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A portion of the Award will be used for trail improvements in West Falls. < Back Aurora Receives $4.5 Million NY Forward Award Deborah Fenn Jan 26, 2024 A portion of the Award will be used for trail improvements in West Falls. We are thrilled to share with you the great news that Aurora has been awarded a $4.5 Million NY Forward Award, a portion of which will be used for improvements to the multiuse trail in West Falls/Aurora. We also thank everyone who contributed their time and expertise to produce this successful Award Application. Read the press release at https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-highlights-budget-investments-western-new-york . View the Application at https://www.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-01/WestFalls_NYF_2_Application.pdf . 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

Many are getting outside to walk, bike or run for their mental wellbeing < Back Practice Self-care for Your Mental Health National Alliance on Mental Health Jul 11, 2024 Many are getting outside to walk, bike or run for their mental wellbeing Self-care for your mental health, from the National Alliance on Mental Illness ( https://www.nami.org/ ). Summer has officially arrived. It’s supposed to be fun and relaxing. But it can also be stressful. How you take care of yourself — and your mental health — matters. That’s why NAMI launched its NEW Summer of Self-Care project, and they asked their subscribers to upload selfies of themselves enjoying their favorite summer self-care activity. The photos are in, and NAMI’s Summer of Self-Care photo album just went live. Check it out at https://supportnami.org/selfcarealbum/ ! It’s striking how many photos are of folks getting outside to walk, bike or run for their mental wellbeing, many of them on recreational trails near their homes. Practice some self-care for YOU today! #mentalhealthawareness Previous Next

Springville-Concord Friends gathered in person for the first time since the COVID pandemic on Saturday, February 4th - the coldest day yet of the winter season! < Back Springville-Concord Friends Group Gathers Deb Fenn Feb 4, 2023 Springville-Concord Friends gathered in person for the first time since the COVID pandemic on Saturday, February 4th - the coldest day yet of the winter season! Friends leader Mary Carol Dearing offered a warm welcome at 5 Leaf Clover restaurant, located near the Pop Warner section of the Springville trail. The group discussed recent trail updates as well as opportunities for trail-focused events, improvements and community involvement. The Friends then took to the trail for a brisk winter walk from the Depot north past some vibrant trailside murals. Thanks to a grant from the Cullen Foundation in concert with the Springville Center for the Arts, this section will soon feature the first sculpture installation on what is envisioned to become Sculpture Alley along the trail. Look for this and other happenings this spring on this open, active section of trail! Previous Next

We're so grateful for your support, donations, and helping hands! < Back ECRT Thanks you Mary Brummer Nov 28, 2024 We're so grateful for your support, donations, and helping hands! Developing 27 miles of railbanked trail is a huge undertaking, but a joy to do when sharing it with friends and family. Each improved section is a thrill to behold and so satisfying when it functions as an asset to the community. Many thanks to you, our ECRT friends, as we make our trail dreams come true! Happy Thanksgiving to you, with our gratitude, Mary Brummer, President Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Previous Next

Did you know ECRT is an important part of the initial NY Forward grant proposal to uplift and stimulate community growth in West Falls? Please consider attending the West Falls NYF Public Workshop #1 on May 20th. The Workshop will be held in the Aurora Waldorf School (525 W Falls Rd, West Falls, NY, 14170) from 6 – 8 pm. < Back NY Forward Grant Committee Invitation for YOU! Deborah Fenn May 13, 2024 Did you know ECRT is an important part of the initial NY Forward grant proposal to uplift and stimulate community growth in West Falls? Please consider attending the West Falls NYF Public Workshop #1 on May 20th. The Workshop will be held in the Aurora Waldorf School (525 W Falls Rd, West Falls, NY, 14170) from 6 – 8 pm. The West Falls NY Forward (NYF) Local Planning Committee (LPC) wants to know your thoughts on how you would like to see the NYF program help revitalize the Hamlet. The LPC will hold an Open Call for Projects from June 12th to July 17th, 2024. However, prior to that call, the LPC will be hosting a Public Workshop to gather insights and feedback from the community on what types of projects you would like to see submitted and how those projects can impact West Falls. We would love for you to see what's being planned and to lend your voice to the conversation , please consider attending the West Falls NYF Public Workshop #1 on May 20th. The Workshop will be held in the Aurora Waldorf School (525 W Falls Rd, West Falls, NY, 14170) from 6 – 8 pm. This workshop is an open house format with various engagement boards and planning exercises, so feel free to stop by at any time during those hours that work for you. If you are unable to attend this event, there will be an online feedback form available as well as a public survey for residents to provide feedback. Until the official website is operational, stay up-to-date with the plans and meetings via the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WestFallsNYForward . Previous Next

Orchard Park Christmas at the Depot event was a treat for young and old! < Back ECRT at Christmas at the Depot Deborah Stellrecht Dec 7, 2024 Orchard Park Christmas at the Depot event was a treat for young and old! 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

Help keep the trail safe for everyone < Back Report Trail Issues Deborah Stellrecht Dec 13, 2024 Help keep the trail safe for everyone We want everyone to enjoy the trail in winter, but remember, unauthorized motor vehicles of any kind aren't allowed on the trail, especially snowmobiles, in Orchard Park, and Aurora. If you see snowmobiles, ATVs etc. on the trail in these areas, please report it! Scan the QR code below or click here to report a trail problem. Snowmobiles are permitted on clearly designated trail sections in Concord. Previous Next

Celebrating another fabulous Fondo! < Back 2024 EA2EVL Fondo a Success Debbie Stellrecht Oct 8, 2024 Celebrating another fabulous Fondo! 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

The Easter bunny is coming to visit the rail trail in West Falls on Saturday, March 23rd! < Back West Falls Easter Egg Hunt Lisa Rood Mar 23, 2024 The Easter bunny is coming to visit the rail trail in West Falls on Saturday, March 23rd! Register your little ones to have fun on the trail, collect Easter eggs, and have their photo taken with the Easter bunny! Egg supplies are limited, so please sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/easter-egg-hunt-tickets-842837679187 . 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