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Videos Daytime Buffalo: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail 3rd annual event happening this weekend! Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... All Categories All Categories Entertainment Events Fondo Fundraisers Nonprofits & Activism People & Blogs Now Playing 04:54 Play Video Daytime Buffalo: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail 3rd annual event happening this weekend! Now Playing 01:54 Play Video EA2EVL Fondo Rider Safety Now Playing 02:13 Play Video Why We Ride Now Playing 02:07 Play Video EA2EVL Fondo 2022

We’ve made it easy – just 2 clicks – to send a letter of support to our elected officials: Orchard Park Town Residents – Share Your Support Orchard Park Village Residents – Share Your Support Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. (ECRT) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation working to construct a multi-use recreation trail on the 27-mile inactive Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad rail line in Western New York. In August of 2018, ECRT and Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad (B&PRR) announced the signing of a 49-year railbanking agreement. The agreement allows the ECRT, by federal statute, to construct the trail. The trail will begin in Erie County at the historic rail depot in the Village of Orchard Park and follow the inactive rail line South, connecting the towns of Orchard Park, Aurora, Colden, Concord, and the Village of Springville. Today, ECRT has over 6,000 friends and community supporters and is currently seeking funding from state and federal sources, foundations, and individuals for design and construction. We are actively encouraging Orchard Park to take an active role in the planning and support of this project. We believe it will benefit the vibrancy and quality of life in Orchard Park. It will connect neighborhoods and the village and provide safe biking, walking, and cross-country skiing. And it will honor Orchard Park’s connection to railroad history, provide recreation opportunities for all residents and restore and improve the natural environment along the corridor. Please take 2 minutes to share your support, enthusiasm, and thoughts with Orchard Park’s elected officials and encourage them to get involved in supporting this project for our community . Together we can ensure they hear from the majority of residents who support this project and not just a few vocal opponents. Orchard Park Town Residents – Share Your Support Orchard Park Village Residents – Share Your Support Thank you in advance for your support!

Howy Holmes "Mr. Orchard Park" Howy Holmes is a lifelong resident of Orchard Park. His home, built in 1861, was originally located along Quaker Field Stables and was owned by Harry Yates, who, among other accomplishments, was a principal with Buffalo & Pittsburgh RR and instrumental in the design and construction of the OP Depot. Howy’s parents bought about an acre or so of property from Yates and moved the historic house to its current location at Bridal Path and Freeman Rd. Howy and wife Dorothy later purchased the home from his mother in 1982 where they raised their family and continue to live today. “I went from sleeping in the kid’s bedroom to the master bedroom – about 30 feet down the hall,” he quipped. Howy attended OP HS and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in finance from Miami Florida. There he met his wife Dorothy, in the last few days of his college career and her master’s program. He then joined the Navy reserves and served from 1966 – 1968. He and Dorothy married in 1972. Together, they raised 2 children, now grown: a daughter Chandra who lives near St. Louis, and son Tyler, who lives nearby in Amherst. After college, Howy decided to join the family’s highway construction business, Holmes & Murphy, established in 1917 by his grandfather. His wealth of experience in design and construction has been invaluable to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, and the board continues to rely on him and his considerable expertise. Throughout his adult life, Howy has been an active and avid community supporter. People often refer to Howy as ‘Mr. Orchard Park”, and rightly so! His affiliations and accolades include Orchard Park Citizen of the Year (2004), member and President of the Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce, Co-President of the Orchard Park Historical Society, President of the Quaker Friends Cemetery, board member of the Buffalo Ski Club and Hickory Hill Swim & Tennis Club, and a charter member of the Orchard Park Council of the Arts – the organization that built the Orchard Park Pavilion. “I was ‘Person of the Year’ in 2006 in Time Magazine,” he says, half-jokingly. “Just Google it.” [That was the year Time noted every citizen in that category!] Howy is also known to be a frequent attendee at Town board meetings. “I’m interested in what’s going on. You have to read the local paper and follow what’s happening in your hometown. It’s important. How else can you make good decisions? You need to support and sometimes question your local officials. That’s democracy.” Howy has been involved with Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail since its inception. “I mow, walk the trail in Orchard Park pretty frequently, take on maintenance jobs and participate in design and development. The new section [of the trail in Orchard Park] is so important. It links residents to the library, the depot and all the village has to offer. It’s such a great asset for the town and village. And this is just the beginning!” More volunteers

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

Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail recognizes its volunteers with personal stories. Volunteer Spotlight Archives Dave Stahley Carol & Tim Goff Lisa Rood Jim Cielencki WNY Snowmobile Club of Boston

Mary Brummer, DVM Mary Brummer got involved with ECRT not long after her retirement in 2017 from 33 fulfilling years as a small animal veterinarian in Orchard Park. She finally had time to pursue her varied and numerous interests, but she carefully considered where she wanted to commit her newfound free time. Mary was aware that there was an effort underway to get the rail trail developed as a multi use recreational trail, but she could not find any news about the endeavor, so she approached the OP Recreation department, and discovered that a Rail Trail group was meeting every month in the basement of the Municipal building. Mary attended her first Board meeting there in January 2018 and she was impressed by the energy of that initial group of 10 people actively seeking ways to make the trail a reality. Everyone there had creative ideas, as well as the vision and attitude that they were going to “make this happen”, and Mary decided that she wanted to be a part of that. One of the Board members organized an overnight trip to the Pine Creek Rail Trail near Coudersport, PA. Mary and then-president Anne Bergantz rode the trail for two and a half hours, talking about the organization and its history, and Anne really brought Mary “into the fold”. The group of 12 spent a day riding, visiting, eating and relaxing on the trail. Many small businesses had popped up along the trail’s path, especially in the village centers, and it made a huge impression upon her. The Pine Creek Rail Trail embodies for Mary what she envisions the ECRT Cattaraugus Rail Trail being someday. Mary was asked to be the group’s secretary. She also worked on the group’s Governance Team with the intent to firm up the Board’s structure, define best practices, develop standard operating procedures for a land trust, avoid conflicts of interest, improve record-keeping, and set parameters for elections and term limits of Board members. Mary grew up in Snyder, the “middle” daughter surrounded by five brothers. She attended Mount St. Joseph Academy and studied Biology at UB. No career path “lit her up” until she browsed through a catalog of careers in the school Guidance office and “Veterinarian” really appealed to her. She visited a veterinary hospital to learn more about the field, eventually working part-time at the Amherst Animal Hospital, where she learned to love the “small business family” way of operating. She graduated as a general veterinary practitioner from Cornell University, which is where she met her husband, David. David is more recently retired, too, from his career as a specialist in veterinary internal medicine. David and Mary have two grown children, and two grandchildren. Mary loves to garden and has been in the Orchard Park Garden Club for many years. She learned the intricacies of being a flower show judge, going on to become President of the Judges Council. This was a huge commitment of time that required her to combine her creativity, science and horticultural skills as well as a fair bit of engineering to not only design floral pieces, but Floral Design workshops as well. Active in her church for the past 30 years, she chairs the Worship team, with the goal of making services more creative and engaging. Mary played the flute during her school years but set it aside until an aunt’s passing, when she was encouraged to play the flute at her aunt’s funeral service. That special experience led her to resume taking lessons, and forming a flute quartet that plays in public several times a year. “A day that I can play just feels like it has more value,” Mary says. Mary shares her husband’s goal to be always curious about the world, feeling that it is a life force that provides us opportunities to grow, create and explore until life’s end. She feels called to talk and work with community members and elected officials in order to forge the best way to get things done and move forward. She’s inspired to make it a reality to one day take her grandchildren for a bike ride on the trail in Orchard Park, and perhaps enjoy a “sculpture alley” or a “pollinator garden” along the way. More volunteers

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

Springville "Pop Warner" Trail The first 1.7 miles of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail are open in the Village of Springville, NY. T he trail head can be found across from the historic train depot at: 227 West Main Street, Springville, NY 14141 Click below to enlarge the trail map:

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

Your support of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is crucial to its progress. < Back Help build Your Trail Mary Brummer Jul 9, 2024 Your support of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is crucial to its progress. Dear Rail Trail Friends, Neighborhoods come to life during a Western New York summer. Kids are outside, their calls echoing all around. Everyone is actively enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, and many are using trails. When fully completed, Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail will serve as a 27-mile multiuse trail connecting many neighborhoods. Following the successful opening of the Orchard Park Village trail in June 2023, ECRT plans the next step: to resurface the trail “Depot to Depot” by improving another several miles of trail in Orchard Park and Aurora to the historic West Falls Train Depot. West Falls Historic Train Depot Imagine beginning a ride at the Orchard Park Train Depot, and enjoying six miles of level, comfortable trail surface all the way into West Falls, arriving at the historic Depot there. While in the neighborhood, you might visit the Blueberry Treehouse Farm for a beverage or take in an event at the West Falls Center for the Arts. Or - start your trip in West Falls and spend the day in Orchard Park at Green Lake Park, enjoying lunch, or celebrating Quaker Days. Orchard Park Historic Train Depot Meanwhile, at the southern end of the trail, several more sculptures are joining Springville’s unique “Sculpture Alley”, and plans are advancing to resurface two more miles of trail south of the Village of Springville. The trail connects neighborhoods throughout the Town of Concord, beckoning trail users through picturesque town and country settings. Sculpture artist J. Brian Pfeiffer and an assistant. Trails connect people and places, and trail use enhances physical and mental well-being. We are working passionately to develop our trail into the Southtowns jewel we envision. Your support of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is crucial to our progress. Please donate today and help propel this worthy effort. And may your neighborhood ring with the sounds of birds and children this summer. Happy trails, Mary Brummer, President Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail 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 write “ July Appeal ” in the memo area and mail it to ECRT, PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. NYS Charitable Donation Disclosures Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization registered with New York State and dedicated to building and maintaining a 27-mile multi-use recreational trail from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY on the railbanked Buffalo & Pittsburgh rail corridor. The latest financial report from ECRT may be obtained by request from ECRT at www.ecrailtrail.org or from the Attorney General's Charities Bureau's Website - www.charitiesnys.com . Information about charities may be obtained from the Attorney General at (212) 416-8686. Previous Next

We're busy planning our next event. Check back soon! < Back Stay tuned! Deborah Stellrecht Apr 26, 2025 We're busy planning our next event. Check back soon! Previous Next

Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Events Events 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 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