Agnes & Henry Gottlieb, Frank Green, Gary Greenberg, In memory of Stewart J. Maurer Jr., John & Bradford Keith, CJ & Caroline Kern, Lisa King, Robin Guenther, Andrew Guglielmo, Maria Himber, John B. Blenninger Philip L & Melinda Kirstein, Donald B. & Elizabeth Knud- Meghan Jambor, Thomas Lewis, Leonard & Sue Lyon, John J. and Linda L. Fagan sen, Henryka Komanska & Chris Bernhardt, Glen Kon- Mark Maxwell, Mary & Gay Mayer, Andrew C. Mayo, Ma- Maeve Maurer stantin, Dr. David Kopp & Rev. Dr. Ronnie Stout-Kopp , ria & Peter Meister, Brian Morris, Bruno Moschetta, Keith Howard Kwon, Douglas Land & Lynn Peebles, Robert A. Mulvihill, Carol O’Keefe & Douglas Ryan, Marvin Riley, In celebration of Sue Meier: volunteer, trail runner, Lassig, Michael B Lee, Gloria Lewit, Michele K Lindsay, Leo Russ, Gregory J. Smith, Fred & Connie Stern, Renate Shawangunks resident. Ann G. Loeb, Leonard & Sue Lyon, John C. Mahle Jr., Da- Strub, Lynn T. Swanson, Alice L. Tufel, Alan Vomacka & Adam Meier vid Maiullo, Gene Maloney, Lawrence E. Mals, Elizabeth Annie S. Garcy, Larry A. Wehr, Christopher Wiley, Tony Mansky, Pasquale Marcotullio, Brian Markey & Virginia Wisniewski, Noah Zakim, & Denise Zinssmeister Corrections to Fall 2016 Trail Walker M. Lincoln, Franklin Marra, Matt Martin, Mr. W. Peter & In Memory of Roy and Doris Geist Pam McBride, Gwynne & Michael McConkey, Patricia & CORPORATE, FOUNDATION & OTHER DONORS Adam Geist John McGlade, Kevin L. McGovern, Philip & Lynne Mc- AmazonSmile Foundation, American Express Lewin, Lawrence & Doris Merson, Francis X. Miller, Kath- Foundation, Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund, BD DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND erine T. Miller & Sandra Caravella, James Mioduszewski, C/O Cybergrants, Benevity, Boiling Springs Savings Bank, Steve B. Aaron, Virginia Apostolides, Dylan Armajani, William D. Mishler, Paul D. Monti & Nikki Sidhu, Joseph Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, Felice Aull, Heather Baiman, Christopher K. Bastedo, H. Moreng, Rosemary H. Morgan, Clive I. Morrick, Mar- Conatus Capital Management, Earthshare Chapters, William B. Bates Jr., Stephen Baumann, Benjamin & Su- tin J. Moskowitz, Christopher & Jeanne Muller, Dagi K. & Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, Friends of Franklin D. san Baxt, Alfred Y. Bentley Jr., Jeffrey Biss, Ian Blundell, John R. Murphy, Mary R. Nakashian, Lynn Nyquist, Lisa Roosevelt State Park & Trump State Park, GE Foundation Michael J. Bolotsky & Judith Kiesel, Elias & Maureen Bou- Ochs, Patricia Odell, Fred H. & Anne Todd Osborn, Peter Matching Gifts Program, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, jaoude, Bill Boyle, Jonathan L. Brandt, Joe Braun, William H. Parsons, Hillary Peterson, John J. Pierce, Gale & Louis Goldman, Sachs & Co. Matching Gift Program, Merck W. Bricker, Laurie Brightly, Debra Bronner, Sigrid & Ed- Pisha, Maireda Place, Kenneth Posner, Martin Prince, Lai- Partnership For Giving, Minuteman Press, Network For ward Brooks, Michael Bruno & Alexander Jackowec, Dr. la & Pete Proulx, Daniel Raleigh, Dale L. Ramsey & Sarah Good, Northern Tuxedo Residents’ Association, Palisades Mark Buchsbaum & Ms. Jamy Hsu, Tom Buckley, Bill N. Schindler, Rudolph & Sheila Rauch, Wendy L. Reitmei- Interstate Park Commission, Ramapough Conservancy, Burdick & Donna Burdick, Julie Burnett-Toscano, Caro- er, Carol Richards, Johanna Rioux, Tony B Robinson, Lau- Inc., Schwab Charitable Fund, Sussex L.D. Enterprises, lyn Burns, Joan Burroughs, Vincent Butkiewicz, Michael rance Rockefeller, Audrey Roco, John & Vivian Rohleder, Inc., TD Bank, The Hillburn Granite Company, Inc., The Calandrello, Robyne Camp, Jay Campbell & Mary Hosley, David Ross, Walter & Stephanie Rothaug, Randy & Sharon New York Community Trust, The UPS Foundation, Inc., Mark & Barbara H. Cane, Richard Cantor & Alice Lud- Ruger, Frank Russo, Robert Ryan, V. Dennis & Paula A The William Froelich Foundation, Triple Cities Hiking dington-Cantor, Frank Caputzal, Frank Cerisano, Thayer Sandhage, Brian & Gail Scanlan, Joshua Schickman, Andy Club, Truist/FrontStream Workplace Philanthropy, Chandless, Maanik S. Chauhan, Debbie & Guy Cipriano, & Annette Schmidt, Aaron Schneider, Heiko Schoder, Tuxedo Chamber of Commerce, Tuxedo Hudson Gail Jeffee Cohen & Gerry Cohen, Edwin Collins, Antho- Christopher Schultz, Danny & Kristin P. Scott, Patrice & Management Company, United Way of the Capital Region, ny & June Como, David Conti, Paul Cornett, Robert W. Charles Scully, Lawrence Seidman, John Seuberth, Alfred Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program, Wallkill Cresko, Holly S. Crosbie-Foote, Andrea J. Damato, Jane & A. & Carol Seymour-Jones, Stuart M. Shakman, Paul Sha- Valley Federal Savings & Loan Association, Whole Foods Walter Daniels, Geoff Dann & Lauri Novick-Dann, Kath- traw, John Sherer, Bruce & Beverly Shriver, Maury Silver, Market, Wyckoff Garden Club, Yorktown Land Trust Inc., leen Davies, Jerome Dean, Donald L. Deans Sr., John P. Douglas & Joan Nickel Sohn, Sara & Christian Sonne, & Yorktown Trail Town Committee 10 | Winter 2017 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org

2016 in 2016 Look Back included significant improve- to expand promotion efforts • Publish new, revised editions ments ranging from adding through trailhead kiosk of Circuit Hikes in Harriman Review: • Produced new editions of trail mileage numbers on some signage. and Harriman Trails. five maps sets in print and dig- maps to providing more de- 2017 Look Ahead • Maps covering some popular ital formats: Harriman-Bear tailed contour lines on others. Westchester County parks and Maps and Mountain, Jersey Highlands, • Surpassed 100,000 map • Produce revised editions of maps covering the Long Path Kittatinny, Shawangunk, and downloads through the Aven- North Jersey and East Hudson will be top priorities for brand Books Sterling Forest. The revisions za Maps app and continued map sets. new maps in 2017.

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 Mid-Hudson Chapter AMC Delaware Valley Chapter Protect Our Wetlands, Water & Mahwah Environmental Volunteers www.midhudsonadk.org www.amcdv.org Woods (POWWW) Organization http://box292.bluehost.com/ www.mahwahevo.org Hunterdon Hiking Club The Outdoor Club, Inc. ~powwworg www.hunterdonhikingclub.org www.outdoorsclub.info Women About Boy Scout Troop 50 Mahwah www.womenabout.org Long Island Greenbelt Trail Shorewalkers Inc. MAHWAHtroop50.scoutlander.com Conference www.shorewalkers.org New York City Audubon Society, Inc. www.ligreenbelt.org The Highlands Natural Pool www.nycaudubon.org TriState Ramblers www.highlandsnaturalpool.org Thendara Mountain Club http://TSR.nynjtc.org/Schedules.html SAJ - Society for the Advancement www.thendaramountainclub.org Bellvale School of Judaism Chinese Mountain Club of New York http://www.bruderhof.com/en/ http://www.thesaj.org/ Flat Rock Brook Nature Association www.cmcny.org international-directory/ www.flatrockbrook.org united-states/bellvale Closter Nature Center Association Adventures for Women www.closternaturecenter.org ADK Long Island www.AdventuresforWomen.org Catskill Mountain Club www.adkli.org www.catskillmountainclub.org Little Stony Point Citizens Associa- AMC Mohawk Hudson Chapter tion AMC New York North Jersey Chapter http://www.amcmohawkhudson.org/ Tenafly Nature Center Association www.littlestonypoint.org www.amc-ny.org www.tenaflynaturecenter.org Morris County Park Commission Salt Shakers Trail Running Club Interstate Hiking Club www.morrisparks.net SUNY Oneonta Outdoor Adventure www.saltshakersrun.com www.interstatehikingclub.org Club Catskill 3500 Club www.oneonta.edu/outdoors Friends of the Hackensack River New Jersey Search and Rescue Inc. www.catskill-3500-club.org Greenway in Teaneck www.njsar.org Hudson River Valley Greenway http://www.teaneckgreenway.org/ Boy Scout Troop 8, Brooklyn www.hudsonrivervalley.com University Outing Club Town of Lewisboro www.universityoutingclub.org Boy Scouts of America-Northern Friends of Pelham Bay Park www.lewisborogov.com/parksrec NJ Council http://www.pelhambaypark.org/ ADK Mohican Chapter www.nnjbsa.org The Nature Place Day Camp www.adkmohican.org Boy Scout Troop 121- http://thenatureplace.com/ New York Ramblers Hudson Valley Council German-American Hiking Club www.nyramblers.org Friends of Van Cortlandt Park http://gah.nynjtc.org/ Hilltop Conservancy, Inc. http://vancortlandt.org/ Sundance Outdoor Adventure www.hilltopconservancy.org New York Alpine Club Society Alley Pond Environmental Center www.nyalpine.com www.meetup.com/Sundance- Storm King Adventure Tours http://www.alleypond.com/ Outdoor-Adventure-Society/ www.stormkingadventures.com Mohonk Preserve Jolly Rovers www.mohonkpreserve.org Westchester Trails Association Friends Of Garret Mountain http://jollyrovers.org/ http://www.westhike.org http://friendsofgarretmountain. Valley Stream Hiking Club blogspot.com/ Boy Scouts of America, Troop 21 www.meetup.com/vshclub Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club of Greater New York, Inc. Friends of the Old Croton The Storm King School Protectors of Pine Oak Woods http://www.mosaic-gny.org/joomla/ Aqueduct, Inc. http://www.sks.org www.siprotectors.org http://aqueduct.org/ Urban Trail Conference, Inc. Palisades MTB Friends Of The Shawangunks www.urbantrail.org East Coast Greenway Alliance www.facebook.com/groups/pali- http://shawangunks.org/ www.greenwaynj.org sadesmtb Musconetcong Mountain Conservan- WWW cy RPH Cabin Volunteers Frost Valley YMCA http://www.weishike.com/ http://mmc.nynjtc.org rphcabin.org www.frostvalley.org

The Catskill Center for Conserva- Black Rock Forest Consortium Inc. Wappingers Greenway Trail HDR Mahwah Green Team tion & Development http://www.blackrockforest.org/ Committee http://www.hdrinc.com/ http://www.catskillcenter.org New Haven Hiking Club South Mountain Conservancy Inc. Queens Parks Trails Club Southampton Trails Preservation www.NHHC.info www.somocon.org Society The Highlands Nature Friends, Inc. http://southamptontrails.org/ East Hampton Trails Preservation ADK North Jersey www.highlandsnaturefriends.org Society Ramapo Chapter Discover Outdoors Foundation www.ehtps.org www.hudsonhikers.org Lake Hopatcong Foundation www.discoveroutdoors.com Hudson Highlands Gateway Task Byram Township Environmental Canal Society of New Jersey ADK New York Chapter Force Commission www.adkny.org www.TownofCortlandt.com www.byramtwp.org Harmony Hall - Jacob Sloat House www.friendsofharmonyhall.org Rip Van Winkle Hikers http://newyorkheritage.com/rvw Welcome, New Member Clubs! Town of Woodstock Rock Lodge Club Yeshiva University High School Outdoors Club (Joined November 2016) Ramapough Conservancy, Inc. www.rocklodge.com A high school club for students who love to hike, bike, and kayak. Club New Jersey Highlands Coalition participants have been enjoying Trail Conference trails for years and joined as Nelsonville Greenway Committee VillageofNelsonville.org a member club so that they could help maintain a trail section of their own. Yeshiva University High School Outdoors Club Discover Outdoors Foundation (Joined November 2016) Long Path North Hiking Club www.schoharie-conservation.org A youth organization working to provide life-changing, educational, and Shelton’s Shooters Sussex 4-H Club fun outdoor experiences to kids who need it most. They joined the Trail Sierra Club Mid-Hudson Group Conference to help with trail maintenance work. Community Search and Rescue newyork.sierraclub.org/midhudson/ www.commsar.org nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Winter 2017 | 11

Why are lines for trails almost always red on your maps, MAP TALK instead of the color of the blaze markings?

As the Trail Conference cartographer for nearly determine the color of certain shades of yellow, orange, and 10 years, I have received praises on the quality of trails if they are colored by red can look similar on a map our maps, as well as many inquiries about them. I blaze color; some trails may depending on the quality of receive certain questions on a regular basis, which look similar to others; and the map and printing. Using is why we’re introducing this column—to share the some trails may blend into all red lines removes any con- the background and not even fusion of needing to distin- answers! If you have a question about our maps, be visible. A consistent blaze guish similar shades. email [email protected] and include “Map Talk JEREMY APGAR color symbol provides easy Fourth, on a map with Question” in the subject line. Your question might Trail Conference Cartographer reference for users. each trail colored by its blaze appear in the next issue of Trail Walker. Second, it becomes much color, certain trails are given more difficult to use a print more prominence visually Red trail lines have been the map in low-light conditions because they stick out Trail Conference standard for if the trails are all different more. On a map with many more than 40 years, starting colors. This can be especially colors for trails, the eyes are with the first edition of our important for park users who often drawn to darker blues Harriman-Bear Mountain may be semi-lost as dusk and reds against a lighter map in 1975. While I cannot approaches, and they need to background, whereas lighter guess the original reasons for figure out how to get out of yellows, white, or light-green doing so, there are several the woods. Consistently col- might be less obvious and reasons why we continue to ored red lines stick out more fade into the background. show marked trails on our in low-light conditions. Using a consistent color published maps as solid red Third, many trail systems makes sure all trails are lines, coupled with blaze have colors that can appear given the same visual weight, color symbols that are keyed similar, and so it can be and our use of red helps to to the legend. difficult to distinguish what make the entire trail network First, individuals with color a specific trail is when pop out. some degree of color blind- compared to other trails if So now you know why all ness or other visual impair- they are all colored by their the trail lines crisscrossing a ment aren’t able to accurately blaze color. In particular, Trail Conference map are red!

Revised Second Edition of Circuit Hikes in Harriman Available in Early 2017

The Trail Conference is excited highly visited parks, with eight book, from easy jaunts under plus years of experience lead- Harriman will be available for to announce a revised second loops suitable for trail runs and 4 miles in length to strenuous ing hikes and runs through $15.95 ($11.96 for members) at edition of Circuit Hikes in Har- one for mountain biking. This loops of up to 10 miles. As the parks. The book was edited nynjtc.org and at Trail Confer- riman: 37 Loop Hikes and Trail revised edition adds two new with the previous edition, each by Daniel Chazin and field- ence Headquarters. Runs in Harriman and Bear loop hikes. In addition, sever- chapter features a detailed checked by volunteers. Maps Daniel Chazin Mountain State Parks, expect- al hikes have been updated to map with an elevation profile, were designed by Allison Wer- ed to be available in January or reflect recent trail changes, and as well as multiple photos of berg, with assistance from Trail February 2017. The first edi- more than 30 new photos have outstanding views and inter- Conference Cartographer Jere- tion was a best-seller, offering been added. esting features. my Apgar. The second edition a comprehensive guide to loop A variety of lengths and dif- Hike routes were selected was designed by Nora Porter. hikes throughout these two ficulties are represented in the by author Don Weise, with 25- The new Circuit Hikes in HIKERS’ MARKETPLACE GO PLACES WITH TRAIL MAPS AND BOOKS FROM THE TRAIL CONFERENCE

Get the complete set of trail YOUR PLANNED GIFT TO maps at one great, low price! THE TRAIL CONFERENCE WILL: Our map combo offers Help us protect trails and trail lands for future generations. all of our high-quality Preserve people’s connection to the natural world. Trail Conference maps Create a personal sense of responsibility for our wild places. at a 5% discount Please consider including the Trail Conference in your will or as a (members get an beneficiary in an investment account or insurance policy today. additional 25% You can make a bequest by sharing the following discount). Save big on sample language with your attorney: shipping charges! I bequeath to the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc., a Find it on our online not-for-profit organization, with principal offices located at 600 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430, the sum of $______(or ______%) store under Combos. for its general unrestricted environmental conservation purposes.

VISIT nynjtc.org/shop TO LEARN MORE AND GET MATERIALS, CONTACT: OR CALL 201-512-9348 Don Weise, Development Director [email protected] | 201.512.9348 x813 Find all our publications and select trail guides from others on our website, and get your 25% member discount! 12 | Winter 2017 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org

FEATURED PHOTOS: AMBER RAY PHOTOS: HIKE

Details

Trail: Long Path to Torrey Memorial Park: Harriman State Park, Orange Rerouting the Long County, N.Y. Difficulty: Moderate Length: 2 miles Path to Protect Long Route Type: Circuit Dogs: Allowed on leash Mountain — and Hikers Features: Views

If you’ve recently hiked along locate the trail along a gentler experience while protecting the Long Path to the view- gradient, incorporating a “side- both the park environment Meet the They take pride in their point at the Torrey Memorial hill” trail. (See “Ask A Trail and park users. contribution, and invite you in Harriman State Park, there’s Builder” on page 9 for an ex- Activities such as changing Trail Builders to see what trail building is a good chance you’ve noticed planation of this technique.) or defacing the new blazes This trail—and nearly every all about. If you would like the trail has been rerouted. This new route will allow (aqua rectangles indicating the trail throughout the re- to give back to the trails You may have also noticed water to flow off the side of the new route), or painting new gion—has been built by vol- you love, our crews would that the original trail had be- trail instead of running along signs on the trees and rocks are unteers. These outdoor-lov- love to meet you. Training come a danger to hikers. Rain it, thereby lessening erosion of illegal. The Trail Conference, ing people—people just like is free, and happens right storms and high foot traffic the tread. park staff, and all of the volun- you!—work hard all year on the trail. Visit nynjtc.org have eroded the path, exposing Unfortunately, shortly after teers who put in great effort to long to keep trails open to find all the ways you can loose rocks and small stones the new trail was completed, create a better trail experience and enjoyable for everyone. make a difference for trails. that make the descent on the vandals took it upon them- on the Long Path hope that ev- old trail difficult, particular- selves to “reopen” the old, eryone will use the new route ly in unfavorable conditions. brushed-in trail, create their and allow the older, eroded Sadly, there are no easy or in- own blazes, and paint graffiti one to remain closed. The new expensive fixes to such heavy on rocks. We recognize that route may be an easier and erosion. The most sensible some people may have a special longer climb, but it reaches the option was to close it off and fondness for the old route, but same rewarding view. allow nature to restore itself. the trail had deteriorated into Should you have ques- The Trail Conference was an unsafe hiking experience tions about this or any trail asked to find a sustainable for the public. It needed to be reroutes, please call the Trail solution to reroute the Long closed to allow the mountain Conference: 201.512.9348. We Path to the Torrey Memo- to heal. The brush, rocks, and appreciate your cooperation rial. Trail builders from the logs placed in the old trail bed and trust that you will con- Long Distance Trails Crew promote nature “taking over” tinue to enjoy this beautiful and Long Path Trail Crew re- once again. Our commitment trail, memorial, and view. Find The Long Distance Trails Crew built this beautiful ceived the authorization of to the public and our partners the full hike description at staircase on the new Long Path reroute. New York State Parks to re- is to provide an enjoyable trail bit.ly/tc-lplm.

Support Trails, Parks and Open Join/Renew NY-NJ Trail Conference Membership We maintain more than 2,100 miles of trails. Your membership helps us expand Space in the New York-New Jersey our horizons. region by joining the New York- Included with membership: Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases at many 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 New Jersey Trail Conference. or renewing online at nynjtc.org. Just click on the Join/Renew Now button. 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/Family Regular $40 $50 Your membership supports the trails you love and gives you Sponsor $75 $90 these additional benefits: Go to nynjtc.org/membership. Benefactor $150 $200 25% Discount on Trail Conference maps, books, and other Senior (65+) $35 $40 products. Visit nynjtc.org/panel/goshopping. A joint membership is for two adults residing at the same address. Great Discounts at supporting outdoor retailers and For my membership of $60 or more, send me a: other businesses. See our partners at nynjtc.org/ Trail Conference Cap OR Harriman-Bear Mountain Map Set content/retail-partners. To purchase a gift membership, call 201-512-9348, ext. 28. Tuition-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 ______chainsaw operation, environmental monitoring and GPS Email ______operation. Learn more about Trail U at nynjtc.org/trailu. Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard American Express Access to a wide range of volunteer opportunities on-trail Card # ______Expiration Date: ______/ ______and off-trail. Visit 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. Find links to all these and more at nynjtc.org. NY-NJ Trail Conference Trail NY-NJ

BENEFITS Tax deductible. Dues are not refundable.