Tag Archives: Science
How to Build a Sturdy Dry Stone Trail Structure Using Stones That You Find Right on the Trail
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
Ask a Trail Builder: Understanding Grade Reversals
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
Where, When to Find the Rare Bloodroot
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
Improving the Long Swamp Trail, One Hike at a Time
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
“Stay Away from the Woods”: Countering the Idea that Nature Is Unsafe for Our Kids
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
Bird Count at Closter Nature Center Reveals More Than a Dozen Species
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
A Closer Look at Snow Fleas
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
How Muddy Are Your Trails?
By Erik Mickelson, Field Manager Can you predict how muddy your favorite trails will be this spring? In a way, yes. The Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) can be useful as a gauge for estimating the water from snow melt onto trails, since snow … Continue reading
Creation of Grzybowski Preserve Underway at Darlington Schoolhouse
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
Wild Friends in Need
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