CATS Celebrates Collaboration and Conservation

Steven Kellogg and Richard and Leanna DeNeale honored at CATS event — Steven Kellogg (left) and Richard and Leanna DeNeale were recognized at the Champlain Area Trails National Trails Day celebration for their contributions in furthering the ideals of the organization. (Photo Credit: Alvin Reiner)

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) honored National Trails Day on June 1 with much celebration! Various hikes were planned and enjoyed throughout the day. Several community members were acknowledged for their work with CATS and toward preserving nature for future generations to enjoy, including Kellogg and Richard & Leanna DeNeale (pictured above), who provided a 319-acre conservation easement on a parcel between Essex and Willsboro.

National Trails Day emphasizes collaboration and conservation, and CATS certainly strives to achieve those objectives!

CATS endeavors to create new trails, protect natural habitat and scenic vistas and promote outdoor recreation that will enhance the local economy, conserve habitats and support innovative farms, scenic beauty and appealing hamlets. (Press Republican)

In six years, Champlain Area Trails has established 31 miles of trails and they have plans for much more! But it takes the determination of a community to ensure that they succeed.

“Trails are a way to give back to the community,” [Adirondack Council Executive Director William C. Janeway] said. “They are a tool that we can use to build a community that cares about nature. It takes a community with everyone working together to build trails and care for the Adirondacks. You can buy lands, but working together is just as important.” (Press Republican)

CATS Contest Winners

CATS trail marker

Winners of the first-annual CATS Photography Contest were announced at the event. The people’s choice award went to Melissa Maki’s “Best Day Ever” portrait of three puppies with a CATS trail marker and accompanying poem. While the judged category ended with a tie between Aran Voss Hutchins’ “Snowberry Clearwing Moth” and Janet Denny’s “Accidental Meeting,” which depicted the view from Cheney Mountain.

The winners of the CATS fall writing contest were also acknowledged. Julia Dixon‘s A Coon Mountain Hike was the overwhelming winner of the online people’s choice award, and the grand prize went to Paula Castner for The Experiment.

Celebrate National Trails Day with Champlain Area Trails (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Amazing Grace Vineyard & Winery (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
State Closes on Addition to Adirondack Park (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Willsboro Outdoor World Opens (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

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