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

110 bushes planted to celebrate Earth Day < Back Scouts Plant Bushes in Orchard Park Kathleen McCrone Apr 23, 2023 110 bushes planted to celebrate Earth Day We're grateful to Boy Scout Troop 411, Elaine Mainier, Murray Covello and Dorothea Wattles for organizing a planting day on April 23rd. The group planted about 110 bushes along the trail between Deer Run and Curley Drive in Orchard Park. Everyone worked very hard and had a great time! Thank you! https://video.wixstatic.com/video/0373ea_703ab3a7e8854eedb50d7dcb20f54b2b/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Previous Next

Orchard Park Friends of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) got together for a group walk of the open trail section from Ellicott Road to Jewett-Holmwood Road on Saturday, March 25th. < Back Orchard Park Friends Walk Deborah Stellrecht Mar 27, 2023 Orchard Park Friends of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) got together for a group walk of the open trail section from Ellicott Road to Jewett-Holmwood Road on Saturday, March 25th. Orchard Park Friends of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) got together for a group walk of the open trail section from Ellicott Road to Jewett-Holmwood Road on Saturday, March 25th. They met up with a good number of ECRT Board members, Railroad historians and other walkers and friends at the Orchard Park Train Depot for refreshments, a few trail etiquette reminders, and welcoming words by Mary Brummer, President of the ECRT organization. Local officials Matt Hartung, Deputy Mayor of Orchard Park Village, and Scott Honer, Orchard Park Town Councilman, were there to participate in the walk as well. Prior to heading out to the trail, Mary Brummer updated everyone with some highlights of ECRT’s recently finalized 3 year Strategic Plan for future development and enhancement of several sections of the rail corridor, particularly in the Orchard Park and West Falls neighborhoods, with much of the funding for the Orchard Park improvements coming from OP residents and supporters of the trail through a very successful fundraising drive throughout 2021-2022, culminating with the EA2EVL Fondo on October 1, 2022. Walkers were then loaded into volunteers’ cars and shuttled to the Ellicott Road trail entrance. The winds were gusting that morning, but the rains mercifully stopped for the duration of the hour-long outing! Everyone was by the stroll in nature and conversation with friends, old and new. Special thanks to the leader of the OP Friends of the Trail, Nicole Avitahl-Curtis, and her volunteer helpers for organizing this event. ECRT is grateful to all who support the trail by volunteering, donating, spreading the word to friends and supporting our efforts to improve outdoor recreational opportunities for everyone in our community. If you’re interested in becoming a friend of the trail, to be notified by email of future walks and events in your neighborhood, sign up at https://www.ecattrail.org/join . Previous Next

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Friends of the Rail Trail Tour West Falls Section < Back Historic West Falls Train Depot Opened for Visit Deborah Stellrecht Nov 12, 2023 Friends of the Rail Trail Tour West Falls Section Mother Nature provided a gorgeous backdrop for trail supporters to enjoy a guided walk along the West Falls section of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail on Sunday, November 12th. A crowd of over 40 people participated, and they were treated to a visit to the historic West Falls Train Depot, welcomed by the new owner of the depot, Conor Schneider. Visitors enter the West Falls Historical Train Depot. Conor explained his long-standing interest in West Falls history, particularly since he’s lived there all his life, and his future hopes and plans for restoration and renovation of the train depot. He fielded numerous questions and expressed his desire to open the trail section adjacent to his property whenever the West Falls section is opened. Conor Schneider, owner of the Depot, talks about his vision for the future. Conor shared his pleasure with the turnout with the following statement on the West Falls Depot’s Facebook page : “A historic day at the West Falls Depot as its waiting room saw its largest crowd since the last passenger train in 1955. It was great to share my vision for this historic building and receive such encouraging support from so many during the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. ’s walk through its West Falls section. This is what saving the building is all about!” Photos and video from this incredible day are at https://photos.app.goo.gl/3F1bGZhyayH1b88J8 . Previous Next

ECRT 's NEW Membership Program starting August 1st! < Back ECRT Launches Membership Program Membership Committee Jul 31, 2024 ECRT 's NEW Membership Program starting August 1st! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6zxCzqTRMw ECRT is excited to announce a NEW Membership Program! As we continue to advance our fundraising efforts to meet our financial goals and complete the development of the trail for the benefit of all users, we have developed a new membership program that offers our contributing supporters tangible benefits in return for their financial support of the trail. These benefits will allow our members to be more actively engaged in ECRT progress and trail-related events. Below are the new Membership levels and their benefits. Individual: $30 Annually ECRT Car magnet - to show you are a supporter of the Trail. We hope that the additional benefits you’ll now receive for a contributing membership will be an incentive to click the button below and sign up for your New and improved! ECRT Membership. Limited Special Benefit: If you sign up during our initial Membership Drive, between now and October 5, 2024 , you will also receive a fun ECRT water bottle koozie to hold your beverage while you walk around on or off the trail . (1 per household) Individual participation in Member-exclusive trail activities such as walks, bike rides, Railroad history talks, etc. Early Access to ECRT's Email Newsletter Early Sign up for ECRT Events: EA2EVL FONDO ride, Trail walks, etc. "Trail Talk", a Winter Member meeting with light refreshments Family: $50 Annually (all must reside in same household) All the benefits of Individual membership, plus : Entire Family household can participate in Member-exclusive trail events Early Sign up for ECRT Family friendly events for children, etc. Patron: $100 Annually All the benefits of Family membership, plus : Recognition: Special recognition in the ECRT's Annual Report. (optional) Exclusive options to have a sneak peek at unopened sections of the trail Exclusive option for the 1st walking tour of newly opened sections of the trail Entry into a drawing to be Grand Marshal at the Fondo Entry into ECRT raffles for exciting prizes Benefactor: $250 Annually All the benefits of Patron membership, plus : Guided VIP tour of a specific trail section or points of interest, with reception to follow with ECRT Board Members Recognition: On special section of ECRT website (optional) Sponsor: $1000 Annually All the benefits of Benefactor membership, plus : Invitation to an exclusive Sponsor thank-you event with the ECRT's leadership Recognition: Your name at a prominent location along the trail - showing your support (optional) We hope that the additional benefits you’ll now receive for a contributing membership will be an incentive to click the Join Now button and sign up for your New and improved! ECRT Membership. With our gratitude for your support, Mary Brummer, President Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Or go to www.ecattrail.org/join to sign up online. Have questions? Email us at info@ecattrail.org . Previous Next

Rider registration fees and donations to this event help make incredible progress on the trail < Back Why We Ride Beth Lasky Sep 5, 2023 Rider registration fees and donations to this event help make incredible progress on the trail Beth Lasky, EA2EVL Fondo Chairperson, talks about why we ride the Fondo, primarily to raise funds for the improvement, expansion, and maintenance of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. Donate, Ride or Volunteer: https://www.givesignup.org/Race/NY/EastAurora/EA2EVLFondo . Previous Next

400+ riders pedal 42 miles to support the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail < Back 2023 EA2EVL FONDO IS ANOTHER SELL OUT EVENT Beth Lasky Oct 2, 2023 400+ riders pedal 42 miles to support the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail On Saturday, September 30, over 400 bikers gathered at the start line of the EA2EVL Fondo, a charity bike ride that kicked off at 42 North Brewing Company in East Aurora. Under clear blue skies, the riders followed a police escort through the Village of East Aurora, winding their way south along the rolling hills and fall foliage on Route 240 into the Village of Ellicottville. The event ended with a lively finish-line celebration at Holiday Valley. Launched in 2021, the EA2EVL Fondo—or non-competitive ride—raises awareness and funds to help open, build and maintain the 27-mile multi-use, recreational Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) that runs along a former rail line from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY. For three consecutive years, this event has reached maximum capacity, this year selling out at 400+ riders and netting close to $50,000 for the rail trail. “We keep raising the bar for this event,“ said Mary Brummer, ECRT Board President, “and we keep exceeding all expectations! I’d like to thank everyone who participated in this epic ride, including our loyal riders and sponsors, along with our dedicated volunteers. Your support of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail truly matters.” The 2021 and 2022 EA2EVL events raised over $100,000 in donations, which were used to clear and open the first 1.3 miles of the rail trail in Orchard Park. The funds raised from this year’s event will help to push the trail south, improving sections in the town of Aurora into West Falls. The 2023 event was sponsored by National Fuel, 42 North Brewing Company, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Phillips Lytle and Craig Small Law with tech support provided by Tom’s Pro Bikes. You can see all of the photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/pFM2fTKVLw9oC4bh7 . Image of bicycle riders emerging through the Start gate of the EA2EVL Fondo, a fundraising bicycle ride. Previous Next

Step out in nature to nurture your mental health < Back May is Mental Health Awareness Month Deborah Stellrecht May 1, 2024 Step out in nature to nurture your mental health More and more, research is uncovering the significant benefits of getting outside in nature for our mental health. This is especially vital for the 1 in 5 people who suffer from anxiety or depression. The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) and Mental Health America have excellent resources for you to help yourself and the people you care about to enjoy better mental health. Take time this month to assess your mental health and take action to improve it. (Hint: Walking, running or riding on the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is a great way to start!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn7xfk7oF_I 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

We would love to work with you!  < Back ECRT Needs YOU! Mary Brummer, ECRT President Mar 10, 2024 We would love to work with you! Photo by Amer Mughawish on Unsplash ECRT is a vibrant, energetic group of volunteers on a mission to build a Southtowns recreational trail for all to enjoy. Do you see yourself in a leadership role as this project proceeds? We would love to work with you! We're especially interested in people who want to volunteer their skills in these areas: Communications: Photography, especially at events. Social media and newsletter content creation. Community Engagement: Hold m eetings to update the public and to receive feedback. Development Director: Seek funding to build the trail. Event Planner: Plan and prepare fundraising events. Grant Writer: We have a great team in place, but we're happy to have helping hands. Membership/CRM Assistant: A newer initiative for ECRT - help us build and engage our membership and maintain a Membership management program. Construction Project Manager: Segments of the trail are built as funding is acquired. If any one of these roles appeals to you and you have the skills to offer, please contact us at 716-771-2453 or email info@ecattrail.org and let's discuss it in more detail. We'll provide you with excellent mentorship. Come join us on Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! Previous Next

A story about Karen Parysek, volunteer grant writer for the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail organization. Karen Parysek Karen Parysek has been an active volunteer with ECRT for over 10 years and the author of several successful grant applications as exemplified in Concord’s redecked bridges, an accessible ramp to the historic Springville Trout Pond, and our efforts to connect an elementary school bike path to our trail in Colden. Raised on a farm in Eden, NY, Karen grew up with three siblings, as well as four children from Buffalo, fostered by her parents during her childhood years. She attended Eden Central School where she excelled in math and science. Karen was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Rochester, majoring in chemical and engineering. After graduating, she joined Linde-Praxair where she used her problem-solving skills in a wide variety of positions: energy systems engineering, market development for materials, procurement, Six Sigma, marketing and sales. She finished her career in R&D, where she developed collaborations for emerging clean energy technologies with universities, startups and national labs, learning about the grant making ecosystem in the process. It was this experience that she has been able to directly transfer to the benefit of ECRT. Karen raised two sons, now in their 30’s, both of whom found success following in their mother’s engineering footsteps. Back-country canoe camping and wildflowers are among her outdoor passions. Throughout her adult life, she has been a dedicated and active volunteer, supporting a number of worthy non-profits, most significantly Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program at Holiday Valley where she volunteers as an adaptive ski instructor. “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! More volunteers