The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (Trail Conference) Conservation Dogs Program has partnered with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Natural Heritage Program (NJ NHP) to find a rare, native orchid; a small whorled pogonia. Small whorled pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) is federally listed as threatened and state-listed as endangered in New Jersey and New York. This charming plant
We are excited that the Athletic Brewing Company selected the Trail Conference as a recipient of their Two for the Trails grant program. The generous $5,000 grant will help fund trail improvements in the Northern Region NJ State Parks with minimal project restrictions, which is incredibly valuable for the work we do – this flexibility
Through the Share the Love event, Liberty Subaru has donated more than $38,000 to the Trail Conference mission. Subaru is committed to giving back to local charities and doing their part to protect the environment. That philanthropic spirit is helping to improve our trails with generous unrestricted funds in support of the Trail Conference mission. Liberty
Visitors to the Highlands Trail in New Jersey experience brand-new signs installed along the length of the New Jersey section. This is the result of a successful collaboration between the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection & Planning Council (Highlands Council) and the Trail Conference. The New Jersey section of the Trail extends approximately 130 miles from
Our Publications Committee has continued to be quite busy recently, so here is an overview of recently published titles and upcoming updates as of mid-September. Recent Maps and Books: Northern New Jersey Highlands Trails map setCheck out the Northern New Jersey Highlands Trails map set, an updated version of our popular North Jersey Trails map,
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Help find the next problem invaders that threaten our region’s natural areas… Become an Invasives Strike Force (ISF) citizen science volunteer! SIGN UP TODAY! We are excited to announce and unroll our newly refined ISF survey program for 2022! Many of you have helped contribute to our standard, intermediate, and blockbuster surveys which were the hallmark
The Trail Conference has been awarded a $250 grant from ExtremeTerrain’s Clean Trail Grant Program. The program provides a grant for organizations for their next trail improvement projects. The Trail Conference will use the grant to provide food and refreshments for participants at the annual National Trails Day event at Trail Conference Headquarters at the historic Darlington Schoolhouse on
On Monday, June 20, 2022, the Trail Conference celebrated the installation of new Lenape Trail bollards in Cedar Grove Park. In partnership with the Essex County Park System, 33 new bollards were installed along New Jersey’s 36-mile Lenape Trail that connects 18 parks and 11 municipalities. This project represents the culmination of 10+ years of work
The most important part of having a safe, enjoyable trail experience is being prepared. When you’re heading into the woods, that means having reliable navigation. These days, we are blessed with an abundance of navigation resources: In addition to traditional paper maps, there are online hike descriptions, guidebooks, trailhead kiosks, downloadable park maps, interactive Avenza Maps
This fall, hundreds of enthusiastic runners participated in trail events ranging from 2 to 26.2 miles. From smooth carriageways in Rockefeller and the Ramapos to singletrack trails in Sterling Forest, these venues are helping runners connect with the Trail Conference and our mission. 2nd Annual Sterling Furnace Half Marathon and 7-Miler Organized by Trail Conference Board member
What a difference a year can make! The Welch Trail Education Center (WTEC) is blossoming into a seasonal home for our Conservation Corps members and a budding environmental center. With the COVID-19 vaccine came the help of volunteers which made all the difference. Last year, it was only my father, husband, and two sons pitching in. This year, it
