cayuga trailscayugatrailsclub.org/news/arc10/2018 ctc newsletter.pdf1 cayuga trails newsletter of...

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Cayuga Trails Newsletter of the Cayuga Trails Club

Founded in 1962 “…to explore, enjoy and preserve wild lands and places of natural beauty…”

January-February 2018 Winter Edition Volume 58, Nos. 1&2

Cayuga Trails Club Annual Meeting & Luncheon

Sunday, January 21st 2018 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Ramada Inn, 2310 Triphammer Road, Ithaca

Register by January 14th!

The Annual meeting is upon us. A delicious meal, a fantastic presentation by David Barclay on how the amazing terrain and landscapes of our area were created, and a group of your friendly fellow hikers! Elections will also be conducted, so please also come to support those volunteers who work so hard to keep our club and trails shipshape.

Slate of Candidates for Cayuga Trails Club Officers and Member-at-Large (to be considered for election at the 2018 Annual Meeting)

President Gary Mallow

Vice President David Priester Treasurer Jim Connors

Secretary Robin Carlisle Peck Member-at-Large Polley McClure

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A Great Year By Gary Mallow

Your club had a great year in 2017. There is no question that the quality of hiking, and access to well-maintained hiking trails in our neck of the woods, both got better in 2017. I wish I could take credit for it. The truth is that credit for the accomplishments over the last year goes to some incredibly resourceful, committed, persistent – you might even say driven—people. Those people serve on your board; they work in allied organizations and state agencies that share our values. Most of all, credit goes to our volunteers.

Highlight of the year was an unprecedented decision by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, with support and logistical help from the Finger Lakes Land Trust, to invest $500,000 to purchase three land parcels that host the Finger Lakes Trail in Caroline and Danby. The folks at these two allied outdoor organizations worked hard to purchase land where the trail was vulnerable, a total of some 230 acres. The result is permanent protection of over a mile of Finger Lakes Trail that might otherwise have been closed and lost. Instead, the FLT will be protected and accessible for you to hike, ski, or snowshoe indefinitely into the future. If you needed a reason to support either of these wonderful organizations, you've got it now. Second on my list was my favorite day of 2017, National Trails Day. Trails Chair David Priester organized and supervised some 25 members who showed up with loppers, saws, paint, chainsaws and brush-cutters to reopen a long-closed two mile section of Finger Lakes Trail in the Town of Caroline. Lunch and T-shirts were on the club. Fun and very satisfying. A close third was the work of some 40 Trail Adopters, who put in hundreds of hours this year caring for our 100 miles of trail on the Finger Lakes Trail and Cayuga Trail. If we have well-maintained trails that are fun and challenging to hike, it's because of our Trail Adopters. They step up to do the physically challenging work of trail maintenance. I love those guys. Some of them are certified chainsaw sawyers who answered the call when reports came in of dead-fall across the trail. Although we didn't have anything like 2004, when hundreds of trees came down and we were at it for weeks, a sizable collection of down trees needed to be cut this year. Our sawyers were out there to do it. Hike Coordinator Barbara Nussbaum organized a diverse roster of over 70 hikes last year. There was a wide variety, from jaunts out to the Catskills for a full day and more than ten miles on the trail, to Sigrid Connors Thursday Hikes, to more modest urban hikes around town. We were out 36 times on Tuesday nights this year. We organized an active Labor Day camp-out to the Adirondacks. Reports were that it was fun, although a bit damp. The hikers drove, hiked, cooked, ate and camped together; they shared an adult beverage of an evening. We kept our section of Route 366 in Varna clean, part of New York's Adopt-A-Highway program. Volunteers showed up on four work days to keep the hamlet of Varna and a part of Cornell campus looking good, demonstrating your club's commitment to giving back to a progressive community that has been so generous to hikers and hiking trails. In 2017 we continued to collaborate with allied outdoor organizations. We donated $500 to NY Parks for construction of a bench celebrating the Black Diamond Trail. We worked closely with the staff at Cornell Botanic Gardens to plan improvements on the Cayuga Trail. We worked with the staff of the Finger Lakes National Forest to maintain and enhance the Interloken Trail, and renewed our working relationship with the foresters of DEC. We worked closely with the Finger Lakes Trail Conference and Finger Lakes Land Trust. We reached out to the Ithaca Hikers. Last, after months of thoughtful study, your Executive Board in December approved changes in our dues structure and the way in which we pay for publication of this newsletter. It's a strong statement from your board on its intent to remain financially responsible. Their purpose is to leverage our resources to work on behalf of hikers for many years to come. All things considered, your club had a great year. It bodes well for the future. I can't wait to see what next year brings!

FLT through hiker Roy Dando. photo by Jim Connors.

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Trails Report By David Priester, Vice President/Trails Chairman

It is beginning to look like we might have a real winter this year (Hope I’m not speaking too soon) and for those of us who like winter hiking, skiing, and being out in the snow we are getting our insulated boots, snowshoes, microspikes and skis out of the basement. Not everyone likes to get out in the cold and snow, but lots of us do. Winter storms also can bring down trees and brush on our trail network, so please remember to report what you find per the instructions at the end of this article. In case anyone wonders, loppers and chain saws work in the winter too as do the trail maintainers. In the near future there will be a onetime temporary closure of the Finger Lakes Trail from the

Rt. 34/96 trail head eastward to Town Line Road by the Finger Lakes Land Trust to enable deer population management under a special permit. Watch the trail notices for the exact dates for closing and reopening this section. This is in the Lick Brook area on map M-17. Thank you everyone for respecting the trails closed for hunting season. It is a very important part of our relationships with permitting land owners that their requests for hunting restrictions are complied with. During the winter I will be going over the list of trail adopters and checking with all of you to be sure you are still wanting to continue in your very essential role. Occasionally someone is unable to continue leaving a section open for adoption. Now and then folks speak to me about becoming a trail adopter and truthfully if it’s out on a hike or where I can’t write it down I may not remember. So if you are not currently a trail adopter and are interested in considering this please send me an email so I can contact you and keep you on my list for upcoming openings. A lot of attention has been paid to improving the signs and trail markings particularly at road crossings along the trails in the CTC region in the last year. If you notice deficiencies as you all hike the trails please let me know. Also, when you come across the yellow 12‖ x 12‖ FLT signs check the address listed. Now and then you may find a sign which has the old Rochester FLTC address instead of Mt. Morris. If you find one of these let me know where it is and I will replace it. Still on the horizon there are a number of projects coming up in the spring. The FLT will be rerouted through the recently acquired property straddling White Church Road in Caroline which will involve some bridging and puncheon work as well as the usual brush clearing and foot path definition. Three bridges are in the works, one near Curtis Road, one on the Abbott Loop, and one near the Chestnut Lean-To. There are some modest projects planned for spring time on the Cayuga trail, doing some drainage work and filling in some boggy areas. And there are two proposed Alley Cat projects planned in or near our region. One is the rebuilding of the Kimmie lean-to just east of Robinson Hollow Road. The other is a significant trail construction project in the Durfee Hill/Eastman Hill area. You might want to consider volunteering for one of these projects. And as I always ask, as you hike on our trails, be it in the CTC region or elsewhere, I urge you to take note of trail maintenance issues that you see as needing attention. Winter hiking, when you can’t really see a foot path in the ground, is a good test of the blazing on the trail. The trail adopters and the management team cannot be out there on the many miles of trail every day like you are so we really depend on hikers’ reports to keep aware of what is happening and what needs attention. This could be as simple as faded or missing blazes or signage, or as complicated as a bridge washed out or a tangle of blow downs. When you happen upon something you view as needing attention please report what you have seen to the FLTC trails report at [email protected] and to the CTC at [email protected]. Pictures are a great help as is GPS data if you can provide it. More information on reporting trail issues can be found on the FLTC web site. Thank you in advance for your assistance. I hope many of you will join me on our trail projects in the coming months, and thank you again to all of you who have helped keep our trail network in good condition. Enjoy the winter hiking season. Hopefully there will be enough snow to get out the snowshoes this winter. You all can be proud of the trail network in our area of responsibility. After all, it’s your work and energy that keeps it clear and hikeable. If you have questions or comments please contact me, [email protected]

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Winter time doesn't mean we skimp on hiking! FLT through Watkins Glen (Photo courtesy of Anna Keeton)

Please welcome our new and returning Cayuga Trails Club members!

By Membership Chair - Sigrid Larsen Connors

Individual Memberships

Brenda Pillar Ithaca Leigh Ann Vaughn Ithaca

Family Memberships

Andrew Morris Ithaca

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The future path of the FLTC. Off of White Church Road, Caroline (Photo courtesy of Gary Mallow)

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Changes to Cayuga Trails Club Dues Structure for 2018 Dear Members, After months of thoughtful study, your Executive Board in December unanimously passed changes to the dues structure for the club. I support the board's decision wholeheartedly. For the vast majority of members, the changes in dues amount to an increase of $8 or $10 a year. The board feels this modest increase in dues is affordable, while helping support your club in its mission to ―...enjoy, protect and preserve wild places and places of natural beauty...‖ We have not had a dues increase in 19 years; since 1998, the costs of lumber, fasteners, and rebar for puncheons and bridges have dramatically increased. The cost of trail tools like brush cutters, sledges, and chainsaws has gone up. Printing and mailing costs have increased. The cost of gas and oil is up. While expenses have increased, our income has declined. This is primarily due to our trails guide, which provided reliable income for many years, but is now out of print. Our income is also affected somewhat by the large number of Life Members, along with a downturn in donations. Although these income sources are wonderful when we have them, they are unpredictable. Other Northeast outdoor organizations, notably the Adirondack Mountain Club, Appalachian Mountain Club, and Finger Lakes Trail Conference, have kept pace with inflation by increasing dues to $40 per member, or more, while our basic membership rate remained unchanged. In addition to a modest increase in dues, the board elected to revise the method we use to pay for our newsletter, Cayuga Trails. Effective immediately, your dues will entitle you to a digital, color version of the newsletter delivered to your email inbox as soon as it is published, at no additional charge. We will continue to offer a paper version of the newsletter, in black-and-white, delivered via First Class Mail, but for this service there is now a $20 charge to cover printing and mailing. The board is well aware that some members have limited financial resources. To accommodate these members, and assure they are not excluded the Board instituted a new Limited Income Membership of $12. I urge you to renew your membership today. If your budget allows it, a donation above and beyond your basic dues will go a long way in support of our mission. Get out there! Gary Mallow President December 2017

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Enjoying the Middle Road road-walk east of Seneca Lake (Photo courtesy of Gary Mallow)

Upcoming Hikes and Other Events By Barb Nussbaum

Sunday, January 21, 2018 • 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event/Trailhead location: The Ramada Inn, 2310 Triphammer Rd.,

Ithaca 607-257-3100.

Contact: Marsha Zgola [email protected] 607-546-7367

Watch your mailbox for the 2018 Annual Meeting and Banquet flyer and membership renewal form. Reservations are required. Reservations and membership renewals can be made by mail or on the website.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Cayuga%20Trails%20Club%20Annual%20Meeting%20&%20Luncheon%20-%202018%20on%20Sunday,%20January%2021,%202018

tel:607-546-7367

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Program

12:00 — 12:45 pm – Social gathering, coffee, tea, cash bar 12:45 — Buffet Lunch – Entrees – Eggplant Parmesan & Southern Fried Chicken (Gluten Free entree available – pls. select choice on registration); Side Dishes – Green Beans Almondine & Rosemary Roasted Potatoes; Salads – Tossed Spinach Salad, Sweet Pea Salad & Cucumber Dill Salad; Dessert – Chocolate Layer Cake; Lunch also includes – Dinner Rolls w/butter, Coffee, Tea, Decaf & Iced Tea 1:30 — Annual Meeting

Annual Committee Reports

Election of 2018 Officers

“Oscar” Awards for Distinguished Service to the CTC

2:15 — Special Presentation by David Barclay

Hidden Landscape Features on the Finger Lakes and Cayuga Trails

David Barclay, Professor and Chair of Geology at SUNY Cortland, will speak to us on some of the Ice Age landforms that hikers see and experience, but perhaps don't recognize on our local trails. Come learn about sluiceways, moraines, gorges, eskers, their history and how they were formed. Join us for what promises to be an enjoyable and memorable presentation. CTC members and guests Buffet is $17 per attendee (CTC subsidizes actual cost of $19)

Important - Registration Deadline for Luncheon is Sunday, January 14th

Special winter hike - Abbott Loop West

Saturday, January 27, 2018 • 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Hike rating: Distance - 6 miles; Terrain - Moderate; Pace - Moderate; Overall rating - Moderate

Carpool meeting place: 11:00 a.m. - EMS Parking Lot at 722 S Meadow St.

Event/Trailhead location: 11:30 a.m. - FLT trailhead on Michigan Hollow Road, about 2.4 miles south of Route 96B in Danby near Diane's Crossing.

Contact: David Priester [email protected] 607-280-5074

Join David Priester for a 6 mile winter hike. Starting on the Finger Lakes Trail on Michigan Hollow Road near Diane's Crossing we’ll hike to the Chestnut lean-to and will continue to Bald Hill Road, walk on Bald Hill Road to pick up the orange blazed Abbott Loop trail, head up to the Thatcher Pinnacles (1,700 ft.) and back around and down to Bald Hill Road and back to Michigan Hollow Road where we started. Thatcher’s Pinnacles provide a scenic overlook over West Danby, the Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve and the forested hills beyond. While this hike is listed as moderate, there are some steep pitches to be negotiated.

Special winter hike - Bob Cameron Loop

Saturday, February 17, 2018 • 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm Hike rating: Distance - 2.6 miles; Terrain - Moderate with some short steep sections; Pace -

Moderate; Overall rating - Moderate

Carpool meeting place: 12:30 p.m. - EMS Parking Lot at 722 S Meadow St.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Special%20winter%20hike%20-%20Abbott%20Loop%20West%20on%20Saturday,%20January%2027,%202018

tel:607-280-5074

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Event/Trailhead location: 1:00 p.m. - Take the access road to the radio tower off of Tower Road, 0.7 miles south of Cayutaville Road. The trail head is about 200 yards south of the radio tower. There is only shoulder parking at the trailhead; best parking is near the radio tower. Contact the hike leader for directions directly to the trail head if you need them.


Join David Priester for a 2.6 mile winter hike on the Bob Cameron Loop in the Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area. This hike starts and ends where the Finger Lakes Trail crosses behind the radio installation at the top of Connecticut Hill. The hike leads through diverse forests and across both ends of a much eroded shallow gorge. There is evidence of logging years ago.

“Thank You” to Our Trail Landowners Please accept the appreciation of the Cayuga Trails Club Board members for your continuing

permission to route local trails through your property. Perhaps your trail's caretaker has said so directly. Please know that we are all grateful for the privilege of enjoying your back woods, streams, and fields. On behalf of all hikers and CTC members, we acknowledge that, without your generosity,

we would simply never have a continuous trail to enjoy in our part of the Finger Lakes.

Mark Your Calendar Sun, Jan 21 Cayuga Trails Club Annual Meeting & Luncheon - 2018 — Marsha Zgola

Don't forget to sign up by January 14! Sat, Jan 27 Special winter hike - Abbott Loop West — David Priester Sat, Feb 17 Special winter hike - Bob Cameron Loop — David Priester Sat, Mar 10 Special Winter Hike - Abbott Loop East — David Priester Fri, Jul 27 Finger Lakes Trail Days - — Gary Mallow Check our website at CayugaTrailsClub.org for events that may not be listed in this issue. Also check the website before the hike for any last minute changes, cancellations, etc.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Special%20winter%20hike%20-%20Bob%20Cameron%20Loop%20on%20Saturday,%20February%2017,%202018

tel:607-280-5074

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Thanks to our Partners in Trail Protection

Finger Lakes Trail Conference

Finger Lakes Land Trust

Region 7, Department of Environmental Conservation

Thank you for protecting the Finger Lakes Trail in Tompkins County in 2017!

FLT Cross-County Hike group, starting off in Ulster County (Photo Courtesy of Barbara Nussbaum)

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Cayuga Trails is published six times a year and is edited and published by Curtis Myers. Comments and original contributions are welcome. Deadline for the next edition is Dec. 15, 2017.

Send contributions to [email protected] or PO Box 161 Locke, NY 13092. Visit Cayuga Trails Club website at www.CayugaTrailsClub.org

Enjoy the FLT and our local trails? Join the FLTC! The Finger Lakes Trail Conference is the overarching organization that maintains, extends, and

promotes the trail that stretches across New York. We who are members of the CTC are an affiliate club and act as local stewards over our small section of it’s over 960 miles of trails. But, when we need heavy lifting, help carving out a brand new trail, or even just advice on how to approach an issue, they have our backs. Please consider joining the FLTC and support their and our goal to

continue to have beautiful trails in New York State.

Fees are $40 for individuals and $60 for a family per year. These packages include a subscription to the Finger Lakes Trail News (So you can keep up to date on all the new places to visit!), car stickers,

and voting rights for the FLTC Membership Meetings. Get more info at www.fltconference.org

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.cayugatrailsclub.org/

http://www.fltconference.org/

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Cayuga Trails Club Executive Board

Officers President Gary Mallow, Vice President David Priester, Secretary Robin Carlisle Peck, Treasurer Jim Connors Members-at-Large Paul Warrender, ’16-’17, Vacant, ’17-’18, Past President Roger Hopkins

Committees Trails David Priester, Walk, Look, and Learn Hikes (WLL) Barbara Nussbaum, Adopt-a-Highway* Vacant, Archives Barbara Morley, IT/Website Roger Hopkins, Landowner Relations Max Heitner, Membership Sigrid Connors, Newsletter Editor Curtis Myers, Publicity Vacant, Social Marsha Zgola, Finance Chair Vacant, Guidebook Vacant * Ad-Hoc Board meeting are on the first Tuesday of even months. Members are welcome to attend (email [email protected] for meeting place and time). Next Board meeting: February 6, 2018.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID ITHACA, NY

PERMIT NO. 94

Cayuga Trails Club, Inc. P.O. Box 754 Ithaca, NY 14851-0754


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March-April 2018 Early Spring Edition Volume 58, Nos. 3&4

Abbott Loop Overlook (Photo by David Priester)

Finger Lakes Trail Conference Spring Weekend (Hosted by us, the CTC!) June 8th – 10th

Lions Club Badger, Spencer, NY

The greatest selling point for any hiking weekend sponsored by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference is the camaraderie you'll experience on the trail. The people you hike with love doing what you love doing, they generally share similar values, they have a deep appreciation for the outdoors. There really is no way to describe that experience unless you've been out there with friends, and that's exactly what the FLTC and Cayuga Trails Club are offering this spring as the club hosts the Spring 2018 Conference. Join us and you'll have plenty of opportunity to do miles on the trail, share a cabin, eat together and listen to speakers along with other hikers who, like you, value the outdoor experience and savor a good workout that challenges the legs and the lungs, or simply a moderate, quiet walk in the woods. If you love hiking, adventure, good food, and interesting speakers, then the Spring Conference is for you. The dates: June 8th through the 10th. The place: Tompkins County, headquarters at Lions Camp Badger, a short drive from Ithaca, NY. Weekend Chair is Robin Carlisle Peck.

(Continued on page 5)

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Under 40? Love to Hike? Want to Contribute? Let's Talk... By Gary Mallow

Go to enough committee meetings, board meetings, sit in enough bull sessions over adult beverages after a hike, and one theme will eventually pop up. It's as predictable as a complaint about Washington politics: Where are the young people? Here we are, a bunch of gray-haired baby boomers (I am being kind here) trying to keep a 1,000 mile long trail maintained and even enhanced. Speaking only for myself, I've got a few miles on my boots, and while I love to get out there, I don't have quite the energy, ambition, and drive I used to have.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not ready for assisted living. I've got a bucket list and I intend to finish it. But I don't think I'm alone. If we keep going to the well asking the same stalwarts to lead hikes, do trail maintenance, and serve in leadership roles, eventually we will “age out.” I'm not sure just exactly what that means, but I don't like the sound of it. The discussion generally ends something like this: “Well, young people don't want to hang out with us old farts. They'd rather be with people their own age. They're too impatient anyway. They're glued to their iPhones and iPods.” usually followed by a metaphorical shrug of the shoulders. I'm tired of singing the same old dirge on the same topic, with the same conclusion. It's clear we need younger people to join us who have energy, who love hiking and hiking trails as much as we do, to step up and contribute. We need them in our leadership groups, involved in making decisions, leading interesting and fun trips to go hiking, climbing, and camping. We need them to give our organizations direction towards a future in which they are likely to be involved long after many of us have hung up our boots and are resting on our rear ends. We need younger people to bring their ideas, their passion, and their fresh perspective to old challenges. We get a few to take a chance now and then to come out to the woods with us, but they drop out pretty quickly. It's an old, whiny complaint. Last year I decided to stop whining and start doing something about it. I asked Max Heitner and Curtis Myers to join our board. I knew Curtis from the Tuesday hikes. I had seen Max's resume, which is impressive, and got to know him a little in an hour-long meeting. I jumped on the opportunity to recruit both young men to join us, and, generous and intellectually curious guys that they are, they took a leap of faith that I wasn't leading them down the garden path. They are contributing. Max is doing a great job as our Landowner Relations Chair; he reaches out to landowners on his own initiative without a lot of direction, and has just opened the new Cayuga Trails Club Instagram account. Curtis edits this newsletter and has filled that responsibility well, innovating with larger photos. If we are smart enough to provide these guys challenges that stimulate them, I expect them to take on larger roles in our club, working on a wider variety of interesting projects and filling Officer's positions in time. It's a good start, but only a start. I am asking both Max and Curtis to reach out to friends and colleagues who hike, and are in the under 40 cohort, to broaden our appeal to a younger group of hikers. This is a nudge to you, dear member, to do the same. Many of you have adult children, and even grandchildren, who love the woods as much as you do. If you don't have adult children who fit the bill, you likely have friends or colleagues who do. I can't think of a greater gift than to ask them to join you for a hike. When's the last time you invited them to come out on a club hike, work on a trail project, volunteer to maintain a section of trail? Organize a camping weekend in the Adirondacks? Work on the website? Got a connection with a local Boy Scout, Girl Scout, or church group? How about a Cornell sorority or fraternity looking for a community service project? You can see where this is going. We, as a group, have not given anywhere near enough thought, or taken near enough action to invite young people into our exclusive little clique who might like to join us. I am convinced that many of them would jump at the chance to get out of the classroom or the office to get outdoors. For many people, all that's needed is that invitation from you or me. In the words of GoFingerLakes.com, the outdoor oriented website curated by the Finger Lakes Land Trust, just give them a “nudge.” So get out there! And while you're at it, invite a younger hiker to join you and the Cayuga Trails Club.


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We are now in the “Dead of Winter” though some days it seems like an early spring just before diving into a deep freeze again. Not everyone likes to get out in the cold and snow, but lots of us do to the amazement of some. Winter storms also can bring down trees and brush on our trail network, so please remember to report what you find per the instructions at the end of this article. The trail crews have been out clearing some trails of blow downs in the snow here and there. I have been going through the list of trail adopters and checking with all of you to be sure you are still wanting to continue in your very essential role. If you are an adopter and have not had a

chance to respond to my query, please contact me as soon as possible. Occasionally someone is unable to continue or drops out of the program leaving a section open for adoption. Now and then folks speak to me about becoming a trail adopter and truthfully, if it’s out on a hike or where I can’t write it down, I may not remember. So if you are not currently a trail adopter and are interested in considering this, please send me an email so I can contact you and keep you on my list for upcoming openings. Since the first of the year four new trail adopters have come in to the program; Cindy Massicci, Max Heitner, Mark Humphrey, and Bud Norvell. Thank you for volunteering. I will be in need of a couple more volunteers before long so if you have had thoughts about taking on a section of trail please get in touch with me and if you had already spoken to me, a gentle reminder is appreciated. On the horizon, there are a number of projects coming up in the spring. The FLT will be rerouted through the recently acquired property straddling White Church Road in Caroline, which will involve some bridging and puncheon work as well as the usual brush clearing and foot path definition. Three bridges are in the works; one near Curtis Road, one on the Abbott Loop, and one near the Chestnut Lean-To. There are some modest projects planned for spring time on the Cayuga Trail, doing some drainage work and filling in some boggy areas. And there are two proposed Alley Cat projects planned in or near our region. One is the rebuilding of the Kimmie lean-to just east of Robinson Hollow Road. The other is a significant trail construction project in the Durfee Hill/Eastman Hill area. You might want to consider volunteering for one of these projects. We now have project managers and construction managers recruited for these projects so you will hear more about these before long. The American Hiking Society has announced the date for their National Trails Day event. This spring it will be on Saturday, June 2. There is a notice on the CTC schedule to save the date. Further information will be coming as soon as the Trails Committee chooses the project for the day. National Trails Day last spring was an amazing success, opening up two miles of trail. As always, when you hike on our trails, be it in the CTC region or elsewhere, I urge you to take note of trail maintenance issues that you see as needing attention. Winter hiking, when you can’t really see a foot path on the ground, is a good test of the blazing on the trail. The trail adopters and the management team cannot be out there on the many miles of trail every day like you are so we really depend on hikers’ reports to keep aware of what is happening and what needs attention. This could be as simple as faded or missing blazes or signage, or as complicated as a bridge washed out or a tangle of blow downs. When you happen upon something you view as needing attention please report what you have seen to the FLTC trails report at [email protected] and to the CTC at [email protected]. Pictures are a great help as is GPS data if you can provide it. More information on reporting trail issues can be found on the FLTC web site. Thank you in advance for your assistance. I hope many of you will join me on our trail projects in the coming months, and thank you again to all of you who have helped keep our trail network in good condition. And especially thank you to the new trail adopters. Enjoy the winter hiking season. Hopefully there will be enough snow to get out the snowshoes this winter. You all can be proud of the trail network in our area of responsibility. After all, it’s your work and energy that keeps it clear and hikeable. If you have questions or comments please contact me, [email protected]

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The new CTC bench on the Black Diamond Trail, waiting to be rested upon! (Photo by Curtis Myers)

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By Membership Chair Sigrid Larsen Connors

Individual Membership

Paige Anderson Mounica Jyothi Divvela

Gloria Loehle Louise Patterson

Jim Rolfe Annie Wall

Family Membership

Stephen & Rosanne Lahr Dean Meloney

Brenda & William Ryan

Lifetime Individual Membership Gary Mallow #58

Elizabeth Regan #56

Lifetime Family Membership Greg Albrecht #55

David Priester & Linda Collins #57

Winter never seems to slow down hiking or hikers! (Photo by David Priester)

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FLTC Spring Weekend (Continued)

You will have no fewer than 22 interesting and challenging hikes and two bike tours to choose from. You can join the 12.5 mile march with Marsha Zgola and Dick Frio through New York's one and only National Forest, or do a nature hike around the Von Engeln Preserve with Bob Beck, guaranteed to be a fascinating tour and less than three miles of hiking, with plenty in between the two. Most hikers who make their way to this part of the Finger Lakes region go home with a memory of hiking the Abbott Loop, one of the most popular hikes in Cayuga Trails Club territory. The Loop features lovely woods and creek crossings, a variety of wildflowers, and The Pinnacles, which provide a panoramic view of the West Danby valley. The entire loop covers 8.8 miles and it's worth the effort. But if that's a little long for you, try the moderate or shorter hikes. Whatever hikes you choose, you'll encounter hills and valleys typical of the Finger Lakes Trail; some of the hills are steep and challenging. For the most basic and least expensive overnight housing, reserve a room at Lions Camp Badger, where most hikers will stay. The Lions Camp features rustic cabins with older, small, spare rooms in a dorm-like setting. This is not the Trump International Hotel, but for most hikers, it beats a tent, provides basic accommodation, is comfortable and conveniently located just a short walk to the dining hall. RV sites are available right at the camp, or you can choose any number of local hotels and motels. Tent sites at Lions Camp Badger are also available. Our Friday speaker is Philip Terie, Professor Emeritus, Bowling Green State University. Phil will speak to us on the tensions between the constitutionally guaranteed protection of the Adirondack Park as “forever wild,” and the perennial development pressures to create a more prosperous North Country economy. A second speaker is planned, but was not confirmed at press time. Great food will be waiting for you at Lions Camp Badger when you come back hot, sweaty and hungry from your hike. A couple of well-known caterers will be ready to serve you something great for breakfast and dinner. Bag lunches for your backpack are available to order in advance. Also, a brewery and winery are invited to provide on-site tastings at Lions Club Badger, with their wares available for purchase. Finally, the program for the weekend includes the Annual Meeting of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. You will have the opportunity to participate in this exercise in grass roots democracy, hearing reports, and electing the leadership of your trail conference for the coming year. Most of all, the Spring Conference offers an opportunity to hike and catch up with friends, both old friends and new faces that you'll meet on the trail. Join us for a weekend of great hiking, good food, interesting speakers and camaraderie!

Your CTC Board for 2018 (Missing Roger Hopkins,Robin Carlisle Peck, and Marsha Zgola) (Photo by Roger Hopkins)

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Tuesday Evening Hike: Waterfront Trail East

Tuesday, March 6, 2018 • 4:00 pm

Hike rating: Distance - 4 miles; Terrain - Easy; Pace - Moderate; Overall rating - Easy

Event/Trailhead location: Chemung Canal Trust Company parking log, corner of Taughannock Blvd. and Buffalo Street, Ithaca.

Contact: Gary Mallow [email protected] 607-339-5131

Tonight's destination is the eastern half of the Waterfront Trail. This is a long loop route. We will hike up the trail from the Cayuga Inlet, past the Farmer's Market, over Cascadilla Creek and along the perimeter of the golf course, then over Fall Creek and through Stewart Park to the south end of Cayuga Lake.

Special Winter Hike - Abbott Loop East

Saturday, March 10, 2018 • 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Hike rating: Distance - 4 miles; Terrain - Moderate; Pace - Moderate; Overall rating - Moderate

Carpool meeting place: 11:00 a.m. - EMS Parking Lot at 722 S Meadow St. Please park in front of the store but at the end of the lot furthest away from the store.

Event/Trailhead location: 11:30 a.m. - FLT trailhead on Michigan Hollow Road, about 2.4 miles south of Route 96B in Danby near Diane's Crossing.


Join David Priester for a 4 mile winter hike. Starting on the Finger Lakes Trail on Michigan Hollow Road near Diane's Crossing we’ll hike the Finger Lakes Trail for nearly two miles through some picturesque woods and steep hillsides to the junction near Curtis road, and then continue on the Abbott Loop to its southern crossing of Michigan Hollow Road.

Tuesday Evening Hike: Three Preserves

Tuesday, March 13, 2018 • 4:00 pm


Event/Trailhead location: Bock-Harvey Forest Preserve, 150 Rockwell Road trailhead, Enfield, NY.


Our destination this week takes us to three preserves, two of which are protected by the Finger Lakes Land Trust: the Bock-Harvey Forest Preserve, Rieman Woods, and Stevenson Forest Preserve. We will do a loop hike around Bock-Harvey and Rieman Woods, then drive the short distance to Stevenson.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Tuesday%20Evening%20Hike:%20Waterfront%20Trail%20East%20on%20Tuesday,%20March%206,%202018

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mailto:[email protected]?subject=Special%20Winter%20Hike%20-%20Abbott%20Loop%20East%20on%20Saturday,%20March%2010,%202018

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mailto:[email protected]?subject=Tuesday%20Evening%20Hike:%20Three%20Preserves%20on%20Tuesday,%20March%2013,%202018

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Thursday Morning Hike on the Black Diamond Trail @ Cass Park

Thursday, March 15, 2018 • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Hike rating: Distance - 6-7 miles; Terrain - Easy; Pace - Moderate; Overall rating - Easy

Event/Trailhead location: Cass Park Children's Garden parking lot, Route 89 (Taughannock Blvd.), Ithaca.

Contact: Sigrid Connors [email protected] 607-227-3786

Our 1st Thursday morning hike of 2018 is on the southern section of the Black Diamond Trail which runs from Cass Park to Taughannock Falls State Park. It was originally a railroad bed, built primarily to bring the all-important commodity-coal-from Pennsylvania to the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes. It has been repurposed into a gentle trail which may be showing the first hints of spring but be prepared for winter weather.

Special Hike - Schuyler County Hike #1

Saturday, April 14, 2018 • 8:30 am Sign up before Friday April 13 Required!

Hike rating: Distance - 11.3 miles; Terrain - Difficult; Pace - Moderate; Overall rating - Strenuous

Event/Trailhead location: Cayuta Gulf FLT trailhead on Gulf Road, just off of Schuyler County Road #6 near the Cayuta Lake outlet, south of Cayuta Lake. There is a small parking lot about 200 yards down Gulf Road.

Contact: Barbara Nussbaum [email protected] 607-257-6906

Come try out the Finger Lakes Trail by hiking a 11.3 mile section in Schuyler County with Barbara Nussbaum. This rugged hike encompassing several hills and significant climbs is on the Finger Lakes Trail Conference’s Map 15.

Walk, Look and Learn Hike # 595: Map and Compass Basics on the Cayuga Trail

Sunday, April 15, 2018 • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Hike rating: Distance - 3 miles; Overall rating - Moderate

Event/Trailhead location: The Flat Rocks parking area is on Forest Home Drive in Ithaca, opposite the Cornell Arboretum buildings near the Stevenson Suspension Bridge.

Contact: Anna Keeton [email protected] 607-351-3466

Learn the basics of how to use a compass and map, including how to measure distance by counting your steps, read basic features on a map, use declination, and take a compass bearing.

Thursday Morning Hike: Roy H. Park Preserve

Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 9:00 am

Hike rating: Distance - 4.5 miles; Terrain - Moderate; Pace - Relaxed; Overall rating - Moderate

Event/Trailhead location: Roy H. Park Preserve of the Finger Lakes Land Trust, on Irish Settlement Road in Dryden, about 0.5 miles south of Hammond Hill Road. There are two FLLT

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Thursday%20Morning%20Hike%20on%20the%20Black%20Diamond%20Trail%20@%20Cass%20Park%20on%20Thursday,%20March%2015,%202018

tel:607-227-3786

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Special%20Hike%20-%20Schuyler%20County%20Hike%20%231%20on%20Saturday,%20April%2014,%202018

tel:607-257-6906

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Walk,%20Look%20and%20Learn%20Hike%20%23%20595:%20Map%20and%20Compass%20Basics%20on%20the%20Cayuga%20Trail%20on%20Sunday,%20April%2015,%202018

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parking lots about 1 mile apart. This is the one nearest the intersection of Hammond Hill Road and Irish Settlement Road.


Our destination this week takes us to the Roy H. Park Preserve in Dryden, and its two sections of trail. Note that the two sections are not connected, so there will be about 0.9 mile of car shuttle on this hike, but it's worth the small inconvenience.

*FLTC: Cross-County Hike Series in Delaware County, Hike #1

Saturday, April 21, 2018 • 8:00 am Registration will start soon and must be received by April 7

Contact: Donna Coon [email protected] 607-445-4003

Each year, the FLTC cooperates with affiliate organizations to sponsor a Cross-County Hike Series. The series includes several organized hikes, about one per month, that are intended to promote hiking on the Finger Lakes Trail. Many members use these hikes in their quest for End-to-End awards. When you register for a series and participate in all of the hikes, you will have crossed a major section of the Finger Lakes Trail. There is a modest registration fee that covers the cost of transportation between the ends of each hike.

Earth Day Hike on the Cayuga Trail

Sunday, April 22, 2018 • 1:00 pm

Hike rating: Distance - 4.4 miles; Terrain - Moderate to difficult; Pace - Moderate; Overall rating - Moderate

Event/Trailhead location: Cornell Community Gardens, our meeting place, are located east of Freese Road about halfway between NY Route 366 and Hanshaw Road. To get there turn onto one end of Freese Road from NY Route 366 or onto the other end from Hanshaw Road. Watch for an obscure driveway entering the parking area.

Contact: Jim Connors [email protected] 607-898-4163

Earth Day (April 22) marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement. It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in in 1970 and is celebrated in many countries every year. The Cayuga Trails Club will sponsor the 29th annual Earth Day Hike on the Cayuga Trail on Sunday, April 22.

*FLTC: 2018 Wally Wood Spring Hike

Saturday, April 28, 2018 • 9:30 am

Wally Wood was the founding president of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. He was a long distance hiker living in Rochester when he organized existing hiking clubs in 1962 at Keuka College forming the Finger Lakes Trail organization. The Annual Wally Wood Hike honors his memory. LOCATION Stevenson Forest Preserve (starting at Trumble Road, hiking to parking area outside of Robert Treman State Park). FLT map 16 rev. 10/1/16 & map 17 rev. 7/29/17 (latter map for meeting location).

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Thursday%20Morning%20Hike:%20Roy%20H.%20Park%20Preserve%20on%20Thursday,%20April%2019,%202018

tel:607-227-3786

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Cross-County%20Hike%20Series%20in%20Delaware%20County,%20Hike%20%231%20on%20Saturday,%20April%2021,%202018

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mailto:[email protected]?subject=Earth%20Day%20Hike%20on%20the%20Cayuga%20Trail%20on%20Sunday,%20April%2022,%202018

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HIKE LEADERS

Theresa and Jay Evans – [email protected]; home# 315-414-0431; Theresa’s cell# 315-480-0022; Jay’s cell# 315-708-3246.

HIKE DESCRIPTION

We will be hiking from Stevenson Forest Preserve to and thru Robert H. Treman State Park. Distance 8.8 miles (there will be no shorter hike offered).


Sunday, April 29, 2018 • 8:30 am Sign up before Friday April 27 Required!


Event/Trailhead location: South parking lot on Burnt Hill Road, 0.8 miles north of Bennettsburg and 0.4 miles south of Wyckoff Road, Schuyler County.


Come try out the Finger Lakes Trail by hiking a 10.7 mile section in Schuyler County with Barbara Nussbaum.

Walk, Look and Learn Hike # 596: Esker Brook Trail Hike

Saturday, May 5, 2018 • 9:00 am

Hike rating: Distance - 3.5- miles; Terrain - Easy; Pace - Relaxed; Overall rating - Easy

Carpool meeting place: 9:00 a.m. - Children's Garden Parking lot at Cass Park on NYS 89 in Ithaca

Event/Trailhead location: 10:00 a.m. - South Spring Pool Trail, 1.5 miles north of the intersection of Rt. 89 and US Routes 5&20, Seneca Falls.

Contacts: Judith Austic [email protected] 315 406 7090

Gundy Lee [email protected] 607-279-3719

Today's hike will begin at the South Spring Pool Trail Head. We will walk past the shallow South Spring Pool, where we might observe a variety of ducks, shorebirds, herons, frogs and turtles. Migrating songbirds as well as woodpeckers and hawks may be heard or spotted as we connect with the three trails that make up the Esker Brook Trail system, winding through woods and along ponds and brooks.


Saturday, May 12, 2018 • 8:00 am Sign up before Friday May 11 Required!


Event/Trailhead location: Watkins Glen, Walmart parking Lot, north side towards Hwy 414.



mailto:[email protected]?subject=Special%20Hike%20-%20Schuyler%20County%20Hike%20%232%20on%20Sunday,%20April%2029,%202018

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mailto:[email protected]%20?subject=Walk,%20Look%20and%20Learn%20Hike%20%23%20596:%20Esker%20Brook%20Trail%20Hike%20on%20Saturday,%20May%205,%202018

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*FLTC: Cross-County Hike Series in Delaware County, Hike #2

Saturday, May 19, 2018 • 8:00 am Registration will start soon and must be received by April 7

Contact: Donna Coon [email protected] 607-445-4003

The now annual New Year’s hike on the FLT alongside Watkins Glen. (Photo by Gary Mallow)

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Cross-County%20Hike%20Series%20in%20Delaware%20County,%20Hike%20%232%20on%20Saturday,%20May%2019,%202018

tel:607-445-4003

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Mark Your Calendar Tue, Mar 6 Tuesday Evening Hike: Waterfront Trail East — Gary Mallow Sat, Mar 10 Special Winter Hike - Abbott Loop East — David Priester Tue, Mar 13 Tuesday Evening Hike: Three Preserves — Gary Mallow Thu, Mar 15 Thursday Morning Hike on the Black Diamond Trail @ Cass Park — Sigrid Connors Sat, Apr 14 Special Hike - Schuyler County Hike #1 — Barbara Nussbaum

Sign up before Friday April 13 Required! Sun, Apr 15 Walk, Look and Learn Hike # 595: Map and Compass Basics on the Cayuga Trail — Anna

Keeton Thu, Apr 19 Thursday Morning Hike: Roy H. Park Preserve — Sigrid Connors Sat, Apr 21 *FLTC: Cross-County Hike Series in Delaware County, Hike #1 — Donna Coon

Registration will start soon and must be received by April 7 Sun, Apr 22 Earth Day Hike on the Cayuga Trail — Jim Connors Sat, Apr 28 *FLTC: 2018 Wally Wood Spring Hike Sun, Apr 29 Special Hike - Schuyler County Hike #2 — Barbara Nussbaum

Sign up before Friday April 27 Required! Check our website at CayugaTrailsClub.org for events that may not be listed in this issue. Also check the website before the hike for any last minute changes, cancellations, etc.

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Cayuga Trails is published six times a year and is edited and published by Curtis Myers. Comments and original contributions are welcome. Deadline for the next edition is Dec. 15, 2017.

Send contributions to [email protected] or PO Box 161 Locke, NY 13092.

Visit Cayuga Trails Club website at www.CayugaTrailsClub.org

Enjoy the FLT and our local trails? Join the FLTC! The Finger Lakes Trail Conference is the overarching organization that maintains, extends, and

promotes the trail that stretches across New York. We who are members of the CTC are an affiliate club and act as local stewards over our small section of its over 960 miles of trails. But, when we need heavy lifting, help carving out a brand new trail, or even just advice on how to approach an issue, they have our backs. Please consider joining the FLTC and support their and our goal to

continue to have beautiful trails in New York State.

Fees are $40 for individuals and $60 for a family per year. These packages include a subscription to the Finger Lakes Trail News (so you can keep up to date on all the new places to visit!), car stickers,

and voting rights for the FLTC membership meetings. Get more info at www.fltconference.org.



http://www.fltconference.org/

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Officers President Gary Mallow, Vice President David Priester, Secretary Robin Carlisle Peck, Treasurer Jim Connors Members-at-Large Lucy Gagliardo, ’17-’18, Polley McClure, ’18-’19, Past President Roger Hopkins

Committees Trails David Priester, Walk, Look, and Learn Hikes (WLL) Barbara Nussbaum, Adopt-a-Highway* Lucy Gagliardo, Archives Barbara Morley, IT/Website Roger Hopkins, Landowner Relations Max Heitner, Membership Sigrid Connors, Newsletter Editor Curtis Myers, Publicity Vacant, Social Marsha Zgola, Finance Chair Polley McClure, Guidebook Bodhi Rogers, FLTC Spring Weekend Robin Carlisle Peck * Ad-Hoc Board meeting are on the first Tuesday of even months. Members are welcome to attend (email [email protected] for meeting place and time). Next Board meeting: April 3, 2018

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID ITHACA, NY

PERMIT NO. 94



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May-June 2018 Spring Edition Volume 58, Nos. 5&6

Last years crew of volunteers, after a good, fruitful day’s work!

National Trails Day Project, June 2nd 2018 FLT, White Church Road, Caroline

For the 6th year in a row the Cayuga Trails Club will host a National Trails Day trail stewardship event on Saturday, June 2th, 2018. This year, the project will be on the Finger Lakes Trail on White Church Road in Caroline. This year we will celebrate National Trails Day by constructing a new route for the Finger Lakes Trail on property purchased by the FLTC last fall. This acquisition by the FLTC and eventual sale to the NY DEC will permanently protect a vital section of the Finger Lakes Trail. The new trail route will begin at the railroad grade west of White Church Road and wind through some woods, several fields, across a small stream, and end up at the foot of Braley Hill. On another day a continuing new route will be constructed from the base of the hill to the existing FLT path at the State Forest boundary. Eventually this property will become part of the Shindagin Hollow State Forest. Give back to our beautiful hiking trails and please plan on joining us! The first 20 participants will receive a National Trails Day t-shirt (awarded after participation). Project tools, work gloves, and lunch will be provided by the CTC trails committee! Contact David Priester, Trails Chair, if you plan to take part. One further note, David is looking for a couple individuals who plan to attend to serve as project leaders for different aspects of the job during the day. This project will involve clearing brush from the trail path, mowing the fields, constructing a small bridge and a few lengths of puncheon, and blazing this new route.

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What the Trail Conference Does For Us Guest Editorial by Jean Hardik

Reprinted with permission from Jean Hardik, President of Triple Cities Hiking Club, our sister club to the southeast. Jean's endorsement of the value of membership in the Finger Lakes Trail Conference is something I, and your board, fully support. – Gary Mallow Hello everyone, I just want to touch base with all of you and say a few words about the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC). There are many benefits of becoming a member and/or renewing your membership. Also, as you may be aware, the FLTC puts on several events each year that are worthy of your consideration! The TCHC has worked closely with the FLTC for many years. They are a great group and it’s always a pleasure to share our love for hiking and the outdoors with them. Many of you may have memories of the FLT similar to mine. My first hike with the TCHC was on the FLT maps 25 and 26, with Roy and Laurie Dando. I paid my carpool fee and without any idea of where we were going, I put blind faith in the driver and the hike leaders who took us through several miles of beautiful trails “in the middle of nowhere” without a hitch. I was delighted to know there were trails out there. One of the best kept secrets of the Southern Tier, as far as I was concerned. I grew up in the country with little to do but explore what was around us, which meant a lot of bushwhacks, pricker bushes, swamps, posted land and “dead ends.” There will always be a special place in my heart for bushwhacks, but it was nice to know there were organized trail systems by which one could hike long distances without interruption. (I had no idea at the time the FLT trail system has over 950 miles of trails!) I continued to hike with the TCHC and when I learned of the FLT trail maps, I had to start collecting them (available via the FLTC website-link below) so I could spend whatever days I could scouting out different sections with my dog. Several months passed, with the busyness of life, before it occurred to me I should become a member of the FLTC so I could help support the tremendous behind-the-scenes effort that goes into making such a trail system possible. Later, I participated in a couple of the FLTC Fall weekends, which were a blast. I plan to do more with the FLTC, as time permits. So, in summary, I strongly recommend becoming a member of the FLTC, if you aren’t already, and also recommend you consider attending some of their events! The mission of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference is to build, protect, enhance, and promote a continuous footpath across New York State. Forever! The Finger Lakes Trail system, over 950 miles in length, runs from the Pennsylvania-New York border in Allegany State Park to the Long Path in the Catskill Forest Preserve, with branch trails to Niagara Falls, the Genesee River valley, the Great Eastern Trail south of Corning, the central Finger Lakes, and the Syracuse region. From the PA border to the northeast end of the Onondaga Branch, the Finger Lakes Trail is also the North Country National Scenic Trail. This system is built and maintained almost entirely by volunteers. Covering some of the most scenic land in New York, we welcome you to hike it, and volunteer to keep it beautiful. This site offers maps and tools for both. Thank you so much for your time and attention!

A reminder! Finger Lakes Trail Conference Spring Weekend

(Hosted by us, the CTC!) June 8th – 10th

Lions Club Badger, Spencer, NY

Featuring 22 hikes and 2 bike tours, 2 excellent speakers (Phillip Terrie and Brittany Rogers), food, drink, and lodging available on site, and a host of your fellow hikers to join in the adventure!

Register at: https://www.fltconference.org/trail/whats-happening/hikes/spring-weekend/


https://www.fltconference.org/trail/whats-happening/hikes/spring-weekend/

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Spring is threatening to actually arrive. And maybe by the time this article is published it will have arrived! This time of year marks a change in the focus of the trails chair and all those involved in maintaining our trails network away from planning and recovering from last summer and toward implementing the ambitious plans dreamed up during the cold gloomy days. A good number of folks have been out on the trails this winter, reporting issues which the maintainers have been trying to keep up with, and so hopefully there won’t be too many previously unreported trail issues to hear about. The trail issue and project list is numbering in the low forties at this point.

At present all our trail sections are currently adopted after something like a fifteen percent turnover in the last year. I am always looking for folks interested in becoming a trail adopter as one never knows when for some reason a section becomes available. It’s helpful to have a list to draw upon when a section needs a reassignment. Please email me if you are interested. Along that line, I also keep a list of people interested in being notified of trail work opportunities so let me know if you are interested in being on that list as well. There is a lot of trail construction and upgrade activity planned for the next few months through the spring, summer and into the fall. Included in this array are a couple Alley Cat projects in our vicinity. These projects are in need of volunteers. The rebuild of the Kimmie Lean-to is being project managed by Max Heitner, Lucy Gagliardo, Roger Hopkins, and the construction manager Mike Ogden. The project dates are August 3 – 6. If you would like to volunteer please contact Mike at [email protected]. The other Alley Cat project is a trail reroute in the area of Durfee Hill Road south of Danby. The same trio is project managing and the construction manager is Matt Branneman, [email protected], who is also looking for volunteers for this project. The dates are not set for this project yet. The CTC will be taking on some smaller projects in conjunction with both these projects so keep an eye on the CTC events calendar. The American Hiking Society has announced the date for their National Trails Day event. This spring it will be on Saturday, June 2. The project chosen for this year is the construction of a new route for the Finger Lakes Trail in the area of White Church Road across the land purchased by the FLTC last fall. Check out the posting on the CTC events calendar for more information. I would like those planning to come to let me know in advance, and I am also looking for a couple volunteers to act as project leaders that day. Please contact me if you are interested in participating. In addition to the above mentioned projects there are a few other projects we have planned for the trail construction season. Before long I will begin to plan some work parties and such to work on some of the other jobs we have in mind. As you hike on our trails, be it in the CTC region or elsewhere, I urge you to take note of trail maintenance issues that you see as needing attention. The trail adopters and the management team cannot be out there on the many miles of trail every day like you are so we really depend on hikers’ reports to keep aware of what is happening and what needs attention. When you happen upon something you view as needing attention please report what you have seen to the FLTC trails report at [email protected]. Pictures are a great help if you can do that and as detailed location information as you can provide including GPS data if you have it is very helpful. More information on reporting trail issues can be found on the FLTC web site, http://www.fltconference.org/trail/go-hiking/trail-conditions/how-report-trail-conditions/. These reports are received by the trail management team and forwarded to the people who can take action. Thank you in advance for your assistance. I hope many of you will join me on our trail projects in the coming months, and thank you again to all of you who have helped keep our trail network in good condition. You can all be proud of the trail network in our area of responsibility. After all, it’s your work and energy that keeps it clear and hikeable. If you have questions, comments, or to volunteer please contact me, [email protected]

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A view of our beautiful Cayuga Trail during the Earth Day hike (Photo by Jim Connors)

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Individual Membership Mary Grace Albanese

Connie Allen Peter Gradoni Sarah Nathan Lori Sonken

Kyra Stephanoff Ellen Tremante

Family Membership

Annette Enste Mark Sussman

Supporting Membership

Linda Callahan

Adopt–a–Highway Cleanup 2018 By: Lucy Gagliardo

The Cayuga Trails Club not only cares for trails but keeps a section of highway neat and clean. Four times a year, volunteers meet to pick up the trash and sometimes treasures discarded by passersby for whom proper disposal of garbage was not a priority at that particular moment. Our adopted section is about 2 miles of Route 366, which runs from Judd Falls Road to just before the old railroad overpass in the hamlet of Varna. I will be overseeing the clean up sessions this year. Please join me! Our club provides all the supplies and equipment you need! Nitrile gloves, hard hats, reflective vests, garbage grabbers, stabbers, and highway department bright orange garbage bags. If you prefer, you can bring your own stuff or anything else you may need. We walk in teams of two, and the section can be divided into 3 or 4 sections, depending on how many show up. This is a service that can be appreciated by many others who don’t get out on the trails and it is a good opportunity for community outreach. Our first session was April 25, with other sessions scheduled on Wednesday June 20 at 5:30 pm, August 15 at 5:30 pm, and Sunday October 21 at 1:30 pm. The meeting place for all sessions is the Vet school parking lot at the corner of Caldwell Rd. and 366.

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Event/Trailhead location: 10:00 a.m. - South Spring Pool Trail, 1.5 miles north of the intersection of Rt. 89 and US Routes 5&20, Seneca Falls.



Today's hike will begin at the South Spring Pool Trail Head. We will walk past the shallow South Spring Pool, where we might observe a variety of ducks, shorebirds, herons, frogs and turtles. Migrating songbirds as well as woodpeckers and hawks may be heard or spotted as we connect with the three trails that make up the Esker Brook Trail system, winding through woods and along ponds and brooks.


Saturday, May 12, 2018 • 8:00 am Sign up before Friday May 11 Required!





Tuesday Evening Hike: Buttermilk Falls

Tuesday, May 1, 2018 • 5:00 pm


Event/Trailhead location: Lower Buttermilk Falls parking lot


Tonight's destination is Buttermilk Falls State Park and the beautiful gorge that is home to Buttermilk Creek. This is one of the most beautiful and dramatic hikes in Tompkins County, particularly when spring thaw fills the creek with a torrent of fast moving water that cascades over waterfalls and rushes through narrow cataracts.


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Event/Trailhead location: 10:00 a.m. - South Spring Pool Trail, 1.5 miles north of the intersection of Rt. 89 and US Routes 5&20, Seneca Falls



Today's hike will begin at the South Spring Pool Trail Head

I Love My Park Day in Treman State Park

Saturday, May 5, 2018 • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

PLEASE, CONTACT DAVID, THE TRAIL CHAIR IF YOU PLAN TO COME

Event/Trailhead location: Robert Treman State Park, Rt. 327, Ithaca. Meet at the lower parking lot near the trailhead for the Gorge Trail. Note: The parking fee collection booth is frequently closed after 6:00 p.m.



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tel:607-280-5074

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Trails Chair, David Priester, will be registering the Cayuga Trails Club for I Love My Parks Day on Saturday, May 5, at Treman State Park. David is hoping a few club members will join him in spring cleaning the 3.7 miles of the main FLT route through the park. The event starts around 9:00am. Please, let David know if you plan to come. It is a good time to work with other like-minded folks maintaining our outdoor resources. Food provided!

Tuesday Evening Hike: Lick Brook Preserve and Buttermilk Spur

Tuesday, May 8, 2018 • 5:00 pm

Hike rating: Distance - 5 miles; Terrain - Difficult; Pace - Moderate; Overall rating - Strenuous

Event/Trailhead location: The DOT parking lot off of the northbound lane of NY Route 34/96 in the NY Route 13 and 34/96 interchange, about 4 miles south of Ithaca. If coming from Ithaca, go through the interchange on Route 34/96 toward Spencer and then use the marked U-Turn to go back north. The DOT parking lot is on the right, just before the bridge over Enfield Creek.


This week's adventure in hiking takes us to the Finger Lakes Trail in the beautiful Sweedler Preserve at Lick Brook, Cornell's Babcock Preserve, the Thayer Preserve, and the Buttermilk Spur, a spur trail of the Finger Lakes Trail.



SIGN UP BEFORE FRIDAY MAY 11 REQUIRED!




Come try out the Finger Lakes Trail by hiking a 12.8 mile section in Schuyler County with Barbara Nussbaum.

Tuesday Hike: Bahar Preserve and Carpenters Falls

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 • 5:00 pm


Carpool meeting place: 5:00 p.m. - EMS Parking Lot at 722 S Meadow St.. Please park in front of the store but at the end of the lot furthest away from the store.

Event/Trailhead location: 5:50 p.m. - Bahar Preserve parking area, approximate address 6309 Appletree Point Road, Moravia.


Tonight's destination is Bahar Preserve, owned and managed by the Finger Lakes Land Trust, and Carpenters Falls, both located near the south end of Skaneateles Lake. Note that we have a 50 minute

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Tuesday%20Evening%20Hike:%20Lick%20Brook%20Preserve%20and%20Buttermilk%20Spur%20on%20Tuesday,%20May%208,%202018

tel:607-339-5131


tel:607-257-6906

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Tuesday%20Hike:%20Bahar%20Preserve%20and%20Carpenters%20Falls%20on%20Tuesday,%20May%2015,%202018

tel:607-339-5131

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drive each way for this hike. Part of this hike includes a 400 foot uphill slog, and much of the trail is steep; if you struggle with uphill pitches, you might want to join us another night.

A Great Blue Heron, as you may see at the Rookery near Lindsay Parsons Preserve! (Photo from WIkimedia)

Thursday Morning Hike: Lindsay-Parsons Preserve And Rookery

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 8:30 am Hike rating: Distance - 4 miles; Terrain - Moderate; Pace - Relaxed; Overall rating - Easy

Carpool meeting place: 8:30 a.m. - EMS Parking Lot at 722 S Meadow St.. Please park in front of the store but at the end of the lot furthest away from the store.

Event/Trailhead location: 9:00 a.m. - The Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve of the Finger Lakes Land Trust is south of Ithaca on Route 34/96, 1/2 mile south of the hamlet of West Danby. The parking lot is on the east side of the road at the crest of a rise. Beware of oncoming traffic when turning into the parking lot.



tel:607-227-3786

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The main attraction is the 537 acre Linsday-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve in the Town of Danby, a protected natural area owned and managed by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. After our ~ 4 mile hike at the preserve, we'll get in the cars and ride 3 minutes to an active Great Blue Heron rookery. Courting and egg turning behavior has been observed there, and there could be hatchlings by the time we arrive, although they are hard to see in the massive nests.

Tuesday Evening Hike: Taughannock Falls

Tuesday, May 22, 2018 • 5:00 pm


Event/Trailhead location: The lower parking lot for Taughannock Falls State Park.


This week's destination is Taughannock Falls, the signature natural feature of Ithaca and Tompkins County.

Special Hike in Morgan Hill State Forest, Tinker Falls and Labrador Pond in Onondaga County

Sunday, May 27, 2018 • 9:00 am


Carpool meeting place: 9:00 a.m. - East Hill Plaza near Ellis Hollow Entrance.

Event/Trailhead location: 10:00 a.m. - Park on Herlihy Road near the Onondaga Trail (Fellows Hill Loop - orange blazes), about a mile south of Rt. 80.


Sigi Schwinge [email protected] 315-437-6906

We'll car pool from Ithaca to the northern parking on Herlihy Road off Rt. 80 at the orange blazed crossing of the Fellows Hill Loop Trail. This will be the end of our hike.

National Trails Day Trail Work Project

Saturday, June 2, 2018 • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm


Mark your calendar! The Trails Committee will be organizing a significant trail work project in conjunction with the American Hiking Society National Trails Day event.

Tuesday Evening Hike: Abbott Loop West

Tuesday, June 5, 2018 • 5:00 pm


Event/Trailhead location: Park on the shoulder at the orange-blazed Abbott Loop crossing on Michigan Hollow Road, about 3.5 miles south of Route 96B in Danby. Look for orange blazes, not white blazes.


tel:607-339-5131


tel:315%20406%207090

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Special%20Hike%20in%20Morgan%20Hill%20State%20Forest,%20Tinker%20Falls%20and%20Labrador%20Pond%20in%20Onondaga%20County%20on%20Sunday,%20May%2027,%202018

tel:315-437-6906

mailto:[email protected]?subject=National%20Trails%20Day%20Trail%20Work%20Project%20on%20Saturday,%20June%202,%202018

tel:607-280-5074

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This hike will go if a hike leader can be found to lead it. Our destination this week is the west section of the Abbott Loop.

*FLTC: 2018 Spring Weekend

Friday, June 8 - Sunday, June 10, 2018 • 11:00 am

Event/Trailhead location: Lions Camp Badger, Spencer, NY

Contact: Robin Carlisle-Peck [email protected] 607-227-7413

Spring Weekend is a time when we bring members and guests from across the state together for a 3-day weekend of hikes and programs. It is also the time of the Annual Meeting of the FLTC Membership and Annual Awards Presentation. The 2018 meeting is hosted by the Cayuga Trails Club.

Tuesday Evening Hike: Abbott Loop East


Hike rating: Distance - About 4 miles; Terrain - Moderate; Pace - Moderate; Overall rating - Moderate

Event/Trailhead location: Park on the shoulder at the orange-blazed trail-head on Michigan Hollow Road, about 3.5 miles south of Route 96B in Danby. The trail-head we are starting from is 1.6 miles south of the white-blazed FLT trail-head on Michigan Hollow Road.


Tonight our hike completes the Abbott Loop as we hike the east section. This section includes a part of the white-blazed main Finger Lakes Trail and some nice black locust bridges that span a decaying beaver dam built by Cayuga Trails Club.

Tuesday Evening Hike: Lindsay-Parsons Preserve And Rookery


Hike rating: Distance - 6 miles; Terrain - Easy; Pace - Relaxed; Overall rating - Easy

Event/Trailhead location: The preserve is south of Ithaca on Route 34/96, 1/2 mile south of the hamlet of West Danby. The parking lot is on the east side of the road at the crest of a rise. Beware of oncoming traffic when turning into the parking lot.


Tonight we'll pack in two destinations into one evening.

Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup

Wednesday, June 20, 2018 • 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm


Event/Trailhead location: Cornell University B-Lot parking lot, at the intersection of Route 366 and Caldwell Road. Enter the lot from Caldwell Road and then go to the south-east corner of the


tel:607-227-7413


tel:607-339-5131

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Tuesday%20Evening%20Hike:%20Lindsay-Parsons%20Preserve%20And%20Rookery%20on%20Tuesday,%20June%2019,%202018

tel:607-339-5131

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lot closest to the Route 366 and Caldwell Road intersection. (Parking is free weekends and evenings. Cornell parking permit is not required at these times.)

Contact: Lucy Gagliardo [email protected] 607-539-6313

Join us for about an hour this Wednesday to help clean up our adopted section of Route 366 in the hamlet of Varna. This is a public service project of Cayuga Trails Club. It's one way for us to show our appreciation to the community that provides so much support to hikers and access to the hiking trails we travel in Tompkins County.

Thursday Morning Hike: Shindagin Hollow

Thursday, June 21, 2018 • 8:30 am

Hike rating: Distance - 5 miles; Terrain - Moderate; Pace - Relaxed; Overall rating - Moderate


Event/Trailhead location: 9:00 a.m. - FLT trail-head, Shindagin Hollow State Forest, Braley Hill Road, Brooktondale, NY


This month's hike takes us to Shindagin Hollow State Forest. We will begin our hike at Braley Hill Rd. and hike eastward for about 90 minutes, then turn back and retrace our steps. This will be an out-and-back hike.

Tuesday Evening Hike: Rogers Hill to Texas Hollow


Hike rating: Distance - 4.4 miles; Terrain - Moderate; Pace - Moderate; Overall rating - Moderate

Event/Trailhead location: FLT, Map M15, Access 10, Texas Hollow Rd.


Tonight's destination is the top of Roger's Hill in the rural town of Catherine, Schuyler County, and then to rugged Texas Hollow State Forest.

2018 Member Directory Note: This directory is to help foster communication within our group. We value the privacy of our members; please be

respectful of this information and do not use it for commercial benefit or solicitation. *Asterisked members are Life Members. Thank you!

*Greg Albrecht

Connie Allen

Lucinda M Allen

Lynn Andersen

John & Luanne Andersson

*Bob & Gwen Beck

Diane Beckwith

Jonathan Bernstein


tel:607-539-6313


tel:607-227-3786

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Tuesday%20Evening%20Hike:%20Rogers%20Hill%20to%20Texas%20Hollow%20on%20Tuesday,%20June%2026,%202018

tel:607-339-5131

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*Dave Bock

Rick Bonney

Mark Bouton

Gary Brouse

*Carol & Dave Burnett

Elsie Burns

*Joel Cadbury

Linda Callahan

*Edith Cassel

*Suzanne Cohen and Phil Davis

*Sigrid & Jim Connors

Donna & Bruce Coon

Laura Cotcamp

Edwin Cowen

Harold & Teresa Craighead

Charles Culp

Bruce Cutter

Joe Dabes and Kathy Brennan

Philip Dankert

Betsy Darlington

Bill & Sarah Demo

*Kathie DeWolfe

Kate Dickin

Mounica Jyothi Divvela

*Joseph Donovan

Nigel Dyson-Hudson and Patricia Curran

*Charles & Lori Elrod

Gene Endres Ashley Miller

*Herb Engman

Joyce & Mike Ermer

*Kenny Fellers

*Martha Ferger

Jim Finlay

*Len Cohen & Linda Frank

Roger Fulton

Margaret Fuoco

Deborah Fyler 2

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*Vicky & Paul Gaeta

*Lucy Gagliardo

Matthew Glenn and Liz Martin

Addison Goff

*Gayle Gray

John Greer

Ruth Groff

*Peter Harriott

Max Heitner

Marcia Herrick

Stephen and Susan Hesse

*Roger and Ruth Hopkins

Mark Humphrey

Katharine Hunter and Scott Davis Hunter

Jackie Jablonski and Family

*Joan Jedele & Jack Rueckheim

Gary & Ann Johnson

Marsha & Fredric Kardon 2

*Michael and Holly Kazarinoff

David Keifer

David & Denise Kooperman

Terry Kristensen

*John Guckenheimer and Meredith Kusch

Hilary Lambert

*Steve Landau

Ed Lawler

Gundula Lee

*Linda Loomis

Gwyneth Lymberis

Carol & Ken Macleod

*Elizabeth Mahon

*Nathan and Kai Mallison and Elizabeth Honis

*Carol Mallison

*Gary Mallow

*Rick Manning

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*Lawrence Marks

*Peter and Beth Marks

Cindy Massicci

Polley McClure

*Janet McCue and Family

Jack McGory

Tracy McLellan

Joe McMahon & Gail Steinhart

Dean & Cora Meloney

June Meyer and Lincoln Brown

*Vicki Meyers-Wallen 5

Iris Milich

Harold Mills and Sabrina Johnston

*Todd Miner

Pat Monahan

*Justin and Stephanie Moore

Barbara Morley John Chamerlain

Andrew Morris

Kevin Moss

Curtis Myers

*Gail Neely

Debra Nero

David Newlun

Wendell (Bud) Norvell

*Michael & Barbara Nussbaum

*Peter Lepage and Deborah O'Connor

Louise Patterson

Brenda Piller

*Linda Collins and David Priester and Linda Collins

*Elizabeth Regan

Tom Reimers

Don Reiter

Ronda Roaring

*Catherine Ross

Brenda Ryan

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Cindy Schamel

Steve Scheidweiler 8

Sigi Schwinge

*Jeffrey True & Susan Schattschneider

*Andrew, Bonnie and Ryan Sciarabba

*Myra Shulman

*Chris Proulx and Varya Siegel

Philip Snyder and Pat Paine

Lori Sonken

Fran Spadafora-Manzella

Caroline Spellman

Christina Stark and David Weinstein

Kyra Stephanoff

Wendy Stevenson

*Charlie Strohman & Sheila Stone

*Susan Suarez and Wayne Gottlieb

Todd Thomson

Judith Traxler

Ellen Tremante

Lowell Turner

Jack VanDerzee

Janet VanEtten

Leigh Ann Vaughn

Bonita Voiland

Annie Wall

Paul Warrender & Robin Carlisle Peck

*Don Webster

*Jacqui Wensich

*Nancy Williams

*Donald D. Wilson

Joe Wertyschyn and Jennifer Wilson

Elizabeth Windstein

*Linda Woodard

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Greg and Pam Wooster

Tina and Lisa Wright

John and Brenda Zavaski

Jan and Ken Zeserson

Marsha Zgola




Mark Your Calendar Tue, May 1 Tuesday Evening Hike: Buttermilk Falls — Gary Mallow Sat, May 5 Walk, Look and Learn Hike # 596: Esker Brook Trail Hike — Judith Austic , Gundy Lee Sat, May 5 I love my Parks Day in Treman State Park — David Priester

Please, contact David, the Trail Chair if you plan to come Tue, May 8 Tuesday Evening Hike: Lick Brook Preserve and Buttermilk Spur — Gary Mallow Sat, May 12 Special Hike - Schuyler County Hike #3 — Barbara Nussbaum

Sign up before Friday May 11 Required! Thu, May 17 Thursday Morning Hike: Lindsay-Parsons Preserve And Rookery — Sigrid Connors Tue, May 22 Tuesday Evening Hike: Taughannock Falls — Gary Mallow Sun, May 27 Special Hike in Morgan Hill State Forest, Tinker Falls and Labrador Pond in Onondaga

County — Judith Austic , Sigi Schwinge Tue, May 29 Tuesday Evening Hike: Labrador Hollow and Tinker Falls — Gary Mallow Check our website at CayugaTrailsClub.org for events that may not be listed in this issue. Also check the website before the hike for any last minute changes, cancellations, etc.

Cayuga Trails is published six times a year and is edited and published by Curtis Myers. Comments and original contributions are welcome. Deadline for the next edition is June 15, 2018.




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46 hikers joining this year's Earth Day hike on the Caygua Trail! (Photo by Jim Connors)

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Join the FLTC – By Jean Hardik As a member of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, you'll receive these benefits:

-A subscription to the Finger Lakes Trail News magazine, printed four times per year -A 20% discount on all items you purchase from the FLTC store (except memberships and donations) -Discounted registration fee for those FLTC events where fees are charged. -A portion of your dues may be tax deductible -The satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to a magnificent legacy for the health and recreation benefit of residents and visitors to upstate New York.

Your annual dues cover your membership from April 1 to March 31 of each year. Memberships received between January and March will expire the following year. Soon, we will offer extra benefits on this website that will be available to members only. This will include e-mail notification of FLTC events, and access to the on-line version of the Finger Lakes Trail News magazine. Join now! Join on-line at the FLTC Store or print the membership form and join by mail. Renew Your Membership Your membership support is very important to the FLTC. Your annual dues help to cover the cost of operating the organization and some of the costs of maintaining the trail. Even more important, your membership adds to our membership count which is the single most important message we can carry to the public and private organizations that keep the FLTC and the Finger Lakes Trail viable. Please don't let your membership lapse. Gift Memberships If you are already a member, you know the benefits and satisfaction you get from your FLTC membership. You can share this with a friend and introduce them to the FLTC by giving a gift membership. You can give at any of the membership levels, and we will send the membership package to you or directly to your friend. Volunteer Trail Workers Trail workers can renew their membership at a reduced rate following one year of acceptable performance working on the trail. Trail Stewards/Adopters work for a sponsoring organization such as a hiking club, Scout troop, or other group. Work is done under supervision of the Trails Chairman of the organization. After one year of service, Stewards/Adopters may renew their membership at a 50% discount. Stewards/Adopters must renew their membership each year. Trail Sponsors are individuals or organizations that assume responsibility for a section of the Finger Lakes Trail system and enter into an agreement with the FLTC Vice President for Trail Maintenance. After one year of service, Sponsors can apply for Class I membership with dues of $0. Sponsors are not required to renew their membership as long as the service is continued.

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Committees Trails David Priester, Walk, Look, and Learn Hikes (WLL) Barbara Nussbaum, Adopt-a-Highway* Lucy Gagliardo, Archives Barbara Morley, IT/Website Roger Hopkins, Landowner Relations Max Heitner, Membership Sigrid Connors, Newsletter Editor Curtis Myers, Publicity Vacant, Social Marsha Zgola, Finance Chair Polley McClure, Guidebook Bodhi Rogers, FLTC Spring Weekend Robin Carlisle Peck * Ad-Hoc Board meeting are on the first Tuesday of even months. Members are welcome to attend (email [email protected] for meeting place and time). Next Board meeting: June 5, 2018



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July-August 2018 Summer Edition Volume 58, Nos. 7&8

All of our intrepid volunteers! (By David Priester)

National Trails Day Project Success! On June 2, a day beginning with a foggy mist, the kind that you really don’t want to go out in, fifteen undaunted folks arrived on White Church Road in Caroline to participate in the Cayuga Trails Club 6th annual National Trails Day Event. The project outline was to construct a new route for the Finger Lakes Trail from the railroad grade west of White Church Road to the base of Braley Hill from where another project on another day will build a new route the rest of the way to the top of the hill. This day’s project is the culmination of nearly a year of events. The beginning of the sequence of events was last summer when the trails chair was approached by the former land owner of this property to let him know that they would be logging on the property straddling the FLT and there would need to be a trail closure. And, as an aside, he mentioned that after the harvest they would be selling the property. This could have resulted in a long permanent road walk, if we lost access to this property. One thing led to another and in the fall the Finger Lakes Trail Conference bought the property. A great many people within the CTC and the FLTC made this happen. So as owner of the property we can improve and relocate the FLT route with the guidance of the DEC, who will be the eventual owners of most of the property, adding it to Shindagin Hollow State Forest. These actions protect a vital link in the FLT and bring Danby and Shindagin Hollow State Forests much closer to being contiguous. (Continued on Page 2)

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(Continued from front page)

There were a variety of tasks involved in creating this new path. There was the field path mowing for which an elderly field mower was resurrected. There was brush clearing through some woods and tree lines and a short distance up the hill. A bridge was built across a fast moving stream and an imaginative s-curve puncheon constructed over the muddy spot at the base of the hill. The engineers and carpenters among the group had a long but remarkably productive day. In the end the mowing was done, the brush was cut, the water was bridged, and the new path was blazed and open for business just in time for the FLTC Spring Weekend hikes. Everyone present worked hard and contributed their time and energy to a very significant project. The free lunch and T-shirt are hardly enough to compensate for the effort. Thank you for all your hard work. Following the event, Dave Priester said, “This is my second National Trails Day Event as Trails Chair and a second great success thanks to all who participated. I particularly want to thank Polley McLure and Gary Mallow for supervising various aspects of the day’s tasks.”

Hard at work setting up a puncheon in the mud (By Gary Mallow)


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Summer is actually here… really. And with the really lush spring there is lots of brush on the trails. But things are generally in pretty good shape. After the extensive hiking during the Spring Weekend I didn’t hear about much in terms of trail issues I didn’t already have recorded. As was the case back in April all our trail sections are currently adopted after some turnover in the last year. I am about to hike some sections with new trail adopters to introduce them to what is needed and the ongoing particular challenges of their adopted section. I am always looking for folks interested in becoming a trail adopter as one never knows when for some reason a section becomes available. It’s helpful to have a list to draw upon when a section needs a reassignment.

Please email me if you are interested. Along that line, I also keep a list of people interested in being notified of trail work opportunities so let me know if you are interested in being on that list as well. There is a lot of trail construction and upgrade activity planned for the next few months and some have gotten under way. Included in this array are a couple Alley Cat projects in our vicinity. These projects are still in need of volunteers. The rebuild of the Kimmie Lean-to is being project managed by Max Heitner, Lucy Gagliardo and Roger Hopkins and the construction manager is Mike Ogden. The project dates are August 3 – 6. If you would like to volunteer please contact Mike at [email protected]. The other Alley Cat project is a trail reroute in the area of Durfee Hill Road south of Danby. The same trio is project managing and the construction manager is Matt Branneman, [email protected], who is also looking for volunteers for this project. The dates are not set for this project yet. Shortly the DEC forester Dan Little, and our project management team will be flagging the route for the Durfee Hill reroute and then Matt will know what he has to contend with. The CTC will be taking on some smaller projects in conjunction with both these projects so keep an eye on the CTC events calendar. We have started some preparation for two of our bridge projects. The identified trees for the main beams of the Curtis Road and Abbott Loop projects have been felled and debarked and are in the woods drying out for future use. If you pass that way you might notice them, particularly at the Abbott Loop site. Thank you, Charlie Strohman and Gary Mallow, for your help in getting these projects under way. There is a separate more detailed article about the National Trails Day project. But I want to reiterate my deep appreciation for the fifteen folks who came out in less than pleasant weather and achieved great things. Thank you! Like last year’s NTD project, this was a big deal to the CTC, the FLTC, and the future of the trail. I’m told my action item spreadsheet is becoming legendary. So, to keep you up to date, there are currently 67 entries, some carried over from 2017. Of those 67, 39 items are still open and needing action. To put this a little in perspective though, not all items are equal. One item may be a replacement bridge, and the next line might be replacing a sign or cutting out a small blowdown blocking a trail. It is a very dynamic list so by the time this article is read, the numbers will have changed. As you hike on our trails, be it in the CTC region or elsewhere, I urge you to take note of trail maintenance issues that you see as needing attention. The trail adopters and the management team cannot be out there on the many miles of trail every day like you are, so we really depend on hikers’ reports to keep aware of what is happening and what needs attention. When you happen upon something you view as needing attention please report what you have seen to the FLTC trails report at [email protected]. Pictures and detailed location information as well as GPS data can be very helpful. More information on reporting trail issues can be found on the FLTC web site. These reports are received by the trail management team and forwarded to the people who can take action. Thank you in advance for your assistance. I hope many of you will join me on our trail projects in the coming months, and thank you again to all of you who have helped keep our trail network in good condition. You all can be proud of the trail network in our area of responsibility. After all, it’s your work and energy that keeps it clear and hikeable. If you have questions or comments or to volunteer please contact me, [email protected].

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Individual Membership

Ross Creagan L.J. Freitag

Patricia Golden Kerseinya Rivera

Carole Tota

Family Membership John & Tracey Clancy

Peter Silberman

Supporting Membership Sue Merkel

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Earth Day Hike By Jim Connors

A brilliant blue sky and 54-degree weather greeted 47 hikers on the 29th annual Earth Day hike of the Cayuga Trail on April 22, 2018. The Cayuga Trails Club (CTC) built the Cayuga Trail in 1964 and has maintained it over its 54 years of existence. CTC is pleased to have had permission from Cornell University to keep the trail on their property all these years.

Our 4.4-mile hike started at Cornell Community Gardens and took us along the high banks and water’s edge of Fall Creek. Breath taking vistas, interesting geological features, hardwood forests and pine plantations were enjoyed by all.

Considered to be the birth of modern environmental movement,

Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day in 1970 as an environmental teach-in. The first Earth Day hike on the Cayuga Trail

was led by Tom Reimers on April 22, 1990. Since then Tom continued leading Earth Day hikes on the Cayuga Trail for 28 consecutive years!

Thank you, Tom, for your passion in keeping this tradition going.

Vista of Fall Creek from the high cliffs on The Cayuga Trail.

47 hikers make their way down the Black Locust steps to the valley floor below.

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90 Enjoy FLTC Spring Weekend in Tompkins County By Gary Mallow

Over 90 hikers, award winners, and speakers enjoyed a weekend that offered a little of everything June 8-10 at Lions Camp Badger, Danby, NY, near Ithaca. The occasion was the FLTC Spring Weekend, the only gathering of its kind this year.

The weekend was organized, hosted, and executed by volunteers of Cayuga Trails Club, led by Weekend Chair Robin Carlisle Peck. Weather could not have been better: daytime temps were in the comfortable 70's with a light breeze and low humidity; insect activity was almost nonexistent. Nighttime temps dipped into the 50's.

Hikers got a warm welcome as soon as they arrived Friday afternoon from Robin, Sigrid Connors, and Hike Coordinator Barbara Nussbaum, who offered a well-organized and easy registration process, available at the first pavilion hikers approached when entering the camp. Hikers were oriented to their assigned cabins, and their choice of some 18 hikes. Hike leaders were stationed nearby to arrange car pools to the trail-heads; in many cases higher math was involved since a car shuttle was also involved. As is usually the case, hikers changed their minds on which hike to do at the last minute. Hike leaders were patient and flexible, and the most experienced of them seemed to anticipate this challenge. They handled it smoothly.

Once out on the trail, hikers fell into the comfortable rhythm of a group hike with friends new and old, and the camaraderie that naturally springs up in the woods took hold. A lot of positive reports came in on the beautiful locations selected for the hikes, and the skill and warmth of the hike leaders. Probably first in popularity was Anna Keeton, who led an Abbott Loop hike. She kept her group of 17 together for the entire 8.8 miles, and Bodhi Rogers offered a sag wagon about halfway through the trek. Hikes led by Dick Frio and Larry Blumberg also got positive reviews, but that is singling out only three hike leaders; all of the leaders did a good job.

Friday evening the crowd warmed up with complimentary tastings of a porter brewed by Liquid State, a local brewer, followed by a soup, salad, and bread dinner. After dinner, a crowd of about 60 enjoyed a presentation by Professor Phil Terrie on the contested terrain of the Adirondacks, where the interests of the State of New York, private landowners, and local businesses are at a delicate balance, and often at odds. Phil has published four books on the topic, all of which focus on the history of the Adirondacks, the “forever wild” clause of the state constitution, and the conflicts that have historically arisen in the Adirondack Park. After some 140 years, those conflicts still exist today. Phil's presentation was titled: “Contested Terrain: Conservation, Policy and Conflict in the Adirondack Park.” Phil got high marks from many in the audience; his talk clearly was one of the highlights of the weekend.

Saturday and Sunday mornings began with a hearty breakfast and an hour of yoga offered by Daniel Kaiya Fuson. Daniel is a wonderful instructor, especially for those new to the discipline and a little less flexible than someone who practices on a regular basis. Daniel adjusted the class to fit the needs of the group.

On Saturday, after another long day on the trail, hikers were rewarded with a wonderful chicken and rice pilaf dinner followed by awards presented for outstanding performance on the regional and national level. Awards form the Nation Park Service and the North Country Trail Association were presented to nominees of the FLTC Board of Managers:

Vanguard Award (For actions substantially benefitting the NCNST) - NYS DEC Region 7, John Clancy, Senior Forester accepting

(Continued on Page 6)

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(Continued from Page 5)

Friend of the Trail Award (Leadership, accommodation, and active collaboration for the NCT) – Finger Lakes Land Trust, Andrew Zepp, Executive Director accepting

Leadership Award (For significant local achievement) – David Newman

Tom Gilbert Lifetime Achievement Award (Highest NCTA honor in recognition of 34 years of “true dedication, exceptional service, and outstanding contributions towards the dream of the North Country Trail and the success and growth of the NCTA.”) – Tom Reimers

Current and Past members of the CTC Executive Board joined Roger Hopkins in presenting the NCTA award to Tom Reimers. The handsome carved wooden plaque was passed from hand to hand and delivered to Tom by Paul Warrender and Robin Carlisle Peck. A standing ovation reflected Tom’s inspiration, mentorship, and friendship from everyone present.

Following the NCTA awards, Pat Monahan conferred the FLT’s highest honor, the Wally Wood award, on Dave Newman, the FLT Vice President for Trail Preservation. After receiving his award, along with an ovation for his extensive work in trail protection, Dave gave a brief summary of how the Ed Sidote Fund was used in Tompkins County in 2018 to leverage trail protection. A total of some $500,000 from the fund was used to purchase three vulnerable properties to protect the trail. The Finger Lakes Land Trust was a partner, involved in helping us purchase two of those properties. A good portion of the total investment has already been returned to the fund for investment in future projects. It is hoped that all three properties will eventually be purchased by the State, and will become parts of Danby and Shindagin State Forests, thus offering the highest level of long term protection for the trail. If that occurs as expected, Dave said substantially all of the funds used for this project will be returned to the Sidote Fund, available for use in other trail protection projects.

Following awards, Brittany Rogers, Research Project Assistant at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, took the floor. Brittany is involved in mapping the proliferation of invasive species in New York with iMapInvasives, an online data management tool for citizen scientists and natural resource professionals to protect our natural resources from the threat of invasive species. Brittanys gave an interesting and fast paced presentation on the many threats posed by invasive species to our natural areas and a first step – mapping where they are with our phones or computers – that we as hikers can take to help control them. On Sunday she joined a hike in Danby and provided interpretation as the group identified invasive species along the route.

The FLTC Annual Meeting was convened Saturday by President Pat Monahan. Pat introduced outgoing members of the Board of Managers, and the four latest inductees to the FLTC Board of Managers were introduced and voted into office. They are: Rich Breslin, Scott Brooks, Anna Keeton, and Ann Bayley. Three proposed changes to Articles VII and XII were introduced and passed. President Monahan reported on board activity and the high priority the board gives to obtaining trail easements. Executive Director Quinn Wright gave his report, and questions from the audience were asked and answered.

Six meals – breakfasts, trail lunches and dinners – were provided by Stacey Weeks of Pure Food Mind & Body, Trumansburg, NY. The sound system was donated by Ithaca Guitars.

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Tom Reimers receiving the Tom Gilbert Lifetime Achievement Award (By Bodhi Rogers)


Tuesday Evening Hike: Cayuga Trail East and Arboretum

Tuesday, July 3, 2018 • 5:00 pm


Event/Trailhead location: The Cornell Plantations Visitor parking area is at the intersection of Forest Home Drive and Caldwell Road on the Cornell University campus.


Tonight's destination is a portion of the eastern section of the Cayuga Trail, which was cut by Cayuga Trails Club in 1964, and has been lengthened, rerouted, improved and maintained since then by a collaboration consisting of: the club, Cornell Botannic Gardens staff and a number of campus groups.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Tuesday%20Evening%20Hike:%20Cayuga%20Trail%20East%20and%20Arboretum%20on%20Tuesday,%20July%203,%202018

tel:607-339-5131

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Tuesday Evening Hike: Cayuga Trail East



Carpool meeting place:

Event/Trailhead location: Flat Rock parking area, Forest Home Drive. .


Tonight we will hike the eastern end of the Cayuga Trail. We'll meet at Flat Rock on Forest Home Drive and hike across the Stevens Suspension Bridge, upstream along Fall Creek, across the one lane bridge on Freese Rd. and further on the orange, red and yellow trails. This will will be a lolly pop shaped route of about six miles. There are a few ups and downs but nothing dramatic.

Tuesday Evening Hike: Satterly Hill



Event/Trailhead location: The north Burnt Hill Road trail-head, north of the intersection of Wyckoff Road, Schuyler County .


Tonight our destination is the Finger Lakes National Forest, the only National Forest in New York, and dramatic Satterly Hill. We will start at the north Burnt Hill Rd. trail-head, and hike to Satterly Hill Rd., then turn back and retrace our steps, finishing around dusk. Note this hike requires about a 30 minute drive from Ithaca.

Thursday Morning Hike on the Bob Cameron Loop

Thursday, July 19, 2018 • 8:30 am - 11:00 am

Hike rating: Distance - 3 miles; Terrain - Moderate; Pace - Relaxed; Overall rating - Moderate


Event/Trailhead location: 9:00 a.m. - Connecticut Hill Road near the radio towers. Take the access road to the radio tower off of Tower Road, 0.7 miles south of Cayutaville Road. The trail head is about 200 yards south of the radio tower. Park on the shoulder.


Looking to beat the heat and get out of the sun? Take a hike in the woods under lots of green canopy. Our hike begins on the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) M16 on Tower Road very close to the highest elevation in Tompkins County (2099 feet). The hike starts on the white blazed FLT which is located on an isolated section of the Robert H. Treman State Park land.

Tuesday Evening Hike: Shindagin Hollow



Event/Trailhead location: FLT trail-head, Shindagin Hollow State Forest, Braley Hill Road, Brooktondale, NY

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Tuesday%20Evening%20Hike:%20Cayuga%20Trail%20East%20on%20Tuesday,%20July%2010,%202018

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mailto:[email protected]?subject=Tuesday%20Evening%20Hike:%20Satterly%20Hill%20on%20Tuesday,%20July%2017,%202018

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mailto:[email protected]?subject=Thursday%20Morning%20Hike%20on%20the%20Bob%20Cameron%20Loop%20on%20Thursday,%20July%2019,%202018

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Tonight our destination is Shindagin Hollow State Forest. We start at Braley Hill Rd. and hike eastward for about 90 minutes, then turn back and retrace our steps. This will be an out-and-back hike.

A collection of past and current Executive Board members at the FLTC Spring Weekend (Photo by Bodhi Rogers)

Tuesday Evening Hike: Shindagin West


Hike rating: Distance - 6 miles; Terrain - Difficult with steep pitches; Pace - Moderate; Overall rating - Strenuous

Event/Trailhead location: FLT trail-head, Shindagin Hollow State Forest, Braley Hill Road, Brooktondale, NY


Tonight our destination is a part of the Finger Lakes Trail that demonstrates the rich variety of terrain and the many ecosystems that coexist in our area. We start at Braley Hill Rd. near the western edge of Shindagin Hollow State Forest and one of its many red pine plantations. Then down a glacially steepened slope on an ATV trail through mixed hardwoods and conifers to the floor of the Wilseyville Creek valley.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Tuesday%20Evening%20Hike:%20Shindagin%20Hollow%20on%20Tuesday,%20July%2024,%202018

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mailto:[email protected]?subject=Tuesday%20Evening%20Hike:%20Shindagin%20West%20on%20Tuesday,%20July%2031,%202018

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Carol Mallison leading a group through beautiful Robert Treman State Park during the FLTC Spring Weekend (By Anna Keaton)

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Tuesday Evening Hike: East of Shindagin

Tuesday, August 7, 2018 • 5:00 pm


Event/Trailhead location: FLT trail-head at Old 76 Road, Caroline .Please park safely as far off the pavement as you can without putting your vehicle in danger. Do not stand on the road, as fast moving traffic often passes this trail-head.


This hike will go if a hike leader can be found to lead it. This week's hike takes us east of Shindagin Hollow State Forest to a reopened section of the Finger Lakes Trail in the Town of Caroline. This section was closed and abandoned for six years. It was reopened and cleared by volunteers on National Trails Day in June 2017.

Annual CTC picnic

Wednesday, August 8, 2018 • 6:05 pm

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Event/Trailhead location: Treman State Park upper parking lot off of NY Route 327. Note: The parking fee collection booth is frequently closed after 6:00 p.m.

Contact: Marsha Zgola [email protected] 607-546-7367

The Cayuga Trails Club SUMMER PICNIC will be on Wednesday, August 8th at Upper Treman State Park Pavilion at 6:05 p.m. This is an informal affair without any official club business, but this is your chance to meet long time and new club members, listen to their stories about their hike adventures and accomplishments and plan new activities. Disposable plates, cups, plastic ware, some condiments, and charcoal will be provided. Picnickers are asked to please bring a dish to pass and something to grill for yourself (if desired) as well as your choice of drinks. Guests are very welcome. We will hold this event, rain or shine.

Tuesday Hike: Robinson Hollow


Hike rating: Distance - 3.6 miles; Terrain - Moderate; Pace - Moderate; Overall rating - Moderate

Event/Trailhead location: Harford-Slaterville trail-head of the FLT . Please park as far off the pavement as you can do safely.


Tonight our destination is Robinson Hollow State Forest, about a 25 minute drive east of Ithaca.


Wednesday, August 15, 2018 • 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm


https://www.google.com/maps/dir/722+South+Meadow+Street,+Ithaca,+NY/42.3305,-76.2892222/@42.3816645,-76.4433005,21985m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m8!4m7!1m5!1m1!1s0x89d0810c89788d31:0xd53a821fae0d5ef9!2m2!1d-76.509777!2d42.430908!1m0=A

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Tuesday%20Evening%20Hike:%20East%20of%20Shindagin%20on%20Tuesday,%20August%207,%202018

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mailto:[email protected]?subject=Annual%20CTC%20picnic%20on%20Wednesday,%20August%208,%202018

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Event/Trailhead location: Cornell University B-Lot parking lot, at the intersection of Route 366 and Caldwell Road. Enter the lot from Caldwell Road and then go to the south-east corner of the lot closest to the Route 366 and Caldwell Road intersection. (Parking is free weekends and evenings. Cornell parking permit is not required at these times.)


Join us for about an hour this Wednesday to help clean up our adopted section of Route 366 in the hamlet of Varna. This is a public service project of Cayuga Trails Club. It's one way for us to show our appreciation to the community that provides so much support to hikers and access to the hiking trails we travel in Tompkins County. Bring work gloves. We'll provide trash bags, safety vests, and spear poles. You need have no prior experience; you'll be matched up with a partner and will be assigned a section to clean up. This is a simple way to donate some volunteer effort to the club, particularly if you are not involved in trail maintenance or other committee activities. It usually takes a bit over one hour to clean up a section, and is not arduous. Your time and effort will be appreciated!

Thursday Morning Hike: Layen Rd to Comfort Rd

Thursday, August 16, 2018 • 9:00 am

Hike rating: Distance - 4.1 miles; Terrain - Moderate; Pace - Relaxed; Overall rating - Moderate

Event/Trailhead location: FLT parking area on Layen Road near Townline Road in West Danby


This month's Thursday morning hike will be on the North Country Trail/Finger Lakes Trail, Map 17 from Layen Road to Comfort Road. Our 4.1 mile hike will stay on the high ground east of the West Danby Valley. Depending on the weather we will have panoramic views of the inlet valley looking west. We will cross a couple of small ravines with steep sides but these are short and we are not in a hurry.

Tuesday Evening Hike: Connecticut Hill West


NOTE EARLIER START TIME AT 4:30 PM

Hike rating: Distance - 6 miles; Terrain - Difficult with steep uphill pitches; Pace - Moderate; Overall rating - Strenuous

Event/Trailhead location: 5:00 p.m. - Gulf Rd. trail-head of the Finger Lakes Trail, Town of Alpine, Schuyler County


If you like walking alongside a shady brook, then this hike on a section of the Finger Lakes Trail is for you. Our hike takes us to the western section of Connecticut Hill, a 25,000-acre Wildlife Management Area owned by the people of New York and managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation. This hike requires about a thirty minute drive from Ithaca.


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mailto:[email protected]?subject=Thursday%20Morning%20Hike:%20Layen%20Rd%20to%20Comfort%20Rd%20on%20Thursday,%20August%2016,%202018

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mailto:[email protected]?subject=Tuesday%20Evening%20Hike:%20Connecticut%20Hill%20West%20on%20Tuesday,%20August%2021,%202018

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Just because it is a hiking weekend, doesn't mean we do not take a moment to sit with friends! (Both by Bodhi Rogers)

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Tuesday Evening Hike: From Valley Floor to Lovely Vista


Hike rating: Distance - 5 miles; Terrain - Difficult with steep uphill pitches; Pace - Moderate; Overall rating - Strenuous

Event/Trailhead location: Parking lot/bus stop on north side of Route 79 east of Ithaca, just before the county line at the West Branch of the Owego Creek.


Tonight our destination is rural Caroline as we hike the Finger Lakes Trail south from Route 79. This is a diffiuclt uphill hike; if you struggle on steep uphill pitches, you might want to join us on another Tuesday evening.




Mark Your Calendar Tue, Jul 3 Tuesday Evening Hike: Cayuga Trail East and Arboretum — Gary Mallow Tue, Jul 10 Tuesday Evening Hike: Cayuga Trail East — Gary Mallow Sat, Jul 14 *FLTC: Cross-County Hike Series in Delaware County, Hike #4 — Donna Coon

Registration is closed. Contact Donna to register as a guest Tue, Jul 17 Tuesday Evening Hike: Satterly Hill — Gary Mallow Thu, Jul 19 Thursday Morning Hike on the Bob Cameron Loop — Sigrid Connors Tue, Jul 24 Tuesday Evening Hike: Shindagin Hollow — Gary Mallow Tue, Jul 31 Tuesday Evening Hike: Shindagin West — Gary Mallow Tue, Aug 7 Tuesday Evening Hike: East of Shindagin — Gary Mallow Wed, Aug 8 Annual CTC picnic — Marsha Zgola

Mark your calendar! Tue, Aug 14 Tuesday Hike: Robinson Hollow — Gary Mallow Wed, Aug 15 Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup — Lucy Gagliardo Thu, Aug 16 Thursday Morning Hike: Layen Rd to Comfort Rd — Sigrid Connors Sat, Aug 18 *FLTC: Cross-County Hike Series in Delaware County, Hike #5 — Donna Coon

Registration is closed. Contact Donna to register as a guest Tue, Aug 21 Tuesday Evening Hike: Connecticut Hill West — Gary Mallow

Note earlier start time at 4:30 pm Tue, Aug 28 Tuesday Evening Hike: From Valley Floor to Lovely Vista — Gary Mallow Fri, Aug 31 - Mon, Sep 3

Labor Day weekend Camping Trip 2018 - Catskills — Barbara Nussbaum Trip is Full. Waiting List only

Check our website at CayugaTrailsClub.org for events that may not be listed in this issue. Also check the website before the hike for any last minute changes, cancellations, etc.

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Cayuga Trails is published six times a year and is edited and published by Curtis Myers. Comments and original contributions are welcome. Deadline for the next edition is June 15, 2018.


Join the FLTC– By Jean Hardik As a member of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, you'll receive these benefits: -A subscription to the Finger Lakes Trail News magazine, printed four times per year -A 20% discount on maps and some other items you purchase from the FLTC store -Discounted registration fee for those FLTC events where fees are charged. -A portion of your dues may be tax deductible

-The satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to a magnificent legacy for the health and recreation benefit of residents and visitors to upstate New York.

Your annual dues cover your membership from April 1 to March 31 of each year. Memberships received between January and March will expire the following year. Join now! Join on-line at the FLTC Store or print the membership form and join by mail. Renew Your Membership Your membership support is very important to the FLTC. Your annual dues help to cover the cost of operating the organization and some of the costs of maintaining the trail. Even more important, your membership adds to our membership count which is the single most important message we can carry to the public and private organizations that keep the FLTC and the Finger Lakes Trail viable. Please don't let your membership lapse. Gift Memberships If you are already a member, you know the benefits and satisfaction you get from your FLTC membership. You can share this with a friend and introduce them to the FLTC by giving a gift membership. You can give at any of the membership levels, and we will send the membership package to you or directly to your friend. Volunteer Trail Workers Trail workers can renew membership at a reduced rate following one year of acceptable performance working on the trail. Trail Stewards/Adopters work for a sponsoring organization such as a hiking club, Scout troop, or other group. Work is done under supervision of the Trails Chairman of the organization. After one year of service, Stewards/Adopters may renew their membership at a 50% discount. Stewards/Adopters must renew their membership each year. Trail Sponsors are individuals or organizations that assume responsibility for a section of the Finger Lakes Trail system and enter into an agreement with the FLTC Vice President for Trail Maintenance. After one year of service, Sponsors can apply for Class I membership with dues of $0. Sponsors are not required to renew their membership as long as the service is continued.



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Committees Trails David Priester, Walk, Look, and Learn Hikes (WLL) Barbara Nussbaum, Adopt-a-Highway Lucy Gagliardo, Archives Barbara Morley, IT/Website Roger Hopkins, Landowner Relations Max Heitner, Membership Sigrid Connors, Newsletter Editor Curtis Myers, Publicity Vacant, Social Marsha Zgola, Finance Chair Polley McClure, Guidebook Bodhi Rogers, FLTC Spring Weekend Robin Carlisle Peck * Ad-Hoc Board meeting are on the first Tuesday of even months. Members are welcome to attend (email [email protected] for meeting place and time). Next Board meeting: August 7, 2018



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September-October 2018 Early Fall Edition Volume 58, Nos. 9&10

Some of our extraordinarily hard-working volunteers! (By Jack Vanderzee)

Kimmie Redux By: Gary Mallow

Built in 1992, the Kimmie Lean-to has special meaning for Cayuga Trails Club board member Lucy Gagliardo; the shelter was named after her daughter and built by friends. It likely holds memories and meaning for hundreds of hikers and backpackers who found themselves in wind, rain, snow, ice, or sleet, and were lucky enough to find it and use it for shelter over the years.

The first edition of Kimmie, located in Robinson Hollow State Forest east of Ithaca, served for 26 years. But it was located near a spring and the site never really dried out. An effort to shore it up extended its life, but it needed to be replaced. Kimmie is outside the FLT trail section that CTC is responsible for maintaining, but your board decided to take it on to support the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, and to support hikers heading to our neck of the woods. We also did it in memory of Kimmie. (Continued on Page 4)

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Thank You, Finger Lakes Land Trust By Gary Mallow

The objective was to get off the farm and get a job that made use of my degree and didn't require a 3:00 am start, so off to Ithaca for a job interview. The vehicle was a yellow 1970 Chevy Nomad station wagon. I was headed from the Albany area and I-88 was under construction, so the deal was you'd sail along at 75 for a few miles on brand new pavement, then exit and travel on Route 23 for a while, on and off the new highway. It slowed me down to see the sights. I was 26.

The sights included the Catskill Mountain Preserve. The overall impression was a wall of green. Millions of trees, with an occasional farm or small village to break things up. When I got to Ithaca I found a smaller and slower town than the 2018 version, with no Wal-Mart or Wegmans. An island of humanity, surrounded by natural area in all directions. Green everywhere. I still love the fact that ten minutes from my door I can be in quiet woods on the FLT, in a park, or a nature preserve, many of them owned by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. Within minutes I can be far from traffic, work, from the cares and concerns of family and club affairs. I still feel so fortunate to have found this place.

Executive Director Andy Zepp, his tiny staff, volunteers, and donors have played a key role in preserving and protecting natural area in Tompkins County and the Finger Lakes region for over 25 years. They now count over 20,000 acres of natural area under protection. Most of what is accessible to hikers is available in one of over 30 preserves, most of them open to the public with blazed hiking trails, but there are a few that are too sensitive for human encroachment.

The land trust has secured over 100 easements with private landowners, legally binding agreements that typically set aside some or all of the land to protect the natural elements of the property from development, like building a house or logging. In some cases, an easement assures that farmers will keep their land as a working farm, preserving the landscape for future generations. In exchange, the law gives the property owner a tax abatement. For hikers, that's just the beginning.

In Tompkins County alone, the Finger Lakes Trail crosses three land trust preserves. A few years back, the land trust facilitated transfer of 54 acres of forested land in Enfield in which a rare stand of old growth forest has been preserved. That land is now the Bock Harvey Forest Preserve; its grove of 300-year-old maples will stand for another generation, in large part due the effort of the land trust. A small section of the Finger Lakes Trail crosses the preserve.

Last year the land trust, in collaboration with our club, the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, and the Department of Environmental Conservation, purchased two properties on Eastman Hill in Danby to protect critical parts of the Finger Lakes Trail. That property likely would have been sold to private landowners with no intention of hosting the trail. You will see in this newsletter a press release about one of those parcels (we call it the Vaeth property), which has been sold to DEC and will become part of Danby State Forest. It assures that some 20 miles of FLT will eventually become a continuous primitive hiking trail. Now we have 20 miles of FLT with absolutely no road walks.

The land trust has also initiated a unique website, GoFingerLakes.com, designed to give us all a nudge to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and the landscape, and get a little moderate exercise. The land trust is actively pursuing development of a hiking trail in the rural landscape west of Ithaca. There are many other projects in the works.

In past years when our financial situation allowed it, your Cayuga Trails Club Board made several donations to the Finger Lakes Land Trust to further its important land protection and conservation work. Although the amounts donated were small compared to the need, the donations demonstrated our support of the work. It was a proud moment for me.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust is a friend to hikers and to hiking trails. We owe the staff, volunteers and donors a debt of gratitude for all they have done, in particular to preserve, conserve and protect the FLT. Beyond that, the mission of the FLLT ensures that its work will continue to preserve that immense wall of green that drew me to Tompkins County in the first place. We live and work in near a unique, beautiful, green space, sometimes referred to as The Emerald Necklace. In part, that is because we have dedicated people at the land trust working to preserve, conserve and protect it. For more on its mission, or to donate, go to fllt.org. Good people, worthy of our support.


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I hope between rain, thunder storms, and some oppressive heat you all have been out enjoying the trails in our region and beyond. The deep woods are often a place to find some relief from the heat. It has surprised me that even after some really heavy rains, the creek and stream beds I have hiked near recently have so little running water and are in some cases dry.

As was the case back in June when I last communicated all our trail sections are currently adopted after some turnover in the last year. I have hiked some sections with new trail adopters to introduce them to what is needed and the ongoing particular challenges of their adopted section. I am always looking for folks interested in becoming a trail adopter as one never knows

when a section becomes available. It’s helpful to have a list to draw upon when a section needs a reassignment. Please email me if you are interested.

Although a lot of work has been done in the last two months there is still a lot of trail construction and upgrade activity planned and some of that has gotten underway. Included in this array is the second Alley Cat project in our vicinity this summer. This project is still in need of volunteers. The Alley Cat project is a trail reroute in the area of Durfee Hill Road south of Danby. The construction manager is Matt Branneman, who is still looking for volunteers for this project. Contact me for volunteer information. The project began August 25-26 and should finish September 8-9. The route has been flagged by Dan Little from the DEC and CTC trail management folks, and is all ready to build. The CTC will be taking on a smaller project in conjunction with the Durfee Hill project so keep watch for a work party notice.

We have started some preparation for two of our bridge projects. The identified trees for the main beams of the Curtis Road and Abbott Loop projects have been felled and debarked and are in the woods drying out for future use. If you pass that way you might notice them, particularly at the Abbott Loop site. Thank you to Charlie and Gary for your help in getting these projects under way. Some design work and approvals are needed before further construction can begin on these bridging projects.

There is a separate more detailed article about the Kimmie Lean-to Alley Cat Project. I will just say here that the project was a huge success. Many people contributed in various ways to the construction of the new structure which was occupied by a hiker within hours of completion, and the removal of the old structure. Thank you to the management team and all those who came out to help and who fed and housed the crew. When you get a chance, hike up and check out the new lean-to.

I’m told my action item spreadsheet is becoming legendary. So, to keep you up to date, there are currently 75 entries, some still carried over from 2017. Of those 75, 33 items are still open and needing action. To put this a little in perspective though, not all items are equal. One item may be a replacement bridge, and the next line might be replacing a sign or cutting out a small blowdown blocking a trail. It is a very dynamic list so by the time this article is read the numbers will have changed.

As you hike on our trails, be it in the CTC region or elsewhere, I urge you to take note of trail maintenance issues that you see as needing attention. The trail adopters and the management team cannot be out there on the many miles of trail every day like you are so we depend on hikers’ reports to keep aware of what is happening and what needs attention. When you happen upon something you view as needing attention please report what you have seen to the FLTC trails report. Pictures, location information and GPS data if you have it is very helpful. More information on reporting trail issues can be found on the FLTC web site. These reports are received by the trail management team and forwarded to the people who can take action. Thank you in advance for your assistance. I hope many of you will join me on our trail projects in the coming months, and thank you again to all of you who have helped keep our trail network in good condition. You all can be proud of the trail network in our area of responsibility. After all, it’s your work and energy that keeps it clear and hikeable.

If you have questions, comments, or to volunteer, please contact me at [email protected]

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Please welcome our new and returning Cayuga Trails Club members! By Membership Chair Sigrid Larsen Connors

Individual Memberships Claire Borch

Linda Vierling Leonard Vincent

Latia Ward

Family Membership Jessica Woodhouse

John Norby ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kimmie Redux (Continued from Page 1)

The FLTC put Kimmie on the list of Alley Cat projects for this year. But that was just the beginning of the story. Director of Crews and Construction Mike Schlicht made it clear that, if this project was going to go, local leadership needed to step up to do it. We needed a liaison to work with DEC Foresters to gain permission for the project, to select a new, drier site, and to find access to the site. We needed a Construction Manager to oversee the crew and construction. We needed Project Managers to procure volunteers, buy and arrange delivery of materials and equipment, find a chef to feed the crew, and reserve lodging. We also needed to disassemble the old structure and do something with its component parts. That's the short list of tasks.

For a while, no one was interested in taking Kimmie on. But after several months of no takers, Mike Ogden, Chair of Onondaga ADK, agreed to be Construction Manager. Mike retired from a career in construction, so securing his expertise was key to the whole project. Lucy Gagliardo, Max Heitner, and Roger Hopkins jointly took on the Project Manager tasks. Trails Chair David Priester did the liaison work with DEC, and supervised disassembly of the old structure. Jacqui Wensich and Tina Wilson graciously accepted the role of preparing delicious, hearty meals for the crew. Mike TenKate provided last minute delivery of materials to the site. This was a very strong leadership group. Once they were on board, there was no question this project was going to be a success.

In the end, Kimmie Redux is a variation on a familiar theme. Some 20 generous, talented volunteers from around the state and right here in Tompkins County saw a need, and stepped up. Neighboring landowner Tom Bosley gave permission to use his land to provide easier access, and he even cleared a woods road for us. The folks at Yukon Lodge in Brooktondale provided wonderful, funky accommodations.

Despite challenges in locating a working ATV and appropriate tools, disassembly of the old Kimmie Lean-to took only a few days, and construction of the new Kimmie Lean-to was done in 48 hours. The new lean-to's are no longer built with large heavy logs that are difficult and dangerous to work with. The new Kimmie is just as sturdy, but it is designed as a frame structure built with dimensional lumber. That makes materials easier to work with, and it went up fast. They also added a grated fire ring, a picnic table, and a privy.

Thanks to everyone who helped plan, supervise, and build the new Kimmie Lean-to; feed and house the crew; and disassemble and disperse materials from the old Kimmie Lean-to.

Any hiker or backpacker caught in the weather will find a home in the woods at Kimmie to keep them warm, dry and out of the weather. Even if you're only up there for a campfire and a day hike, it's worth contemplating what good people working for a common goal can do.

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Many hands make light work, be it trail work or building; work done as a community (Photos by Nigel Dyson-Hudson)

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DEC Announces Addition of 144 Acres to Danby State Forest, Tompkins County

Acquisition Permanently Protects Portion of Finger Lakes Trail

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Finger Lakes Land Trust today announced

the completion of a 144-acre addition to Danby State Forest, including approximately one mile of the Finger Lakes Trail

in the town of Danby, Tompkins County.

"This acquisition is the result of a collaborative approach between the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Finger Lakes Land

Trust, and DEC. The acquisition protects the Finger Lakes Trail, and in doing so connects people and wildlife to adjacent

lands across the landscape," said DEC Region 7 Director Matthew Marko.

Acquisition of this parcel permanently protects a segment of the 585-mile Finger Lakes Trail, improving accessibility and

safety by eliminating a road walk portion, and will enhance other trail systems and recreation opportunities on Danby

State Forest. Protection of the property additionally ensures wildlife habitat continuity, identified as a priority in the Rapid

Waters Unit Management Plan and Tompkins County 2007 Countywide Conservation Plan.

Danby State Forest is situated within the Emerald Necklace, a proposed greenbelt linking 50,000 acres of existing

conservation land in an arc around Ithaca, from the Finger Lakes National Forest in the west to the Hammond Hill State

Forest in the east. Together, these lands host 78 miles of the Finger Lakes Trail, two National Audubon Society-

designated Important Bird Areas, numerous Finger Lakes Land Trust Preserves and Conservation Easements, several

State Forests and Parks, and dozens of Tompkins County-designated Unique Natural Areas. The Emerald Necklace is also

recognized as a priority project within New York State's Open Space Plan.

"This is a great addition to the growing network of conserved lands in the Emerald Necklace," said Finger Lakes Land

Trust Executive Director Andy Zepp. "We're grateful for the commitment of the state and Finger Lakes Trail

Conference on this project. We simply couldn't have done it without them."

DEC purchased the parcel from Finger Lakes Land Trust in 2018 for $184,100 through the Environmental Protection

Fund. The Land Trust purchased the parcel from a private land owner in 2017 with a loan from the Finger Lakes Trail

Conference Sidote Stewardship Fund and a grant from the Tompkins County Capital Reserve Fund for Natural, Scenic,

and Recreational Resource Protection.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust focuses on protecting critical habitat for fish and wildlife, conserving lands that are

important for water quality, connecting existing conservation lands, and keeping prime farmland in agriculture. The

organization also provides programs to educate local governments, landowners, and local residents about conservation

and the region's unique natural resources.

Danby State Forest encompasses 7,651 acres in the town of Danby, Tompkins County and the towns of Candor and

Spencer, Tioga County, and protects portions of the Cayuga Lake and Susquehanna River watersheds. The forest offers

diverse topography and habitats, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing,

snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. (Map on page 7)

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New DEC addition to Danby State Forest, and an upcoming reroute for the FLT!


Tuesday Evening Hike: Connecticut Hill from Ridge Rd.

Tuesday, September 4, 2018 • 4:30 pm Hike rating: Length - about 5 miles; Pace - Moderate; Terrain - Moderate

Event/Trailhead location: Ridge Rd. trail-head of the Finger Lakes Trail, in the Connecticut HillWildlife Management Area, Newfield


This week's hike takes us to the Finger Lakes Trail on Connecticut Hill in the Town of Newfield. This is an out-and-back hike beginning at the Ridge Rd. trail-head of the Finger Lakes Trail and heading in an easterly direction. We will hike for about 90 minutes, stop, and retrace our steps. Connecticut Hill has abundant bird life and wildflowers, and we are likely to see, or hear, both.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Tuesday%20Evening%20Hike:%20Connecticut%20Hill%20from%20Ridge%20Rd.%20on%20Tuesday,%20September%204,%202018

tel:607-339-5131

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Red spotted newt, spotted by our hikers! (Photo by Cindy Massicci)

*FLTC: Durfee Hill Trail Reroute - FLT Alley Cat Project

Saturday, September 8 - Sunday, September 9, 2018 • 9:00 am

Contacts:Matt Branneman [email protected]

Roger Hopkins [email protected] 607-257-9778

Durfee Hill Road Trail Reroute and Improvement Project (M17) -- This FLT Alley Cat project is scheduled for two weekends: Aug 25-26 AND Sep 8-9. The purpose is to build about 1 mile of new trail and restore about 1/2 mile of old FLT trail that has been closed for four years due to loss of adjacent landowner permission. This will replace what has long been a steep and unpleasant roadwalk. The result will be well-protected trail offering high quality hiking and connecting nearly 20 miles of continuous off-road travel.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Durfee%20Hill%20Trail%20Reroute%20-%20FLT%20Alley%20Cat%20Project%20on%20Saturday,%20September%208%20-%20Sunday,%20September%209,%202018

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Durfee%20Hill%20Trail%20Reroute%20-%20FLT%20Alley%20Cat%20Project%20on%20Saturday,%20September%208%20-%20Sunday,%20September%209,%202018

tel:607-257-9778

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Tuesday Evening Hike: Danby State Forest West

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 • 4:30 pm


Event/Trailhead location: FLT trail-head on Comfort Rd., Danby. Please park as far onto theshoulder of the road as you can accomplish safely, and please be respectful of the nearbylandowner, who is friendly to hikers.


Tonight's destination is the Finger Lakes Trail as it traverses the western side of Danby State Forest. Along the way, we will visit two major trail projects: the Chestnut Lean-to and the bridge that spans Diane's Crossing. They were built with volunteer labor by Alley Cat Crews from the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, led by Matt Branneman and Trails Chair Paul Warrender in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Tuesday Evening Hike: FLT in Danby State Forest - Middle Section



Event/Trailhead location: FLT trail-head at Curtis Road, Danby State Forest


This week's hike takes us to the Finger Lakes Trail in the middle section of Danby State Forest. This is an "out and back" hike. We will hike from Curtis Road east for about 90 minutes, turn around, and retrace our steps. Because Curtis Road is a seasonal road with no maintenance, it's recommended that you travel in an SUV or pickup to the trail-head. If you don't own this type of vehicle, carpool if possible with someone who does. Or, you may park at the border of the state forest and hike the 1/2 mile down Curtis Road to the trail-head to avoid the roughest section of road.

Thursday Morning Hike: Three Preserves

Thursday, September 20, 2018 • 8:30 am


Carpool meeting place: 8:30 a.m. - EMS Parking Lot at 722 S Meadow St. Please park in frontof the store but at the end of the lot furthest away from the store.

Event/Trailhead location: 9:00 a.m. - Bock-Harvey Forest Preserve, 150 Rockwell Roadtrailhead, Enfield, NY


Our destination this week takes us to three preserves, two of which are protected by the Finger Lakes Land Trust: the Bock-Harvey Forest Preserve, Rieman Woods, and Stevenson Forest Preserve. We will do a loop hike around Bock-Harvey and Rieman Woods, then drive the short distance to Stevenson. The land trust now has over 19,000 acres of natural areas under protection, including over 30 preserves.

Tuesday Evening Hike: FLT in Danby State Forest East



Event/Trailhead location: Note new start point - FLT trail-head on Travor Road, Danby

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This week's destination is the eastern section of Danby State Forest. Note the change in trail-head from which we start and end. Since we ended up near Travor Road last week, our start and end point is there.

Tuesday Evening Hike: Fischer Old Growth Forest

Tuesday, October 2, 2018 • 4:30 pm


Event/Trailhead location: Shoulder parking in small parking area off Route 13 South across theroad from Stella's Restaurant, about 6 miles from downtown Ithaca.


This hike will go if a hike leader can be found for it. Our destination this week is the Richard B. Fischer Old Growth Forest. There are stark contrasts in the landscape at Fischer. We traverse two fallow farm fields, forest that was clear-cut at some point, old growth forest, and then we skirt a wetland. The highlight of Fischer is the old growth forest that appears not to have been disturbed by man for over 100 years, perhaps because of the steep terrain.

October Special Hike - Interloken Trail Hike, Finger Lakes National Forest

Saturday, October 6, 2018 • 8:20 am - 4:00 pm

Hike rating: Distance - 12 miles; Terrain - Moderate; Pace - Moderate; Overall rating - Strenuous

Carpool meeting place: 8:20 a.m. - EMS Parking Lot at 722 S Meadow St. Please park in frontof the store but at the end of the lot furthest away from the store.

Event/Trailhead location: 9:00 a.m. - The Interloken Trail, South end parking lot on Burnt HillRoad, north of Bennettsburg and south of Wyckoff Road, Schuyler County

Contacts:Marsha Zgola [email protected] 607-546-7367

Jennifer Wilson [email protected] 607-753-8641

Club members Marsha Zgola and Jennifer Wilson will lead a special hike along the Interloken Trail of the Finger Lakes National Forest. This approximately 12-mile hike features dense forest, open meadows and rolling farmland, and passes by several ponds, campsites, and a leanto. The trail is an official spur of the 560-mile Finger Lakes Trail and also encompasses a short segment of the multi-state North Country Scenic Trail.

Tuesday Evening Hike: Logan Hill Preserve



Event/Trailhead location: 4:30 p.m. at the trailhead on Logan Hill Rd. (known as Water Streetin the Village of Candor)


Our hike destination this week is the Logan Hill Nature Preserve of the Finger Lakes Land Trust in Candor, about 18 miles south of Ithaca. The preserve was given to the land trust and the hiking trail was cut in 2016.

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Tuesday Evening Hike: Six Mile Creek


Hike rating: Length: About 4 miles; Terrain: rough, narrow trail with steep pitches; Pace:Moderate; Overall: Strenuous

Event/Trailhead location: Mulholland Wildflower Preserve parking lot by the bridge just off GilesStreet, Ithaca


Our hike this week brings us to Six Mile Creek and the Mulholland Wildflower Preserve, a major source of drinking water for Ithaca. There is maintained hiking trail with blazing for part of the way, but as we hike upstream, the maintainence ends and the trail is rough, with overgrown brush and terrain that varies from flat to several steep, narrow pitches. Nice views of Six Mile Creek and the reservoir on this one.

Thursday Morning Hike: Cayuga Trail & Monkey Run Loops

Thursday, October 18, 2018 • 9:00 am


Carpool meeting place:

Event/Trailhead location: The Flat Rocks parking area is on Forest Home Drive in Ithaca,opposite the Cornell Arboretum buildings near the Stevenson Suspension Bridge


On this month's hike we will hike on loops of the Cayuga and Monkey Run Trails. We'll meet at the parking area near Flat Rock on Forest Home Drive and begin the hike near the Stevens Suspension Bridge. There are a few ups and downs but nothing dramatic.


Sunday, October 21, 2018 • 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm


Event/Trailhead location: Cornell University B-Lot parking lot, at the intersection of Route 366and Caldwell Road. Enter the lot from Caldwell Road and then go to the south-east corner of thelot closest to the Route 366 and Caldwell Road intersection. (Parking is free weekends andevenings. Cornell parking permit is not required at these times.)


Join us for about an hour this Sunday to help clean up our adopted section of Route 366 in the hamlet of Varna. This is a public service project of Cayuga Trails Club. It's one way for us to show our appreciation to the community that provides so much support to hikers and access to the hiking trails we travel in Tompkins County. Bring work gloves. We'll provide trash bags, safety vests, and spear poles. You need have no prior experience; you'll be matched up with a partner and will be assigned a section to clean up. This is a simple way to donate some volunteer effort to the club, particularly if you are not involved in trail maintenance or other committee activities. It usually takes a bit over one hour to clean up a section, and is not arduous. Your time and effort will be appreciated!

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Tuesday Hike: Hammond Hill



Event/Trailhead location: FLT trail-head near 1100 Harford Slaterville Rd, Dryden, NY 13053.Please park safely as far off the pavement as you can without putting your vehicle in danger. Donot stand on the road, as fast moving traffic often passes this trail-head.


Tonight our destination is Hammond Hill State Forest, known locally for its abundance of cross-country ski trails, which are heavily traveled when we get snow. But the FLT also traverses the forest, and its mixed hardwoods are worth a look on an evening hike.

Tuesday Evening Hike: Roy H. Park Preserve


Hike rating: Length - About 4.5 miles; Pace - Moderate; Terrain - Moderate

Event/Trailhead location: Roy H. Park Preserve of the Finger Lakes Land Trust, on IrishSettlement Road in Dryden, about 0.5 miles south of Hammond Hill Road. There are two FLLTparking lots about 1 mile apart. This is the one nearest the intersection of Hammond Hill Road andIrish Settlement Road.


Our destination this week takes us to the Roy H. Park Preserve in Dryden, and its two sections of trail. Note that the two sections are not connected, so there will be about 0.9 mile of car shuttle on this hike, but it's worth the small inconvenience.




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Jim Brophy, The New Treman Park Bridge, And New Trail for Us by Gary Mallow

In the trail building business, a lot of things happen behind the scenes that most of us aren't even aware of. That's the case in construction of a new, beautiful, and safe 40 foot bridge that now spans Fishkill Creek in Treman Park that Trails Chair David Priester played a supporting role in helping to build. The bridge opens up a mile-long section of Finger Lakes Trail that had been closed for at least two years.

The newly reopened section of FLT offers hikers an improved experience on primitive backwoods trail, rather than the wide, heavily traveled and trampled Treman Rim Trail that we've been forced to use. You can find the newly reopened section on Map M16, running from just west of Butternut Creek Road and heading east. It is a quiet trail section high above the creek that was missed by hikers.

This story starts with the old wooden bridge that we used for decades to traverse a deep ravine that the Fishkill cuts through on its way to its merge with Enfield Falls Creek. The old bridge once served a public road; the old road has long been abandoned, is now part of the park, and maintenance on the bridge was non-existent. Eventually the bridge footers eroded, and park staff determined it had to be disassembled due to safety concerns. The result was a long reroute that involved the Old CCC Camp Spur, a sidewalk along the upper parking lot, and the Rim Trail, often crowded with visitors on summer weekends.

State Commissioner of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Rose Harvey, Park Manager Jim Brophy, and Regional Trails Coordinator Zac Ballard deserve our thanks and appreciation. They provided the leadership to put this project on the front burner, hired a staff to do it, and made it a priority to complete this summer. This is where those meetings behind the scenes come in. Jim could easily have focused on other longstanding maintenance issues at the park, but he chose to push this project on our behalf, so important for the hiking experience in Treman.

What is euphemistically referred to as, “deferred maintenance” has been an issue that locals have witnessed for at least ten years at all the nearby state parks. Whenever a maintenance issue like the Fishkill Bridge came up, the typical response from park staff was that they had no funds and no staff to address it. The situation was not the fault of our local park staff or a deficit in their leadership. What it came down to was a stripped-down budget – or no budget at all - for critical infrastructure projects like trail improvement, cabin refurbishment, vehicle and foot bridges, and the staffing to do the work. In the past two years that has changed for the better. The state is now providing funding for this kind of work, and people like Harvery, Brophy, and Ballard are being hired to do it. It's refreshing.

Jim Brophy, Zac Ballard, and their staff, energized by a renewed focus at the state level on the importance our parks play in health, recreation and tourism, thanks in no small part to Commissioner Harvey, have done a tremendous job in trail refurbishment alone in the last two years. Anyone who has hiked the Treman Lake loop in Upper Buttermilk can see for themselves what can be done when park managers like Brophy take an active role in supporting hiking and hiking trails. He has encouraged involvement by our club in I Love My Park Day and in this bridge project. That's also refreshing.

Thank you, Rose Harvey, thank you Jim Brophy, and thank you Zac Ballard, for your renewed emphasis on trail maintenance and building. Thank you for involving us, the local club, in the planning process and the work.

We need more men and women like you.

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Mark Your Calendar Tue, Sep 4 Tuesday Evening Hike: Connecticut Hill from Ridge Rd. — Gary Mallow Sat, Sep 8 - Sun, Sep 9

*FLTC: Durfee Hill Trail Reroute - FLT Alley Cat Project — Matt Branneman, RogerHopkins

Tue, Sep 11 Tuesday Evening Hike: Danby State Forest West — Gary MallowSat, Sep 15 *FLTC: Cross-County Hike Series in Delaware County, Hike #6 — Donna Coon

Registration is closed. Contact Donna to register as a guestTue, Sep 18 Tuesday Evening Hike: FLT in Danby State Forest - Middle Section — Gary MallowThu, Sep 20 Thursday Morning Hike: Three Preserves — Sigrid ConnorsTue, Sep 25 Tuesday Evening Hike: FLT in Danby State Forest East — Gary MallowTue, Oct 2 Tuesday Evening Hike: Fischer Old Growth Forest — Gary MallowSat, Oct 6 October Special Hike - Interloken Trail Hike, Finger Lakes National Forest — Marsha Zgola,

Jennifer WilsonTue, Oct 9 Tuesday Evening Hike: Logan Hill Preserve — Gary MallowTue, Oct 16 Tuesday Evening Hike: Six Mile Creek — Gary MallowThu, Oct 18 Thursday Morning Hike: Cayuga Trail & Monkey Run Loops — Sigrid ConnorsSat, Oct 20 Special Hike - Schuyler County Hike #4 — Barbara Nussbaum

Sign up before Friday October 19 Required!Sun, Oct 21 Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup — Lucy GagliardoTue, Oct 23 Tuesday Hike: Hammond Hill — Gary MallowTue, Oct 30 Tuesday Evening Hike: Roy H. Park Preserve — Gary Mallow

Check our website at CayugaTrailsClub.org for events that may not be listed in this issue. Also check the website before the hike for any last minute changes, cancellations, etc.

Cayuga Trails is published six times a year and is edited and published by Curtis Myers. Comments and original contributions are welcome. Deadline for the next edition is October 15, 2018.




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Join the FLTC– By Jean Hardik As a member of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, you'll receive these benefits:

-A subscription to the Finger Lakes Trail News magazine, printed four times peryear

-A 20% discount on maps and some other items you purchase from the FLTCstore

-Discounted registration fee for those FLTC events where fees are charged.-A portion of your dues may be tax deductible

-The satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to a magnificent legacy for the health and recreation benefitof residents and visitors to upstate New York.

Your annual dues cover your membership from April 1 to March 31 of each year. Memberships received between January and March will expire the following year.

Join now! Join on-line at the FLTC Store or print the membership form and join by mail.

Renew Your Membership Your membership support is very important to the FLTC. Your annual dues help to cover the cost of operating the organization and some of the costs of maintaining the trail. Even more important, your membership adds to our membership count which is the single most important message we can carry to the public and private organizations that keep the FLTC and the Finger Lakes Trail viable. Please don't let your membership lapse.

Gift Memberships If you are already a member, you know the benefits and satisfaction you get from your FLTC membership. You can share this with a friend and introduce them to the FLTC by giving a gift membership. You can give at any of the membership levels, and we will send the membership package to you or directly to your friend.

Volunteer Trail Workers Trail workers can renew membership at a reduced rate following one year of acceptable performance working on the trail.

Trail Stewards/Adopters work for a sponsoring organization such as a hiking club, Scout troop, or other group. Work is done under supervision of the Trails Chairman of the organization. After one year of service, Stewards/Adopters may renew their membership at a 50% discount. Stewards/Adopters must renew their membership each year. Trail Sponsors are individuals or organizations that assume responsibility for a section of the Finger Lakes Trail system and enter into an agreement with the FLTC Vice President for Trail Maintenance. After one year of service, Sponsors can apply for Class I membership with dues of $0. Sponsors are not required to renew their membership as long as the service is continued.

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Cayuga Trails Club Executive Board Officers

President Gary Mallow, Vice President David Priester, Secretary Vacant, Treasurer Jim Connors Members-at-Large Lucy Gagliardo, ’17-’18, Polley McClure, ’18-’19, Past President Roger Hopkins

Committees Trails David Priester, Walk, Look, and Learn Hikes (WLL) Barbara Nussbaum, Adopt-a-Highway Lucy Gagliardo, Archives Barbara Morley, IT/Website Roger Hopkins, Landowner Relations Max Heitner, Membership Sigrid Connors, Newsletter Editor Curtis Myers, Publicity Vacant, Social Marsha Zgola, Finance Chair Polley McClure, Guidebook Bodhi Rogers, FLTC Spring Weekend Robin Carlisle Peck * Ad-Hoc

Board meeting are on the first Tuesday of even months. Members are welcome to attend (email [email protected] for meeting place and time). Next Board meeting: October 2, 2018


There was no November-December issue (Volume 58, Nos. 11-12) of the newsletter


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