chapter chair continues to increase, the ef · chapter chair continues to increase, the ef for amc,...
TRANSCRIPT
Summer 2016
Chapter Chair For AMC, conservation has many aspects. Protection of wilderness habitat is one of them. AMC has focused its land conservation efforts in Maine, currently protecting more than 70,000 acres through the Maine Woods Initiative. A recent
addition to that portfolio was the acquisition of Baker Mountain and environs. AMC’s strategy includes developing trails and recreation facilities on the conservation land which it protects, to build a constituency for continuation of conservation efforts in those areas. It also has developed a sustainable forestry program, to showcase how this approach can provide income support for conservation efforts and contribute to the local economy.
Closer to home, the Environmental Protection Fund has supported land conservation and ecological resource efforts for several decades in New York State. This year, the $300 million appropriation level for the fund is the highest ever. This fund has been used to support a broad scope of conservation and recreation projects, including enhancements for state park facilities as well as acquisition and protection of wilderness habitat, such as the addition of former Finch Pruyn lands to the Adirondack Forest Preserve, the largest expansion of that preserve in the last hundred years.
At the Federal level, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, scheduled to expire last year, received bipartisan support for permanent reauthorization. So it’s heartening to see that, although our country’s population and urbanization
continues to increase, the efforts of AMC and partner organizations with similar goals have continued to increase protection of wilderness habitat and expansion of recreational opportunities in the areas protected. Through our membership in AMC, we are all part of that effort.
We’re anticipating a very interesting geology walk, led by Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten, the New York State Museum geologist, before our Chapter summer picnic in Thacher Park on July 14th. Faith Salter, AMC Volunteer Coordinator, will also be attending the picnic, and we look forward to Faith updating us on the many important endeavors underway in AMC. Hope to see you on the 14th!
Dave Esmond
Summer Picnic at Thacher State Park Come to our annual summer picnic at John Boyd Thacher State Park on Thursday, July 14.
Come early to learn about the geology of this fossil-rich site. Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten, NYS Museum geologist featured in the 2016 PBS documentary The Great Ledge: Exploring Thacher, will educate us along an easy hike of about 2 miles. Meet at the Paint Mine parking lot at 3:45 p.m. for a 4 o’clock hike start.
To attend the picnic only, plan to arrive at the Horseshoe II pavilion for set up at 5:45 – 6 p.m., so we can eat by 6:30 p.m. The chapter will provide soda, burgers, hotdogs, rolls, and all the fixings. Please bring either a hot or cold side dish or a dessert to share. For directions and more, see Summer Picnic on page 5.
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Dates to note:
July 11 EComm Meeting, EGTL 6:45 p.m.
July 14 Summer Picnic, Thacher Park
Sept 12 EComm Meeting, EGTL 6:45 p.m.
Save the date! Oct 14-16 AMC Fall Gathering, Narragansett, Rhode Island
Nov 3 MH Annual Dinner, SCCC, Schenectady
Nov 14 EComm Meeting, EGTL 6:45 p.m.
Chapter Outings
July / August / September 2016
Listings below are as of June 28, 2016 newsletter distribution date. Leaders may post e-mail updates for their trips (published in the newsletter or not) via the AMC calendar of events which is available via the chapter website. Leaders may also post updates via the chapter Yahoo group. Please join our Yahoo group (it’s free!) to see the updates and connect to others.
All activities require advance registration: Please contact the Leader for information about hike difficulty, meeting time and place, carpooling, and hike updates due to weather or trail conditions. If you leave a message, please include a phone number where you can be reached in case hike plans must be changed.
July
Sat 7/2 Follow Up Conservation Work at Dyken Pond Environmental Center (Conservation) For the last stage of our learning about invasive species that threaten the ecology of our outdoors, we’ll work at Dyken Pond Environmental Center to help the Pond’s Director rid the site of Barberry (identified during the June 28 Invasive Plant Walk). Our work will help in a small way to restore the natural biological ecology of this area. Bring a lunch, gloves and whatever cutting tools you may have, including power tools but excluding chain saws. We’ll begin by meeting at the Dyken Pond Parking Lot at 9 a.m. The length of time needed is undetermined at this time, but whatever time you can give is very much appreciated. Leader: John Tifft 518-439-5686 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
Wed 7/6 Franny Reese State Park and Bridges across the Hudson Loop, Haviland, NY (Hiking) Rescheduled from a washout day in May! Approximately 7 miles, 2 miles within Franny Reese State Park just south of the Mid-Hudson Bridge in Haviland, N.Y. and 5 miles of paved walking across the Mid-Hudson Bridge (home of bridge music) the Poughkeepsie waterfront and
back on the Walkway Across the Hudson State Park. The Franny Reese section has a steep up and down to views east across the Hudson. Leader: Sharon Bonk 518-674-0042 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
Sat 7/9 Trail Work on the Appalachian Trail (Trail Work) I’m forecasting that by this time of year, the section of the Appalachian Trail that we are responsible for will be overgrown with greedy brush trying to take over, especially along the Housatonic. We will attempt to clear the brush using whatever cutting tools you are willing to bring. I have a few extra tools which I will bring. Also, bring your own gloves, and water. We should be able to finish before lunch time. For a change of pace, we can investigate a nearby rustic café for lunch if ok with participants. Leader: John Tifft 518-439-5686 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
Mon 7/11 Ashulwiltocook Rail Trail Cycle, Adams, Ma. (Cycling) This is one of the loveliest local bike paths so join me in a cycle to Adams from Lanesborough and return (22 miles RT). We will stop at the Adams end for lunch. You have a choice of two cafés or BYO and eat at picnic tables at the visitor center. Leader is Sharon Bonk 518-674-0042 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
Thurs 7/14 Thacher State Park Geology Hike (Hiking) NYS Museum geologist Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten will take us on a guided hike in John Boyd Thacher State Park – an area that is rich in fossils and that manifests interesting geological formations. The hike is an easy 2 miles or so. Meet in Paint Mine parking lot at 3:45 p.m.. Please register with Leader, Kathleen Helfrich, at [email protected].
Thurs 7/14 Summer Picnic (Meetings) Summer picnic and chapter meeting at John Boyd Thacher State Park, Horseshoe II Pavilion. Plan to arrive 5:45 - 6 p.m. for set up. Bring a hot or a cold side dish, or a dessert to share. The chapter will provide the soda, burgers, rolls, and all the fixings. Register by July 11 with Leader, Kathleen Helfrich, at [email protected].
Sat 7/16 Richmond Mountain Vista (Hiking) B-3-B Moderate to strenuous 5.5 miles, 1550 elevation gain, and 4.5 hours out and back hike to ridge views both north and south along the Long Path from Greene County Rte. 20. Leader: Jean Laverdure 518-593-2058 [email protected] Co-Leader: John Tifft 518-439-5686 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
Tues 7/19 Dunham Reservoir Paddle (Paddling - Flatwater) A pleasant paddle at the Dunham Reservoir in the southern section of Grafton Lakes State Park. There will be opportunity to explore the shoreline, and it may be possible to paddle up the Quaken Kill if the water is high enough. Wild blueberries are also a possibility, so bring a container or two. Leader: Bob Armao 518-271-6512 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
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Sat 7/23 Mount Marcy AA-3-A (Hiking) The hike will follow the Van Hoevenberg trail to the summit of Marcy. Hopefully, we should have great views along the way. The distance is 14.8 miles with an ascent of 3166 feet. Leader: Kevin Cox 518-279-4839 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
Tues 7/26 Work Evening with the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (Trail Work) At a location to be determined, we will assist the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy with trail work on one of their many managed preserves. If new to trail work, we welcome you regardless of experience. Tools to bring if you have them: loppers, bow saw, rake and shovel. Don't worry if you don't have them as MHLC has extras. Wear what you would sensibly wear for outdoor work. Water is important, snacks are up to you. When known, exact location will be posted online. Please contact the leader a week prior to the event about location or any other questions. Leader: John Tifft 518-439-5686 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
August
Wed 8/3 Hike of Cascade Mountain (Hiking) We will climb Cascade Mountain in the Adirondacks, the easiest 4000 footer in the 'Dacks. Beautiful views. 4.8 miles round trip, 1940 feet elevation gain. Located on route 73 in Keene, NY. Bring a swimsuit to cool off in the lake at the bottom after the hike. Leader: Nancy Crowther 518-698-0531 [email protected].
Sat 8/6 Benedict Pond Loop and Ledges (Hiking) An easy hike for a summer weekend. Enjoy a circuit around a very attractive pond followed by a short, moderate ascent to fine views from the Ledges. Return to the pond and cool off at the beach if you like. Leader: Bob Armao 518-271-6512 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
Sat 8/13 Trail Work With Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (Trail Work) At a location to be determined, we will assist the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy with trail work on one of their many managed preserves. If new to trail work, we welcome you regardless of experience. Tools to bring if you have them: loppers, clippers, bow saw, rake, and shovel. Don't worry if you don't have them as MHLC has extras. Wear what you would sensibly wear for outdoor work. Water is important, snacks are up to you. When known, exact location will be posted online. Please contact the leader a week prior to the event about location or any other questions. Leader: John Tifft 518-439-5686 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
Sat 8/20 Mt. Greylock Appalachian Trail Walk B-3-B (Hiking) This is a moderate to strenuous 5+ mile hike with 700' gain. It will be about a four-hour loop hike, possibly adding a visit to Robinson's Point (short but steep trail to a fine viewpoint) completing an up high ridge walk along the AT and Overlook Trail to scenic views circling Mt. Greylock. Leader: Jean Laverdure 518-593-2058 [email protected]. Co-Leader: John Tifft 518-439-5686 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
Tues 8/23 Trail Work with Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (Trail Work) At a location to be determined, we will assist the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy with trail work on one of their many managed preserves. If new to trail work, we welcome you regardless of experience. Tools to bring if you have them: loppers, clippers, bow saw, rake, and shovel. Don't worry if you don't have them as MHLC has extras. Wear what you would sensibly wear for outdoor work. Water is important, snacks are up to you. When known, exact location will be posted online. Please contact the leader a week prior to the event about location or any other questions. Leader: John Tifft 518-439-5686 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
Sat 8/27 Biking Along the Newly Opened Albany County Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail (Bicycling)
This very exciting nearby bike trail was created from an old rail trail. It runs from Slingerlands to the port of Albany and along the way are glimpses of Delmar businesses, forests, overhead bridges, and the Normanskill Creek. We will start at the Rte. 32 Park and Ride and connect with the rail trail by traversing though a part of old Delmar. We will ride the rail trail to the Port of Albany and return traveling the full length to Slingerlands. The trail itself is very slightly sloped downwards so you'll find yourself cruising towards the Port, and shifting down and working a little bit harder on the return trip. We can either have lunch at the nearby Toll Gate Restaurant which has homemade ice cream, or bike to one of the nearby Mohawk Hudson Land
Conservancy Preserves. The round trip will be around 20 miles. Leader: John Tifft 518-439-5686 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
September
Wed 9/7 Glens Falls to Ft. Edward via the Feeder Canal Trail (Bicycling) This is an urban tour beginning at the Feeder Canal Park in Glens Falls through Queensbury to Ft. Edward and return. Along the way we will see industrial archaeological sites and current operations, parts of locks and dams, and portions of the canal itself. About 25 miles RT. We will sample the craft beer at one of 3 Glens Falls breweries after the cycle. Leader: Sharon Bonk 518-674-0042 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
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Sat 9/10 Trail Work with Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (Trail Work) At a location to be determined, we will assist the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy with trail work on one of their many managed preserves. If new to trail work, we welcome you regardless of experience. Tools to bring if you have them: loppers, clippers, bow saw, rake, and shovel. If you don't have them, MHLC has extras. Wear what you sensibly should wear for outdoor work. Water is important, snacks are up to you. When known, exact location will be posted online. Please contact the leader a week prior to the event about location or any other questions. Leader: John Tifft 518-439-5686 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
Wed 9/28 Bike on Mohawk-Hudson Bike Trail (Bicycling) We will bike about 15 or 20 miles round trip on the Mohawk-Hudson Bike Trail, starting at the Old Niskayuna Train Station (Lyons Park) on Rosendale Road. This is a lovely ride along the Mohawk River on a paved bike trail. It is mostly flat but there are some hills. Leader: Nancy Crowther 518-698-0531 [email protected].
The Mohawk Hudson chapter also offers additional weekday outings.
The Midweek Hikers invite you to hike with them on Wednesdays. To join our e-mail list, contact Gerry Weber at (518) 758-7189 [email protected].
The Hiking at a Relaxed Pace (HARP) group hikes on Thursdays or Fridays. To join our e-mail list, contact Frank or Dee Wind at (518) 458-1781 [email protected].
For all outings, please call or email the leader or co-leader for details on meeting place and time. Please include your phone number if you leave a message.
AMC Mohawk Hudson Chapter Executive Committee: Dave Esmond, Chapter Chair (518)439-4656 [email protected]
Kevin Cox, Interim Vice Chair, Outings Chair (518)279-4839 [email protected]
Martha Waldman, Treasurer (518)869-5109 [email protected]
Sharon Bonk, Secretary (518)674-0042 [email protected]
Sharon Foster, AMC Central Regional Director [email protected]
John Tifft, Trails Committee Chair, Conservation Committee Chair (518)439-5686 [email protected]
Ellen Kozlowski, Membership Committee Chair (518)608-4004
Kathleen Helfrich, Program Committee Chair (518)279-9621; [email protected]
Christine Boucher, Newsletter Editor (518)322-0296; [email protected]
Mohawk Hudson Chapter Website:
http://www.amcmohawkhudson.org
“Like Us” on Facebook:
Click the “facebook” image at left to view the chapter Facebook page.
Once there, click the “Like” image (shown at left) to “like” our page: if you have a
Facebook account, log in; else, you’ll have to set one up in order to “like” our page. Update: We’re up to 161 “likes” on Facebook, and 300 members on Meetup.
Welcome New Members! Carolyn Allard Frederick Barker
Peter J Barnett & Ezekial Barnett
John Bousman Linda Brandt
Linda Brazell John Burke
Colin Cameron Eric Chang
Bowen Chen Dwight Cheu
Mr. & Mrs. Chlad James Clyne
Valerie Collins Matthew Evans
Tyson Evensen Robert Fakundiny
Zach Feuer & Alison Fox Eileen Frasier
Heather Field Emily Gallagher
Cathy Gilchrist Gerard Hamilton
Elizabeth Hoogs Jill Howard
Chris Imperial Kirk Jacoby
William & Joanna Lasher Mick & Chandler Lewis
Diana Lindsay Darlene Maloney
Margaret Mangano Chuck Martin
Lurana McCarron Gregg Miner
John Miner Christopher Morton
Matthew J. Murnane Jesse Olczak
Mr. O’Neill & Ms. Guadalupe Maret Panzenbeck
Virginia Parsons Mr. & Mrs. Post
Wayne Richard Robert Rudolph
Glenn Sandberg Edward Schneier
Liz Schou Matthew T Shea
Phi Smith Justine Souquet
David Stadtlander Jordan Stern
James Swint Kenneth Varley
Mary L. Wait Rick Werwaiss
Laura S. Whalen David Whitehead
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Invitation from Conservation Chair, John Tifft
As members of this AMC chapter we share a common interest in the conservation of our planet. I have always trusted the maxim “think globally, act locally.” It is in that spirit, that I would like to extend an invitation to members to actively share any local concerns and ideas
you may have to further AMC’s goal of actively fostering the betterment of our environment. I’d love to hear about environmental activities in which you are currently involved individually or in accord with others. Please contact me at 518-439-5686 (NCA 9 p.m.) [email protected].
In my brief time as Conservation Chair, I have written a report and posted updates about issues that are presently affecting the Capital District. I have also introduced our members to the topic of invasive species through a series of presentations and ultimately, a work day to help rid a specific area of invasive plants. Please go to the Conservation section on our website at http://www.amcmohawkhudson.org/conservation.asp to read the report and peruse other topics about preserving our environment.
Summer Picnic
Continued from page 1: Picnic-goers will also have the opportunity to meet and talk with Faith Salter, AMC Director of Volunteer Relations, who will be coming all the way from the AMC’s headquarters in Boston to be with us.
Please register for the picnic and/or hike with Kathleen Helfrich [email protected] by July 11. The picnic is rain or shine, although a likelihood of severe weather at picnic time may cancel.
For directions to Thacher Park, see http://nysparks.com/parks/128/.
If entering Thacher Park from the south via route 157, the Paint Mine parking lot will be on the left side of Thacher Park Road, about 1.4 miles from the sign at the park’s entrance. If coming for the picnic only, drive about 1.7 miles after passing the sign at the park’s southern entrance and, just before the park office (with flagpole), turn right at the sign that points toward Horseshoe II and some other pavilions. Shortly after making this turn, go basically straight ahead (do not take the road that goes to the left) and follow around to the Horseshoe II pavilion.
Mohawk Hudson Chapter Recognizes Volunteers
The Mohawk Hudson chapter recognized our volunteers at a buffet and social held at the Chapel + Cultural Center at RPI on March 31. The RPI student a cappella group, Partial Credit, added to the evening’s pleasure by singing for us.
The chapter thanked the following volunteers:
Diane Allegro Sharon Bonk Chris Boucher Mike Boucher
Dave Cedar Rita Cedar Kevin Cox Nancy Crowther
Will Crowther Sharon Davis Billy Dufur Enny Dufur
Dave Esmond Myra Fednyiak Mary Folsom Peggy Grogan
Kathleen Helfrich Katie Henrikson Ellen Kozlowski Jim Larrabee
Lynn Larrabee Jean Laverdure Steve Lucas Amy MacDonald
Mary MacDonald Randy MacDonald Brad Mohr George Nagy
Jill Nagy Blanche Nelson Mary Oconnell Joe Polsinelli
Kendra Pratt Cliff Prewencki Claudia Rosenholz Dorothy Russell
Dan Soszynski John Tifft Roe Tifft Martha Waldman
Gerhard Weber Dee Wind Frank Wind
Aside from the support we receive from helpful staff at headquarters, the Mohawk Hudson chapter owes the good outcome of our chapter’s activities, including our hosting the hugely successful 2015 AMC Fall Gathering, to our volunteers. Our chapter’s volunteers lead outdoor trips, maintain and build trails, undertake conservation initiatives, plan and carry out social and membership events, among other things.
At present two particular needs are for a webmaster and for someone to maintain our Facebook page. Why not ask what you can do as a volunteer? Bring your ideas with you.
Volunteer Trail Programs
Some upcoming events near our region are listed here:
September 18-23 & November 6-11: Mohican Adult Volunteer Vacation, AMC’s Mohican Outdoor Center, Blairstown, NJ; 18+, $385/$425
October 9-14: Harriman Adult Volunteer Vacation, AMC’s Harriman Outdoor Center, NY; 18+, $385/$425
Please contact Alison Violette, Volunteer Programs Administrative Supervisor at [email protected] or (603)466-8156.
You may also apply online at: www.outdoors.org/voluntezzer/trails/volunteer-vacations.cfm
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AMC’s 2016 Photo Contest Photo Credit: Amy Schoonmaker – Knifes Edge, 2015 Landscape and Nature Winner
Enter your photographs and be eligible to win great prizes, including a spot in a photography workshop with an accompanying stay at an AMC lodge and outdoor gear from Deuter, Forty Below, LEKI, LifeStraw, and other manufacturers. Plus, score serious bragging rights!
For complete rules and more information, visit outdoors.org/photocontest sometime in the middle of the summer.
Warmer Weather Blister Prevention
When hiking, sweaty, wet feet that rub against your boot – especially in hot spot areas at the top or bottom of the toes, the ankle, heel, and ball of the foot – can result in blisters.
Graphic Credit: Adirondack Explorer Magazine, August 2015 issue.
So, to inhibit blisters, start by eliminating rubbing and moisture. When properly laced, the boot should hug your heel and keep your foot in place, but make sure you can wiggle your toes in the boot. A thin wicking sock with another sock over it works well to keep feet dry. Also consider lighter, ventilated boots/shoes for warm weather hiking that will dry quicker than leather if they get wet.
Hiker’s tip: Wrap the heels or the balls of your feet in sports tape, duct tape or moleskin before donning your sock(s) to prevent chafing of the skin.
AMC Books needs your help!
AMC’s Real Trail Meals is our first ever cookbook and we want to make sure we’re tapping into all of the backcountry expertise we have from our skilled volunteers. Feel free to pass this along to other friends as well.
Authors Ethan and Sarah Hipple are writing the cookbook, scheduled for release in Spring 2017, and we want to include some AMC trail-tested recipes. For those recipes that make it into the book, we’ll be sure to include the sharers’ names and AMC chapter affiliation. (Please note that there’s no pay for accepted recipes, but there is the thrill of seeing your name in print!) More from Sarah below:
We are looking for input from current and past AMC folks that might want to share their favorite tried and true backcountry recipes. We want the cookbook to include as much of the AMC history and culture as possible, and to reflect the long-standing tradition of cooking hearty, wholesome food out on the trail. Whether you work or have worked on trail crew, construction crew, the huts, shelters, camps, or led educational trips, we want your favorite recipes! Even if it is just a list of food you ate on the trail, or your standby one-pot pasta mush, we want to hear from you. The more input we get the better!
We’d love to have your chapter represented. To that end, please send your own recipes to Sarah Hipple at [email protected]
Thanks for your help – and happy eating!
Beebee Hill to Harvey Mountain, April 2016
Taconic Crest Trail Work, May 2016
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Join Mohawk Hudson Members at the 2016 Fall Gathering in Rhode Island The Narragansett Chapter is hosting the Fall Gathering, October 14-16, at the University of Rhode Island, Alton Jones Campus. Last year, our chapter members worked hard yet had fun. This year, MH members can “have all the fun without all the work” (Chair Dave Esmond). Activities include cycling, paddling, and hiking but without peaks and rocky trails.
We would like to have a good MH presence at the event. If you are interested in attending, please contact Sharon Bonk, [email protected]. You will register independently, but by knowing who is going we can coordinate rides and perhaps roommates. Registration opens in July and runs through September. Check it out and come join us! http://www.outdoors.org/fallgathering.
AMC Leadership Training for 20s & 30s September 16-18, 2016, Harriman Outdoor Center
AMC is organizing its first-ever Leadership Training designed for 20s and 30s. Participants will have a chance to network with other AMC Young Members (YM) from across the region and learn important leadership skills that will set them on the path to becoming leaders in local AMC Chapters and YM Committees. Take the first step to becoming a trip leader!
Photo Credit: Horace Cheng, NY-NoJ Chapter
Check out the details at: http://activities.outdoors.org/search/index.cfm/action/details/id/90798. Contact Susannah Hatch at [email protected] with any questions.