cats has volunteers imProve local trails

By AMBER ADAMSON CATS Director of Development and Communications

This October’s beyond-gorgeous scenery of the Champlain Valley was perhaps the biggest reward for fourteen “Volunteer Vacationers” who spent a week working with Champlain Area Trails improving seven miles of trails at Twin Valleys, a 600acre SUNY Plattsburgh-owned property in Lewis. The outdoor education facility had been used primarily by students for many years, but because of Covid and other reasons, the trails needed a lot of work. So, SUNY’s College Auxiliary Services and CATS partnered to improve the trails as they explore ways to make the trails publicly accessible.

The American Hiking Society’s Vacation Volunteers is a global program matching willing helpers with interesting spots around the world that could use a hand with trail improvements. This is the ninth time the Volunteer Vacationers have worked with CATS.

“The Volunteer Vacation program is such a win-win,” said CATS Executive Director Chris Maron. “We complete necessary trail improvements and at the same time get to introduce people to the Champlain Valley which promotes regional tourism. Volunteer vacationers get to give back to the trails they love and visit or revisit areas they’ve come to appreciate.”

“The volunteers made a big contribution with the time they dedicated to improving these trails,” said CATS Director of Trails and Land Management, Tony Thoman. “During the week, they worked over 336 hours to clear overgrown trails and develop reroutes to a couple of overlooks,” he said.

“This program advances our mission of making trails, saving land, connecting people with nature, and promoting economic vitality,” said Maron. “We thank Camp Dudley for their accommodations, E’town’s Arsenal Inn for providing great meals, and Winton’s Tavern in Westport for their ‘night on the town.’ On their day off, the volunteers enjoyed the opportunity to explore our Champlain Valley towns and businesses.”

Barbara Roedel, a volunteer vacationer from Moline, Illinois, said, “I’ve never been to the Adirondacks or Lake Champlain before, so I loved the location. It was beautiful — the leaves in the valleys and around the lake reflected all the Fall colors. The work was physically challenging at times so teamwork and cooperation were the hallmarks of the workday.”

Dean Amel, from Arlington, Virginia said, “This was my fourth volunteer vacation with CATS in the Champlain Valley. These trips offer great accommodations and the opportunity to work with a friendly local trails group in northern New York just as foliage is moving toward its peak fall color.”

Champlain Area Trails volunteers pose for a photo

Explore NY’s Champlain Valley

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And CATS’ 67 miles of uncrowded, family-friendly trails.

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For maps of all the trails in the Champlain Valley visit:www.champlainareatrails.com