Moved By Nature, United By Trails

Celebrating the Trail Conference at 100.

On Oct. 19, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference turns 100 years old—a special occasion for any organization.

Yet there will be no cake, no gala—not this year, circumstances considering. It is certainly not how we envisioned our Centennial celebration in the years leading up to this moment, but nobody quite envisioned a 2020 like this one, either.

And so we embrace the moment. We celebrate differently. Recognizing this incredible milestone doesn’t require 100 candles. This fall, we celebrate 100 years of service by celebrating the extraordinary community that enjoys and protects trails— the community that is the Trail Conference.

We celebrate through the new mom who commits to her physical and mental health by walking trails, baby (and map) in tow.

We celebrate through the kids who meet our Trail Stewards and decide it’s not cool to litter.

We celebrate through the college student gaining new skills as he builds a new trail for hikers and mountain bikers.

We celebrate through the couple learning about invasive species—and each other—on their weekly trips surveying trails.

We celebrate through the lawyer who donates his time to preserve a piece of woodland otherwise destined for development.

We celebrate through the maintainer who has been walking her adopted trail for decades to ensure the path is clear and safe for others.

To mark our Centennial, we celebrate through the passion, time, and energy you invest in connecting with nature and protecting the land you love.

We invite you to join the celebration. We’d love to know how trails have played an important role in your life. Share your trail tales by tagging us on Instagram or Facebook @nynjtc with the hashtag #UnitedByTrails, or by emailing us at tw@ nynjtc.org. We’ll be ringing in our second century by sharing your stories through next October. Stories selected for publication will also receive a special Centennial gift.

Thanks to the Trail Conference community, millions of people throughout the region have been able to experience the outdoors for the last 100 years. Generations more will know the joys of nature through our—your— continued efforts. We are moved by nature; we are united by trails. Thank you for being part of such an important legacy. It’s time to celebrate!

Stay Connected! Upcoming Events

Find details at nynjtc.org/events.

• Trail-A-Thon Virtual Challenge: Through Oct. 31.
  • Walk, hike, run, or ride 100 miles in celebration of our 100 Years. Sign up or support our fundraiser.
• Making the Most of Your Legacy Series: Oct. 7
  • Webinar: Learn about smart beneficiary selection for your IRAs, 401(k) plans, life insurance, and annuities. 
• Trail Project Panel: The Floating Walkway in Wawayanda: Oct. 13
  • Webinar: The people who made the incredible floating walkway at Terrace Pond possible discuss the innovative project.
• Trail Trivia: Centennial Edition: Oct. 15
  • Virtual Challenge: Test your knowledge of the Trail Conference and local parks and trails.
• Centennial Town Hall: Oct. 19
  • Webinar: Executive Director Joshua Howard will speak about the vision for the Trail Conference's second century of service.
• Making the Most of Your Legacy Series: Nov. 4
  • Webinar: Learn about using charitable remainder trusts to manage taxes and create lifetime income for your heirs.