www.nynjtc.org Connecting People with Nature since 1920 July/August 2007

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference — Maintaining 1,700 Miles of Foot Trails

In this issue: Community Trails...pg 3 • All About Wetlands...pg 7 • Prevent Heat Problems...pg 9 • Ten Million Steps...pg 11 Ramapo 2007 A Glimpse into Sterling Outdoor-Oriented Activities for All Ages & Levels of Experience Register online till June 30 or on-site at Ramapo College Forest’s Doughnut Hole beginning July 13. By Brenda Holzinger Just $45 for a week of guided hikes, excursions, workshops, and more! terling Forest’s “Doughnut Hole”— Sterling Forest, but his enthusiasm for the More information on page 12 and at www.ramapo2007.org the 575-acre tract purchased by New 18th- and 19th-century iron mine ruins SYork State in December 2006 for located inside the doughnut hole is infec- $13.5 million—is not yet open for public tious. This area, also referred to as “Sterling Revolutionary War. Doc brings the area access, but it certainly will be worth the Forge,” was once a bustling manufacturing alive with fascinating stories about these wait! In the meantime, the area is accessible zone and includes ruins of the Augusta, mines in their prime. Today the area comprises a rich habitat for many different creatures, including beavers, fox, deer, bears, turkeys, pheasants, hawks, bald eagles, great blue herons, rac- coon, porcupine, bobcats, mink, and flying squirrels. This verdant habitat is also home to the timber rattlesnake, a species consid- ered threatened by New York State. In fact, as soon as the timber rattlesnakes were discovered in the sector, Sterling Forest LLC’s plans to build an 18-hole golf course on the site were permanently scrapped. Currently, there are many trails being planned for Sterling Forest’s newest addition. However, please do not enter the area on your own until it is open to public access. In the Get Updated meantime, if your hiking group would like to arrange a special guided tour of Sterling BRENDA HOLZINGER BRENDA Harriman Maps, Schedule a guided hike into the otherwise off-limits “doughnut hole” of Forest, you can contact Doc Bayne at Sterling Forest State Park with Donald Bayne (left), chief environmental educator. 845-351-5907. Doc also will be leading some hikes through Sterling Forest during AT Guide and Maps via guided hikes, and a small Trail Confer- Middle or Viddle (take your pick—both the Ramapo 2007 AT Conference taking ence group of board members and staff work!), Hard, Smith, Mountain, Paterson, place from July 13-20th at Ramapo College, In Time for Fall recently enjoyed such a hike led by Donald and Long Mines. Historic preservationists so if you are interested, check the website “Doc” Bayne, Chief Environmental Edu- claim that ore from the Long Mine was (www.ramapo2007.org) and register! Hiking Season cator for Sterling Forest State Park. forged into links that formed the great iron Doc regularly leads hikes throughout chain across the Hudson River during the The 11th edition of the Trail Conference Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails map set is expected to be available in mid-July. For this new edition of our most popular map After a number of these trips, I thought set, trail routes have been replotted using Step by Step to Nature they were ready to develop a closer relation- improved Global Positioning System ship with and feel themselves more a part of (GPS) technology, based on data obtained By Eric Douglas this movement of life. Eventually, I found by Trail Conference volunteers. Park After many years of teaching adolescents, neighboring high schools on day hikes to myself on the phone with Heidi Adami, the boundaries have been updated, and the I’ve come to think that perhaps the single the Hudson Highlands. Few of these Volunteer Coordinator of the New York- recently expanded Dater Mountain Nature greatest challenge is to get students to think young people had ever walked in a forest New Jersey Trail Conference. Heidi helped County Park (with several new trails) is historically, to realize that all things in their before. During these hikes, the students make arrangements for the club to volun- shown. The Bear Mountain map insert has world are the result of an infinitely complex began to notice small things: the ebb and teer on the Bear Mountain Trails Project. I been revised and expanded to show the web of causes and effects. The question was flow of the river and the slow movement of was very excited; previously we had acted as trails connecting to the Fort Montgomery how could I best help my students, many the sun, the sound of acorns falling in the mere consumers of the trail system, happily Historic Site. of whom have never left the city, under- forest and wind rustling though the trees, using trails that had been laid out and Also expected in mid-July is the 16th stand and see the beauty in this constantly the effects of industrialization and subur- maintained by others. Now we were ready edition of the Appalachian Trail Guide to shifting web? banization, the histories indicated by the to enter into a more reciprocal relationship New York-New Jersey (2007). The set cov- In September 2006, I created the stone walls, the rise of second growth with the trail system. ers 174 miles of the trail, from Kent, CT, to Williamsburg Outdoor Club and began forests, and the geographical features left by Saturday morning, April 28, 2007, Grand Delaware Water Gap National Recreation taking students from my high school and the retreat of the glaciers. Central Terminal: My colleague Brian Stahl, Area on the New Jersey-Pennsylvania line. a high school counselor and frequent co- Book and four, completely new, six-color leader, and I boarded a Metro North train topographic maps with elevation profiles; with 11 students and two duffels full of scale, 1:63,360. 280 pages. sleeping bags. Among this co-ed group of To obtain either map set, see the Hikers’ young people, ages 14-18, were at least three Market Place on page 9, call 201-512- students who had never spent a night away 9348, ext. 11, visit www.nynjtc.org, or stop from home, five who had never traveled in at the Trail Conference office. north of the city, only one who had ever pre- continued on page 10

VOLUME XXXIV, NUMBER 4 ISSN 0749-1352 Non-Profit US Postage Paid Permit No. 1239 Bellmawr, N.J. ERIC DOUGLAS Angela and Keria proudly display the section of boulder they split to to make way for the trail. Page 2 July/August 2007 From the Chair

VOLUME XXXIV, NO.4 JULY/AUGUST 2007 GEORGETTE WEIR EDITOR Working for Free LOUIS LEONARDIS GRAPHIC DESIGNER In the previous issue of Trail Walker, I men- missions; likewise for the Linux computer programs in New York and New Jersey, vol- The TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #1239) tioned “the gift economy,” the phrase now operating system, which competes with unteers are monitoring endangered plants (ISSN 0749-1352) is published bi-monthly by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as a used to indicate the harnessing of donated Microsoft Windows. People interviewed by through the Natural Heritage Program. benefit of membership. Subscriptions are work for business purposes. Book reviews journalists are, in a sense, working for free. Another group is identifying invasive available to libraries only at $15.00 a year. written and posted on Amazon.com, for Without an interviewee, many journalists plants as part of a three-year US Depart- Periodical postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., and example, are not paid for by Amazon, yet or talk show hosts would be out of a job. ment of Agriculture grant through Rutgers additional offices. Postmaster: Send address they help drive the company’s sales. The Trail Conference is very much a part University. changes to the address below. Opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily represent the policy There are other aspects of the gift econo- of this gift economy. We deliver trail main- It is not hard to imagine other areas or position of the Conference. Contributions of my—things we may be familiar with, even tenance and management services that few where we can provide services to various typed manuscripts, photos, and drawings are take for granted. Some examples: papers entities can or will provide and we do so segments of the population and at the same welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style submitted for publication in professional with volunteers. These services provide last- time advance our trails mission. If you have and length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines. Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKER journals are peer reviewed and the review- ing and significant economic benefits to ideas or would like to help, please contact are January 15 (Mar./Apr. issue), March 15 ers work for free. Birders participate in the whole regional population. me at [email protected]. (May/June issue), May 15 (July/Aug. issue), annual bird counts and freely contribute In the last few years, we have been July 15 (Sept./Oct. issue), September 15 their collected data. Amateur astronomers expanding our vision and programs, devel- – Jane Daniels (Nov./Dec. issue), November 15 (Jan./Feb. add their observations to those of profes- oping citizen science initiatives both to Chair, Board of Directors issue). Unsolicited contributions cannot be acknowledged unless accompanied by SASE. sionals; many comets, in fact, have been enhance the quality of our trail network Chair, Ramapo 2007 For information on advertising rates, please write discovered by amateurs. Wikipedia, the and our understanding of the environ- or call. online encyclopedia, is based on free sub- ments through which we hike. In separate Copyright 2007 by: New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. 156 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202) Mahwah, NJ 07430 201-512-9348 And the Winners Are... e-mail: [email protected] editorial e-mail: [email protected] The first annual Member-Get-A-Member Thank you to our sponsors, whose gen- World Wide Web: www.nynjtc.org campaign has officially come to a close. erousity made this campaign possible: Thank you to all who participated and Minnewaska Lodge, Emerson Resort and brought us 97 new members! We welcome The winners of this year’s grand prizes: Spa, Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, Dover all the new members to the Trail Confer- 1. Buddy Jensea Sports Center, EMS, Jagger’s Camp and ence and encourage all of you to get active 2. Joe Gindoff Trail, Rock and Snow, Tent and Trails. within the organization with one of our 3. Suse Bell Congratulations to all the winners. We hundreds of volunteer opportunities. look forward to next year’s competition. Recruitment is a year-round process, so Mission Statement The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a continue telling your friends about the federation of member clubs and individuals Trail Conference and spreading the word dedicated to providing recreational hiking of our mission! opportunities in the region, and representing the interests and concerns of the hiking community. The Conference is a volunteer-directed public service organization committed to: • Developing, building, and maintaining hiking trails. • Protecting hiking trail lands through support and advocacy. • Educating the public in the responsible use of trails and the natural environment.

Board of Directors Jane Daniels Chair Robert Boysen Vice Chair Mac Highet Treasurer Daniel Chazin Secretary Directors Henry Atterbury Seth McKee Chris Connolly Anne Osborn Ellen Cronan Mary Smart Matthew Garamone Malcolm Spector John Gunzler Daniel Van Engel Peter Kennard Staff AT Ridgerunners Edward Goodell Executive Director Joshua Howard Director of Help Contain Blaze Membership & Development Trail Conference volunteers and Elizabeth Bleiweiss Operations Director Larry Wheelock Trails Director New Jersey AT Ridgerunners got Bill O’Hearn Conservation & Advocacy Director off to a busy start this season. Brenda Holzinger Conservation & On Memorial Day Weekend, Trail

Advocacy Associate BALOGH DAN Heidi Adami Volunteer Rock form along the Minisink Trail. Supervisor Gene Giordano reported Coordinator Allison Werberg Cartographer Bravo! that hikers had seen a forest fire Gary Willick Fulfillment My wife Laura and I hiked the Lenape Ridge and Minisink Trails May 13 (featured along the AT. With the assistance of Coordinator on page 1 of the May/June TW). What a spectacular hike! Bravo! Very well done! Catherine Gemmell Information Manager Thanks to everyone who took part in making these trails possible. maintainer Shane Cormier, Gene Eddie Walsh, Jr. Trail Projects —Dan Balogh went to the site to pinpoint the fire. Coordinator Madison, NJ Leslie Rapparlie Bear Mountain The three ridgerunners, Augie Project Manager Thank You Katy Dieters Membership & Buchheit, Ben Tarbutton, and Jim Volunteer Associate On behalf of the Basha Kill Area Association (BKAA), I would like to thank the Trail J. Cal Rizzuto Administrative Conference for your generous donation to our legal fund, which enables us to mount Wright (pictured below), also hiked Assistant an appeal on our Yukiguni Maitake lawsuit [contesting approval of a large mushroom to the site, assisting New Jersey Part-time Staff plant in Mamakating]. The BKAA considers you to be one of our most important net- John Myers Land Acquisition working partners, as you have generously offered critical direction and support Forest Fire Service by helping to Director through the years. ferry in equipment and supplies. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a We have the utmost respect and admiration for all your efforts to improve quality volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It is of life in the region. Thanks to them, the four+ acre a federation of 103 hiking and outdoor groups, and 10,000 individuals. —Paula Medley blaze did not turn into a major President, BKAA printed on recycled paper forest fire. It was in a difficult section to access; approximately Visit UsToday! Send Us a Letter 1 mile north of Sunfish Pond and Email it to [email protected]; in the subject line, put “letter to TW editor”; or send it to Trail close to the runoff of Yards Creek Walker Letters, NY-NJ Trail Conference, 156 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah, NJ 07430. www.NYNJTC.org Upper Reservoir. Well done! July/August 2007 Page 3

From the Executive Director In fact, municipal requests for trail con- and the local trails as the capillaries bringing sultations and construction assistance now natural sustenance (and recreational nourish- far outnumber those we get from state ment) to the communities. Community parks. In the past, we generally have not 3. All recent surveys, and our own expe- been able to fulfill such requests because rience, show that the demographic trends Trails Connect they would divert resources away from are favoring volunteer assignments that existing trail responsibilities. There are require “lower commitment.” This trend is People with several reasons why I believe the Trail being driven by people’s longer work hours, Conference must find a way to take less “free” time, and increased traffic Nature Close advantage of these opportunities. congestion. We see this in the difficulty of 1. It helps us more fully accomplish our retaining volunteers who are assigned to to Home mission of “providing recreational hiking trails that are far afield from where they The Trail Conference helped plan and opportunities and representing the interests live. Conversely, it is relatively easy to fill I believe that community trails are going to build a community trail network in and concerns of the hiking community.” volunteer assignments that are close to be a much bigger part of the Trail Confer- Dutchess County that links several parks, Without diminishing the importance of populated areas. ence’s future than they have been in our past. the Village of Wappingers Falls, and the the Trail Conference traditional focus on A Community Trails approach will make The original hiking clubs that formed the Metro-North station at New Hamburg. “wilderness” trails epitomized by the local open space more accessible to the trail conference were heavily influenced by Appalachian Trail, to serve the bulk of public and connect local open space to European alpine hiking traditions. High where people live on smaller parcels hikers, we must serve the burgeoning regional trail networks. The public will ground and viewpoints were considered the acquired by municipal and county agencies. community trail networks. benefit from easier access to local open peak hiking experiences. While this is still Municipalities and counties, particularly 2. Community open space represents a space, resulting in more recreational use of true, the vast majority of hikes today are in more densely populated areas like north- third (and final?) component of the conserva- local and regional open spaces and, most shorter and start within a short drive from ern New Jersey and the lower Hudson tion puzzle. Large parks (e.g. Catskills, likely, more popular support for open space where people live, on lands that do not Valley, are actively acquiring open space with Minnewaska, Sterling Forest) were the first. everywhere. Cultivating community trails include steep and spectacular views. Some- local open space funds and making them Corridors connecting major parks (e.g. is just one more way for the Trail Confer- thing more akin to a “walk in the park.” available for public access. Once municipal- Appalachian Trail, Long Path, Highlands ence to connect people with nature while Another reason that local trails will make ities acquire land, they usually want to make Trail, Shawangunk Ridge Trail) are the sec- ensuring that our methods keep up with up a bigger proportion of our work is that it accessible to their constituents, and since ond. Community connections to corridors the times. there are no tracts of land remaining in areas properly designed and constructed foot trails and parks are the third and final piece of the – Ed Goodell, [email protected] close to population centers that are large are the most economical and environmen- puzzle. I like to think about these as compo- enough for major trail systems. So, while tally benign ways to provide public access, nents of a whole conservation system, with state agencies continue to acquire parcels to many of these municipalities end up con- the parks being the organs where habitat and buffer existing parks and forests, trail tacting the Trail Conference. deep connections with nature are preserved, opportunities will increasingly occur near to the long distance trail corridors as the arteries, National Trails Day Photos 2 1

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1. Celebration of new Highlands Trail terminus in Cornwall; 2 & 3. Participants in a Maintenance 101 workshop in Port Jervis paint a blaze and remove a blow-down on the Lenape Trail; 4. West Jersey crew members David Day and Roland Breault prepare to fit a stone step into place on the Warren Trail; 5. Young people and adults worked on the AT near AMC’s Camp Mohican; 6. A young crew moves a log at Alley Pond Park in Queens; 7. Volunteers unload lumber for a bridge on the Stillman Trail in Storm King State Park Page 4 July/August 2007

On the New Jersey side, the state’s What does all of this mean to the aver- Dept. of Environmental Protection just age person on the street? It means that we Conservation Advocacy produced a Natural Capital report that need to pull out our calculators and find & concluded that the state’s natural capital new formulas for assessing the value of From the Conservation This is not an idle, or a philosophical (goods and services) is worth $20 billion wetlands in terms of flooding that is & Advocacy Director: question. The calculation of real estate and per year, which seems far too low, especial- avoided downstream, amphibians that are William P. O’Hearn natural resources value will make the differ- ly when you consider the four million produced, surface water that is cleaned, ence between a tract being purchased for people and thousands of businesses that and rainwater that is absorbed into the So, What’s It Worth? open space today or turned into townhous- rely on Highlands water, and the almost ground. It means that we need to plan es tomorrow. The problem for the total lack of data on native vs. non-native beyond sections, blocks, and lots to see conservation community has been that plant species across the state. We are start- land as part of a natural system, not just land use decisions are still often made based ing to see more attention directed to a tool an economic commodity. And it means One of the curses of being a land trust on the parcel’s value in the real estate mar- called the Plant Stewardship Index and that we may need to overpay for those last manager is that for the rest of your life, ketplace—in other words, the number of Database that will allow us to compare, great pieces of natural habitat to ensure whenever you drive by a vacant piece of building units that can be placed on the based on a numeric score, a meadow filled that our grandchildren can know what a land, a little voice in your head starts ask- property. with an invasive like purple loosestrife to a red-tailed hawk’s scream sounds like, or ing questions: “Who owns it? How much Land trusts and other environmental meadow made up of natural wildflowers, where to go to see the prettiest mountain are they asking? How big is it? Wetlands? policy groups have countered by pointing sedges, and rushes. laurel blooms every June. Access?” to examples like Central Park in New York Of course, we at the Trail Conference And these days, as development pres- City, where open space has added millions have our own ways of assigning value to sure increases in New York State and as of dollars in real estate value to the sur- property. We always seek greenways and northern New Jersey hurtles towards rounding apartment houses, hotels, and trails, so the key link in a trail is like the “build-out,” the condition where all the restaurants; and the Catskills, where preser- last piece in a complex jigsaw puzzle— land is either preserved as open space or vation of watershed lands has allowed New very valuable. We also believe that developed, more and more public offi- York City to avoid building an $8 billion providing access to parkland increases its cials and planners are looking at the filtration plant that would cost millions of worth to society, and this in turn adds val- landscape and trying to determine the dollars per year to operate. ue in terms of attracting bird watchers, value of each “unused” property. hikers, and other tourists to the surround- ing community. Conservation & Advocacy News Notes ATV Legislation Takes Step Forward in New Jersey 600 Protected Acres in Putnam May Benefit HT Extension After months of work with our colleagues at Pinelands Preservation Alliance, New Jersey New York State, with an assist from the Trust for Public Land, is buying 600 acres in east- Conservation Foundation, and many other groups, this year’s version of the All-Terrain ern Putnam County, along Haviland Hollow Road in Patterson. The property abuts the Vehicle (ATV) legislation has been assigned a number, A-4172, in the New Jersey Assem- state’s Cranberry Mountain Wildlife Man- bly. It was sponsored by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, and is currently in the agement Area and the county’s Michael Transportation and Public Works Committee. At press time, the Trail Conference and its Ciaiola Conservation Area. Including partners were working to get it on the next TPW Committee agenda in early June. Cranberry Mountain and the county con- One different twist this year is that the Pinelands Preservation Alliance has led an servation area, contiguous open space in the effort to have mayors sign on to a letter to Governor Corzine that urges him to support area will total nearly 1,900 acres. These ATV legislation, and 70 mayors have signed on. Many municipalities have also passed newly protected open spaces east of the their own resolutions in support of the legislation, and local ordinances that seek to con- Hudson River may advance a Trail Confer- trol ATV use. ence project, headed by Gary Haugland, to Gary Haugland places a blaze on the stretch the Highlands Trail (HT) east from Highlands Trail in Cornwall. On National Garden State Preservation Trust Runs Into Trouble the river and into Connecticut. “The HT Trails Day, a group of students from Legislation that would renew the funding for the Garden State Preservation Trust will traverse lands where there have not Storm King Adventure Club cleared the (GSPT) has been derailed by Governor Corzine, who has said that he prefers to use asset been marked hiking trails in the past,” says last 1.25 miles of the HT in Orange County bringing the trail monetization (selling of state assets like the NJ Turnpike) instead of state bonds to pay Haugland. “I think hikers will be pleasant- to the edge of the Hudson. for the program. The governor’s position has been severely criticized by the environmen- ly surprised at the rugged landscapes of tal community, which wants to put the GSPT referendum before the voters this year. It eastern Putnam County.” is generally acknowledged that the GSPT will run out of money for new open space pur- chases next year. As part of the Keep It Green Campaign, the Trail Conference has joined 450 Acres Adjacent to Harriman SP Protected our colleagues in keeping the pressure on the governor to change his mind and allow the In April, the Open Space Conservancy, Inc. (OSC), the land acquisition affiliate of the legislation to go forward. Open Space Institute (OSI), announced its purchase of Arden House and 450 acres from Columbia University. Located in the Town of Woodbury, NY, Arden House was Upstate NY Power Line Plan Generates Opposition completed in 1909 by E.H. Harriman. The house was built at the highest point on Congressmen Maurice Hinchey and John Hall, both D-NY, have lent their support to Mount Orama, with commanding views of the Hudson Highlands in all directions, an efforts to block the US Dept. of Energy’s proposal for a National Interest Electric Trans- area OSI has been actively protecting for decades, conserving more than 25,000 acres. mission Corridor (NIETC) in upstate New York. The DOE plan would help clear the The Arden House property has important conservation value with extensive open spaces way for New York Regional Interconnect’s (NYRI) power line plan. NYRI proposes to including a lake and distinct rocky outcroppings visible for miles around. The property build a line across New York State from Utica to New Windsor, crossing the Shawangunk is located adjacent to Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) lands and Harriman Ridge and passing through Otisville. The two congressmen appeared at an information State Park. Until July 2005, Columbia operated Arden House as part of its Arden Con- rally sponsored by SayNo2NYRI May 19. Hinchey also scheduled a meeting on the DOE ference Center, which also included the nearby Arden Homestead. Columbia also sold plan June 9 in Sullivan County. The DOE’s hearings on its proposal were scheduled only Arden Homestead, situated on 540 acres in the Town of Tuxedo, to a private buyer, who in New York City and Rochester. Learn more about this project from the Upper Delaware will use the property as a family residence. The fate of the house, unoccupied since 2005, Preservation Coalition at www.udpc.net. is at present uncertain.

Catskills Trail Closures TRAIL HIGHLIGHT As of mid-June, when this TW went to Enjoy a Walk at Montrose Point press, blow-down in the Catskills continued The Trail Conference has to block trails with varying levels of severity, recently adopted a 1.2-mile Trail News particularly at the highest elevations. trail network in the 50-acre John Seirup, maintainer of Long Path Montrose Point State For- section #24, in the Catskills between est in Westchester. The Greene County Route 10 and NY State public land was once the Route 23, reports that most of the trail site of the Montrose Brick Hikers! Please Don’t Trespass! above 2400 feet is blocked and impassable. Company. Though small Hikers planning to hit the 2-mile Shawan- He will be coordinating cleanup efforts as by state park and state for- gunk Ridge Trail side loop in Mount Hope quickly as possible, but cannot say how long est standards, Montrose (see May/June TW) SHOULD NOT it will take to reopen. offers a “sweet network of access the trail from Route 73 (Mountain Check with DEC for the most paths,” says TC Trails WHEELOCK LARRY Road) in Otisville. If you wish to hike in up-to-date information before heading to Director Larry Wheelock. Water’s edge at Montrose Point. this area and visit the Graham Fire tower, trails in the region: www.dec.ny.gov/ In their forthcoming you must park on Guymard Turnpike west outdoor/33684.html. book Walkable Westchester (publication date out from the main loop. They are spread of Route 6 by the rail line near the rail to be announced), Jane and Walt Daniels just far enough apart to be destinations. The bridge and hike. Please note: Any attempt Old Blue Trail Gets New Name write of Montrose Point: “The small and trail system is part of Westchester County’s to access the trail from Route 73 (Moun- The Old Blue Trail, opened last year in well laid out trail system wiggles its way up River Walk and the Hudson River Green- tain Road) will require trespass upon Sam’s Point/Minnewaska State Park Pre- and down through the woods. It offers way.” private land and open hikers to potential serve, enjoys a new name: Berrypicker Trail. views of the river and several destinations Access is possible from Montrose Point legal liability for such trespass. More The name was selected by the state park likely to interest children. The side trails to Road via a 13-foot wide easement granted detailed trail access info is available at preserve managers. an arched bridge made of bricks, a large by the Kolping Society, which owns the www.nynjtc.org/trails/newtrails/srt.html. osage orange tree, and a brick beach radiate property adjacent to the state forest. July/August 2007 Page 5

METRO TRAILS CREW BEAR MOUNTAIN TRAILS PROJECT Leader: Joe Gindoff, 914-760-3568, Contact: Heidi Adami [email protected] [email protected] or TrailCrew 201-512-9348, ext. 26 Third Saturday of each month Teaching Practical Skills to Trips start at 9am, locations TBA. Call or email Every Friday through Tuesday Schedules for details. We serve parks from Pelham Park in In addition to the work trips below, crews are Trails Volunteers at Locations the Bronx, to the Staten Island Greenbelt. To get active Fridays through Tuesdays. Individuals Throughout the NY-NJ Area more info on the many trips held throughout the as well as organized groups are welcome, May – June 2007 seasons, contact us, and get onto our mailing list. regardless of experience level. To get involved, Unless otherwise noted, register by For the latest schedules and additional register online or contact the Trail Conference contacting: Heidi Adami, Volunteer details, go to nynjtc.org and click on LONG PATH/SHAWANGUNK RIDGE CREW Office at 201-512-9348, ext. 26. Coordinator, at 201-512-9348 ext. 26, “Trail crews/Work trips.” Leader: Jakob Franke: 201-768-3612 (home), [email protected]. TBD = To Be Determined 212-342-0178 (work), 201-638-0582 (cell) July 9, 10 (Monday, Tuesday) Quarrying stone to be used For all trips bring work gloves, water, Summer hiatus in ATC Biennial Workshops July 7 (Saturday) lunch, insect repellent. In some cases, Stone Step Construction: Introduction WEST HUDSON SOUTH CREW July 14–July 20 Location: Bear Mountain, South Face tools are provided. Contact leaders in Leaders: Chris Ezzo (Crew Chief): 516-431-1148, Beginner Work Trips Using natural and cut stone, participants in this advance for meeting times and places. [email protected] Suitable for anyone with a desire to learn how workshop will build a 2’ wide stone staircase Volunteers must become members of Brian Buchbinder: 718-218-7563, to help build and restore trails. Work will include using the overlap and tuck-behind methods. the Conference to participate in these [email protected] trail clearing, excavation, some rock moving, This workshop is designed for all skill levels. projects. A one-time “guest” participation Claudia Ganz: 212-633-1324, [email protected] and ecological restoration. is allowed, so bring your friends. Robert Marshall: 914-737-4792, July 14 (Saturday) [email protected] July 14–July 20 Chainsaw Maintenance with Peter Jensen Intermediate and Advanced Work Trips Location: ATC Biennial at Ramapo College; NORTH JERSEY WEEKEND CREW Summer hiatus Part of ATC Biennial; must register through must register through www.ramapo2007.org Leader: Sandy Parr, 732-469-5109 www.ramapo2007.org WEST HUDSON NORTH CREW Tackle a variety of projects ranging from trail repair Participants on these trips will help with rock step July 14 (Saturday) Leaders: Denise Vitale, crew chief: to bridge building in northern New Jersey. construction, crib wall construction, stone paving, (10:30 am – noon) 845-738-2126, [email protected] Trips start at 9:30am; call for location and details stone shaping, and with rigging systems. Introduction to Griphoist and Rigging Dave Webber: H: 845-452-7238, with Lester Kenway during the week before the scheduled trip day. [email protected] July 21, 22 (Saturday, Sunday) Location: ATC Biennial at Ramapo College; To be included in leader’s email notification list, email him at [email protected] and put “NJ Meet: 8:30 am at Cul de Sac on Perkins Drive must register through www.ramapo2007.org Summer hiatus Trail Crew” in the subject line. Use an overhead rigging system to quarry stone and to construct a tall stone crib wall. July 14 (Saturday) Second Sunday of each month EAST HUDSON CREW (1:15 to 3pm) Sunday, July 8 If you are coming by train, let the leader know so July 27–31, (Friday–Tuesday) Demonstration of Griphoist and Rigging Systems Sunday, August 12 we wait for the train. Meet: 8:30 am at Cul de Sac on Perkins Drive with Lester Kenway NORTH JERSEY WEEKDAY CREW Use an overhead rigging system to quarry Location: ATC Biennial at Ramapo College; Leaders: Michael Bongar, 914-788-0616, Leader: John Moran, [email protected] stone and construct a dry stack stone crib wall. must register through www.ramapo2007.org [email protected] Volunteers will set stone, move fill with power- Josie Gray, 845-831-5786, [email protected] This crew will cover the NJ Ramapos, Ringwood tracked carriers, and apply tread surfacing. July 17 (Tuesday) Alan King, 914-763-9643, [email protected] S. P., northern Wyanokies, and NJ Palisades, Designing and Building Naturalistic among other areas. Its purpose is to respond August 3–7, Friday–Tuesday Accessible Trails with Peter Jensen July 28 (Saturday) quickly to immediate needs, rather than to sched- Meet: 8:30 am at Cul de Sac on Perkins Drive Location: ATC Biennial at Bear Mountain; Wilkinson Trail, Hudson Highlands State Park ule definite events far in advance. If you’re Use an overhead rigging system to quarry stone must register through www.ramapo2007.org Leader: Josie Gray interested in being on call for this work, contact and construct a tall stone crib wall and stone We’ll build stairs and waterbars. John Moran by email. steps. Volunteers will set stone, crush native July 18–19 (Wednesday and Thursday) Meet 9:10 at Cold Spring train station stone for fill, and build cribbed and pinned Stone Cutting and Shaping with Eddie Walsh WEST JERSEY TRAIL CREW stone steps. Location: : ATC Biennial at Bear Mountain; Other trips TBD. Sign up for the email list for Leader: Monica and David Day must register through www.ramapo2007.org advance notice and cancellations Phone: 732-937-9098 Cell: 908-307-5049 August 17–21 (Friday–Tuesday) and Email: [email protected] August 24–28 (Friday–Tuesday) July 20 (Friday) NEW JERSEY APPALACHIAN TRAIL FIELD CREW Website: www.trailstobuild.com Meet: 8:30 am at Cul de Sac on Perkins Drive Stone Pinning Workshop Leader: Gene Giordano, Use an overhead rigging system to quarry stone Location: ATC Biennial at Bear Mountain; [email protected] Summer hiatus and construct a tall stone crib wall and stone must register through www.ramapo2007.org Email Gene Giordano if you would like to be placed on email notification list. steps. Volunteers will set stone, crush native NJ HIGHLANDS CREW stone for fill, and use rotary hammer drills July 21 and July 22 (Saturday, Sunday) Leader: Glenn Oleksak, 973-283-0306, Second Saturday of each month to set pins and split stone. Universal Trails Assessment Process [email protected] (UTAP) Training through November Work begins at 9am and is finished before 4pm. August 18, 19 (Saturday, Sunday) Location: TBD First Sunday of each month + Covers the entire NJ section of the AT, blue-blazed Women Only Weekend on South Face The Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) Additional Saturday or Sunday trips are often side trails, and shelters. Supplements work by our Participants will help grade the trail and build scheduled. We tackle a variety of projects on the This two-day workshop combines classroom and individual maintainers as requested and for special stone turnpiking on the south slopes of Bear Highlands Trail in NJ. Details and directions are practical, hands-on trail assessment experience work projects. Workers bring gloves, lunch, and Mountain. posted on the NY-NJ TC website calendar or to ensure that participants have the skills and water; all tools, equipment and training provided. confidence to conduct assessments. Participants contact the leader. completing this workshop will be able to establish a comprehensive inventory of trail characteristics to use for planning, maintenance, budgeting, By Gene Giordano, AT NJ Trail Chair and mapping, and determining compliance with guidelines for trails and access routes. An Eagle Project Start to Finish Trail Supervisor for Ringwood State Park

July 22 (Sunday) We often see in these pages mentions of I was contacted by Scout Daniel than a mile to the site from the nearest road. An Introduction to Stone Work Eagle Scout projects completed on our Loughrey of Troop 96 in Ringwood during No problem, Daniel said, I can do it. He Location: Bear Mountain, South Face trails. This article highlights a recent and the spring of 2005 asking if I knew of any called his District Eagle Scout Advisor for This is a great day for beginners to get a taste very substantial project completed in Ring- “really good” projects that he might com- conceptual approval for the project, which of what trail work at Bear Mountain is all about. wood State Park last November and shows plete either on the Appalachian Trail or in he received. Two weeks later he arranged to Participants will learn safe body mechanics to effi- in detail just how much work a Scout must Ringwood. I happened to have one. hike to the site with me and two troop ciently move rocks you never thought you possibly put into such a project. Just prior to Daniel’s call, the Trail Con- leaders, his father, Terry Loughrey, and could. A variety of trail structures may be worked ference and Ringwood State Park had Frank Stevens. We took measurements and on, including rock steps, crib walls, turnpiking or reopened the Blue Trail, a very useful con- discussed some possible designs. Later that stone paving. nector trail between the Cannonball and summer, while Daniel was still working on August 4 (Saturday) Ringwood Ramapo Trails. But it had a his design, a severe summer rain storm Introduction to Rigging for Trail Work problem: near its terminus it crossed High moved the old bridge about 25 yards down Location: Bear Mountain, East Face Mountain Brook on a very old, shaky, and stream and broke it into several pieces. I Topics covered include: safety issues; equipment inadequate ladder-style bridge, which often checked in with Daniel and told him about selection, care and applications; calculating for sat in the middle of a swollen stream. We the old bridge; several days later he, along safety and efficiency; mechanical advantage for had discussed repair or replacement of this with Scouts Mike and Nathaniel Fischer, pulling; overhead zip and high-lines. There will bridge with park superintendents Rebecca his father, and I, went back out to the be opportunities for hands-on practice on in Fitzgerald and Eric Pain. It would be a dif- bridge site to check on his design; the the afternoon. ficult job, but we received approval for the Scouts retrieved and repaired the old bridge August 25, 26 (Saturday, Sunday) project; park personnel offered to help in and put it back in place. Daniel decided Stone Splitting and Shaping: Intermediate Level any way needed. that he was going to pin the center of the (3 work trip requirement*) The bridge would need to be about 30 bridge supports into the large boulder in Location: Bear Mountain, East Face feet long and be high enough to clear large the middle of the stream. He went home Learn how to cut and shape stone to build durable boulders in the stream. It would need excel- and completed his design of the bridge, trail structures out of the preferred building materi- lent footings set back from the stream as then brought it to his troop committee for al of AT trail builders. Participants will learn to read well as support in the middle, but without approval; after incorporating several design stone for planes of weakness and to use electric rotary hammer drills, feathers and wedges, and disturbing the stream bed. Because of its suggestions, the project was approved by carbide stone chisels and hammers to split and height it would need hand rails on both his troop. dress stone to desired dimensions. GENE GIORDANO sides. It required a lot of expensive material Next he brought me the new design; I Scout Daniel Loughrey uses a rock drill that would have to be transported more supervised by Scout leader Frank Stevens. continued on page 12 Page 6 July/August 2007 Volunteer Classifieds: Get Involved!

If you are interested in volunteering with Conservation & Advocacy the TC and do not see an opportunity that Paralegal/Legal Administrator: suits you, contact Heidi Adami, either by We seek a volunteer with some legal back- email, [email protected] or phone, ground that could assist C&A staff with 201-512-9348, ext. 26, and she will find a administrative support in the office. way to get you involved. Specifically, we have real property tax work and other tasks associated with land acqui- Help Fight ATV Damage sition and stewardship, but there are also By Making a PowerPoint Show many other tasks that occur regularly. Ide- C&A seeks a volunteer or an intern to pre- ally, we would like a volunteer who is able pare a multimedia, Power Point presentation to work independently and commit to a about ATV damage for use out in the field regular weekly or biweekly time slot with when meeting with the public, organizations Wanted: Photographers to some flexibility. and lobbying government officials to pass Capture the Sublime, the Grit, ATV legislation. The Trail Conference has all and the Camaraderie of People Conservation & Advocacy Experience the Outdoors the materials necessary to create this presenta- Working and Walking in Nature Stewardship Organizer as a Base Camp Host tion (electronic and hard copy pictures, Looking for a creative assignment outside? We seek a volunteer or intern to create and And help others build a positive experi- computer access, etc). Project anticipated Want to support the Trail Conference with- organize “field binders” for properties ence as well! As a base camp host, you will completion time is approximately 25 hours. out getting dirty? Consider photography. owned by the Trail Conference. This posi- greet Bear Mountain Trails Project volun- The Trail Conference seeks Photos of People tion will require organizing some existing teers upon their arrival to camp at the PG Calc Help Wanted in Nature and Trail Volunteers at Work for files, extracting the important information Lower Twin Lake Camp in Harriman The Trail Conference is looking for some use in Trail Walker, other publications, and for the field binder, and visiting the prop- State Park. Responsibilities include pro- professional assistance for its Charitable Gift our website. Document a day with one of our erties as part of our general stewardship viding guests with campground and area Annuity program. Development profession- Trail Crews, a family enjoying a trail outing, activities. This is a great summer project information and help to ensure a comfort- als agree that planned giving is great way to friends in scenery. Artistry counts. If your that will allow you to hike Trail Conference able stay as well as assisting the Bear invest in the Trail Conference’s mission, and photo is used, you will be given photo credit. properties along the Shawangunk Ridge Mountain field staff. On occasion, help that Charitable Gift annuities are one popu- For print purposes, digital photos must be Trail and the Long Path. with meal prep for large volunteer groups lar method to make a donation. If you have high-resolution. When subjects are identifi- may be needed. Base Camp hosts should access to PG Calc software and would be able, their written permission is required. To Conservation & Advocacy be Trail Conference or ATC members, 21 willing to help prepare planned gifts for the submit photos, obtain photo release forms, or Archive Indexer years of age, have camping experience, and Trail Conference, please contact Joshua E. inquire about an assignment, contact We have approximately 25 boxes of demonstrate good customer service skills. Howard or 201-512-9348, ext. 13. [email protected]. archived files that need to be indexed. Some boxes need to be better organized, Put Your Writing Skills Trail Maintainers Appalachian Trail Corridor Monitor but some boxes are ready to be indexed. to Good Use! We are looking for individuals, couples and Looking to get off the beaten path? This is a one-time project with an estimat- Grant Writer: Collect and wordsmith families who are willing to adopt a section of Monitors are needed to patrol and watch ed completion time of about 25 hours. material and information from various trail. Maintainers are expected to visit their the Appalachian Trail Corridor to protect sources (previous grants, project man- assigned section a minimum of twice a year, against misuse and illegal activities. agers, volunteers, and staff) to synthesize keeping it passable by cutting back brush, Responsibilities include: walking the into cohesive text to be used for grant ensuring it is well marked and free of trash, corridor boundaries two to four times per applications. Experience using Microsoft and submitting bi-annual reports of their year; verifying boundary markers along Word and attention to detail are necessary work. We have openings on several of our the corridor boundary; reporting evidence requirements; previous grant writing expe- Trail Committees, such as Catskills Forest of trespass and misuse such as dumping, rience is preferred but not necessary. Preserve, West Hudson North (Black Rock logging, ATVs, etc.; assisting Corridor Forest and Minnewaska State Park), Central Manager in handling problems discov- Jersey, West Jersey, the Long Path and more! ered; and meeting trail neighbors and Filing Cabinet Wanted easement holders annually. The Trail Conference needs a 36" wide four or five drawer locking metal filing Trails Standards Researcher cabinet. If you or your business has a filing We need a more up-to-date and extensive cabinet in good trail design and building and trail standards Help Spread the Word! condition that reference manual. Research ADA-compliant, We seek outreach representatives to attend you are willing multi-use, and liability issues, front country health fairs, work at information tables and to donate, please vs. back country design and construction, share information about the Trail Confer- contact Joshua and trail standards. 40 to 100 hours. ence to the public. If you are interested in Howard at 201- bringing new people to the Trail Conference 512-9348, ext. and informing the public of our work, 13, or at contact us today! [email protected].

Thendara turns serving as hosts—preparing meals and organizing chore duties. The lodge Member Club Profile Mountain Club has a furnace to keep things warm in win- www.thendaramountainclub.org ter, but the bathroom is outside. “We have The Trail Conference comprises 10,000 individual members and more than 100 “Hiking trails start at our doorstep, and a a great outhouse!” says Bonk with a laugh. member clubs with a combined membership of 150,000 hikers. We invite club short walk down the hill leads to Lake She admits this arrangement is the big representatives to submit photos from hikes or maintenance outings or other events Tiorati. Our facilities on the lake include “selector” when it comes to membership. (please set your digital camera for highest resolution). Email your photos, along with canoes, sailboats and a swimming area. “You have to like rustic.” The winter brings opportunities to hike, The group offers an active schedule of complete caption information to: [email protected]; put “TW club photo” in the subject line. cross-country ski, snowshoe, or relax by the hikes and other outdoor activities, both warm fireplace.” on- and off- site. Service is an important If this sounds appealing, and you are component of the club’s mission. Mem- over age 18, you might want to consider bers maintain 35 miles of trails in membership in the Thendara Mountain Harriman/Bear Mountain State Parks and Club (TMC) ($45, individuals; $65, volunteer as Native American Shelter family). The club is based in a rustic lodge Stewards, monitoring historical Native built in 1920 on Hasenclever Mountain in American rock shelters and other histori- Harriman State Park. TMC, founded in cal structures in the park. They sponsor a 1916 as the New York section of the Big Buddies group from Queens and have Green Mountain Club and renamed in contributed generously to numerous con- 2000, has leased the lodge from the Pal- servation efforts, such as the effort to isades Interstate Park Commission since it preserve Sterling Forest. Last year they was built. It is headquarters, social center, hosted trail crews working on the Bear and refuge for the club’s 300 members. Mountain Trails Project. The lodge sleeps 17 inside, 20 in a “We’re a fun group,” says Bonk. “We screened bunkhouse, and offers a few have members from New York, New camping spaces. “Our sleeping capacity Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. maxes out at about 45,” says Sharon And new members are welcome to join.” Bonk, a member since 1994 and a current A membership application is available club officer. Meals are family style, with online, as are photos and other informa- Thendara Mountain Club members gather at their rustic lodge in Harriman S.P. members sharing food costs and taking tion about TMC. July/August 2007 Page 7

Science & Ecology protection. Indeed, in order to establish that amount of organic material, the ‘food’ of a wetland is present, it is necessary to show the microbes, in the soil. that those special plants and soils are pres- Plants growing in anaerobic soils, howev- When the Ground ent, together with plenty of water. In er, still need oxygen to support their root Goes Squish understanding the ways in which water, systems, and so a variety of neat adapta- soils, and plants influence each other, the tions have evolved that enable plants to under Your Boots special values of wetlands become apparent. provide a constant ‘fix’ of oxygen to their By Joan Ehrenfeld The presence of water in a soil for a pro- nether parts. Many wetland plants have longed period results in the utilization of very spongy stems and leaves. The large air It’s a rare hike that doesn’t traverse some most or all of the oxygen in the soil. This spaces between the cells that cause the wet ground or at least skirt the edge of a happens because both the roots of the sponginess, called ‘aerenchyma,’ allow oxy- wet area. A trail may take a lengthy route plants and the myriad microbes in the soil gen to diffuse downward from the leaves around land that is simply too wet and soft require oxygen to breathe (i.e., respire), just and stems into the roots. Try squeezing a to walk across. Sometimes, the wet area is as people do. It is this process that generates stem of a wetland plant, or cutting the stem so small as to be hardly noticeable; a few energy for all other vital activities, such as across: the air spaces will be very clear. long strides and it’s passed. But large or growth and reproduction. Oxygen cannot Some wetland plants are also able to gener- small, these wetlands are very special and dissolve into water within the soil or diffuse ate a flow of air through their tissues: important parts of the landscape. fast enough to keep up with the demand oxygen-rich air enters some leaves, this air Wetlands are what result when special- from the microbes and roots, and so the flows down into the roots and then up ized plants and abundant water create soil becomes anaerobic—lacking free oxy- through other stems to exit through other special soils. The three-way interactions gen—if it stays wet. The length of time leaves. These plants are able to supply oxy- among the plants, soil, and water that are necessary for this to happen depends on the gen from the air to roots that may be responsible for the existence of wetlands are season—weeks to months in the winter, a several feet long. Many other wetland recognized in the laws that govern wetland day or two in the summer—and the plants build up small mounds, called ‘hummocks,’ that are slightly higher than View of a floodplain the very wet surface of the ground. These hummocks are just high enough (often the water and soil. It is these microbial only a few inches) to allow some drainage processes that make wetlands so useful in of the water, and therefore more oxygen in protecting clean water and cleaning up pol- the soil. Trees enlarge their trunks near the luted water. base to produce a larger surface through Wetlands are not only the home of myr- which oxygen from the air can diffuse into iad unusual plants, animals, and microbes, the wood. Some species, such as the bald but also have global significance as places in cypress of southern swamps, go to great which carbon is permanently removed extremes in such buttressing, as it’s called; from the atmosphere and stored as peat. but buttresses can be seen even on the ash- So, the next time your boots get covered in es and maples of our northern swamps. mud, think about the amazing biology The microbes that can live in wetland behind that mud! soils also have adaptations to surviving with little or no oxygen. They are able to use a Joan Ehrenfeld is a professor in the Depart- variety of alternative biochemical methods ment of Ecology, Evolution and Natural of generating energy, including fermenta- Resources at Cook College, Rutgers University. tion and many different types of anaerobic Her special interest is wetland ecology. metabolism. Fortunately for us, these bio- chemical adaptations are also very effective An expanse of Symplocarpus (skunk cabbage) indicates a field of wet soil. in removing a variety of pollutants from

carrying a door up the trail! I never would Getting Grandkids into the Act have made it all the way if it weren’t for “Tracking the their help. They carried more than I did. Bob and Joan Cohen recently spring day and three of my grandchildren Kayleigh and I installed the door while Wild Invasives”: came along to help me. Jake is 8, Kayleigh the boys explored the area. While we were Report from Year One became caretakers for the is 12, and Ryan is 14. They have been hik- there we repaired two bow saws and Telephone Pioneers Shelter ing all of their lives and enjoy the outdoors installed a clothes line. It is hard to believe a year has quickly on the Appalachian Trail north very much. All three of my grandchildren attend the passed us by and we now find ourselves We loaded the replacement door and Dutchess Day School. Kayleigh belongs to knee-deep in invasives as the second year of of Pawling, NY. The privy door tools into the car and drove to where the the Ecology Club at her school and did this the USDA Volunteer Invasive Plant Survey was missing. Here is Bob’s AT intersects with West Dover Road. as part of a class project. She hopes to go to gets underway. There is at this point what is reported to be Costa Rica next year with the club as a field account of how he involved the largest oak tree on the entire AT. (We trip. She has to do volunteer work related A total of his grandchildren in shelter chose to go up from West Dover Road to ecology to qualify. When I asked rather than going in from Penny Road Kayleigh what she thought of our service 2,857 observations maintenance. because of the wet areas on the trail going outing, she said, “I really enjoyed doing were made. in from that direction.) We carried the this project with my grandfather. I think We chose Easter Sunday afternoon to heavy door and tools about a mile up a fair- this was a good way of giving back to the Looking back on 2006, we are excited to replace the door of the privy at the Tele- ly steep trail. We have taken this trail and community. I hope I can help even more report that we had a very successful season. phone Pioneers Shelter. We all went to eaten lunch together at Cat Rocks several during the summer.” Fifty-nine volunteers surveyed 26 miles of church early and then came home and had times, and the view is much more impres- —Bob Cohen trails in Harriman State Park and Ring- a fantastic family brunch. It was a beautiful sive looking down than looking up while wood State Forest. A total of 2,857 observations were made; 61% of the obser- vations in Harriman State Park and 91% in Ringwood State Forest were of invasive plants, with the most common species being Japanese Barberry in Harriman and Garlic Mustard in Ringwood. Volunteers overwhelmingly reported that they enjoyed learning about the inva- sive plant issue and many plan to help spread the word and talk to others about the growing problem. In addition, volun- teers plan to change their gardening habits and to remove invasive plants from their yard! All indicated that they would volun- teer for a project like this again. The principle investigators—Rutgers University, Palisades Interstate Park Commission, and the Trail Conference— and project coordinators also learned much. With feedback from our 2006 volunteers, we have refined the program for the 2007 season and look forward to another successful year. Thanks go to all BOB COHEN who participated! Kayleigh and Ryan portage a new privy door up to Telephone Pioneers Shelter on the AT. Mission accomplished. —Heidi Adami, Volunteer Coordinator Page 8 July/August 2007 HIKERS’ ALMANAC A Sampling of Upcoming Hikes Sponsored by Member Clubs

July July 13 – July 20 Wednesday, July 25 TLR. Family Habitat Safari: The Forest, NY. Call Teatown Lake Special Event: Appalachian Trail Conservancy 36th Biennial UCHC. Lewis Morris Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Len Reservation to make a reservation: 914-762-2912, ext. 110. Meet: Sunday, July 1 1 Conference. Hosted by the NY-NJ Trail Conference, this week- Schnitzer and Norma Cohen, 732-499-9176. Meet: 10am at 10am at Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining, NY. Easy 1 /2 hour GAHC. Fire Island Seashore/Sunken Forest, NY. Leader: Gunter long event in Ramapo, NJ, will have hikes on the AT and Sugarloaf parking. Moderate hike with some hills. family walk to learn about the animals and plants unique to this Georgi, 516-883-2336; please call to pre-register. Meet: 10am at habitat. Non-members $5. elsewhere; youth activities; historical, environmental, and cultur- Thursday, July 26 Sayville, NY, ferry landing. Easy to moderate hike with swimming. al excursions; and workshops. To learn more, see page 12 in this UCHC. Wildcat Ridge, Farny State Park, NJ. Leader: Jim McKay, NYHC. Tallman Mtn. State Park to Nyack, NY. Leader: Lynn IHC. Highlands Trail #10-Newark Watershed, NJ. Leader: Guy issue of Trail Walker or go to www.ramapo2007.org. 973-538-0756. Meet: 10am at Four Birds South lot. Moderately Albin, 718-743-0920; call starting Wed. eve for recorded message. and Jen Percival, 973-984-1005. Meet: 9am at Echo Lake Saturday, July 14 strenuous 8-9 miles. Hike to old furnace off Splitrock Rd., back via Meet: Port Authority bus terminal at Commuters statue. Moder- parking, West Milford, NJ. Strenuous 9 miles. This section passes UCHC. Watchung Trail Maintenance, NJ. Leader: Pre-register by Wildcat Ridge. ate 8 miles. A full day: park walk, pool swim, then Long Path to lakes and quiet streams. Piermont and Nyack, followed by meal at Mexican restaurant. calling Trailside at 908-789-3670, ext. 3420. Meet: 9:30am - noon; Saturday, July 28 UCHC. Lewis Morris Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Gail call for location. Have fun while giving back to the trails; bring UCHC. Tourne Park, Boonton, NJ. Leader: Susan Jacobs, ADK-R. Johnsontown Circular, Harriman State Park, NY. For Waimon, 973-467-4761. Meet: 10am at Sugarloaf parking lot; gloves, trash bag, clippers if you have them. No experience need- 973-402-2555. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Moderate 4 miles info: 845-354-9165. Early start; easy. call for directions. Moderate hike. ed. Learn new skills and meet people while working outdoors. with some hills. Steady rain cancels. IHC. Minnewaska Meander. Leader: Carolyn and Jim Canfield, Monday, July 2 UCHC. Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Mae ADK-R. A Day in the Woods, Harriman S.P., NY. For info: 973-728-9774. Meet: 8:30am at Harriman RR Station, Rt. 17, RVW. Ashokan High Point, Catskills, NY. For info: 845-338-8772. Deas, 908-233-6641. Meet: 10am at visitors center. Moderate, scenic 354-729-4046. Easy. Arden, NY; parking fee. Moderately strenuous. Long Path and oth- Meet: 8am. Strenuous 7.5 mile hike; about 6 hours. Inclement 4-5 miles; pace depends on weather/heat. Steady rain cancels. er trails to a swim in Lake Awosting (bring bathing suit); RVW. Pine Bush Discovery Center Albany, NY. For info: weather date is following Monday. ADK-R. Raspberry Hike, Hudson Palisades. For info: 845-359- blueberries are also possible. Rain cancels. 845-246-4590. Easy Hike: 3 miles, 5 hours. Meet at 8:30am. UCHC. Turtle Back Rock, NJ. Leader: Len Shnitzer, 732-499-9176. 5245. Easy. Note: $2 entrance fee. RVW. Black Rock Forest, NY. For info: 845-246-7174. Meet: 8am. Meet: 10am at South Mountain Reservation; call for directions. Sunday, July 15 Easy 5 miles. Inclement weather date is following Saturday. Sunday, August 5 Easy, level hike to Girl Scout oval and back. IHC. Butler Reservoir, Kinnelon, NJ. Leaders: Guy and Jen Percival, TLR. Family Habitat Safari: The Edge of the Pond, NY. Call IHC. Above and Along the Hudson River. Leader: Steve Rikon, Tuesday, July 3 973-984-1005. Meet: 9am at Kinnelon ballfield, Boonton Ave., Teatown Lake Reservation to make a reservation: 914-762-2912, 973-962-4149. Meet: 9am at NJ PIP headquarters, Alpine UCHC. Pine Meadow Lake, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Kinnelon, NJ. Moderately strenuous. Hike around the reservoir and ext. 110. Meet: 10am at Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining, NY. Approach Rd., Alpine, NJ (exit 2 on Palisades Parkway). Moderate- Dave Hogenauer, 973-762-1475 (cell; use only day of hike). past Tripod and Bear Rocks for a complete day out. 1 ly strenuous. From State Line Lookout go north on Long Path, Easy 1 /2 hour family walk to learn about the animals and plants Meet: 10am at Reeves Meadow visitors center, Seven Lakes Dr. GAHC. Sunken Meadow State Park, Long Island. Leader: Evelyn unique to this habitat. Non-members $5. descend Giant Stairs, scramble to Shore Trail, then to Alpine Boat Moderate 5-6 miles to the lake. Basin. Shuttle required. Hoyer, 718-457-8319. Meet: 10am at bathhouse of most easterly NYHC. Staten Island Walk to Snug Harbor. Leader: Sal Varbero, Thursday, July 5 parking lot. Hike with swimming. 718-420-9569; call 8-10pm, Mon.-Fri. Meet: 10:30am at Staten Monday, August 6 UCHC. Sunfish Pond, Delaware Water Gap, NJ. Leader: Wayne TLR. Beat the Heat Hike, NY. Call Teatown Lake Reservation to Island Ferry Terminal, New York side. Easy 4 miles along the shore UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, NJ. Leader: Len Shnitzer, Frey, 732-537-9190. Meet: 10am at AT/Dunnfield Creek lot. make a reservation: 914-762-2912, ext. 110. Meet: 9:30am at from ferry terminal to and around Snug Harbor. 732-499-9176. Meet: 10am at Tulip Springs; call for directions. Moderately strenuous hike on Appalachian Trail to Sunfish Pond, Easy 3 miles to Hemlock Falls and back on Painter’s Point Trail. Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining, NY. Easy morning hike to UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, NJ. Leader: Naomi Shapiro, back on Dunnfield Creek Trail. stretch your legs and beat the heat. 973-762-1832. Call before 9pm . Meet: 10am at Locust Grove RVW. Balsam Lake Mountain (3600') Catskills, NY. For info: Saturday, July 7 NYHC. Tallman Mtn. State Park to Nyack, NY. Leader: Lynn parking, across from Millburn, NJ, RR station. Brisk 5 miles; little 845-246-8546. Moderate-plus hike: 5.5 miles, 5 hours. Meet at UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Mimi Albin, 718-743-0920; call starting Wed. eve for recorded message. over 2 hours. Steady rain cancels. 8am. Inclement weather date-following Monday. Solomon, 973-379-3910. Meet: 10am at Tulip Springs lot, Meet: Port Authority bus terminal at Commuters statue. Moder- Sunday, July 29 Tuesday, August 7 Brookside Ave., Millburn. Moderate hike with several hills; about ate 8 miles. A full day: park walk, pool swim, then Long Path to GAHC. Fahnestock State Park, NY. Leader: Mathias Wuethrich, UCHC. Allamuchy State Park, NJ. Leader: Dave Hogenauer, 2.5 hours. Yellow Trail to nearl Crest Dr. Piermont and Nyack, followed by meal at Mexican restaurant. 908-253-9042. Meet: 9:30am at parking at southwest end of 973-901-0824. Meet: 10am at I-80 lot; call for directions. Sunday, July 8 UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Jim Canopus Lake. Easy to moderate hike with possible swimming. Moderate pace, 5-6 miles. Schlegel, 973-731-4339. Meet: 10am at Tulip Springs parking, IHC. Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area: Round Hill, NY. UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Wednesday, August 8 Brookside Ave., Millburn, NJ. Moderate hike of about 2 hours. Leader: Jane Egan, 973-636-0809; no calls after 9pm . Meet: Angela Coble, 908-686-5958. Meet: 10am at Trailside Center, UCHC. Somerset Co. Environmental Center, Basking Ridge, NJ. 9am at Trading Post parking, Rt. 9W north, Fort Montgomery, NJ. Monday, July 16 Coles Ave. and New Providence Rd. Brisk 4-5 miles. Rain cancels. Leader: Mae Deas, 908-233-6641. Meet: 10am at center parking Moderate 7.5 miles with a few moderate climbs. Hike on little-used RVW. Mt. Washington Park HQ, CT. For info: 845-246-4590. lot. Easy, level 4 miles at leisurely pace. trails in part of Fahnestock State Park once used for farming and Meet: 8am. Moderate 6.5 miles, 4 hours, on Alander Mountain. iron mining. Inclement weather date is following Monday. NYHC. Tibbets Brook Park, NY. Leader: George Glatz, 212-533- UCHC. Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: 9457; call 7-8am . Meet: 1:30pm at 242 St. and Broadway; #1 train to Betty Mills, 973-538-4922. Meet: 10am at visitors center. Easy 3 miles. last stop. Easy 4 miles along the old Putnam Division right-of-way. Tuesday, July 17 UCHC. Rifle Camp Park, Paterson, NJ. Leader: Peter Wolff, 973- UCHC. Ramapo Circular, Oakland, NJ. Leaders: Jim and Theresa 731-0602. Meet: 10am at first lot from park entrance. Casual pace, McKay, 973-538-0756. Meet: 10am at lower lot on Skyline Dr. moderate. Nice views midway in this historic area. Rain cancels. Moderately strenuous 6-7 miles. Monday, July 9 Wednesday, July 18 RVW. Slide Mtn., Catskills, NY (4,180'). For info: 845-246-7987. UCHC. Schiff Reservation, Mendham, NJ. Leaders: Jim and Meet: 8am. Strenuous 6.5 mile hike; about 5 hours and 1,650' Theresa McKay, 973-538-0756. Meet: 10am at Patriots Path ascent. Inclement weather date is following Monday. parking lot in Mendham, NJ. Moderate 5 miles. UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Cherryll Saturday, July 21 Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10am at lot off of Brookside Dr.; call for directions. Painter’s Point: easy favorite along the Rahway River. TLR. Family Habitat Safari: The Swamp, NY. Call Teatown Lake Reservation to make a reservation: 914-762-2912, ext. 110. Meet: Tuesday, July 10 1 10am at Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining, NY. Easy 1 /2 hour UCHC. Terrace Pond, NJ. Leader: George Smith, 973-778-3586. family walk to learn about the animals and plants unique to this Meet: 10am at lot #7 on Clinton Rd., West Milford, NJ. Moderate- habitat. Non-members $5. ly strenuous 5-7 miles, with lunch at this beautiful pond. UCHC. Pyramid and Turkey Mountains, Montville, NJ. Leader: Al Wednesday, July 11 Verdi, 973-263-8569. Meet: 10am at Pyramid Mtn. parking. Moder- RVW. Trail Maintenance at Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, NY. ate 4-5 miles on Pyramid and Turkey Mtns; not for beginners. For info: 845-246-7174. Meet: 8am. Spend a few hours helping to Sunday, July 22 maintain the trails. No experience needed. VIVIAN JAY UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Eck Emma Hackley-Baker at a viewpoint on the Breakneck Ridge Trail in Hudson Highlands State Park. NYHC. Hudson River Evening Walk, NYC. Leaders: Sam and Khoon Goh, 908-790-0939. Meet: 10am at Trailside Center on Esther Dorfman. Meet: 5:45pm at Starbucks, 181 St. and Fort Coles Ave. and New Providence Rd. Brisk 4-5 miles. Rain cancels. Monday, July 30 Thursday, August 9 Washington Ave.; A train (last car) to 181 St. Easy 3 miles along the Monday, July 23 scenic Hudson, with a stop at the Little Red Lighthouse under the RVW. Huckleberry Point, Catskills, NY. For info: 845-246-7616. UCHC. Horsepond Mountain, NJ. Leader: Jim McKay, 973-538- George Washington Bridge; continue towards Riverbank State UCHC. Grover Cleveland Park, Essex Fells and Caldwell, NJ. Meet: 8am. Moderate 5 miles, 3.5 hours. Inclement weather date 0756. Meet: 10am at Jennings Hollow, Hewitt, for short shuttle; Park. Rain cancels. Leader: Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10am ; call for direc- is following Monday. call for directions. Moderately strenuous 6-7 miles; includes tions. Easy 3 miles; enjoy the best of two parks. recently relocated section of Stonetown Circular Trail. UCHC. Hedden Park, Dover, NJ. Leader: Carol O’Keefe, 973-328- UCHC. Mayapple Hill, South Mtn. Reservation, NJ. Leader: 7395. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Pleasant 2-hour walk Tuesday, July 24 Dave Hogenauer, 973-901-0824.. Meet: 10am ; call for directions. Saturday, August 11 through woods and along a stream; some ups and downs. UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, NJ. Leader: Ellie King, 908-233- Easy 3 miles. UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, NJ. Leader: Ellie King, 908-233- 8411. Meet: 10am at Tulip Springs parking. Easy to moderate pace, 8411. Meet: 10am at Tulip Springs; call for directions. Moderate Thursday, July 12 Tuesday, July 31 5 miles. To cool spots for a hot day: Hemlock Falls, Rahway River, UCHC. Lake Skenonto, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Mari- 4-5 miles; pace will depend on weather. UCHC. Lake Skannatati, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: and the mill ponds. George Pullman, 973-773-2678. Meet: 10am at Lake Skannatati lyn Varney, 914-698-2339 (no calls after 9pm, please). Meet: 10am Sunday, August 12 lot. Moderately strenuous; 8+ miles with hills at a steady pace. at Johnsontown Rd. circle; call for directions. Moderate, flat 6 GAHC. Robert Moses State Park, Fire Island, NY. Leader: miles. Visit two lakes. Gunter Georgi, 516-883-2336. Meet: 10am at bathhouse of August parking lot #5. Hike with swimming. Monday, August 13 The activities listed are sponsored by member clubs of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. All hikers are welcome subject to club regula- Wednesday, August 1 tions and rules of the trail. You are responsible for your own safety. Wear hiking boots or strong, low-heeled shoes. Bring food, water, UCHC. Deer Paddock, South Mtn. Reservation, NJ. Leader: Joe UCHC. Tourne Park, Boonton, NJ. Leader: Susan Jacobs, rain gear, first aid kit, and a flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe Burns, 973-887-8173. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Easy, level 3 973-402-2555. Meet: 10am . Moderate hike in a beautiful park. cannot complete the hike or is not adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. miles to Washington Rock. Steady rain cancels. More than 90 clubs belong to the Trail Conference, and many of our affiliate groups sponsor hikes not listed in the Hikers’ Almanac. RVW. Ramshorn-Livingston Sanctuary, Catskill, NY. For info: Thursday, August 2 For a descriptive list of Conference clubs, consult our website or send a SASE with your request to NY-NJ Trail Conference. 845-417-8097 OR 518-895-8474. Easy hike: 3.5 miles, 3.5 hours. UCHC. Weis Ecology Center, Wanaque. Leader: Alan Breach, Meet at 8am. Inclement weather date-following Monday. Club Codes 973-875-4376. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Moderately Only those clubs with hikes offered in this issue are listed below. Please call numbers listed to confirm. strenuous 8+ miles in Norvin Green State Forest. Scenic waterfall, Tuesday, August 14 ADK-R Adirondack Mountain Club NYHC New York Hiking Club view from High Point rock. UCHC. Van Campens Glen, Delaware Water Gap, NJ. Leader: Wayne Frey, 732-537-9190. Meet: 10am at Millbrook Village; Saturday, August 4 Ramapo Chapter RVW Rip Van Winkle Hiking Club call for directions. Moderately strenuous 6 miles. Hamilton GAHC German-American Hiking Club TLR Teatown Lake Reservation UCHC. Watchung Trail Maintenance, NJ. Leader: Pre-register by Ridge and Pioneer Trails; lunch beside beautiful cascade on IHC Interstate Hiking Club UCHC Union County Hiking Club calling Trailside at 908-789-3670, ext. 3420. Meet: 9:30am - noon; Van Campens Brook. call for location. Have fun while giving back to the trails; bring Clubs wishing to have hikes listed in Hikers’ Almanac should send their schedules to [email protected] or to the Trail Conference Office. gloves, trash bag, clippers if you have them. No experience need- The deadline for the September/October 2007 issue is July 15, 2007. ed. Learn new skills and meet people while working outdoors. July/August 2007 Page 9

Wednesday, August 15 UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, NY. Leader: Louise White, UCHC. Rifle Camp Park, Paterson, NJ. Leader: Peter Wolff, Thursday, August 30 UCHC. Locust Grove, South Mtn. Reservation, NY. Leader: Ellie 973-746-4319. Call between 9am and 9pm. Meet: 10am at Tulip 973-731-0602. Meet: 10am at first lot from park entrance; call for UCHC. Ramapo State Forest, Oakland, NJ. Leader: Jim McKay, King, 908-233-8411. Meet: 10am at Locust Grove lot, across from Springs parking on Brookside Ave., Millburn, NJ. Moderate 4 miles directions. Moderate hike at casual pace. Nice views midway in 973-538-0756. Meet: 10am at upper lot off Skyline Dr.; call for Millburn, NJ, RR station. 2 hour hike; pace/distance will depend on through pine forest to Hemlock Falls, then woods road along this historic area. Rain cancels. directions. Moderately strenuous 8+ miles. weather. Steady rain cancels. Rahway River. Monday, August 27 September Thursday, August 16 Monday, August 20 UCHC. Cedar Grove Community Park, Cedar Grove, NJ. Leader: Saturday, September 1 UCHC. Apshawa Preserve, West Milford, NJ. Leader: Steve UCHC. Mills Reservation, Cedar Grove, NJ. Leader: Joe Roz Bloom, 973-364-0186. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Easy, Gruber, 908-647-3253. Meet: 10am at lot off Northwood Dr.; call McLaughlin, 973-263-2799. Meet: 10am; call for directions. level 3 miles. A railroad bed, hemlock gorge, and the reservoir. ADK-R. Schunemunk Mountain. Call leader for info: 973-835- 2832. Strenuous. for directions. Moderately strenuous 9 miles; includes view of Easy 3 miles along the Lenape and Blue Trails. RVW. Huntersfield Mountain (3424'), Plattsville, NY. For info: NYC on a clear day, two reservoirs and stream cascades. RVW. Windham High Peak (3524'), Catskills, NY. For info: 845- 518-895-8474. Moderate hike: 4.5 miles, 4 hours. Meet at 8am. ADK-R. Cool in the Woods, Harriman S.P., NY. For info: 201-871- 246-1823. Moderate-plus hike: 6.6 miles, 4.5 hours. Meet 8am. Inclement weather date-following Monday. www.nynjtc.org 3531. Moderate. Tuesday, August 21 Saturday, August 18 UCHC. Jonathan Woods, NJ. Leader: Jim and Theresa McKay, IHC. Escarpment Trail-North Lake, Catskills, NY. Leader: Charlie 973-538-0756. Meet: 10am at Diamond Spring Park in Denville, and Anita Kientzler, 973-835-1060. Meet: 8am at Harriman RR NJ; call for directions. Moderate 5 miles in Morris County’s Hikers’ Station, Rt. 17, Arden, NY. Moderately strenuous. Historic, scenic newest park. hike including Catskill Mtn. House, Artists Rock, Newman’s Ledge; Wednesday, August 22 Marketplace park entrance fee. Optional swimming and early supper after hike. UCHC. The Tourne, Boonton, NJ. Leader: Joe Burns, 973-887- TLR. Family Habitat Safari: The Meadow. Call Teatown Lake 8173. Meet: 10am; call for directions. Moderate, pretty hike to NY-NJ TC member? YES NO JOINING NOW Member #______Reservation to make a reservation: 914-762-2912, ext. 110. Meet: Birchwood and Crystal Lakes. 1 Please order by circling price Retail Member P/H Total 10am at Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining, NY. Easy 1 /2 hour Saturday, August 25 family walk to learn about the animals and plants unique to this UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Mae Official Conference Maps Order 8 or more and get discounted expedited shipping! habitat. Non-members $5. Deas, 908-233-6641. Meet: 10am at Trailside Center on Coles Ave. Catskill Trails (2005) & see combo $14.95 $11.21 +$1.35 ______NYHC. Bethpage to Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, NY. and New Providence Rd. Moderate 4-5 miles with some East Hudson Trails (2006) $10.95 $ 8.21 +$1.20 ______Leader: Ray Krant, 718-435-4994; call before 10pm. Meet: hills/rough terrain. Pace depends on weather. Steady rain cancels. NEW!! Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails (2007) & see combo $ 9.95 $ 7.46 +$1.20 ______9:45am at Penn Station, lower level LIRR info booth. Moderate RVW. Innisfree Gardens, Millbrook, NY. For info: 845-246-2945. 10 miles. Hike along Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail. Hudson Palisades Trails (2005) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$1.20 ______Easy Hike: 5 miles, 5 hours. Meet at 8am. Inclement weather Kittatinny Trails (2005) & see combo $12.95 $ 9.71 +$1.35 ______Sunday, August 19 date?-following Saturday. Note: entrance fee. NEW!! North Jersey Trails (2007) $ 9.95 $ 7.46 +$1.20 ______NYHC. State Line to Nyack, NY. Leader: George Glatz, 212-533- Sunday, August 26 9457; call 7-8am. Meet: 10:15am at George Washington Bridge bus Shawangunk Trails (2005) & see combo $10.95 $ 8.21 +$1.20 ______GAHC. Sunken Meadow State Park, Long Island, NY. Leader: terminal (A train to 175 St.), upper level ticket windows. Easy South Taconic Trails (2006) $ 4.95 $ 3.71 +.80 ______Marlies Binz, 718-849-1463. Meet: 10am at bathhouse of most 6 miles along the Hudson River. easterly parking lot. Hike with swimming. Sterling Forest Trails (2005) $ 7.95 $ 5.96 +$1.00 ______West Hudson Trails (2006) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$1.20 ______Books NEW!! Appalachian Trail Guide to New York $19.95 $14.96 +$2.50 ______Heat-Related Illnesses in the Hiker & New Jersey (2007) By George Becker III, MD NEW!! Hiking the Jersey Highlands (2007) $22.95 $17.21 +$3.00 ______New York Walk Book (2005) & see combo $22.95 $17.21 +$3.00 ______What’s a heat-related illness? milder symptoms, but more severe symp- New Jersey Walk Book (2004) & see combo $19.95 $14.96 +$3.00 ______Heat-related illnesses occur when the toms require medical attention for Circuit Hikes in Northern New Jersey (2003) $11.95 $ 8.96 +$2.50 ______body’s adaptation mechanisms fail to com- intravenous fluids and to prevent progres- Day Walker (2002) $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______pensate for excessive heat stress and can sion to heat stroke. Harriman Trails Guide (1999) & see combo $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______range from minor to life-threatening. In Heat Stroke: The most serious form of Hiking Long Island (2005) $19.95 $14.96 +$3.00 ______the setting of excessive ambient heat or vig- heat-related illness is marked by elevated Iron Mine Trails: NY/NJ Highlands (1996, rev. 1999) $ 8.95 $ 6.71 +$2.50 ______orous exercise, the body dissipates heat by temperature and changes in mentation or Kittatinny Trails (2004) & see combo $18.95 $14.21 +$2.50 ______several mechanisms. These include radia- alertness. This can be seen as combativeness, Long Path Guide to NY/NJ (2005) $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______tion of heat from the skin to the air and hallucinations, seizures, or unconsciousness. NEW!! Scenes & Walks in the Northern Shawangunks evaporation of sweat. If an individual Difficulty in maintaining balance can be an (2006) & see combo $13.95 $10.46 +$2.50 ______becomes dehydrated, heat production is early sign. Sweating may be present or Health Hints for Hikers (1994) $ 5.95 $ 4.46 +$2.50 ______too great, or the environment is too warm, absent. If heat stroke is suspected, cooling Doodletown: Hiking Through History in a the body temperature can rise to a danger- measures should be started by any means Vanishing Hamlet on the Hudson (1996) $12.95 $ 9.71 +$2.50 ______ous level. available, as a delay contributes to mortality. Nature Walks in New Jersey (2003) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______Medical attention is required. AMC Catskill Mountain Guide (2002) $19.95 $14.96 +$2.50 ______Who gets heat-related illness? ADK Catskill Trails (2005) & see combo $19.95 $14.96 +$2.50 ______Heat-related disorders are the most fre- Sounds bad-How do I prevent it? ADK Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons (2002) $12.95 $ 9.71 +$2.50 ______quent cause of environmentally related Fortunately, heat-related illness is preventa- Catskill Trails: A Ranger’s Guide to the High Peaks death, and although heat emergencies can ble. The body can acclimate to heat stress Book Two: The Central Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______affect anybody, there are certain people over a 7 to 10 day period by increasing Shawangunks Trail Companion (2003) $18.95 $14.21 +$3.00 ______who are at particular risk. These include sweat production and improving blood Moon Take a Hike NYC (2006) $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______young children and the elderly, the over- flow to the skin. Simple exposure to a Walking Manhattan’s Rim (2003) $13.95 $10.46 +$2.50 ______weight, and those taking certain warm environment or moderate exercise in 50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley (2002) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______medications, such as antihistamines, stimu- the heat can achieve this. Strenuous activi- 50 Hikes in New Jersey (2006) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______lants, and cardiovascular medicines. ty should be undertaken during the cooler Best Hikes w/ Children in New Jersey (2005) $15.95 $11.96 +$2.50 ______Additionally, those who have had prior times of the day. It is best to wear light-col- Best Hikes w/ Children in the Catskills & episodes are prone to recurrence. ored, loose-fitting clothing to avoid Hudson River Valley (2002) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______trapping warm air next to the body. One Hudson to Delaware: The Great Valley (2004) $75.00 $56.25 +$5.00 ______What types of things can happen? should also drink plenty of fluids, about a Combo-Packs Heat Edema: This is a self-limited process half-cup every 20 minutes, even if there is Catskill (5-map set & ADK book) $30.35 $22.69 +$2.50 ______in which swelling of the hands, feet, and not thirst. Lastly, it is best to avoid alco- Harriman (2-map set & book) $23.40 $17.55 +$3.00 ______ankles develops after exposure to a warm holic beverages during exercise, as they NY & NJ Walk Books $38.60 $30.95 +$4.25 ______environment. It is caused by dilation of promote dehydration. Shawangunk (3-map set & Scenes & Walks book) $21.65 $16.23 +$2.50 ______blood vessels in the skin, and is treated by Kittatinny (4-map set & book) $27.80 $20.85 +$2.50 ______elevating the extremities. Prickly Heat: Also known as “heat The Personal Touch rash,” this is caused by plugging of the Note Cards: TC Collection $12.00 $ 9.00 +$2.50 ______sweat ducts in clothed areas of the body. It Long-sleeve Denim Shirt Circle: S M L XL $29.90 $22.43 +$5.00 ______can be prevented by wearing loose-fitting Polo Shirt (Forest Green) Circle: S M L XL $19.90 $14.93 +$5.00 ______clothes, and the itch can be treated with an Harriman Map Bandanna $ 6.95 $ 5.21 +$1.85 ______antihistamine if further exposure to heat Conference Logo Patch $ 2.50 $ 2.50 postpaid ______can be avoided. Long Path Logo Patch $ 2.75 $ 2.75 postpaid ______Heat Cramps: These painful contractions Conference Logo Decal $ .85 $ .85 postpaid ______of the muscles, especially the calves, mainly Subtotal ______occur in those who sweat profusely and Postage/handling from above ______rehydrate with water, leading to electrolyte New Jersey residents add 7% tax* ______deficiencies. They can be treated with rest TOTAL ENCLOSED $ ______and electrolyte solutions (such as those found in sports drinks), and can be prevent- Method of Payment: ed by maintaining adequate salt intake. NAME Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex Heat Exhaustion: This illness reflects ADDRESS significant fluid depletion, and there may Card #______be an elevated temperature as well. It is CITY STATE ZIP Exp. Date: ___ /___ characterized by weakness, dizziness, nau- Signature: ______sea, vomiting, headache, and muscle aches. EMAIL TELEPHONE Additionally, there is sweating, a rapid Make check or money order payable to NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley pulse, and, possibly, physical collapse. The Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. For a full descriptive catalog, please write or call 201-512-9348. victim should be moved to a cool place, *Tax must be paid on books, maps, misc., but not on clothing or shipping, by customers and clothing should be loosened and extra with NJ ship-to (not billing) addresses. Prices are subject to change. (7/07) layers removed. Electrolyte-containing solutions by mouth are appropriate for YOU CAN ALSO ORDER AT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.NYNJTC.ORG Page 10 July/August 2007 STEP BY STEP TO NATURE Welcome Our New Staff continued from page 1 viously slept in a sleeping bag, and none who had done the sort of work that lay ahead of us. Leslie Rapparlie has joined the Trail Cal Rizzuto, a longtime hiker, paddler, We were met at the Garrison train station by two members of the trail crew—Student Conference as Devel- and backpacker, is the new administrative Conservation Association members—who had generously offered to pick us up and drive opment Associate and assistant in the TC office. Cal notes that us to the worksite. As our van wound up the mountain, the Hudson Valley opened up Bear Mountain Project she was a TC member and East Hudson below and many students were excited to recognize to the north the ridges near Cold Manager. Leslie, once crew volunteer “a long time ago.” A hiking Spring that they had hiked a few weeks earlier. a student at Ramapo friendship with Joan James, an active TC At the worksite we were introduced to Eddie Walsh, the project leader, and the rest of High School, graduat- volunteer, reconnected Cal with the TC via his trail crew. They were incredibly organized, having set up a number of stations where ed from Gettysburg the Bear Mountain Trails Project. She our group members could work on different stages of trail building. Some of the students College with a BA in signed up for many of the workshops chose to start the day by shoveling gravel; others began with leveling parts of the trail. Still creative writing and offered last autumn “and really enjoyed the others helped move some of the larger stones to spots where they would become part of environmental studies. work and company!” Cal studied comput- the trail’s retaining wall. Some of the more ambitious joined the crews that were making She then went to Minnesota State Univer- er science and has had a career in IS/IT. gravel by smashing stones with sledgehammers or clearing boulders off the trail by split- sity at Mankato for an MS in experiential “The work was fun and challenging, but ting them using drills, wedges, and hammers. education. She then directed Lynchburg something was definitely missing,” she While the sheer rigor of organization was impressive, what most impressed me was the College’s Outdoor Recreation Program in says. “So, I decided to try to find work for rapport that the crew quickly developed with my students. The crew members were young Virginia. She is well versed in Leave No an organization whose purpose is aligned enough to relate to teenagers and old enough to serve as role models. My students were in Trace environmental ethics and several with something that is really important to an unfamiliar place, accomplishing things outdoor sports. She wrote a four-book me. I kept an eagle-eye on the Trail Confer- they had not previously conceived of series for middle and high school children ence Job Listings and applied the first day I doing. And yet, as one student put it, the on kayaking, mountain biking, rock climb- saw something I was interested in. And, members of the crew “made us feel like we ing, and ice climbing. She is also a certified viola! I am so very happy to be working for were home.” Wilderness First Responder. Now a resident the Trail Conference, working with great At the end of the workday Brian and I of Ridgewood, NJ, Leslie spends her free people and doing much needed work to discussed with our group how their under- time hiking trails, writing, or doing yoga. preserve and protect our natural resources.” standing of trails had changed. Many of the students said that they would never see

ERIC DOUGLAS a trail the same way again: that they had Members of the Williamsburg Outdoor Club developed an appreciation of how much earned Trail Conference Volunteer work it takes to build and maintain a trail. DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND t-shirts by working a weekend at the They said that in the future they would be March 22, 2007 to May 21, 2007 Bear Mountain Trails Project. able to bring friends or family—even chil- dren or grandchildren—to Bear Mountain, GIFTS Eddy Abrevaya, Carmine M. Alfano, Anthony D. Andora, Anonymous Donor, Patrick J. Applegate, Henry C. Atterbury, point to the section of trail that they had contributed to, and say, “That trail is there in Geoffrey Barclay, Christopher K. Bastedo, Jonathan D. Beard & Rachel Theilheimer, Paul Bell, Vaclav E. Benes, Ellen D. part because of my work.” I sensed in their comments that the seeds of stewardship had Bennett, Larry & Susan Bernstein, Minor Bishop, John B. Blenninger, Murray & Jeanne Bodin, Kenneth F. Bohne, Douglas been planted. O. Bowers, Walter E. Britt, Alice M. Broquist, John & Patricia Brotherton, James & Gail Brown, Howard Brown & Nancy A. Houghton-Brown, Raymond M. Bulley, Jeffrey J & Susan Burek, William F. Burns, Lenny & Sue Bussanich, Ferdinand After work had finished, the crew drove us to camp. We shared dinner with them, each Caiocca, Jeanne V. & Malcolm Campbell, Dennis Carbonero, Stephen & Elizabeth Carroll, Steve C. & Luisa Sia Casey, table in the dining hall shared by a mix of students and trail crew members. The easy laugh- William B. Cater, Dave B. & Donna Colavito, Comptime Print & Copy Center, Robert P. & Josephine Conger, David ter and earnest conversations at each table gave the scene a palpable sense of community. Corcoran & Karrie Olick, Joseph A. & Marion Costa, Pat Cotter & Francis Turner, Matthew & Jennifer Coulter, Charles R. After dinner we explored the camp and then finished the night with a communal fire and & Adele W. Dahlberg, Mark J. Dallara, Jane & Walt Daniels, Geoffrey Dann & Lauri Novick-Dann, James E. Davis, John P. Denkowski, William H. Doremus, Patricia B. Dufort, Douglas K. Eads, Earth Share, Gayle Edgerton, Joan & David marshmallow roast—another first; none of the students had ever toasted marshmallows Ehrenfeld, Marvin & Anne Einhorn, Vincent Ellison Jr., Frank & Ann Endress, Michael Engel, Jeanne B. Epstein, Sheila C. before. After everyone took their turns telling campfire tales, we retired for the night, resting Ewall, Stanley & Charlotte Fahn, June Fait, Frances Lee Fanger, Sanford Felzenberg, Eileen S. & Timothy Feurey, Robert for our return in the morning to the trail for a half day of work before leaving for Brooklyn. L. & Judy Foester, Jakob & Gely Franke, Sheldon Freidenreich, Beverly Freierman, Walter Friedrichs, Matthew D. Garamone, Susan C Geltman, James B. Gilmore, Estelle Gilson, John & Wanda Giuffrida, Dan & Ann Gladding, Toby If asked to assign one word to the Golick, Rebecca W. & Henry E. Goodhue, Lisa L. Gordon, Josie Gray, Stella & Bob Green, John & Anne Grob, Richard Williamsburg Outing Club’s first weekend Grunebaum, Deborah E. Hammond, Paul H. Harrison, Elizabeth Heald, Gregor L. & Nancy L. Hetzel, Thomas E. & Shelly of many working on the Appalachian Trail Hitchins, Richard T. Holden, Jan A. Hopper, Joshua E. Howard, Kenneth & Mei Be Hunkins, Harry M. Iyo, Pat T. & Don G. I would choose “connectedness.” My stu- Johnson, Patricia Jones, Robert A. Jordan Jr., Michael A. Kaye, Howard D. Kessler Jr., Charles Kovacs, Noel & Judy Kropf, Gregory Lake, Vega A. Lalire, Rex Lalire & Greta Nettleton, Robert J. LaMagna, Edward Landau, Richard D. & Faith A. dents developed a deep sense of being Larson, Rosa Lee, Paul H. Lenz, Rosanne Levitt, David & Debbie Livingstone, James M. & Lois Lober, H. Max Lopp II, Paul connected—to each other, to the trail N. & Annette S. Marcus, Brian Markey & Virginia M. Lincoln, John Marville, MaryAnn & Charlie Massey, Stewart J. & crew, to the trail itself, and to the commu- Maeve Maurer, Dan McCarthy, George R. McCarthy, Joel B. & Elsie T. McKenzie, Regina McVay, Howard J Meisner, Alan nity of past and future users of the trail. Melniker, Michael & Suzanne Miller, Daniel K. Miller, Joseph D. & Aurelia Minuti, Keith Mogerley, John & Claudia Moran, Martin J. Moskowitz, Martina Moss, Tom & Helen Murphy, George Muser, Abraham & Cynthia Ofer, Dean F. & Lorrie They had moved from seeing a trail as stat- Paccioretti, John Palczynski & Pat Laverty, Daniel J. & Carol Parrish, Anthony V. & Domenica Paterno, Jeanne Petta, ic, as something that is just “there,” to William & Georgann Pettenger, Gale & Louis Pisha, Lilly E. Popper, Junius L. Powell Jr., George J. Prokopiak, Helen & understanding and experiencing it as a Christopher Quinn, Ken & Lorraine Renzler, Laura M. Rice, Dorothy W. & Peter M. Rinaldo, Ruth B. M. Robinson, Laurance & Wendy Rockefeller, Susan Rodau, Charles L. Rood, Isaiah A. Rubin, Michael Rubinstein, Miklos P. Salgo, Jeff thing in process, part of the ebb and flow C. & Melissa A. Salton, David Santulli, Henry T. & Alexandra Sarnataro, Maria & Anthony J. Sarro, Richard Scherrer, James of life. They had begun to see themselves as G. Schlenker, Trudy Schneider, Marypat & Todd Schreibman, Paul E. Scraggs, Robert A. Seelenfreund, Adrian W. Serra, participants in and stewards of that ongo- Frank Serravallo, Robert Sickley, Marc Silverstein, Steven Silverstein & Maite Jimenez, Norman J. SmithDavid Stebbins, ing process: the dance that sustains the web Mark Steinhacker, Thomas V. Stellato, Phyllis A. Stewart, Bill Stoltzfus Jr., Marek Stycos, Raymond & Linda Sullivan, Carl E. & Victoria A.D. Thune, David E. Van Duyne, Renee P. Victor, Nicholas J. Viggiano, Douglas A. Villepique, Matthew Lisa connecting all living things. Visco, Karl J. Volk, Ernest Wagner, Ed & Eudora Walsh, William C. Ward Jr., Robert & Virginia Weismantel, Rachel Weiss, Cyrus B. Whitney, Tom Wicks, Joan H. Wise, Karen I. & Robert Cameron Witt, Hanson Wong Trail Conference member Eric Douglas teaches high school English in the Williamsburg section EDDIE WALSH NEW LIFE MEMBERS DARLINGTON SCHOOLHOUSE FUND of Brooklyn. Nicholas moves soil to its final Diane Gamgochian, Mary & Gay Mayer, Maida Snapper, ADK North Jersey Chapter, David E. Van Duyne destination on the trail. Nancy Surdoval & Richard B. Stanger, Wayne Sygman, Anthony A. Weedo, Susan I. Wegner-Einhorn, Eileen West MEMORIAL GIFTS In memory of Fred & Anne Dlouhy SHAWANGUNK RIDGE COALITION Gary Petrie “Undoubtedly the MEMBERS In memory of Betty Lesem best book of its kind Orange County Land Trust, Casino Free Sullivan County Keith & Nicole Oringer on the market today.” HONORARY GIFTS In memory of Nat and Betty Levin In honor of Mary Smart & John Gunzler Constance I Bray, Gary Petrie — TrailWalker Edward Goodell In memory of Nat Levin Michael B. & Sally C. Levin MATCHING GIFTS In memory of Nat Levin AIG Matching Grants Program, IBM Corporation Matching David & Naomi Sutter, Richard & Nancy Wolff Moon Take a Hike Grants Program, Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts New York City Program, Phillips Van Heusen Corporation, Somerset In memory of Bill and Berthe Myles County United Way, United Way of Bergen County, Gary Petrie details 75 United Way of Essex & West Hudson, United Way of Tri-State In memory of Anna Parker spectacular trails Peter and Rita Heckler within two hours of Manhattan.

Available through NYNJTC’s Hikers’ Leave a Legacy Marketplace and at major bookstores. You can join the special individuals whose legacies ensure that the Trail Conference will continue to connect people with nature for generations to come by putting the Trail Conference in your will. It’s easy to do and won’t affect your current cash flow. Get your copy, By naming the Trail Conference as a beneficiary of your estate, you will help secure then get hiking. our future. Your gift is private and not made public until your death (or you can request your gift remain anonymous) and can be designated for a specific program or be an unrestricted gift. You can choose to donate a specific sum from your estate, for example $10,000, or you may allocate a percentage of your estate. Please contact NORTH NJ LAKESIDE HOME Development Director Joshua Howard for bequest language or with any questions w/in Allamuchy Park, on Highlands, Sussex Branch you may have at 201-512-9348, ext. 13, or [email protected]. The Trail Conference & other hike/bike trails +canoe. Rent full time or as recommends you contact an accountant or lawyer for professional assistance. regular wknd apt. $850/month plus utilities. Short walk to NYC busline. 973-347-2358. More pictures and trail info at: www.northbyram.org/rental. July/August 2007 Page 11 Book Review Their Original Fruit Leathers and FuitaBü, Organic Smoooshed Fruit, are Adirondack Alpine Ten Million Steps healthy and tasty ways to enjoy fruit GEAR while hiking because the fruit is already Summits: smooshed for you! The organic FuitaBüs had a more natural fruit taste and were An Ecological Field Guide easier to chew, but with both varieties CHECK offering delicious flavors like Abundant An occasional series that will review gear Apricot and Smoooshed Strawberry, appropriate for hiking. you’ll enjoy a civilized treat that will

By M.J Eberhart Menasha Ridge Press, 2007(paper) Reviewed by Brett Yates By Nancy G. Slack & Allison W. Bell energize you whether you’re out for a Adirondack Mountain Club, 2006 Ten Million Steps is a long book, but then it’s day-hike or the whole weekend. Add in Reviewed by George Petty difficult to imagine a very short account of

STRETCH ISLAND FRUIT CO. ISLAND FRUIT STRETCH the convenience of packing six or seven a walk from the Florida Keys to Quebec. Stretch Island Fruit Co. Original fruit leathers compared to hauling half a This excellent ecological guide to the high- M.J. Eberhart, a retired optometrist known Fruit Leathers and FuitaBü, dozen apples and oranges and you’ve got est peaks of the Adirondacks is both useful in the hiking community as the Nimblewill Organic Smoooshed Fruit a winning proposal. and exciting for hikers with access to that Nomad, embarked upon his peregrination Reviewed by Josh Howard One warning, just like a real piece of area. It is the second edition of a book orig- on the first day of 1998 and trekked for 297 fruit, I occasionally found it difficult to inally titled 85 Acres, referring to the small days. Along the way, he kept a daily journal. A piece of fresh fruit always makes a trip tear open the wrappers, so keep your alpine habitat found on 16 Adirondack Every entry appears in this volume. to the backcountry a little more civi- Swiss Army knife handy. summits. In this slim 80-page volume, the This format lends Eberhart’s tale an lized. However it won’t hit the spot if expert authors, Professor of Biology Nancy immediacy that would’ve been lost if he’d you’re wiping crushed grapes or a Slack and photographer/designer Allison recounted his journey after filtering it bruised apple from the bottom of your Bell, have included a remarkable 175 color through the lens of retrospection. There’s a pack. The Stretch Island Fruit Co. offers photos of plants and wildlife. Their level of detail, even in regard to the foods a cleaner and more backpack- friendly Rating: 3 boots out of 5 explanatory text is clear, mercifully brief, eaten, that allows the reader to feel that he solution for hikers who want their fruit and free of scientific jargon. But their too is on the trip. and to eat it too. expertise is behind everything they write, The walk’s distance alone—4,400 and it is included when it is needed. miles—was enough to impress me, but Te n The authors call their book “a nature Million Steps functions not only as a record tour in print and photos—from the moun- of a stunning feat of endurance but also as Visit UsToday! tain trailheads to the summits of the High a terrific adventure story in the classical Peaks.” The first half of the book offers a sense. Eberhart’s struggles through rain, description of the plants and wildlife of the snow, fatigue, and injury are offset by pic- www.NYNJTC.org slopes as you climb from the trailhead. This turesque scenery, idyllic stopovers in cozy, section is not comprehensive; it couldn’t be rural towns, assistance from Trail Angels, in such a slim volume. It includes photos of and new friendships with fellow travelers. some typical trees, flowers, and animals to The adventure is made even better than it be seen in the three ecological communities might have been because it was undertaken below the summit. by such a likable adventurer. Aside from the determination and optimism necessary “I wish I had had this for such an enterprise as this one, Eberhart possesses an unbelievable magnanimity: little book with me when He’s forever thanking those who maintain I climbed Algonquin the trails he hikes, and he finds something nice to say about everyone he meets. His three years ago.” amiable personality makes the journey a pleasure even through the occasional The introduction provides a short expla- uneventful days. nation of the glacial geology that produced These lulls typically result in journal alpine habitats on those “very special entries that focus on the spiritual aspect of ‘islands’ on our coldest Adirondack sum- the odyssey. Although here Eberhart some- mits.” Since the alpine habitats of the 16 times lapses into sentimentality, his lyrical peaks have not changed for 10,000 years, digressions and contemplative moments they are “a fascinating living museum.” serve as effective counterpoints to the Halfway through the book, the focus shifts prevalent descriptions of physical activity. to alpine life. This is the book’s main sub- Ten Million Steps was first published in ject, and the pictures and text in this hardcover in 2000 in a limited run. The section are very complete. acclaim from those who were lucky enough I wish I had had this little book with me to find a copy has finally, in 2007, led to a when I climbed Algonquin three years ago. republication in paperback, where it will, I It weighs about one-tenth of the Peterson hope, find the larger audience it deserves. volumes I had in my pack, and offers much more useful information to sweeten those Hiking Puts necessary water breaks near the summit. Demands on Yo u r F e et. Conservation minded Realtor, Chris Tausch of Marron & Gildea Realtors has offered to donate 30% of his Realtor’s We Help Your commission from a home purchase or sale by any clients Feet Hike Those who identify themselves as Trail Conference supporters. Extra Miles. Contact Joshua Howard for more details, 201-512-9348, ext. 13, or [email protected]. Prevention, Diagnosis & Treatment of Foot Disorders Board Certified Podiatrist & Foot Surgeon Dr. Howard E. Friedman 29 North Airmont Road • Suffern, NY (845) 357-2806 www.yourfootdoc.net 10% Discount on Custom Molded Orthotics and SUPERfeet® to NY/NJ Trail Conference members with proof of membership! Page 12 July/August 2007

Families, Scouts, Long Distance Hikers Favorite Hike Among Those Attending Ramapo 2007 By Daniel Chazin For children of any age, hiking with others who are section hikers or day hik- Hudson Highlands Gateway Park parents or fortunate grandparents can be ers. You can also join one of several a fun family outing. Just ask Ron and workshops on history of the Appalachi- This hike explores the 352-acre Hudson Marilyn Rosen of Poughkeepsie, who will an Trail and the people who dreamed, Highlands Gateway Park, where the high hike with their two grandchildren as part designed, and built it. Or learn about the points were used for signaling during the of Ramapo 2007, the Appalachian Trail rare plant species that occur on the AT Revolutionary War. Subsequently, the land Conservancy’s Biennial Conference on corridor in New York, New Jersey, and was logged to provide fuel for the local iron July 13-20. Some others who will be there elsewhere. industry, and it later served as a dairy farm are scouting families. Trip McMillan, Another option is to hike as many and a quarry. In 2000, it was acquired as Scout Executive CEO for Boy Scouts of days during the week as time and parkland by Scenic Hudson, the Town of America, Northern New Jersey Council strength are available. Pick one or more Cortlandt, and the County of Westchester. (Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, and of the 23 parts of the AT in our region Aside from its historic interest, Hudson Essex Counties), says and get out on the trail Highlands Gateway Park offers hikers a “Ramapo 2007 is a with a leader who will moderate hike of about four miles with sev- great, fun opportunity show the way hiking or eral scenic views of the Hudson River and for our local Scout fam- backpacking. Or try Highlands and Annsville Creek. The Trail ilies and Scout leaders one or more of the 69 Conference adopted the park’s trails and to develop additional non-AT hikes being they are currently maintained by Trail outdoor program offered too. Most hikes Conference volunteers. resources and skills, and are offered multiple to learn about the national recreational times during the week. The hike: From the parking area on Sprout CHAZIN DANIEL treasure – the Appalachian Trail – that our Pick hikes with the distance, terrain, Brook Road, cross the road to a kiosk. Enjoy river views from this Westchester park. Scouts have been hiking since the 1920s.” and pace to match your desired time, Here, the blue-blazed Upland Trail begins Hiking can be life changing, as it was effort, and scenery. Everything from and heads uphill to a wooden post, where Turn right onto the blue trail, which for David Bessey of Montclair, NJ. “I 1 mile to over 20 miles backpacking is you turn right. After making a U-turn and heads downhill on an eroded woods road graduated early from my Maine high available. entering a forested area, the trail proceeds (on old maps, this road is called “Old Rev- school because I was not a particularly steeply uphill. Soon, you reach a junction, olutionary Road”). Soon, the busy Route 9 happy student. The opportunity to thru- Ramapo 2007: $45 for eight days, or $20 where blue blazes lead both left and right. can be seen and heard directly to the right. hike the Appalachian Trail was a perfect for one day. Registration includes work- Turn left and follow the blue blazes for 500 At the next junction, bear right onto the segue between high school and college, shops, more than 30 exhibits, hikes, and feet to a viewpoint at a stone fireplace. red-blazed Annsville Creek Trail, which and has given me something to look entertainment every night – only Saturday Ahead, you can see the road bridge over soon crosses a wooden bridge over the back on the rest of my life. It was a big night costs extra. Most excursions have extra Annsville Creek and the Hudson River creek, turns right to parallel it, then climbs deal for me – an experience that gave me fees. Check out www.Ramapo2007.org for beyond, with the Indian Point nuclear on a woods road. confidence and helped me start out my all the details. Online registration closes power plant visible along the river. After At the top of the climb, a short side trail adult life.” June 30, but walk-ins can register at taking in the view, return to the main trail (also marked red) leads left to a lookout Ramapo 2007 offers a perfect oppor- Ramapo College beginning at noon on July and turn left. over a pond. The main trail now curves left tunity to talk with people like David 13. Some of the most popular activities are In another 0.3 mile, turn right onto the and parallels the pond, soon reaching who have thru-hiked the AT and with likely to be filled early. yellow-blazed Hudson Overlook Spur another kiosk. Trail, which heads rather steeply downhill, Turn left at the kiosk and head downhill crosses a small stream, and climbs to anoth- to the blue trail, where you proceed straight AN EAGLE PROJECT Forest Fire Service. The three of us hiked to er overlook, also with a west-facing view. ahead, now following blue blazes. At the continued from page 5 check the usability of an old woods road The view from this overlook is slightly next junction, marked by a wooden post, that I had found on a map; it would be broader, and you can see the Metro-North turn right and retrace your steps down to approved it for the Trail Conference and passable by truck if several blow-downs Railroad bridge over Annsville Creek the parking area where the hike began. gave him the go-ahead on the project. I let were cleared. Park employees took care of (beyond the road bridge). Ringwood State Park know that a Scout this work, and Rebecca arranged for a pick- Now retrace your steps to the blue trail. Access by car: From the Bear Mountain was working on the bridge project. Daniel up truck and two park employees, Rodney Turn right and, in about 250 feet, turn Bridge, continue on US 6/US 202 for 3.5 still needed one more approval, from his and Kristy, to work with the 16 Scouts in right onto the white-blazed Vernal Pool miles to a traffic circle. Take US 9 North District Eagle Advisor, Joe Ponzo, who getting the materials out near the site. The Trail. After some ups and downs, the trail for 0.6 mile, and turn right onto Roa Hook approved the project. park also gave me use of their “mule” to get bears left and begins a steady descent. At Road. Turn right onto Albany Post Road, Daniel’s next step was to get the materi- the tools and supplies out to the site for the the base of the descent, the trail crosses two then immediately turn left onto Sprout als needed for the bridge, the cost of which other work days. streams and then a stone wall, turns left, Brook Road. Continue for 0.6 mile to a he estimated at almost $2,000. After check- It took four trips with the truck to get all and heads uphill to the blue trail. large dirt parking area on the right. ing around with several suppliers he found the material out as close to the site as pos- that the actual cost would be about $1,700. sible, but the Scouts still needed to carry all He sent letters about his project to many the material an additional 150 yards. After Join the volunteers who bring you the great outdoors! suppliers and the local Chamber of all this prep work, the rest was easy. Three Commerce and started going out visiting days later a new bridge crossed the water, vendors. Through his legwork and the pinned to the boulder in the middle of the 1,700 miles of trails; your membership helps us expand our horizons. great generosity of several businesses he stream using a rock drill and rebar. Included with membership, Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases at most managed to have all but $160 worth of the Hikers crossing the bridge would never outdoor stores, and 25% discount on all Trail Conference maps and books. materials donated. realize the cooperative effort that went into Save time and a tree by joining or renewing online at Daniel scheduled the building project this work, just one of many such projects www.nynjtc.org. Just click on the Join/Renew button. for a long weekend in November 2006. He that the NY-NJ Trail Conference, NJ Divi- asked my advice on transporting the mate- sion of Parks and Forestry, Scouts, and other MEMBERSHIP LEVEL DUES rial to the site and if Ringwood State Park volunteers complete together each year. Senior Individual (65+) $25 might be able to help. I called Rebecca Senior Family (65+) $30 Fitzgerald, who set up a meeting with John Supporter $30 Livesey, a park employee with the NJ Family $40 *Sponsor Individual $60 *Sponsor Family $75 *Benefactor Individual $120 *Benefactor Family $150 *Life Individual $1,000 *Life Joint $1,500 Name ______Address______City ______State______Zip ______Day Phone ______Evening Phone______E-MAIL ______Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex Card #______Exp. Date: ____/ ____ Make check or money order payable to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. New Sponsor, Benefactor, and Life Members may elect to receive a Trail Conference cap. Check here if you would like us to send you a cap. Tax-deductible. Dues are not refundable. GENE GIORDANO The completed bridge in Ringwood State Park