Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the ECRT trail! < Back West Falls Easter Egg Hunt Laura Gunderson Apr 12, 2025 Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the ECRT trail! Free event! Learn more about it and please register at www.WestFallsEggHunt2025.eventbrite.com . We want to be sure we have enough candy & prizes for all the kids. Previous Next

Mike Bowen is a retired business and technology leader with more than 30 years of experience guiding complex organizations through transformation, operational improvement, and long-term strategic change. His experience brings a strong perspective on stewardship of resources, risk management, transparency, and aligning investments to mission-critical outcomes. He has a long record of community service and volunteer leadership focused on youth development, education, and public service. His involvement includes leading annual volunteer construction teams supporting Camp Stella Maris; serving for many years as a coach and team leader across multiple youth sports programs; volunteering as a science consultant for middle school students in the city of Rochester; and contributing to public safety and outdoor recreation through service with the National Ski Patrol at Bristol Mountain and the Safety Patrol at Holiday Valley. He is deeply committed to initiatives that promote community well-being, accessibility, and responsible use of shared natural resources. Mike holds an MBA with concentrations in information technology and marketing, and a bachelor’s degree in business and finance from the University at Buffalo School of Management. He is an avid skier, bicyclist, and Adirondack mountain hiker, and he values trail systems that connect communities, expand access to the outdoors, and preserve natural corridors for future generations. When he’s not busy conquering major trails or organizational transformations, he enjoys spending time with his family in Western New York. < Back Michael Bowen Mike Bowen is a retired business and technology leader with more than 30 years of experience guiding complex organizations through transformation, operational improvement, and long-term strategic change. His experience brings a strong perspective on stewardship of resources, risk management, transparency, and aligning investments to mission-critical outcomes. He has a long record of community service and volunteer leadership focused on youth development, education, and public service. His involvement includes leading annual volunteer construction teams supporting Camp Stella Maris; serving for many years as a coach and team leader across multiple youth sports programs; volunteering as a science consultant for middle school students in the city of Rochester; and contributing to public safety and outdoor recreation through service with the National Ski Patrol at Bristol Mountain and the Safety Patrol at Holiday Valley. He is deeply committed to initiatives that promote community well-being, accessibility, and responsible use of shared natural resources. Mike holds an MBA with concentrations in information technology and marketing, and a bachelor’s degree in business and finance from the University at Buffalo School of Management. He is an avid skier, bicyclist, and Adirondack mountain hiker, and he values trail systems that connect communities, expand access to the outdoors, and preserve natural corridors for future generations. When he’s not busy conquering major trails or organizational transformations, he enjoys spending time with his family in Western New York. Previous Next

Deb Fenn Ellen Januszkiewicz The love of railroads runs deep for Ellen Januszkiewicz, a regular, enthusiastic ECRT volunteer from Orchard Park. Her father, Leon, was a track maintenance mechanic whose career brought Ellen’s family from Scranton, PA to rail yards of Lackawanna, NY. Ellen was born in Scranton, once an active, vital railroad hub. Today it is home to Steamtown , a national industrial heritage site, dedicated to preserving the history of the steam railroad and the role its workforce played during the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Leon began what would be his lifelong career there, learning the skills needed to maintain the machinery that in turn was used to maintain the integrity of the tracks. Recognizing an intelligent, skilled mechanic, the railroad paid for Leon‘s further training in Chicago. He then earned a promotion that moved the family to Lackawanna and a job on the William Street train yard with the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. His work made it possible for the family to travel frequently by train for family visits and for pleasure. Later, Leon would continue to advance his career back in Scranton as the regional maintenance manager for Conrail. “Getting to travel by train was always exciting for my brother, Frank, and I as kids,” Ellen recalls. “The most exciting, thrilling rides always involved being allowed to dine in the Phoebe Snow Club Car.” (‘Phoebe’ was a fictitious, high society character the railroad used to advertise this exclusive dining amenity, along with this catchy motto, ‘A cozy seat, a dainty treat, makes Phoebe’s happiness complete; with linen white and silver bright, upon the road of anthracite .’) “Everyone, including us kids, had to really dress for the occasion. I know we learned our table manners in the Phoebe.” Ellen and Frank were the first in their family to graduate from college. Ellen attended UB and earned a Masters in Nursing. She enjoyed a successful career as a public health nurse, working for the Erie County Health Department and for Roswell Park Memorial Institute. She eventually became a professor of nursing at Erie Community College. She married husband Martin in 1972. The couple lived for a time in Syracuse where Martin attended SU and played for the Syracuse University Orange Men. Drafted by the Baltimore Colts, Martin never got to play professionally, but used his education to achieve is MS in Special Education. Upon returning to Buffalo, he pursued his career at the WNY Children’s Psychiatric Center. Ellen got interested in volunteering for ECRT when she saw the organization’s efforts to maintain and preserve the corridor. She walks the Orchard Park section frequently and happily offers her help at tabling events in Orchard Park and Springville. “I see people on the trail all the time. My son Jason and his wife Amy walk here pretty regularly as well, with their dog, Asoka. My grandsons Jonas and Myles bike here and really enjoy it.” “When I’m on the trail, I think of my dad and how hard he worked. He loved being a ‘railroader’. He would be thrilled to see how the rail beds are being used now as a trail for the community to use and enjoy.” June 1, 2024 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

42-mile charity ride supports ECRT Trail < Back Join us for 3rd Annual EA2EVL Fondo September 30 Beth Lasky Jun 1, 2023 42-mile charity ride supports ECRT Trail Join us on September 30 for the EA2EVL Fondo, a 42-mile epic road ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville on Saturday, September 30. The 42-mile route will venture down Route 240 through the fall foliage and rolling hills of Western New York and end with a celebration at the beautiful Holiday Valley. The best part: 100% of the proceeds benefit ECRT! PROGRESS! This event has SOLD OUT for two years and raised over $100,000 to support he ECRT trail. With these funds, we have removed the rails and ties, and improved the first 1.5 miles of the trail starting at the Orchard Park Village Depot. On June 17th, this section will open to the public, connecting to the 2 miles of natural surface trail open at Jewett Holmwood Road. EA2EVL 2023 funds will be used to expand and improve the trail south into the town of Aurora and West Falls. Three ways YOU can help! RIDE ON: If you are a biker, register today ! In addition to the registration fee, we’re asking all riders to fundraise for ECRT. A minimum of $100 in donations will earn you an event shirt and tickets for food and drinks at the finish line party. If you raise $500 or more, you also get an event jersey. The top fundraiser gets to wear the coveted yellow jersey. So sign up, raise some money for ECRT, and enjoy a great fall ride! REGISTER HERE VOLUNTEER: We will need volunteers for the start line at 42 North in East Aurora, three water stops (Colden, Concord and West Valley), course pointers and traffic control on the route, and at the finish line party at Holiday Valley. Volunteers sign up HERE . We’ll be in touch with more specific instructions for your role. DONATE: If you can't join us, you can still help by supporting one of the riders on our registration site HERE . SPREAD THE WORD! Invite others to join in the fun. Post this link to your social media: www.ea2evlfondo.com We hope to see you on September 30th! Previous Next

Dale holds a Masters Degree in Urban Planning from Cornell University. He has 40 years of experience in the planning field at the community, town, and county level. Now retired from the position of Director of the Erie County Office of Geographic Information Services. < Back Dale Morris Dale holds a Masters Degree in Urban Planning from Cornell University. He has 40 years of experience in the planning field at the community, town, and county level. Now retired from the position of Director of the Erie County Office of Geographic Information Services. Previous Next

Deb Fenn John Landi John grew up in Putnam Valley, a rural, forested community several miles north of New York City where outdoor play, roughhousing and sledding were regular pastimes for John; later to be replaced by football, lacrosse and other organized sports in high school. Upon graduation, the campus and curriculum at Alfred University appeared “a perfect fit” for John where he undertook a 5-year MBA program in Finance and Economics, with an eye on a career in sports management. John’s first job as a data analyst with Greenwich Associates was an exceptional “learning experience” where he honed his skills and keyboard speed under the tutelage of a former Goldman Sachs employee. He then joined the Buffalo Bills organization as a customer relationship management system administrator (CRM), and was subsequently promoted to CRM Architect with Pegula Sports and Entertainment. In December of 2020, he joined his current firm, CTBK Accounting and Business Consulting, as a business data and analytics manager, “Since COVID, CTBK has offered a hybrid work experience, typically with three days working from home; two at the office,” he explains. “One of the company’s core values is Human Connection. Working cooperatively is really part of the company’s DNA, which I really like, and which adds real value to the work experience.” Today, John and wife Lindsey live in Orchard Park, where Lindsey grew up and where her parents and extended family still reside. “When I’m not puttering around the house and yard, we take time to travel, and we both enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors.” The couple recently returned from a trip to the Grand Canyon, and last year’s trip to the Hawaiian Islands included full days of long hikes and exploration. “I think the ECRT trail is truly important. It gives the community a place for walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and simply enjoying nature. It’s a great connector and a wonderful, potential economic stimulus. Case in point is the ‘Walk Over the Hudson’, close to where I grew up. It’s had a transformative, positive impact on communities on both sides of the bridge.” John also appreciates the trail’s historic aspects. Proud owner of his grandfather’s Lionel train set circa late-1940’s, Christmas finds the Landi living room transformed into an elaborate, impressive Christmas village. “Meanwhile, I look forward to the day when I can hike or ride the entire 27 miles of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail.” Yes, John. We’re with you! May 1, 2024 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

Trail Users Here are some frequently asked questions from enthusiasts who would like to use the trail. 01 What is the proposed Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail? The former trail line travers es two counties (Erie and Cattaraugus) and connects five communities, starting in the Village of Orchard Park, going through towns of Orchard Park, Aurora, Colden, Concord, the Village of Springville and ending in Ashford. The trail features historic rail depots, quaint villages, woodlands, marshes, farmlands, popular ski areas and a spectacular high-trestle bridge. ECRT’s 27-mile trail will be the first safe, off-road bicycling trail in the south towns. This trail is included in the NYS trail and greenway long range plan. 02 When will it open and who gets to use it? ECRT is just beginning the design effort, which could take up to a year to complete. We are estimating the entire trail could take anywhere from 5-10 years to complete. The Springville Pop Warner Trail is currently in use and is a model for our ECRT trail development vision. The remaining trail will be built in sections as community funding and planning is completed. Announcements will be made as soon as other sections are ready for public use. ECRT will partner with the communities along the trail to fulfill our mission to develop a multi-use trail. Surface design will be up to each community to determine what is most desirable for their population. Outdoor enthusiasts, including bikers, hikers, horseback riders, cross-country skiers, bird-watchers, and snowmobilers are envisioned to have access. However, every use may not be allowed on every segment of the trail. 03 Can I explore the current rail-line? No, please do not. The current right-of-way is still owned by the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Rail Road, and walki ng on the trail is considered trespassing.   04 Where will the proposed trail go? Visit our Future Trai l page to se e a map of the proposed trail. 05 Where can I visit a local trail? In addition to the Springville Pop Warner trail section of ECRT, you can walk or bicycle on the trail from the Orchard Park Railway Historical Society Depot at 395 S. Lincoln Ave through to Ellicott Road in Aurora. O ther regional trails you can visit include: Chautauqua Rails to Trails, the Allegheny River Valley Trail, the Cattaraugus Pat McGee Trail, the Genesee Valley Greenway, the Tonawanda Rail Trail, Clarence-Akron-Newstead Bike Path, and Lancaster’s Heritage Trail.

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

Ideas, suggestions and opinions exchanged for West Falls revitalization < Back Great turnout at West Falls NY Forward Public Workshop! Deborah Stellrecht May 22, 2024 Ideas, suggestions and opinions exchanged for West Falls revitalization On a balmy night in the Aurora Waldorf School's gymnasium, at least a hundred interested people visited during the first Public Workshop. They got to review example improvement projects intended to revitalize the visual appearance of the Hamlet of West Falls and encourage visitors traveling through to stop and stay awhile in this small but proud community. Each of the Example Project boards offered an opportunity for guests to respond to, "What I like:" and "What needs work?" with post-it notes and markers. Maps of the project area provided a great birds-eye view of the project's boundaries, and all were encouraged to add their ideas/remarks to the maps. If you or someone you know was unable to attend, but would like to offer feedback, visit https://www.westfallsnyforward.com/resources . Each of the proposed projects included in the NY Forward Grant application is described here . Be sure to complete the feedback form that the Local Planning Committee would like you to respond to. Share your ideas and suggestions - be a part of this transformation! Don't want to miss out on future gatherings? All future West Falls NY Forward events are listed here . Previous Next

Lisa, a former Town of Boston Supervisor and horsewoman, became involved with ECRT over 5 years ago to support the equestrian use of the rail trail. You'll most often find her at events, staffing the ECRT outreach table and sharing the progress of the trail with visitors. < Back Lisa Rood Lisa, a former Town of Boston Supervisor and horsewoman, became involved with ECRT over 5 years ago to support the equestrian use of the rail trail. You'll most often find her at events, staffing the ECRT outreach table and sharing the progress of the trail with visitors. Previous Next

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

Tim Bienkowski Mary Carol Dearing Mary Carol Dearing has served as the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail's Friends Leader for Springville since 2016, promoting the trail by hosting numerous public events, and working with local groups to expand the trail beyond the original Pop Warner Trail. Born in Buffalo, Mary Carol grew up in the Northtowns area. She is the youngest of 6 children, with most of her siblings living in Western New York. After earning her Masters degree at SUNY Albany, she worked primarily as a school social worker in the Williamsville school district for over 30 years. Mary Carol moved to Springville in 2015 and she retired 2 years later. Mary Carol and her partner, George, now live in the Town of Concord where they strive to steward and restore the native habitat of their property. She loves to hike, cross-country ski and snowshoe, and enjoys spending many hours outside in her garden. Mary Carol is an active member of several community organizations in Springville, including Grow with Springville and Springville Center for the Arts . She also serves on the Board of Directors of Art’s Cafe and manages their rooftop garden. She loves to hike the ECRT trail in Springville and Concord with friends. Mary Carol believes each section of the trail offers a unique view into its community. In Springville, the old industrial buildings along the Pop Warner Warner Trail serve as a backdrop to the recent Sculpture Alley, where several outdoor sculptures and painted murals line the trail (an initiative of Springville Center for the Arts). “The potential for the trail, especially for this community of Springville, is beyond measurable,” Mary Carol relates. She continues to be a major force in its development. November 21, 2024 Written by: Tim Bienkowski Previous Next < Back