Volunteer leaders Bob Jonas and Estelle Anderson care just as passionately about their fellow volunteers as they do trails. In Morristown National Historical Park in Morris County, N.J., the duo has created a roving trail crew dubbed the Clipping Brigade. The crew tackles the park’s trails most in need of care at any given time. Estelle shares the secret to their success: “A good portion…
If a time machine could take us back to the early years of the Trail Conference, what would we change? Hindsight is 20/20, of course, and organizations, like people, learn and grow from the past. But has the heart of the Trail Conference mission changed? Our organization has remained a constant presence over the last…
Congratulations to our Board member Charlie in completing his Long Path section hike! Charlie’s journey began on July 3, and not only did he crush it on the trail, but he also doubled his fundraising goal and raised over $3,000 for the Trail Conference’s mission! Thanks so much for all you do for trails, Charlie!…
The work the Trail Conference does now impacts how future generations will experience the outdoors. Imagine a group of passionate people who believe in the power of connecting with nature standing in front of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They see potential in the natural areas outside of New York City—untamed woodlands and mountains that can offer…
On July 31, the Trail Conference teamed up with Kim Levinsky, the philanthropic founder of Sassquad Trail Running, as well as Harriman State Park and the Town of Tuxedo, to host a sold-out, first annual Harriman Big Bear SquaTCh half marathon and 7-mile trail run. Thanks to generous donations from Kim, members of the trail-running community, and the waiving of…
Meet Eric Friedman (above, left), a long-time Trail Conference shelter caretaker for the Baldwin Memorial Shelter on Mt. Tremper in the Catskills Forest Preserve. The shelter’s accompanying privy had fallen into disarray over the past few years so Eric, in coordination with the DEC, stepped into action using his years of carpentry experience to bring the…
When there is an urgent threat of invasive species in our region, the Trail Conference’s Ecological Stewardship team springs into action. Our latest target: spotted lanternfly (SLF). Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a colorful insect in the planthopper family that congregates in large numbers to feed on the sap of trees. This incredibly destructive pest can feast on…
On the Upper Nyack Trail project, the Long Distance Trails Crew installed 351 stone steps, built 2,537 square feet of crib wall, and constructed 3,775 feet of sidehilled trail. In the shadow of Hook Mountain, the Upper Nyack Trail has been an important connection from Nyack Beach State Park to the Long Path for many years. It is a utilitarian trail that…
The Hunterdon Hiking Club of New Jersey recently celebrated its 40th year. A Trail Conference member club, the group hosts outings and maintains trails. Hunterdon County in New Jersey is the home of the Hunterdon Hiking Club. Hunterdon features state, county, and municipal parks, plus protected preserves. Centrally located, Hunterdon is a short drive from the…
On the Upper Nyack Trail project, the Long Distance Trails Crew installed 351 stone steps, built 2,537 square feet of crib wall, and constructed 3,775 feet of sidehilled trail. In the shadow of Hook Mountain, the Upper Nyack Trail has been an important connection from Nyack Beach State Park to the Long Path for many years. It is a utilitarian trail that…
The quietly spectacular southern Shawangunk Ridge passes through many newly preserved parks and forests such as Shawangunk Ridge, Roosa Gap, Wurtsboro, Huckleberry Ridge, and Gobbler’s Knob. Run Wild, Inc. and the Trail Conference’s running group, Trail Conference Trail Runs, recently met to explore and celebrate the preservation of a section of Gobbler’s Knob State Forest. A total of 117 acres has…
The Westchester Trail Tramps, a Trail Conference volunteer crew founded by Mary Dodds over 10 years ago, have focused on restoring and renewing the Briarcliff Peekskill Trail (BPT) since January 2020. The BPT became a priority after crew leaders Michael Pashley and Connie Stern walked the trail from Watch Hill Road to Ryder Road, about 9 miles. They encountered several…
