Upcoming CATS Events: Bird Watch, Wildflowers, & Grand Hike

April 18, 2015 – Coot Hill – Big Hollow Bird Walk and Hawk Watch

Some people call it “Coot Hill.” Others call it “Big Hollow.” I guess it depends if you are looking up or looking down. On Saturday morning, April 18, you’ll be looking out when you join Ticonderoga Naturalists Glen and Malinda Chapman to search for Osprey, Red-Tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, Kestrels and other raptors while enjoying one of the most fabulous views in the Champlain Valley! Meet at the CATS Trailhead at the cemetery at the end of Lang Rd. in Moriah. Click here for more information and to register.

Directions to Coot Hill: From Route 22/9N on the south side of Port Henry, take Edgemont Road about 2 miles to where it T’s into South Moriah Road. Turn left and go about one mile to Lang Road. Turn left and follow it about 1¼ mile to the cemetery which is on the right. Lang Road can be fairly rough.

April 25, 2015 – Wildflowers of the Champlain Valley

Wildflowers (Credit: CATS) — Wildflowers — Do you know the kind? (Credit: CATS)

Outdoor Guide Elizabeth Lee will lead a morning hike, geared for children, and an afternoon hike, for adults, on a CATS Trail (TBD) to explore the early array of special wildflowers along woodland trails and meadow edges. You will see the native spring species and compare their habitat requirements. Hand lens and cameras are encouraged! Click here for more information and to register.

May 9, 2015 – The Grand Inn to Inn Hike

The Grand Hike on Champlain Area Trails. (Logo designed by Steven Kellogg.)

Join the 14-mile Grand Hike on CATS trails and scenic back roads from Westport and Essex. You can hike a shorter route by starting at one of the four oases. Just plan to get to the Essex Inn at 4:00 for the Block Party with music, drinks, restorative yoga and chair massage provided by Lake Champlain Yoga & Wellness, and more. Shuttles can take you from Essex to Westport in the morning and after the hike. Click here for more information and to register.

Chris Maron
CATS Executive Director

CATS Spring Events (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Coot Hill Bird Walk and Hawk Watch (essexny.us)
CATS Welcomes Spring (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
CATS Announces Second Annual Grand Hike May 9th (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

About Champlain Area Trails (CATS)

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.