Meet the 2026 Annual Gala Honorees

Meet the honorees who have helped shape the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference and its future. Read their stories below, then join us in celebrating Jane & Walt Daniels and Glenda & David Haas at our Annual Gala on Thursday, October 8. Reserve your tickets or table today! 
 

Jane and Walt Daniels embody the very spirit of the Trail Conference’s highest honor as the 2026 Annual Gala Honorees. For more than four decades, their leadership, vision, and tireless dedication have shaped not only miles of trail, but the very fabric of the organization. 

Their journey began humbly in 1979, volunteering for Litter Day as a way to give back for their love of hiking. As one daughter aptly described them, their contributions span “from the shovel to the boardroom”—a perfect reflection of their hands-on work in the field and their strategic leadership behind the scenes. 

Photo by Karen Daniels

Walt, a retired IBM computer researcher with a Ph.D. in physics, has been a driving force for both trail building and technology. A master trail builder, crew leader, and certified sawyer, he has supervised the Appalachian Trail in Putnam County since 1983, relocating sections off roads and into protected corridors. He has led countless trail projects and authored multiple white papers such as the Trail Conference’s Trail Design Standards. Walt ushered the Trail Conference into the digital age—securing its first computer, building its first website, and advancing its technological capabilities. His behind-the-scenes activities also include serving on the Board of Directors. 

Jane is a retired reference librarian whose impact is her exceptional ability to bring people together and to manage projects. She has recruited, trained, and thus inspired hundreds of volunteers. Not only has she served as Chair of the Trail Conference Board of Directors, but she has also contributed her expertise to national organizations such as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the American Hiking Society. In addition, she chaired a multi-day hiking conference for 850 people, managed large-scale trail projects, and built partnerships with land managers. Since stepping down from boots-on-the-ground responsibilities, Jane is organizing the Trail Conference Archives, recruiting volunteers, and ensuring accurate records of the Trail Conference’s historical journey.  

“Walt moves rocks, and Jane moves people.”

Photo by Ann Gruhn

Together they have designed and built trail systems in Fahnestock State Park, FDR State Park, and the Town of Yorktown. To build a 25-mile network in Yorktown, they worked with multiple partners to connect the business district in Yorktown Heights to FDR State Park. They have mentored generations of volunteers, including over 40 Eagle Scout projects and 15 high school civic internships. Their impact is not just on the ground. They co-authored three editions of Walkable Westchester, helping connect thousands more people to the outdoors. 

Beyond their physical accomplishments, perhaps their greatest legacy lies in the community they’ve cultivated—mentoring new leaders, fostering stewardship, and ensuring the future of trail conservation. Their work has strengthened relationships with land managers, advanced organizational strategy, worked with youth, and inspired a culture of volunteerism that will endure for generations. 

In their over four decades of service, Jane and Walt continue to lead with passion, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the trails and natural lands. Their legacy is not only measured in miles of trail, but in the countless lives they’ve touched along the way.  
 

Glenda and David Haas have quietly and consistently strengthened the Trail Conference through their creativity, leadership, and behind-the-scenes dedication—each leaving a distinct and lasting mark on the organization. 

Glenda has transformed Trail Conference Headquarters into more than a workspace—it is now a welcoming cultural hub. As Chair of the Art Selection Committee since 2015, she envisioned and brought to life the Main Hall’s “gallery” function, overseeing the installation of the history wall and gallery system at the Darlington Schoolhouse. Under her leadership, every art exhibition hosted at the Headquarters has flourished, showcasing the talents of professional artists, amateur photographers, trail users, and community members alike. Through her efforts, Glenda has created a vibrant space that connects people to trails not only through stewardship, but through art and shared experience. 

David’s impact is equally profound, shaped by a lifelong connection to the Trail Conference and an extraordinary commitment to advancing its mission through leadership, generosity, and service. David’s connection to the trails began in his youth, with formative experiences in places like Mohonk, instilling a lasting love for the outdoors and a deep appreciation for the communities that protect these special landscapes. That early connection grew into decades of meaningful involvement and steadfast support for the Trail Conference. 

As a dedicated volunteer with the Advancement team, David served on the steering committee that helped guide the reconstruction and adaptive reuse of the Darlington Schoolhouse as the Trail Conference’s Headquarters. His involvement in planning the groundbreaking celebration for the completion of the Schoolhouse evolved into an even deeper commitment when he became an original committee member helping to envision and launch the first Annual Gala in 2016. Since then, he has remained an enthusiastic force behind the event’s success—offering strategic guidance, securing exceptional auction items year after year, and helping the Gala grow into a cornerstone of support for the organization. Through it all, David’s company, Cereus Financial Advisors, has proudly served as one of the lead sponsors of the event since its inception. 

David’s talents have strengthened the Trail Conference well beyond the Gala. From helping launch the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce 5K benefiting the Trail Conference to supporting other key initiatives, he has brought energy, thoughtfulness, and a steady hand to every endeavor. He has also generously shared his professional financial expertise with the Trail Conference community, leading educational webinars that help donors make wise financial decisions and thoughtfully plan legacy gifts. Across every effort, David’s service reflects a deep belief in the mission and a quiet but enduring generosity that has advanced the Trail Conference in countless ways. 

Join us in celebrating Glenda and David as we recognize what it means to go above and beyond. Whether enhancing the Trail Conference’s physical space, strengthening its events, or supporting its long-term sustainability, their contributions reflect a deep commitment to community, creativity, and conservation.