The pancake breakfast is now filled!
We thank everyone for their response.
The delegate's meeting and the hikes in the afternoon are open to all.
Please join us on the morning of Saturday, October 16, 2010 for the 90th Anniversary Brunch and Membership Meeting of the Trail Conference at the Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Visitor Center, Sterling Forest State Park, Tuxedo, NY.
Coffee 9:00 AM -- Brunch and Ceremonies 9:30 AM -- Meeting 12:00 PM -- Hikes 1:00 PM
This annual pancake event is a long-time favorite for Trail Conference members. Have a hearty breakfast (seating limited; reserve your place--see below), take care of a little Trail Conference business, then follow in the footsteps of the Sterling Ridge Wanderbirds (pictured above) in what is now Sterling Forest State Park in the company of Trail Conference volunteers and supporters.
I wish to honor the Trail Conference's 90th Anniversary with a gift. Go to Donate Now, indicate your donation and in the Special Instructions box, type, "I cannot attend the event, but I wish to honor the Trail Conference's 90th Anniversary with a special gift."
$250 and above: Presenting Sponsor of the 90th Anniversary Brunch
$90-$249: 90th Anniversary Circle
$45-$89: Maintainers' Circle
Presenting Sponsors and Anniversary Circle members are recognized in the event program.
- I am interested in making a special gift in honor of the Trail Conference's 90th Anniversary. Please contact me.
HIKE/TOUR OPTIONS
Please pre-register for your preferred hike or tour prior to Oct. 16 by contacting [email protected]. (Separate from brunch reservation.) Indicate your name and preferred tour or hike. (Hikes and tours with insufficient registration may be cancelled.) Registration on the day of the event will be 'luck of the draw.'
All hikes will leave the Visitor Center after the meeting, between 1 and 1:30 p.m. Your hike leaders will be outside waiting for you. Be sure you have lunch, water and snacks and appropriate footwear.
Tour #1: LAKEVILLE IRON WORKS AND VILLAGE
Will be led by Doc Baines from the Sterling Forest Visitor Center. Doc will tour you through the remnants of the old village and the iron mine. This is an easy hike/walk with history talk by Doc. Hike/walk will leave from the Visitor Center.
Tour #2: RINGWOOD MANOR HOUSE
A guided tour of the Cooper-Hewitt estate house in Ringwood State Park. It was built in 1807 by Martin Ryerson and later purchased by Peter Cooper and his son-in-law Abram S. Hewitt. You will drive to the Manor House, 5 minutes from the Sterling Forest Visitor Center.
Directions: Drive back to the traffic light, turn right on Rte 72, proceed about a mile (or two) into NJ, around a right turn and make a sharp right into the Park. There will be a State Park sign immediately before the turn. Park in the first parking lot, and meet the tour guide at the front entrance to the Manor House. Please state you are the "Trail Conference Tour."
Tour is set to begin between 1 and 1:30 p.m.
Tour #2: NJ STATE BOTANICAL GARDENS AT SKYLANDS MANOR
The Botanical Gardens Volunteer Group (NJBG) has graciously consented to conduct a guided tour through the gardens. There should be some very nice color in mid-October.
Directions as above, but continue past the entrance to Ringwood State Park, continue along the road for another half-mile (or so) to Morris Ave. There will be sign there for Skylands Manor. Proceed up the hill, past the toll booth; if there is room park in Lot A; if no room, continue on that road (one way road), the road curves to the right and leads you to other parking lots. Then walk back to the Carriage House - NJBG Visitor Center, across from the manor house.
Tour is scheduled to begin between 1 and 1:30 p.m.
Hike #1: STERLING LAKE LOOP
Leader: Cliff Gerenz
Easy to moderate hike around beautiful Sterling Lake. Moderate paced 4 miles, approx. 2.5 hours.
Hike #2: Mc KEAG'S MEADOW LOOP
Leader: John Mack
Easy hike through and around the meadow with a stop at
a large beaver dam. Moderate paced 2.75 miles, approx. 2 hours
Hike #3: FIRE TOWER LOOP
Leader: Paul Makus
Moderate to strenuous hike from the Visitor Center up to the Fire Tower and back. Water and proper foot gear are mandatory.
Moderate paced 4+ miles, 3 to 3.5 hours
Hike #4: FALL FOLIAGE HIKE THROUGH RAMAPO MOUNTAINS
Leader: Gene Giordano
Moderately strenuous hike, 5 to 6 miles, approx. 4 hours; water and proper foot gear are mandatory. The hike will begin at Skylands Manor from the NJBG Visitor Center. This will be a beautiful fall foliage hike included a scenic outlook over Skylands Manor, several ridge tops for views in all directions as well as beautiful reflective ponds.
Directions: same as for the Botanical Gardens tour.
Directions to Sterling Forest Visitors Center:
From North: From junction of Routes NY 17 & Ny 17 A, take 17 A west 1.4 miles to left on Long Meadow Rd (Rte. 84). Go 3.5 miles to right on Old Forge Rd. Center is one mile on right.
From South: Take the New York Thruway to Exit 15A. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp onto Route 17 and head north for 1.4 miles to the exit for Sterling Forest. Follow Sterling Mine Road (County Route 72) west for 3.0 miles, then turn right onto Long Meadow Road (County Route 84). Proceed north on Long Meadow Road for 3.5 miles, then turn left onto Old Forge Road and continue for 0.5 mile until you reach the Sterling Forest State Park Visitor Center. Park in the parking lot on the right side of the road, then cross the road to the visitor center.
Help Out with the 90th Anniversary Brunch and Membership Meeting!
The Trail Conference needs pancake griddlers, coffee jockeys, parking coordinators, and plenty of energetic helping hands for our 90th anniversary celebration on October 16th at Sterling Forest. Help make our 90th anniversary celebration a success! Contact Hedy Abad at x26 or [email protected] if you want to be a part of the fun.
And Don't Forget About Our Map & Book Sale on the Following Tuesday, October 19th!
