Category Archives: Science

How to Build a Sturdy Dry Stone Trail Structure Using Stones That You Find Right on the Trail

Posted on April 4, 2016 by Trail Walker

The techniques used in building dry stone walls can be applied during the construction of a number of trail features, including water bars, steps, armoring, and crib walls. By guest blogger Peter Welch, president of The Stone Trust. Illustrations by … Continue reading →

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Ask a Trail Builder: Understanding Grade Reversals

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Trail Walker

By Erik Mickelson, Field Manager The trail I maintain has issues with water channeling down the tread. What can be done to fix this? It sounds like your trail has a lack of grade reversals. A “grade reversal” is not … Continue reading →

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Where, When to Find the Rare Bloodroot

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Trail Walker

By Mike Adamovic, Trail Conference volunteer Quickly after the last of the winter snow has dissipated and a flattened, tawny earth emerges to greet the first rays of the spring sun, certain streamsides and other moist areas throughout our region … Continue reading →

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Improving the Long Swamp Trail, One Hike at a Time

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Trail Walker

Eagle Scout could earn another prestigious Hornaday Conservation Award for his efforts combating invasive species in Sterling Forest By Zachary Kunow, Trail Conference volunteer I am a 16-year-old Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop 21 of Suffern, N.Y., and have … Continue reading →

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“Stay Away from the Woods”: Countering the Idea that Nature Is Unsafe for Our Kids

Posted on February 17, 2016 by Trail Walker

By Hank Osborn, Senior Program Coordinator What messages are our children receiving about exploring the outdoors, and how will they affect future efforts to protect our environment? My wife and I try to get our young ones outside as much … Continue reading →

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Bird Count at Closter Nature Center Reveals More Than a Dozen Species

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Trail Walker

By Steve Kelman, Trail Walker Contributor On what may prove to be one the coldest days of this winter season, a small group of birding enthusiasts gathered at the cabin in front of the Closter Nature Center to take part … Continue reading →

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A Closer Look at Snow Fleas

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Trail Walker

By Hope Rogers, Trail Walker Contributor On a bright winter day, have you ever noticed what look like specks of dark soot in the snow, especially at the base of trees? And then, upon closer inspection, the “specks” are crawling … Continue reading →

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Creation of Grzybowski Preserve Underway at Darlington Schoolhouse

Posted on April 8, 2014 by Trail Walker

The Riparian Restoration Landscape and Wood Turtle Habitat at Darlington Schoolhouse has been formally renamed the Grzybowski Preserve in honor of Edward Gryzbowski and his sister Janet. Under the guidance of the newly appointed environmental sculptor, George Trakas, the Grzybowski … Continue reading →

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Wild Friends in Need

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Trail Walker

The Darlington Schoolhouse is located in a hiker’s paradise, offering the perfect backdrop of the scenic Ramapo Mountains, home to a vast population of native wildlife and plants. Located 1,000 feet from a popular Bergen County trailhead at Ramapo Reservation, … Continue reading →

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