Posts Tagged ‘Champlain Area Trails Society’

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Champlain Area Harvest Fest, Hamlet Hikes Sept 16-17

CATS hikeThe Adirondack Harvest Festival will be held at the Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport on Friday and Saturday, September 16th and 17th. The event, which celebrates local farms and farmers with food, drink, music, and hikes, is supported by supported by the Hub on the Hill, Adirondack Farmers Coalition, Champlain Area Trails Society, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, The Adirondack Cuisine Trail, and adirondacks, usa.

The fairgrounds will feature a farmers’ market, over forty vendors, farming demonstrations (learn how to make sausage, cheese, and more), Ben Stechschulte’s film “Small Farm Rising,” and “Eat, Meet, & Be Merry,” a get-together hosted by Essex Farm’s Mark Kimball and the Adirondack Farmers Coalition, to sample local foods and exchange stories about our area’s new farming culture.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, April 20, 2016

CATS Announces 2016 Grand Hike To Essex Inn

Champlain area trailsChamplain Area Trails (CATS) is hosting it’s third annual inn-to-inn hike on Saturday, May 14, 2016.  The 11-mile Grand Hike to the Essex Inn will take place on CATS hiking trails and scenic back roads from Wadhams to the Essex Inn, where there will be a block party celebration featuring live music, restorative yoga and chair massage provided by Lake Champlain Yoga & Wellness, kids crafts and a photo booth to commemorate the event.

Check-in is from 12:15 to 1:30 pm across from Dogwood Bakery in Wadhams. Participants are encouraged to park in Essex where, starting at 12:15 pm, free shuttles will take them from the Essex Inn to Wadhams.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, October 14, 2015

CATS, DaCy Meadow Farm Opening New Trail

12087818_10153419335194843_300363278908098642_oIt really is mind boggling to think that not too many years ago hiking routes around the Adirondack Coast were slim to nonexistent. Now six years later Champlain Area Trails (CATS) and a host of volunteers have built over 35 miles of trails and improved dozens of existing paths. This Saturday CATS will open a newly expanded trail and join forces with a Westport family farm to celebrate trails and local food. » Continue Reading.


Thursday, September 10, 2015

History Hike Planned Near Penfield Museum

Morris Glenn Leading tour convertChamplain Area Trails (CATS) will present “On the Trail to the Monitor,” a short hike led by local historian Morris Glenn on Saturday, September 12 from 10 am to 1 pm.

The hike will begin at the Penfield Museum, 703 Creek Rd., in Crown Point. Participants will follow a short and easy half-mile route along the Old Ironville Road and Penfield Pond Trails as Glenn presents information on the history of the area and the USS Monitor. The Monitor was the first ironclad warship commissioned by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. » Continue Reading.


Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Champlain Area Trails Earns National Recognition

Children enjoying the view of Essex farms and forestsJphoto by Jill PiperChamplain Area Trails (CATS) in Westport, NY has achieved land trust accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance.

“Accreditation with the Land Trust Alliance will provide greater confidence to landowners who work with us to permanently conserve their land and allow trails on their properties. It also assures the public and our donors that their support is well-placed,” Katharine Preston, Champlain Area Trails’ board chair said in an announcement to the press. “Our land trust is a stronger organization today having gone through the rigorous accreditation program.” » Continue Reading.


Monday, May 4, 2015

Champlain Area Inn-to-Inn Hike May 9th

IMGP5379Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is hosting its second Grand Hike to highlight walking on trails and scenic backroads from hamlet to hamlet in New York’s Champlain Valley on Saturday, May 9th. “One of our goals is to provide residents and visitors with trails that connect our communities,” CATS Board Chair Katherine Preston said in an announcement to the press.

“This hike promotes that idea, builds for stronger economic vitality, and provides a fun outdoor springtime activity for all.” Last year over 200 people came out for the hike and block party. » Continue Reading.


Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Low Turnout For Open Space Plan Hearing

IMG_0014Only five people showed up to comment on the Open Space Conservation Plan at public hearings held at the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Region 5 headquarters in Ray Brook Thursday.

The Open Space Conservation plan outlines the state’s conservation priorities and lists lands the state should consider buying if they become available. It is written by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and DEC, with input from regional committees.

The plan lists four urgent priorities: promoting outdoor recreation; addressing climate change; ensuring clean water, air and land for a healthy economy; and protecting, using and conserving natural resources and cultural heritage. » Continue Reading.


Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Inaugural Champlain Area Trails Grand Hike May 3

CATSGrandHikeChamplain Area Trails (CATS) will host a full day celebration of community-connecting activities at the inaugural Grand Hike on Saturday, May 3, 2014. The Grand Hike is an “Inn to Inn” walk in the spirit of self-guided inn to inn walks made popular in Europe. Hikers will depart at 9 a.m. from the Westport Hotel in Westport, N.Y., traversing along a mix of Champlain Area Trails and scenic back roads to the finish at the Essex Inn in Essex, N.Y.

The complete journey totals 14 miles, but participants will be able to select from several shorter distances. The hike is divided into 5 segments, with 4 “oases” along the trail from which hikers can start or finish. Each oasis will provide port-o-potties, water, snacks, maps and complimentary shuttles to and from the Westport Hotel, Essex Inn and the Essex Ferry dock. » Continue Reading.


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

David Thomas-Train:
Friends of Poke-O-Moonshine Work To Save Ranger Trail

Thomas-TrainThe Friends of Poke-O-Moonshine have been working since 1997 to restore the fire tower and trails on that mountain. The group is a coalition of Adirondack Architectural Heritage, the town of Chesterfield, Champlain Area Trails (CATS), the Mountaineer, local summer camps and businesses, several Adirondack Mountain Club chapters, and hundreds of individuals who know and love the mountain.

The fire tower was fully restored as an interpretive site in 2005. Educational displays showcase fire-tower and local history and the land uses within the viewshed of the mountain. Since 2002, the Friends have employed tower stewards for the summer hiking season.

We have redeveloped the Ranger Trail as an interpretive trail with eleven numbered stops keyed to a brochure on the human and natural history of “Poke-O.” We also worked with the Adirondack Nature Conservancy to guarantee access to a second trail, the Observers’ Trail, which was the original vehicle route to the fire observer’s cabin below the summit. » Continue Reading.


Monday, October 14, 2013

Gary Randorf: Strong Link in an Historic Chain

Participants at Adirondack Wild's annual meeting at The Grange in Whallonsburg send greetings to Gary Randorf, recipient of the Paul Schaefer Wilderness Award. I don’t recall ever crying before at an annual meeting. I am pleased to catch up with people, I am excited to see members and friends gathered together in one place in support of our Adirondack and wild mission. I am proud of the efforts of my colleagues and our members as we talk about our accomplishments together over the past year, and anticipate the challenges in front of us.

But tears flooded my eyes at The Grange in Whallonsburg this past week when Bonnie MacLeod displayed the best of Gary Randorf’s photography set to some o f the most beautiful string music I have ever heard. » Continue Reading.


Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Hiking Hamlet to Hamlet: Wadhams to Essex

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAActing on its vision of people hiking on trails between local communities, Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is hosting a hamlet-to-hamlet hike this Sunday, October 13 between Wadhams and Essex.

“CATS’ goal is to have hiking trails that link our communities so people can enjoy the Champlain Valley’s amazing landscape and patronize businesses in our hamlets,” said Chris Maron, CATS executive director in a statement sent to the press.  “To recognize our progress and have a fun Columbus weekend activity, we’re hosting this hike that will start at Dogwood Bakery and end at Lake Champlain Yoga & Wellness on Main Street in Essex where refreshments will be available.” » Continue Reading.


Thursday, October 3, 2013

Adirondack Wild Meeting in Champlain Valley Saturday

Adirondack Wild- Friends of the Forest PreserveAdirondack Wild: Friends of the Forest Preserve will host its Annual Meeting of members and supporters at The Grange in Whallonsburg, Essex County, on Saturday, October 5, with registration beginning at 9:30 AM. The public is invited to attend. There is no charge. The historic Grange Hall is located at the corner of Route 22 and Whallons Bay Road, approximately five miles from the Village of Essex.

Participants are asked to bring their own box or bag lunch. Morning refreshments will be provided. The meeting is free of charge, but reservations are requested. To reserve and for driving directions to The Grange, visit www.adirondackwild.org, or contact Dave Gibson by email at dgibson@adirondackwild.org. » Continue Reading.


Sunday, July 21, 2013

Artist Sheri Amsel Creates Champlain Valley Map

champlain-mapThe artist Sheri Amsel has created a beautiful map of the Champlain Valley with illustrations of the region’s wildlife and habitats. It also shows the region’s many hiking trails. I suppose a hiker could fold it and put it in a backpack, but I’ll bet more people will frame it and put in on their wall.

Amsel, a resident of the town of Essex, made the map to draw attention to the natural history and beauty of the valley. “I think the Champlain Valley is an untapped resource,” she said.

The 24-by-37-inch map shows roads, hiking trails, lakes, wetlands, peaks, boat launches, fishing-access spots, and state campgrounds in the Champlain region between Ticonderoga and Willsboro Point. The map differentiates between dirt and paved roads. The trails are numbered and cross-referenced in a table that names the trails and gives the hiking distances. Although the map can be used for planning trips, for serious hikes, you should pack a topographical map. » Continue Reading.


Thursday, January 10, 2013

CATS Protects 319 Acres in Willsboro

The owners of 319 acres of farmland and woods in the Champlain Valley have taken steps to protect the property in perpetuity and open it to the public for hiking and cross-country skiing.

Dick and Leanna DeNeale donated a conservation easement on their property to Champlain Area Trails (CATS), a nonprofit organization that has created twenty-three miles of hiking trails in the Champlain Valley since 2009. » Continue Reading.


Wednesday, August 1, 2012

CATS Summer Travel Writing Contest Begins

Summer is prime time for exploring New York’s Champlain Valley. “There are few places with historic hamlets settled so sweetly into a rich landscape of forests, farms, and hills with views of a beautiful lake and mountains,” notes Chris Maron, executive director of Champlain Area Trails (CATS).

This is the perfect place to hike, paddle the lake, browse a farmer’s market, track songbirds, or enjoy a gourmet meal. Then write about your summer adventures—your story could earn you $500.

“Now in its third cycle, the CATS Travel Writing Contest aims to spread the word about all the Champlain Valley has to offer and promote tourism to the area,” explains Gretel Schueller, contest coordinator. The winner, selected by guest judge, Adirondack Almanack regular contributor Diane Chase, will receive a $500 first prize. There’s also a chance for everyone else to pick their favorite story during online voting in October. The People’s Choice—the story with the most online votes—wins $250. Winners will also have their entries published online in the CATS destination guide, “Tales from the Trails.” » Continue Reading.



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