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Beth Lasky Jason Engel Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail has enjoyed the benefits of partnering with a variety of community and regional organizations. Biking, hiking, scouting groups, snowmobile clubs, local businesses, Chambers of Commerce, and adjacent municipalities have supported the trail in a variety of ways and have, in turn, enjoyed positive community recognition and economic benefits. Most recently, a new, exciting partnership is in the works between ECRT and the Springville Community Trout Pond . Eight years ago, Jason Engel took on a leadership role with Springville Field and Stream . His background in landscape architecture, business ownership and special projects work with the Amherst Planning Department made him an ideal candidate for the position. The heart of the project required significant dredging from a 1997 “100-year flood” that overwhelmed the popular trout pond, which sits adjacent to the trail, and created major erosion issues. The fish hatchery located at the pond’s north end was rendered inoperable. As Engel explained, “We want to reclaim this popular and ecologically significant resource. To do so, we adopted a 3-phase project. Phase one includes dredging the pond, re-establishing the shoreline, and improving the fish habitat. Phase two , at the south end of the pond, will create an important connection to the adjacent ECRT trail. The new destination trail head is to include a pavilion, parking area, bike rack and an ingress and egress ramp for wheelchair accessibility to a fishing pier. In preparation for this phase, ECRT provided funds for a culvert which sits beneath the trail and connects the pond to Spring Brook, an important outlet for occasional flooding.” Spring Brook, he went on to explain, travels north to East Concord and is one of the few streams in Erie County that is home to native brook trout – a rare find. It also was once an important water source for Springville – ergo, the town’s name. “Phase three of the project includes reconstructing the trout hatchery at the north end of the Pond, with a small classroom where children and adults can learn more about aquaculture and fish habitat – a nice education stop for bikers and hikers along the trail. “It is such an important partnership, and we know so many people, locally and regionally, will enjoy and benefit from the trail, the trout pond, and the unique recreational opportunities our collaboration will bring.” March 1, 2022 Written by: Beth Lasky Previous Next < Back

Support our EA2EVL riders – Learn more about the trail < Back ECRT Friendraiser at 42 North Brewing 2024 Fondo Team Sep 26, 2024 Support our EA2EVL riders – Learn more about the trail You are invited to 42 North Brewing in East Aurora on Thursday, September 26th to raise a glass of your favorite beverage in support of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! 42 North will donate a portion of all beverages purchased between 6-9 p.m. to ECRT to help extend and improve the multiuse recreational trail that runs from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY. Join in the fun: Take a chance to win our split club raffle! Register to ride in the EA2EVL Fondo 42-mile charity bike ride on October 5 Browse or buy new ECRT gear Join ECRT as a contributing member Grab a bite to eat from Fat Bob’s! PLUS : ECRT Board members can answer questions and share maps and plans for the trail. Previous Next

Several of the initial rail trail concept design images and descriptions from the project's infancy in 2013. audio Concept Renderings Springville section of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. Click to Enlarge. Orchard Park section of the future Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. Jewett-Holmwood Intersection Rendering of trail-head. Adjacent to Deer Run & Curley Drive Ellicott Road conceived trail head Jewett-Holmwood Intersection Rendering of trail-head. 1/4 Current Conditions  T he two-mile section of right-of-way between Jewett Holmwood and Ellicott Road in Orchard Park is a small segment of the 27 mile section of the B&PR in Erie and Cattaraugus counties. In 2010, the corridor was cleared, graded and the rails and ties removed. The right-of-way is 125’ wide at Jewett Holmwood Road and 69’ wide at Ellicott Road. It is accessible from town owned property. It is adjacent to a town park and a Smokes Creek tributary. Today, residents trespass on the right-of-way and use it as an unofficial hiking and x-country ski trail, sharing it with deer and other wildlife. The corridor is also used for dumping, hunting and other activities. The following examples are intended to provide a picture of what the B&PR right-of-way might look like if developed as a rail trail. It is intended as a starting point for a community conversation. The visualization is not the only option or final word on trail development. It remains for the residents to decide what is best for their community. Orchard Park Rendering Click to Zoom Orchard Park Rendering Click to Zoom 1/1

Thank you for registering for our Full Moon Trail Walk! We look forward to seeing you on April 12th. Here are a few extra reminders for this event: We will walk from the Orchard Park train depot to Jewett Holmwood Rd and back, which is approximately 2.6 miles. On Saturday, April 12th the sun will set at exactly the same time as the full moon rises - 7:54pm. The moon will be at peak illumination at 8:22pm. The April full moon is known as the pink moon, not because it will be pink, but because it corresponds to the early springtime bloom of a certain wildflower native to north America commonly called creeping phlox or moss phlox. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. This is an outdoor event at night, so please dress for the weather. Only red-light headlamps or flashlights should be used; please bring those if you have them. We will have a limited number of red-light flashlights for use if you don’t have those. The walk is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. If we have to cancel, registered members will be notified by email that day. We cannot control mother nature, so we're unable to guarantee a nice sunset or clear view of the moon that night. We will still proceed with the event even if it is cloudy. See you on the trail, Mary Brummer, President Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Event Timetable: Location: Orchard Park Train Depot – Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) Check-in Time: 7:30pm - Orchard Park Train Depot Trail Talk: 7:40pm Walk Start Time: 8pm Light refreshments to follow: Approximately 8:45pm Walk distance: 2.6 miles – from Orchard Park train depot to Jewett Holmwood Rd and back Parking: Available on-street parking and in the Orchard Park Library parking lot adjacent to the OP Train Depot

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Other ways you can give to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. More Ways to Give Legacy Donations There are several ways that through your legacy you can help with ECRT’s vision to develop and connect a network of safe and accessible trails from Orchard Park to Ashford, for all families and visitors to the area. A Bequest in Your Will The simplest way to include the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in your planned giving is to write us into your will. The following is sample language that you can use: I give and bequeath to the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc., PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127, _____% of my estate (or the sum of $_____, a specific piece of property, or asset) to be used as advised by the board of directors. IRA, 401K, or Life Insurance Policy Do you have an IRA, 401(k), life insurance policy, or any other assets not included in your will? If so, these are called non-probate assets, and you must plan your beneficiaries for them separately. If you’d like to do this on your own, simply include our full name and address when filling out your beneficiaries: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc., PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. Donor-Advised Fund If you are using a donor-advised fund for your annual giving, consider directing your fund administrator to designate Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. as the beneficiary of any remainder. As a Contingent Beneficiary If you have family members or friends that you plan on leaving your assets to, consider including the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. as a contingent beneficiary. This ensures that, no matter what happens, your assets will end up protected and designated. Let Us Know! Have you already included a gift to us in your will or trust? We would love to thank you for your generosity! Please let us know by contacting us to ensure that we know your vision and goals. Thank you. Without supporters like you, our miles of trails would not be possible! Make your gift go further: Does your employer match employees’ charitable donations? You might be able to double your gift to ECRT! Prefer to send a check? Please mail it to ECRT, PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. NYS Charitable Donation Disclosures ECRT is an all-volunteer charitable organization. All funds received are dedicated to promotion, design, and construction of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. The latest financial report from ECRT may be obtained from the NYS Attorney General's Charities Bureau website at www.charitiesnys.com , or by written request to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. Information about charities may be obtained by calling the NYS Attorney General at (212) 416-8686.

Volunteers are Always Welcomed and Needed Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) is gaining momentum in our mission to create "A scenic Southtowns Rail-Trail for enjoying nature and connecting communities." Through months of pandemic and beyond, hundreds of people have walked, run, skied and snowshoed the beautiful tree-lined natural surface trail on the 2-mile Orchard Park town section as well as the newly completed and opened 1.3-mile section from the Orchard Park Depot to Jewett-Holmwood Road in the Orchard Park Village. Another 8 mil es of trail are open to the public in Springville and Concord NY, allowing hundreds access to picturesque land for winter sports and summer walks, runs and bike rides. Development of this scenic 27-mile recreational trail is well underway. To make the leap into major improvements, requires strategic planning, financing and qualified, dedicated individuals to join our energetic, creative, and talented team. Let us pool our talents to create the Southtowns community treasure we envision. Could this be your moment? If you are passionate about developing the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, and want to help build a legacy for years to come, we have several exciting opportunities to get involved with our volunteer organization: Development Leadership: Work to identify and cultivate relationships with institutional benefactors, corporate sponsors, and individual philanthropists Grants Writer: Identify and apply to relevant public and private funders Fundraising Leadership: Formulate community fundraising activities and annual campaign Event Planner: Assist in planning, logistics, and execution of local ECRT events Paralegal/Contracts Attorney: Assist in preparing contracts and formal correspondence to ECRT stakeholders Communication/Public Relations: Advocate for the trail, and keep our supporters informed through various media and events; p hotography, especially at events; Social media and newsletter content creation Community Engagement: Plan and execute meetings to update the public and to receive feedback Recruitment: Recruit enthusiastic trail supporters to join the team Trail Maintenance: Install signs, clean up fallen limbs, record/report trail maintenance problems, identify maintenance needs If you'd like to volunteer, we would like to meet you! Please fill out and complete our Volunteer Form below to start the conversation. Volunteer Sign-up First name Last name Email Phone Multi-line address Country/Region Address City Zip / Postal code Yes, I want to receive ECRT News and Updates via email. What volunteer areas would you like to assist with? Check all that apply: Multi choice Trail Maintenance Social Media Event Planner Event Volunteer Board Member Graphic Designer Marketing Public/Community Relations Grant Writer/Administrator Recruitment Communications Writer/Editor Legal/Paralegal Finance/Accounting Other Photographer/Videographer Please sign your name here to verify that you are 18 years of age or older. Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload. Submit Meet Our Volunteers

There are many ways you can give to the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. Here are some of the many ways that you can contribute to building the trail. Give generously to help us build YOUR trail! Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization registered with New York State. Your financial support is greatly appreciated, and every dollar goes into improving the rail trail. Please give if you’re able to. How to Give Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail uses Zeffy to process online donations securely and with no fees. To give, simply fill out the simple donation form below. Make your gift go further: Does your employer match employees’ charitable donations? You might be able to double your gift to ECRT! Prefer to send a check? Please mail it to ECRT, PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. NYS Charitable Donation Disclosures ECRT is an all-volunteer charitable organization. All funds received are dedicated to promotion, design, and construction of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. The latest financial report from ECRT may be obtained from the Attorney General's Charities Bureau's Website - www.charitiesnys.com , or by written request to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. Information about charities may be obtained by calling the NYS Attorney General at (212) 416-8686. More Ways to Give

Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is a railbanked 27-mile rail trail in Erie and Cattaraugus counties of New York. Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization of volunteers working to develop and maintain a multiuse recreational trail on the rail corridor. Events EA2EVL Fondo 2026 Register now for EA2EVL Fondo 2026! Read more News ECRT Featured in PTNY Article Picture this: a 280-mile trail, connecting 21 communities from Buffalo to Pennsylvania. Read more Become a Member! Love the outdoors? Consider joining us. Your support helps our ongoing efforts to preserve the former rail corridor with the intent to develop it into a multi-use recreational trail. It also demonstrates community support to our local and state officials. All members receive our ECRT newsletter as well as additional benefits, depending on the Membership level you choose. Learn more about Membership... Volunteer Spotlight: 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 Become A Trail Expert Read Just the Facts! What sections are open today? What types of activities does the trail accommodate? Who owns the trail? Has it been abandoned? What does railbanking mean? Who has jurisdiction over the trail? What is the best way to build the trail? Who is responsible if someone is injured on the trail? Are adjacent landowners responsible? Has there been recent progress on trail design? What's next for the trail? Explore the Trail: Explore the future Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. More on exploring Learn More About ECRT: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and trail manager for the railbanked portion of the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Railway in Western NY. Over twenty-seven miles long, this railroad right-of-way connects the communities of Orchard Park, Aurora, West Falls, Colden, East Concord, Springville and West Valley, New York. More about ECRT Follow Us on Facebook: Sign the Petition to support the ECRT

Volunteer spotlight on Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail neighbors and volunteers, Larry and Gretel Laing. Larry and Gretel Laing For over 50 years, Larry and Gretel Laing have called West Falls home. They raised their four children there and welcomed seven grandchildren as well as nine great-grandchildren to their lovely spot adjacent to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. For many years, Larry worked for Thruway Builders at both their Orchard Park and Cheektowaga locations. He later retired from Sorento Cheese (now Lactalis American). In addition to raising children, Gretel found time to work for physician’s offices in the Southtowns. When they first learned Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail had become managers of the former rail corridor located behind their home, and that plans were in the works to build a trail, they were apprehensive, to say the least. “Our property backs right up to the railroad, and we were against it. We thought the worst. What about our privacy? What about safety?” Like so many people on trails across the country, Larry and Gretel soon found they had nothing to fear and, in fact, they 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. It’s like having your own private nature path.” Larry, meanwhile, keeps busy mowing and maintaining the trail. “I keep the section behind us clear, and then I’ll mow all the way from Old Glenwood to the West Falls Depot. It’s a nice walk, and we meet such nice people on the trail. You see folks walking with their dogs and with their kids. It’s good for wildlife, too. It’s been wonderful.” The couple would like to see the surface improved in the future so even more people can enjoy walking and biking on the trail. Larry, meanwhile, could use our help. “My legs aren’t what they used to be, and so I’m looking to get ahold of a used golf cart for trail maintenance.” So, here’s a shout-out to our readers — let’s help Larry find that golf cart! More volunteers

Contact Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Contact Please feel free to contact us with questions, membership requests, or for general information Phone: 716-771-BIKE (716-771-2453) Email: info@ecattrail.org Address: PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127 Your details were sent successfully! Send

Jim Slominski 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!” More volunteers