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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

Deb Fenn Harry James Over the past year or more, Harry James has played an integral role in ECRT’s successful bridge redecking and restoration efforts in the Town of Concord. He was named, he tells me, after his father, Harry James, and not in homage to the famous jazz trumpeter and big band leader, Harry James. Both Harrys, however — ours and the jazz legend — share a common key to their shared success on the job: They can improvise! According to ECRT Board member Kathleen McCrone, his improvisational skills and talent as an on-the-spot problem-solver came in handy more than once when critical adjustments in materials and measurements were needed to resolve unforeseen construction problems. “It was amazing watching Harry tackle a problem. First, his eyes would light up, he’d take a step or two back and we could almost see the gears turning in his brain. After a few moments of contemplation, he’d grab some tools, lumber, and a few volunteers and confidently get busy creating a perfect solution.” Harry grew up in Saranac Lake, where his mom ran the corner store and his selfemployed dad had both winter and summer jobs. “When you live in the Adirondacks year-round, you need to be versatile,” he noted, obviously an inherited skill. As a young man, Harry enjoyed venturing on foot or by bike to places not always on any map and sometimes considerable distances from home — “wherever a bike or my feet could take me” — Harry recalls. He loved to fish and was snowmobiling by the age of 14. “And I was always busy building or making things. To this day, I consider ‘creating’ my strongest interest and skill.” Harry attended SUNY@ Canton where he studied engineering. During the course of his career, he applied his skills working for Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, Carrier Corporation, Corning Glass Company, and Budweiser. He retired in 2021 after 30 years with the West Valley Nuclear Demonstration Project. Harry is a 30-year member of the Western New York Snowmobile Club of Boston and the organization’s current vice president. Here he met fellow bridge-building partner John Baronich, a former principal and shop teacher. Together, with the able assistance of other retired regulars interested in construction, they were able to successfully redeck and restore a total of seven bridges. “The new decking is basically an even floor with no gaps. The goal was to make these bridges usable for everybody — not just snowmobiles.” Today, Harry remains an avid builder/creator and bicyclist. He owns bikes for every season and surface. To his credit and for pleasure, he participated in both the 2021 and 2022 EA2EVL Fondo events, the non-competitive fundraising bike ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville to benefit the ECRT trail. As far as the trail is concerned, Harry believes, “If you build it, they will come. There are lots of places to explore and enjoy here. It’s great when you see businesses interested and involved in the trial. I think you help communities grow by building and supporting cottage industries. You know, people will drive (or bike) to go to breakfast if the food is good!” February 1, 2023 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail has secured a rail banking agreement to develop the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad corridor into a multi-use recreational trail. For Immediate Release ECRT, Inc. Secures Long-Term Rail Banking Agreement with Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad Lease approves construction of a 27-mile multiuse trail in Western New York (August 16, 2018) ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.: The Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. (ECRT) and Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad (B&PRR) announced the signing of a 49-year rail banking agreement that allows the non-profit organization, by federal statue, to construct a multi-use recreational trail on the 27-mile former rail line in Western New York. The Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail begins in Erie County at the historic rail depot in the Village of Orchard Park, and follows the inactive rail line connecting the towns of Orchard Park, Aurora, Colden, Concord, and the Village of Springville. The trail ends in Cattaraugus County in the Town of Ashford. “We’re so pleased to reach an agreement with the Erie County Rail Trail organization,” stated B&PRR Marketing Director Kevin Bowser. “They value our railroad history, the natural attributes of the corridor, and the outstanding recreation and economic potential the trail will bring to the community. We fully support their efforts to create this trail.” The ECRT trail features historic rail depots, quaint villages, woodlands, marshes, farmlands, popular ski areas and a spectacular high-trestle bridge. The 1.7-mile Springville Pop Warner Trail is already open and is a model for trail development. The remaining trail will be built in sections as community meetings are held, funding is secured and a visioning plan is complete. “We’re thrilled to have a signed agreement so we can start building the trail,” said Deborah Fenn, ECRT’s co-chair. “Our goals are to protect and maintain the trail as a natural, cultural and historic resource while providing a safe, welcoming place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation.” ECRT, Inc. is currently seeking funding for economic studies and plan design, and meeting with municipal, county and state leaders to inform them of the agreement and to discuss next steps. The group is also setting up local engagement meetings with adjacent landowners, community members and other stakeholders to discuss preferences for trail surfaces, activities, access points, and to address privacy and safety concerns. “Trails like these are quiet economic generators,” noted ECRT Co-chair, Gary Willert, who was instrumental in the negotiation process. “Research shows that homes and property values are likely to increase the closer they are to the trail. We hope the trail will promote economic growth and foster strong community connections while preserving the unique character of our quaint towns and villages.” ABOUT ECRT, INC. Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. is a 501(c)3 volunteer organization formed in 2008 to support New York State Park’s effort to create a linear park along an inactive Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad (B&PRR) rail line. In 2018, ECRT, Inc. and B&PRR reached a long-term rail banking agreement to begin construction of a 27-mile multiuse trail. Today, ECRT has over 6,000 friends and community supporters and is currently seeking funding from state and federal sources, foundations and individuals for economic impact studies and design plans. To volunteer, contribute or support the trail, contact ECRT, Inc. at www.ecattrail.org

Orchard Park Trail Opening Day Photos from the Grand Opening of the Orchard Park Village Trail section Year: 2023 Previous Next

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.

Sign up today for EA2EVL Fondo 2025! < Back EA2EVL Fondo 2025 Deborah Stellrecht Oct 4, 2025 Sign up today for EA2EVL Fondo 2025! 42-mile charity ride supports ECRT Trail Join us on October 4th for the 5th annual EA2EVL Fondo, a 42-mile epic road ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville. 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! Register today! This event has SOLD OUT for four years and raised $192,000 to support the ECRT trail. We've used those funds to remove rails and ties, improve drainage and resurface the first 1.3 miles of the trail starting at the Orchard Park Village Depot. In June of 2023 this beautiful section opened to the public, connecting to the 2 miles of natural surface trail open at Jewett Holmwood Road. EA2EVL 2024 funds will be used to expand and improve the trail further south. Here's how YOU can help! RIDE ON: If you are a biker, register today ! YOU are the secret to the success of this major source of funds needed to build the rail trail - so we ask you to FUNDRAISE as well! If you raise a minimum of $100 in donations , you get an event t-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, ask your friends, family and coworkers to donate ( here ), and enjoy a great fall ride! Don't forget to register for the bus shuttle back if you and your bike need a lift back to East Aurora. (2:30 and 4:15 pm departures from Holiday Valley Resort.) REGISTER HERE . VOLUNTEER: We will need volunteers for the start line at 42 North Brewing Company 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: givesignup.org/Race/NY/EastAurora/EA2EVLFondo , or share this QR code: https://www.givesignup.org/Race/NY/EastAurora/EA2EVLFondo See you on October 4th! Previous Next

About Us Organization: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in September 2008. Membership includes individuals from communities adjoining the railbanked trail who are interested in the development and operation of the multi-use trail on the rail corridor. Mission: The mission of ECRT is to preserve the 27-mile Buffalo-Pittsburgh rail corridor and transform it into a multi-use recreational trail between Orchard Park and Ashford, New York, enhancing the quality of life in the Western New York community. Purpose: Public recreation – Provide opportunities for walking, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and nature observation along the abandoned rail corridor. We wish to provide an important recreational resource for Western New Yorkers and visitors to our region. Health, Education, and Resource Protection: P rotect and maintain the rail corridor as a natural and cultural resource. Our objectives include a desire to increase community knowledge of rail-to-trail related natural history and to encourage school participation in restoring, maintaining, and using the corridor for educational, recreational, job training, and community service activities. Economic Development: Stimulate economic development through the promotion of tourism and trail-related businesses. Core Valu es Dedication: The ECRT Board is a group of hard-working volunteers that is passionately committed to realizing a fully operational 27-mile multi use trail between Orchard Park and Ashford. The project is a significant challenge that will take several years and substantial financial resources to complete. The ECRT Board recognizes trail construction as a mandate of the Federal Rail Banking Agreement with the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad in accordance with the National Trail Act. Compassion: We realize that some community members have concerns about a multi use trail in their backyard or neighborhood. We are committed to listening to those concerns, and will work to the best of our ability to find practical solutions to realistic concerns whenever possible. Integrity: Honesty and credibility form the foundation on which relationships are built. We pledge to operate with integrity and transparency. Safety: We use sound management practices to ensure that the ECRT remains safe for trail users. These practices include trail allowable use and trail etiquette rules, trail monitors and patrollers, risk management efforts, effective signs and warning systems, emergency response plans, and a maintenance plan that limits safety risks from maintenance issues. Accountability: We will be exemplary stewards of the financial resources provided to us and will operate with efficiency and effectiveness in accomplishing our mission. Community: We focus on creating a valued community asset that connects people, encourages healthy and active lifestyles, and fosters community enhancements. We pledge to continue engaging with youth, elderly, service groups, and those with mobility challenges, to foster appreciation of the natural environment and outdoor activity. Our community-minded efforts include economic development opportunities in trail-adjacent communities by creating or improving community connectivity, promoting existing services and amenities currently available, supporting improvements to services and amenities, and aligning with local and regional plans to amplify economic revitalization efforts already in motion. Collaboration: Understanding and addressing community needs and concerns is central to our mission. Working together results in greater benefits for the trail, its users, and the community. We engage with community voices through user survey programs and visioning meetings. Listening sessions with potential trail users, governmental entities, first responders and other community organizations advance collaborative efforts. Equitable and Inclusive: We will include, benefit, and empower people of different views, experiences, and identities. We believe that every person regardless of race, gender, geography, income, age, ability, sexual orientation or expression or other status, deserves access to a free, accessible, and safe place to walk, bike, and to be active. We believe the ECRT will have the power to positively transform the communities it connects, along with the entire surrounding WNY community, by creating a joyful, safe, and vibrant public space that is equitable and inclusive. Primary Objectives Provide a safe place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation. Preserve the historic former railroad corridor through adaptive reuse. Encourage economic and community development through trail-related activities while building closer, stronger connections within and across towns, villages and counties. Improve health and well-being in WNY. Future Trail Our Board of Directors

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

Let's go for a walk! < Back Upcoming Fall Trail Events Friends of the Trail Sep 12, 2023 Let's go for a walk! We’ve planned several Fall walks to highlight the diverse sections of our 27-mile trail. Our three Friends groups are hosting events in Concord, Orchard Park and Aurora. Members from all groups are welcome to attend each event, so plan to enjoy a stroll and get to know parts of the trail you haven’t yet explored! September 23rd Concord 9:30 am (Rain or shine) We’ll start at Shamel Milling, 9384 Genesee Rd. in the Town of Concord, and walk for 3-4 miles round trip. Meet us on the west side of the parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Register today until September 17th at https://ConcordTrailWalk.eventbrite.com ! October 21st Orchard Park 10:00 am (Rain or shine) We’ve partnered with the Runners Roost for a seasonal Trail Trot on the recently resurfaced section of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in the Orchard Park Village. We hope you’ll join us for this fun walk, trot, or run from the Orchard Park Depot to Jewett Holmwood Road and back. Wear your Halloween costume for the event and you might just see yourself (with permission) in subsequent ECRT and Runners Roost social media posts. Runners Roost is generously chipping in with athletic footwear and clothing for prize drawings at the event, to raise more funds for the improvement, expansion, and maintenance of the trail. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. Parking is available at the ECRT Bank Street lot . Discount coupons for the Byrd House restaurant will be available to all participants. Register by October 17th at https://OrchardParktrailtrot.eventbrite.com November 12th Aurora Stay tuned for more information! Happy Trails from your ECRT Friends Leaders, Mary Carol Dearing - Concord/Springville Nicole Avitahl-Curtis - Orchard Park Laura Gunderson - Colden/West Falls Previous Next

Memorial garden to be dedicated to former troop leaders < 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

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

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