E-Walker: News for April 29, 2017

Thank You, Volunteers! Great Trails Are Possible Because of You

As National Volunteer Week comes to a close, we want to send a huge thank you to the thousands of volunteers who give the gifts of time, energy, and passion to our trails. From maintainers to chain sawyers, field checkers to office volunteers, your spirit and essential work make a big difference in the way we all enjoy trails and the outdoors. Thank you for helping to create memorable trail experiences!

Our volunteers are doing great work all across the region. Want to join in? Find an opportunity near you.

Long Distance Trails Crew Trail Opening on West Mountain.

Run, Walk, or Volunteer for Trails at the MRCC/Trail Conference 5K

The third annual Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce/Trail Conference 5K Run & 3K Walk is Sunday, May 21. This beautiful course starts and ends at Trail Conference Headquarters, winding through Ramapo Valley County Reservation along the way. Enjoy food, prizes, and tours of our historic building. We're also seeking volunteers to aid with registration, help along the course, and more. Email volunteers@nynjtc.org if you're interested in lending a hand. Proceeds benefit the work of the Trail Conference.

MRCC-Trail Conference 5K Race & 3K Walk. Photo by Danielle Richards.

Trail Changes Underway in Norvin Green and Long Pond Ironworks

The Trail Conference is working with NJDEP staff to reblaze trails in Norvin Green State Forest and Long Pond Ironworks State Park to create a more user-friendly "loop trail" system. Signs have been posted at all trailheads in the affected area, and we ask that you pay extra attention in the coming weeks as our volunteers work to complete the revisions as quickly as possible.

Find more details and a map of the revised trail systems.

Revised Map for Trails in Norvin Green State Park.

Show Your Love of Trails at Our National Trails Day Open House

The Trail Conference and REI invite nature lovers and adventure seekers to an Open House at our headquarters on Saturday, June 3, in celebration of National Trails Day. We’ll be hosting a litter pickup and invasive species removal at Ramapo Valley County Reservation, right next door, as well as a variety of hikes for all interests and abilities. Join us for tours of our 125-year old headquarters and more.

Volunteers participate in a stewardship event with the Trail Conference and REI. Photo by Jerrica Lavooy.

MORE TO EXPLORE

I Love My Park Day is Saturday, May 6. Sign up for an invasives removal at Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, or a number of stewardship events throughout the Catskills.
When you donate to our matching challenges, your gift to the Trail Conference is doubled—and is some cases, tripled. Find out how to turn your dollars into extra miles of trails.
Trail Conference Headquarters is once again open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We're looking for volunteers to help greet visitors and assist with purchases in our Trail Store during this busy season.
Featured store items! Last chance for our April Combos of the Month: Hudson River Hikes AND Prepared Central-West Jersey Hiker. Gear up for summer in our Marina Blue Polo Shirt.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

May 5: Rip Van Winkle Hikers Trail Crew - Cinco De Mayo Trail Maintenance Kickoff Event (Black Dome Range Trail, Catskill Park, NY)	May 13: Hike and Clip Trail Clearing (Neversink River Unique Area, Thompson, NY)
May 5-7 & 19-21: Long Distance Trails Crew - Trail Repair (Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Cragsmoor, NY)	May 13: Be a Trail Builder for the Day Workshop (Hackensack River Greenway, Teaneck, NJ)
May 6: Rock the Ridge 50-Mile Endurance Challenge (Mohonk Preserve, Gardiner, NY)	May 13-14: East Hudson Trail Crew - Trail Reroute (Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, Cold Spring, NY)
May 10: Bergen-Passaic Native Plant Society Meeting (Trail Conference Headquarters, Mahwah, NJ)	May 20: Memorial Service for Jakob Franke (Trail Conference Headquarters, Mahwah, NJ)