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Picture this: a 280-mile trail, connecting 21 communities from Buffalo to Pennsylvania. < Back ECRT Featured in PTNY Article Parks and Trails NY May 13, 2026 Picture this: a 280-mile trail, connecting 21 communities from Buffalo to Pennsylvania. Many thanks to Parks & Trails NY for recognizing the significant role that Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail has in the Southern Tier Trail plan. This article is a must read for all trail supporters! Read the article at https://www.ptny.org/the-southern-tier-trail-growing-greenways-in-western-new-york/?mc_cid=2a3be293be&mc_eid=7179f2253d #parkstrailsny #southerntiertrail #eriecattaraugusrailtrail Previous Next

Dan previously lived in Orchard Park for many years, then relocated to West Seneca in 2025. He works in the computer/data analysis field. He’s been a volunteer at the after party of the EA2EVL Fondo for the past several years. In his spare time, he volunteers with several WNY non-profits, too: Tifft Farm Nature Preserve, WNED and others. Dan is talented at communicating with the public, a good organizer, and even does some catering. He made a delicious chili for ECRT’s Volunteer Appreciation event in November 2025! He plans to help with ECRT volunteer coordination, communications, events and other assignments as needed. < Back Dan Barone Dan previously lived in Orchard Park for many years, then relocated to West Seneca in 2025. He works in the computer/data analysis field. He’s been a volunteer at the after party of the EA2EVL Fondo for the past several years. In his spare time, he volunteers with several WNY non-profits, too: Tifft Farm Nature Preserve, WNED and others. Dan is talented at communicating with the public, a good organizer, and even does some catering. He made a delicious chili for ECRT’s Volunteer Appreciation event in November 2025! He plans to help with ECRT volunteer coordination, communications, events and other assignments as needed. Previous Next

Fifth annual EA2EVL 42-mile ride benefits the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail < Back 2025 EA2EVL CHARITY BIKE RIDE OCTOBER 4 Deborah Stellrecht Jul 20, 2025 Fifth annual EA2EVL 42-mile ride benefits the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Register now for Western New York’s premier fall bike ride, the EA2EVL Fondo to be held on Saturday, October 4. This 42-mile non-competitive charity bike ride kicks off at 10 a.m. in East Aurora, winds south through rolling hills and fall foliage and ends in Ellicottville with a finish line party at Holiday Valley. All proceeds from EA2EVL support the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT), a 27-mile trail that runs along a former rail line from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY. Register to ride or volunteer here . “The popularity of the EA2EVL Fondo has surpassed all expectations in terms of attendance and support for the trail,” said event sponsor John Cimperman, Founder of 42 North Brewery. “In addition to supporting a great cause, this ride delivers beautiful views and camaraderie for riders of any skill level.” The bike event starts in East Aurora at 42 North Brewery and travels south down scenic Route 240, riding on the road parallel to the ECRT trail from West Falls into Concord. The course continues to Route 242 into the town of Ellicottville. The event ends at a finish line party at Holiday Valley which is open to the public, featuring food, drinks and live music. Transportation will be offered to bring riders back to East Aurora, or riders can get special rates for lodging at Holiday Valley. In addition to the registration fee, riders who fundraise an additional $100 for ECRT will receive a commemorative shirt and tickets for food and drinks at the post-event party. Participants who raise $500 or more receive an EA2EVL bike jersey. The top fundraiser is awarded the coveted EA2EVL “yellow jersey” and a $500 gift certificate from Tom’s Pro Bikes. “We celebrate more trail construction activity in 2025 with our fifth EA2EVL charity bike ride”, announced Mary Brummer, ECRT Board President. “The Fondo continues to be hugely helpful in making Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail the Southtowns jewel we envision, and we look forward to riding and partying together on October 4!” National Fuel, 42 North Brewing, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and The Small Law firm are sponsors of the 2025 event. John V. Ellmore P.C. and Excelsior Orthopedics are the road sign sponsors, and Tom’s Pro Bikes will provide tech support to riders on the course. Register for the ride at www.ea2evlfondo.com . A very special thank you to our Event Sponsors, without whom we could not host this event! Previous Next

Ideas, suggestions and opinions exchanged for West Falls revitalization < Back Great turnout at West Falls NY Forward Public Workshop! Deborah Stellrecht May 22, 2024 Ideas, suggestions and opinions exchanged for West Falls revitalization On a balmy night in the Aurora Waldorf School's gymnasium, at least a hundred interested people visited during the first Public Workshop. They got to review example improvement projects intended to revitalize the visual appearance of the Hamlet of West Falls and encourage visitors traveling through to stop and stay awhile in this small but proud community. Each of the Example Project boards offered an opportunity for guests to respond to, "What I like:" and "What needs work?" with post-it notes and markers. Maps of the project area provided a great birds-eye view of the project's boundaries, and all were encouraged to add their ideas/remarks to the maps. If you or someone you know was unable to attend, but would like to offer feedback, visit https://www.westfallsnyforward.com/resources . Each of the proposed projects included in the NY Forward Grant application is described here . Be sure to complete the feedback form that the Local Planning Committee would like you to respond to. Share your ideas and suggestions - be a part of this transformation! Don't want to miss out on future gatherings? All future West Falls NY Forward events are listed here . Previous Next

It took a village to save Patrick Raycraft's life < Back EA2EVL Fondo Rider Makes Comeback from Cardiac Arrest Deborah Stellrecht May 1, 2025 It took a village to save Patrick Raycraft's life Patrick Raycraft (Above center, in the red & white jersey) was an experienced rider enjoying ECRT’s EA2EVL Fondo charity bike ride on October 5, 2024, when, near the 32-mile mark, he knew he was experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. As luck would have it, he spotted a spectator and his pickup truck parked at the side of the road, and he asked to be driven back to the previous water stop, the Ashford Community Center in West Valley. Once there, emergency responders were called, while Fondo volunteers found some aspirin for Patrick, and a cardiac nurse who was also riding the Fondo tended to him until the ambulance arrived. Patrick was unconscious at this point and he now says, “The next thing I recall is waking up in a helicopter, banking to the left.” After he was stabilized at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville, Patrick was flown by Mercy Flight to Buffalo General Medical Center / Gates Vascular Institute , where he then received critical cardiac care. He had suffered a massive heart attack and cardiac arrest. Only 10% of patients survive heart events such as his. The Impella heart pump The world’s smallest heart pump, the Impella , was implanted. This tiny pump, developed by Abiomed (Johnson & Johnson), allows the heart to rest and recover by temporarily assisting the pumping function of the heart to efficiently deliver blood and oxygen to the entire body. Patrick spent 16 days in BGMC/GVI, before being transferred to a Hartford, CT, hospital near his home where he spent an additional 10 days. His health today is the result of countless hours of nursing care, physical therapy, yoga, acupuncture, mental health therapy and other therapies, and he’s extremely grateful to everyone who helped him, from the day of his health crisis to today. Patrick displays what's left of his riding jersey from that fateful day. 6 months later, on April 4th 2025, Patrick returned to the BGMC/GVI to be reunited with and thank many of the people of his care team, including Dr. Vijay Iyer and nursing staff; plus support teams from West Valley Volunteer Hose Company, Mercy Flight, Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home , and Johnson & Johnson MedTech Heart Recovery , the maker of his implanted heart pump. Patrick reunited with his care team All of us at ECRT are so thankful and thrilled that Patrick survived this medical crisis and has fully recovered. He is already planning to ride in the 2025 EA2EVL Fondo on October 4, 2025! Enjoy more photos of the reunion at BGMC/GVI on Flickr at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC7MYp . (Photos by Kaleida Health) Previous Next

ECRT Members enjoy a special evening outing on the trail. < Back Members Full Moon Walk Mary Brummer Apr 17, 2025 ECRT Members enjoy a special evening outing on the trail. Our first ECRT Members event, a Sunset/Full Moon Walk on the Orchard Park trail section, was a success despite the cloudy skies. Walking eastward from the OP Train Depot, we looked back to marvel at the rosy sunset, and to appreciate the fiery torches placed along the trail. At the Jewett Holmwood end of the trail, Paul and Irene Ziarnowski had their telescopes set up and a moon chart available to view the rising moon and planets. Alas, the cloud cover obstructed our view of the night sky, but as we headed back in the dark, the tiki torches and red headlamps made the return trip more spectacular. The refreshments back at the Orchard Park Depot putting the finishing touch to a great evening with our trail supporters. Thank you! ECRT is grateful to Jeff Sweet for opening the Depot for us for this special event, and to Murray Covello for the photos! Not a Member yet? Check out all the benefits of membership at https://ecattrail.org/join . Previous Next

Project will construct a 1.5-mile extension of the trail through West Falls hamlet center < Back ECRT Project in West Falls Awarded NY Forward Funds Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail May 23, 2025 Project will construct a 1.5-mile extension of the trail through West Falls hamlet center ECRT is thrilled to be among the 7 Aurora Projects awarded funding from the recently announced $4.5M NY Forward award!! The projects include: Expand Programming Capacity of the West Falls Center for the Arts ($1,245,000): Enhance the programming services provided through interior and exterior upgrades to the Center for the Arts along with the construction of an art trail and outdoor performance stage and pavilion. Expand Capacity at the Blueberry Treehouse Farm ($784,000): Adaptively reuse a historic general store by converting it into retail space and five apartment units, while improving parking and accessibility to the Blueberry Treehouse Farm. Transform Veterans Park, West Falls-Colden Library and West Falls Community Playground into Local Destinations ($758,000): Enhance three existing public spaces in the hamlet center that will establish new pedestrian connections, expand the total area of green space and create new family-friendly recreation. Reinvent the West Falls Depot ($725,000): Restore a historic 1917 train depot into a mixed-use development with trailside commercial space and short-term lodging. Building Access to West Falls by Converting a Rail Corridor into a Multi-Use Trail ($420,000): Construct a 1.5-mile extension of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail from Jewettville through the West Falls hamlet center. Artist's rendering of ECRT's NY Forward Project to develop the trail through West Falls to the West Falls Historical Train Depot. Preserve the Dog Bar ($392,000): Preserve and enhance the only existing dining establishment in West Falls with upgraded interior and exteriors along with new outdoor dining space. Celebrate Local Flavor at the Florence Market ($176,000): Transform a mixed-use building into a vibrant, go-to spot for fresh produce, artisan goods and daily essentials, featuring a stylish facelift with new siding, lighting and a mural. Full announcement at: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-22-transformational-projects-western-new-york-part-downtown-0 . Previous Next

Deb Fenn turns over rail trail Board leadership to Mary Brummer in 2023 after years of progress. < Back Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Welcomes New President Beth Lasky Jan 17, 2023 Deb Fenn turns over rail trail Board leadership to Mary Brummer in 2023 after years of progress. Deb Fenn , one of the founding ECRT Board members, stepped down as Board President at the end of 2022, a role she has held since 2016. Ms. Fenn will continue to manage government relations and community engagement for the organization. On January 1, 2023, Orchard Park Village resident, Mary Brumme r, became the new ECRT Board President. Brummer joined the ECRT Board in 2018, shortly after she retired as a small animal veterinarian at the Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center. She previously served as ECRT Secretary and Governance chair. In her new role, Brummer’s first priority is to build funding and team capacity to ensure that ECRT can continue to improve and open more miles of trail. History of Progress In the 15 years since ECRT was incorporated, the organization has made tremendous progress. In 2018, ECRT, Inc. signed a long-term, federal railbanking lease with the Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad to build and manage the trail. Since that time, ECRT has secured grants and public support to open 10+ miles of natural surface trail. During Fenn’s tenure, the ECRT Board: Expanded the Board of Directors to include strong leadership in design and construction, development, communications, maintenance and legal expertise. Launched ECRT Friends groups in Orchard Park, West Falls/Colden, and Springville/Concord along with an extensive trail support network with 4,500 members and nearly 600 volunteers. Gained support from national and regional trail organizations, and support from all levels of government for trail development, including resolutions of support from the Town of Aurora and from adjacent towns for major projects. Hosted trail events, including National Trail Day observances, winter walks and clean up events, and the highly successful EA2EVL 42-mile charity bike ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville held in 2021 and 2022, raising $100k in donations. Looking to the future In 2022, Brummer led the Board’s effort to upgrade and launch a new 3-year strategic plan for ECRT, which includes many critical projects and priorities that the Board will work to implement in the future." “It became clear during the pandemic just how important trails are to our communities, especially here in the southtowns where we have limited access,” Brummer explained. “Under Deb’s leadership, ECRT gained great momentum and made enormous strides. I’m excited to build on that momentum, to weave in local community flair and flavor, and to deepen our relationship with our Friends and supporters. "It has been a privilege and an honor to build and serve this dedicated volunteer organization,” said Fenn. “I’m incredibly proud of the amazing progress we’ve made, especially in the last 5 years, and I know Mary is the very best leader to take this trail and team into the future." Previous Next

Deb Fenn Liz Birardi I met up with Liz on a Sunday afternoon at Comma Fine Art Gallery in East Aurora where she, a co-curator, is minding the store. The current “Known, Imagined, Experienced ” exhibit includes 38 local artists — among them Liz — and features an eclectic display of mediums and expressions. Liz first studied art at UB and continued later at Empire State College where she pursued a program that included natural sciences and art. Today, her paintings reflect an appreciation for the abstract, science and the natural world. Liz grew up on Long Island where her contact with nature was often limited to a trip to the beach. It wasn’t until she moved to Rochester in the 1980s and met her husband, Rob, that her relationship with the natural world really began to expand. Starting with a trip to Zoar Valley, during the course of their 37-year marriage, the couple explored, camped and canoed. With children Gina and Ian in tow, the family made annual trips to Heart Lake in the Adirondacks. Liz, now a “44 peaker”, is officially an outdoors person. “These experiences opened my eyes to the value of the natural world, which is now intrinsic to my art.” Today, Liz and Rob live in East Aurora. For several years, Liz was affiliated with The Western New York Land Conservancy. “In 2009, I did a hike at Kenneglenn, one of the Conservancy’s first acquisitions and their current headquarters. I liked their mission and subsequently worked to digitize their files. I became familiar with the conservancy’s history, land preservation and conservation from this experience and, from 2012 until 2022, was employed as their office manager.” 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. “I really like the idea of the trail; that you can walk from town to town and find yourself surrounded by nature. It’s also great that you rarely have to cross a road. It’s also really great for the communities. This is such a wonderful project!” February 1, 2024 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

A little rain couldn't keep the ghouls and goblins away < Back OP Trail Trot a success despite the drizzle! Deborah Stellrecht Oct 23, 2023 A little rain couldn't keep the ghouls and goblins away Rain may have dampened the attendance a bit for the Orchard Park Trail Trot, but spirits were certainly bright, and the costumes were inventive and funny! You can see all of the photos from this day on our Facebook page or our Google Photos album , Our thanks to Runners Roost for co-sponsoring this family-friendly trail event with us, and to our incredible volunteers for all of their help to make it run smoothly! Previous Next

< Back Kathleen McCrone Previous Next

Small but mighty crew clears debris on Rail Trail in Colden. < Back Colden Trail Cleaned Up Murray Covello Sep 21, 2023 Small but mighty crew clears debris on Rail Trail in Colden. Our volunteers used some serious elbow grease to clean up and clear out a section of the Rail Trail between Lower East Hill and Rt. 240 in Colden. They cut back brush, cleared deadfall, trimmed weeds and collected trash. We have the BEST volunteers and Board members. Thank you, Murray Covello, Kathleen McCrone, Tom Grogan, Dorothea Wattles and Dave Stahley! Dave Stahley Dorothea Wattles Previous Next