HIKE FOR THE CATSKILLS

AUGUST 1-31, 2023

RAISE MONEY TO HELP PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE CATSKILLS.

THIS MONTH-LONG EVENT IS MEANT FOR ALL HIKING ABILITIES. SET YOUR CAMPAIGN GOAL AND HIT THE TRAILS, BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCE AND AVAILABILITY.

NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER!

The Catskills

ARE THERE REALLY CATS IN THE CATSKILLS?

WHERE CAN I FIND VIEWS WITHOUT A HIKE?

WHO LEFT THESE TRACKS OUTSIDE MY TENT?!

You’ll find answers to all these questions and more in this compact guide. Created to meet a need identified by the staff and volunteers at the Catskills Visitor Center, this one-of-a-kind guide is waterproof, lightweight, and an excellent resource for both visitors and residents. Easily tucks in a jacket or backpack pocket, tackle box, or glove compartment, and makes a great gift. Explorers of all ages and experience levels will appreciate the outdoor recreation tips, regional information, and full-color illustrations for identifying local plants and wildlife. Retails for $7.95. To order, visit catskillsvisitorcenter.org.

ENDNOTE - STEWARDSHIP AND EVENTS

It’s been hard to say what has been the norm the past few years in terms of almost everything, which is why it is nice to have what feels like a more typical summer season of events, activities, and programs on tap at the Catskills Visitor Center and across the Catskills. Whether it’s our Catskill Stewards greeting tens of thousands of visitors at high-use locations in the Catskill Park or the Catskills Great Outdoor Expo celebrating our businesses and organizations that benefit from and protect our wonderful Catskill Park, it is a good feeling to look forward to all that the Catskill Center brings to the Catskills.

You’ll start seeing Stewards at the end of May at busy locations in the Park, including Peekamoose Blue Hole, Kaaterskill Falls, and along the Devil’s Path. You’ll also find our Stewards at our Platte Clove Preserve in the Town of Hunter, and at our Catskill Fire Towers during the week (Hunter Mountain and Overlook Mountain). Last year, our Stewards greeted over 47,000 visitors to the Catskills and, since the program began in 2018, our Stewards have helped more than 274,000 visitors to the Catskill Park learn about where they are visiting, how to responsibly recreate, and offer suggestions for stopping in our Catskill Park communities for shopping, dining, and lodging.

The Catskill Center’s Summer Gathering, being held this year on June 9, is the Catskill Center’s oldest event and a celebration of all things Catskills and Catskill Center. This gathering welcomes area residents and visitors from near and far. We’ll be celebrating at the Catskills Visitor Center with speakers, activities, and a bonfire!

The day after the Summer Gathering, on Saturday, June 10, we’re holding our annual Catskills Great Outdoor Expo, which celebrates all things outdoors here in the Catskills. The Expo features the best the Catskills have to offer in hiking, paddling, bicycling, and other outdoor recreation activities, along with local businesses and nonprofits to help you enjoy the great outdoors. There will be activities for all ages, food, presentations, raffle prizes, and the Catskills Great Outdoor Gear Sale.

The entire month of August brings Hike for the Catskills, which is our newest event and offers participants a way to get involved with and support the Catskill Center’s work to protect and preserve the Catskills. Individuals can set up their own campaign pages and commit to walking, hiking, and exploring the Catskills. Friends can support you in your efforts and help you raise funds to support Catskill Center programs. All hiking abilities are welcome and we’re looking forward to building upon the success of last year’s event.

Further out, the Fall Benefit will take place on Saturday, October 7. As one of the highlights of the year, this event showcases those who care for the Catskills with the presentation of the Ginsberg and Alf Evers Awards. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy a fall evening Catskills style while celebrating and supporting 54 years of the Catskill Center.

There will also be many smaller events and activities throughout the summer, including volunteer opportunities with our invasive species program, regular programming at the Catskills Visitor Center, special members-only events highlighting unique places in the Catskills and much, much more.

There are some changes coming to Catskills magazine, too. You may have already noticed this is the Summer issue and, later this year, you’ll be receiving our Winter issue. We’re reducing the number of printed issues to help cut down on paper and mailing costs, and to reduce our use of paper overall as we work to become as environmentally sustainable as possible, while ensuring we still meet our mission to inspire and educate everyone about the importance of the Catskills.

JEFF SENTERMAN Catskill Center Executive Director