View in browser

Grateful for YOU!

Our 2024 end-of-year fundraising challenge was a smashing success, and it's all thanks to supporters like you!

Your outpouring of support helped us exceed our year-end fundraising goal, ensuring a dynamic start to the new year. We're more motivated than ever to hit the ground running in 2025 as we continue to protect and preserve our public trail lands for future generations.

To everyone who donated in 2024, thank you for your generosity. We could not do this without you!

In case you missed it...

Let's hear it for the LDTC!

The Long Distance Trails Crew is an all-volunteer team that maintains and enhances long-distance trails throughout New York and New Jersey, including the Appalachian Trail, Long Path, and Highlands Trail. Last month, they wrapped up their 2024 work season—and wow, did they make an impact!

Over the course of the season, 84 individual LDTC volunteers:

🪨 Installed 143 stone steps

⚒️ Built 665 square feet of crib wall

⛏️ Constructed 690 feet of sidehill trail

🪵 Cleared 25 blowdowns

💪 Logged a whopping 5,472 total volunteer hours!

Thank you, LDTC, for your monumental efforts. Here’s to an incredible year ahead.

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference empowers 20 unique Trail Crews across our region, from the Delaware Water Gap to the Catskills and beyond!

Interested in joining your local Trail Crew on their next trail project? Click the button below to learn more!

Help us celebrate the volunteers who go above and beyond

Every year, we host an awards ceremony that honors our volunteer community—and we'd love your input to help identify the individuals who deserve special recognition for their exceptional efforts. Simply click the button below to nominate one or more volunteers who you know went the extra mile in 2024. Nominations are accepted through February 6, 2025.

In April, we'll honor our awardees at our Volunteer Appreciation Event in Mahwah, New Jersey. If you have any questions, please email the Volunteer Engagement team at [email protected].

Thank you so much for your support of our 2,000+ volunteers!

Prepare for your next cold-weather adventure with our helpful guide

Winter is one of the most rewarding times to get outside and explore our trails, from stunning snow-capped vistas to the crisp and invigorating air. It’s also a great way to stay active and soak up some much-needed sunlight—both of which can be a challenge during the colder months.

That said, winter hiking has its own set of challenges that every hiker should know about before they head out. We prepared a few essential winter hiking tips to get you started and keep you safe.

On Tuesday, January 28, Sassquad Trail Running will kick off a three-day Wilderness First Aid Certification Course led by National Association for Search and Rescue Instructor, Jeffrey Greenburg.

The comprehensive course is designed to address the unique challenges and situations you may encounter on our Northeast trails, making it ideal for trail runners, hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and backcountry adventurers. Participants will receive hands-on training in wilderness first aid techniques and earn CPR and AED certifications, equipping you with life-saving skills both on and off the trail!

The hybrid event will be held online and at our schoolhouse headquarters in Mahwah, New Jersey. Just a few spots remain to attend this insightful seminar. Click the button below to learn more and registser for the course!

Featured Hike: Undercliff/Overcliff Carriage Roads Loop in Mohonk Preserve

Hiking Difficulty: Beginner

This leisurely 5-mile loop hike in Mohonk Preserve, ideal for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing when the winter conditions are just right, travels along spectacular Shawangunk cliffs and offers expansive views of the surrounding countryside.

Begin at the Mohonk Preserve West Trapps Trailhead. From the eastern end of the parking area, follow the West Trapps Connector Trail, which leads east, parallel to Route 44/55. In about a quarter of a mile, you’ll reach the Trapps Bridge, where a stairway leads up to the Undercliff and Overcliff Roads. Read the full description here.

Get the map: The Shawangunks Digital Avenza 4-Map Bundle

Photo: An aerial shot of Mohonk Preserve in winter, courtesy of Steve Aaron

Trail description: Daniel Chazin

Have an inspiring story or trail experience to share? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out at [email protected].