December 2025

Dear Friend,

How fitting as we enter this season of gratitude that we at Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail celebrate a year of meaningful community gatherings. We gathered to walk, to share meals, to explore ideas, and to voice concerns. We gathered to ride bikes through the countryside, raising funds to develop the trail. Sometimes we ventured alone on the trail, gathering only our thoughts as we enjoyed nature.

In whatever manner our gathering happens, important connections are forged. Memories are created, friendships deepened, and teamwork results. A happy consequence of all this gathering is this year’s progress on the trail:

·     ECRT generated a funding plan to resurface the trail in Orchard Park.

·     ECRT purchased a utility vehicle to enhance maintenance operations, so the trail may remain safe and clear for all to use.

·     ECRT opened a new section of trail in West Falls, utilizing millings from local road construction to install a smooth new surface.

·     ECRT was awarded a grant to resurface an additional section of trail in the Town of Aurora.

·     ECRT began evaluation and design work on the historic Cascade Bridge in the Town of Concord.

You may “gather” from these results that Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail development has momentum, and you would be correct. We are advancing projects in each community along the trail, and we are making progress.

The key to maintaining this forward movement is your support. Please give to ECRT today, to ensure that development of the only multi-use recreational trail in the Southtowns continues. Together, we are creating a wonderful community asset to benefit our region today and for generations to come!

Many thanks for your gift. May your holiday gatherings bring you great joy!

Happy trails!

Mary Brummer

President, Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc.

Prefer to send a check? Please write “2025 Holiday Appeal” in the memo area and mail it to ECRT, PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127.

Make your gift go further: Does your employer match employees’ charitable donations? You might be able to double your gift to ECRT! To find out if your company matches donations, check with your HR department, use an online matching gift search tool, or look for a "matching gift" or "employee benefits" section on your company's website. Each company has different rules, so the best way to know for sure is to check directly with them.