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About Us Organization: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in September 2008. Membership includes individuals from communities adjoining the railbanked trail who are interested in the development and operation of the multi-use trail on the rail corridor. Mission: The mission of ECRT is to preserve the 27-mile Buffalo-Pittsburgh rail corridor and transform it into a multi-use recreational trail between Orchard Park and Ashford, New York, enhancing the quality of life in the Western New York community. Purpose: Public recreation – Provide opportunities for walking, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and nature observation along the abandoned rail corridor. We wish to provide an important recreational resource for Western New Yorkers and visitors to our region. Health, Education, and Resource Protection: P rotect and maintain the rail corridor as a natural and cultural resource. Our objectives include a desire to increase community knowledge of rail-to-trail related natural history and to encourage school participation in restoring, maintaining, and using the corridor for educational, recreational, job training, and community service activities. Economic Development: Stimulate economic development through the promotion of tourism and trail-related businesses. Core Valu es Dedication: The ECRT Board is a group of hard-working volunteers that is passionately committed to realizing a fully operational 27-mile multi use trail between Orchard Park and Ashford. The project is a significant challenge that will take several years and substantial financial resources to complete. The ECRT Board recognizes trail construction as a mandate of the Federal Rail Banking Agreement with the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad in accordance with the National Trail Act. Compassion: We realize that some community members have concerns about a multi use trail in their backyard or neighborhood. We are committed to listening to those concerns, and will work to the best of our ability to find practical solutions to realistic concerns whenever possible. Integrity: Honesty and credibility form the foundation on which relationships are built. We pledge to operate with integrity and transparency. Safety: We use sound management practices to ensure that the ECRT remains safe for trail users. These practices include trail allowable use and trail etiquette rules, trail monitors and patrollers, risk management efforts, effective signs and warning systems, emergency response plans, and a maintenance plan that limits safety risks from maintenance issues. Accountability: We will be exemplary stewards of the financial resources provided to us and will operate with efficiency and effectiveness in accomplishing our mission. Community: We focus on creating a valued community asset that connects people, encourages healthy and active lifestyles, and fosters community enhancements. We pledge to continue engaging with youth, elderly, service groups, and those with mobility challenges, to foster appreciation of the natural environment and outdoor activity. Our community-minded efforts include economic development opportunities in trail-adjacent communities by creating or improving community connectivity, promoting existing services and amenities currently available, supporting improvements to services and amenities, and aligning with local and regional plans to amplify economic revitalization efforts already in motion. Collaboration: Understanding and addressing community needs and concerns is central to our mission. Working together results in greater benefits for the trail, its users, and the community. We engage with community voices through user survey programs and visioning meetings. Listening sessions with potential trail users, governmental entities, first responders and other community organizations advance collaborative efforts. Equitable and Inclusive: We will include, benefit, and empower people of different views, experiences, and identities. We believe that every person regardless of race, gender, geography, income, age, ability, sexual orientation or expression or other status, deserves access to a free, accessible, and safe place to walk, bike, and to be active. We believe the ECRT will have the power to positively transform the communities it connects, along with the entire surrounding WNY community, by creating a joyful, safe, and vibrant public space that is equitable and inclusive. Primary Objectives Provide a safe place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation. Preserve the historic former railroad corridor through adaptive reuse. Encourage economic and community development through trail-related activities while building closer, stronger connections within and across towns, villages and counties. Improve health and well-being in WNY. Future Trail Our Board of Directors

News 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 Apr 12, 2025 West Falls Easter Egg Hunt Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the ECRT trail! Read More Dec 13, 2024 Report Trail Issues Help keep the trail safe for everyone Read More Dec 7, 2024 ECRT at Christmas at the Depot Orchard Park Christmas at the Depot event was a treat for young and old! Read More Dec 2, 2024 December 3 is Giving Tuesday Together, we can develop more of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. Read More Nov 28, 2024 ECRT Thanks you We're so grateful for your support, donations, and helping hands! Read More Nov 26, 2024 Learn the Results of ECRT Community Meetings ECRT to Share Results of Community Input at Celebration in Orchard Park on Dec. 10th Read More Oct 22, 2024 Remembering Jim Slominski September 10, 1948 - October 15, 2024 Read More Oct 8, 2024 2024 EA2EVL Fondo a Success Celebrating another fabulous Fondo! Read More Sep 10, 2024 ECRT and UB invite Public input on trail plans Partnership will gather and analyze Community feedback Read More Sep 5, 2024 Membership Drive Status How is our Membership Drive progressing? Read More Sep 5, 2024 West Falls NY Forward Feedback Form Share your feedback by September 18th! Read More Aug 21, 2024 West Falls NY Forward Public Workshop 2 This will be an interactive session to gather feedback and ideas from the general public. Read More

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

Deb Fenn Jim Smolinksi ECRT relies on board member Jim Slominski for his deep knowledge and dedication to preserving railroad history. A current trustee of the Western New York Railroad Historical Society and chair of the Orchard Park Depot Committee, Jim became involved with ECRT due to a primary interest in preserving the integrity of the former Buffalo-Pittsburg Railroad right-of-way. He recalls what happened in Hamburg when the Buffalo & Susquehanna line was discontinued: “The right-of-way was completely obliterated. Today, you’d be hard pressed to find any intact sections of original corridor.” A lifelong resident of Orchard Park, from a very early age, Jim grew up near train tracks. “I was fascinated with anything that had to do with trains. When we lived on Liberty Drive off Taylor Road, I could watch trains come and go from our family room.” The Orchard Park Depot Committee was formed by like-minded railroad buffs in 1980 with a common desire to restore the depot and its storied surroundings. Jim joined in 1981 and has been an active member ever since. The hard work of restoration began in the early 1980s when then depot owner, Ed Burke, expressed interest in donating the site to the organization. In the decades following, everything from new wiring and plumbing to exterior restoration projects were undertaken with support from generous individual donations and from the efforts of local legislators. Most recently, Scott Bieler, CEO of West Herr Automotive Group, provided funds enabling significant renovations to both the interior and exterior of the site. The depot is now dedicated to his family. One very large project remains: restoring and retiling the roof, a project that could cost up to $1,000,000. “We also need to find a company with the skills and the will to undertake this hands-on, labor-intensive project.” Jim graduated from Canisius College with a degree in accounting. Prior to graduation, he participated in a work-study cooperative program with the IRS. Upon graduation, he began a 34-year career with the IRS advancing from a revenue agent to that of an appeals officer and finally as a liaison to the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation. During the course of his career, Jim was a member of the IRS instructor cadre, worked closely with the IRS litigation division, served on a number of task forces and authored various training books and procedural manuals. An ECRT board member since 2012, Jim is delighted with the trail’s noticeable, significant progress over the past four years or so. “I can’t wait for the new section to open up connecting the trail to the depot. It will have an enormous, positive effect on the Village. You’ll see people using the trail on a regular basis to come to the Village to visit the library, to shop or to attend events. I predict we’ll see a lot more interest in and activity around depot which, of course, we welcome!” The Orchard Park Depot Committee is always looking for people interested in volunteering. “My wish list would include new members willing to help with events and interact with visitors to the depot. And if you have a background in construction, maintenance or any of the trades, we’d welcome your time, skills and support!” May 1, 2023 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

Tim was born in Albany and grew up in Pendleton, NY. He graduated from University of Buffalo with a BS in Finance. After graduating Tim accepted a job with the National Security Agency in Maryland. He worked for 10 years as a Computer Programmer/Analyst with a Top Secret clearance including a tour of duty in Hawaii. He then returned to Western New York and worked 15 years as a Sales Representative in the Cellular industry, primarily with AT&T. Tim finished his career with the United States Post Office working as a City Carrier, delivering mail on foot in South Buffalo. He has been retired since 2020 and enjoys biking, hiking, photography and writing poetry. Tim is a creative problem solver and communicator, and skilled in technology. He is well organized with attention to detail and likes to think outside the box. < Back Tim Bienkowski Tim was born in Albany and grew up in Pendleton, NY. He graduated from University of Buffalo with a BS in Finance. After graduating Tim accepted a job with the National Security Agency in Maryland. He worked for 10 years as a Computer Programmer/Analyst with a Top Secret clearance including a tour of duty in Hawaii. He then returned to Western New York and worked 15 years as a Sales Representative in the Cellular industry, primarily with AT&T. Tim finished his career with the United States Post Office working as a City Carrier, delivering mail on foot in South Buffalo. He has been retired since 2020 and enjoys biking, hiking, photography and writing poetry. Tim is a creative problem solver and communicator, and skilled in technology. He is well organized with attention to detail and likes to think outside the box. Previous Next

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