The

Cloudsplitter

Vol. 78 No. 2 April-June 2015

published by the ALBANY CHAPTER of the ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB

The Cloudsplitter is published quarterly by the Albany Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club and is distributed to the membership. All issues (January, April, July, and October) feature activities schedules, trip reports, and other articles of interest to the outdoor enthusiast.

All outings should now be entered on the web site www.adk-albany.org . Echoes should be entered on the web site www.adk-albany.org with your login information.

The Albany Chapter may be Please send your address and For Club orders & membership For Cloudsplitter related issues, reached at: phone number changes to: call (800) 395-8080 or contact the Editor at: Albany Chapter ADK Adirondack Mountain Club e-mail: [email protected] The Cloudsplitter Empire State Plaza 814 Goggins Road home page: www.adk.org c/o Karen Ross P.O. Box 2116 Lake George, NY 12845-4117 7 Bird Road Albany, NY 12220 phone: (518) 668-4447 Lebanon Spgs., NY 12125 home page: fax: (518) 668-3746 e-mail: [email protected] www.adk-albany.org

Submission deadline for the next issue of The Cloudsplitter is May 15, 2015 and will be for the months of July, August, and September, 2015. Many thanks to Gail Carr for her cover sketch of water cascading in the emerging spring forest.

April 1, May 6, and June 3 (1st Wednesdays) Business Meeting of Chapter Officers and Committees 6:00 p.m. at Little’s Lake in Menands Chapter members are encouraged to attend - please call Tom Hart at 229-5627

Chapter Meetings are held at the West Albany Fire House (Station #1), 113 Sand Creek Road, Albany. Education Sessions start at 6:30 prior to the membership meeting. Programs begin following the Chapter business meeting. Refreshments are served after the meetings.

April 14 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: Lightweight Backpacking. Eric Schlimmer from Friends of the Trans Adirondack Route will discuss going light with your backpacking. Program: Mushing in the Boundary Waters Wilderness of Minnesota: When world famous arctic and polar explorer, Paul Schurke established a dogsled lodge in Ely, Minnesota, he “staffed” it with the world’s finest Canadian Inuit dogs, the original sled dogs of the high Arctic. Jean Quattrocchi will show us how she was trained to drive and care for these majestic canines while crossing miles of Minnesotan snowscape. She’ll also acquaint us with Ely and the Boundary Waters.

May 12 (2nd Tuesday) ANNUAL BANQUET The Desmond Hotel, 660 Albany Shaker Rd., Albany, NY 12211 Gathering begins at 6:00 p.m. Dinner at 7:00 p.m. See flyer on page 22 . PRESENTATION BY DR. MANOJ VORA, Adventurer and Summiter of the highest peaks on all seven continents

June 9 (2nd Tuesday) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING 6:30 P.M. Education Session: Summer Gear Sale. Bring your extra camping and hiking gear to the sale. As with our winter gear sale in January, we ask that sellers donate 10% to the Chapter. Please tag your gear with a price and your name. Program: Potpourri Night: Now it's your turn to share tales of the wild outdoors and adventures with your fellow Club members. We will look forward to your wowing us with your slides or photos (Power Point preferred). To get on the roster, contact Thea Hoeth at [email protected]

2 ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE

PARTICIPANTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

FITNESS: Know your level of fitness and limitations. The trip leader will ask questions about your experience, fitness, equipment, medical condition, expectations, etc. Be Honest!

TRIP RATINGS: Understand that the level of effort is not the same as the level of difficulty. Trip ratings are for level of effort. Realize that “moderate” for a physically fit person may mean outrageously strenuous for a novice and/or unconditioned person.

HIKERS EFFORT ELEVATION MILES TIME RATING LEVEL GAIN (FEET) (HOURS) A+ Very Strenuous 4,000+ 10+ 10+ A Strenuous 3,000+ 5 – 10 8 – 10 B+ Moderately Strenuous 2,000+ 5 – 10 6 – 8 B Moderate 1,000+ 8 --10 5 – 7 C+ Fairly Easy 1,000+ 5 – 8 4 – 6 C Easy Under 1,000 Under 5 Under 5

Not all trips fit cleanly into one of these categories. Whenever you are unclear about a rating for a trip, leaders will be happy to explain what their designated rating means.

PADDLERS MILES PORTAGES WATER CLASS A 12+ Long (½ mile+) II – Whitewater B 6 – 12 Short I – Moving C Under 6 None Flat

BIKERS MILES TERRAIN A 30+ Moderate to steep B 15-30 Moderate C Less than 15 Flat to Moderate

Please Note: Unless otherwise stated, please sign up with the leader for all Chapter activities. Do not simply show up at the designated meeting place. Arrive at the carpooling site before the stated departure time. Please pay the driver to offset the costs of driving. Do not bring a pet unless the trip leader agrees that it is okay, and bring a leash. Please stay with the group or ask to proceed and stop at the first intersection and wait for the entire group to re-assemble. You are expected to carry adequate equipment, water and food. If in doubt about what to bring, ask the trip leader! Suggestions for all seasons:

o Water: 2 - 3 Quarts o Layered Clothing (NO cotton) o Extra Socks o Hat o Shell (wind & rain) o Extra Sweater or Jacket o Headlamp o Gloves o Sturdy Boots o Sun Glasses/Screen (SPF 15) o First Aid Kit o Food o Map & Compass oWaterproof Matches o Emergency Blanket

Winter Add-ons: q Skis or Snowshoes q Crampons q Ski Pole or Ice Axe o Extra Food o Warm liquids o Extra layers

3 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

By now the snows and bitter cold of this remarkable winter will be fading with the warming spring sun, leaving only memories of an old-fashioned winter. Many of you will have ventured forth to enjoy the unique experience of snow and ice-covered lands on snowshoes and skis. We are lucky to have willing and experienced leaders who give their time and talents to guide our members to high peaks, other rewarding lower summits, and to many ski trails, both well-known and "secret." We do so with greater safety than many who choose to go out in winter conditions. While I am writing this I recall the recent loss of life in the White Mountains of New Hampshire where a lone hiker chose to challenge the mountains. Though I am one to enjoy being out in "full conditions" of cold and wind, there are days when we know it is better to return another day, and to a person, our leaders know when it is time to make that call. The mountains will wait for you, as Grace Hudowalksi was known to say. We all thank them for that knowledge and experience!

What doesn't wait, though, is the continuing need for improving trails, protecting summits, improving ADK facilities, introducing children to the outdoors, and supporting conservation initiatives that promote wise use of our natural resources. To that end, our chapter is directly underwriting ADK programs by applying your funds to help with the summit steward program, replacing the main signage at the ADK Headquarters facility (matching signage in place at Heart Lake), sponsoring two children at DEC summer camps, and replacing the porch structure and decking at the John's Brook Lodge as part of the Bob Veino memorial project. We are indeed a very active chapter in many ways! Thanks to you, we make this all possible. Enjoy your spring outings, knowing that you make a difference.

--Tom Hart, Spring 2015

Albany ADK Members Annual Photo Contest

The Albany Chapter of ADK presents the Albany ADK Members Annual Photo Contest. Some of the most beautiful images of our natural world are captured through the camera lenses of Albany ADK members. For the contest, we invite you to submit your photos in any of the following four categories:

1. Scenic Nature 2.People Outdoors 3. Wildlife 4.Wildflowers/Fungi

Only current Albany Chapter Members are eligible to enter the contest. Prizes will be presented at the Annual Banquet on May 12, 2015. You do not need to be present to receive your award. The deadline for submission of photos is April 10, 2015. Winners will be notified on or about May 1, 2015.

Photos being submitted must be taken in the Northeast. We want ADK members to be able to visit and enjoy the general areas where the photos were taken. Some of the most dramatic and inspirational moments from nature can be captured in the Adirondacks, the Catskills, nature preserves, and other wilderness areas of the Northeastern states.

Prizes: The winners in each of the four categories (total of 12 prizes) will be chosen by an impartial panel of judges. Each winner will receive one of the following prizes.

1st Place $50 2nd Place $25 gift certificate 3rd Place $15 gift certificate

Please refer to the Albany Chapter website www.adk-albany.org for further details about the contest.

4 THE CLOUDSPLITTER

April-June 2015 Vol. 78 No. 2

Albany Chapter – Adirondack Mountain Club April-June 2015 Combined Activities Schedule

Month Day Destination or Event Leader Rating Apr 2-4 Club Days at Adirondack Paddle'n'Pole Macha 11 (Sat) Prewencki B 11 (Sat) Four County Bike Ride Berens A 11 (Sat) Olana &/or Walkway Over the Hudson Reilly C 14 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING--Boundary Waters of Minnesota 15 (Wed) Warren County Bike Ride Traver B 17 (Fri) Buck Mountain from Hogtown Quattrocchi C+ 18 (Sat) Taconic Crest Trail (TCT) Trail Work Pisaneschi B 18 (Sat) Five Mile Mountain Seward B 18 (Sat) Cradle Rock Ridge, , etc. Warren A 22 (Wed) Mounts Everett & Race Sheehan B 23 (Thu) Zim Smith Bike Trail - Saratoga County Breslin C 25 (Sat) NPT New Section Benson Rd.-Godfrey Rd. Niland B 28 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Mohawk River Macha/Pisaneschi B 30 (Thu) Dutchess Cty. Rail Trail & Hudson Walkway Beach B May 2 (Sat) Range Warren A+ 2 (Sat) "I Love My Park Day" Thacher State Park Schaller C 3 (Sun) Prospect Mountain and Lake George Bike Berens A 5 (Tue) Kayaderosseras Paddle Beach B 5 (Tue) Evening Paddle Kiwanis Park, Rotterdam Orr/Ozard C 6 (Wed) Merck Forest and Farmland Center Traver C+ 9 (Sat) Cascading Waters Reilly C+ 10 (Sun) Sleeping Beauty Mother's Day Hike Pacuk C+ 12 (Tue) ADK BANQUET--Dr. Manoj Vora 13 (Wed) Freddie's Park Evening Paddle Pisaneschi A 16 (Sat) Mt. Antone, Merck Forest, VT Sheppard C+ 17 (Sun) Schodack Island Paddle Pisaneschi B 17 (Sun) Little Porter Sheehan C+ 19 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Bethlehem McGuire/Jacobson B 20 (Wed) Mts. Greylock & Williams Susko B 21 (Thu) Dunham's Bay Marshlands Breslin C 23 (Sat) Phelps Mtn. Seward B+ 23 (Sat) Susquehanna Sojourn Paddle Luchsinger C 23 (Sat) Yokun Ridge South Waldman B 23 (Sat) Waterfalls and Wildflowers Siegard B 27 (Wed) Round Lake Evening Paddle Saville/Filarecki C 27 (Wed) Gertrude's Nose and Millbrook Mtn. Ross/Mccarron B+ 31 (Sun) Hoosic River Paddle Macha B Jun 2 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Mohawk River at Lock 7 Luchsinger/Orr/Ozard C 3 (Wed) Paddle Henderson Lake Traver B 6 (Sat) Annual Mohawk River Clean Up Pusatere C 6 (Sat) and Roundtop Warren A+ 6 (Sat) Trails Day at Thacher State Park Schaller C 6 (Sat) by Bike Berens A 7 (Sun) Big Slide & Yard Mountains Lanzillo/Becker A+ 9 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING--Photo Potpourri 10 (Wed) Evening Paddle - Mohawk River Macha/Magnes/Murray B

5 Month Day Destination or Event Leader Rating Jun 11 (Thu) Harlem Valley Rail Trail Millerton-Wassiac Breslin B 12 (Fri) Battenkill Paddle Beach B 13 (Sat) Paddle Henderson Lake Reilly C 14 (Sun) White Rocks & Snow Hole--Young Adults Sheehan C+ 14 (Sun) Chenango River Paddle, Class I Siegard A 14 (Sun) Priest B 16 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Coeymans McGuire/Jacobson B 20 (Sat) Moxham Mtn. Seward C+ 21 (Sun) Battenkill Paddle Macha B 21 (Sun) Dial and Nipple Top Priest A+ 23 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Freeman's Bridge Filarecki/Dewes C 27 (Sat) Helderberg Bike Ride Siegard A 27 (Sat) Bike Highland to Hopewell Jct. via Walkway Seward B 30 (Tue) Evening Paddle - Hudson and Mohawk Bentien/Cherkosly C

All outings are listed online at www.adk-albany.org DON’T FORGET TO OPT OUT

The following are the Albany Chapter guidelines ACTIVITIES to participate in the Evening Paddles:

1) Respect Other Users of the Waterways -- DESCRIPTIONS Steer clear of fishermen. Don’t forget their fishing lines go well out into the water. Stay close to shore when motorboats are out. The General Information for Evening Paddling red and green buoys mark the deep water Trips channels - stay between the buoys and shore. Paddle in a tight group when crossing large On most Tuesday evenings from May thru bodies of water. October the ADK Albany Chapter paddles 2) Launch on Time -- Please be in your boats various waterways in the Capital District area. on the water and congregated near shore There are at least 2 groups. The slow group before the launch time. People launching after ("Lily-Dippers") goes as slow as the slowest start time are not officially with the group. The paddler and may be best for short wide boats or leaders will conduct a short On-the-Water less skilled paddlers. The moderate group is for Meeting with the group to discuss the water, most everyone else and goes about 3 to 3.5 weather conditions and plans for the paddle. mph. If there is enough interest, a fast group will 3) Duty of the Paddler -- It is the responsibility be formed. Expect to paddle for about 2 hours. of the paddler to stay with the group and know Scheduled trips launch rain or shine. Send Rich who the leaders are - If you don’t know, ask Macha [email protected] a request to be someone. included in the ADK Paddlers Email List for 4) Leaving the Group - The leaders take a reminders of upcoming events (ADK Members headcount at the On-the-Water Meeting. only) and updates. It is suggested that you Therefore, please notify one of the leaders if you obtain a good roadmap of the Capital District or need to leave the group for any reason. ADK is use www.mapquest.com for directions to the not responsible for paddlers who choose not to launch site locations. paddle with the group. 5) Required Gear -- All paddlers must bring It is customary, after the paddle, for the group along a white light (a headlamp is good), a Leader to pick a nearby restaurant and convene whistle (a pealess one is best) and must wear a the Paddlers Committee Meeting (PCM) to PFD (Personal Floatation Device aka life jacket). socialize, plan future trips and enjoy a meal with There are no exceptions to these requirements. old and new friends. Everyone who paddles is It is also a good idea to bring raingear, water, automatically a Committee Member and is bug-dope (mosquitoes are quite active in invited to participate. summer at dusk) and an extra set of clothes in the car.

6 6) Clothing -- Other than in July and August all the Hudson since reading about it a few years paddlers should not wear cotton clothing - if you ago. I will check to see if it's feasible to do both must wear cotton, bring along a full change of the same day and, if not, I will pick one or the clothing in a dry bag. Expect to have your feet in other. Please contact leader prior to Wednesday the water when launching. Some of the launch April 8th for details on when and where to meet. spots are slippery and have underwater debris. Leader: Gene Reilly, techvalleytrekker-at- Waterproof footwear (most experienced yahoo.com 281-7796. paddlers use neoprene booties or mukluks) is highly recommended. Apr 14 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING 7) Guests - You may bring a guest. He/she is 113 Sand Creek Road, Albany, NY your responsibility and must adhere to all of the Evening Paddle Guidelines. Educational Session at 6:30 p.m. Lightweight Backpacking. Eric Schlimmer from Friends of Apr 2-4 CLUB DAYS - ADIRONDACK the Trans Adirondack Route will discuss going PADDLE'N'POLE light with your backpacking. Club members get 20% off regular price on all new in stock merchandise, including car racks Program at 7:30--- A brief business meeting will (10%-20% off canoes, kayaks and most special be followed by a presentation-- Mushing in the orders). Proof of membership is required. Our Boundary Waters Wilderness of Minnesota. store is at 2123 Central Ave., Colonie. Tel: 346- When world famous arctic and polar explorer, 3180, www.onewithwater.com. Leader: Rich Paul Schurke established a dogsled lodge in Macha, 346-3180, [email protected] Ely, Minnesota, he “staffed” it with the world’s finest Canadian Inuit dogs, the original sled dogs Apr 11 (Sat) MOUNT TREMPER (B) of the high Arctic. Jean Quattrocchi will show us Tremper has everything a Catskill hiker could how she was trained to drive and care for these wish for: an abandoned quarry frequented by majestic canines while crossing miles of rattlesnakes, a lean-to, a fire tower, and some Minnesotan snowscape. She’ll also acquaint us great views. The price of admission is just 6 with Ely and the Boundary Waters. miles total distance and 2000’ of elevation gain. Leader: Cliff Prewencki, 768-2907, [email protected] Apr 15 (Wed) WARREN CTY. BIKE RIDE (B) Apr 11 (Sat) FOUR COUNTY BIKE RIDE (A) Many of you know that leading a bike trip is my From the Colonie Town Park in Albany County, April tradition, when hiking can be muddy. Last we'll warm up on a mostly flat bike path west year, I offered this trip on the Warren County along the Mohawk River to Schenectady Bike Path and was rained out. Let's try again! At County, then shift gears for some hills that will 18 miles round trip, the trail is on both a take us up away from the river then down and designated recreational path and on road up again into Saratoga County. Here, we can shoulders. The destination of Lake George's adjust the eastward route to make it shorter or Million Dollar Beach is the perfect lunch and longer depending on our legs and ambition. relaxation spot before the return ride. After a nice downhill into Waterford, we'll cross Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, 322-0950, the Hudson River for a brief visit to Rensselaer [email protected] County before re-crossing the Hudson back into Albany County for a look at Cohoes Falls Apr 17 (Fri) BUCK MTN - HOGTOWN (C+) (usually roaring in the early spring) and back to Buck Mountain is a beautiful open summit that the start. We'll do 35 to 45 miles of mostly rolling affords wonderful views of Lake George and the terrain, with some hills, at a moderate early- . The trail from Hogtown is season pace with breaks for scenery. Bring 4.6 miles round trip with 1130' elevation gain. seasonal clothing, snacks and drinks, a bike, a Have microspikes just in case. helmet, and a persevering spirit. Leader: Don Leader: Jean Quattrocchi, 424-7980, Berens, 783-1302, [email protected] [email protected]

Apr 11 (Sat) LEADER'S CHOICE – OLANA, Apr 18 (Sat) TACONIC CREST TRAIL (TCT) &/OR WALKWAY OVER THE HUDSON (C) TRAIL WORK (B) What to do in Mud Season?! I've never been to We'll cover the section of the TCT from Olana, although I've wanted to go there - so it's Robinson Hollow to Madden Road Hollow. This 'bout time I lead a trip there if anyone else wants will involve blowdown removal and drainage to go. I've also wanted to visit the Walkway Over work. This trip will involve an overall elevation

7 gain of about 1000’ and about an 8 mile round segment on a low traffic road, and the final trip, depending on what needs to be done. The segment for 8 miles (Zim north). The total is 27 more trailwork needed will reduce the overall miles of fairly flat cycling for a B trip, but you can distance. Regardless, we'll plan to be back at do as little as 11 or all 27. So, I have classified the trailhead by 4:00 p.m. Bad weather this as a C trip. It is up to you. It is a great way to postpones to the following day or weekend. kick-start your cycling season. Some of the Leader: Dave Pisaneschi, 459-5969, southernmost portion of the trail in Halfmoon is [email protected] packed gravel but is easily handled by typical road bikes. We'll have lunch at the pavilion in the Apr 18 (Sat) FIVE MILE MOUNTAIN (B) park. The restrooms are often not open this Located in the Tongue Mtn. Range on Lake early in the season, but there is a Stewarts right George, this hike is 7.2 miles RT with an off the trail nearby. E-mail sign-ups preferred. elevation gain of 2200’. Lunch at the lean-to and Leader: Paul Breslin, 783-9154, a nice view of the lake are our goals. Please [email protected] contact the leader by email only and provide your recent hiking experience. Leader: Phil Apr 25 (Sat) NORTHVILLE PLACID TRAIL - Seward, 527-1851, [email protected] NEW SECTION (B) This is the "newer" section of trail that connects Apr 18 (Sat) CRADLE ROCK RIDGE, MILL with the old trail. This is a pleasant walk in the BROOK RIDGE, , & woods of about 9 miles over rolling terrain. The BARKABOOM (A) pace will be moderate, and we will take a nice These four peaks in the southern Catskills make lunch break along the way. This section was cut for a delightful day, with beautiful scenery and last year and passes along Woods Lake, pleasant ridge walking. Cradle Rock Ridge, Mill eventually connecting with the traditional NPT Brook Ridge and Woodpecker Ridge are hiked route just north of the bridge over West Stoney together. We then have a short drive to our Creek (about a mile from the Godfrey Road jumping off point for Barkaboom. It's trailhead, where we will spot cars). This is now approximately 14 miles total, with about 9 on the southernmost contiguous section of NPT trail and about 5 off trail with approximately woods (non-road walk) trail. This is a co-outing 2600’ of elevation gain. Leader: Claudia Warren, with the Northville Placid Trail Chapter. 364-3857, [email protected] Leader: Diana Niland, 320-6598, [email protected] Apr 22 (Wed) MTS. EVERETT & RACE (B) It has been said that the journey is as much a Apr 28 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - part of the adventure as the destination. That is MOHAWK RIVER (B) particularly true in this case. About 1.5 mi. into Be on the water before 6:00 p.m. at Lions Park this 7.2 mi. round trip, we will encounter Race by the old train station in Niskayuna. We will Brook Falls which should be swelled with rain paddle 1.5 to 2 hours. From the Northway, drive and racing at this time of the year. We will west for 3.1 miles and take a right on Rosendale intersect the at a col between Rd. which goes downhill and then curves left. the two mountains and ascend both 2600' peaks Soon after that, turn right into the parking area. for a total of 1800' of elevation gain. Meet 8:00 We will have one moderately paced group. a.m. at the Defreestville Park & Ride. Absolutely no cotton clothing allowed. See Leader: John Sheehan, 674-8121, General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. Email [email protected] Rich if you would like to get on the ADK- members-only "Paddlers Email List." Leaders: Apr 23 (Thu) ZIM SMITH BIKE TRAIL - Rich Macha, 346-3180, [email protected]; SARATOGA COUNTY (C) Dave Pisaneschi, 459-5969, This is my annual "stay off the hiking trails [email protected] during spring snow melt" bike ride. The Zim Smith Bike Trail is a great local trail extending Apr 30 (Thu) DUTCHESS CTY. RAIL TRAIL from Halfmoon to Ballston Spa. We will meet at & WALKWAY OVER THE HUDSON Shenantaha Creek Park off Eastline Road in (B) Malta at 10:00 a.m. This makes a nice central The Dutchess County Trail runs from Hopewell location that allows early season cyclists to do a Depot to the Walkway along a paved mostly graduated move into the season. We will do level scenic rail route. The round trip is 30 miles three cloverleaves. You can do one for 11 miles with several access spots and rest areas along (Zim south), a second for another 8 miles along the trail. Rain and/or windy weather may Ballston Lake Veteran's Trail with a short

8 postpone this trip. Leader: Charlie Beach, 459- we'll do less depending on the water level. An 9127, [email protected] additional side trip to Lake Lonely can be May 2 (Sat) TONGUE MTN. RANGE (A+) considered if there is interest. Expect to The Tongue Mountain Range actually includes encounter some tree blockage requiring portage three mountains, with many rocky outcroppings or push-through. This is suitable for kayaks and and beautiful views. We'll climb Five Mile canoes. Participants must be able to maneuver Mountain, Fifth Peak, and French Point their boats around obstructions which can be Mountain and then descend to the shore of Lake hazardous in flowing water situations. Dress George. After all that climbing, we have a nice appropriately for cold water. PFD's required. walk along the shore before we head back up to When signing up, please advise me of previous the ridge and climb Five Mile Mountain on our stream paddling experience. Leader: Charlie way out. This will be approximately 21 miles with Beach, 459-9127, [email protected] 4500’ of elevation gain. Leader: Claudia Warren, 364-3857, [email protected] May 5 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE KIWANIS PARK, ROTTERDAM (C) May 2 (Sat) NY'S "I LOVE MY PARK DAY" Be on the water before 6:00 p.m. We could go THACHER STATE PARK (C) downstream and around Dalys Island and/or go The annual N.Y. "I Love My Park Day" will again upstream to Lock 9, passing the Mabee Farm. be held at Thacher State Park and will have The Mabee House dates back to 1670 and is the several projects for volunteers that will enhance oldest standing building in the Mohawk Valley. the beauty of the Park. There will be a road-side Take Exit 1A off I-890 to Rt.5S in Rotterdam and cleanup, cleaning of picnic areas and around take a right into Kiwanis Park soon after leaving buildings, work on many of the park's flower the highway ramp. Bring your sombreros for planters, painting of sign posts or planters, and Cinco de Mayo too! No need to sign up - just some trail work. Other projects will be show up! See General Info for Evening Paddling determined. Tools will be provided, but bring Trips. Leaders: Don Orr, 355-8441, sturdy footwear and work gloves if possible. [email protected]; John Ozard, 439-6135, Picnic BBQ lunch to be provided by "Friends of [email protected] Thacher Park." Meet at Pear Orchard Pavilion (near Park HQ) at 8:30 a.m. For reservations May 6 (Wed) MERCK FOREST AND and inquiries contact leader or The Nature FARMLAND CENTER (C+) Center at Thacher Park - 872-0800. Leader: Jim Merck Forest and Farmland Center in Rupert, Schaller, 861-7452, [email protected] VT comprises a working educational farm, Mount Antone, and numerous ponds and cabins. May 3 (Sun) PROSPECT MOUNTAIN & Perhaps we will see early spring lambs in the LAKE GEORGE BIKE (A) field. We will hike Antone, returning by way of We'll test our early season climbing legs on a Birch Pond. This will be five or six miles with Sunday afternoon ride from the Million Dollar 900' of elevation gain. Leader: Virginia Boyle Beach. After a warm-up, the jewel of the day will Traver, 322-0950, [email protected] be a 5.5 mile climb at an average grade of 5.5% on the Prospect Mountain Highway which I May 9 (Sat) CASCADING WATERS (C+) expect to be free of both snow and traffic. After The waterfalls should be spectacular this time of the exhilarating descent on good pavement with year, and hopefully all the ice and snow will be wide curves, those who wish will add some gone. We will visit a number of waterfalls along scenic miles along or near the lake. Expect the on the AMR property - Wedge about 20 miles if you do just the warm-up and Brook, Pyramid Brook and Beaver Meadow Prospect, or 35 to 45 miles total if you add the Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Gill Brook. The total post-mountain ride. Bring seasonal clothing, distance will be approximately 10 miles or snacks and drinks, a helmet, and a persevering slightly more and possibly around 1000’ of spirit. Meet 1:00 p.m. at the Million Dollar Beach. ascent. Contact leader prior to Wednesday, April Leader: Don Berens, 783-1302, 29th for details on when and where to meet. [email protected] Leader: Gene Reilly, techvalleytrekker-at- yahoo.com 281-7796. May 5 (Tue) KAYADEROSSERAS (B) This pleasant flowing stream from Ballston Spa May 10 (Sun) SLEEPING BEAUTY to Saratoga Lake can be quite an attractive run MOTHER'S DAY HIKE (C+) in the spring. There are a few short rapids in the Spend Mother's Day enjoying nature with your first half. We plan to paddle this length (9.5 mi.) mom. I would love to have young adults over 10. plus another 1 mi. to take-out on the lake, or Anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by a

9 parent. We will walk along a road to Dacy but strong canoeists are welcome. Leader: Dave Clearing. It will be 4 miles with 1300’ of elevation Pisaneschi, 459-5969, [email protected] gain. The views at the top are gorgeous. Contact May 17 (Sun) LITTLE PORTER (C+) leaders for meeting time and place. Let’s try this again. We got rained out last year Leaders: Kathy Pacuk, 756-6529, and snowed out the year before. Little Porter is [email protected]; Katie Pacuk, 756- an outcrop on the shoulder of 6529, [email protected] accessible from the Garden Trailhead in Keene Valley. With only 800' of elevation gain over less than 5 miles this lookout has views that will rival May 12 (Tue) ANNUAL BANQUET those from the surrounding high peaks. Don't let ***NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE*** the peak baggers have all the good views. Meet This year the Banquet will be held at 7:30 a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. The Desmond Hotel Leader: John Sheehan, 674-8121, 660 Albany Shaker Road [email protected] Albany, NY 12211. May 19 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - Gathering begins at 6:00 p.m. Dinner at 7:00 BETHLEHEM (B) p.m. See flyer p.22. RSVP and pre-payment Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. We could required. The featured presenter will be Dr. paddle to the falls on the Vloman Kill or cross Manoj Vora, talking about his adventures as he the Hudson and explore Papscanee Creek. completed his goal of climbing the highest Take the Thruway to Exit 22, and after the mountains on all seven continents. tollbooth take a left on Rt.144 north for about a mile. Then take a right on Barent Winnie Rd. to the boat launch next to Henry Hudson Park. No need to sign up - just show up! See General Info May 13 (Wed) EVENING PADDLE-- for Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Tom FREDDIE'S PARK (A) McGuire, 391-0508, [email protected]; A faster group will head upstream on the Lauren Jacobson, 860-2140, Mohawk and poke into the old Erie Canal just [email protected] west of the Northway to Clute's Dry Dock, an 8.5 mile round trip; a slower group will go a shorter May 20 (Wed) GREYLOCK & WILLIAMS (B) distance while exploring south of the upstream We'll take the Appalachian Trail from Notch islands. Be on the water by 6:00 p.m. From the Road over Mt. Williams on the way to the Latham Circle drive north on Rt.9, take a right on highest point in . May is a good Albany Marine Service Lane just before the time to climb Greylock, and this route provides Crescent Bridge, and launch at Freddie's Park. great views from both summits as well as a nice There is also parking on the north side of the ridge walk between them. The distance is 6+ bridge, though the launching isn't as good. No miles with approximately 1500’ of ascent. need to sign up just show up. See also General Leader: John Susko, [email protected] Info for Evening Paddling Trips. Leader: Dave 383-1284. Pisaneschi, 459-5969, [email protected] May 21 (Thu) DUNHAM'S BAY May 16 (Sat) MT. ANTONE, MARSHLANDS (C) MERCK FOREST, VT (C+) I had to cancel this trip in the fall due to high Maybe the black flies will still be sleeping. Mount winds and t-storms. This is a nice trip in a very Antone is a 5-6 mile hike with an elevation gain tranquil section of water. We probably are going of 1000'. Let's hope for a clear day so we can to have to pay a small parking/launch fee this enjoy views of the high peaks. Leader: Kathy time of year as the launch is privately owned. Sheppard, 765-2657, [email protected] We will follow the inlet upstream to a 1400 acre marshlands. The stream is consistently 60-70 May 17 (Sun) SCHODACK IS. PADDLE (B) feet wide and is very serpentine with many false Meet at the boat launch on the Hudson River leads that are fun to explore. You can't get lost! side at Schodack Island State Park. Plan to be The marshlands serve as a spawning ground for in the water and ready to go by 9:00 a.m. Since several species of fish and provide shelter for low tide will be at 11:09 a.m., we'll paddle many mammals, reptiles, amphibians and downriver, around the tip of Schodack Island waterfowl. With all of the side exploration and up Schodack Creek. With high tide at 5:06 available in the marshlands, the trip will be p.m., we'll be able to explore some side between 5 and 6 miles. The boat launch is 3.5 channels. This will be best for touring kayaks, miles north of Lake George Village just off Route

10 9L on Bay Road. I have never paddled this water before 6:30 p.m. Launch from the new before, but I suspect there are minimal (none?) boat launch on Rt.9 or you can put in on the inlet places to go to shore. We will most likely just on Maltaville Rd. and meet near the boat launch. lunch in our paddle craft. E-mail sign-ups No need to sign up - just show up! See General preferred. Meet-up location and time will be Info for Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Alison determined by participants. Leader: Paul Breslin, Saville, 899-4031, [email protected]; Lynn 783-9154, [email protected] Filarecki, 674-2125

May 23 (Sat) PHELPS MTN. (B+) May 27 (Wed) GERTRUDE'S NOSE & Expect great views on top of this High Peak that MILLBROOK MTN. (B+) is an 8.4 mile RT with 1982’ of elevation gain. We'll head for the cliff tops of Gertrude's Nose Named for Old Mountain Phelps who cut the first and Millbrook Mtn. Expect surprises and great trail up Marcy, Phelps Mtn. fittingly has a views on these bouldered conglomerate dominant view of Mt. Marcy. Please contact the outcrops. To get to the Nose, we'll take a leader for details by email only and provide your carriageway and a trail 3.3 miles SW from Lake recent hiking experience. Leader: Phil Seward, Minnewaska that overlook the impressive 527-1851, [email protected] Palmaghatt Ravine. From here, we'll head east for almost 2 miles along the escarpment to May 23 (Sat) SUSQUEHANNA SOJOURN Millbrook Mtn. We'll return north for 1.2 miles PADDLE (C) and a bit of vertical on the Millbrook Mtn. Trail Celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer back to the Minnewaska Lake trailhead. The with an easy flatwater paddle of 8-10 miles on total distance will be about 7.5 miles with about the Susquehanna River near Cooperstown, NY. 750' vertical. Please note that there's a parking The region was made famous in the early 1800s fee for Minnewaska State Park. Leaders: Karen by author James Fenimore Cooper in his Ross, 794-7474, [email protected]; Lori Leatherstocking Tales. The river is the setting McCarron, 587-1957, [email protected] each May for the General Clinton Canoe Regatta, a one day paddle of 70 miles! Call for May 31 (Sun) HOOSIC RIVER PADDLE (B) trip information by May 21. Leader: Ellen This will be a 10 mile Class 1+ river-running trip Luchsinger, 235-5526, [email protected] from North Adams, MA to Pownal, VT. The river is very scenic as it passes below the Taconic May 23 (Sat) YOKUN RIDGE SOUTH (B) Range. Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, We will start at Olivia's Overlook and go down [email protected] the Charcoal Trail into the ravine and loop back up to the Yokun Ridge Trail. We will then hike to Jun 2 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE -- the southern end of the trail and return. If the MOHAWK RIVER LOCK 7 (C) weather cooperates, we will have several great Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. We will paddle views of the and the Taconic Valley. upstream past interesting cliffs and, on our The distance is approximately 7 miles with return, the full "strawberry moon" should be almost 1000’ of elevation gain. Leader: Martha rising over the crest of the dam about 8:30 p.m. Waldman, 869-5109, [email protected] From the Northway drive west on Rt.7 for 4.5 miles, turn right on Mohawk Rd. and go to its May 23 (Sat) WATERFALLS AND end, take a left on Rosendale Rd. for a short WILDFLOWERS (B) distance then take a right on Lock 7 Rd. As you With all the snow this winter, these falls should approach the lock bear left to the boat launch. be flowing fast. We'll hike the Long Trail in the No need to sign up - just show up! See General Palenville area of the Catskills, taking short Info for Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Ellen detours to see these falls. Hopefully, we've Luchsinger, 235-5526, [email protected]; timed it right for the wildflowers as well. We'll Don Orr, John Ozard see Poet's Ledge, Viola, Wildcat and Buttermilk Falls. We'll be hiking around 9 miles with about Jun 3 (Wed) PADDLE HENDERSON LK (B) 2000’ of elevation. Leaders: Leslie Siegard, 768- Paddling Henderson Lake has been on my 2393, [email protected]; Steve Siegard, "bucket list" for a few years. I finally did it as part 915-2309, [email protected] of ADK's 2014 Fall Outing, but the clouds were so dense that we couldn't see the peaks that May 27 (Wed) ROUND LAKE EVENING surround this flat-water gem. I have been PADDLE (C) determined to go back. Because there is a half- We will paddle around the perimeter of the lake mile carry from the parking area to the lake, you and explore its outlet, the Anthony Kill. Be on the must have a wheel-cart or be able to carry your

11 boat on your own. Also, the drive for this outing gloves. For reservations and inquiries contact is very long. If the forecast is not perfect or close the leader or The Nature Center at Thacher Park to perfect, I will cancel the trip. Here's hoping for 872-0800. Leader: Jim Schaller, 861-7452, a fabulous day in a gorgeous location! [email protected] Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver, 322-0950, [email protected] Jun 6 (Sat) MT. GREYLOCK BY BIKE (A) This 40-mile loop includes a 10-mile 2300’ Jun 6 (Sat) ANNUAL MOHAWK RIVER ascent to the high point of Massachusetts and CLEAN UP (C) an exhilarating 10-mile descent. Each way is This work day will be from 9:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m. breath-taking. Bring seasonal clothing, snacks We plan to clean up a section of the Mohawk and drinks, a bike, a helmet, and a persevering River at Lions Park, a.k.a. the train station, in spirit. Leader: Don Berens, 783-1302, Niskayuna. The ADK volunteers usually find lots [email protected] of interesting stuff during this event. It is helpful to sign up ahead of time for an hour, a half day Jun 7 (Sun) BIG SLIDE & YARD (A+) or whatever time you can spend. If you decide to We'll take an unusual approach to the popular come on the spur of the moment, that's fine too. summit of Big Slide Mountain, where hopefully Bring a boat, PFD, gloves, lunch, water, and any we'll get to enjoy the sweeping views of the tools that help pick up trash. Bungee cords and John's Brook Valley. Starting come in handy. If you don't have a boat, come from the South Meadows trailhead, we'll hike with a PFD and join someone else in a canoe, or along the Klondike Notch trail and then climb comb the shoreline along the bike path for trash. steeply toward the often-overlooked 4018' Garbage bags, drinking water, wash-up water summit of Yard Mountain. It's another 1.4 miles and soap will be provided. Directions to Lions from Yard to the 4239' summit of Big Slide. We'll Park: from Exit 6 of the Northway, go west on return the way we came, making this a 13 mile Route 7 for 3.1 miles, turn right on Rosendale hike with around 3000’ of elevation gain. Meet Rd., and soon after the sharp left curve at 6:30 a.m. at the Northway Exit 9 Park & Ride. bottom of the hill turn right into the park. You Leaders: Nick Lanzillo, 322-5591, may drive down to the water if you have a boat [email protected]; Hannah Becker, 354- to launch; otherwise, please park in the upper 3538, [email protected] lot. Leader: Marilyn Pusatere, 588-5953, [email protected] Jun 9 (Tue) MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING Jun 6 (Sat) KAATERSKILL HIGH PEAK 113 Sand Creek Road, Albany, NY & ROUNDTOP (A+) The route up Kaaterskill High Peak from the Educational Session at 6:30 p.m. Summer north, which we will take, offers many bonuses, Gear Sale. Bring your extra camping and hiking including views of three waterfalls from the top gear to the sale. As with our winter gear sale in and views from Poet's Ledge. From Kaaterskill January, we ask that sellers donate 10% to the High Peak we will take a herd path to the south Chapter. Please tag your gear with a price and to join the snowmobile trail, and from that we'll your name. hike up to Roundtop, a trailless peak. Plan on approximately 17 miles - 14 miles on trail and 3 Program at 7:30 Potpourri Night: Now it's miles off trail - with approximately 3500’ of your turn to share tales of the wild outdoors and elevation gain. Leader: Claudia Warren, 364- adventures with your fellow Club members. We 3857, [email protected] will look forward to your wowing us with your slides or photos (Power Point preferred). To get Jun 6 (Sat) TRAILS DAY AT THACHER on the roster, contact Thea Hoeth at STATE PARK (C) [email protected] National "Trails Day" will again be held at Thacher State Park. There will be projects on the Park's many trails, including clean-up from the winter's damage, lopping back overhanging Jun 10 (Wed) EVENING PADDLE - brush, and trail clearing. Other trail projects will MOHAWK RIVER (B) be determined. A picnic BBQ lunch will be Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. at Lions Park provided by the Friends of Thacher Park. Meet by the old train station in Niskayuna. We will at Paint Mine Pavilion on Rt. 157 at 8:30 a.m. paddle for about 2 hours going around the Bring handsaws or loppers, or the Park will islands and possibly upstream to Lock 7. From provide them, and wear sturdy footwear and the Northway, drive west for 3.1 miles and take

12 a right on Rosendale Rd. which goes downhill Hole is a deep rock formation that holds snow and then curves left. Soon after that turn right well into the summer months. This is a 5.4 mi into the parking area. No need to sign up - just round trip with little elevation gain and will be show up. See General Info for Evening Paddling geared to the Young Adults Group. Meet 8:00 Trips. Email Rich if you would like to get on the a.m. at the Defreestville Park & Ride. ADK-members-only "Paddlers Email List" to Leader: John Sheehan, 674-8121, receive weekly reminders, additional paddling [email protected] trips, etc. Leaders: Rich Macha, 346-3180, [email protected]; Gerry Magnes, 810-8000, Jun 14 (Sun) CHENANGO RIVER PADDLE, [email protected]; Celia Murray CLASS I (A) We ran this section a long time ago. It was so Jun 11 (Thu) HARLEM VALLEY RAIL TRAIL nice it is time to go back. The Chenango Valley MILLERTON TO WASSIAC (B) is a beautiful area, similar to the Schoharie It has been a few years since I have pedaled Valley, surrounded with high hills and farmland. this trail. According to the Internet, a few small This is a Class I section, with lots of islands and segments have been added but none are river turns creating small eddies and rapids for adjacent to this longest segment. E-mail me and easy play. Those with at least quick water I'll send you a PDF of the trail brochure. The experience are welcome. The distance is 11 section from Millerton to Wassiac is a fairly flat, miles. It's about a 1½ hour drive from the paved multi-use trail in great condition. There Schoharie Park & Ride where we will meet. If are several restored rail stations along this route the water level is not appropriate, another similar and there are four restrooms along the 10 miles trip will be sought. Leaders: Steve Siegard, 915- we will pedal (20 miles round trip). If there is 2309, [email protected]; Leslie Siegard, 768- interest, we may explore the section (about 3.5 2393, [email protected] miles) between Under Mountain Road and Copake Falls on the way back home. E-mail Jun 14 (Sun) NOONMARK MOUNTAIN (B) sign-up preferred. Leader: Paul Breslin, 783- If you want a great view with only a moderate 9154, [email protected] effort, this hike gives you the most bang for your buck. The total ascent is about 1500’. The round Jun 12 (Fri) BATTENKILL PADDLE (B) trip is six miles. It starts at the Round Mountain We plan to paddle 12-16 miles on a section Pond trailhead on Route 73. After a half-mile between Arlington, Vt. and Salem, NY. This is a hike over a ridge, the trail drops down to the flowing stream with some quick water and Class pond. On a clear day, the Nipple Top summit is 1 rapids. Tree obstructions may be encountered visible from the pond. The next mile and a half is which require maneuvering skills. Leader: a steady but moderate uphill trek to the junction Charlie Beach, 459-9127, [email protected] with the Dix trail. The last mile is a steep climb from the junction to the summit. A 360-degree Jun 13 (Sat) PADDLE HENDERSON LK (C) view (including Giant to the north, Dix to the I've paddled Henderson Lake once before but east, and many of the other High Peaks to the didn't get all the way around the shore with my southwest) awaits you at the summit. We will explorations. Join me in paddling this beautiful retrace our route to the trailhead. If we feel up to lake with great views of and it, we could add a side trip to Round Mountain Wallface Mountain. Although there is a short on the way back. Leader: Robert Priest, 489- (about 3 tenths of a mile) portage to reach the 7472, [email protected] lake, it's not too hard as it is on an old road. We will take our time and check out various Jun 16 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE - campsites along the shore. Please contact the COEYMANS (B) leader prior to Wednesday, June 10th for details Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. We will explore on when and where to meet. the mouth of Hannacroix Creek and the shores Leader: Gene Reilly techvalleytrekker-at- of Schodack Island State Park where bald yahoo.com 281-7796. eagles are often seen. Take the NY Thruway to Exit 22, and after the tollbooth take a right on Jun 14 (Sun) TCT--WHITE ROCKS Rt.144 south for about 4 miles. Then take a left & SNOW HOLE--YOUNG ADULTS (C+) on Westerlo St. to Coeymans Landing boat The very north end of the Taconic Crest Trail launch. No need to sign up - just show up! See offers some great views and interesting geologic General Info for Evening Paddling Trips. features. From the "White Rocks" on the Leaders: Tom McGuire, 391-0508, NY/Mass border you can see the towers of the [email protected]; Lauren Jacobson, 860- Albany area and the Helderbergs. The Snow 2140, [email protected]

13

Jun 27 (Sat) HELDERBERG BIKE RIDE: Jun 20 (Sat) MOXHAM MTN. (C+) ALTAMONT, VROMAN CORNERS, This hike has an easy grade with an elevation GALLUPVILLE LOOP (A) gain of 1152' and a distance of 5.4 miles RT. It This will be about a 35 mile ride through mostly offers great views of Gore and Crane Mtns. DEC rolling terrain, with one bigger hill out of recently announced that this trail will become Gallupville, matched by a wonderful, long part of the North Country Trail. Please contact downhill back to Altamont. We will be stopping leader via email only for details and provide your for lunch at a cafe/antique and art shop near recent hiking experience. Leader: Phil Seward, Schoharie and will then visit a revolutionary war 527-1851, [email protected] fort before our ride up to Gallupville, where there is a wonderful health food store with great Jun 21 (Sun) BATTENKILL PADDLE (B) desserts. We finish back in Altamont at a gelato We will run a section somewhere between stand. Consider it a progressive feast. Past Arlington, VT and Salem, NY. It will be 12-15 similar trips we have led in the Helderbergs miles of quick water, riffles and Class I rapids. would suggest that those used to hills will find There are covered bridges on this scenic route. this comfortable but not overly challenging. It will Leader: Rich Macha, 346-3180, certainly be easier than last year's scheduled trip [email protected] out of East Berne last year. Leaders: Steve Siegard, 915-2309, [email protected]; Leslie Jun 21 (Sun) DIAL AND NIPPLE TOP (A+) Siegard, 768-2393, [email protected] We'll take advantage of the summer solstice for a long scenic hike. The hike begins at the Jun 27 (Sat) BIKE HIGHLAND TO parking lot. After about 2 miles, we HOPEWELL JCT. VIA WALKWAY will pass over the west shoulder of Noonmark, OVER HUDSON (B) which could give us a limited view. From there, This is a 35 mile RT bike ride on a flat paved we descend through Bear Den, then up to Dial, surface. We will start at Tony Williams Park in which has a couple of false summits. After Highland, NY and bike the Hudson Valley Rail another dip, we climb up to Nipple Top, which Trail to the "Walkway Over the Hudson" for a provides views in all four directions. If it's clear, brief stop to take in the views. We'll continue we will see many of the High Peaks to the west, across the river on the Dutchess Rail Trail the Lake Placid Valley to the north, and the through scenic areas until we reach Hopewell distant Green Mountain ridge to the east. We'll Junction, where we will have lunch at Daddy O's take the low road going back. The descent to Elk Restaurant. Contact leader for details by email Pass is steep. The rest of the trail is moderate, only and provide your recent biking experience. going steadily downhill. The total ascent is about Leader: Phil Seward, 527-1851, 4000’ over 13 miles. Leader: Robert Priest, 489- [email protected] 7472, [email protected] Jun 30 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE -- Jun 23 (Tue) EVENING PADDLE -- HUDSON AND MOHAWK (C) FREEMAN'S BRIDGE (C) Be on the water at the Waterford boat launch Be on the water before 6:30 p.m. We will paddle before 6:30 p.m. We will paddle upstream on the downstream and then go up the Alplaus Kill as Hudson to Campbell Island or explore the far as we can, or paddle upstream to the islands shores and waterfall of Peebles Island. In below Lock 8. From Erie Blvd. in Schenectady, Waterford, from Broad St. turn south onto First drive across Freeman's Bridge and take a right St. and drive to the boat launch at its end; or into the NYSDEC Fishing Access Launch on the launch from Lansingburgh at the end of 123rd Glenville side of the bridge. No need to sign up - St. off of Second Ave/Rt.4 and meet the rest of just show up! See General Info for Evening the group on the Waterford side. No need to Paddling Trips. sign up -just show up! See General Info for Leaders: Lynn Filarecki, 674-2125; Sally Dewes, Evening Paddling Trips. Leaders: Pamela 346-1761, [email protected] Bentien, 421-7247, [email protected]; Neil Cherkosly, 383-7800, [email protected]

Many thanks to the volunteers who helped make this issue possible: Virginia Boyle Traver for notifying the leaders and monitoring outings, Barb Esmond for her excellent organization skill and help with the outings, and Gail Carr for her consistent generosity in donating her art for the cover illustrations. Their efforts are appreciated.

14 ECHOES FROM THE TRAIL

Jul 17 (Thu) PADDLE ESSEX CHAIN LAKES Leader: Roy Keats This was a joint outing with the Cold River Chapter. We had 14 Cold River members and 9 Schenectady and Albany Chapter members. We had a total of 20 boats with about 12 cars. It was quite a long wagon train negotiating the 3.2 mile long one-lane dirt road going to the Deer Pond Access. The portage from the car was about 0.3 miles with 0.25 miles on a dirt road and 0.05 on a steep downhill to the pond. We paddled about 200 yards straight across the pond, pulled the boats out and continued up the other side on a trail up to the dirt road which led in to the trail down to Third Lake. The access was well marked; the trails were somewhat difficult for those with wheels. Once out on Third, we paddled west to the bay with the remaining Gooley Camp buildings. The history of the camp and the transition from Finch Pruyn ownership to state ownership were discussed. We saw several loons on our circuit of Third Lake. We continued on to Fourth Lake outlet and paddled up the meandering stream filled with water lilies and pickerel weed to Fourth. At the end of Fourth, we pulled ourselves through a culvert with an overhead rope into Fifth Lake. At the end of Fifth we paddled a winding floating bog stream leading to Sixth Lake. Paddling across Fifth and Sixth Lakes provides a constant view of Vanderwhacker Mountain. Seventh is a wide part at the end of Sixth. There did not appear to be any way to get to Eighth Lake. On the return we had great views of Dun Brook Mountain and . Most of the group pulled out of the water and returned to their cars at this point on reaching the take out for Deer Pond. However, an intrepid group of seven continued paddling across Third to Second Lake. From there they then portaged into First Lake and then paddled First and the First Lake outlet stream to an impassible beaver dam. This stream was one of the highlights of the trip. We then retraced our steps to the original Third Lake portage and on to our cars. Local participants were Marc and Jan Limeri, Fred Kirk, Ed Brown, Tim Kase, Dave Esmond, Ron Karpien, and Sue and Roy Keats (Schenectady Chapter Leader). Maria Rinella led for the CRC.

Aug 9 (Sat) Leader: Cliff Prewencki It was a great summer day for a trek to the highest point on the Taconic Crest Trail. Although parts of the trail had recently been used by ATVs, it was a peaceful morning hike for this group of six. We left the Petersburg Pass trailhead about 8:30, arrived at the peak around 10:00 and returned to the parking area around noon. In addition to the leader, this happy group included Ruth Kuo, Martha Waldman, Sharon Bonk, Blanche Nelson, and Dona Burdick.

Aug 14 (Thu) CEDAR RIVER FLOW Leader: Roy Keats Poor weather forced us to cancel the original date, so our next opportunity, a few days later, had absolutely perfect conditions, calm initially, beautiful blue skies, moderate temperatures, and only a slight breeze later on in the day. Two loons greeted us at the put-in as we made our way up the mirror like surface of the lake. We paddled straight down the lake a little to the west of center. This enabled us to cut across the lake near the Cedar River inlet to keep from being misled by false inlets on the east side. As we neared the weedy area at the south end of the lake we encountered a loon family with 2 chicks. About the same time two bald eagles soared around overhead, causing the loons to start calling out alarms. One of the eagles splashed in the water for a fish a distance from the loons, and the eagles went on their way. As we continued into the weeds we came upon a family of mergansers, a blue heron, several geese, some mallards, and a cormorant. We headed across to the east side and were able to find the inlet channel which had a surprisingly strong current. We paddled up the 1.5 miles to the lean-to for lunch. A thru-hiker of the NP trail came by. This was his second thru-hike of the trail. After lunch we paddled another quarter mile up the stream and then had a speedy run out to the lake. The Cedar River Flow and its inlet are always a wilderness delight. We had the lake and stream to ourselves all morning. On the return trip up the lake we met a few paddlers, and saw a few more loons. They were there to help us take out our boats at the end of the day. Participants were Gail Cotler, and Sue and Roy Keats (the leaders).

Aug 20 (Wed) PHARAOH MOUNTAIN Leader: John Antonio What a treat it is to be able to climb this great little mountain. This diverse trek begins on a handsome dirt road that has a lot of historical significance, passes some gorgeous ponds, and has a wonderful wide

open rocky summit with superb views in all directions. There are sections where the path has soft underfooting on pine needles, and before the ascent portion of our day we witnessed some of the most abundant bunches of Cardinal flowers in memory. At the summit, with a bit of negotiation, we had a 50 minute lunch break - with a yoga class thrown in to boot! Our group: Wan Chen, Kendra Pratt, Jim Coward, Claudia Rosenholz, Lori McCarron, Wendy Williams and Tom Hart.

Sep 7 (Sun) LEADER'S CHOICE HIKE FOR 70+ YEAR OLDS Leader: Kathy Pacuk Peebles Island was suggested by Harriet Bougen and it was agreed that it was a wonderful spot. We met in the parking lot at 10:00 a.m. and took a 2 mile walk with views of many kayakers below. The group was comprised of Gale Carr, Sarah Willen, Susie Byrne and the leader. The day was sunny and in the 70s. We ate lunch on a picnic table listening to music from a festival across the water. It was a perfect afternoon.

Sep 12 (Fri) SADDLE BALL MOUNTAIN Leader: John Antonio It was a new adventure for all. Not a single one of us had ever taken this route. We put our faith in the guidebook we were following and plunged into the woods on the Old Adams Road at 9:05 in the morning and came out 10.4 miles later at 3:20. Intersections aplenty were figured out with little problem. At one point on the trail we came within shouting distance of Mt. Greylock's Summit . . . but today we were content to be #2 (in Massachusetts, Mt. Greylock is #1 at 3,491 feet and Saddle Ball is #2 at 3,242 feet). We all agreed it was a great day out in the woods. Participants: Jim Coward, Sharon Bonk, Lori McCarron, Dan Van Uithuizen, John Sheehan, Dick Irving, Mary McDonald and Shelly Nevar.

Sep 12 (Fri) FISH CREEK PONDS LOOP Leader: Roy Keats We started our paddle going upstream on Fish Creek from the boat launch. After about a mile and quarter we turned into the outlet of Copperas Pond and paddled across it to our first and longest carry of the day. At Whey Pond we had one bald eagle soaring over our heads, and a loon and a group of mergansers on the water. The portage to Rollins Pond was very short. We intended to picnic on an island on Rollins, but because of the cloudy and chilly conditions decided to look for a more sheltered spot. At the end of Rollins, we decided to float through the outlet into Floodwood Pond instead of using the portage. Most boats had to be walked through the shallow sections. Only the canoe was able to float the whole distance. The water route was definitely better than the portage. We had lunch at a campsite on a point shortly after getting into Floodwood. After paddling through Floodwood, we reentered Fish Creek, and had a delightful paddle back to the boat launch. The first section of the creek was relatively narrow with the forest close in right around us. We had two great blue herons flying ahead of us most of the way down, and we met a large group of mergansers along the way also. Participants were Mary Jane Hughes, Gretchen Gedroiz, Sandy and Harry Willis, and Sue and Roy Keats (the leaders).

Sep 25 (Thu) HUDSON RIVER- SPIER FALLS DAM TO SHERMAN DAM Leader: Paul Breslin It turned out to be a wonderful Fall day for our paddle. We used the small boat launch right on Spier Falls Road about three miles east of Route 9 just north of Exit 17. This is very friendly to kayak and canoe put- ins. It will also handle small motor boats. We were on the water at 10:00 a.m. This area of the river is about three miles long and is sandwiched and flow-controlled by the Spier Falls Dam upstream and the Sherman Dam downstream. We started our trip by going downstream along the south shore. There are absolutely no camps or other buildings on this wild section of the river with the exception of a water plant that supplies Global Foundries in Malta. They have done a good job of keeping this unobtrusive. You can hear traffic and catch a glimpse of vehicles on both sides of the river in isolated spots. Down near the dam, there are a number of islands and peninsulas that are worth exploring around. Watch out for a few shallow boulders in this area. There was one campsite on a peninsula, probably maintained by a local (or possibly a scout troop) which had some rustic twine and tree wood furniture on site. It could only be reached by a hike or by water. We returned along the north shore. There are a couple of unmarked campsites along this shore with stone fire circles and rope hanging over the shoreline. These can be reached from the Corinth Road. We stopped back at the boat launch for lunch. There are several picnic tables and two port-a-johns that made this the best choice. The table closest to the launch was pretty beat up but the others were in fairly good condition. After lunch we went up to Spier Falls Dam and returned. We were off the water around 2:00 p.m. By the way there are two marked and therefore legal

water access campsites in this section. One is almost directly across from the launch. The other is up near the Spier Falls Dam on the north side. Participants were: Ed Brown, Karen Lydon, Jim Flavin, Pat McPhee, and Mary Jane Hughes.

Oct 1 (Wed) THE S.H.A.L.T. SERIES - #1 GERTRUDE'S NOSE & Leader: John Antonio What should have been a group of nine was whittled down to five for various reasons, especially with the less than stellar weather forecast. Yes, it did "drizzle" for 80% of the trip but the fall colors in the muted light popped out in spectacular fashion. We started out from the Lake Minnewaska parking lot and, in spite of our maps and trail guides, still managed to get a bit twisted in the first half hour of our journey. In our defense, we all agreed the "new maps" posted along our route were not only confusing, but incorrect! After a bit of a mutiny, we did eventually get straightened out and passed Patterson's Pellet, tackled Gertrude's Nose and, after a soggy lunch, summitted Millbrook Mountain and had the sun almost appear as we completed our rounds. Our group: Jim Coward, Frank Dirolf, Lori McCarron and Charlie Beach.

Oct 2 (Thu) OK SLIP FALLS Leader: Paul Breslin It was a beautiful fall day for our trip. Since this is a relatively new trail, I will provide a few more details of the trail. The trailhead is shared with the trail to Ross Pond and is 10 miles west on Route 28 from the intersection with Route 28N in North Creek. The parking lot is on the left side of the road and is nicely paved. The actual trailhead is on the other side of the road 2 tenths of a mile to the west. The beginning of the trail was surprising wet and muddy since there had not been much rain in the last month. So it probably is even worse at some other times. There was some half-hearted effort to place planks over the muddiest part, but much more work could be done here. Take heart, this only lasts for the first 200 yards or so. You proceed on this trail which is actually the trail to Ross Pond for half a mile. Then the OK Slip Falls Trail goes off to the right following dark blue markers for another 2.5 miles. The trail goes through the woods with no vista type views until you get to the falls. You could actually smell the spruce trees at some points along the trail. About two miles into the trip you cross the private road to Northern Frontier Camp. The trail actually takes a jog along this road for a couple of hundred feet. This is well marked. At the falls there are two lookouts. The furthest one (only 100 or so feet further) is the best for a lunch break spot. Overall the trail is undulating, but very manageable with no long uphill or downhill changes.We left Latham at 8am and arrived at the parking lot at 9:45 with a restroom break at McDonald's in Warrensburg. We saw some signs of set-up for the Annual Garage Sale in Warrensburg, but this presented no traffic problems on Thursday. We wouldn't want to be taking this trip over the week-end. The Garage sale is always the first week-end in October and if you aren't participating, you don't want to be there. We hit the trail at 10am. We ran into an amateur photographer named Bruce from Indian Lake at the parking lot who took a picture of all of us. We stopped for two breaks along the way approximately at one mile intervals. We got to the waterfall at noon- perfect for lunch time. The photographer was there with his tripod patiently waiting to see if the rainbow would return that was there when he first arrived BEFORE he got his camera set up. One of our participants had been to these falls three other times and had pictures on her camera. This trip had the least amount of water flowing over the falls which was understandable given the dry September we had. The picture of the frozen falls in winter were particularly interesting.On the way back one of our hikers tripped and fell banging up her knee and elbow -- nothing serious, just an annoyance. She and two others elected return using the Northern Frontier Access Road to avoid the uneven terrain of the trail - maybe some of the mud too ;-) . They beat us back to the parking lot. On the way back we stopped at the Stewarts in North Creek. It was a great day. Participants were: Karen Ross (and Louie, her wonderful golden retriever), Virginia Boyle Traver, Karen Lydon, Martha Waldman, Martha Zibro, Patty Costa, Donna Farber, Linda Pelosi-Dunn, Colleen Maloney, Margie Litwin (our OK Slip Falls veteran) and the leader.

Oct 4 (Sat) LONG PATH IN JOHN BOYD THACHER STATE PARK Leader: Jim Schaller Due to weather forecasts of showers to heavy rain on Saturday, five of the eleven sign-ups cancelled. We still decided to meet at the Nature Center, as did four others. We were met with overcast skies, light winds and mild temps, but no rain! Instead of the 9 mile through-hike, we opted for a loop hike from Ryan Road, ranging up to 6 miles with shorter loop returns, if necessary. But the hike progressed along the Long Path through pleasant woodlands in dry conditions. We did opt out of a roundtrip out to Hang Glider Point due to limited to zero visibility from the cliffs. It was on to High Point Cliff and a brief break before

continuing on to Old Stage Road. There we took the Yellow "Perimeter Trail" back to Ryan Road after a lunch stop at the Beaver Pond and arriving about noon. PS- steady rains did begin in the afternoon, making us thankful for the good "timing" of the hike! Hiking were: Diane and Eric Reinhart, Marion Hoyle, Anita Wahlen, and Jim & Bonnie Schaller (leaders).

Oct 10 (Fri) THE S.H.A.L.T. SERIES #2 - BENNETT HILL & KELEHER PRESERVE Leader: John Antonio Maybe it was the beautiful weather or the prospect of lunch at the Jake Moon Cafe, but whatever the reason, we were maxed out with a group of twelve. Maxed and loaded for bear; the group was raring to go and when I say raring, I mean Fast Paced! We ended up doing both hikes before lunch. As mentioned, if you haven't done these "little gems," you owe it to yourself to get out and explore them. They are close to home and offer a nice little workout with interesting viewpoints. Just make sure that you pick up the NEW map at the Keleher Preserve to avoid the bit of confusion that we had. Participants: Frank Dirolf, Karen Ross and 'Louie,' Jay Flavin, Lori McCarron, Patty O'Connor, Barb and Tom Esmond and 'Scout,' Pat McPhee, Marion Hoyle, Charlie Beach, Claudia Rosenholz and a guy named Tom Hart, whom we picked up on the trail.

Oct 11 (Sat) NYNJTC LONG PATH: CROSS-ROMER-PLEASANT - NEW CATSKILLS TRAIL Leader: Cal Johnson This was a great hike for a crisp fall day. With everyone showing up before the 8:30 a.m. meeting time, we were able to do the car shuttle and get on the trail before 9:00 a.m.. After the 2.8 mile hike up the WS trail, we turned east onto the newly constructed (opened June 7) section of the NYNJTC Long Path. Cross Mtn. provided a spectacular view of many . After a bit of a break there, we descended to the col between Cross Mtn. & Mt. Pleasant, passing over some very impressive rock work with steps up a cliff area. Mt. Pleasant provided a great view toward the west, with Slide Mtn., & Panther Mtn. in the background. For the rest of the hike there were a couple of small viewpoints, but with the leaves mostly off, there were many more views through the trees. From Mt. Pleasant north, there is a lot of treadway work, including crib walls, steps and stone bridges. About 1/2 mile from the finish is the best spring in the Catskills. The water comes out of a 4" pipe, with a steady flow, even in the very dry conditions. When it is wetter, the water fills the pipe and shoots straight out a few feet. There are sections of pipe on the ground, making it obvious that the water was piped down to someplace along the road. Hikers were: Sue Jordan, Dick Irving, John Gansfuss, Karen Cedar, Rita Cedar, and Don Murat.

Oct 18 (Sat) HALLOWEEN Leader: Jen Shepherd The forecast wasn't looking too promising with some chance for showers in the later portion of the morning, but that didn't stop us! I saw my first owl in the wild on my drive over to the trailhead to meet the group. I took it as a good sign! My little group assembled in the parking area and began our ascent. We were maybe fifteen minutes in when it began to sprinkle. It was a good time to stop and put away any cameras and put on rain gear. A few minutes after we started again, it rained harder. Since I've hiked Hadley in all manner of weather, I was willing to continue on and left the choice to the folks who came all the way from Connecticut to join us. In the end, two (Sharon and Susan) went back, and three (Joe, Wayne, and myself) pushed for the summit. The showers died down and we were treated to a mostly socked in view at the top. We explored the tower, and I noted the little American flag someone had added... nice touch! From there it was down to the cabin to have a look around and enjoy a snack in the shelter of the cabin porch. We got down there at a good time as the rains returned. Surprisingly we were joined by two ladies who had reached the cabin ahead of their husbands. They turned out to be from the Schenectady chapter on an unofficial outing. The wives insisted that their husbands pose in a photo with me in my costume and then the rest of us. Another couple came to join the porch party and share in some Halloween treats. Between the three of us we had plenty of candy and I baked peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips to share. The couple headed to the tower while the group of four from Schenectady headed back down the mountain. My little trio was not far behind them. We only passed a handful of people coming up as we descended, and not many wanted candy, I'll blame the weather! Rain aside, it was still a great trip and I'm glad everyone came out to join me--even if we all went home with more candy than we planned on! 5 participants: Jen Shepherd (Little Red Riding Hood), Joe Babcock (escaped convict #46), Susan Howard (Bob from Bob's Burgers), and Wayne & Sharon Atwell from CT who didn't get to wear their costumes long!

Oct 29 (Wed) THE S.H.A.L.T. SERIES #3 - INDIAN HEAD AND FISH HAWK CLIFFS Leader: John Antonio A "classic among the classics" - how can you go wrong? Park at the Ausable Club Hiker's Parking Lot . . . head up the Lake Road . . . take the Gill Brook Trail . . . stand on Fish Hawk Cliffs and take in the sights of the Ausable Lakes 700 feet below and the Great Range stretching out before you, just an arm's reach away. WOW!! It was a bit cloudy but there wasn't a drop of rain (we later discovered that it rained all day in the Capital District!) After Fish Hawk Cliffs, we stopped at Indian Head for lunch to refuel before dropping down to the Lake Road and back to our cars. All agreed it was a truly great day. Our group: Jim Coward, FranK Dirolf, Lori McCarron, John Susko, Anne Lawton, Rachel West, Sue Jordan, Pat McPhee, Ania Gaguine, Paul Nelson, Ruth Quo and Michael Bonatto.

Nov 5 (Wed) THE S.H.A.L.T. SERIES #4 - MOREAU STATE PARK Leader: John Antonio The route was described in the Cloudsplitter and all that signed on agreed to the terms and conditions of the day's itinerary. Here it is - we started at the southwest corner of Moreau State Park at 8:30 a.m. and headed up to junction number 13, which we reached at 8:52. #9 - 9:00, #4 - 9:45, #3 - 10:03, #2 - 10:24, a bit of a rest, #10 - 11:06, #6 - 11:16, #17 - 11:23, a bit of confusion - a few moments, Lookout Lunch - 11:45, lunch ends (sorry, Claudia) - 12:15, #7 - 12:35, #8 - 1:00, #13 - 1:40, back to the cars - 2- ish.Number counters: Jim Coward, Lori McCarron, Charlene Schaefer, Pat McFee, Jay Falvin, Bo Harris, Rachel West, Kendra Pratt, Karen Ross and 'Louie,' Dan Van Uithuiszen, Claudia Rosenholz, Tom Hart and Pat Warren.

Nov 8 (Sat) BLUEBERRY, PORTER, & CASCADE FROM MARCY AIRFIELD Leader: Marie Rosenblatt A beautiful, clear sunrise promised the views we anticipated would be stellar. The car spot went quickly, and in no time at all, Mona, Neal, Tom, and I were treated to the first of many views of the Great Range, the Dixes, Giant, the Jay Range, Hurricane... you name it! We climbed steadily, though somehow Tom and Neal still managed to do a little trail maintenance along the way from Blueberry to the ridge leading to Porter! We found up to 6" of fresh snow, sparkling under perfect sun against the bluebird sky. The predicted clouds and stormy weather only arrived as we were on our way down from Cascade. We could not have asked for a better day, or better company. Tom's photos can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.344841495686751.1073741828.100004827107223&type=1 &l=95819e8da0 (it's an awkward link to manually type, but no facebook account is required to follow it)

Nov 9 (Sun) GOODNOW FIRE TOWER Leader: Jen Shepherd Anyone who knows me already knows how much I truly enjoy hiking the fire towers. It was the fire tower challenge that got me hiking solo a few years ago after all! Goodnow is among my favorites and my friend Leighann needed it so I put the trip together. The forecast had a low chance for precipitation, and I had a good group of folks joining in. It promised to be a good day. The majority of the group met in Queensbury with two others meeting at the trail. It rained on our drive, and we even drove into some sleet, but all was dry and clear by the time we reached the trailhead. We were a small but strong group, and I had woken up with a bad cold, so I let Leighann take the lead while I pulled up the sweep and spent some time catching up with Rich. The trail had a light snow dusting that got a little more plentiful as we got higher. Some of the usual muddy spots were half frozen and not quite as sloppy as usual. We made excellent time to the summit, and the weather was great--overcast skies but with clear views and hardly any wind at all. We took turns climbing the tower and went to inspect the cabin. It was nice to spend some time on the summit enjoying the views and snacks. Rich shared some Lindt chocolates with the group while Joe shared some hot tea with me. When everyone was ready we headed back down. Six participants--and you guys were all awesome: Leighann Helson, Joe Babcock, Rich Crammond (great seeing you!), Jeff Leavitt, Gretchen Gedroiz, and Jen Shepherd. Thanks for coming guys!

Nov 12 (Wed) RACE BROOK FALLS AND RACE MTN. Leader: Virginia Boyle Traver The forecast for this day was not good, but the sky began to clear as we drove, and by 10:00 a.m. was a cloudless blue with 60 degree warm unseasonably humid air. We crossed and re-crossed Race Brook on a steady ascent. Recent rains made Race Brook Falls spectacular, with water spread across the upper rocks and cascading into narrow crevasses as it tumbled to the brook below. When we arrived at the junction with the Appalachian Trail, the weather suddenly changed, and the sky grew dark. Not far along

the ridge, we donned our rain gear in spitting drizzle. We reached the summit of Race Mountain amidst a damp chilly cloud in a bitter wind. Nevertheless, we enjoyed a social lunch off the summit, and everyone was cheerful despite the absence of a view. On the descent, wet leaves made for a slippery trail, and one of our party lost his footing, landing hard on rocks in the brook. A number of participants came to his assistance, helping him back to the trail, offering hot tea, warm gloves, and concern. He admitted to having some major discomfort on the side of his head, shoulder, and collar bone, but, fortunately, he was able to continue walking after a brief rest. Back at the cars, Karen Ross gave each of us leeks from her garden, a sure antidote to the damp chilly weather that still kept clouds locked onto the surrounding summits. Enjoying a pretty trail, gorgeous waterfall, and the camaraderie of others on a cloudy mountain were Hugh Dunseath, J Flavin, Sue Jordan, Steve Lomnes, Karen Lydon, Lori McCarron, Pat McPhee, Patty O'Connor, Karen Ross, John Sheehan, Deb Wein, Rachel West, and the leader.

CONSERVATION NOTES

Consider Becoming a Wildland Adopter. - The Adopt-a-Wildland program is maintained by ADK’s Conservation Committee. With over 5 million acres of NYS State public land, there are a lot of special spots that don’t always get the attention they need. Wildland adopters are folks who take time to visit some of these less-traveled areas and report back on their condition. Wild lands cannot be managed solely with boots on the ground observation. Adopters should also consider partaking in any public discussion or decision making processes that their Wildland is involved with. This can include larger environmental issues that could affect the adopted land. The conservation committee of the chapter is responsible for keeping track of adopted lands and the work adopters accomplish upon them. For example, the Albany Chapter has adopted the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area, while the Taconic Hiking Club has adopted the Taconic Crest Trail. Adopting should remain voluntary and the scope of work should be determined by the adopter. Intended and accomplished tasks should be catalogued by the adopter, with records maintained by the chapter conservation committee.

The chapter conservation committee provides a list of potential projects for people who want to be part of the program, but may not have or want a specific wildland. This allows for a “pool” of potential adopters who can simply select projects from a list and in doing so control their own level of involvement.

Where can we work?

NY State Public Lands, including over 5 million acres of DEC administered lands in NYS (3 million of which is “Forever Wild” public Forest Preserve within the "Blue Line" of the ), Catskill Park's “Forever Wild” public Forest Preserve of 287,500 acres, State Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, Conservation Easement Lands, NYS Parks (OPRHP) Land, NYC DEP land and water, including 34,000 acres of reservoirs and approximately 150,000 acres of water supply lands.

What can we do? The scope of work is not limited; however land scouting, trash pick-up and dumpsite removal are popular. Adopters are asked to track their number of volunteer hours and report them to the chapter conservation committee. Consider adopting areas for invasive species monitoring, especially incorporation of the AIS grant proposal. There is a minimum “buy-in” level of work for being an adopter of a wildland, such as a mandatory scouting of your land at least once per season/year.

Who decides what we do?

• The chapter conservation committee dedicates time and energy in finding projects for adopters. By being in contact with local foresters, park managers and municipalities, the committee generates a list of projects, both field work and issue related, to provide to adopters.

• Adopters can generate their own projects and present them to the chapter conservation committee for review.

What does the program look like at the chapter level?

• The chapter conservation committee is the local oversight for adopted lands and adopters. • The committee provides potential adopters with help organizing and executing projects. • Each chapter maintains a list of adopters and the wildlands or issues they have adopted. • Chapters can act independently (in accordance with ADK policies / positions) on local issues and projects.

If you have questions or want to know more about these issues, please contact David Pisaneschi at: [email protected] or 459-5969. For updates on Conservation issues of concern to ADK members, please visit the chapter website at: http://www.adk-albany.org/conservationNotes.php

ALBANY CHAPTER - OFFICERS and COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Chairperson Tom Hart 229-5627 [email protected] Vice Chairperson Frank Dirolf 783-0046 [email protected] Treasurer Steve Cornell 797-3842 [email protected] Recording Secretary Jan Peterson 695-3054 [email protected] Corresponding Secretary vacant Members at Large Carl Klinowski 274-8410 [email protected] Don Berens 783-1302 [email protected] Representatives to the Board John Sheehan 674-8121 [email protected] Stephanie Graudons 332-4624 [email protected] Finance Tom Hart 229-5627 [email protected] Banquet Deb Reif 944-3369 [email protected] Cloudsplitter Karen Ross 794-7474 [email protected] Conservation David Pisaneschi 459-5969 [email protected] Tom McGuire 391-0508 [email protected] Education Alan Mapes 439-4086 [email protected] Membership Doug Rosenberry 356-3142 [email protected] Nominations Mark Janey 899-6086 [email protected] Outings Virginia Boyle Traver 322-0950 [email protected] Paddlers Rich Macha 346-3180 [email protected] Programs Thea Hoeth 434-3052 [email protected] Public Information Deb Reif 944-3369 [email protected] Refreshments Marlee Bickel 456-7050 [email protected] Socials Helen Menz 463-3036 Trails Gene Reillly 281-7796 [email protected] Ways and Means Sue Jordan 765-5564 [email protected] 301-651- Web Master Ted Letcher [email protected] 8244 Wilderness Dave Pisaneschi 459-5969 [email protected] Young Adults Stephanie Graudons 332-4624 [email protected]