I turned to Champlain Area Trails to see what exciting events they have planned for this winter. Here, Derek Rogers, CATS' newest team member, gives us a little insight on CATS, their mission and accomplishments, and lets us know what enticing events they have in mind to get you out playing in the snow this winter:
Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is a non-profit, accredited land trust that builds trails and saves land in New York’s Champlain Valley. Through our work, we link communities, connect people with nature, and promote economic vitality.
And beyond all of this great stuff, we organize and host a number of popular outdoor educational gatherings on CATS trails and partner lands across the Champlain Valley from Ticonderoga north to the US/Canada border!
Since our inception in 2009, we’ve created 60 miles of new hiking trails and protected nearly 900 acres of important land, all of which the public is able to enjoy. Our trails are incredibly diverse and range from easy to difficult, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels of hiking, snow shoeing, and cross-country skiing. The Champlain Hills and Valley region is known as the most biodiverse area in the Adirondacks, and for this reason our trails have become increasingly popular for local and visiting wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
We hope you’ll join us on some of these exciting winter outings to experience the wonders of the Champlain Valley!
Also, be sure to periodically check in on the events calendar and the “Hikes and Events” tab on our website. We are always adding new hikes and fun adventures for you and your family to enjoy. See you on the trails!
CATS Winter Events
Birding at Wickham Marsh Wildlife Management Area – December 7
Please join Champlain Area Trails’ newest team member, Derek Rogers, for a fun morning of birding at Wickham Marsh. Derek is a voting member of the New York State Avian Records Committee and volunteers as a regional data quality reviewer in the Adirondacks for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird Program. He looks forward to spending the morning with you and exploring some of the unique winter bird life at this popular wildlife management area. To ensure participants get the full experience, we are capping this outing at 20 people. For registration, logistics, and directions please visit the “Hikes and Events” tab located on the CATS website.
Full Moon Hike at Viall’s Crossing with our friends at John Brown Lives! – January 10
Please join CATS and our friends from John Brown Lives! on a full moon winter hike at one of our most recent conservation and trail projects at Viall’s Crossing.
We will meet at 4:30 p.m. but the location is yet to be determined and will be posted on the CATS website. On this exciting hike you’ll learn about the Split Rock Wildway, some of its wild inhabitants and how CATS is working to protect and bring awareness to this unique wildlife corridor. The trail crosses gentle terrain through forests and fields. Be sure to dress warmly and prepare for a great time!
Snowshoe Mammal Tracking with Friends of Poke-O-Moonshine – January 25
Don’t miss this fun, educational snowshoe hike that is being led by expert naturalist and guide Elizabeth Lee. You’ll learn how to identify mammal tracks and a whole lot more! We’ll meet at the Observers’ Trailhead at 9:30 a.m. Registration for this event is required and you can do so at the “Hikes and Events” tab located on the CATS website.
Backcountry Ski Exploration with Friends of Poke-O-Moonshine – February 8
Don’t miss this fun adventure led by David Thomas-Train! This workshop is geared toward intermediate skiers who are looking to manage some steep, narrow terrain.
This will be a somewhat arduous yet enjoyable ski and will take roughly 3 - 4 hours. Be sure to dress in non-cotton layers, with a wind-proof layer on top, with hat and gloves, mittens, and sunglasses or goggles. Bring plenty of high energy food, snacks, and plenty of warm and cold liquids. We’ll meet at the Observers’ Trailhead at 9:30 a.m. Registration for this event is required and you can do so on the CATS website under the “Hikes and Events” tab.
Thank you and see you on the trails! If you have any questions regarding any of the above events please do not hesitate to contact the Champlain Area Trails office at 518-962-2287.
Start planning your Lake Champlain Region adventure today by exploring our lodging and dining options!
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