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Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Events Events Oct 3, 2026 EA2EVL Fondo 2026 Save the Date for EA2EVL Fondo 2026! Read More May 2, 2026 Celebrate Trails Day Fun Run & Walk Join Us for Celebrate Trails Day! Read More Mar 15, 2026 West Falls Easter Egg Hunt 2026 Here comes Peter Cottontail! Read More Feb 21, 2026 Join us on the trail with snowshoes or skis Let's get out and play in the snow! Read More Oct 18, 2025 Explore a Section of ECRT in Concord Springville/Concord Friends group leader Mary Carol Dearing will lead this hike on a lovely but seldom explored section of trail. Read More Oct 4, 2025 EA2EVL Fondo 2025 Sign up today for EA2EVL Fondo 2025! Read More Sep 23, 2025 EA2EVL Fondo Friendraiser 2025 Join us for a friendraiser at 42 North Brewing Company! Read More Sep 20, 2025 Grand Opening of New Trail Section in Aurora Let's celebrate this latest trail opening together! Read More Jul 20, 2025 Come see us at Skyride 190 We'd love to see you - stop by the ECRT table at the after party! Read More May 20, 2025 Springville Trail Clean Up Volunteers needed for Springville trail clean-up Read More Apr 26, 2025 Stay tuned! We're busy planning our next event. Check back soon! Read More Apr 13, 2025 Members Sunset/Full Moon Trail Walk Join fellow ECRT Members for a walk on the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in Orchard Park as the sun sets and the full moon rises. Read More Apr 12, 2025 West Falls Easter Egg Hunt 2025 Walk the Trail! Prizes & Candy! Photo-Op with the Easter Bunny Read More Oct 5, 2024 EA2EVL Fondo 2024! Sign up today for EA2EVL Fondo 2024! Read More Sep 26, 2024 ECRT Friendraiser at 42 North Brewing Support our EA2EVL riders – Learn more about the trail Read More Jun 1, 2024 Orchard Park Trail Walk Celebrate National Trails Day with a walk on the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! Read More Apr 13, 2024 Spring Trail Walk in East Concord Explore the Rail Trail in East Concord Read More Mar 23, 2024 West Falls Easter Egg Hunt 2024 The Easter bunny is coming to visit the rail trail in West Falls on Saturday, March 23rd! Read More Mar 16, 2024 Come and see us at WNY Equifest 2024! Meet other riders and learn more about the equestrian-friendly parts of the trail. Read More Mar 5, 2024 Visit us at IF4 2024 in Springville ECRT will have an information table at the International Fly Fishing Film Festival in Springville, NY on Tuesday, March 5th. Read More

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

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

Tim Bienkowski Laura Gunderson Laura Gunderson became interested in the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) after seeing a trail sign at one of the trail crossings in West Falls. Subsequently enjoying a cross country ski along the trail, she was motivated to see how she could help out. 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 , and has previously served a term on ECRT's Board of Directors, including acting as the Board's Secretary. During her tenure, she actively promoted the trail by hosting many trail walks, fundraisers and other community events. She served on the inaugural EA2EVL Fondo committee, leading the event's volunteers for its first few years. She enjoys staying abreast of the happenings in West Falls, attending community meetings, and supporting efforts that embody the spirit of the quaint hamlet that she calls home. Born and raised in Rochester, Laura grew up near the Genessee Valley Greenway Rail Trail which piqued her interest in rail trails. She earned her Bachelors degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Buffalo, and works as a Quality Systems and Regulatory Manager. Laura met her husband, Eric, during their college years, and in 2016 they purchased their home in West Falls. Laura and Eric share a daughter, a golden retriever, and they have another daughter on the way. Most of Laura's family still reside in Rochester, and she visits regularly. Laura has 2 older brothers and a younger sister. Favorite pastimes of Laura's are hiking, biking, swimming, and running. She looks forward to a safe way to adventure to neighboring communities and enjoy stops along the trail. Laura's enjoyed watching ECRT grow, sprouting from a grass roots movement into a more robust organization. From "Friendraiser" events to the attainment of vital grants, the train is in motion! She loves the spirit of the group - an all volunteer organization - committed to their communities and getting folks outside! February 17, 2025 Written by: Tim Bienkowski Previous Next < Back

Jerry retired from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo at the end of 2019 after serving more than six years as the Foundation’s Chief Finance Office/Chief Administrative Officer. In that role Jerry had leadership of the following areas: Finance, Strategic Financial Management, Accounting, Investment/Asset Management, Business Analytics, Operations, Talent Management and Recruiting, Policies and Procedures, Enterprise Risk Management, Technology, Business Process Management, and Facilities. Before joining the Community Foundation, Jerry spent over 30 years in the field of public accounting, including 28 years with Dopkins and Company, LLP, where he was the Partner-in-charge of their Not-Profit-Industry Service Group. His primary focus was serving the not-for-profit and health care industries with a dedicated area of expertise in health and human services agencies. He provided audit, tax and consulting services to a majority of Buffalo’s largest not-for-profits entities and other large not-for-profits in Rochester and all across New York State. He is a retired member of the: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA); the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA); and the NYSSCPA’s Buffalo Chapter Not-for-Profit Committee. Jerry graduated from the University of Buffalo with a BS degree in Business Administration with concentrations in accounting and finance. Since March of 2013, Jerry has been providing consulting services to the WNY not-for-profit community as a sole practitioner. Jerry joined the ECRT Board in 2021 and serves on both the ECRT’s Finance and Development Committees. He joined the ECRT Board because he is passioned about having safe biking alternatives for the rural communities in WNY. In his free time Jerry enjoys hiking, biking, golf and guitar. < Back Gerald F. Reger Jerry retired from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo at the end of 2019 after serving more than six years as the Foundation’s Chief Finance Office/Chief Administrative Officer. In that role Jerry had leadership of the following areas: Finance, Strategic Financial Management, Accounting, Investment/Asset Management, Business Analytics, Operations, Talent Management and Recruiting, Policies and Procedures, Enterprise Risk Management, Technology, Business Process Management, and Facilities. Before joining the Community Foundation, Jerry spent over 30 years in the field of public accounting, including 28 years with Dopkins and Company, LLP, where he was the Partner-in-charge of their Not-Profit-Industry Service Group. His primary focus was serving the not-for-profit and health care industries with a dedicated area of expertise in health and human services agencies. He provided audit, tax and consulting services to a majority of Buffalo’s largest not-for-profits entities and other large not-for-profits in Rochester and all across New York State. He is a retired member of the: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA); the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA); and the NYSSCPA’s Buffalo Chapter Not-for-Profit Committee. Jerry graduated from the University of Buffalo with a BS degree in Business Administration with concentrations in accounting and finance. Since March of 2013, Jerry has been providing consulting services to the WNY not-for-profit community as a sole practitioner. Jerry joined the ECRT Board in 2021 and serves on both the ECRT’s Finance and Development Committees. He joined the ECRT Board because he is passioned about having safe biking alternatives for the rural communities in WNY. In his free time Jerry enjoys hiking, biking, golf and guitar. Previous Next

Links, Resources, and Presentations Below you will find a wealth of information related to rail and other mutli-use recreational trails. Use the below to find research related to rail-trails, explore other communities' trails, and even locate a trail to visit. ECRT Specific Download Presentation Download Sample Letter of Support Trail Studies and Reports Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: Trail Benefits University of Nebraska at Omaha: Trail Neighbors Study Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: Safety Study of 372 Trails Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: Economic Impact Study National Park Service: Trail Development Resources and Studies Trail Analysis of PA Oil Heritage Region Trails Pennsylvania Allegheny Trail Alliance Trail User Study Points of Interest Along the Corridor. Author, Sean Williams, Orchard Park High School. 09.18. Links to Other Trails Parks and Trails NY: New York State Trail Finder Pat McGee Trail: Cattaraugus, NY Allegheny River Valley Trail: Allegany/Olean, NY Genesee Valley Greenway Chautauqua Rails to Trails National Rails-to-Trails Conservancy TrailLink American Trails Parks and Trails New York Adventure Cycling Association Useful Links Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Parks and Trails NY New! The Orchard Park Train Depot

How is our Membership Drive progressing? < Back Membership Drive Status Deborah Stellrecht Sep 5, 2024 How is our Membership Drive progressing? https://video.wixstatic.com/video/0373ea_cf115ce3536844b08bc6a201d958aacb/720p/mp4/file.mp4 Previous Next

Partner, Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham LLC Environmental/Brownfields, Land/Use Zoning, Energy, Municipal, Administrative and Litigation Attorney < Back Marc Romanowski Partner, Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham LLC Environmental/Brownfields, Land/Use Zoning, Energy, Municipal, Administrative and Litigation Attorney Previous Next

Mike enjoyed a thirty-year career in the community/economic development profession. He held senior-level positions in seven different non-profit organizations in four different states. He successfully nurtured the growth and development of the organizations he headed and positively impacted the communities he served. He brings this background to the ECRT Board to help secure funding for the growth of the organization and for the achievement of ECRT’s Mission. < Back Michael R. Conway Mike enjoyed a thirty-year career in the community/economic development profession. He held senior-level positions in seven different non-profit organizations in four different states. He successfully nurtured the growth and development of the organizations he headed and positively impacted the communities he served. He brings this background to the ECRT Board to help secure funding for the growth of the organization and for the achievement of ECRT’s Mission. 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

Celebrating another fabulous Fondo! < Back 2024 EA2EVL Fondo a Success Debbie Stellrecht Oct 8, 2024 Celebrating another fabulous Fondo! https://video.wixstatic.com/video/0373ea_6dcbea6329744bb49bd66afd1211ea93/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail thanks each and every 2024 EA2EVL Fondo sponsor, donor, rider, volunteer and cheerleader for supporting our biggest annual fundraiser for its 4th year! You've given so much to help us build more of the trail from the Orchard Park Train Depot to the West Falls Depot. The fundraising total will take a little time to shake out, but we're thrilled to report that once again 400 riders were able to enjoy a beautiful 42 mile ride in great weather and safety. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more photos and video of this incredible event. Previous Next

Beginning April 10th, the section of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail from Buffalo St. to Sharp St. in Springville will be temporarily closed to allow for a culvert to be installed in that section of the trail. Please observe the posted closure signs and watch for the reopening announcement here. < Back Culvert Installation in Springville Jeff Sellers Apr 9, 2023 Beginning April 10th, the section of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail from Buffalo St. to Sharp St. in Springville will be temporarily closed to allow for a culvert to be installed in that section of the trail. Please observe the posted closure signs and watch for the reopening announcement here. Beginning April 10th, the section of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail from Buffalo St. to Sharp St. in Springville will be temporarily closed to allow for a culvert to be installed in that section of the trail. Please observe the posted closure signs and watch for the reopening announcement here. Previous Next