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This page features the volunteers who have been recognized for their contributionsto the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. Meet our Volunteers Laura Gunderson Since 2021, Laura has been actively involved with the ECRT organization. She is currently the Leader of the West Falls chapter of Friends of the Trail. Read More Mary Carol Dearing ECRT's Springville-Concord Friends group leader is passionate about trail development. Read More Nicole Avitahl-Curtis As an active ECRT volunteer, Nicole has participated in numerous trail cleanups and promoted the trail at many public events. She also leads the ECRT Friends group of Orchard Park and has organized several community walks. Read More Ellen Januszkiewicz The love of railroads runs deep for Ellen Januszkiewicz, a regular, enthusiastic ECRT volunteer from Orchard Park. Her father, Leon, was a track maintenance mechanic whose career brought Ellen’s family from Scranton, PA to rail yards of Lackawanna, NY. Read More John Landi Responsible fiscal management is critical to the success of any not-for-profit, and Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is no exception. We're grateful to our volunteer and Board Treasurer, John Landi, for his careful and caring financial oversight of ECRT's financial resources. Read More Laura Lisitsky Laura Lisitsky is a life-long Western New Yorker and a dedicated lover of the outdoors. Through her travels, chosen lifestyle and profession, Laura truly understands the value of trails. Read More Liz Birardi Through mutual friendships, Liz became aware of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. She has volunteered at tabling events, National Trails Day celebrations, donor thank-you hikes and at registration for the EA2EVL Fondo. She is also a current and valued member of the ECRT Development Team. Read More Bernie Young In his spare time, Bernie is one of ECRT’s valued, hard-working volunteers. Using an ATV four-wheeler and a tow-behind mower, he does a meticulous job maintaining the trail from Genesee Road to Old Glenwood. He also walks the trail frequently. For Bernie, the trail is a much-loved place he gladly takes care of and truly cares for; a place where he can commune with nature very close to home. Read More Tim and Lisa Scheidel Tim and Lisa Scheidel have spent the past 38 years enjoying their beautiful Sharp Street home in the Town of Concord, in large part due to its proximity to what is now the ECRT trail. For the Scheidels, every season brings a different kind of beauty to their section of the trail. Read More Larry and Gretel Laing Once apprehensive, Larry and Gretel have become big trail supporters. “We walk the trail all the time,” notes Gretel. “It’s become such an asset to have a trail like this so close. Both the grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoy it. Read More Karen Parysek “My philosophy of life has always involved making the world a better place, and working with like-minded friends on projects we enjoy.” And that, gratefully, includes Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! Read More Jim and Cynthia Page Volunteers Jim and Cynthia Page clearly demonstrate you don’t have to live on or near Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail to appreciate it, use it and support efforts to complete it. Read More Howy Holmes Howy has been involved with Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail since its inception. “I mow, walk the trail in Orchard Park pretty frequently, take on maintenance jobs and participate in design and development. The new section [of the trail in Orchard Park] is so important. It links residents to the library, the depot and all the village has to offer. It’s such a great asset for the town and village. And this is just the beginning!” Read More Mary Brummer Mary feels called to talk and work with community members and elected officials in order to forge the best way to get things done and move forward with the Eire Cattaraugus Rail Trail. Read More Robin Frey "Rail corridors have played an important part in my development as a child. They were, and still are, places to explore, enjoy nature and spark creativity. I really want to see a safe, accessible trail for everyone to use and enjoy. This trail can make a huge difference in the quality of life for so many. The possibilities are endless!” Read More Harry James As far as the trail is concerned, Harry believes, “If you build it, they will come. There are lots of places to explore and enjoy here. It’s great when you see businesses interested and involved in the trial. I think you help communities grow by building and supporting cottage industries. You know, people will drive (or bike) to go to breakfast if the food is good!” Read More Jason Engel ECRT and the Springville Community Trout Pond partnered for the Springville Trout Pond Renovation project, guided by Jason, a leader in the Springville Field and Stream group. At the time, Jason explained, “We want to reclaim this popular and ecologically significant resource." Read More Bill Krebs The Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) has over 6,000 friends and supporters, but Springville Mayor Bill Krebs stands out from the rest! Read More Steve Williams Steve believes that joining the Orchard Park Friends of ECRT allows him to connect with nature and support his community. He wants to make his love for bike riding and the outdoors safer and better for everyone. Read More

Temporary Trail Closure for Maintenance < Back OP North Temporary Trail closure Mary Brummer Mar 31, 2026 Temporary Trail Closure for Maintenance Beginning Wednesday, April 1st at 7:30 am the Orchard Park North section of the trail - from the OP Depot to Jewett-Holmwood Road - will be closed for maintenance work. We will advise you here and on our website as soon as this section is reopened for use. Thank you for your patience and cooperation! Previous Next

News Mar 31, 2026 OP North Temporary Trail closure Temporary Trail Closure for Maintenance Read More Mar 6, 2026 ECRT selected to present at 21st Century Fund Although ECRT didn't move on to the finalist round, we had a wonderful time at the 21st Century Fund Presentation Event! Read More Dec 1, 2025 Gatherings During This Season of Gratitude Celebrating a year of meaningful community gatherings Read More Oct 27, 2025 Springville Concord Fall Walk ECRT fans enjoyed a beautiful day on the trail! Read More Jul 20, 2025 2025 EA2EVL CHARITY BIKE RIDE OCTOBER 4 Fifth annual EA2EVL 42-mile ride benefits the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Read More Jul 13, 2025 Volunteers Beautify Orchard Park Depot Grounds A small but keen group got together last week to spruce things up! Read More Jul 6, 2025 Orchard Park Trail Closure for Maintenance July 9th From Ellicott Road to the Orchard Park Depot Read More May 23, 2025 ECRT Project in West Falls Awarded NY Forward Funds Project will construct a 1.5-mile extension of the trail through West Falls hamlet center Read More May 9, 2025 Remembering Rick LeFeber Rest in peace, Rick. We'll miss you around here! Read More May 1, 2025 EA2EVL Fondo Rider Makes Comeback from Cardiac Arrest It took a village to save Patrick Raycraft's life Read More Apr 26, 2025 Celebrate Trails Day Celebrate Trails Day is an annual spring celebration of America’s trails Read More Apr 17, 2025 Members Full Moon Walk ECRT Members enjoy a special evening outing on the trail. Read More Load more...

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Sign up today for EA2EVL Fondo 2024! < Back EA2EVL Fondo 2024! Beth Lasky Oct 5, 2024 Sign up today for EA2EVL Fondo 2024! 42-mile charity ride supports ECRT Trail Join us on October 5th for the 4th annual EA2EVL Fondo, a 42-mile epic road ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville. The 42-mile route will venture down Route 240 through the fall foliage and rolling hills of Western New York and end with a celebration at the beautiful Holiday Valley. The best part: 100% of the proceeds benefit ECRT! Register today! This event has SOLD OUT for three years and raised $150,000 to support the ECRT trail. We've used those funds to remove rails and ties, improve drainage and resurface the first 1.3 miles of the trail starting at the Orchard Park Village Depot. In June of 2023 this beautiful section opened to the public, connecting to the 2 miles of natural surface trail open at Jewett Holmwood Road. EA2EVL 2024 funds will be used to expand and improve the trail further south. Here's how YOU can help! RIDE ON: If you are a biker, register today ! YOU are the secret to the success of this major source of funds needed to build the rail trail - so we ask you to FUNDRAISE as well! If you raise a minimum of $100 in donations , you get an event t-shirt and tickets for food and drinks at the finish line party. If you raise $500 or more , you also get an event jersey. The top fundraiser gets to wear the coveted yellow jersey. So sign up, ask your friends, family and coworkers to donate ( here ), and enjoy a great fall ride! REGISTER HERE . VOLUNTEER: We will need volunteers for the start line at 42 North Brewing Company in East Aurora, three water stops (Colden, Concord and West Valley), course pointers and traffic control on the route, and at the finish line party at Holiday Valley. Volunteers sign up HERE . We’ll be in touch with more specific instructions for your role. DONATE: If you can't join us, you can still help by supporting one of the riders on our registration site here . SPREAD THE WORD! Invite others to join in the fun. Post this link to your social media: givesignup.org/Race/NY/EastAurora/EA2EVLFondo , or share this QR code: See you on October 5th! https://www.givesignup.org/Race/NY/EastAurora/EA2EVLFondo Previous Next

Board of Directors Mary Brummer President Orchard Park mbrummer@ecattrail.org Veterinarian, Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center (Retired) Read more Gary Koeppel Vice-President Orchard Park gkoeppel@ecattrail.org Praxair, Associate Director of Pipeline Engineering (Retired) Read more Steve Musso Treasurer East Aurora smusso@ecattrail.org FinPro- COO (retired) Past Board Member and Treasurer of The Graycliff Conservancy (Retired) Read more Gerald F. Reger Secretary Hamburg jreger@ecattrail.org Sole Proprietor – Professional Accounting and Consulting Services Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo – Chief Financial Officer/ Chief Administrative Officer (Retired) Dopkins & Company, LLP – Partner (Retired) Read more Michael R. Conway Director Orchard Park mconway@ecattrail.org Past Executive Director: Mahoning Valley and Adirondack Economic Development Corporations Read more Dale Morris Director East Aurora dmorris@ecattrail.org Director of Geographic Information Services (Retired) Erie County Department of Environmental Planning Read more Murray Covello Director Orchard Park mcovello@ecattrail.org Praxair – Global Supply Systems Leader (Retired) Past Board Member and Board Chair of Greater Buffalo Chapter of American Red Cross (Retired) Read more Deb Stellrecht Director West Falls dstellrecht@ecattrail.org Website content, Communications/IT Support Read more Lisa Rood Director Boston lrood@ecattrail.org Former Town of Boston Supervisor Current Chair of Boston Zoning Board Consultant for Older Adult Programs – Hamburg United Methodist Church Read more Howy Holmes Director Orchard Park hholmes@ecattrail.org President, Friends of Birdsong Highway Contractor (Retired) 716-983-3605 Read more Kathleen McCrone Director Orchard Park kmccrone@ecattrail.org Marketing and Account Management (Retired) Read more Dorothea Wattles Director Colden dwattles@ecattrail.org Educator – Orchard Park Schools (Retired) Read more John Landi Director Orchard Park jlandi@ecattrail.org Business Data and Analytics Manager at Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP Read more Lauren Weber Director Orchard Park lweber@ecattrail.org Attorney, Phillips Lytle, LLP Read more Marc Romanowski Director Orchard Park mromanowski@ecattrail.org Partner, Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham LLC Environmental/Brownfields, Land/Use Zoning, Energy, Municipal, Administrative and Litigation Attorney Read more Francis Hogenkamp Director Orchard Park fhogenkamp@ecattrail.org Optician, Owner & Administrator of Hogenkamp Optics in Orchard Park Orchard Park Village Board member for 20+ years Major fundraiser for restoration of the Orchard Park BR & P Train Depot Read more Dan Barone Director West Seneca dbarone@ecattrail.org Computer/Data Analysis Read more Nicole Avitahl-Curtis Director Orchard Park navitahl-curtis@ecattrail.org Microbiology, Community Engagement Read more Michael Bowen Director Hamburg, NY mbowen@ecattrail.org Retired Senior VP, Enterprise Data & Analytics Operations, M& T Bank Read more Deb Fenn Past President, Director Emeritus Aurora dfenn@ecattrail.org Former communications executive, history teacher and ECRT president. Read more

Explore the Rail Trail in East Concord < Back Spring Trail Walk in East Concord Mary Carol Dearing Apr 13, 2024 Explore the Rail Trail in East Concord Mary Carol Dearing, leader of the Springville-Concord Friends of the rail trail, will lead you on a southbound walk on the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, an out and back walk of 3-4 miles, depending on the group's interests. Meet in the Shamel Milling parking lot on Genesee Rd in East Concord for a 9:30 am start. Rain or shine, so dress for the weather and wear sturdy boots/hiking footwear. Register at https://EastConcordTrailWalk.eventbrite.com . Previous Next

Although ECRT didn't move on to the finalist round, we had a wonderful time at the 21st Century Fund Presentation Event! < Back ECRT selected to present at 21st Century Fund Alicia Dziak Mar 6, 2026 Although ECRT didn't move on to the finalist round, we had a wonderful time at the 21st Century Fund Presentation Event! Mary Brummer and Murray Covello presented our Depot-to-Depot trail project to dozens of 21st Century Fund members, and several ECRT Board members were also there to support us! We enjoyed meeting so many philanthropic individuals and learning about other amazing things happening from the nine other local organizations sharing the space with us! We're even featured in this video from WGRZ: Previous Next

Jim and Cynthia Page Volunteers Jim and Cynthia Page clearly demonstrate you don’t have to live on or near Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail to appreciate it, use it and support efforts to complete it. Long-time Lancaster residents, both are active cyclists. Jim retired from Calspan in 2018. During his last few years with the company (a time when all four daughters were grown and on their own), he took to riding to work and back every day from March through November “It was a 25 mile round trip. One year I estimated that I rode around 3,000 miles to work and other outings." Cynthia, meanwhile, who grew up in Amherst, recalls biking to college in all kinds of weather, starting on a big, heavy bicycle and eventually graduating to a 10-speed. She biked frequently in her neighborhood, often with family members. “Jim and I met at Calspan. We had a lot in common. An important, enjoyable part of many of our days was spent outdoors, often on bikes.” Their interest in biking even influenced their choice of neighborhoods. “We bought a home with access to bikeable roads,” said Cynthia. “There were no bike trails back then. And if you’re raising a family, it’s important for children to have a safe place to ride.” Both Jim and Cynthia are members of GOBike, where Jim volunteers repairing and renovating bikes for kids, an activity he thoroughly enjoys. They also support the notion of a regional trail – one that will someday incorporate the ECRT, the Southern Tier, and the Genesee Valley Greenway. Jim was one of several volunteers who helped improve and mulch the berm at the Orchard Park Depot. He has also participated in clearing portions of the West Falls section of the trail from Ellicott Road south on National Trails Day last June. Most recently, Jim helped clear debris adjacent to Jewett Holmwood Road in preparation for the opening of the new trail segment. “We are so impressed with this new section of trail. It was remarkable how quickly and professionally the stone dust surfacing of the trail was completed. It’s beautiful and a real asset for the community.” “The people on the ECRT board and volunteers are great to work with,” Jim reflected. “There’s a positive, engaging exchange of ideas and information along with the hard work demonstrated by these people. It’s extraordinary. “We look forward to future rides on the trail, especially as it continues to build to its full potential, linking communities for transportation, pleasure, and commerce. It will be an immeasurable asset to the south towns, not just for the people who live along the route. We are definitely looking forward to helping where we can.” More volunteers

Here you'll find answers to many of the frequently asked qestions about the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail and its future. Just the Facts About the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (Updated October 2023) Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit volunteer organization formed in 2008 to serve as the trail manager for the former rail line that runs from Orchard Park to Ashford. ECRT is making great progress in its efforts to convert this 27-mile rail line to a multiuse recreational trail. What sections are open today? I n Orchard Park , a 1.3-mile section from the Orchard Park Depot to Jewett Holmwood Road has been newly resurfaced and opened in June of 2023. A 2-mile section of the trail from Ellicott Road to Jewett Holmwood Road is cleared to its natural surface and open. A 1.7-mile Pop Warner section in Springville is open, as well as another 3.5 miles of natural surface trail in East Concord . What types of activities does the trail accommodate? Walking, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available in all open sections. Surface-friendly biking is available in Springville and Orchard Park. Considerate horseback riders are welcome in Concord (re: waste materials), and snowmobilers may use the Springville and open Concord sections of the trail when the local snowmobile trail system is open. ATVs, dirt bikes and other motorized wheeled vehicles are not permitted. Snowmobiles are not permitted in Orchard Park. Who owns the trail? Has it been abandoned? Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad owns the land and the railroad right-of-way. The railroad has not abandoned its interest in operating a railroad on the property. It is private property and is owned “fee simple” which means the railroad holds the title. The railroad has railbanked its property for interim use as a trail to preserve it for the possibility of future rail restoration. What does railbanking mean? The Surface Transportation Board (STB) approved the railroad’s Notice of Interim Trail Use as a multi-purpose trail. ECRT was named trail manager in 2018 through a federal railbanking agreement. This corridor has been identified by the STB as a significant national transportation asset that needs to be protected and preserved for potential reuse. The railbanking order stipulates that ECRT is to develop a multiuse trail on this corridor. Who has jurisdiction over the trail? The federal government has jurisdiction over the corridor. This preempts local and state jurisdiction of its use. Even though it is private property, the use of the property is regulated by the STB since Congress regulates interstate commerce. It’s still a transportation corridor, with train traffic being replaced by trail users. It can be replaced by rail traffic again in the future. It is a railroad right of way that is being used as a trail in the interim. What is the best way to build it? The decision to use this railroad corridor as a trail is final. It has been reviewed and approved by the STB. The best way to build it is to work in partnership with local towns and residents to gather public and municipal input and preferences. Working together and with town support, we can be more successful in raising the funds needed to add amenities and create the best product for all. The trail will likely be built in phases over time. Some sections may open for limited use, with future amenities and improvements made as funding permits. Who is responsible if someone is injured on the trail? Are adjacent landowners responsible? Trail users are responsible for their own safety. The NYS General Obligations Law, Recreational Use Statute, specifically states no owner or lessee of property shall be responsible for or held liable for any injury to person or property for which access has been granted for recreational purposes. Adjacent landowners cannot be held liable in the event someone enters adjacent property without permission. Has there been recent progress on trail design? A 1.3-mile section from the Orchard Park Depot to Jewett Holmwood Road has been newly resurfaced and opened in June of 2023. In addition, seven bridges throughout the Concord section of trail have been redecked, and trail surfaces cleared for winter use. Recently awarded grant funds have resulted in universal access to the Springville Community Trout Pond in the spring of 2023, including an on-site bike rack and a trail Welcome/Information kiosk. What next for the trail? 2024 goals include: Further improvements on the 2-mile Orchard Park section between Jewett Holmwood Road and Ellicott Road Designs to address drainage, washout and culvert work necessary on the West Falls trail section Further improvements to the natural surface trail in Concord Evaluation and design for the historic Cascade Bridge spanning Erie and Cattaraugus counties Universal access to the Springville Trout Pond Highlights of ECRT’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2025 are available online at ecattrail.org/strategicplan23-25 . G et Involved : To learn more, start at our homepage . Sign up to volunteer , donate , or become a membe r . Downlo ad PDF

Springville "Pop Warner" Trail The first 1.7 miles of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail are open in the Village of Springville, NY. T he trail head can be found across from the historic train depot at: 227 West Main Street, Springville, NY 14141 Click below to enlarge the trail map:

Mary Brummer, DVM Mary Brummer got involved with ECRT not long after her retirement in 2017 from 33 fulfilling years as a small animal veterinarian in Orchard Park. She finally had time to pursue her varied and numerous interests, but she carefully considered where she wanted to commit her newfound free time. Mary was aware that there was an effort underway to get the rail trail developed as a multi use recreational trail, but she could not find any news about the endeavor, so she approached the OP Recreation department, and discovered that a Rail Trail group was meeting every month in the basement of the Municipal building. Mary attended her first Board meeting there in January 2018 and she was impressed by the energy of that initial group of 10 people actively seeking ways to make the trail a reality. Everyone there had creative ideas, as well as the vision and attitude that they were going to “make this happen”, and Mary decided that she wanted to be a part of that. One of the Board members organized an overnight trip to the Pine Creek Rail Trail near Coudersport, PA. Mary and then-president Anne Bergantz rode the trail for two and a half hours, talking about the organization and its history, and Anne really brought Mary “into the fold”. The group of 12 spent a day riding, visiting, eating and relaxing on the trail. Many small businesses had popped up along the trail’s path, especially in the village centers, and it made a huge impression upon her. The Pine Creek Rail Trail embodies for Mary what she envisions the ECRT Cattaraugus Rail Trail being someday. Mary was asked to be the group’s secretary. She also worked on the group’s Governance Team with the intent to firm up the Board’s structure, define best practices, develop standard operating procedures for a land trust, avoid conflicts of interest, improve record-keeping, and set parameters for elections and term limits of Board members. Mary grew up in Snyder, the “middle” daughter surrounded by five brothers. She attended Mount St. Joseph Academy and studied Biology at UB. No career path “lit her up” until she browsed through a catalog of careers in the school Guidance office and “Veterinarian” really appealed to her. She visited a veterinary hospital to learn more about the field, eventually working part-time at the Amherst Animal Hospital, where she learned to love the “small business family” way of operating. She graduated as a general veterinary practitioner from Cornell University, which is where she met her husband, David. David is more recently retired, too, from his career as a specialist in veterinary internal medicine. David and Mary have two grown children, and two grandchildren. Mary loves to garden and has been in the Orchard Park Garden Club for many years. She learned the intricacies of being a flower show judge, going on to become President of the Judges Council. This was a huge commitment of time that required her to combine her creativity, science and horticultural skills as well as a fair bit of engineering to not only design floral pieces, but Floral Design workshops as well. Active in her church for the past 30 years, she chairs the Worship team, with the goal of making services more creative and engaging. Mary played the flute during her school years but set it aside until an aunt’s passing, when she was encouraged to play the flute at her aunt’s funeral service. That special experience led her to resume taking lessons, and forming a flute quartet that plays in public several times a year. “A day that I can play just feels like it has more value,” Mary says. Mary shares her husband’s goal to be always curious about the world, feeling that it is a life force that provides us opportunities to grow, create and explore until life’s end. She feels called to talk and work with community members and elected officials in order to forge the best way to get things done and move forward. She’s inspired to make it a reality to one day take her grandchildren for a bike ride on the trail in Orchard Park, and perhaps enjoy a “sculpture alley” or a “pollinator garden” along the way. More volunteers