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Bernie Young Bernie Young is a country guy, through and through. He has lived in East Concord with his wife, Jeanette, for the past 50 years. Apart from his 4 children, 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grands, what Bernie loves most in this world is his abiding connection to nature and ‘the great outdoors'. As Bernie welcomed me into his home, he invited me to have a seat in what is certainly his favorite room; a place that serves as both a dining area and his beloved trophy room. Proudly displayed on the walls above our heads as we chatted were beautifully mounted turkeys and deer. (One buck, he noted, boasted a rack listed in the New York State record books “with a score of 145!”) A carpenter by trade, Bernie was founder and sole owner of Young Construction for most of his working life. Generally working alone, he remodeled numerous interior spaces over the years and, with a hired hand or two, constructed several home additions. Now retired, Bernie spends much of his time outdoors. He continues to cut his own firewood and he built a small cabin on a parcel of wooded property he owns on Springville-Boston Road. There, he hunts and fishes and simply enjoys his time with nature. Bernie also proudly serves on the board of directors of Springville Field and Stream. The organization’s recent fundraiser, a “Golf and Shoot”, involved competing trap-shooting teams followed by a round of golf at Concord Crest , dinner and prizes. Proceeds benefitted the Springville Trout Pond project, an endeavor Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail has been affiliated with this past year, creating an ADA accessible connection from the pond to the trail. 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. December 1, 2023 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

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 Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

Latest News Mar 10, 2024 ECRT Needs YOU! We would love to work with you! Read More Jan 26, 2024 Aurora Receives $4.5 Million NY Forward Award A portion of the Award will be used for trail improvements in West Falls. Read More Dec 21, 2023 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Awarded $278,800 EPF Grant through NYS Parks Grant awarded to assess the historic, high trestle Cascade Bridge spanning Cattaraugus Creek between the Towns of Concord and Ashford, and determine a cost estimate for a new decking design. Read More Nov 24, 2023 Show the trail some love on Giving Tuesday We are participating in GivingTuesday! Read More Nov 17, 2023 Trail Safety During Hunting Season Be seen and heard on the trail during your walk or ride Read More Nov 12, 2023 Historic West Falls Train Depot Opened for Visit Friends of the Rail Trail Tour West Falls Section Read More Oct 23, 2023 OP Trail Trot a success despite the drizzle! A little rain couldn't keep the ghouls and goblins away Read More Oct 2, 2023 2023 EA2EVL FONDO IS ANOTHER SELL OUT EVENT 400+ riders pedal 42 miles to support the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Read More Sep 21, 2023 Colden Trail Cleaned Up Small but mighty crew clears debris on Rail Trail in Colden. Read More Sep 12, 2023 Upcoming Fall Trail Events Let's go for a walk! Read More Sep 5, 2023 Why We Ride Rider registration fees and donations to this event help make incredible progress on the trail Read More Aug 24, 2023 Fondo Volunteers Needed So many ways that YOU can help! Read More Aug 14, 2023 Volunteer Crew Clears Weeds Orchard Park North trail section spruced up. Read More Aug 13, 2023 ECRT Friendraiser @42 North Brewing For every beer sold between 6-10 pm, a donation will be made to ECRT. Read More Aug 4, 2023 “Sculpture Alley” Debuts on Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in Springville Springville trail and art supporters celebrate new works in Sculpture Alley. Read More Jul 20, 2023 Accessibility Improved at OP Depot tracks Rails no longer impede wheelchair access to the trail Read More Jul 12, 2023 EA2EVL Pale Ale is here! 42 North & Ellicottville Brewing Company collaborated to create a unique beer celebrating the EA2EVL Fondo. Read More Jun 17, 2023 New section of Rail Trail Opened in Orchard Park Village! Multiuse trail now open from the Depot to Jewett-Holmwood Road. Read More Jun 16, 2023 EA2EVL Safety Sponsor offers safe cycling tips Ride safely on or off road with your bike this riding season Read More Jun 1, 2023 Join us for 3rd Annual EA2EVL Fondo September 30 42-mile charity ride supports ECRT Trail Read More Home Photos About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

Events 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 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 Home Photos About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Come and see us at WNY Equifest 2024! ​ Mar 16, 2024 Meet other riders and learn more about the equestrian-friendly parts of the trail. ECRT Board Member and Equestrian liaison, Lisa Rood, and other ECRT volunteers would love to see you! Be sure to purchase one of the great reusable bags that Lisa makes from repurposed feed bags - super durable and unique! https://www.the-fairgrounds.com/p/calendar/wny-equifest Previous Next

< 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

< 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

< Back Visit us at IF4 2024 in Springville ​ Mar 5, 2024 ECRT will have an information table at the International Fly Fishing Film Festival in Springville, NY on Tuesday, March 5th. IF4™ is the world’s leading fly-fishing film event, consisting of coveted fly-fishing films produced by filmmakers from all corners of the globe and showcases the passion, lifestyle, and culture of fly fishing. It is the gathering place of the fly-fishing community and a celebration of friendship, stories and stoke. Stop by and say hello! The Film Festival is hosted by Springville Field and Stream. Films begin showing at 6:30 pm. Tickets available at https://www.flyfilmfest.com/springvilleny/ . Previous Next

Board of Directors Executive B oard: President: Mary Brummer, DVM, Orchard Park Veterinarian, Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center (Retired) mbrummer@ecattrail.org Vice-President: Gary Koeppel , Orchard Park Praxair, Associate Director of Pipeline Engineering (Retired) gkoeppel@ecattrail.org ​ Treasurer: John Landi , Orc hard Park Business Data and Analytics Manager at Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP jlandi@ecattrail.org ​ Secretary: Gerald Reger , Hamburg CPA, Sole Proprietor – Professional Accounting and Consulting Services (Retired) Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo – Chief Financial Officer/Chief Administrative Officer (Retired) Dopkins & Company, LLP – Partner (Retired) jreger@ecattrail.org ​ Directors: Robert Ballard , Town of Boston Past Vice President: WNY Snowmobile Club of Boston rballard@ecattrail.org ​ Michael Conway , Orchard Park Past Executive Director: Mahoning Valley and Adirondack Economic Development Corporations mconway@ecattrail.org ​ Murray Covello , Orchard Park Praxair – Global Supply Systems Leader (Retired) Past Board Member and Board Chair of Greater Buffalo Chapter of American Red Cross (Retired) mcovello@ecattrail.org Paul Cramer , Orchard Park Managing Director: Broadcast Solutions, Veritone, Inc. pcramer@ecattrail.org ​ Tom Grogan , Orchard Park (Retired) Brock, Schechter, & Polakoff, LLP CPAs tgrogan@ecattrail.org ​ Howy Holmes , Orchard Park President, Friends of Birdsong Highway Contractor (Retired) hholmes@ecattrail.org 716-983-3605 ​ Kathleen McCrone , Orchard Park Marketing and Account Management (Retired) kmccrone@ecattrail.org ​ Antonio Miceli, Orchard Park Senior Project Manager – Buffalo Construction Consultants, Inc. amiceli@ecattrail.org ​ Dale Morris , East Aurora Director of Geographic Information Services (Retired) Erie County Department of Environmental Planning dmorris@ecattrail.org ​ Steve Musso , East Aurora FinPro- COO (retired) Past Board Member and Treasurer of The Graycliff Conservancy (Re tired) smusso@ecattrail.org ​ Lisa Rood , Boston Former Town of Boston Supervisor Current Chair of Boston Zoning Board Consultant for Older Adult Programs - Hamburg United Methodist Church lrood@ecattrail.org Jeff Sellers , West Falls Five Star Bank, Real Estate and Facilities Manager jsellers@ecattrail.org Jim Slominski , Orchard Park Appeals Officer, Internal Revenue Service (Retired) Trustee of WNY Railroad Historical Society Railroad Historian for ECRT jslominski@ecattrail.org ​ Deborah Stellrecht , West Falls Finance and Website Manager, St. George Church, West Falls Communications/I T Support, Highmark BCBS of WNY (Retired) dstellrecht@ecattrail.org ​ Dorothea Wattles , Colden Educator – Orchard Park Schools dwattles@ecattrail.org Lauren Weber , Orchard Park Attorney, Phillips Lytle LLP lweber@ecattrail.org ​ Marc Romanowsk i , Orchard Park Partner, Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham LLC Environmental/Brownfields, Land/Use Zoning, Energy, Municipal, Administrative and Litigation Attorney mromanowski@ecattrail.org ​ Francis Hogenkamp , Orchard Park Optician, Owner & Administrator of Hogenkamp Optics in Orchard Park Orchard Park Village Board member for 20+ years Major fundraiser for restoration of the Orchard Park BR & P Train Depot fhogenkamp@ecattrail.org ​ Director s Emeritus: ​ Rick LeFeber , Cattaraugus County Executive Director Cattaraugus LDC (Pat McGee Trail) cldc@netsync.net Deb Fenn , Aurora Communications executive and history teacher. (Retired) ECRT Past President dfenn@ecattrail.org

< Back Tyrone Palaganas ​ Previous Next

< Back Junior Scouts Break Ground Deb Fenn May 7, 2023 Memorial garden to be dedicated to former troop leaders Junior Scouts from Troop 34218, working on their Bronze Award, broke ground today on a memorial wild flower garden at ECRT's Jewett Holmwood Road trail entrance. The garden will be dedicated to the memory of 2 former troop leaders who recently passed. Thank you for beautifying our trail! #GirlScoutStrong #eriecattaraugusrailtrail Previous Next

< Back EA2EVL Safety Sponsor offers safe cycling tips Deborah Stellrecht Jun 16, 2023 Ride safely on or off road with your bike this riding season Craig Small, of the Small Law Firm, is our 2023 EA2EVL Safety Sponsor. Watch this video for tips to ride safely this season. ( https://video.wixstatic.com/video/0373ea_042d58a6b0194336a974626f8ab6979e/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 ) Start with a tune up. Take care of your bike; your bike will take care of you. Maximize your roll. Tire inflation to the correct pressure can make a huge difference in the energy you'll expend riding. It's all about the fit. Make sure your helmet fits, using the 2 x 2 x 2 rule. Replace old or damaged helmets. Fuel your ride. Pack snacks and water, and electrolyte tablets or powdersadded to your water can reduce muscle cramping and fatigue. Light it up. Bike lights make you more visible to drivers, even in daylight hours. Bright & reflective clothing helps you to be seen, too. Don't forget the sunscreen and sunglasses: protect your eyes and your skin rom the sun's rays. Previous Next