The Friends of Letchworth Trail Maintenance Crew recently built a set of stairs enhancing accessibility on the Greenway Trail (Trail 7). Their next major project is to build a similar set of steps over a steep, washed out area on the Seneca Trail (Trail 12). Both trails are on the east side of the Park, an area that appeals to those hikers who prefer the roads less traveled.
These projects are just a couple of the trail crew’s latest efforts to enhance the hiking experience at Letchworth State Park. Working in coordination with Park management, they regularly blaze and maintain trails, remove fallen trees, and make minor access enhancements, like stairs that improve safety and accessibility. Crew members have observed an increase in trail use in areas where they have been working,
The trail crew consists of a steadily growing team of volunteers. Their efforts spring from “humble beginnings” according to the team leader, John Kantrowski. At first, the group was limited to “picking up sticks and using hand tools”, but a 2015 grant from Parks and Trails New York funded the purchase of safety equipment and chain saw training for half a dozen members. This allowed the crew to greatly expand stewardship of the trails and picnic areas in Letchworh.
Since then further training and more equipment paid for by the Friends of Letchworth from community support of our fund raisers, paid memberships and donations has allowed for steady expansion. In the past year, the team has been able to buy 2 chain saws, 2 pole saws, 2 weed eaters and a used DR2 combo chipper-bush hog to facilitate their work.
When weather permits, the trail crew works three mornings per week. If you are interested in helping, contact John Kantrowski at friendstrailcrew2@gmail.com. Donations to support their work are always welcomed.
