Almost every weekend, year-round, my wifeand I enjoy a good hike with our adolescentchildren. We love our local trails, the exercise,and getting out into nature. The children donot share our views. They require encourage-ment to join us every time. They actuallyenjoy each hike, every weekend, but thenthey seem to forget by the following Saturdayor Sunday that they had fun in the woods.There seems to be a powerful force affectingtheir memory and motivation.We have to work to get the children out

of the house. They resist us. “Do we haveto go? Can I stay here? I went last week-end.” To which we respond, “Yes, you wentlast weekend and you loved it; and no, youcannot stay home; and yes, you have tocome on the hike today.” I think our children are representative of

many kids in this modern age of miniatur-

ized and highly powerful in-your-face-tech-nology. The children would rather sitaround on the couch and zone out on theiriDevices then walk through the woods—ordo anything at all.It takes cajoling. We have to repeat our-

selves and be firm and not give in to theirdesperate offers to negotiate. “I’ll go on thehike if I don’t have to do the dishes tonight.I’ll walk the dog if you let me skip the hike.I can’t hike now, I just took a shower, canwe do it later?” To which we respond:“Nope. No, and no—get in the car now.”We drive to the local trailhead, unload

ourselves, and announce, “leave your

screens in the car.” There is often surpris-ingly little fuss at this request—except forthe consistent rebuttal of, “but we need ourphones to take pictures.” To which werespond: “Sorry. Let’s go.”The next hurdle is the hiking-through-

the-woods part—and guess what? Thechildren love it! They laugh and run andsmile and joke and play and absolutelyenjoy themselves. See the accompanyingphotos as proof.Sometimes we hike a loop, other times

Spring 2015 New York-New Jersey Trail Conference — Connecting People with Nature since 1920 www.nynjtc.org

One Last HikeCancer couldn’t stop KeithLyons from sharing a finalcamping trip with his godson.READ MORE ON PAGE 9

Ask a Trail BuilderWhy build stairs on a trailthrough the woods? It's all about sustainability. READ MORE ON PAGE 7

VOLUME XLII, NUMBER 2 ISSN 0749-1352

Anew chapter in the Trail Confer-ence’s 94-year history begins April 7,when a ribbon-cutting ceremony

completes the move into the new head-quarters at the Darlington Schoolhouse inMahwah, New Jersey. The Trail Confer-ence has worked with many partners since2004 to acquire, stabilize, restore, andrepurpose the 124-year-old historical land-mark, which borders the Ramapo ValleyCounty Reservation and now helps to servethe organization’s goal of protecting andpromoting access to the outdoors. “Whilethis day has been a long time coming, Idon’t regret taking care, every step of theway, to build a headquarters that representsour values and enables us to better accom-plish our mission of connecting peoplewith nature,” said Edward Goodell, TrailConference executive director.With meticulous attention to detail, the

schoolhouse was restored in two phases:Phase 1, completed in 2012, includedstructural stabilization, exterior renovation,climate control, and utilities, while Phase 2involved the interior renovation of the orig-

inal 4,400-square-foot schoolhouse andconstruction of a 3,700-square-foot, two-story addition. In March, electricians,plumbers, and painters put the finishingtouches on the headquarters building at600 Ramapo Valley Road. In a concertedeffort by staff and volunteers, equipmentand files were officially moved in from therented office just up the road, where theTrail Conference had maintained opera-tions since 2001. Everyone is invited tostop by the new headquarters to purchasemaps, books, and memberships, sign up forvolunteer opportunities and workshops, orsimply learn more about the organization.A day-long grand opening ceremony is

scheduled for Saturday, September 12 toacknowledge the supporters, builders, andfriends who made this remarkable restora-tion a reality. As the organization enters its95th year, the new headquarters will be thecornerstone from which the Trail Confer-ence builds its second century of servingthe region by making public lands moreaccessible. For events related to the head-quarters grand opening in September and95th anniversary in October, follow us onFacebook and Twitter and watch the TrailConference website and E-Walker, ourelectronic newsletter. Click “Get Our E-newsletter” button on the website if you arenot already a subscriber.

Visit the Trail Conference’s new headquarters at the restored Darlington Schoolhouse at 600 Ramapo Valley Road in Mahwah, NJ.

Without iPhones, Lila and Callie take abreak during a hike they thoroughly

enjoyed on Fishkill Ridge.

PEOPLE FOR TRAILS

Susan and Howard ReedMontague, NJ

If you’ve ever hiked up StokesState Forest, odds are goodyou’ve hiked on a trailmaintained by Susan andHoward Reed.

How they met: This dynamictrail-maintaining duo first metback in 1995, when Susandecided to go hiking. In search of a new path, she got her handson a copy of Trail Walker thatfeatured an organized hike on the Paulinskill Valley Trail in Stokes. While out on thatfateful hike, she met her futurehusband, Howard.

Finding love… and a sense ofduty: After getting married in1997, Susan and Howard decidedto give back to the trails thatintroduced them to each other;in 2003, they startedmaintaining trails in Stokes. Atone point, they were lookingafter one third of all the trails inStokes State Forest! They’vesince backed down a little bit,but still maintain CartwrightTrail, Coursen Trail, Stoll Trail,Tibbs Trail, and Stony Lake Trail.

Tools of the trade: You can oftenfind this team hard at work ontheir trails—Howard with hisrepurposed pack full of tools,and Susan with her electrician’sbelt for blazing. (Susan’s secret:The belt’s magnetic pockets helpkeep the metal nails safe untilneeded.) Howard’s “new”favorite tool is the Silky Saw,which was introduced to this pairby their trail chair, HowieLiebmann.

Keep an eye out: Howard andSusan say they haven’t spottedas many bears as they once sawin Stokes State Forest. They’rehappy to point out the signs ofthe porcupine on the trail,however. Another likely sighting:the Reeds hard at work on theirtrails.

JERE

MY

APGA

R

HANK

OSB

ORN

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Opens New Headquarters at Darlington Schoolhouse

continued on page 4

The Weekly Forced March

Find out how we made our newheadquarters accessible to all onour blog: http://blog-dsh.nynjtc.org.Read about the Arts and Craftsinspiration behind the original Darlington Schoolhouse on page 7.

By Hank Osborn, East Hudson Program Coordinator

By Jennifer Easterbrook and Alice Luddington-Cantor

Getting kids to disconnectfrom technology and

reconnect with nature.

Another wonderful victory for land conser-vation is unfolding this year: A 400-acreparcel that abuts the southern portion ofGoose Pond Mountain will forever remainundeveloped, thanks to the work of theOpen Space Institute (OSI), the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, New YorkState Parks, the town planning board ofChester, NY, and concerned citizens inChester. This acquisition is an importantstep in creating an uninterrupted greenwayconnection between Goose Pond Moun-tain State Park and Sterling Forest StatePark. It also allows a significant portion of

the Highlands Trail (HT) in Chester to bererouted from an unsettling road walk ontoa preserved area.For years, the land at Laroe and Bull Mill

roads was slated to be the 222-unit residen-tial development Chester Golf, whichwould have marred the viewshed of thisrural community and intensified trafficalong an already precarious road walk forthe Highlands Trail. Area residents, led bythe Preservation Collective’s Tracy Schuhand supported by the Trail Conference,objected and petitioned the town planningboard to reconsider. After many months ofnegotiations, OSI bought the parcel onChristmas Eve 2014, and plans to transferit to the NYS Parks over the next few years. Called Goose Pond South in the interim,

this land serves the overarching goal of theTrail Conference, OSI, and NYS Parks tocreate a continuous greenway and wildlifemigration corridor connecting parks suchas Sterling Forest, Schunnemunk, BlackRock Forest, and Storm King. Members ofthe Trail Conference’s Conservation Com-mittee are in the process of negotiatingland purchases or trail easements withowners of undeveloped property to achievethis objective. In the meantime, Goose Pond South is

open to the public, with a small parking lotoff Bull Mill Road in the works. OSIinstalled a kiosk with map at the entranceto the Highlands Trail, which is nowplanned to join the Appalachian Trail atBellvale Ridge in Sterling Forest. This will

help close the gaps along the HT, whichruns for over 150 miles from the DelawareWater Gap in New Jersey, across the Hud-son River in New York, and on through tothe Connecticut border. The Trail Conference’s Highlands Trails

Chair Glen Oleksak scouted the parcelextensively and flagged a new, sustainableroute for the HT, which he and volunteersblazed with the trail’s characteristic aqua dia-monds on the first public hike through theproperty on February 21. Jennifer Garofali-ni of OSI co-led the hike, sharing the historyof the property acquisition as well as theorganization’s vision for the region. We’re welcoming all who are interested

in being further involved with the High-lands Trail reroute to help us build it andplace it on the ground this summer. Formore information or to sign up to help cre-ate this new trail link, contact WestHudson Program Coordinator SonaMason at smason@nynjtc.org or 201-512-9348 ext. 16.

TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970-100)(ISSN 0749-1352) is published quarterly by theNew York-New Jersey Trail Conference as abenefit of membership. Subscriptions areavailable to libraries only at $15.00 a year.Periodical postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., andadditional offices. Postmaster: Send addresschanges to the address below. Opinionsexpressed by authors do not necessarily representthe policy or position of the Conference.Contributions of typed manuscripts, photos,and drawings are welcome. Manuscripts may beedited for style and length. Send SASE forwriters’ guidelines. Submission deadlines for theTRAIL WALKER are February 2 (Spring issue),May 4 (Summer issue), August 3 (Fall issue),November 2 (Winter issue). Unsolicitedcontributions cannot be acknowledged unlessaccompanied by SASE. For information onadvertising rates, please write or call.Copyright 2015 by:New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc.600 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202)Mahwah, NJ 07430201-512-9348

email: info@nynjtc.orgeditorial email: tw@nynjtc.orgWorld Wide Web: www.nynjtc.org

Mission StatementThe New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is afederation of member clubs and individualsdedicated to providing recreational hikingopportunities in the region, and representing theinterests and concerns of the hiking community.The Conference is a volunteer-directed publicservice 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 DirectorsChris Connolly ChairEdward Saiff Vice ChairRichard Levine TreasurerPatricia Wooters Secretary

DirectorsDaniel Chazin Gaylord HolmesWalter Daniels Richard KatziveCharlotte Fahn John MagerleinAndrew Garrison Elizabeth RavitSuzan Gordon David StuhrDaniel Hoberman Edward Whitney

StaffEdward Goodell Executive DirectorJoshua Howard Deputy Executive

DirectorDon Weise Development

DirectorMelissa McCutcheon Operations &

Finance DirectorLinda Rohleder Land Stewardship

Director

For a full list of staff visitwww.nynjtc.org/content/staff

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is avolunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It isa federation of 103 hiking and outdoor groups,and 10,000 individuals.

VOLUMEXLII,NO.2 SPRING 2015

AMBER RAY EDITORLOU LEONARDIS GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Page 2 Spring 2015

printed on recycled content paper

PLEASE RECYCLE TRAIL WALKER

Preserved Greenspace in ChesterCreates a Safer Highlands Trail

I would venture to guess that very fewpeople have advocacy spring to mind asone of the major functions of the TrailConference, and yet nothing could becloser to the heart of what we do. A histo-ry of the Trail Conference published 20years ago, “Vistas & Visions,” opens withthe following quote:“This trip last Sunday made us realize

how blessed we are, who live in this big met-ropolitan area, to have so near at hand forour constant enjoyment so many beautifulmountains and trails. And I am afraid thatas we go over the trails, we forget that it isthe hard work of a few that makes possiblethe enjoyment by many.”—Angelique Rivolier, Director of the

Inkowa Outdoor Club, describing a hike ona new section of the Appalachian Trail nearSterling Forest, April 1930

A Legacy ofAdvocacy

Volunteer Sam Huber appreciates a waterfall along the Lenape Trail.

SONA

MAS

ON

By Sona Mason, West Hudson Program Coordinator

By Peter Dolan, New Jersey Program Coordinator

We have to say, THANK YOU! We’ve tallied your GivingTuesday Challenge donations and we’re blown away. Thanksto our wonderful donors, we raised $30,799 over the eight-day period from November 25 through December 2. Thesetremendous contributions will be met with $36,000 inmatching gifts for a grand total of $66,799, all of which willbe put to work to support the trail building, trail maintaining,trail education, volunteer development, and trail protectionprograms we provide throughout our area.

Giving Tuesday Challenge Raises Over $30K

Tell NJ lawmakers Sundays should remain hunting-free. Visit www.nynjtc.org/issue/sunday-hunting-new-jersey for details.

Nominations for Board, Delegates-at-Large

The Trail Conference Nominating Committee invites nominations formembership on the Board of Directors and Delegates-at-Large. Thequalifications for Board of Directors are current membership in the Trail Conference and service participation in trail activities or on a

Trail Conference committee. The qualification for Delegate-at-Large iscurrent membership in the Trail Conference. Self-nominations for

Delegate -at-Large and Board of Directors are appropriate and welcome.

Please email your nomination to nominations@nynjtc.org. The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, April 24, 2015.

continued on page 11

Do you know someone who hasdone an outstanding job as aTrail Conference volunteer?The Volunteer Committee is looking fornominees for our annual awards. Withmore than 1,500 people who donatetheir time to the organization, we knowaward-worthy volunteers are in ourranks. Who do you know who has goneabove and beyond? Members may nom-inate individuals for the annual awards,presented every fall by the Trail Confer-ence Board. The deadline is July 1. The nomination process is easy. Check

www.nynjtc.org/awards to see the awardscategories, qualifications, and if thepotential candidate has received an awardin the past. Then fill out the online nomination form, or e-mail it with sup-porting statements to the VolunteerCommittee at awards@nynjtc.org. To getideas of what information is needed, seewww.nynjtc.org/document/award-nomination-samples.

Call for VolunteerAward Nominations

Spring is theseason ofreawakening.

At the Trail Conference, the melting ofsnowy mountains and lengthening of daysfinds the staff and volunteers emergingfrom in-office reports and planning toresume their duties outdoors. I love howthe beginning of each work season is alwaysso promising, full of excitement over build-ing new trails and the anticipation ofcompleting years-in-the-making projects. This year, our eagerness for spring hasn’t

been reserved for thawing trails. For over adecade we worked on purchasing andrestoring the Darlington Schoolhouse inMahwah, NJ, and in March we finallymoved into the historic building as ournew headquarters—our new home for ful-filling our mission of connecting peoplewith nature. The new office has many practical advan-

tages over our prior leased space: plenty ofroom for staff and volunteer workspace,meetings, and training; hospitable accom-modations for visitors and customers; and alow carbon footprint with reduced operat-ing costs. Perhaps even more important,however, are the ways in which the buildingand its restoration are a physical manifesta-tion of our organizational values:• Preservation & Stewardship: The orig-

inal schoolhouse—built of native timberand field stone—is preserved, and the addi-

tion is tastefully designed with similarmaterials.• Environmental Protection: The build-

ing is super insulated, while climate controlis provided by a geothermal system at one-third the energy use of high-efficiencyalternatives. Additionally, the entire land-scape is conceived as a restoration of theriverine habitat for native and endangeredspecies, such as the wood turtle. • Engaging the Public: The property is

located between county and town parksand across the road from a state college.The land itself is public parkland, andapproximately half of the funds needed tocreate the headquarters came from openspace and historic preservation grants. The restoration of Darlington School-

house is a very visible commitment to thecommunities we serve, giving us an oppor-tunity to raise even more awareness of theTrail Conference mission. When you thinkabout it, most of our tangible work is some-what hidden away in the woods. And thebetter job we do, the harder it is to see thatany work has been done. Our new head-quarters is a showcase of everything we striveto achieve, inviting potential new members,volunteers, and partners to learn more.And there’s so much to talk about. A new

office precedes our 100th anniversary,quickly approaching in the fall of 2020.With the impending arrival of that mile-stone, we are tuning up the organizationalstructure to meet the challenges of a newcentury. Since 2000, the Trail Conference

has been asked to do ever more as parkshave struggled to allocate resources despitean increasing load of parklands and visitors.In the field, aging trails are showing wearand tear from years of use, as well as theimpact of climate change and invasivespecies. In response to those needs, webecame part of the AmeriCorps network,supplying approximately 20 trained Ameri-Corps members annually for trail andinvasive crews. In addition, we have beenasked to lead regional partnerships such asthe Lower Hudson Partnership for Region-al Invasive Species Management and theCatskill Conservation Corps.With all of these new programs, it is no

surprise that our organizational structuredesigned decades ago is now strained han-dling these new responsibilities. Led by theBoard of Directors with input from a broadrange of stakeholders, we will be fullyimplementing the new organizationalstructure and process before the end of2015. We will also be developing a strategicplan for the next five years with an eyetoward our centennial. New beginnings are exciting, filled with

the optimism of intentional change, as wellas the anxiety of what lies ahead. But thisorganization has never been stronger, norable to accomplish so much. I’m lookingforward to everything we can achieve inour new headquarters in our second centu-ry of service.It’s a new season for the Trail Conference.

— Edward GoodellExecutive Directorgoodell@nynjtc.org

TRAIL NEWS ROUNDUP New parking areas, trail colors inHuckleberry Ridge State ForestThis past fall and winter, several changeshave occurred in Huckleberry Ridge StateForest (HRSF) in the towns of Greenvilleand Deerpark in Orange County.The Department of Environmental

Conservation has installed four new park-ing areas with kiosks. The first one is onthe Greenville Turnpike along theShawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT), where thetrail turns north off the road. A second

parking lot is near the northwest corner ofHawthorne Lake, at the end of RaymondDrive. The SRT will be rerouted throughHRSF and along this parking area in thenear future.The other two parking areas are at both

ends of the Minisink Trail, which runsfrom the Old Greenville Turnpike toRoute 6, near the Greenville/Deerparktown line. The Minisink Trail (about fivemiles) used to be blazed red, but has beenreblazed with yellow DEC markers.The Lenape Ridge Trail, which also

starts at the Old Greenville Turnpike andused to be blazed white, has been reblazedwith red DEC markers in the state forest,and standard red blazes on private land.This trail, which currently ends near thePort Jervis Metro North line, will beextended to the SRT this summer.The reblazing of both trails has been 80

percent completed and will be finished assoon as the weather allows.

Arden-Surebridge Trail Relocated for Habitat RestorationNew York State Parks has recently overseenhabitat restoration along the first half-mileof the Arden-Surebridge Trail in HarrimanState Park, beginning at the Lake Skan-natati parking area. The trail has beenrelocated in this area to alleviate erosionand ongoing impacts to sensitive habitats,in keeping with NYS Parks’ mission to pro-vide for public enjoyment of parklandswhile maintaining sound environmentalstewardship. The new section of trail fol-lows a more gradual route around the sideof the mountain, offering limited views ofLake Askoti and nearby rocky ledges,before connecting to the existing trail at thenorthern end of the mountain. The newroute also results in a change in the westernterminus of the Red Cross Trail, which hasbeen shortened by about 0.2 miles. Please respect the natural resource stew-

ardship efforts of NYS Parks and keep tothe new route when hiking this section oftrail. Continued unauthorized use of theformer trail will only prolong the timerequired for habitat restoration. Questions

about these trail changes should be direct-ed to Ed McGowan, Palisades InterstatePark Commission Science Director, at845-786-2701 ext. 263.The trail changes in this area that affect

the Arden-Surebridge Trail and Red CrossTrail are on the Trail Conference’s newHarriman-Bear Mountain Trails map set,available now.

New Jersey Preserves 1,500Watershed Acres in Northern Morris CountyIn early 2015 the New Jersey Departmentof Environmental Protection’s Green AcresProgram announced the purchase of1,500 acres of pristine watershed bufferland from Jersey City, providing perma-nent protection to land that surrounds thecity’s Split Rock Reservoir.The preserved tract is a greenway con-

nector, linking the state’s Wildcat RidgeWildlife Management Area, Farny StatePark, and Buck Mountain. The land is pri-marily forested, with hiking trails andfishing access, and includes a wide range ofplant and animal species—includingthreatened and endangered species.

Threatened Long Path SegmentSaved by Fast-Acting Volunteersand OfficialsKudos to supportive and responsive coun-ty and town leadership! The Long Path inRockland County recently came underthreat of losing an important connectingsegment between Rockland Lake State

Spring 2015 Page 3

From the Executive Director

Bob NewtonRobert L. Newton, a life member of the New York-New JerseyTrail Conference, died peacefully on Christmas Day, 2014. Hewas 87 years old.Bob, who resided in Pompton Plains, NJ, was a tireless champi-

on of the Trail Conference’s mission. In the 1970s and ’80s, heworked on the trail crew that began the construction of theAppalachian Trail in western New Jersey; he later became trailsupervisor of the AT in that area. He served as Secretary and mem-ber of the Trail Conference Board of Directors from 2002-2005and was a chairman of the organization’s Conservation and Advo-cacy Committee. Bob also helped launch the Bear Mountain TrailsProject and served as the hiking representative on the New Jersey

State Trails Council until 2007.Bob’s dedication to the outdoors was further seen in his work on

the board of the Environmental Education Fund and while assist-ing the Walks and Outings Committee of the New York-NorthJersey chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. He served as anAMC supervisor for trail maintenance and was a member of theFrost Valley Trail Walkers and Union County Hiking Club. Bobwas also a board member of Action Theatre. A graduate of Syracuse University and Cornell University, he

worked for five years for two chemical companies and for 30 yearson Wall Street as a security analyst, portfolio manager, venturecapitalist, and partner.Bob is survived by his wife Alma and children.

I N M E M O R I A M

PEOPLE FOR TRAILS

Georgette Weir Poughkeepsie, NY

Since 2001, picking up a copy ofTrail Walker meant reading thewarm prose and expert editing ofGeorgette Weir. But after nearly40 years in the editorial field, Weirdecided to retire from her post asTrail Conference communicationsmanager in January.

“Putting my communications skillsand background to work on behalfof trails, on behalf of the outdoors,on behalf of the environment… Ifeel very lucky to have had thatopportunity,” she says. “I’ve reallyenjoyed being inspired by peoplewho are doing good work andtelling their stories. That’s been a nice job to have.”

Though she’s taken a self-described sabbatical to figure outwhat’s next, this certainly isn’t thelast the Trail Conference will see ofWeir. She says you may find herand her husband, Jean-ClaudeFouéré, clipping overgrowth with a trail crew this season (theyresigned as maintainers of theBlueberry Run Trail in theMinnewaska State Park Preservelast fall). Or if you take a hike withthe Mid-Hudson chapter of theAdirondack Mountain Club, there’sa chance the pair will be yourleaders for the day.

“I do not see myself walking away from some kind of outdoor-environmental focus,” Weir admits. “I’m really exploring newpossibilities. But I have been verymuch enjoying not sitting at a desk all day.”

continued on page 10

This organization has neverbeen stronger, nor able to

accomplish so much.

When I tell my fellow hikers that I wasborn in a mountainous area of central Italy,they often reply, “You must have done a lotof hiking there!” Truth be told, I did nohiking in my youth—a lot of walking andbiking, yes, like trekking several miles toschool, to visit my grandmother in the nextvillage, or to the train station. DuringWWII bombing raids we would climb upthe mountain to the bomb shelter—acave—but I wouldn’t exactly call that recre-ational hiking!When I came to the United States at 19,

we settled in the Bronx, which didn’t offermany opportunities for hiking, even if Ihad the time to do it. It was about 20 yearsago that I got my first opportunity tohike… if you want to call it that. I lived lessthan a quarter-mile from the Long Path inRockland County, and I would walk itback and forth for a couple of hours—untilone day I ran into a group from the ADKNorth Jersey-Ramapo chapter and discov-ered such a thing as organized hikinggroups and clubs.It didn’t take long for me to join the

chapter and start hiking regularly withthem. I did not know anything aboutproper hiking attire until John Giuffridaand Nick Viggiano, two hiking veteransand my most persistent mentors, made meaware of the difference between the work

boots I was wearing and the hiking boots Ishould wear. From Lilo Kassel I learnedthat there is no such thing as an easy hike,while John, Nick, Rita Boyd, Phyllis Key,Peter Tilgner, Mark Liss, and many othersintroduced me to the finer points of read-ing a map, the wisdom of avoiding steepclimbs after lunch, the code of safe hiking(I’m still working on using a hiking stickcarefully), and to be at the trailhead ontime—or else. It is because of these friendsand their mentoring that I wanted to giveback, too.I remember the day John told me in no

uncertain terms: “You have to join the NewYork-New Jersey Trail Conference. Who doyou think is maintaining the trails, design-ing new trails, and fighting for open

spaces?” Didn’t take me long to become amember. When I mentioned to Pete Heck-ler that I was thinking of becoming amaintainer, it took him a whole week tofind a trail for me. After that, EstelleAnderson volunteered me for another trail.I have two wonderful and supportivesupervisors who are there when I needthem and make my job maintaining a sec-tion of the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail inHarriman and the Iron Mountain Trail inWawayanda easier. I now consider myself a good hiker and

hike leader, even if I don’t lead much any-more. I could not have become onewithout the many mentors I encountered.Thanks to all; I hope I have passed alongsome of the wisdom you taught me.

Page 4 Spring 2015

ADK Long Islandwww.adkli.org

ADK Mid-Hudson Chapterwww.midhudsonadk.org

ADK Mohican Chapterwww.adkmohican.org

ADK New York Chapterwww.adkny.org

ADK North Jersey Ramapo Chapterwww.hudsonhikers.org

Alley Pond Environmental Centerwww.alleypond.com

AMC Delaware Valley Chapterwww.amcdv.org

AMC Mohawk Hudson Chapterwww.amcmohawkhudson.org

AMC New York North Jersey Chapterwww.amc-ny.org

Bellvale School www.bruderhof.com/en/international-directory/united-states/bellvale

Black Rock Forest Consortium Inc.www.blackrockforest.org

Boy Scout Troop 121-Hudson Valley Council

Boy Scout Troop 50 MahwahMAHWAHtroop50.scoutlander.com

Boy Scout Troop 8, Brooklyn

Boy Scouts of America, Troop 21

Boy Scouts of America-Northern NJ Councilwww.nnjbsa.org

Byram Township Environmental Commissionwww.byramtwp.org

Catskill 3500 Clubwww.catskill-3500-club.org

Catskill Mountain Clubwww.catskillmountainclub.org

Chinese Mountain Club of New Yorkwww.cmcny.org

Closter Nature Center Associationwww.closternaturecenter.org

East Coast Greenway Alliancewww.greenwaynj.org

East Hampton Trails Preservation Societywww.ehtps.org

Flat Rock Brook Nature Associationwww.flatrockbrook.org

Fox Hill Schoolwww.bruderhof.com/en/international-directory/united-states/fox-hill

Friends of Garret Mountain http://friendsofgarretmountain.blogspot.com

Friends of the Hackensack River Greenway in Teaneckwww.teaneckgreenway.org

Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct, Inc.http://aqueduct.org

Friends of The Shawangunkshttp://shawangunks.org

Friends of Van Cortlandt Parkhttp://vancortlandt.org

German-American Hiking Clubhttp://gah.nynjtc.org

Greenburgh Nature Centerwww.greenburghnaturecenter.org

Hike for Mental Healthwww.hikeformentalhealth.org

Hilltop Conservancy, Inc.www.hilltopconservancy.org

Hudson Highlands Gateway Task Forcewww.TownofCortlandt.com

Hunterdon Hiking Clubwww.hunterdonhikingclub.org

Interstate Hiking Clubwww.interstatehikingclub.org

Little Stony Point Citizens Associationwww.littlestonypoint.org

Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conferencewww.ligreenbelt.org

Long Path North Hiking Clubwww.schoharie-conservation.org

Mohonk Preservewww.mohonkpreserve.org

Morris County Park Commissionwww.morrisparks.net

Musconetcong Mountain Conservancyhttp://mmc.nynjtc.org

Nelsonville Greenway CommitteeVillageofNelsonville.org

New Haven Hiking Clubwww.NHHC.info

New Jersey Search & Rescue Inc.www.njsar.org

New York City Audubon Society, Inc.www.nycaudobon.org

New York Ramblerswww.nyramblers.org

NYC Outward Bound Centerwww.nycoutwardbound.org

Protect Our Wetlands, Water & Woods(POW)http://box292.bluehost.com/~powwworg

Protectors of Pine Oak Woodswww.siprotectors.org

Rip Van Winkle Hikershttp://newyorkheritage.com/rvw

Rock Lodge Clubwww.rocklodge.com

RPHC Volunteerswww.rphcabin.org

SAJ - Society for the Advancement ofJudaismhttp://www.thesaj.org

Salt Shakers Trail Running Clubwww.saltshakersrun.com

Shorewalkers Inc.www.shorewalkers.org

Sierra Club Mid-Hudson Groupwww.newyork.sierraclub.org/midhudson

Southampton Trails Preservation Societyhttp://southamptontrails.org

Storm King Adventure Tourswww.stormkingadventures.com

Sullivan County Audubon Societywww.sullivanaudubon.org

SUNY Oneonta Outing Clubwww.oneonta.edu/outdoors

Teatown Lake Reservationwww.teatown.org

Tenafly Nature Center Associationwww.tenaflynaturecenter.org

The Highlands Natural Poolwww.highlandsnaturalpool.org

The Nature Place Day Camphttp://thenatureplace.com

The Outdoor Club, Inc.www.outdoorsclub.info

Thendara Mountain Clubwww.thendaramountainclub.org

Town of Lewisborowww.lewisborogov.com/parksrec

Trail WhippAsswww.trailwhippass.com/trail-whippass-home

Tri State Ramblershttp://tsr.nynjtc.org

University Outing Clubwww.universityoutingclub.org

Valley Stream Hiking Clubwww.meetup.com/vshclub

Wappingers Greenway Trail Committee

West Milford 13erswww.weishike.com

Westchester Trails Associationwww.westhike.org

Women Aboutwww.womenabout.org

WWWwww.weishike.com

Hikers’ Directory

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

A Thank You to MyHiking MentorsBy Pat Marcotullio

“Be at the trailhead on time—or else,” says Pat Marcotullio, who maintains trails in Harriman and Wawayanda state parks.

we go out-and-back, and sometimes wedrop a car and hike from point to point. Atthe end of the hike, when we all pile backinto the car, the children are often subduedand a little tired. They gobble up their iDe-vices and stare at the screens. Wesometimes hear, “Mom, Dad, that wasawesome.” We don’t hear it every time—but sometimes.

My wife and I are not changing the world,but it feels as if we are fighting against it. Thepower these little machines have over ourchildren is very, very strong. It wants to keepthem inside on the couch and out of thewoods. We feel we are doing the right thingby fighting against that corruptive power,getting our children to disconnect fromtechnology and reconnect with naturethrough our weekly forced march.Want to get your kids unplugged and into

the woods? Find a family-friendly hike inyour area using our hikes database:www.nynjtc.org/view/hike.

THE WEEKLY FORCED MARCHcontinued from page 1

Enjoying the woods–no iDevices necessary.

Swap your hiking boots for trail run-ning shoes this May, when twowalk-run events supporting the TrailConference will be held.

The Second Annual Rock the River 6KTrail Run-Walk (formerly known as Escapeto the Palisades), raising awareness of thePalisades and the Palisade Interstate Park,will take place Sunday, May 3 at Ross Dockin Fort Lee, NJ. This exciting course climbs

and descends the Palisades, offeringtremendous river and skyline views fromthe Long Path and Shore Trail. Registrationis open through race day, with proceedsgoing towards the Trail Conference’s workin the Palisades. For more information, vis-it www.rocktheriverrace.com.And in celebration of our move into the

new Trail Conference headquarters, join usfor the MRCC Trail Conference 5K Runand Walk Sunday, May 17 at the Darling-

ton Schoolhouse in Mahwah. Organizedby the Mahwah Regional Chamber ofCommerce and benefitting the Trail Conference, the race and 1.5-mile walkstarts at the restored Darlington School-house and weaves through the scenicRamapo Reservation. The event includesfood and tours of the schoolhouse. To register and find more details, visitwww.mahwah.com or www.nynjtc.org.

Spring 2015 Page 5

DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUNDNovember 6, 2014 – February 6, 2015

TRAIL CONFERENCE SUPPORTERS

Paul & Kathryn Abdis, Marilyn Adair, Renee Allessio, Robert Altabet, Kevin Alward, Susan & Haron Andima, Edward & Karen Applebome, Patrick J. Applegate, Michael Ashton, RichardC. Avidon, Bill & Emily Badinelli, Alexander & Margaret Bancroft, Douglas Banker, Kenneth S. & Judith Bannermann, Peter Barnett, Jim Barnshaw, Kerry Barringer & Rosetta Arrigo,Kate & Jeffrey Baum, Benjamin & Susan Baxt, Robert Bender & Loretta Nash, Vaclav E. Benes, Paul Bennett, Susan Bennett, James & Laurie Benson, Gottfried Bernert, Steve Bertolino,Lucille Bertram, Donald A. Bickford, Peter Biging, Sherri Biscan, Bonnie & Steven Blader, John B. Blenninger, Ian Blundell, Jeffrey M. Blundo, Michael J. Bolotsky, Hong & James BongPyo, Judith A. Bott, Mike & Flo Boucher, William Bracey, John Bradley, Jonathan L. Brandt, Dr. Joseph A. & Evalynne Braun, Charles B. Brock, Kathryn L. Bryan, Harvey K. Bucholtz,Richard & Shari Buchwald, David W. Buell, Peter Buffington, Thomas & Mary Bugel, Stephen Bulwin, Young Bun Bak, David Burch, Michael Buriani, Michael J. Burns, ChristopherA. Burtt & Aileen Nicoletti, Robyne Camp, Russ & Diane Cannizzaro, Mary Caporaso, Frank Caputzal, Marta Carbone, Matty & Gus Castellano, Martin J. & Helene J. Celnick, Helen M.& Richard Cerny, Michael Chaberski, William Chiappane, Elisabeth Chiera, Edward Chlanda, Carol Ciancia & Peter O'Malley, George M. Cimis, Ledge & Arthur L Clayton, Paul G. EClemens, Jonathan Cohen, Erin Colfax, Brian Collins & Michelle Tuorto-Collins, John Connolly, Bryan Cook, John Cool, Joseph A. & Marion Costa, Peter Coy, Philip D. CristantielloPhD, David S. Cronen, Susan Cuciti, Robert Cutler, Mark J. Dallara, Lucy C. Danziger, George F. Davenel Jr., Kathleen Davies, Christopher B. Davis, Jeanmarie Davis & Larry Littlefield,Jerome Dean, Donald L. Deans Sr., Bill & Jan Deegan, Claudia Depkin & William Braine, Brigitte Dessauer, Frank DiGiacomo, Benjamin & Jeanne Dobrzynski, Joseph Dodzik, HankDoherty, Paul T. & Diane Donoghue, Peter Dorosh, Richard Dougherty, June Duffy, Constance Duhamel, Brian Durkin, Mark C. Dye, Ryan Egan & Stephanie Leal, Adrian & Libby Ellis,Michael Engel, Jacqueline B. Engelhart, Naomi Epstein, John Esposito, Sheila C. Ewall, Frances Lee Fanger, Lou Feeney, Chuck Feldman, Roland & Mary Ann Folter, Peter I. & JaniceA. Ford, Nina Forrest, Jay Francis & Elizabeth Bradford, Christopher Franks, Christopher & Dorothy Freeman, Mark Fromm, Michael Fuhrman, Ronald Furia, Robert Galli, WilliamGannett, Christine Gerber, Clifford Norman Gerenz, Naola B. Gersten-Woolf, Frederick J. Gerty, Rob Gigliuto, James Gilligan, Thomas Gilson, Martha Gingrich, Eve-Lynn Gisonni,Ashlyn Giulianelli, Richard W. Goldsmith, Toby Golick, Haijiang Gong, Jannah Goodell & Konrad Hayashi, Suzanne Goodell, James & Susan Goodfellow, Richard G. Gramlich, JamesB. Gray, Scott & Mary Greifenberger, Nancy Grossefinger, Mary Beth Grybowski & Stephanie Sclafani, Robert Hagedorn, Thomas Hall, Susan & Hellmut Hameyer, Bruce & PatriciaHammer, William A. & Joan T. Hand, Alden Hansell, James W. & Margaret Harbison, Paul H. Harrison, Elizabeth Heald, Elizabeth T Healy, Kathy Hecht & Leonard Diamond, SidneyB. Heimbach MD, Howard D. Helms, Robin P. & Robyn L. Hempel, William Hill, Mary M. Hilley, Daniel Hoberman, Steven L. Holley, Royal Jay Holly, Susan Holmberg, Robert W. &Beverly Houghton, James M. Hourihan, Richard Howl &, Walter E. Ilchuk Jr., Paul & Amy Impelluso, Samuel W. Ingram Jr., Alexander James, Barbara Johnson, Michael Johnston,William R. Jones, Brad Jordan, Margery Josephson, Joyce C. & Morris R. Judson Jr., Shinki Kang, Joel Kantrowitz, Richard Karp, Brian Kassenbrock, Jodie H. Katz, Richard & MarionKatzive, Michael A. Kaye, Martha Kelshaw, Barbara & Bradford Kendall, Norma Kerlin, Hogyun Kim, Philip L & Melinda Kerstein, Sandra Kissam, Elizabeth Klaber, Laurence Kleidman,David & Anita Knechel, Jack & Judy Kossover, Charles Kovacs, Diane E. Krantz-Epstein, Bob Kreizel & Tamara S & y, Matthew & Kristin Kress, Jeryl Kronish, Gary & Cindy Kuhns, RobertJ. LaMagna, Edward Landau, Christine Larson, Adam Lechner & Ellen Gold, Bill & Ann Marie Lee, Tina Lee, Donna J. Leftwich, Marie Leithauser, Laura Leso, Rich Lesser, Richard R.& Diane Levine, Rosanne Levitt, Jerome S. Levkov, Sally Lewis & Marshall Katzman, Edward J. Liona, Lynne Livingstone, Ann G. Loeb, Chester S. Logan, Emmanuel Loizides, H. MaxLopp II & Irene H. Reichert, Carl Loutzenheiser, Christopher Lowden & Kathy Murray, Douglas Lowe, Helen Lowenstein, John F. Luard, Nancy MacPhee, Leon S. Maleson, Lawrence E.Mals, Pasquale Marcotullio, Susanna Margolis, Daniel & Erik Markewich, Brian Markey & Virginia M. Lincoln, Bonnie H. Marsh, Ralph Martinez, Steve Mathews, Patricia Mazzone,Dan McCarthy, Carl J. Mendez, Lucinda Mercer & Richard Cole, Michael Merritt & Hilary Wilder, Scott Michenfelder, Andrew Mikesh, Joseph D. & Aurelia Minuti, James Mioduszewski,William P. Mitchell & Barbara Jaye, Thomas C. Moorhead, Richard & Catherine More, Ken G. Morgan, Robert F. & Renate Moson, Jerome B. Moss, Martina Moss, Lee Mott & BarbaraSimmons, Ernest J. Mozer Jr., Ken Myett, John Nelson, Paul Neuman, Willard G. Nichols & Janice Holleny, William Nichols, Elke & Gregg Noll, David & Betsy L Nussenbaum, Mary JoL Nutt, Edward T. & Barbara O’Brien, Keith O’Hara, Chris Oldfather & Fredrica Wyman, Barry Oleksak, Frances & Stephen Oleksak, Michael P. O’Shea, Glenn C. & Linda Y. Ostrander,Peter S. Paine Jr., John Palczynski & Pat Laverty, Branka Palic, John Pao, Andrew K. & Jung Rim Park, Peter H. Parsons, Michael Pashley, Ronald Passaretti, Derek Pennells, Robert J.& Julie Permutt, Kathryn Person, Karen L. Peterson, William & Georgann Pettenger, George R. Petty Jr. & Marilyn Katz, Colleen Phillips, Richard Pine & Cheryl Agris, Priscilla Pogact,Peter W. Preston, Jeffrey & Susan Pribor, Mary Jean Purdy, Earl J. Pursell, Ronald Quackenbush, Amy Quarttaccio, James A. Quinn, Daniel Raleigh, Jacqueline Rankin, Werner & JaneRausch, Peter Reiner, Monica Reynolds, William M. Richardson Jr., Thomas & Robin Rigney, Neil B. & Kathryn M. Rindlaub, William L. Roach Jr., Bonnie Robins, Douglas H. Robins,Allen Rochkind, Georgios Rodas, Alan S. Rojer, David Rojer & Jennifer Lublin, Roger Roloff & Barbara Petersen, Ron S. & Marilyn Rosen, Dr. Zehava S. Rosenberg, Francesco Rossi &Jennifer Vogel-Rossi, Colleen Roth, R. Daniel & Durdane Rouse, Mark & Barbara Rubin, Donald & Susan Rudbart, Charles E. & Joanne Ryan, Lowell & Rosalie Saferstein, Lynn &John Salmon, Howard & Suzanne Samelson, Henry T. Sarnataro, Joseph Scalia, Charles & Xiomara Scheidt, Heather Schneider, Seth Schwartz, John Schweighardt, Steve R. & SusanJ Schwinn, George Blair Scribner, Marvin Seligman, Alfred A. & Carol Seymour-Jones, Eric & Karen Shepard, Robert Shoemaker, Linda Shwab, Simon & Nancy Z Sidamon-Eristoff,Manuel J. Silberberg, Steven M. & Ava T. Silverstein, Jon G. Sinkway, Richard Sklar, Jim Sligar & Diana Sattelberger, Cindi Small, Charles H. Smith, Mitchell C. & Diana C. Smith,Norman J. & Kip Smith, Valerie Smith, Richard Sneyers, P. D. & E. G. Southgate, Susan Spear, Jennie Spector, Dennis Spriet, Vicki Steinhardt, Eric Steinhart, Susan Sterngold, Joe M.Sullivan, Jan A. Summers, Lynn T. Swanson, Kathleen Tabor, Dean B. Talcott, Michael Taylor & Sharon P. Churcher, Charles Teuscher, Mark Thoman, Larry Thomas, James A.Thompson, Robert Tivey, Howard Tokosh, Nancy & Art Tollefson, Donald J. Toumey, Doug & Valerie Trainor, Barbara J. Traver, Dave Treco, Richard I. Ulman, Thomas Unger, SherriUrowsky, Ernest V. Valera, Janice M. Vicine, Jeremy Viles, Walter Vines, Karl J. Volk, Bjorn & Sharon von Euler, Jack Wahlberg, Alfred M. Wanamaker Jr., Dorothy Warburton, Edwin R.Ward, William C. Ward Jr., Jennifer Watts, Hedley M. & Barbara Weeks, Lewis Weinfeld, Eric R Weiss, Daniel Wesemann, Diana Whiteman, Cyrus B. Whitney, William E. Wickey, LeonoraH. Wiener, Robert Willemann & Catherine Ray, Thomas M. & Edith K. Williams, Karen Willick, Jennell Wilson, Joan H. Wise, Christian Wojtko, Don & Ann Wolf, Hanson Wong, IdaWong, Mr. Andrew Y Wong, Peggy Wong, Tamar Wyschogrod & David Cooper, Andy Yaco-Mink, Mihoko Yamazoe, Keum Hwa Yoo, Gregory & Kimberly Zdenek, James Zeller, AdamZion, Nancy Zoebelein, Vasyl Zuk & Gloria Capik, Martin F. Zumsteg

DONORS TO GIVING TUESDAYTherese Allen, Peter Backes, Len Bailenson, Dave Baker, Peter M. Balma, Hanna & Andy Benesch, Sheree & Fred Bennett, Clifford & Marcy Berchtold, John Bradley, Ron Brantner,Melissa Chase, Daniel D. Chazin, Joshua Clements, Roger Cocchi, Jane & Walter Daniels, Salley A. Decker, Ken & Elaine Dolsky, Charlotte & Stanley Fahn MD, Nicholas Foad, AlexFoster & Will Lovell, Jakob & Gely M. Franke, Robert E. Fuller, Claudia L. Ganz, John Gaut, Chuck Gaw, Christopher Gibbs, Edward K. Goodell & Lynne S. Katzmann, Edward K. Goodell& Lynne S. Katzmann, Peter Tilgner & Suzan Gordon, Agnes Gottlieb, James & Jane Gregoire, Andrew Greiner, John & Anne Grob, Joseph F. Helmer & Mary Dodds, Maria Himber, NancyHodson, Mary H. & Arthur C. Horst, Andrew & Helaine Janovsky, Michael Keller, Alice & Daniel Kiselik, J. Michael & Lail Kleinman, David Krasnow, Robert F. & Cheryl Lehmann, LouisLeonardis, Richard R. & Diane Levine, Mark Linehan & Karen La Bonte, Carl Loutzenheiser, Len & Sue Lyon, Sona Mason, Gregory McNally, Ajata Mediratta, Nancy Meyers, YosefNazryan, G. Gail Neffinger, Valerie & David Northcutt, Robert Paine, Joseph Peraino, James Prommel, Thomas Regenauer, Chris Reyling & &rea Minoff, Chris Reyling & Andrea Minoff,Audrey Roco, Frank Russo, Eddie & Robbie Saiff, Seth Schwartz, Jeffrey P. Senterman & Maurice Lemire, Nancy Sierra, Gregory J. Smith, Douglas & Joan Nickel Sohn, Fred & ConnieStern, David P. Stuhr, Matthew & Lisa Visco, Ed & Eudora Walsh, Georgette Weir & Jean Claude Fouere, Donald L. Weise, Jessica Wendrychowicz, and Christopher Wiley

Marilyn Adair, Jeremy Apgar, Alfred Y. Bentley Jr., Anne Perkins Cabot, Richard Cantor & Alice Luddington-Cantor, Jennifer Easterbrook & Kevin Zack, Fred K. & Joan Ellis, Joanne Foster& John Macalla, Robert J. Glynn, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, John & Marianne Gunzler, The William Froelich Foundation, Claus & Wiebke Hinsch, Bob Kreizel & TamaraSandy, Robert Krumm, John K. Leigh IV, Richard R.&Diane Levine, Mr. Bryant D. & Joan Malcolm, Gwen Marquardt, Mary & Gay Mayer, Jody & Bob Meyer, Maureen Postolowski, DavidRoss, Jeffrey P. Senterman&Maurice Lemire, Jonathan Spoelstra, Kathy Sullivan, Fred H. & Anne Todd Osborn, Donald Tripp & Denise Jarvis, Christie Van Kehrberg, Donald L. Weise,Evan & Maria Williams, Gary Willick, Melissa Wohlgemuth & Matt Howard, Patsy & Roy Wooters

TRIBUTESIn honor of Robert Bonkowski Ryan MruczekIn honor of Robert FullerChuck GawIn honor of Beth Hershenhart Lori Hershenhart & Chris WegrzynIn honor of Linda Malkin Kenneth MayerIn honor of Theodore ReylingChris Reyling & Andrea MinoffIn honor of Robert C. Ross David RossIn honor of Daniel Van Engel Martin HorowitzIn memory of Tom Dunn James R. BrownIn memory of Dr. Joan EhrenfieldDr. Kate E. GardoquiIn memory of Mark EtskovitzKathi WineckerIn memory of George FormNancy Hodson

In memory of Michael HaymanDavid & Naomi SutterIn memory of Torleif Meloe, an avidhiker and lover of nature!Erica A. MeloeIn memory of Judy NiemerDavid and Naomi SutterIn memory of Robert L. Newton Dan Ahearn, William N. & Mary M.Deatherage, Carolyn & Ted Janner, Len &Rita Newman, Dahlia B. Newton, Otto &Maria Noethen, Jeffery & Jessica Orvis,David & Naomi Sutter, Pasquale J. &Patricia R. Taranto, Lester & MarianneWolfson, Philip WeinpelIn memory of Dr. Robert L. Nutt Sidney B. Heimbach MD, George & LucyHellerIn memory of Dorothy Hane Palmer Roy Palmer

Corrections to Winter 2015Trail Walker: In memory of David Sive John B. Blenninger, Marilyn Siskind

DONORS TO THE DARLINGTON SCHOOLHOUSE FUNDNovember 6, 2014 – February 6, 2015

Tributes are only printed for donations of $25 or more.

CORPORATE, FOUNDATION & OTHER DONORSAmazonSmile Foundation, AMC Delaware Valley Chapter, Ashland Inc., AT&TFoundation, Avon Matching Gifts Program, Avon Products, Inc, Ayco CharitableFoundation, BD C/O Cybergrants, Benjamin Moore Paints, Brooklyn CommunityFoundation, Carol Irving Foundation, Charitable Flex Fund, Charles Foundation,COACH Matching Gift Program, Conatus Capital Management, Deutsche Bank,Earthshare Chapters, EarthShare New Jersey, Elliott Badgley Foundation, Inc,Exelon Generation Company LLC, Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, FidelityCharitable Gift Fund, GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program, Geraldine R. DodgeFoundation, Gladys and Roland Harriman Foundation, Golden FamilyFoundation, Hike for Mental Health, ING Matching Gifts Coordinator, J. RudderTax, KHM Arden LLC, Kirkland and Ellis Foundation, Leanne Freas TroutFoundation, Inc., Lone Pine Foundation, Inc, Louis and Anne Abrons Foundation,Inc, Meadowlark Foundation, Members Give - JustGive, Merck Partnership ForGiving, Microsoft Donation Program, Mobile Giving Foundation, Morgan Stanley,NECA, Network For Good, Novartis, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., PepsicoFoundation, Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program, Robert Wood JohnsonFoundation, Rudder Realty Corp, Schwab Charitable Fund, The Berner Family, TheCaksill Mountain Club Inc., The Mabee Family Foundation, The Yaspan UnterbergFoundation, Thendara Mountain Club, Thomas Reuters My Community Program,Truist, United Health Foundation, United Water New Jersey, Vanguard CharitableEndowment Program, Verizon Foundation and Zadeck Family Foundation

PEOPLE FOR TRAILS

David Kopp Mahwah, NJ

Member of the Trail ConferenceMembership and DevelopmentCommittee

Member of the Society for theProtection of Ancient Buildingsand the William Morris Society

David Kopp, Litt. D, is a TrailConference member who hastaken particular interest in theorganization’s new headquartersat the historic DarlingtonSchoolhouse in Mahwah, NJ.Besides living in a communityadjacent to the building, Kopp is amedievalist who has written awonderfully detailed article on theinfluence of 19th century Englishtextile designer and eco-socialistactivist William Morris uponDarlington Schoolhouse architectDudley Newton.

Newton employed the ethos of theAmerican Arts and CraftsMovement in his construction ofthe Schoolhouse, a movementchampioned by Morris as asolution to the environmentalabuse of the Industrial Revolution,Kopp explains. The architect usedlocal rough cut stone and woodshingle, giving the Schoolhouse“remarkable fidelity to place,”Kopp writes.

The Trail Conference has beenvery careful in honoring such amonument to Mahwah history,working in conjunction with theNew Jersey Historic Trust andBergen County HistoricPreservation Advisory Board toensure the integrity of the originalbuilding in the restoration. Thenew addition, though harmoniouswith the original structure, doesnot attempt to be an exact copy,rightly allowing the historicbuilding its individual distinction.

It is a renovation that remains trueto the mission of Morris, who wasan instrumental organizer increating the Society for theProtection of Ancient Buildings,which focuses on preventing thehaphazard and historicallyinsensitive “restoration” ofbuildings from the past. “Morriswould enthusiastically applaud thiseffort,” Kopp says.

To read Kopp’s full article, FindingWilliam Morris in the DarlingtonSchoolhouse Project: Arts andCrafts Architecture, HistoricalPreservation and Ecosophy, visithttp://blog-dsh.nynjtc.org.

Sign Up Now: Two Hike-Run Events Supporting the Trail Conference

Spring 2015 Page 6

People for Trails. Trails for People.A quarterly look at some of what we have been doing to improve public access to nature.

After years of planning with our partnersfrom the Palisades Interstate Park Com-mission, New York State Office of Parks,Recreation, and Historic Preservation,Appalachian Trail Conservancy, NationalPark Service, and Bear Mountain StatePark, the New York-New Jersey Trail Con-ference broke ground on the BearMountain Trails Project (BMTP) in 2006.Since then, the questions on everyone’smind have remained the same: Are wedone yet?! Are we ever going to be done?!Well, thanks to ever-changing conditionsand maintenance needs, a trail builder’swork is never complete. But today we cangive you a better answer: We’re ALMOSTthere! With your help, we can finish themain feature of the BMTP—the reloca-tion of the Appalachian Trail—by the endof 2017.

What is the Bear Mountain Trails Project?The Bear Mountain Trails Projectincludes the restoration of all the trails onthe mountain. The focus of the project isthe Appalachian Trail (AT), but it alsoincludes the Major Welch Trail, the Suf-fern-Bear Mountain Trail, several linktrails, the All-Persons Trail—an accessibleportion of the AT at the top of BearMountain—and the Trails for PeopleExhibit located on the AT near the BearMountain Inn.

What has been done on Bear Mountain so far?Since 2006, 1,745 volunteers workingalongside professional trail builders andConservation Corps members have spentover 58,000 hours building 17,131 linearfeet of trail, including 1,805 stairs and11,631 square feet of crib wall. In 2010,the first section of the AT relocation, con-sisting of roughly 700 steps from the Innto the Scenic View Road cul-de-sac, wasfinished. In 2011, a second section includ-ing an AT loop and nearly a half mile ofaccessible trail at the top of Bear Moun-tain was opened. In 2012, a section of theAT known as the Demonstration Trail(part of the Trails for People Exhibit) wascompleted. And in 2013, a major portionof the Major Welch trail was rerouted.

What are we doing this year onBear Mountain? And what’s leftafter that?In 2015, we will complete the Trails forPeople Exhibit and 482 more feet of theAppalachian Trail between the ScenicView Road cul-de-sac. That leaves only1,141 feet remaining until we reach thePerkins Memorial Tower at the top!

Why is this project important?In 1923, New York-New Jersey TrailConference volunteers completed con-struction of the Appalachian Trail on BearMountain. It was the first section of theAT to be opened. Due to its close proxim-ity to New York City, Bear MountainState Park receives nearly 3 million visi-tors per year—a whole lot of feet on thetrails creating a whole lot of impact. FromGeorgia to Maine, Bear Mountain is theheaviest used section of the AppalachianTrail. This project is vital to reducing theenvironmental impact of visitors andkeeping these trails sustainable for futuregenerations to enjoy.

How can you help us complete the AT on Bear Mountain?Come out, volunteer, and learn newskills! The trail-building season runsfrom late March through late November.We’re on-site Friday through Monday. Help us finish the trail! To finish the

Appalachian Trail by 2017, we need$250,000. Your contribution to the BearMountain Trails project will help usimprove the AT experience at one of itsmost historic and heavily used sections.We’re so close, with only 1,000 feetremaining to reach Perkins Tower. Ourwork at Bear Mountain is creating anecologically sustainable, more appealing,and safer trail for Bear Mountain visitorsto enjoy for decades to come.Your gift will also help create the new

Trails for People Interpretive Area. Trailsfor People is being built adjacent to themost frequently visited section of the parkto attract, educate, and expose the generalpublic to the Trail Conference, the art andscience of trail building, the spirit of volun-teerism, and the backcountry experience.Learn more at www.nynjtc.org/bearmt-

ntrails or contact Ama at 616-3337-2481or ama@nynjtc.org.

Bear Mountain Trails Project: The Final Push By Ama Koenigshof, Trail Builder/Educator

This December work trip was our last for2014. We went out on a very rainy Satur-day to set up the high line and then on abeautiful, but cold Sunday rearranged giantstepping stones at the Long Path crossingof the Lake Skannatati inlet stream. Manyof you will remember this as a very difficultcrossing, especially in high water and in thewinter when the rocks ice up. Some of usremember falling into the cold winterwater here. We wanted to make that athing of the past.Sunday morning the water was running

deep and fast, and right in the middle of thestream was a giant rock (1,500 lbs. or more)we wanted to reposition as a stepping stone.This made getting a sling under the rock avery COLD and WET challenge. Not onlywas there no place to stand, you couldn’t seethe bottom of the rock or the bottom of the

stream bed. And everything—slings, feet,and even heavy rock bars—were pusheddownstream by the current. Finally we got asling on the rock and the rock in the air,only to find that we had to reposition thesling multiple times and flip the rock tomake it fit just where it was needed. Thistook all morning; we finished the first rockjust in time for a late lunch.After eating we moved more rocks into

place, and by late afternoon hikers werealready using the new crossing. It’s hard toconvey in words both the challenge andfeeling of accomplishment that comes witha job well done.We will have more outings beginning in

early spring, so please join us. ContactCrew Chief Chris Reyling at 914-953-4900 or chrisreyling@gmail.com, for moreinformation.

Long Distance Trails Crew Installs Large Stepping Stones on Long Path in Harriman State ParkBy Bob Fuller, member of the Long Distance Trails Crew

In 2014, the West Jersey Crew lived up toits name, working all over the westernportion of the state.In Tillman’s Ravine in Stokes State For-

est, the crew removed blowdowns, resettwo bridges, and repaired trail damagefrom Hurricane Sandy. Also in StokesState Forest, a relocation of a streamcrossing on the Lackner Trail includedthe construction of an 18-foot longwooden bridge.In High Point State Park, the crew relo-

cated a stream crossing away from a steepgravel bank, replaced an 8-foot highwooden staircase at a road crossing, andbuilt a 25-step rock staircase in a deeplyeroded area. On the Appalachian Trail(AT) in High Point, the side trail to theRutherford Shelter was relocated, elimi-nating a steep and exposed route. Workon the AT also took place in Stokes StateForest, where the crew repaired and stabi-lized the steep initial climb southboundfrom Rt. 206 with rock steps, side-hilling,and water bars. And in Wawayanda StatePark, the crew installed 360 feet of newpuncheon in a chronically wet field nearVernon on the AT. The crew also beganwork repairing and upgrading the CedarSwamp Trail boardwalk in Wawayanda.Thank you to everyone who worked as

part of the West Jersey Crew in 2014:Alan Abramowitz, Ian Blundell, JeanBrennen, Paul Brennan, Gordon Camp-bell, Joan Campbell, Tom Carr, Sharon

Depuy, Peter Dolan, Matt Donnelly,Heather Guinta, Ray Gridley, ShelleyHarvey, Michael Hild, Ted Jackson, BobJonas, Gay Mayer, Nick McKenna, JimMott, Lee Mott, Steve Reiss, Keith Scher-er, Barbara Simmons, Rabindra Singh,Bill Taggart, Linda Taggart, Jim Tizio,Lucy Weinman, and Pete Zuroff.And finally, a huge thanks to our New

Jersey Department of EnvironmentalProtection partners at the state parks,who consistently support our work bytransporting our materials, providingtheir facilities, and lending us equipment.Without this support, we would not beable to do what we do.After the winter off, the crew will

begin work for the spring in mid-April;come join us! More information and acrew schedule can be found at www.nynjtc.org/content/west-jersey-trail-crew.

West Jersey Trail Crew 2014 Report:From Stokes to High Point to WawayandaBy Monica & David Day, Crew Chiefs

The West Jersey Trail Crew resumes workin mid-April.

The Demonstration Trail on the AT is part of the Trails for People Exhibit,which will be completed this year.

The Long Distance Trails Crew braved chilly, wet conditions to install new stepping stones.

The Bear Mountain Trails Project built theaccessible All-Persons Trail on the AT.

Spring 2015 Page 7

Does the staff of the Catskills Conserva-

tion Corps hibernate? No way! Althoughthe winter saw a dearth of snow here inthe Catskills, the CCC has kept its cram-pons on and its collective nose to thegrindstone! Winter means planning,organizing, and hiking for the CCC staff,and we’ve been doing plenty that.

Planning for a great work seasonThe CCC staff met with New York StateDepartment of Environmental Conserva-tion (DEC) land managers and rangers inboth regions 3 and 4 to discuss trail workpriorities and make preliminary plans fora number of trail work projects and work-shops to be scheduled this coming workseason. Rangers and forestry staff havealso shared feedback about ongoing pro-grams and issues–we’ve been grateful toget that important input so we can con-tinue to streamline our efforts and worktogether even more effectively.Some workshop ideas are still under

construction, but we will be sure to offer anumber of valuable volunteer trainingopportunities. A fun and interactive work-shop on tool safety will be offered, as wellas classes on trail layout and design, andbasic trail maintenance. And we’ll contin-ue to provide hiker education workshopssuch as map reading, basic navigationskills, seasonal hiking tips, and more.

So what’s on deck for the work season?We’re excited about working with theCatskills Regional Invasive Species Part-nership (CRISP) and the DEC on aninvasive species project in the southernCatskills; our kick-off event at RussellBrook Falls on May 2 is shaping up to bea wonderful collaboration and a greatopportunity for lots of volunteers to comeout and have fun while making a differ-ence. We’ll be hand-pulling knotweedfrom the banks of the stream to restore theview of the falls.Also on the schedule, the Devil's Acre

lean-to rehab project will take place June13 and 14. Thanks to some great net-working by Hunter Fire TowerCommittee Chair Gordon Hoekstra, wewill partner with a scout troop and otherorganizations to get that banged out in

one weekend. This project will includereroofing the lean-to and moving theprivy. Once again, many hands will makelight work of it all.There are other lean-tos to be stained

and privies to be moved. There are wetand muddy trails that will see steppingstones or split log bridges built, and manyother possible trail projects that landmanagers are carefully evaluating. We areworking closely with DEC staff, andeagerly anticipate receiving approvals foradditional projects this spring. Work days already being scheduled

include at least two litter pick-ups dur-ing the summer targeting areas of theCatskills prone to this appalling behav-ior. We look forward to the day when weno longer have to plan for such tasks,but until that happens, we’re committedto doing regular cleanups.We’re also committed to completing

the hiking trail we started on the groundsof the soon-to-be-open Catskill Interpre-tive Center in Mount Tremper. Volunteertrail builders, start blocking out workdays for swinging your mattocks–we’llneed plenty of strong backs to finish.

Come Join UsCare to lend a hand and make a differ-ence? Connect with the CCC by fillingout the interest form on our website:http://catskillconservationcorps.org. Vol-unteering with the CCC is a great way toget out into the woods and experience anincredible sense of accomplishment andpride. Be a part of something wonderful.Volunteer with the CCC this work seasonand discover just how much fun hardwork can be!

Learn, Hike, Give Back: Opportunities with the Catskills Conservation CorpsBy Heather Rolland, Catskill Assistant Program Coordinator

Catskill Park Awareness Day

Trail Conference member club Ralph’s Peak Hikers’ Cabin Volunteers are preppingfor their eighth season of trail work, which is slated to kick off with the cabin open-ing and cleanup on April 4 in Hopewell Junction, NY. Join them Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for trail restoration projects, which this year include replanting the Gerry Messerich Memorial Flower Garden, painting two bridges, reinstalling a40-foot, uphill section of washed out stone steps in Fahnestock State Park (in collab-oration with fellow member club Jolly Rovers Trail Crew), installing a bulletin boardkiosk at the Appalachian Trailhead on Route 301 in Fahnestock, and clearing the 20miles of the Appalachian Trail that the club maintains. Many projects are expected tobe completed during the club’s annual campout at RPH Cabin, taking place July 10-12. All are welcome. For more information, email Tim Messerich (bascomgrillmaster@yahoo.com) or visit http://rphcabin.org.

RPH Cabin Volunteers Prep for New SeasonBy Tim Messerich

On February 10, dozens ofrepresentatives from the TrailConference and a number of otherorganizations attended the third annualCatskill Park Awareness Day in Albany.During this day of advocacy, we educatelawmakers about the importance of theCatskill Park and the Catskill ForestPreserve to the region’s localcommunities, to visitors, and to NewYork State. For a recap of our requestsfrom lawmakers, visit our blog:http://blog-tw.nynjtc.org/catskill-park-awareness-day-2015.

Not everyone was shopping at the mallson a mid-December weekend—some wereout improving our trails. A couple ofsmall bridges and bog bridges werereplaced along the Long Path in the New Jersey section of the PalisadesInterstate Park just north of RockefellerLookout. Christina Fehre from PIPCbrought in the lumber and was the crewleader. With 11 people, it took only threehours to finish the job. Clockwise fromtop left: Matt, Fred, Michael, Chris, Karl,John, Joel, Dennis, Anna, and Christina.Photo by Jakob Franke, Long Path co-chair. Thank you all!

Len Lyon was out hiking in Harriman onDec. 22, 2014, when he came across twoTrail Conference members completing abeautiful new bridge across PineMeadows Creek above the Cascade ofSlid. “This is not just a bridge,” Len says,“this is a work of art.” He sent this photoof John Mack, our volunteer Trails Chairfor the South Hudson region, at work.Thank you for sharing, Len!

The Trail Conference staff thanks REI for our snappy new branded vests andshirts—gear we’ll proudly wear as we headout to protect and preserve even moreparks and trails this season.

We want to hear from you! TheTrail Conference is looking forphotos and stories from thetrails for our website and futureeditions of Trail Walker. Shareyour crew accomplishments,maintainer tips, hiking tales, or agreat image from your favoritepark. For inclusion in the sum-mer Trail Walker, submissionsmust be received by May 4. Forconsideration, send content totw@nynjtc.org.

Why build stairson a trail? Doesn’t thatdefeat the purposeof walkingthrough nature?

A staircase on a trail in the woodsdoes not always feel natural. Steps cantake away from the feeling that manyhikers are looking for—the feelingthat they are in the wilderness farfrom human influence. But stairsaren’t built to add pretty landscapingto your hike—sometimes they aresimply a necessity.Depending on soil type and the

number of people using it, a trail canonly stand up to a certain slope beforeit turns into a gully. Consider this:Each hiker’s feet compact and displacea very small amount of earth that isthe trail’s tread. This creates a minis-cule divot for water to get caught inevery time it rains, causing erosion ofthe soil. Eventually, you’d be hikingup a stream every time it rains. Toescape this man-made river and themud it creates, you’d hike up alongthe edge of the path, causing the trailto widen. The end result is a detri-mental environmental impact, not tomention a subpar hiking experience.

The most permanent solution tothis problem is a trail reroute thatmakes the tread less steep. But trailsthat are less steep must be longer totake us where we want to go—up, tothe top of the mountain. When areroute isn’t an option, well-builtstairs are the answer. Stairs are a formof tread hardening. A rock or even alog is going to take a lot longer towear away than sandy soil. Plus, theycan help you gain a lot of rise over ashort run. The trick is getting peopleto use the stairs you build.Trail building is the intersection of

science and art. A structurally soundstaircase that isn’t built with hiker psy-chology in mind may be ignored. Ifstairs don’t fit in with the surround-ings, they may actually persuade somehikers to take a detour, which onlyexacerbates the original problem. Onthe flip side, a harmonious, natural-looking staircase may fall apart in thematter of a season if it’s not structural-ly sound. Finding the confluence ofthe necessary strength and beauty is achallenge that requires awareness ofthe big picture as well as the smallestdetail. And it takes practice. You can practice by checking out

trail tread while you are hiking. Askyourself: “Is it eroded? What is keep-ing water on the trail? Why aren’tpeople staying on the trail? What do Ilike/not like about this staircase? Arethese stairs comfortable to climb?Why/why not? What makes peopleuse/not use this staircase?”A good trail builder will understand

the trail and its users and build tothose needs and desires.

Ask a Trail BuilderBy Ama Koenigshof, Trail

Builder/Educator

The Long Distance Trails Crew and TrailConference member club Ralph’s PeakHikers Cabin Volunteer Club built 17new, enormous stone steps on a steep,eroded section of the Appalachian Trail.

View from the trail:There's no winter

hibernation for our volunteers and staff.

Page 8 Spring 2015

The New York-New Jersey Trail Confer-ence’s Conservation Corps trains, enables,and empowers future conservation leadersby teaching sustainable trail building andstewardship techniques. Our AmeriCorpsmembers then use those skills to engageand teach community volunteers and trailusers about the responsible use and care ofopen space, as well as the Trail Conferencemission. It is this relationship betweenCorps members and volunteers thatmakes the program such a success.Our AmeriCorps members receive a

high-quality learning experience whileperforming meaningful service through-out our parks. Their extensive training

includes improving trail and land qualitythrough sustainable building andrestoration solutions as mem-bers of our trail crews.Through that experience,they become leaders inrecruiting, training, andretaining a diverse poolof volunteers for theTrail Conference.AmeriCorps membersdo not replace staff orexisting volunteers, but aidand enhance our existingcapacities. In 2015, the Trail Conference will field

five AmeriCorps crews comprised of 22AmeriCorps members, as well as

all volunteers interested injoining crew projects.These include the Mega-lithic Trail Crewworking on the BearMountain Trails Proj-ect, the Palisades Crewserving in Sterling For-est State Park, theTaconic Crew working

in Fahnestock and Hud-son Highlands State Parks,

the Long Path/SRT Crew serv-ing the Long Path and Shawangunk

Ridge Trail, and the Invasives Strike Force,which battles exotic invasive plant specieson all of the Trail Conference trail corri-dors.Our AmeriCorps program is made pos-

sible by an Education Award Programgrant from The Corps Network, whichhas enabled the Trail Conference to man-age and run its own independentAmeriCorps program since 2014. To findout more about our Corps projects thisseason and how to volunteer with a crew,check out www.nynjtc.org/corps.

Learn, Serve, Teach: The Trail Conference Conservation Corps

HikeSafe, a set of six simple guidelines for being prepared in the wilderness, was developedin the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where hiking is both immensely popular andpotentially dangerous due to the ruggedness of the area and the potential for severe weath-er. The Trail Conference, along with the New York StateDepartment of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and theCatskill 3500 Club, have brought the hikeSafe program’s HikerResponsibility Code to the Catskills, where we have our fair shareof rugged, remote, and beautiful trails. We look forward to promot-ing safe hiking and good stewardship through the Code with ourhikeSafe partners. For more information, contact Catskill AssistantProgram Coordinator Heather Rolland at hrolland@nynjtc.org.

The Hiker Responsibility Code

You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:

With knowledge and gear. Become self-reliant by learning about the terrain,conditions, local weather, and your equipment before you start.

To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hik-ing, when you will return, and your emergency plans.

To stay together.When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group.Pace your hike to the slowest person.

To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unex-pected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and whento postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.

For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severeweather, or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you willbe rescued; know how to rescue yourself.

To share the hiker code with others.

We walked through brush thick with tangles and full of thorns, caught often by the strangle of the overgrown landscape.

We trekked on, then guided by freedom's pathwaysthrough the woods of Pelham Bay.

We knew that to reach the clearing and the shorelineand the shade of the perfectly placed treewas to rest in friendship, to enjoy a lunch,

to share the time to smile at stillnessand the heat of the Sun at midday.

We kept the trail and we found the rocks and the waterand the breeze that glides across it.We sat among a circle of boulders

around a basin of gleaming brown mudand ate the lunch and talked our ups and downs

and tried to make sense of paths and entanglements.

We witnessed a world of finger-length crabsthat knew only of that crab world,that knew only of the food to find

and the cool of hidingand the danger of desiccation.

That knew only of a place to defend, to advanceto skitter sideways and backwards

and swing their claws in an arena strewn with myriad shellfish death.

We realized that they could only know that crab world,that world that they could only make by being crabs.

A world of crustacean excavation,and paths and entanglements,

a world preempted by the swooping shadows,and in some ways not unlike our own.

—Stan Sherr

A Day’s Hike On The Siwanoy TrailTrail Conference Adopts the HikeSafe Hiker Responsibility Code

Registration Open for Black Rock ForestConsortium Summer Science CampTeens in search of outdoor adventure can find it at the Black Rock Forest

Consortium’s Summer Science Camp in Cornwall, NY. Now in its third full

year, the 10-week-long sleep-away and day camp programs offer science,

nature, and art immersion classes for students in grades 6 through 12.

From lessons in writing about nature to a hands-on introduction to

ornithology, middle and high school students learn about the outdoors

while exploring their wild surroundings. Registration is now open;

Trail Conference members receive a 10 percent discount. For more

information, visit www.blackrockforest.org or call 845-534-4517.

Trail Conference volunteer Stanley Sherr, an artist and poet who maintained the CabotTrail in Fahnestock State Park for 16 years, recently hung up his clippers and retired. In honor of his service and dedication to trails, we’re publishing one of his poems that captures the beauty of hiking in and around the Hudson Valley. You can find more of hiswork at stanleysherr.com.

Spring 2015 Page 9

PEOPLE FOR TRAILS

Joe EnnesserWappinger, NY

The success of the Hudson RiverValley Greenway is thanks todedicated people like JoeEnnesser, a true champion ofoutdoor recreation in the region.The Chairman of the WappingerGreenway Committee, Ennesserwas instrumental in creating the11-mile trail network in andaround the Town of Wappingerthat is part of the larger, state-sanctioned Greenway all alongthe Hudson. Though Ennesser’seyeing retirement from his postthis spring, he’s not finishedmaking his mark on theWappinger Greenway quite yet.

Preserving greenspace inWappinger: Ennesser joined theWappinger Greenway Committeein 1998 thanks to hisinvolvement with the Town ofWappinger RecreationCommission. Along with then-chairman Hank DiMarco, heworked on securing grants forthe project. When DiMarcopassed away, Ennesser asked thecommittee if he could step intothe role to further push theproject forward. “And here I am,”he says, “still pushing.” In 2006,the 11 miles of the WappingerGreenway Trail was recognizedby New York State. The white-blazed walking route linksnatural, historic, industrial, andbusiness districts in the Town ofWappinger, the Village ofWappingers Falls, and the Townof Poughkeepsie in New York’sDutchess County.

Volunteerism as a secondcareer: “I’ve dedicated myself torecreation and keeping things inits natural state wheneverpossible,” says Ennesser, whohas lived in Wappinger for 50years. Those efforts go back toraising his children and gettinginvolved in youth programs likebaseball and soccer. “Thank godfor IBM; they gave me a lot ofcommunity time off,” says theretired mechanical engineer, whoworked for the company for 38years.

What’s next for the WappingerGreenway: “We added five moremiles of trail to head south tothe Town of Fishkill over the lastfour years,” Ennesser says.“We’re putting the finishingtouches on that right now. Oncethat’s done I think I’ll retire.” Andthen what will he be up to? “Aslittle as possible,” Ennesserlaughs. “But I’ll still dabble.”

Last summer, Keith Lyons contacted theTrail Conference office asking for hikeinformation. On the surface, this requestwas similar to countless other calls–Keithwanted our help in planning a trip. Herecalled a past trip on the Appalachian Trailthat had meant a lot to him, and wanted totry replicating it. There was one thing thatmade this call stand out, however: Keithwas planning what would most likely be hislast hiking trip.Keith was undergoing treatment for

prostate cancer, with a prognosis that didnot leave him much time. He spoke fond-ly of the Rutherford Shelter at High PointState Park, where he had taken his godsonJimmy camping years before. Now tooweak to hike to the shelter with a pack fullof gear, Keith asked if we could help himaccess the shelter via a woods road.Three people—High Point State Park

Superintendent Rebecca Fitzgerald andNew Jersey AT co-Chairs Gene Giordanoand Pete Zuroff—put their heads togetherand recommended the nearby High Pointshelter, with its easy access via a gated road.Keith was ecstatic that his dream of one lastcamping trip with his godson might

become a reality, and on August 16, hearrived at High Point with Jimmy. Heasked us to share his story, transcribed inhis words below:

“These few parcels of land are magical,healing places that must be maintained.”“While at High Point we went to a concert

where an Irish band played. At sunset, wenight-hiked back to the shelter listening togreat music. The last day we walked to theAT. On the trail to the left was Pennsylvania,

and straight ahead, New York. I told Jimmy,‘We walk this trail together.’ I pointedtowards New York. I said, ‘You’ll walk thistrail without me.’ He looked at me and saidhe understood.”“While we were packing, Jimmy men-

tioned to me that we didn’t see many animals,but we met some great people: Mad Maxfrom Germany, NYU from Brooklyn, andLeslie from New Jersey. On his first hikingtrip, Jimmy said he would bring his friendsbackpacking to High Point one day. I knewthen the circle was complete.”

—Copperhead and Hawk (Trail namesof Keith Lyons and Jimmy Connolly)

Sometimes it’s easy to take what we do atthe Trail Conference for granted. To beblessed with the means and opportunity toenjoy our local parks and forests–whetheras a casual hiker or an active trail volun-teer–is a privilege that we should neverforget. Keith’s story, and the incrediblegratitude he has exhibited for the chance totake one last hike, is a reminder of howlucky many of us are to be able to enjoytreasures like these on a whim.Keith wanted us to share his story to

show how important these trails are, andhow the experiences formed there can last alifetime. So as you go about your days,enjoying the beauty of spring unfolding,remember to be grateful for the publiclands we all work to keep open to everyone.Happy trails.

Ever driven between Route 106 and LakeWelch Parkway in Harriman State Parkand wondered about that beautiful stonechurch? It resembles one of those stoneparish churches out of the English country-side, something you might find envisionedin the novels of the Bronte sisters. What isan active church doing in middle of thepark, anyway?The church’s history has a special rela-

tionship to the hiking community. Built in1880, it was originally named St. John theEvangelist. But in the 1920s, an anony-mous hiker hung a sign on the front doorwith the words “St. John’s in the Wilder-ness”—and ever since, that has been itsname, listed as such in the current directo-ry of the Episcopal Diocese of New York.Each year, on Palm Sunday, the church rec-ognizes its special connection to outdoorenthusiasts by holding a Hikers Service,followed by a festive luncheon in the rusticbarn across the street.St. John’s in the Wilderness traces its ori-

gin to Ms. Elizabeth Zimmerman, whofunded its construction as a memorial forher husband after his sudden death on theirhoneymoon in 1878. She chose a 250-acreparcel of land north of Tuxedo, NY, anddonated it and the finances to build St.John's to the Diocese of New York. In1880 the cornerstone was laid, the buildingwas completed using the plentiful field-stone of the area, and the church wasdedicated and opened for public worshipunder the ministerial leadership of the Rev.A. Warren Merrick.In 1883 the church opened its facilities

for use as a home and school for orphanedboys, adding a library and reading room foruse by the small surrounding communityas well. The stained glass windows insidethe church tell much about the history ofSt. John’s, as do the engravings on the head-stones in the churchyard outside.With the establishment of Harriman

State Park in 1910, the church was left with49 acres of land, which can accommodatethe planned extension of the cemetery

when that becomes economically feasible.Today, St. John’s is a welcoming place with a vibrant and energetic congregation, featuring programs like the Music on theMountain concert series, which is open tothe public on Sunday afternoons during thewarm weather months. A visit to St. John’sis a walk through another place in time,making it a lovely venue for weddings,while receptions, reunions, and other eventsare held in its rustic barn.Many opportunities for hikers exist at St.

John’s in the Wilderness. (Parking at thechurch, however, is reserved for church activ-ities only. There is no parking allowed on St.John’s Road, either.) The Long Path passeswithin 200 meters of the church, providingaccess to many portions of Harriman Park.The Big Hill shelter is about a 40-minutehike, as is Breakneck Pond. The Second andThird reservoirs are easily reached, as are theSuffern-Bear Mountain, Beech, and Break-neck Mountain trails. For history seekers,both the Barnes mine and Christie mine are

close by, while the largest airplane crash inHarriman (a Boeing 727) occurred about ½mile from the church in 1974. Remnants ofthat plane can still be found.You are invited to attend St. John’s annu-

al Palm Sunday service for hikers at 3 p.m.on March 29, followed by a festive buffetluncheon hosted by the parishioners at 4.All are welcome to participate in this long-standing tradition.St. John’s in the Wilderness Church

is located at 16 Johnsontown Road in Stony Point, NY. Regular services areheld every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Visitwww.stjohnsinthewilderness.org or call845-786-0366 for more info.

Thomas Parliment is a long-time New York-New Jersey Trail Conference member, AMC hike leader, and retired chemist. Rev.Richard Jeske is the Vicar of St. John’s in the Wilderness Church.

Keith and his godson Jimmy met withRebecca Fitzgerald, High Point

superintendent, before their hike.

St. John’s in the Wilderness holds a special Hikers Service every year on Palm Sunday.

Wish Fulfilled:A Last Hike on theAppalachian TrailBy Peter Dolan, New Jersey Program

Coordinator and Keith Lyons, Hiker

St John’s in the Wilderness Is a Sanctuary for HikersBy Thomas Parliment, PhD and Vicar Richard Jeske, PhD

Follow NYNJTC!

facebook.com/nynjtctwitter.com/nynjtc

In between Trail Walker issues, you can keep up with trailnews by subscribing to e-Walker, our electronic newsletter.

Go to our website and click the blue “Get Our E-Newsletter” button.

Page 10 Spring 2015

2014 was the first full year of the LowerHudson Partnership for Regional InvasiveSpecies Management (PRISM) operationafter the Trail Conference received our con-tract to organize the effort from New YorkState in August 2013. The purpose ofPRISM is to coordinate all of the organiza-tions in eight counties across the regionwho are working on invasive species and todevelop and execute a regional strategy.As leaders of the Lower Hudson PRISM,

the Trail Conference convened severalmeetings of local organizations to completeour five-year strategic plan and the 2014annual work plan with goals, objectives,actions, and outcomes. We signed 40 part-ners who have committed to support thestrategy of PRISM and provide a recap oftheir invasive species activities for ourannual report. The list of partners can beseen on our web site, www.lhprism.org.

The Lower Hudson PRISM funded sixprojects, including surveys of aquatic inva-sive species in Greenwood Lake,determining the extent of hydrilla infesta-tion in the Croton River, removal of ahardy kiwi population in Pound Ridge,investigation of impacts of invasive species

on threatened and endangered animals,collection of information about valuedconservation areas to protect, and supportof an educational and demonstration proj-ect to remove Japanese knotweed anddevelop a watershed plan in DutchessCounty. Five PRISM interns worked onprojects including mapping (GIS) for usein invasives surveillance, managing inva-sives data, interviewing local landmanagers, and conducting workshops andrecruiting volunteers.The Lower Hudson PRISM made a con-

certed effort to participate in New YorkState’s first Invasive Species AwarenessWeek, July 6-13. We conducted more than25 events during this week—approximate-ly one quarter of all the events held in thestate. Further spreading the word, the TrailConference’s Linda Rohleder representedour region at PRISM Leaders meetings andat an invasive species conference at Cornell,and gave presentations and educationaltalks about invasives at numerous events.The Trail Conference’s own Invasives

Strike Force continues to grow and con-tribute to efforts in both New York andNew Jersey. This past year we had just over100 volunteers who surveyed 286 miles oftrail throughout the area, the equivalent ofalmost 3,500 acres surveyed. The data theycollected resulted in over 13,500 observa-tions. We also held more than a dozenvolunteer work days to remove invasives,and our seasonal summer crew worked atmore than 20 locations performingremovals and working with other regionalteams to impact almost 120 acres.Our 2015 season promises to be just as

active and productive. Join us as an Inva-sives Strike Force volunteer surveyor or onour removal crew. Go tohttp://nynjtc.org/invasives to find moreinformation.

In late spring, shortly after the woods haveattained a fresh layering of youthful greenand march toward the mature days of sum-mer, red columbine buds from theunderstory and makes a striking appear-ance, adding a dash of crimson to theverdant sea that surrounds. Out of all thespring ephemeral wildflowers, this delicateplant is most likely to capture the attentionof a passer-by. The chandelier-like blos-soms, which are mostly red but sport a rich,golden underside, possess a magical andaudacious charm.Red columbine is a wide-ranging peren-

nial that occupies the eastern half of theUnited States. Flowers are typically 1.5inches long with the plants growing 1-2feet tall; columbine begins blossoming inmid-May and continues blooming untillate June. The species has an affinity forslightly alkaline to neutral soil, and it's ableto thrive in places most other plants can’t

even gain a minor foothold. It’s notuncommon to find these flowers sproutingfrom a vertical cliff face, as the roots areable to penetrate the tiniest of cracks andsubsist on the barest amounts of soil.Columbine is also apt to be found gracingspongy beds of moss deep within open andsomewhat sunny forests. It’s not surprising that a flower of such

extraordinary beauty also boasts an impres-sive amount of lore. Native Americansbelieved columbine possesses the power to

assist in achieving a long-lasting love, andappropriately used it to concoct lovecharms. Europeans, however, believed theflower symbolizes infidelity or the depart-ing of a lover.Despite conflicting lore, columbine is

ideal to add to a home garden. The seedsare relatively simple to propagate andplants live up to 5 years. Also, as the leavesare toxic to deer and rabbits, no effort hasto be undertaken to protect plants fromwoodland raiders. However, this is oneflower sure to draw dainty ruby-throatedhummingbirds to your yard. Columbinealso goes by the nickname of “wild honey-suckle,” as the nectar reservoirs located atthe top of the flowers offer a saccharinetreat if imbibed. Be it by taste or by sight,red columbine is likely to leave an indeliblysweet impression on all lucky enough toencounter it.

Mike Adamovic is a professional photogra-pher who owns and manages AdamovicNature Photography. He enjoys hikingthroughout the Hudson Valley and backpack-ing the Appalachian Trail.

Trail ConferenceLeading RegionalEfforts to Combat InvasivesBy Linda Rohleder, Ph.D., Director of

Land Stewardship and Lower Hudson

PRISM Coordinator

Welcoming theReturn of RedColumbineBy Mike Adamovic

Columbine begins blossoming in mid-May and continues blooming until late June.

MIK

E AD

AMOV

IC

Columbine thrives where other plants can’t grow.

Hummingbirds are attracted to Red Columbine.

MIK

E AD

AMOV

IC

It’s Wildflower SeasonIt’s time to keep your eyespeeled for emerging early springblooms, such as the dimunitivetrout lily (Erythronium

americanum) and spring beauty(Claytonia virginica), and eventhe rare bloodroot (Sanguinaria

canadensis). Glimpses of springflowers are becoming rarer asthe plants diminish in our forestsdue to the dual impact of heavydeer browsing and invasivespecies overcrowding. You can help with the latter byvolunteering with our InvasivesStrike Force, which monitors and controls non-native plantsalong hiking trails. For more info,visit www.nynjtc.org/invasives.

Keep your eyes open for glimpses of spring wildflowers.

MIK

E AD

AMOV

IC

Park and High Tor State Park when theNew York State Department of Transporta-tion required the Clarkstown PlanningDepartment to close access from LongClove Road to Route 9W in order to devel-op another access road for the local quarry.Upon petitions from volunteers Win Perry,Dick Katzive, and several others, the townquickly agreed to provide the Trail Confer-ence with a trail easement, protecting thefuture of the Path. A warm thank you alsoto Senator David Carlucci’s office for theirsupport of this request. Both the senatorand Clarkstown officials have been strongsupporters of trails. Thank you to all of ourmembers and volunteers, including Win,Dick, Marek Stycos, chair of member clubThendara Mountain Club, and all othersfor their quick action and support.

Trail Conference Awarded Grant byHudson River FoundationThe New York-New Jersey Trail Conferencewas awarded a grant of $18,000 from theHudson River Foundation’s Hudson RiverImprovement Fund to support upgrades to thePete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park in Beacon, NY.Located on the shore with direct access

to the Hudson River, the newly renamedPete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park (for-merly Riverfront Park) is open and free tothe public, making it a popular spot thatreceives a high volume of visitors each year.The proposed project will enhance andpromote the natural scenic and culturalresources of the Hudson River and the parkby installing 10 new high-quality benches,rehabilitating the entire half-mile trail sys-tem, and installing an educational kiosk.The kiosk will highlight the significanthabitat restoration and rehabilitation of thepark—previously a garbage dump—spear-headed by the Seegers.Because of the long-lasting impact the

project will have on waterfront access forfuture generations, the City of Beacon hascommitted a match towards the parkimprovements, representing approximatelythree quarters of the total cost.

TRAIL NEWS ROUNDUPcontinued from page 3

HOUSE FOR SALE-RINGWOOD, NJ ******************************

Enjoy lakeside living in a small lake community surrounded by state forests. No traffic, clean

water, hiking trails, boating and fishing. Perennial gardens & a bird watchers paradise!

Cape Cod style, 3 BR, 1 BTH, DR, LR, Den/Office. 3 season enclosed porch. Full base-

ment. Oak floors, new windows. Newer roof & furnace. About one hour commute to NYC.

Call Frank Capozzi Licensed Sales Associate McBride Agency Realtors

Ofc: 201 891-8900/ Cell: 201 390-4272

834 Franklin Lake Road Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

Phone: 201 891-8900

** ** ** **HOUSE FOR SALE-RINGW

** ** *** ** **** ******* *** ** ** ** **ekalllamsanigniviledisekalyojnE

dnagnitaob,sliartgnikih,rteawrtoN.stserofoetatsybdednuorrus

**

i

WOOD, NJ** **

ytinummoce

.gnihsifdn aelc,cifffar

ff

gg

ummocrhouenotoubA.ecanrufuN.swodwinwen,sroolfkaO.tnemhcropdesolcneonsaes3.ceiffORD,HTB1,BR3,elytsdCoepaCehctawdriba&snedraglainnereP

g

C.YNotetu& foorreweN-esablluF.

n/eD,RL,R!esidarapsre

Call Frank CapozziLicensed Sales AssociaMcBride Agency Realto

O ccf : 201 891-8900/ Cell: 201 3

89102:ehonP,sekaLnliknarFLnliknarF438

ters90-4272

0908-1 8971407JN,

daoRekaL

When was the lasttime you thoughtabout your legacy?

By including a bequest to theTrail Conference in your will,you will help us continue the

legacy of trails and connectingpeople with nature for generations to come.

For information, contact Don Weise, dweise@nynjtc.org,or call 201-512-9348, ext. 13

Spring 2015 Page 11

Kay CynamonNew York, NY

Kay Cynamon doesn’t exactly see the “work” in all of thevolunteer work she’s done for the Trail Conference. “I just likeloping around outside,” says theManhattan-based physician, who’sbeen a Trail Conference memberfor over 20 years. “If I can behelpful and it serves a purpose tocarry a GPS, that’s even better.”

Over the last two years, Cynamonand her GPS hiked and recordedthe locations of more than 100miles of marked trails in the SouthTaconic Mountains; thanks to herefforts, hikers can now own thelatest, greatest edition of the TrailConference’s South Taconic Trailsmap. “The hiking itself is not hard,”Cynamon says. “The only hardthing for me is traveling 100-150miles to get there!” (She’s lookingforward to the day cars drivethemselves, she explains.)

Cynamon began volunteering inthe South Taconic region as anaccidental maintainer. About 15years ago, she took a hike upAlander Mountain throughovergrown trails. She wrote to the Trail Conference about theproblem, and received a responseasking if she’d like to help fix thesituation by becoming amaintainer. “I figured since I’dmouthed off I should say yes,”Cynamon recalls. “Gradually, Iadopted about six miles of trails upthere, which is kind of ridiculousfor a volunteer,” she laughs.

Off the trails, Cynamon served asthe South Taconic map’s projectmanager and researcher. “I get somuch enjoyment out of hiking andbeing outdoors, and everythingabout it,” Cynamon says. “Theopportunity to give back so otherpeople can enjoy these trailsmakes me very happy.”

You’ll be able to find thatenthusiasm in her next project withthe Publications Committee: a trailsguidebook to Morris County, NJ.

PEOPLE FOR TRAILS

HISTORIC HUDSON RIVER COTTAGESAffordable studio, one and two bedroom homes available inhistoric cottage cooperative in Westchester County, off theHudson River, one hour from NYC. Dating back to 1929,

this three-season community offers swimming pool, tenniscourt, organic community garden, social hall with internetand social activities. $25,000-$100,000+. 917-880-5419.www.reynoldshills.org. Contact melgarfinkel@yahoo.com.

Extra-thick-soled hiking shoes are beingpromoted this spring, with extra-thick hik-ing boots soon to follow. Some of theseproducts, referred to as “maximalist” shoes,have soles that are more than three times asthick as standard hiking shoes. While maxi-malist shoes have been around for a fewyears, they were mostly a boutique product.Now, national and regional retailers like REIand Campmor are selling this unique gear.

Maximalist trail shoes stand out primari-ly for one feature: mid-sole material almost1.25 inches thick, often made of a propri-etary mix of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) foamblended with rubber to create increasedcushioning. At first glance, these look likeplatform shoes that have no business on arocky, uneven hiking trail. Yet, these shoesare now routinely worn by some of themost successful athletes who are winningultra-trail marathons, like the famousWestern States 100-Mile Race (KarlMeltzer) and posting speed records on thePacific Crest Trail (Heather “Anish" Ander-son) and John Muir Trail (Liz Thomas).

Hikers, backpackers, and ultra-marathoners have embraced theseredesigned shoes for a few reasons. First,the generous cushioning through the mid-sole layer provides shock absorptionwhether on the trail or on the road. Theshoes have either minimal “drop”—theheight difference between the heel and theforefoot—or no drop at all. Proponents ofshoes with minimal or zero drop claim theypromote a natural gait with less forcefulimpact and allow for a more efficient func-tioning of the achilles tendon. Finally,maximalist shoes, now sold by mainstreambrands such as Vasque, Brooks, and Skech-ers, in addition to the most popularmanufacturers Hoka One One and Altra,generally have a wider and more anatomi-cally shaped toe box.A few years ago, when shoe companies

promoted “barefoot” running and trailshoes like Vibram Five Fingers, they citedresearch and quoted biomechanics expertssupporting the shoes’ benefits. Now, veryfew maximalist companies are citing anyresearch backing their claims, yet the shoesare catching on with elite and recreationaltrail runners and hikers. Some weekendhikers claim that these cushioned, low-drop shoes with a lot of room for their toeshave helped resolve nagging problems likeheel pain and shin splints. One note of cau-tion, however: The elevated design of theseshoes may prove unstable to anyone proneto ankle sprains. And if you are gettinggood results with your current hikingshoes, then no need to switch.

Howard E. Friedman, DPM, is an avid hiker, a podiatrist in Suffern, NY, and a frequent contributor to Trail Walker. Findmore of Dr. Friedman’s health tips for hikerson our website, nynjtc.org/news/health-news.

In spring 2015, a completelynew trail map covering thebeautiful South TaconicMountains becomes the latestaddition to the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference’scatalog of quality maps. Thisthird edition of South TaconicTrails is the first digitally pro-duced edition of the map. Infact, it’s an entirely differentand vastly improved upgradefrom the previous 2006 edi-tion.Made by the people who

build the trails, this map fea-tures more than 100 miles ofmarked trails throughout theSouth Taconic Mountains,which extend over threestates--Dutchess and Columbia Countiesin New York, Berkshire County in Massa-chusetts, and Litchfield County inConnecticut. A particularly valuable fea-ture of the map is its inclusion ofapproximately 34 miles of the AppalachianTrail passing through Massachusetts andConnecticut. The 16-mile-long SouthTaconic Trail is shown in its entirety, withan additional six-mile extension shown as“under construction” while Trail Confer-ence crews work on the ambitious project,anticipated to be completed in late 2015.This edition contains a number of

enhancements over the previous analogmap. All of Taconic State Park now appearson a single map, which also includes sever-al nearby parks and preserves with trails oftheir own. Contour intervals have beenincreased from 100 feet to 20 feet for easi-er identification of steep terrain. Trailmileage figures, representing distancesbetween trail junctions, now appear on themap front. In addition, an enlarged insetmap shows more detail of trails in the pop-ular Bash Bish area and adjacent state parkcampground area at Copake Falls.The entire trail network in the South

Taconics has been completely replottedusing state-of-the-art Global PositioningSystem (GPS) technology and high-resolu-tion aerial imagery. Trail Conference

volunteers spent numeroushours walking the trails withGPS receivers to obtain accu-rate trail data and identifyviewpoints, campsites andshelters, parking areas, andother points of interest. Spe-cial thanks goes out tovolunteer project managerKay Cynamon, who not onlyhelped manage the new mapbut also GPSed the majorityof the trails on the map. (Seeher People for Trails profile tothe right.)The area this new map

covers has been expanded to17 parks and preserves,including Taconic State Park,Bash Bish Falls State Park,

Mount Washington State Forest, MountEverett Reservation, Jug End Reservation,and Mount Riga State Park. Additionalmap features include UTM gridlines, greenoverprint for public access lands, parkingareas, viewpoints, and other points of inter-est. As always, the maps are printed invibrant color on waterproof, tear-resistantTyvek.At only $6.95 ($5.21 for Trail Conference

members), this long-awaited and muchanticipated map is a must-have for enjoyingthe bountiful outdoor experiences through-out the South Taconics region. To obtain thenew printed map, shop online at www.nyn-jtc.org, call 201-512-9348, or stop in at theTrail Conference office. The map is alsoavailable in digital format on Apple andAndroid devices through the PDF Mapsapp; learn more about our GPS-enhancedmaps at www.nynjtc.org/pdfmaps.Visit trailpubs.nynjtc.org and click on the

South Taconic Trails cover panel for addi-tional resources, including suggested hikes,park contact information, and much more!

This map set was produced with support fromCampmor, an outdoor store and retail part-ner of the Trail Conference.

Another NewTrail Shoe TrendBy Howard E. Friedman, DPM

New Harriman-Bear MountainTrail Maps Are InOur new, 2015 edition of the Harriman-BearMountain Trails map set is now available andhas already received rave reviews for itsinclusion of detailed trail mileage numbersalong the trails. This revision, featuring severaladditions and improvements, is the mostsignificant update since 2007. It’s a must-havefor exploring the huge trail networkthroughout Harriman and Bear Mountain StateParks. The maps are available in print onwaterproof, tear-resistant Tyvek as well as indigital format through Avenza’s PDF Maps app.Learn more about the maps on our website.

Proponents of “maximalist”shoes claim they promote

a natural gait with lessforceful impact.

Announcing a Completely New and Much-Improved South Taconic Trails Map

The same recognition rings true today—that it is the hard work of a few that makespossible the enjoyment by many. In the pastyear alone, the Trail Conference has leaptinto battle against numerous threats—including the casinos in Sterling Forest andWoodbury and the LG building atop theHudson Palisades. Most recently, a bill has been proposed

which would allow hunting on Sundays inNew Jersey. The current ban on Sundayhunting allows outdoor recreationalists ofall stripes at least one day a week to enjoythe great outdoors without worrying about

the sound of gunfire (as well as its potentialdangers, however small the odds). Many ofour members have already expressed theirdismay with this bill, which caters to a smallgroup of outdoor enthusiasts to the detri-ment of all others.We rely on a well-informed public to

show that they care about these issues. Byeducating our members and showing waysto get involved, we hope to provide themwith a voice to let their representativesknow how they want their public landstreated. In return, we rely on our membersto let us know about the latest threats to thetrails. You can always stay up to date on thelatest trail-related issues by checking outthe advocacy pages on our website.

A LEGACY OF ADVOCACYcontinued from page 2

Page 12 Spring 2015

Featured Hike Shake Off Winter with a

Circuit Hike Up Cats Elbow

By Don Weise

It’s spring—time to shed a few layers andstretch your legs. This Cats Elbow loophike in Harriman State Park is 5.1 mileswith a 1,440-foot elevation gain; it takesapproximately 3.5 hours and offers some ofthe best views in the park. This spring, theTrail Conference will be publishing a brandnew guide to loop hikes in the park titledCircuit Hikes in Harriman by our Member-ship and Development Director DonWeise. A fully detailed description of thisroute will be featured in the book; untilthen, enjoy this sneak peek at the guide.

Trail Access:Take the Palisades InterstateParkway to Exit 17 (Anthony WayneRecreation Area) which is three milessouthwest of Bear Mountain Bridge. Pro-ceed past the first parking lot, then turn leftat a sign for the “Far South Parking Lot,”continue through this very large parkinglot, and park at the southern end of the lot,near a kiosk and picnic benches.

Description: From the kiosk at the south-ern end of the parking area, proceed southon the Horn Hill Bike Path, with blue-on-white diamond blazes, entering a white pineforest. After crossing a fourth bridge, you’llpass a small knoll on the left and cross thewhite-blazed Appalachian Trail (AT). After crossing the AT, be on the lookout

for the red-dot-on-white-blazed Ramapo-Dunderberg (R-D) Trail. You will befollowing the R-D Trail for the next 1.65miles. After climbing steeply to a broadwest-facing viewpoint, the trail bears rightand continues to climb, soon reaching apanoramic viewpoint at the top of the CatsElbow. This vantage point offers views of theHudson River, the Palisades, and the NewYork City skyline. Here, 1.3 miles from thestart, the yellow-blazed Suffern-Bear Moun-tain (S-BM) Trail joins from the right. The R-D and S-BM Trails run together

for about 300 feet to a small ledge. Youshould continue straight ahead following thered-dot-on-white-blazed R-D Trail, whichcrosses a high, fire-scarred plateau with lim-ited views. The trail descends briefly andtraverses a section of rugged, exposed vol-canic rock. There are excellent views of theTimp and the Hudson River from here. After crossing an intermittent stream, the

trail steeply climbs a rocky slope, turningright at the top. Pay careful attention to theblazes, as this sharp right turn is easy tomiss. Descend to Timp Pass; you will noticethe Red Cross Trail on your right, the R-DTrail proceeding straight ahead, and theunmarked Timp Pass Road on your left.You have now traveled a total of 2.35 miles.Turn left (north) on Timp Pass Road. In

0.1 mile, watch for the blue-blazed Timp-

Join/Renew NY-NJ Trail Conference Membership 2,000 miles of trails; your membership helps us expand our horizons.

Included with membership, Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases at many outdoor stores, and 25% discount on all Trail Conference maps and books purchased directly from the Trail Conference. Save time and a tree by joining orrenewing online at www.nynjtc.org. Just click on the Join/Renew Now button.

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.

Tax-deductible. Dues are not refundable.

MEMBERSHIP TYPE

Select one: Join Renew Membership # if available________

Individual Joint/Family

Regular $30 $40Sponsor $60 $75Benefactor $120 $150Senior (65+) $25 $30Life $1,000 $1,500

A joint membership is for two adults residing at the same address.

For my membership of $50 or more, send me a:Trail Conference Cap OR Harriman-Bear Mountain Map Set

To purchase a gift membership, call 201-512-9348, extension 26.

The Trail Conference maintains more than 2,000 miles of trails, advocates for parks, protects open space, andprovides volunteer service opportunities in the great outdoors.

Your membership supports the trails you love and gives you these additional benefits: Go to nynjtc.org/membership

25% Discount on Trail Conference maps, books, and other products. Visit nynjtc.org/panel/goshopping

Great Discounts at supporting outdoor retailers and other businesses. See our partners atnynjtc.org/content/retail-partners

Tuition-Free Enrollment in our Trail Universityintroductory courses

Workshops and Seminars on trail maintenance and construction, leadership training, wilderness first aid,chainsaw operation, environmental monitoring and GPS operation. Learn more about Trail U atnynjtc.org/trailu

Access to a wide range of volunteer opportunities on-trail and off-trail. Visit nynjtc.org/volunteer

Find links to all these and more at nynjtc.org.

Support Trails, Parks and OpenSpace in the New York-New Jerseyregion by joining the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.

NY-NJ Trail Conference

BENEFITS

Hikers’Marketplace

Visit www.nynjtc.org/panel/goshopping! Or call 201-512-9348

We cover your favorite hiking areas in the New York-New Jersey region,including Harriman-Bear Mountain, the Catskills, North Jersey and JerseyHighlands, East and West Hudson Highlands, and more.

Find all our publications, and select trail guides from others, on our website,and get your 25% member discount!

Go Places with Trail Maps andBooks from the Trail Conference.

Get the complete set of trail maps at onegreat, low price!Our map combo offers all of our high-quality Trail Conference maps at a 5% discount (members get anadditional 25% discount). Save big on shipping charges!

Find it on our online store under Combos.

Torne Trail. Make a sharp left here and fol-low the Timp-Torne Trail up the stonesteps. The Timp-Torne Trail will be yourroute for the next 1.45 miles. The trailnow climbs steadily over exposed rocks tothe West Mountain Shelter (built in1928), a good place to break for lunch.The shelter affords panoramic views of theTimp, the Hudson River and the NewYork City skyline. Continue ahead on the blue-blazed

Timp-Torne Trail. In 500 feet, the yellow-blazed S-BM Trail joins from the right.Bear left here and begin to follow the co-aligned Timp-Torne and S-BM Trails, withblue and yellow blazes. Just ahead on yourleft are views of the Cats Elbow section ofWest Mountain, where you hiked earlier inthe day. After traversing the highest part ofWest Mountain, the two trails split at 3.45miles. Continue straight ahead, now onceagain following only the blue blazes of theTimp-Torne Trail. In another 0.15 mile, you’ll reach a T-

intersection, marked by a wooden signpost.To your left is Jackie Jones Mountain, withits large communications tower and muchsmaller fire tower. Straight ahead is Black

Mountain–the closest summit from thisvantage point. After taking in the views, turn left and

begin to follow the white-blazedAppalachian Trail (AT). After following arather eroded trail, the AT turns sharp rightdown a set of steps and continues todescend on a long switchback, following amore sustainable and attractive route con-structed in 2014 by the Trail ConferenceLong Distance Trails Crew (LDTC). Thisrelocation features stone steps, massive cribwalls, and giant stepping stones at thestream crossing. (For a full account of thework done by this crew on West Mountain,visit our blog: http://blog-tw.nynjtc.org.)The AT crosses Beechy Bottom Road diag-onally to the left at 4.3 miles, immediatelydescending steps put in by the LDTC aspart of the relocation and trail restoration.Continuing downhill on the AT, you’llintersect the Bike Path again in 0.2 mile.Turn right at the “Bike Path–ParkingLot–10 Minutes” sign. In 0.6 mile, you’llreach the parking lot where the hike began.

Views of The Timp and Hudson River from the Timp-Torne Trail.Pick up a copy of our new Harriman-Bear Mountain State Parks map set featuring trail mileage figures to track your distance as you hike along.

DAN

BALO

GH