BY Samantha Lape-Kesel
SCHUYLER COUNTY--The Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail organized a First Day Hike event on New Year’s Day in Watkins Glen. The event was attended by over 112 people, including children and pets, double the number of participants from last year.
The Catharine Valley Trail, in collaboration with New York state parks, has been working to restore the historic railroad markers along the trail. The Secretary of the Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail, Elizabeth Watson, shared that volunteer Jody Markley has led this project. “Four markers have already been installed, and another will be placed soon. These markers, originally placed about 100 years ago, were sanded, primed, and painted to their original glory to preserve the region’s rich railway heritage.”
The First Day Hike Event encourages people to start the New Year by enjoying the great outdoors and fostering a sense of community spirit while raising money for preserving the trail and its history. Attendees were also given a chance to win an Empire Pass and commemorative items. The winner of the Empire Pass will be announced on the Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail Facebook page on Wednesday, Jan. 3.
Watson thanked those who made the event possible. She also expressed special appreciation for the individuals who worked on the restoration of the railroad marker showcased at the First Day Hike. “Board members Russ Nelson and Dick Mendelson, along with community contributors Jody Markley, Drew Guild, Gary Emerson, Tricia Campbell and Curtis Corlew, were recognized for their invaluable contributions. While not every member received recognition during the event, they expressed gratitude to all volunteers and community members.”
The Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail work to maintain the trail’s historical integrity, ensuring that it is accessible to everyone and connecting the community with the region’s railway legacy. They will host an “I Love My Park Day” event on the first Saturday in May to continue the restoration.
For more information please visit the Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail Facebook Page or call 607-535-8140.
SCHUYLER COUNTY--The Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail organized a First Day Hike event on New Year’s Day in Watkins Glen. The event was attended by over 112 people, including children and pets, double the number of participants from last year.
The Catharine Valley Trail, in collaboration with New York state parks, has been working to restore the historic railroad markers along the trail. The Secretary of the Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail, Elizabeth Watson, shared that volunteer Jody Markley has led this project. “Four markers have already been installed, and another will be placed soon. These markers, originally placed about 100 years ago, were sanded, primed, and painted to their original glory to preserve the region’s rich railway heritage.”
The First Day Hike Event encourages people to start the New Year by enjoying the great outdoors and fostering a sense of community spirit while raising money for preserving the trail and its history. Attendees were also given a chance to win an Empire Pass and commemorative items. The winner of the Empire Pass will be announced on the Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail Facebook page on Wednesday, Jan. 3.
Watson thanked those who made the event possible. She also expressed special appreciation for the individuals who worked on the restoration of the railroad marker showcased at the First Day Hike. “Board members Russ Nelson and Dick Mendelson, along with community contributors Jody Markley, Drew Guild, Gary Emerson, Tricia Campbell and Curtis Corlew, were recognized for their invaluable contributions. While not every member received recognition during the event, they expressed gratitude to all volunteers and community members.”
The Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail work to maintain the trail’s historical integrity, ensuring that it is accessible to everyone and connecting the community with the region’s railway legacy. They will host an “I Love My Park Day” event on the first Saturday in May to continue the restoration.
For more information please visit the Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail Facebook Page or call 607-535-8140.
