Celebrate National Trails Day with Champlain Area Trails and Honor the Art of Ted Cornell on June 1

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) invites the community and visitors to celebrate National Trails Day on June 1. National Trails Day promotes the support and maintenance of public trails, emphasizing their role in enhancing mental and physical health in communities.

CATS is partnering with the Whallonsburg Grange this year to commemorate National Trails Day with a unique twist. The event will intertwine the beauty of nature with the artistic legacy of local artist Ted Cornell. It will celebrate the trails and introduce the art exhibit “This Will Be Fun: The Creativity and Vision of Ted Cornell,” which runs from May 4 to June 29, 2024, at Whitcomb’s Arts in Whallonsburg.

Chris Maron, Executive Director of CATS, said, “We are excited to celebrate National Trails Day this year by combining the joys of hiking and art. Ted Cornell’s vision deeply resonates with our mission to connect people with nature. This is a special way to honor his legacy by inviting the community to explore the trails that connect to the landscapes he beautifully depicted in his art. Plus, Ted has hosted the Art Farm Trail, a CATS trail, on his property for many years, allowing everyone to enjoy the intersection of his artistic sculptures and nature. We are thrilled to celebrate him in this way.”

CATS invites participants to a morning hike on the Art Farm trail and then on a couple of other CATS trails to a new trail connecting to Whallonsburg. The trail offers a 4.5-mile journey through stunning forests, fields, and creeks. The hike promises an immersive experience in the natural beauty that inspired much of Cornell’s work. Those interested in a less strenuous activity will have opportunities to tour the Art Farm and view Cornell’s influential sculpture art. Shuttles will be provided from the Grange to the Art Farm trailhead.

The day will continue with a visit to the art exhibit at Whitcomb’s Arts, followed by an optional lunch and a presentation on Ted Cornell’s impactful art. This event celebrates the trails and fosters a deeper appreciation for the community and environmental stewardship.

Founded in 2009, CATS is an accredited land trust dedicated to creating and maintaining recreational trails, protecting land, and promoting economic vitality in the Champlain Valley. With over 98 miles of trails and nearly 1000 acres of protected land, CATS continues to be a leading force in connecting people with nature, promoting economic vitality, and supporting the region’s ecological and cultural heritage.

CATS invites everyone to join in this unique celebration of trails, art, and community. For more information about the National Trails Day event and the upcoming art exhibit, please visit www.ChamplainAreaTrails.com or call 518-962-2287.

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is a non-profit organization, begun in 2009, which creates and maintains hiking and cross-country ski trails in the Champlain Valley that link communities, connect people with nature, and promote economic vitality. In its short history, CATS has developed 35 miles of trails that when added to existing trails, gets it half-way toward the long-envisioned goal of a 30-mile trail loop between Westport and Essex. CATS will extend its trails to neighboring towns and eventually connect them to trails in the Adirondack Mountains, Vermont, and Quebec. Learn more on the CATS website.